Need Fret Work

[edguy]

Afternoon folks!

My Washburn A needs 5 or 6 frets replaced. Is there a luthier between Appalachian Bluegrass in Catonsville, MD and Picker's Supply in Fredericksburg, VA who can handle the job? The only other shop I know of is that of Joe Latham in Leesburg, but the last time I talked to him he said he doesn't do much mandolin work.

Any particular experience or preference between the two shops I listed. They are about the same distance from my home.

Thanks,

Ed

[Tim]

I've had work done at Picker's Supply and was happy with the work. #It was a relatively simple setup adjustment. #I think they've changed mandolin specialists since my work was done. #
I bought a mandolin at Appalachian Bluegrass when I was relatively new to the mandolin. #I noticed the bridge was leaning a few days later. #Obviously that was something that I should have noticed in the store or maybe even something I did in that first week (but I doubt the latter).
#
Don't know about their repair but Melodee Music (close to you) had the same instrument about $200 cheaper a few months later but I hadn't found their shop at that time.

[edguy]

Tim,

I don't think Melodee does any kind of repair work -- I'm not sure they have anybody in the store who even knows how to tune a mandolin -- but it's worth checking. The guy at Picker's Supply tweaked my mandolin a month or so ago and improved it's playability some, but I picked up a buzz in the process. I'm sure he'll take care of it if/when I go back. I was kinda hoping to find somebody good closer to home. It's hard to leave my mando with somebody else for a month at a time, and I get a case of MAS whenever I'm in Fredericksburg.

Thanks a bunch,

Ed

[otterly2k]

I don't know if my geography is right, but Don Kawalek is in WV, near where VA and MD and WV all come together. His cafe ID is "Luthier"... you might PM him and see if he's nearby. I'm sure he could do the job, if he has the availability.

[ab4usa]

Ed,
There is an acoustic shop in Tacoma Park that might have a repair person on staff or someone they use.

[Tim]

The Melodee in Leesburg seems to be more acoustic focused than the other one (Chantilly??) but you are probably correct on the repair work.

BTW at one of these three stores (I won't say which), an employee told me that no one makes a mahogany backed mandolin these days and he was holding a Weber Gallatin at the time.

[sunburst]

I agree with otterly2k. You can't be too far from Don, and he'll give you a good job.

[leonardbakers]

I'll chime in with Karen and John. Don Kawalek is a great luthier and super-fine guy who'll fix-you-up fretwise. By the way, I see his and Niles' workshop is coming up in October. If you take the class, you'll know how to do your own frets from then on. . . . . . Teach a man how to fish and you feed him forever.

Leonard B. Akers

[BillD]

You might try Jim Merrill in Kilmarnock Va. (about 90 miles east of Fredricksburg) He's doing repairs as guitar production allows. I've had guitars and mandos repaired by Jim and the work has always been first class! Merrill & Company 804-435-PLAY.

Bill

[edguy]

Well, good morning!

Thanks for your guidance. I've been in touch with Don Kawalek and hope to see him soon.

Have a great day!

Ed

[edguy]

Good afternoon!

Thank you for putting me in touch with Don Kawalek. I drove out to his place yesterday after work and he was able to take care of my fret work on the spot! I'm very happy with the result. I had expected to be without my mando for several weeks, so I was pleasantly surprised to be able to check out the repairs right away and take her home with me. When I got home my wife even commented how much my playing had improved -- now THAT's a testimonial.

Don is a skilled craftsman, a thorough professional, and a nice guy to boot. He saved me money and a lot of aggravation and made me welcome in his shop. I look forward to working with him again.

Have a great day!

Ed