Recommendations for a refret in NYC or around NYC.

[FLG-What]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for someone trustworthy in NYC who can do a great job refretting my 1981 Burny—ideally, someone within my budget.

There are a few luthiers I trust in the city, but their prices would have me fasting for a few months. The cheaper of the two estimates I received was $1,400. While I know this luthier does incredible work and is really the one I’d love to take my guitar to for this work on it, it’s just not feasible for me.

I know there are more affordable options in the city, but I haven’t come across glowing reviews or heard much to inspire confidence. I won’t name names because it doesn’t seem fair.

I’m open to taking my guitar outside of NYC as long as it’s not too far. Does anyone have a luthier they’d recommend or someone known for excellent fretwork in or around the city?

I’d really appreciate any suggestions to consider. Thanks!

 

[guitar hiro]

Sorry to hear your choice of luthier isn't financially in the cards for your refret requirement.
Let's face it; good quality and reliable guitar repair can be expensive but some folks can be reasonable as far as price.

Folks here in my neck of the woods are very fortunate to have multiple string instrument repair shops and luthiers with years of experience.

Hoffman Guitars has been around for five plus decades. Hoffman are an authorized repair shop for Gibson, Martin, Olson, Taylor, etc. and they have been building custom hand made acoustics for as long as they have been in business.
RIP Charlie Hoffman.
https://www.hoffmanguitars.com/

We also have St Paul Guitar Repair. These folks can handle pretty much any repair job that walks into the shop.
If Ron and Michele can't do it then it's likely not possible to repair.
https://www.stpaulguitarrepair.com/

One thing you really need to consider, besides price when deciding on a refret is the concept of not having your guitar in your hands for a while and possibly for a few weeks. Good repair shops with experienced luthier staff are in high demand and it is common for shops to have instruments in the shop for a good long time.
This is seriously something to consider when looking for repairs.

Good luck!