Best Guitar Set Up in Pittsburgh Area

Matthjs · #1 01-17-2018, 07:43 AM

I’ve decided to have an evaluation and set up done on one of my acoustic guitars. Does anyone have any positive or negative experiences with a luthier in the Pittsburgh PA area? There aren’t a ton of options.

Ed-in-Ohio · #2 01-17-2018, 07:58 AM

If you live on the west side (or don't mind driving a bit), I can strongly recommend Jay Hinrichs at Hubbard Music (off of I-80 just over the state line). Jay works on all my guitars, and does outstanding work.

llew · #3 01-17-2018, 08:29 AM

Check with Raymond at Acoustic Music Works. I'm sure he can help you or at the very least steer you to someone who can.

www.acousticmusicworks.com

drplayer · #4 01-17-2018, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

Check with Raymond at Acoustic Music Works. I'm sure he can help you or at the very least steer you to someone who can.

www.acousticmusicworks.com

^^^THIS^^^

Kerbie · #5 01-17-2018, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

Check with Raymond at Acoustic Music Works.

Ditto... great guy, nice shop.

menhir · #6 01-17-2018, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matthjs

.... There aren’t a ton of options.

Ya got that right.

For a major city, the pickings are pretty slim.

I used to go the "the guitar doctor" at Hollowood Music, but I was never able to track him down after they relocated due to flooding. That was years ago.
I tried a couple of places since, but eventually just started doing my own simple setups...But I've wanted to find someone really competent to do those adjustments that I don't think I would be good at...or maybe a little afraid to try.

I've bookmarked the recommendations.

Matthjs · #7 01-17-2018, 11:51 AM

Thanks for the recommendations!

Matthjs · #8 01-17-2018, 12:00 PM

One other question. Has anyone dealt with Stuart Day, a local luthier?

rmgjsps · #9 01-17-2018, 12:06 PM

Can't help with the question about luthiers in the 'burgh, but since I lived there for the first 51 years of my life before moving to San Francisco 20 years ago, I just wanted to say "Hi!" to all the Western Pennsylvanians appearing in this forum thread. OK, you too to the guy in Eastern Ohio ;-)

AMW · #10 01-17-2018, 12:19 PM

Thanks for the kind words, folks!

Yes, you would be very welcome to stop into our shop for an honest evaluation and any repairs you may need. If it is difficult for you to get right into the city, we can also highly recommend Mannella Guitars on Verona Road.

Stuart Day is also a friend of ours, and a highly skilled and experienced luthier.

menhir · #11 01-17-2018, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmgjsps

... I just wanted to say "Hi!" to all the Western Pennsylvanians appearing in this forum thread...

"Hi" back atcha.

I'd wave, but my hands haven't thawed out yet.

Matthjs · #12 01-17-2018, 02:35 PM

Thanks to all. You’ve been very helpful.

LJOHNS · #13 01-17-2018, 07:07 PM

Guitar CPR in Fairmont, WV - Charlie Powers. Best setup guy in the entire region. Its worth the hour and a half drive.

AllThumbsBruce · #14 01-17-2018, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMW

Thanks for the kind words, folks!

Yes, you would be very welcome to stop into our shop for an honest evaluation and any repairs you may need. If it is difficult for you to get right into the city, we can also highly recommend Mannella Guitars on Verona Road.

Stuart Day is also a friend of ours, and a highly skilled and experienced luthier.

This guy is a class act. I greatly enjoyed meeting him some years ago on a family trip to Pittsburgh.

HOF dad · #15 01-17-2018, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

Check with Raymond at Acoustic Music Works. I'm sure he can help you or at the very least steer you to someone who can.

www.acousticmusicworks.com

I've never had any business with them but I'll say......I've browsed them on the web and they have an enticing collection of acoustics. Glad to see they're on the forum here. They're on my visit list....real soon.

Dan