Skylark
Hello All!
Anyone know who is avail in Durban , preferably Durban Central , for guitar repairs and set-ups?
From basic set-up to Pup upgrades and complete refinish?
Someone that actually knows what they are doing and can do the job with skill
....and within a reasonable time frame?
From what I've experienced , making a musical instrument sound musical is not easy
Any guitar can make sound but a guitar that makes musically pleasing sound needs quite a few factors in carefully arranged balance
Must say there are some dodgy guitar repairers out there...
Its heart breaking getting your sweet lady man-handled by a brute!!! ☹
I know of Gary Gibb , he seems to be well recommended
There must be other guitar techs in Durban?
Bob-Dubery
This topic has come up before. Try using the search facility to find the previous discussion.
Skylark
I did think there was , but I did a search and nothing came up? (did another right one now and nothing)
Could you possibly please point me towards the right thread
DonovanB
there is Sean O'Niell. he is very good as well.
otherwise DIY-ing it isn't that bad for most jobs.I do most of my own maintenance. I leave nut jobs and fret work up to Gary when I need it done.
Skylark
Who/where is Sean O'Neil?
Bob-Dubery
Skylark
Thanks Bob , That's the post I was thinking of
It's not very conclusive though - Lists Gary Gibb and Shawn O'neil in Kloof
There must be others!
Come on Guys!
DonovanB
There is also Rob vd Linde at the Guitar shop.
Thats about all I know. Why the big interest? Do you need something done on your guitar?
guitarboy2828
+1 to Gary Gibb... Not sure if you're trying to find someone else or just come up with a list of guys available?
Between Gary and Sean, not sure why we need to add anyone to the list. Especially in Durban Central as that is right where Gary works from.
If there were others up north, Ballito side, I'd like to know! ?
Skylark
Yeah I got a pretty major refinishing project that needs doing
Poor guitar is all skin n bones an dusty :'(
Don't think Gary does that stuff - isn't he more setups / pups + wiring?
Don't think he would be able to use a spray gun in his flat - make a big mess!
Shawn could probably do it because he builds guitars from scratch
He is an option , From what I can see his guitars are fabulous
Surely there must be other guys - Just 2 decent guitar fixing chaps in Durban!?
And only 1 that can do refinishing
guitarboy2828
There was a guy i gumtree a little while ago, was in the glenwood area if i remember correctly, seemed good and legit, but I don't remember who or what.. :/
DonovanB
The chap at The Guitar shop can do refinishing. He made the Zack's branded guitars.
His no is on this page.
http://www.bluestrain.co.za
Skylark
The Guitar shop guy is a little busy right now
So that's the lot? 3 guys in the whole of Durban?
Bob-Dubery
Skylark wrote
The Guitar shop guy is a little busy right now
So that's the lot? 3 guys in the whole of Durban?
Well how many guys do you think there are in Jo'burg that do major cosmetic jobs? I can think of about 5 guys who do good setup work, refrets etc, and a couple more who can adjust a nut and/or saddle. That's across 4 shops/workshops. Some of these guys do not take on major cosmetic work. There's one other that I know of who I am wary of. There may be a couple more, but there's not a big enough market in most cities in SA to support a large number of full time guitar technicians.
DonovanB
There aren't that many people in Durban playing seriously enough to warrant more repairs anyway. (as Bob said)
I once had a guy bring me his guitar straight from Gary asking me to make it louder. ???
I could have charged him the world and done nothing cos Gary had everything perfect.
Why not take it on as a project? I do most of my own work. Only when I come across something I am not confident in, and the guitar is not worth messing up do I go to someone else.
For refinishing I would go to Sean, his work is awesome!
Seeing as you're from Durban, pull in to Zack's tonight and have a beer/cocktail/fruit juice and meet up.
Skylark
Been there done that!
Never want to go there again!!!! ?
Being a good Luthier takes years of experience - I don't have years of experience
I'm all for minor tweaks and adjusting the set-up but other than that...
Skylark
Any idea of how much Shawn approx costs to refinish
Ie new paint job?
Bob-Dubery
Skylark wrote
Any idea of how much Shawn approx costs to refinish
Ie new paint job?
Best to go see the guy. It would depend on the colour, the type of paint, the preparation that is necessary... there must be several variables in determining the price for a job like this.
Skylark
Best to go see the guy. It would depend on the colour, the type of paint, the preparation that is necessary... there must be several variables in determining the price for a job like this.
[/quote]
Its nice when people point out the obvious - Thanks Bob! ?
Does anyone know approx how much Shawn would cost for a refinish.
Fully understand that many variables will shape a final price
Someone might have something to add from their experiences with Shawn?
That will give me a point of reference in deciding how I should move forward with my Guitar!
On that note anyone had a complete guitar made by Shawn?
I saw some pics of one he's made and it looked stunning and really well put together
