Elderly Instruments in MI

[TheArchitect]

Does anyone have experience with their repair work? My Larrivee has developed a crack in the top. No doubt from low humidity but regardless, its a killer sounding instrument and I want it taken care of well so I am sort of doing background checks on some potential repair facilities. :)

[David Collins]

I worked with their repair department for a number of years, so obviously I can't claim to be unbiased. Still, I think it's safe to say they have one of the largest groups of master repairmen you'll find in one spot. Of the eight repairmen there that handle customer jobs, any one of them will be able to take care of the problems with your guitar as fine as any tech around. If you're in or around the Lansing area, they are certainly the place to go.

In southeast Michigan, there's Tom Pellerito, Mike Kunz, and myself. I'm quite backed up right now though, and I don't know about Tom or Mike. West side of the state, there's Mark Swanson in Grand Rapids, Bryan Galloup in Big Rapids, and a few others if you're located elsewhere. If you let us know where you're writing from, there may be other suggestions for trustworthy shops as well. Top cracks are pretty much standard maintenance for most flat tops around here, and there are plenty of shops that should be able to take care of you just fine.

There are of course some shops that would be on my "stay far away from" list as well, but those would be better left to PM's if you're curious about a specific shop nearby.

[DanR]

In southeast Michigan, there's Tom Pellerito, Mike Kunz, and myself. I'm quite backed up right now though, and I don't know about Tom or Mike.

I have always used Mike Koontz for my repairs. He's great. He's usually backed up a couple of weeks, though.

[Scott Peterson]

Tom Pellerito is my 'guy' and has been for a number of years. He's not too backed up as of two weeks ago, he turned some stuff in a week.

I've never had a bad experience with Elderly; that's a very good store and place for repairs.

[musicofanatic5]

Elderly has a sterling rep which they wish to uphold at all costs. You shouldn't have to go that far from Ann Arbor, though.

[rhp52]

I had David do the neck reset on my 71 Guild F50. I can hihly recommend him.

Mike Kuntz I've known for years and he also is top notch but he's always busy.

There's also Mark Balash, owner of Berkley Music. I havn't used him as extensively as Mike, but what he's dome he's done well. A lot of people swear by him.

Hope this helps.