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Luthier workshop

Welcome to The Fellowship of Acoustics Luthier Workshop!

At The Fellowship of Acoustics, we are passionate about guitars and love helping musicians keep their instruments in top condition. Our luthiers specialize in both acoustic and electric guitars, using traditional techniques and modern technology to ensure each instrument sounds great, looks great and plays beautifully.

Our services:

Our skilled luthiers have years of experience repairing and restoring guitars of all types and ages. From fixing cracks and replacing worn parts to refinishing and setting up the instrument, we take great care to ensure that each guitar receives the attention it needs to sound its best.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out on your musical journey, your guitar should always be in optimal condition. That's what we strive for. 
We invite you to explore our workshop and discover the craftsmanship of our luthiers.

The TFOA 'Gold Standard' Setup

We understand that your guitar is an important part of your musical life and we are committed to providing fast, efficient and reliable service.

All instruments go through our Quality Control upon arrival. Our luthiers ensure that each instrument arrives in the shop in optimal condition. Before shipment, the instrument is tuned up again by one of our luthiers so that the guitar is delivered to you ready to play and tuned to your needs!

This way, every guitar you buy from us has our ‘Gold Standard’ luthier setup.

Our Gold Standard setup uses certain values for string action. The values mentioned in the table are indications. The best setup obviously depends on the type of instrument and specific model of guitar. For example, the action of a dreadnought differs slightly from that of a 00.

Our luthiers therefore take the specific circumstances into account and adjust the guitar to the best values. Therefore, please note that your guitar's string action may differ by up to about 0.25 millimetres from the indications in the table.

It is also possible to pass on your own preferences to our luthiers.

Instrument Type:

Action: Bas min (mm)

Action: Bas max (mm)

Action: Treble min (mm)

Action: Treble max (mm)

String Gauge**

Tuning
D/SJ/J 2.3 2.9 1.6

2.2

.12 (.13 for Martin & Collings)

E-A-D-G-B-E

OM/OOO/OO/O

2.2

2.7

1.6

2.1

.12

E-A-D-G-B-E

Classical

3.6

4.2

2.8

3.4

Normal: NT
Short Scale: HT

E-A-D-G-B-E

Flamenco

2.75

3.2

2.5

2.7

HT/EHT

E-A-D-G-B-E

Crossover

2.75

3.2

2.5

2.7

NT

E-A-D-G-B-E

Electric

1.65

2.25

1.25

2.0

.10
Jazz: .11

E-A-D-G-B-E

Bass Guitar

2.5

2.7

2.0

2.4

.45-.105

E-A-D-G

Mandoline

1.5

2.0

1.1

1.5

.11-.40

G-D-A-E

Gypsy

3.6

4.1

2.0

2.5

.11-.45

E-A-D-G-B-E

Banjo

2.1

2.4

2.1

2.4

.10-.23/.10-.9-.30

5 String: G-D-G-B-D

4 String: C-G-D-A

Ukelele

2.1

2.3

2.0

2.1

.26-.36/.28

G-C-E-A

** String thickness: These are the most commonly used thicknesses, but this can vary per model, so always measure the strings before replacing them.

N.B.: The above values are guidelines to make the Gold Standard measurable and testable. No rights can be derived from these guidelines.

PLEK:

We also possess a PLEK machine, which allows us to accurately measure and adjust the frets and nut of any guitar for optimal playability and intonation. In the hands of our fine luthiers, a PLEK machine can deliver the best possible  setup.

This technology is often used by top guitar manufacturers to achieve the perfect tuning and playability of their instruments. In the hands of our fine luthiers, the PLEK can ensure that your guitar is tuned to the highest standards.

All guitar builders who operate the PLEK machine have received training and work with the machine on a weekly basis.

Learn more about our PLEK Service

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