String Instrument Setup & Repair — Right Here in Store

Whether your guitar has been gathering dust in the corner or your ukulele just doesn't feel quite right to play, our in-house setup and repair service is here to help. At Music Bits Company, we believe every string instrument deserves to be played at its best — and that starts with a proper setup.

What Is a Professional Instrument Setup?

A setup is a comprehensive adjustment of your instrument to ensure it plays as comfortably and accurately as possible. For string instruments, this typically includes:

• Action adjustment — setting the string height for comfortable playability without buzzing
• Intonation check and correction — ensuring your instrument plays in tune all the way up the neck
• Truss rod adjustment — correcting neck relief for optimal feel and playability
• Nut and saddle adjustment— fine-tuning string slots and bridge saddles for smooth tuning and correct action
• String replacement — fitting fresh strings and stretching them in properly
• Fret inspection — checking for wear, sharp edges, or high frets that affect playability
• General clean and condition — fret polish, fretboard oil, body polish, and hardware check

Repairs — From Minor Fixes to Major Work

Accidents happen, and instruments age. Our repair service covers a broad range of issues, from quick fixes to more involved structural work. Common repairs we handle include:

• Broken or cracked headstocks — reglued, clamped, and finished to a high standard
• Fret work — levelling, crowning, and end dressing to eliminate buzzing and uneven wear; full refrets where needed
• Nut replacement — bone, synthetic, or compensated nuts fitted and shaped to spec
• Saddle replacement and compensation — improving intonation and tone on acoustic instruments
• Tuner replacement and upgrades — fitting locking or higher-quality machine heads
• Electronics repair — resoldering loose connections, replacing pots, switches, output jacks, and pickups on electric guitars and basses
• Bridge regluing — a common issue on acoustics that affects tone and structural integrity
• Crack repair — cleating and sealing cracks in tops, backs, and sides
• Binding and purfling repair — reattaching or replacing damaged binding on the body or neck

Not sure if your instrument is worth repairing? Bring it in and we'll give you an honest assessment. We'll always be upfront about costs versus value so you can make an informed decision.

Full Restorations

Have a vintage or much-loved instrument that needs more than a quick fix? We offer full restoration services to bring instruments back to playable — and beautiful — condition. A full restoration may include:

• Complete disassembly, cleaning, and inspection
• Full refret with period-appropriate or upgraded fretwire
• Neck reset (particularly common on older acoustics)
• Structural repairs to body, bracing, and joints
• Hardware replacement or period-correct sourcing
• Finish touch-ups or full refinishing where required
• Electronics overhaul on vintage electrics
• Final setup and test before return

Restorations are quoted individually based on the condition and scope of work. We take pride in sympathetic restorations that respect the character of the original instrument while making it genuinely playable again.

Instruments We Work On

Our technicians are experienced across a wide range of string instruments, including:

• Acoustic and electric guitars
• Bass guitars
• Ukuleles (soprano, concert, tenor, baritone and bass)
• Classical and nylon-string guitars
• Violin, Viola, Cello & Double Bass
• Mandolin & Bouzouki
• Banjo & Banjolele

Why a Setup Makes Such a Difference

Many players — especially beginners — don't realise that a poorly set-up instrument can make learning significantly harder. High action causes finger fatigue and intonation issues. A buzzing string is distracting and discouraging. A well set-up instrument simply plays better, sounds better, and keeps you motivated to pick it up.

Even brand-new instruments benefit from a setup. Factory setups are rarely optimised for individual playing styles or local climate conditions.

Bring It In

Drop into our shop and speak with one of our staff. We'll assess your instrument, talk through what it needs, and give you a clear quote before any work begins. Turnaround times vary depending on workload, but we'll always keep you informed.

We're passionate about instruments and the people who play them. Whether you're a first-time player or a seasoned gigging musician, we'll treat your instrument with the care it deserves.

Visit us in store — we'd love to take a look.

Music Bits company, 17 High Street, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9DS, www.musicbits.co.uk