As of the this date, we are the only music school in Camas & Washougal to offer luthier services. Teaming with luthier Jared Anderson, we’re now able to teach and repair music instruments!
Jared has an extensive resume working on stringed instruments, and lists building guitars as his passion. Jared recently volunteered his time to work with Camas High School senior, Lily Weather on her senior project. Lily’s project was to build a replica 1961 Gibson SG guitar, which she did with the help of her dad, Chet, Jared, and Perfect Harmony’s Chris Merrill.
Whether your instrument needs a set up, new pickups, strings, refretting or a new neck, Perfect Harmony’s custom luthier shop will get your job done right the first time. A price list is currently available for set-ups, pickup installs, and small electronic repairs. Fret work and larger repair costs will vary, and will need an estimate. For the price list and questions, click on the button below to give us a call!
Below is an excerpt from Yamaha on why you should use a luthier
How often you need to bring your instrument to a luthier depends on many factors, including how often you play it and how drastic seasonal change is where you live. In general, it’s a good idea to have a luthier service your instrument at least once a year. Upon inspection, the luthier will look for the following:
General condition and integrity of the instrument
Are there any open seams or wood cracks? These things are inevitable in the life of every string instrument and are not the fault of the player. If they occur, an immediate service is necessary. Closing a seam is usually a simple matter where the luthier applies droplets of hide glue and clamps the seam overnight to ensure that it’s properly closed. Cracks, on the other hand, present more of an issue. Often the luthier will need to remove the full top of the instrument to install “cleats” inside to hold the sealed crack in place and complete the repair.
Bridge inspection
Is the instrument’s bridge healthy and well-positioned without any warping? Are string clearances correct? If not, the bridge may require some adjustment or even replacing.
Fingerboard inspection
Is the fingerboard smooth and well-shaped? Over long periods of time, the movement of hands and strings will lead to wearing that a luthier can remedy by reshaping and restoring the contour of the fingerboard. This will help with both intonation and position shifting, making the instrument more comfortable and responsive.
Strings
Strings are the source of the sounds you create and therefore the life of the instrument. They wear out far more often than most players notice. An average violin or ukulele player should change strings about once a year, guitars, every 6-8 weeks. If you’re an advanced player, you’ll need to change them even more often. This ensure they keep providing the proper sound that the instrument was built to create. A luthier can help you decide how often to change strings based on your style of playing.
Sound post inspection
Inside of your instrument is a spruce dowel called a sound post. The Spanish name for this piece is “alma,” which translates in English to “soul”, and it very much is just that. The sound post helps to transmit the vibration of the string across the top and back of the instrument. The luthier will check to make sure that it is well shaped to the inside top and back and in the correct spot inside of the instrument.
A skilled luthier can keep these instruments healthy and sounding great. And in the right hands, they can last a lifetime, or even centuries!