Wanted: Tech in South Kent / East Sussex

mikem8634

I'd like to know what luthier/tech services are available around these parts. Any recommendations around the Hastings/St. Leonards area? I'm happy to head out around Tunbridge Wells, Folkestone, Ashford, Eastbourne, Brighton areas if needs be.

Thanks folks.

mikem8634

Anybody?

The most immediate things I'm looking for recommendations on are someone to do a general setup on a 5 string banjo and fitting new bridge saddle and setting up a 12 string acoustic.

There will be plenty of other stuff required in the future so I'm after any and all suggestions.

If there's nothing coming forth I'll just have a good look around on the net and take pot luck.

Cheers chaps.

rico

There's a guy in Sevenoaks on the right of the high street as you come from the A21 - Julian Clarke is his name.

Dave at Abbey Music in Tunbridge Wells has a guy that I've used before, as does JB's Music (could well be the same chap). 

There is also Toms Guitars near Westerham and DW Guitars in Maidstone. 

mikem8634

Great stuff, that's plenty to be going on with, many thanks.

GSPBASSES

Have you tried Bonner's in Eastbourne? or 12th Fret I think he's in Horam. You could try Birds music in Bexhill. There's also several techs in Brighton. If you're thinking of travelling the 21 too Sevenoaks you might as well go on to Feline in Croydon somewhat further I must admit. I think there might be guitar tech in the centre of Rye, I seem to remember passing a guitar shop there it was quite small, but I'm sure it said he did repairs and set ups. 

mikem8634

I haven't tried anywhere yet GSP, we've not been in the area all that long and I've left my current stuff to gather a bit of dust for a while. My project pace is usually just south of glacial There is just SOOO much to learn.

Thanks so much for the tips, I'll check them all out carefully.

On a different note, once my current raft of projects are done there is a slightly quirky Jazzmaster Cabronita affair in the back of my mind that I may well want to run by you at some point.

TTony

Try editing the title of your post to make its content more obvious.

Wanted:  Tech in SouthKent / Sussex 

mikem8634

Ok, will do, thanks Tony.

merlin

If you're happy to travel to Brighton, then I would recommend either Nathan on 07578 916 284
info@brightonguitarworkshop.com

Alternatively, try Pedro Martins on 07799 563874
pedro@guitarrepairsbrighton.com

ChuckManual

Roger Flack at B&T Music in Trinity Street (Hastings) is very good.

I also use Martin Sims at Sims Guitars, just outside Ashford, as I live roughly equidistant between them.

FYI; I think Birds Music in Bexhill has shut.

Btw; Welcome to the area! There's a great local music scene in Hastings (I saw Jimmy Haslip play in the Old Town just last night, actually) and there's also quite a few jam nights around, if you're interested.

rawk100

I've used 12th Fret in Horam before and they've been OK. 

mikem8634

Lovely stuff, you can't beat personal recommendations, thanks chaps.

And thanks @ChuckManual for the welcome. I don't play in public these days, just for my own indulgence, but I'll give it some thought.

 

entee

ChuckManual said:

Roger Flack at B&T Music in Trinity Street (Hastings) is very good.

I use B&T for my setups, inc my @GSPBASSES custom BillyBo - made a great job of it; plays beautifully

FYI; I think Birds Music in Bexhill has shut. - it wasn't last week when I walked past but I think he may soon.

Btw; Welcome to the area! There's a great local music scene in Hastings (I saw Jimmy Haslip play in the Old Town just last night, actually) and there's also quite a few jam nights around, if you're interested.
BBTW - Vince Ray is playing The Havelock, Saturday evening, if Link Wray etc is your thing 

Clarky

Andy Warnock in the Medway
he is the dog's nuts

Blacksheep

James at 12th Fret has just moved from Horam to Cross In Hand, just a stone's throw away. 

I thought Martin Sims outsourced the tech work. He certainly used to sent stuff to the excellent Dave Smart in Oxford. 

Blacksheep

GSPBASSES said:

Have you tried Bonner's in Eastbourne? or 12th Fret I think he's in Horam. You could try Birds music in Bexhill. There's also several techs in Brighton. If you're thinking of travelling the 21 too Sevenoaks you might as well go on to Feline in Croydon somewhat further I must admit. I think there might be guitar tech in the centre of Rye, I seem to remember passing a guitar shop there it was quite small, but I'm sure it said he did repairs and set ups. 

That'll be Richard at Music Exhange in Rye. He doesn't do repairs. He will however let you sit on his sofa for hours talking about guitars with all the other Rye-area guitarists who stumble in there after a few pints in The George opposite. 

mikem8634

Much thanks folks, it's looking like I won't have to go as far afield as I thought.

Freebird

Clarky said:

Andy Warnock in the Medway
he is the dog's nuts

He certainly is, he refretted Mark Knopfler's famed '58 Les Paul, and also did some fret refinishing/setup work on my US Standard Precision Bass 

ChuckManual

Blacksheep said:

Richard at Music Exchange in Rye. He doesn't do repairs. He will however let you sit on his sofa for hours talking about guitars with all the other Rye-area guitarists who stumble in there after a few pints in The George opposite. 

His silver sofa!

It's the MOST Rock & Roll bit of furniture in the world!

...well, in Rye, at least.

prowla

Ian Robinson was doing a roaring trade at the recent TalkBass bass bash - he did a quick adjustment to my SG's nut.

He's in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, so might be a little bit further away...

http://www.string-instrument-repairs.co.uk/

mikem8634

Oops, double post