Al, is an amazing luthier, who is able to work wonders on all types of electric guitar, from an…read moreEpiphone Emperor I Joe Pass model (hollow body) to a solid body Agile Pendulum Elite 92527. The Ephiphone needed a complete overhaul of the electronics (pickups and controls) and a setup of the strings afterwards since a new piezo bridge was also installed. Prior to this work, the pots were quite noisy, and there were issues with the 1/4" output where it was also crackly depending upon movement. The pickups were replaced with a fairly standard set of Seymour Duncans (SH-2N and SH-4B), the wiring harness was removed and replaced with a much quieter (read shielded) setup, new pots and a new 1/4" output jack. The sound of this instrument while plugged in has drastically improved and now has a bit more versatility when it comes to live and studio usage. There was a little less work with the Agile solid body, where it needed to be updated with stacked pots in order to give a more Gibson-esque control layout of two volumes and two tone pots (one pair for each pickup) to replace the standard master volume, master tone. This allows the guitar to have more tonal variation, especially when both pickups are in use. In both cases the work was done promptly and with an expected series of charges. Al is probably one of the better luthiers when it comes to communications (including pictures) on what is going on with the respective job orders. Like the others on this board, I highly recommend your repair/setup work come his way.

I was looking for a luthier to help out with resizing the drill holes in my guitar so I could…read morereplace the bridge. Al not only quoted me a very reasonable price but made some very helpful recommendations that I wound up having him work on doing the complete upgrade and set up, all within my budget. His attention to detail and thoroughness made my guitar turn out way better than I could hope. Am very happy with the results and the fast turn around. Would use again.

I walked in said hi twice to both people in the front, one didn't look up the other just stared. I…read morewalked out because thats rude. I was trying to get my guitar strung but I can only imagine getting service from them will be a pain.

Been waiting for this place to open to return my sons trumpet. Says they open at 11am, but nobody…read moreis here. Try calling and there's no answer and no way to leave a message. Frustrating.

Smiling as I type this. The employees here are exceptional. Years ago my folks rented my musical…read moreinstruments, and I did the same for my son. Unfortunately our time with saxophones, trumpets, and violins didn't go so well. That's alright as not everyone is gifted musically. Yet the staff here is, as they are knowledgeable, along with being kind and polite. A nice group of folks. Located in Twinbrook Shopping Center, it has been here for a long time. It's not huge, but they also sell guitars and other instruments. I trust their knowledge and high quality service. If you want sheet music, they have plenty of books for you. This is a community loved store for good reason! I find them to be a great value, and they've helped a lot of budding or people whom are musicians.

Being a subsidiary to Guitar Center, they've got most instruments that one would typically be…read morelooking for. Though not the biggest store, it's a nice spot for a quick resupply of anything you'd need for your instrument. Downside, you can't sell your instruments to them, in which case you'd have to take your instrument to Guitar Center. Point: Yeah this place a lil cool spot

Thanks! Brought my dusty old Spanish student guitar in for new strings, and to be generally…read morechecked out. Recommendations were right on point. Easy communication. Lucky to have a speciality shop right here in Fairfax!

Great selection of classical and flamenco guitars, some electric guitars too,the owner is…read moreknowledgeable and fair with his prices, highly recommended this place!

I was in search of exactly this type of experience for my child's introduction to cello. The…read moreteachers are passionate, and their enthusiasm shows in everything from the planning that went into the week-long program to the joy in their voices as they shared a summary of the activities at the culminating performance. They are highly skilled artists who also have a knack for connecting with young students; in one word, they are "contagious"-- in a good way! :) My child was hooked...

From the owner: StringTime is a fun beginner violin and cello camp in Northern Virginia taught by some of the…read morecountry's best young-adult musicians. LEARN: At StringTime, we have built an all inclusive educational experience which will develop a truly well rounded musician. In addition to private instruction, students will participate in music theory and music history classes, compose their own pieces, collaborate with others in chamber music and large ensemble, and let out their energy in games and activities that enrich and enhance their musicianship. PERFORM: In order to learn a performing art, students must perform! StringTime students will end their session by performing a full recital on a real stage in front of a live audience. They will play alongside both their peers and their teachers. All are invited! EXPERIENCE: Our students will not only learn how to play an instrument: they will fall in love with music. We choose music that kids will enjoy and tailor our curriculum to fit their needs. Every day our world class faculty will perform for the students, instilling the belief that classical music is beautiful, unique, and relevant.

Custom Technologies is excellent, Martin is a musician who can diagnose PA & guitar amp's. He gives…read moreyou a fair assessment if the equipment is worth repair. I have used the services on three occasions. He also does the repair for a major Music store in MD.

From the owner: Audio Electronics Repairs and Services, Guitar and Bass Repair Shopread more

Eric just completed an evaluation and set-up of my Gibson ES-390 hollow body, as well as the…read moreinstallation of a new pick guard and mounting hardware. I had great hopes for this guitar when I purchased it, but due to a poor set-up, lifeless strings, and impossibly high action, it was a lackluster instrument at best. In just a single day, Eric transformed this guitar. It is now nothing short of glorious to play! It has been totally transformed and imbued with some real MOJO courtesy of Eric's magical touch! I am very grateful!

Got back into playing after a thirty year hiatus. Eric took in an old Squire Strat and made it play…read morelike new!! Excellent work, very reasonable prices, and quick turn around. Would definitely recommend!!

Amazing luthier and musical tech! I was severely let down by others but this place is by far the…read morebest place to get your instrument set up. He is extremely knowledgeable and skilled. I will never trust anyone else again. He has a nice little shop where you can order gear, customize equipment and get great advice from someone with great hands, eyes and ears! Truly an exceptional find in the area. Worth driving to and avoiding the chain stores for a personal touch! Surprisingly competitive priced with the chain stores too! This place is awesome!

Great work on set-ups and string changes. Cool shop. Friendly staff and a collection of interesting…read moreguitars and basses. I highly recommend!

Great shop, efficient and knowledgeable. It is definitely busy the week after school starts,…read morebecause that's when everyone goes to get their violins. Good prices for rentals.

I paid close to $1,000 for a minor repair that did not hold over time. When the same issue…read morereappeared, I brought it back to him and the owner flat out denied it was the work he has done. I was in disbelief but said nothing and quietly left the shop. I later forwarded documentation (of evidence, where he himself mentioned the location) by email; although communication had previously been prompt, I received no response thereafter. Another reputable luthier quoted approximately $250 for the same repair with a guarantee. In my experience, the pricing of some instruments and bows also felt disproportionately high relative to their quality. Charging premium prices is a business decision, and customers can decide whether the cost is worthwhile. What I found far more troubling was the apparent denial of prior work despite documentation I provided. In my experience, that lack of accountability and communication was deeply unprofessional and ethically concerning. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this shop to musicians who value fair pricing, quality workmanship, professional accountability, and respectful treatment of customers.