The adjustable saddle was a feature of many 60s and 70s acoustic guitar models, like this Gibson SJ.
The concept was to allow players to adjust the saddle height with the two screws mounted through the soundboard.
The result is an instrument that is louder, achieves better tone, and is fully reversible to maintain its vintage cred.
The adjustable saddle was a feature of many 60s and 70s acoustic guitar models, like this Gibson SJ.
A great example of the unique Vega Cylinder-back Mandolin built in Boston between 1914 and 1922.
The first thing to address is the split soundboard.
Who knows when this instrument was last strung to pitch? Sounds like it did a century ago.
A great example of the unique Vega Cylinder-back Mandolin built in Boston between 1914 and 1922.
A nice example of a (Levin) Goya from the early 70s.
The original frets are not sitting well, and they're cut too short and crowned poorly, which is causing the high E string to slip off the upper fretboard. So we'll re-fret it.
The guitar is in great shape, and the new frets make it more comfortable to play.
A nice example of a (Levin) Goya from the early 70s.
A mid-2000s American Telecaster in butterscotch. Great condition...
...except for the nut, which has cracked and chipped out (either through a defect or impact).
Absolutely classic.
A mid-2000s American Telecaster in butterscotch. Great condition...
A beautiful Martin OM.
We're installing the Martin Goldplus piezo pickup.
Setup and ready to plug in!
A beautiful Martin OM.
ROB GRIFFEN
In 2008, and again in 2009, I travelled to Massachusetts to study lutherie at the shop of Becker and Cumpiano. I left with a foundation in craft and technique, the instruments I had built, repaired, and restored, and a fundamental approach to the work that has served me ever since. Throughout the next decade, I continued to gain experience from coursework with the National Stringed Instrument Repair Clinic at UW–Madison, the mentorship and generosity of other luthiers, and the trust of customers who have provided me with the many projects since then.
FREE EVALUATION
While many repairs are straight-forward, these instruments often present unique and hidden issues—making a hands-on assessment essential for an accurate estimate.
Send me an email, or use the contact form below, to set up a half-hour free evaluation. We'll identify all the issues, and create plan and an estimate to get your instrument back to playing and looking its best.
I share a full wood shop capable of fabricating whatever the project requires—up to and including an entirely new instrument.
ALL REPAIRS AND
COMPLETE RESTORATION
Whether new or vintage, acoustic or electric. From a simple setup to a full restoration, get in touch, and let's talk about your project and how I can help.
CONTACT
I'm not in the shop every day, so for best results use the contact form or the email address below to find a time to stop by. Thank you!
Griffen String Repair & Restoration
6333 University Ave. Suite #114
Middleton, WI 53562
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I share shop space with The Hardwood Craftsman— you'll see that sign first.