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Thread: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

  1. #1
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    Question Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    Howdy,

    I'm looking to replace the fretboard on my Flatiron mandolin (I'd like it radiused and it needed a fretjob and scoop anyway). I've got inquiries in with Tom Ellis and John Allison in Austin currently.

    Can anybody recommend a good luthier in the Houston or Austin area (I live in Houston, but have family in Austin) that does this type of work?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Slow your roll. greg_tsam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    In Houston there are a couple. Neil Sargent is used by many people I know.
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    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    Thanks Greg,

    I didn't realize he did work like that. I know he is usually pretty backed up on work. Do you know who the other is?

  5. #4
    Slow your roll. greg_tsam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    Neil is backed up, for sure, but he started a new project with a buddy, Gary. You might call and ask about it. Building instruments I think. I can ask around for others.
    Breedlove Quartz FF with K&K Twin - Weber Big Horn - Fender FM62SCE
    Wall Hangers - 1970's Stella A and 60's Kay Kraft

    Whether you slow your roll or mash on it, enjoy the ride.

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    Registered User Mark Seale's Avatar
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    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    Neil Sargent in Houston as Greg said, though the time to get the work done is variable. I don't know if they do repair work, but Michael Viteri and Stephen Marchione are building really nice instruments in Houston.

    In Austin, John Allison recently did a ton of work on my '53 Gibson J45, and it was very well done. You can also try Mark Erlewine or Ed Reynolds. Check their backlogs though, some times its difficult to get in with them.

  8. #6

    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    John Allison is one of my favorites and does work for us here at the store and for other stores in the Austin area. Some other besides the ones mentioned above are, Ross Jennings in San Marcus has a great reputation. In Wimberley not to far out of Austin is Tony Nobles he did the repair artical in VG for while he also does good work. We use all three of these guys for repair work.

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    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    Thanks guys!

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    Registered User harper's Avatar
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    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    I just picked up my two mandolins from Neil Sargent in Houston today. The Givens Ode needed some fretwork, a new bridge, polishing of the face, and adjustments to the nut. The Vega cylinder back needed a brace reglued, the bridge fitted, and some work to the frets and nut. Neil did a superb job. Boy do these two very different instruments hum and sing now. Neil was a bit backed up and the work took 3 or 4 weeks, but I was in no hurry and it was worth it. His fees were also very reasonable.
    Harper (My other mandolin is a harp)

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    Registered User liestman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    Ditto for Neil Sargent. Replaced frets and planed fingerboard on my Gibson A Jr and did not charge enough. It did take about 5 weeks but he does great quality work for low prices.
    John Liestman -
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    Registered User mandobassman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    Neil did a complete fret replacement on one of my mandolins when I lived out there several years ago. I was extremely pleased with his work. Replaced all frets, cut off the fingerboard extension,and finished off the binding around the new fingerboard end. All for $125. Of course, that was 12 or 13 years ago. Prices may be different now! But he has always been known for doing good work for not much money.
    Larry Hunsberger

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    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    I had Neil Sargent do a setup on my mandolin recently that made it much more enjoyable to play (and better sounding). Recommend him highly.

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  18. #12

    Default Re: Luthiers in Texas (Houston/Austin)

    I am a bit of a drive for you and others in Houston/Austin, but my shop is in Beaumont and is open full-time. I have 35 yrs experience of repairs of all kinds, guitars, mandolins, violins, and building.

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