Repairs For All Fretted Instruments

Beginner? Seasoned Pro? Somewhere in between? Dstring is here for you.

I'm on the same journey. Despite my 40-year-plus professional career as a bluegrass musician (banjo, guitar, mandolin, vocals) encompassing recording, producing, and touring, along with working in retail sales, teaching and repairs, I still approach everything with a beginner's mindset. I thrive on growth. Now, retired from performing, I focus on composing; writing music, primarily on fingerstyle acoustic guitar, and making recordings of these compositions. My long and varied background helps me connect with musicians of all styles and levels.

My experience enables me to understand players' needs, allowing me to tailor my services specifically to you. So if you're just starting, I can adjust your guitar so it's easier to play, then as your abilities grow, I can readjust your setup to suit what you need. If you're pro, and are looking for just-right pickups or a very specific setup, I can help there, too.

Contact me and let's set up a time to chat. I look forward to meeting you.

Dave Dick, Luthier and Owner

What types of Services are Available?

I offer a wide range of stringed instrument services, except for spray finishing, covering acoustic and electric guitars, all types of banjos and mandolins, electric basses, dulcimers, ukuleles, and octave mandolins—if it has frets, I work on it. My expertise includes restoring heirlooms, fret replacement, neck resets, crack repair, wiring, pickup installations, kit building, bridge reglues, brace work, setups, and component services. From seemingly impossible repairs to the smallest adjustments, all jobs are welcome at Dstring.

The Setup is my Specialty

For me, taking an instrument that doesn't play well, has broken or missing parts, is covered in dirt and rust, and looks hopeless, then turning it into an easy to play, good sounding one, is still very rewarding. A Setup is a full-service package for a reasonable price and is easily scheduled and completed, typically in just a few days. My shop pedestal and some of the tools used for Setups.

Upgrades and Modifications

I also enjoy optimizing instruments to achieve the best possible tone, playability, and overall suitability for the individual. My extensive knowledge of parts and materials allows me to provide guidance in this area. Handmade Martin-Style bridge by D String.

I find the problem-solving aspect of guitar repair entirely enjoyable. In any good service industry, a correct diagnosis must precede the actual work. I relish the challenge of determining why an instrument requires repair, perhaps even more than performing the repair itself. Banjo pickup jack rim-mounted by D String.

Problem Solving

I tried to play my guitar but all of the notes were jumbled up! High notes were where the low notes should be! I couldn't imagine what happened. So, I called Dave and he asked me to bring it in immediately. Using only a wrench, a Q-Tip and a rasp, Dave got it all straightened out. He's like a genius! Thank goodness for Dstring!

Tod C. Landerton

★★★★★

Here's how to book with Dstring

To assure quality of Service, the shop is run strictly by appointment. All visits, consultations, drop offs and pick ups are carefully scheduled so I may maximize one-on-one time with you and protect the time I need to be at the workbench.

Please respect this Shop Policy so that other Clients may receive the same great service that you will enjoy.

Regarding emails, texts and calls, its always busy here and I'm a one-person operation. Sometimes I just cannot respond immediately. Please be patient and if I don't get back to you quickly enough please try me again. You may indicate your need is "urgent" then I will prioritize your request.

Consultation appointments are subject to a modest fee, which I will waive if we agree to go forward with the job.

You may make Appointments with me via Phone, Text or Email.

Services by Appointment

I gleefully accept Credit, Debit, Cash and Venmo

D

string