Guitar Repair Calgary – Professional Setups, Fretwork and Restoration

With more than 20 years of hands-on experience, Guitar O.R. in Calgary keeps acoustic, electric and bass guitars playing their best.

Whether you need a quick tune up before a gig or a full restoration on a vintage instrument, our guitar repair shop treats every instrument like it is our own.

If you are searching for guitar repair or guitar setup in Calgary, this is where you bring it.

Our Services

  • Full guitar and bass setups
  • Fretwork, fret levelling and fret dressing
  • Modifications and custom hardware installs
  • Structural wood repair and crack repair
  • Neck resets for electric, acoustic and hollow body guitars
  • Refrets and partial refrets
  • Headstock repairs and broken neck repairs
  • Acoustic pickup installs and upgrades
  • Electric guitar pickup installs and rewiring
  • Pot and switch replacement, jack and wiring repairs
  • String changes and tuning for acoustic, electric and bass
  • Insurance assessments and repair quotes
Guitar O.R. Jarin - Guitar Repair and Setup Calgary

How often does a guitar need maintenance?

In Calgary, guitar repair shop visits to keep your guitar in perfect shape are a must. Since most guitars are made out of wood, the temperature swings and low humidity in our climate can wreak havoc.

Any new guitar should be professionally set up before use, then checked seasonally to see if small adjustments would help its tone and playability. Gigging musicians and heavy players will usually benefit from more frequent check ups.

What does a professional guitar or bass setup and service at Guitar O.R. include?

At a minimum, a guitar setup or service at Guitar O.R. will include:

  • An overall inspection of the guitar so we know what it needs

  • New strings and proper tuning as part of the setup

  • Intonation checked and adjusted so chords play in tune up the neck

  • Fretboard cleaning and oiling to protect the wood and improve feel

  • Truss rod and neck relief adjustment as needed

  • String action and string radius set for comfortable playability

  • Saddle height and bridge angle adjustment, including floating tremolo setups

  • Pickup height and angle dialled in for balanced output

  • Cleaning of the electronics and tightening of loose jacks, knobs, switches and tuners

On top of that, many guitars benefit from extra work like fret dressing or fret leveling, which we will discuss with you if we see it is needed.

What instruments do you work on?

At Guitar O.R. in Calgary, we work on most stringed instruments, not just standard six-string guitars. We regularly service acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, 12 strings, baritones, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, autoharps, ouds and upright basses.

We see everything from modern workhorses to vintage and boutique instruments, including brands like Gibson, Fender, Martin, Taylor, Larrivee, Collings, Santa Cruz, G&L, Duesenberg, Gretsch, Guild, Jackson, Charvel, Ibanez, Ernie Ball, National, Hofner, Seagull, Epiphone, Rickenbacker, Harmony, Sigma, Yamaki, Yairi, Hagstrom, Squier and many more.

Guitar repair and setup in Calgary at Guitar O.R.
Guitar repair and setup in Calgary at Guitar O.R.

What are your turnaround times?

Some adjustments and small jobs can happen while you wait here at Guitar O.R. in Calgary. Standard guitar and bass setups, fret levels and similar work typically take one to two weeks.

More complex guitar repairs can take 4–8 weeks, and extensive restorations or building projects have custom timelines that we quote with you up front.

As supporters of the Calgary music scene, we can typically get a rush job completed for professional musicians. If you have a gig, session or tour coming up, just tell us your deadline when you book the guitar in.

What are your standard prices for guitar and bass repair?

Typical pricing at Guitar O.R. in Calgary:

  • Setups, guitars and basses: $125 plus strings. Guitars with Floyd Rose style tremolos may have an extra charge.
  • Fret levelling: typically $125 but can vary depending on time spent.  
  • Guitar and bass input jack replacement: $20 plus jack for standard jacks. Barrel, stereo and other specialty jacks are $30–$50 plus jack.
  • Guitar and bass stringing and cleaning: $45 plus strings. Twelve string guitars, classical guitars and mandolins will be a bit more.
  • Acoustic guitar pickup install: from $125, pickup cost is separate
  • Broken guitar and bass headstock repair: from $200, including restringing.
  • Guitar and bass finish repairs: starting at $150 per repair
  • Custom projects (original designs, non-standard work, complex mods): $100 per hour.

Prices can vary depending on the instrument and condition, but this gives most Calgary players a good idea of what to expect.

Do you charge for assessments, and do I need an appointment?

There is no charge for assessing your instrument. We can usually do a quick assessment when you arrive.

You do not need an appointment for most guitar repairs or setups. You are welcome to drop by any time during shop hours and we will take a look and book the work in with you.

What if I need an adjustment after picking up my repair?

We always invite you to play your guitar or bass in the shop when you pick it up so we can see if it needs a small tweak for your style. Every player is different and sometimes a Calgary guitar setup feels perfect after a day or two of playing at home, or you may realise you like the action a little higher or lower.

If you feel anything is off, bring it back in. Adjustments to the setup from your original repair are free for 30 days after pickup. That can include small changes to neck relief, string height, intonation or pickup height so your instrument plays exactly how you like it.

How often should you restring a guitar?

It depends how much and how hard you play, and whether you are on acoustic, electric or bass.

  • If you play regularly at home or at jams, a fresh set of strings every 3 to 4 months keeps your guitar feeling and sounding good.

  • If you play more casually, every 6 months is usually fine.

  • Gigging and studio musicians in Calgary often restring before every important show or session.

Old strings lose tone, feel rough and can make tuning and intonation unstable. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, we can take care of restringing as part of a quick guitar setup and service.

How do I know if my guitar needs a service?

There are lots of signs that your guitar or bass is ready for a proper setup or repair. Some of the most common problems we see at Guitar O.R. are:

  • String height that feels too high, which makes the guitar harder to play, especially up the neck

  • Action that is too low or uneven, causing fret buzz or choking notes

  • Sharp fret ends that catch your hand, often from Calgary’s dry climate

  • Noisy or scratchy volume or tone controls, intermittent output or a loose input jack

  • Tuning or intonation that will not stay stable even with new strings

  • Acoustic guitars that suddenly feel stiff or look sunken or overly arched along the top

If you notice any of these issues, your instrument will benefit from a professional guitar service and setup. Bring it by the shop and we will let you know what it needs and what the options are.

What products do you recommend?  

Products are pretty personal to each player, but in the shop we are happy to walk you through options for pickups, strings, hardware and electronics so they match how you actually play.

As a rule, the brands we trust and install most often at Guitar O.R. in Calgary include:

  • LR Baggs and K&K for acoustic guitar and ukulele pickups

  • Fishman and Fishman Fluence systems

  • Seymour Duncan, Gibson, EMG, TV Jones and Lollar electric guitar pickups

  • Hipshot, Grover and other quality tuners and hardware

  • D’Addario and Ernie Ball strings for electric, acoustic and bass

If you are not sure what to choose, bring your guitar or bass in and we can recommend a pickup, string gauge or hardware upgrade that fits your instrument and your budget.

Can a guitar be beyond repair?

Very rarely. With enough skill, time and care, most damaged guitars and basses can be brought back to life.

We regularly see instruments with cracked tops, broken headstocks, worn frets, lifting bridges, loose braces and tired electronics. In many cases a proper repair and setup will keep a favourite guitar playing well for many more years, even decades.

If you are worried your instrument might be “too far gone,” bring it to the shop and we can tell you honestly what is possible and what the costs would be.

Do you offer to finish repairs?

Yes. If your instrument has cosmetic damage to the finish, we can do spot touch ups and small finish repairs on guitars and basses.

This can include fixing chips and dings, drop fills, polishing out minor scratches and blending repairs so they look as natural as possible. For full refins or highly specialised vintage finish work, talk to us and we can advise on the best approach.

Where can I find Guitar O.R. in Calgary?

Guitar O.R. is located at 6020 2nd Street SE, Bay B15, in southeast Calgary.

We are in an industrial bay just off 58 Avenue SE, a short drive from Chinook and Blackfoot Trail. Look for the Guitar O.R. sign on the bay. There is free parking right outside the shop and along the building. If you search “Guitar O.R. guitar repair Calgary” in Google Maps it will take you straight to the door.

You can also find a map and directions on our Contact page

Do you work on amps, pedals, mics, stereo equipment?

We do not repair amps or electronics at Guitar O.R. Our focus is guitar and bass repair, setup and restoration.

However, we share our bay with Lextronics, a dedicated amp and electronics repair company that has been in business for more than 30 years. They handle amplifier repair, pedal repair, studio gear and other audio equipment.

We are also fans of the work done at Amplitude Audio (amplitude-audio.ca) and often recommend them for Calgary musicians who need expert amp and audio service.

What pickups & parts do you stock?

We stock the pickups and parts we install the most for Calgary guitar and bass players. In the shop you will usually find:

  • Acoustic pickups like LR Baggs Anthem SL and Element VTC

  • Fishman Matrix Infinity and Matrix Blend systems

  • K&K Sound pickups such as The Pure Mini, Aloha Twin (uke) and Mandolin Twin

  • A selection of Seymour Duncan electric guitar pickups

  • D’Addario and Ernie Ball strings for electric, acoustic and bass

  • Grover and Restoration tuners and common hardware

We do not try to run a giant parts warehouse. Instead we order pickups and parts to suit your guitar, your style and your budget. Through our suppliers we can bring in options such as Gibson, Lollar, Fender Custom Shop, EMG, Fishman Fluence and many others.

If you are looking for a specific pickup or guitar part in Calgary, contact us and we can usually source it and install it for you.

Do you install Evertune Bridges?

Yes, we install Evertune Bridges. In fact, Guitar O.R. was the first shop in Canada to offer Evertune installation.

We can route and install Evertune bridges on many popular electric guitars, then set the guitar up so you get the stable tuning and consistent feel Evertune is known for. If you are thinking about an Evertune retrofit on a favourite guitar, bring it by the shop and we can confirm if it is a good candidate and talk through pricing and options.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

You do not need an appointment for a basic assessment. You are welcome to drop into the shop during opening hours with your guitar, bass or other stringed instrument. We will take a quick look, talk through what you are noticing, and give you an idea of what a setup or repair in Calgary will involve.

Can you rush a repair for a gig or tour?

Often we can. If you are a working musician in Calgary and have an urgent show, contact us or bring the instrument in and tell us your deadline. Some jobs can be done while you wait, and for more complex work we will tell you honestly if a rush turnaround is realistic.

Can I bring more than one instrument in at once?

Yes. Many customers bring a few instruments in for setups and small repairs at the same time. We will go over each guitar or bass with you, prioritise what needs doing, and schedule the work so you know when everything will be ready.

Do you work on left handed or extended range guitars?

We do. Left handed guitars, baritone guitars, seven string and other extended range instruments all benefit from a proper setup. Nut work, intonation and string choice are especially important on these instruments, and we can help you dial that in.

Can I supply my own parts or pickups?

In most cases yes. If you already own a pickup, bridge, tuners or other parts, bring them in and we will let you know if they are suitable for your instrument. We will also tell you if there are any reasons we would recommend a different option. Labour pricing is the same whether the parts come from us or from you.

Do you work on vintage or sentimental instruments?

Yes, and we treat them carefully. Vintage guitars, older family instruments and rare models often need a different approach to modern production guitars. We will talk through what you want, how original you would like to keep the instrument, and what repairs will protect value while still making it playable.

Can you help me choose the right setup for my style?

Absolutely. When you bring your guitar or bass in, tell us how you play and what you listen to. We can recommend string gauges, action height, tuning stability options and pickup choices for everything from gentle fingerstyle to heavy rock and metal. The goal is a setup that matches your playing rather than a generic factory feel.

Can I wait in the shop while you do a small job?

For quick adjustments or minor repairs, you can often wait while we work. Examples include small tweaks to action, a basic restrings, or troubleshooting a simple electrical issue. For anything more involved, we will book the guitar in so we can do a proper job without rushing.

Do you work with touring musicians or out of town clients?

We regularly see touring players, session musicians and visitors passing through Calgary. If you have limited time in the city, contact us ahead of your trip and we will do our best to schedule your guitar repair or setup so you can get back on the road with a reliable instrument.

Do you sell gift certificates for guitar repair and setups?

Yes. Gift certificates are a popular choice for birthdays and holidays, especially for players who already own a guitar. A professional setup or pickup install can make a bigger difference than adding another pedal, and it lets the player bring in the instrument when it suits them.