Can I Bring My Own Parts for a Guitar Repair?

People often wonder if they can bring their own parts in for us to install, and the honest answer is definitely maybe. This custom bass on the bench is a good example of how that conversation goes.

Why maybe?

Some parts out there are consistent and the quality is high, and we have no problem installing those. Others are not so great, and that is where it gets grey. If a part fails down the road, is that a part issue? Yes. Do we still feel obligated to help the owner out? Also yes. So we end up standing behind work that was undermined by the part itself. If spending a few bucks more means the parts will last for many years, we will always recommend it.

The bass in the video

This one is a unique build: three different pickups on one bass, a J pickup, a P pickup and a soapbar. The pickups the owner brought in are okay, they will do the job. The electronics that came with them were another story. The pots were poor, the switches were poor, so those have been swapped out for quality parts before anything gets wired. The circuit itself is unusual with three pickups in play, so it will take a while to wire up the way he wants, but it will be worth it in the end.

He also brought in his own neck, so we did an initial setup to see how it behaves, checking whether the neck pocket needed routing to seat it properly. It did not, which is good news. There is a little rattle in it, so it will likely need some light fret work. A lot of these necks come from overseas, and when they arrive in Calgary they dry out and go a bit wonky. That is not a fault in the neck so much as what our climate does to wood that grew up somewhere humid.

The short version

Bring us the part, or better, ask us before you buy it. If it is good, we will happily install it. If it is going to cause you problems in a year, we would rather tell you now than fix it later. Either way you get a straight answer, and the job gets done right. Have a look at what we cover on our services page.

Common questions

Can you tell me if a part is worth buying before I order it?

Yes, and that is the best time to ask. Send us what you are looking at and we will tell you straight whether it is worth your money.

What parts do people usually supply themselves?

Pickups are the big one, then tuners, bridges, pots and switches, and sometimes whole necks. Pickups from reputable makers are usually fine. Cheap electronics are where we most often have the conversation.

Will you install parts you would not recommend?

Sometimes, with a clear conversation first about what to expect. What we will not do is let you spend money on an install without telling you the part is likely to let you down.

Got a project in mind or parts in hand?

Bring your instrument into the shop during opening hours, no appointment needed. Assessments are free and we can usually do them while you’re here, so you leave knowing exactly what it needs. Hours and directions are on the contact page.

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