A great NW repair shop?

[Jason_86_951]

Any recommendations for an excellent repair shop in the North West?

I'd rather not ship, so Portland, Seattle.....? Within a couple hours drive of Yakima?

The guitar in question is a 1969 Martin D12-35 that has a couple of cracks I'd like to get repaired.

Thanks!

[bunuel]

The 12th fret http://www.the12thfret.com/ in PDX can't be beat. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and reasonable for what they bring to the craft. Really nice affable folks as well. Among folks that play in PDX, there's general consensus that no other shop is a close second.

[benabloom]

In Seattle, I would call Aaron Andrews at 206 295 4821. He builds high end Acoustic Guitars and does excellent work. He works on all my guitars is quick, friendly and knows what he is doing. His shop is in the U district.

If you want to pay more and wait a while, Mike Lull in Bellevue is a very well know luthier and repairshop and his work is also top notch. I used to go there until I found Aaron :)

-Ben

[sfletch]

+10 on Mike Lull (guitar works).

I've known Mike for over 20 years, he's been working on my guitars for about 20 of those years. I don't always go to him, he's not cheap, but for an acoustic or anything that I feel needs due dilligence, he's my only choice around here. Totally cool and a total pro. He also has a PLEK machine!

Which is kinda funny, because he's known for his fretwork.

[johneeeveee]

The 12th fret http://www.the12thfret.com/ in PDX can't be beat. Extremely knowledgeable, experienced, and reasonable for what they bring to the craft. Really nice affable folks as well. Among folks that play in PDX, there's general consensus that no other shop is a close second.

I would have to politely disagree with you. I know a lot of folks in PDX who have been a bit dissatisfied with the work done at the 12th fret. It's been hit and miss for me personally and I unfortunately stopped bringing my guitars there. I do agree that they are very nice people, so I feel a bit bad saying so... but just trying to be honest. Sounds like they have done some good work for you, and that is great.

Kerry Char (PDX) is a brilliant luthier, but not cheap.
Todd at Portland Fretworks is very good as well.
Dennis Berck in Eugene is world class, but booked up far in advance.
Jim Lowenstein (PDX) at Guitar Works is a capable repairman for all types of guitars.

For minor work I'm sure the 12th fret would be just fine. For a neck reset or cracks on a vintage instrument I would recommend any of the others I listed before the 12th fret. Kerry Char does especially remarkable and invisible crack repairs.

Just my 2 cents... no disrespect intended - jv