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BMC offers a wide array of services ranging from simple re-strings, set-ups, pickup replacements, electronic upgrades, structural repairs, finish work, full restorations, re-frets and Plek work.
Your relationship with your instrument is personal and cannot be summed up by “factory spec”. Our goal is absolute customer satisfaction which is why we stand by all of our repairs for 90 days and we are available for support.
We operate by appointment only - please contact us at [email protected] for any repair related inquiries or to make an appointment. Thanks!
Our typical lead time for basic set-up and playability repairs is typically 1-2 weeks.
Hourly Rate & Bench Fee
Our hourly rate is based on $110/hour. We use this rate to price jobs based on how many hours are estimated to complete each job. Certain services, as listed below (string change, set-up, Plek Dress & Set-up, etc) have flat starting rates while other jobs need to be priced and assessed as there is not a one-size-fits-all pricing given the varied condition of each instrument.
String Change $25 +
*We stock a limited amount of strings in the shop but please provide your own strings if possible.
This includes removing the old strings, securing the tuners, polishing the frets, treating the fretboard (if unfinished) and a quick overview assessment for any potential issues such as bridge lift, electronic or structural issues, etc. There is a slight up-charge for speciality instruments such as classical guitars, Floyd Rose/locking tremolo equipped guitars, double string and/or folk instruments, autoharps, etc.
Plek Dress & Set-ups
Standard Set-up - $110
Plek scan for assessment, remove old strings, adjust truss rod, adjust action and radius at bridge, secure hardware, clean and polish frets, clean and treat fretboard, clean and polish contact points, balance pickups if applicable, clean electronics (if needed), install and stretch new strings, balance tremolo if applicable, play test.
*Strings are not included in this cost.
Plek Dress and Set-up - $250
Plek scan for assessment, customized Plek fret dress with frets polished to 12,000-grit, Plek nut slot cut and radius, remove old strings, adjust truss rod, adjust action and radius at bridge, secure hardware, clean and polish frets, clean and treat fretboard, clean and polish contact points, balance pickups if applicable, clean electronics (if needed), install and stretch new strings, balance tremolo if applicable, play test.
*Plek fret work requires x2 packs of strings - one for testing and measurements and one set for final set-up. Strings are not included in the price - you are welcome to bring in your own strings for use or purchase strings that we have in stock. We carry most major brands of strings including StringJoy, D'Addario, Ernie Ball, Labella, Thomastic, PRS and more.
*Stainless Steel, EVO and Cryo Frets as well as loose frets that have to be reseated may have an upcharge.
Paint, Finish and Refinish Work
We offer custom professional finish work for individual projects, repair and restoration work as well as for builders manufacturing projects. When it comes to finish work, each job or project is unique so please reach out to us directly to discuss any potential work.
For all finish work inquiries, please reach out to us directly at [email protected]
BMC also offers a variety of other repair services including:
-Structural Repairs (including headstock and crack repairs)
-Electronic Repairs/Upgrades
-Acoustic Pickup Installation
-Electric Pickup Installation
-Bridge Re-sets
-Re-Fret
-Project Builds
-Nut Fabrication and Installation
-Saddle Fabrication and Installation
-Hardware Upgrades and Installation
and more....
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FAQs
1. How do I get my instrument in the queue?
You can email [email protected] to set up a time to drop off your instrument.
2. What is the typical process for dropping off a repair?
Check out our "Process" tab at the top of the page and feel free to email us directly at [email protected] or call us at 410-459-4766.
3. How long will it take to repair my instrument?
The length of time it will take to complete your repair(s) will be dependent on the scope of work as well as the time it may take to source and receive specially ordered parts. We stock most common parts but occasionally parts will have to be special ordered and/or fabricated. Most Plek Dress & Set-up work is usually done within 1-2 weeks from the time we get it in-house and/or when you approve the estimate. Restorations can take several weeks or months depending on several factors. If you have questions or concerns, you're welcome to reach out at any time for an update and we strive to get back to every message within 24 business hours.
4. What if my instrument needs an adjustment after I pick it up?
We try to make sure that we understand your needs as a player before your instrument ever hits the bench as that informs the work we do since no one size fits all when it comes to customized instrument work. However, it's not uncommon for an instrument to have to be tweaked a bit after it's been worked on and we're happy to do that for you if needed. When you pick up your instrument, you are welcome to spend some time in one of the testing rooms or on the floor to try your instrument out and any tech on-site can make an adjustment for you at that time if necessary. If you take it home and find that it needs an adjustment, reach out any time and we can set up a time to do that for you.
5. Will my instrument be safe in your shop?
Absolutely! Our entire shop is fully insured and also protected by a state of the art security system, security gate and locked doors. We will not release your instrument to anyone except for the person named on the ticket unless you expressly let us know of another person who may pick the instrument up for you, which we will make a note of on the workorder.
6. What payments do you accept for repair work?
We accept cash and all major credit cards.
7. Do you offer expedited services?
There are several reasons why you may need you instrument back sooner than later and we're happy to try and work with your timeline as much as possible. We always try to do work in the order that it comes into the shop but if you need your instrument back for tour, a recording session, a show, a return window, etc, we will always try and work with you and we generally do not charge expedited labor fees if we can accommodate.
8. Do I have to pay for my repair before or after I pick it up?
For most repair work, payment will be due upon completion and/or at the time of pickup. If we have to special-order parts, we may ask that you pre-pay before ordering and you can do that in-store or we can send a secure pay link via text. For restorations or work with a larger scope we may ask that you pay in installments but we will go over that with you before work commences.
9. What's the difference between a Plek Dress & Set-up versus a Standard Set-up?
A Plek Dress & Set-up is the ultimate first step for your instrument, whether it's an old workhorse or a brand new acquisition. Each Plek Dress is completely designed and customized for you and that particular instrument. Unfortunately, most instruments don't come from the factory ready to play (yes, even the really expensive and vintage ones!) and they need some work to get them to play properly and to be customized to your needs. We scan each instrument that is dropped off (unless we are directed not to) to assess if the instrument needs any fretwork. During the customized Plek Dress, the Plek will level, crown and polish your frets to ten ten-thousandths of an inch accuracy, eliminating any inconsistencies or fretting issues. It will also cut and radius the nut to exacting standards helping your instrument to not only play more comfortably, but intonate properly. After the Plek work is completed, a technician performs a full Standard Set-Up on your instrument including; securing hardware, polishing frets, treating the fretboard, systems check of electronics, balancing the tremolo system and pickups when applicable, installing your choice of new strings, stretching the strings, adjusting action and radius at bridge, intonating and a final play test.
A Standard Set-up without a Plek Dress does not include any Plek or Fretwork and will not address any fret issues that are resolved during a Plek Dress. During a Standard Set-up, we re-string and make all necessary adjustments according to your needs to get your instrument to play as comfortably as possible. However, without proper fretwork, we cannot guarantee the performance of the instrument. Each Standard Set-up does include a diagnostic Plek scan so that we can go over potential fret/fretboard issues that are revealed, if any.