Stephen is an expert craftsman. I had a very old, cheap guitar that I loved which had a ton of problems with action and intonation. Stephen sat with it a long time and really got to understand its problems and what it needed and worked his miracle. The guitar is now incredibly easy to play and sounds amazing! He took a problematic cheap old guitar and turned it into a great instrument! Thank you!!! read more

Stephen is kind and knowledgeable. He looked at a guitar I bought and advised me to return it, then helped me set up the new one. He works fast and he knows his stuff. Great experience throughout! read more

Steve did a great job on my guitar. He does quality work and he didn't try to sell me on any unnecessary stuff. Honest and meticulous.. highly recommended. read more

I recently purchased a Takamine P3 NY acoustic/electric guitar. I read the stellar reviews on Yelp about Stephen Lynch. I needed a basic set up, action adjustment with a string change. Loved Stephen's vibe and professionalism with the first meet. We had a conversation about what needed to happen with this guitar for my playing style and he made spot on suggestions. I also have a Martin D10 Jr so I didn't need the Tak right away. Took about 3 weeks and the cost was very reasonable. When I went to Stephen's shop to pick it up, it was like this guitar was blessed, it plays like a dream! For any future guitar work or repair, I'm lucky to have found a master. read more

Steven is simply amazing. He knows his business he knows guitars in and out. He'll tell what needs to be done when it will be done, and when you come to pick it up, you will be truly delighted. Not only is he technically knowledgeable and skilled with instruments, he's really a fun guy to just interact with around your musical goals and instruments. Best guy to take your guitar to around the Bay area Highly recommended read more

I had purchased a late 90's Japanese Epiphone Casino on Reverb from a gentleman in South Korea which arrived as a beautifully playable instrument for my hands but the pickups were problematic with my amps and the guitar was making a nasty noise in the body. A luthier from out of state recommended I change the pickups and all the electronics. So it was on to my meeting with Stephen at his shop in the dark of night. It felt like meeting with Albus Dumbledore in private. We talked about what to replace from bridges to tuners and switch tips and dials since this entailed going from metric to Imperial measurements. We also had to do a lot of coordination on who was buying what and shipping arrangements. In the end, everything worked out and I get to work with another dream player's guitar. Patience, a modern day commodity often in short supply recently, was rewarded. Yes, he did great work and it was very affordable of course. But it was also a unique and memorable experience not often seen in the ordinary muggle world. :) read more

Working with Stephen was great. He was communicative, following up quickly after I left a voicemail. He set the proper expectations and explained his process every step of the way. My 15 year old Gibson SG feels like a different guitar. I highly recommend his services! read more

Stephen is quite meticulous and attentive. He definitely cares about his work and it shows! Been working with him off and on for many years and recommend him to anyone who asks. read more

I dropped off a 4-string bass with Steve that needed some love, and got it back in great shape. I'll definitely be back!

I just have to write another good review for Steve--my guitar had a scratchy sounding knob, and he fixed it at no charge! Truly the best!

I don't write many reviews, but Stephen deserves a review. BACKGROUND First, I have a SQUIER 70's Classic Vibe Jag' that I wanted quite a bit of work done on it... shimming the neck for better break angle... etc. etc. Many Guitar Luthier's do NOT want to touch a Squier. I also admit that it may not be a sound investment to put money into a Squier. But I bought the guitar to play and I want it to play very well. I'm not selling it; I'm playing it. THE SHOP Stephen's shop is awesome: He has a huge selection of the specialized tools to do the job well. He clearly has been doing his craft for a long time. THE SERVICE Stephen kept me in the loop on status and provided me with updates. The end product was excellent. This Squier plays like an American now. I could not have asked for anything more. The cost was reasonable. I would definitely recommend Stephen to anyone. If Stephen can do magic on a Squier, he can certainly do the same on any other higher end guitar. read more

Steven is definitely a master of his craft. I brought in my guitar which is almost 60 years old, hoping he could make it playable. for a very reasonable price, he installed new tuners, made a new bridge and fixed cracks in the body. it sounds lovely. the repairs were worth every penny and more read more

Two words: True craftsmanship. I brought a 15-year-old Alvarez acoustic to Stephen. It had a tinny high-E string that was driving me crazy. He replaced the nut and saddle, lowered the action and repaired the tuner knobs, among other things. The cost was very reasonable. And I couldn't be happier with the result! When I play now the sound makes my knees buckle. Not only is the prior tinny buzz completely gone, but the whole tone is so nice and rich that I fell in love with this old "cheap" guitar. I look forward to practicing just to be reminded just how damn good it sounds now. This dude is a miracle worker of sorts, just give him time since he's the best in the area and that keeps him busy. Totally worth it. read more

Stephen is a Jedi master of a guitar technician. He took time to properly diagnose the problem with my son's electric guitar, fixed that problem, and then went one step further to make an additional adjustment that was gratefully needed (that we NEVER would have thought of) and now we are really ready to rock! Cannot recommend him enough. read more

I recently decided that my 2000 American Fender Stratocaster was due for a checkup. Stephen was recommended by members of a local musicians' FB group, so I dropped him a line. I dropped off the guitar before going on vacation, and he diagnosed that it would need a new nut (he gave me the choice of graphite or bone) in addition to the standard bridge / neck adjustments. We agreed that the guitar would be ready when I got back from vacation three weeks later, and sure enough, when I returned the guitar was ready in fantastic shape. He kept in touch over the course of my vacation to let me know how things were going. I'll definitely go to Stephen for future guitar work and would recommend him for your guitar tech needs. His pricing is very transparent, he's responsive, and his results are quality. If your guitar needs work, he's your guy. read more

I ordered a custom neck from a famous custom guitar parts manufacturer, and it arrived needing fretwork. Very disappointing. Took to the internet to find a luthier to help fix the problem, and found Stephen. His ratings were fantastic, and a couple of phone calls later I was in his shop with the problem guitar in hand. Stephen took the time to explain his process, his approach to correcting problems like the one I had, and "conveyed information," as he put it. A few weeks later I had my guitar back in stellar condition, and for a very reasonable price. Stephen fixed the fret issue, set it up and cleaned it top to bottom. He explained what he had done, the setup he'd dialed in, and gave me a few more tips on keeping the guitar in its first-rate condition. I have a vintage guitar that will need re-fretting soon (or maybe just a crown and polish - as you've probably figured out, I'm not good at diagnosing fret issues). I wouldn't hesitate to take this or any other guitar to Stephen for some TLC. He's a total pro, clearly has years of experience and knowledge, and does outstanding work. If your guitar needs attention, he's the guy to see! read more

This is long overdue. I've gotten to a point in my journey where things like radius, height action, string gauge etc started to matter in my playing style. Before a few months ago none of this mattered in my 18 years or so of playing. So once I decided to take some action and invest into building my number one, I found Stephen and I'm so stoked that I did. Stephen is the truth for all things guitar repair. My strat now plays better than any guitar I've ever felt in my hands. All my guitars will go to him moving forward. As great as he is at what he does as a repairman, he's a beautiful human being, great spirit. To all players who are serious about their fiddles, go to Stephen, he's a can't miss! read more

Steve Lynch is an absolute wizard with guitar repair. I've had him work on two of my telecasters and they play great thanks to his skill and attention to detail. I first came to him after I'd gone to someone else first. Big Mistake. Go right to Lynch repairs first. Steve is a straight shooter, very reasonably priced, truly enjoys what he does and wants all his customers to walk away feeling like their axe plays better than ever. What work did he do for me? Tele #1 needed a basic set up, and a pick up installation. Steve and I talked about what pick ups I should go with based on the tone I'm looking for and Steve was spot on with his recommendation. The guitar came back to me looking and playing better than ever. Tele #2 is a cheaper tele that needed a complete fret level and a new carved bone nut. Steve told it to me straight about the needed work, told me that I'd need to be patient as he was very busy the up coming weeks, and after first experience with him, I didn't flinch, just trusted him whole heartedly and waited for his call to tell me the work was finished. My guitar came back to me two weeks later playing great and at a reasonable price. Lynch repairs is your only stop for guitar repairs big and small. read more

Happy to enthusiastically recommend Stephen for guitar repair. Over the past few months he has revived two of my guitars, one a 40+ year old Tele that plays better than ever. Best to engage him when you have some time to let him properly turn things around. He's busy for good reason. read more

Replacing both pickups on my guitar created a new tonal palette. What an improvement. The intonation was precise, and the setup perfect. I highly recommend Steve for his craft and integrity. Richard Indie Guitarist, Hayward CA read more

I decided to get new pickups installed on my Strat and after I had another shop do them, I wasn't happy with the result. I took the Strat to Steve and he was able to spot the deficiencies in the previous work. Anyhoo long story short, I got the Strat back from Steve and I was amazed at his craftsmanship and his prices are very reasonable. When choosing a guitar repair shop I look for a couple of things; 1) shop organization 2) soldering skills (you would be surprised at how many guys can't properly solder) 3) a passion for music instead of a passion for a business. Steve excels at all those criteria and more. The bonus? Steve is a really nice guy and a great musician. I think anybody could feel at home in his shop. I entered a wary customer and left a life long customer and friend. read more

Brought both my bass and guitar in for some work. Bass action was way high and intonation needed to be fixed as well. I was worried I needed the nut filed down, but Steve assured me it wasn't needed. He was right :) after getting my guitars back I can see he took his time and really dialed both of them in! Very happy with the work and overall experience with Steve. Highly recommend read more

I have a Fender Strat that I used for 6 + years. I broke the headstock in half with the pieces went missing, and didn't want to get a new neck, or a new guitar.. I took it to Steve aka Lynch guitars, and he did wonders! not only did he put the broken pieces back together precisely, he also did 'set up' like no one ever has. And the prices are reasonable!! My Strat plays better than ever. I feel confident taking it to sessions, and rocking out at shows. Steve is patient, and works with passion. He about fixing your axe, and making it even better than before. He has the right tools to fix you're guitar issues. Highly recommend. THANKS Lynch guitars!! read more

Pretty good work for a reasonable price. Got my SG standard playing pretty sweet after 3 years of abuse. I would say it plays smoother than when I bought it new! read more

Stephen is the man. Having tuning issues? See Stephen. Intonation problem? See Stephen. Rewiring? Fret work? See Stephen. Nicest guy you'll ever meet, plus he knows his craft. Super honest guy. If you have a guitar that needs help, go see Stephen. You will not be disappointed! read more

Lynch Guitar Repair - My USA Hagstrom. Needed some fretwork, a new nut, a setup. Now plays like butter. - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - San Mateo, California

My friend lost my Warwick string knob bushing washer but nobody in Guitar center and several different guitar repair stores couldn't help me so for new string tune knobs I had to pay around 150$. Other friend recommended me Lynch Guitar repair. Stephan is a kind,great &pro guy.He is awesome. He patiently spend around 1 hour to solve my problem even He didn't charge me!!! for any guitar maintenance or service I will go with him. read more

I met Steve on a whim and he took me the day I showed up. He was quick and gave back my guitar with a better set up then I've had before. His rates are great and he's very personable. When receiving my guitar I was given in depth description of what he had done and things I could do to further improve my instrument. All in all, excellent guitar shop! Plus his own guitar and amp collection is quite a sight. read more

Visited Steve to see if he could help fix up my guitar. Unfortunately, the news about the guitar was bad, but Steve was a really friendly guy, made himself available right away. read more

5 stars for quality of work. 3 stars for timeliness. Dropped off a brand new guitar that needed a good setup. It came back playing great, but it took about a month to get the guitar back. The reason was that he had a series of gigs and some recording to do. If you are not in a hurry, no problem-he does great work. read more

Amazing work Stephen does. Friendly guy, knowledgeable guitar tech, fair and reasonable rates. I'd gladly recommend him to anyone that needs guitar work done. read more

Excellent and prompt service. The wiring on one of my aging guitars was crappy to begin with and the thing was falling apart. Steve rewired it, put in new pots and a switch and fixed the jack all for a fair price. Now I can gift the guitar to my brother knowing it will work great for many years to come. If you need your guitar fixed or modified, I highly recommend you check him out before trying a local music shop. read more

Not only is Steve a great guy and talented musician but he is a master at making a guitar play and sound it's very best. Ill be taking my guitars to Steve for years to come. Take it from me you will be happy!! read more

Steve has done amazing job setting up my new old 12 string Yamaha. I highly recommend him as a true professional and just a great person!

I called Stephen at Lynch guitar for some major repairs to a rare Tony Iommi SG made by John Birch Guitars in the UK. I had acquired the used guitar on Ebay and it had tuning problems when it showed up, due to a non-original bridge and severely worn frets - unplayable! Stephen got back to me promptly and we set up a time for him to examine a guitar. Stephen worked through the repairs one at a time, taking care that we did not proceed until the major problem could be sorted out (reverting to an original John Birch bridge to ensure tuning and intonation could be set properly). Stephen got in touch with John Birch guitars in England to research the guitar and have the proper hardware shipped to him to mount the original bridge. He then proceeded to put in a new nut, then to the refret including putting the zero fret in play. Along the way, Stephen kept me in the loop on each decision and sent me pictures as he restored the guitar. I'm ecstatic with how the guitar turned out - now my favorite instrument! Stephen truly did an impeccable job on everything and the instrument is set up and plays up great. Along with his amazing technical knowledge, and ability, Stephen is a great person to interact with! He is friendly, knowledgeable, passionate about guitars, and has a great sense of humor. I'm impressed that he took the initiative to call the original guitar maker in the UK to investigate my guitar and get the original parts. I'll surely call Stephen for any guitar set-up or repairs in the future. Thanks Stephen! read more

Steve does great work, and is friendly and nice to deal with. He did a great job on my Mike Lull P bass. I got it used, and it had weird string spacing (side-to-side) and uneven sound output. He replaced the nut, fixed the output, and gave me the super-low action I asked for. And then he re-adjusted the action a few weeks later when I decided I hadn't really wanted it that low. He also noticed a tuner screw was missing, and called Mike Lull and had them send a new one. This was all covered in the initial setup price. read more

Finding a good guitar tech is hard these days, but luckily I found Steve. I tried to replace the pickups in my Jackson and mangled the soldering. It had the worst hum and sounded like crap no matter how I grounded it. I brought it to Steve and he rewired the pickups perfectly. Not only that, he performed a great set up and it plays better than when I bought it. He's a super nice guy and very knowledgable. I will be bringing more of my guitars in for some TLC. read more

Stephen is an amazing guitar tech and an even nicer guy. I brought him two of my guitars: a PRS Custom 24 and an American Vintage Strat. He did an amazing job setting up the PRS with heavier strings and adjusting the action exactly how I like it. With the PRS, he made an already finely tuned instrument play even better. For my Strat, he dressed the frets (which were pretty worn down), replaced the nut with a new bone nut, set the guitar up masterfully with heavier gauge strings, adjusted the pickup height, and set the action just the way I like it. I couldn't be happier with the job he did and will definitely be seeking his services again in the near future. I can't say enough good things about this guy!! For guitar players in the Bay Area, this man is an incredible resource. read more

Steve has a true and deep passion for guitars and for his work. Honest and trustworthy. Prompt response. And he is one of the good guys! Highly recommend. read more

Stephen set up two strats for me earlier this year. The action has never been better! I play with a particular setup with a good amount of tremolo height and have never had to tune less! Excellent work, fantastic service, five stars all around! read more

I recently pulled out my guitar that hasn't been played in over 7 years, and found that all of the frets looked dull and the wood on the fretboard was in bad shape. I looked around online for places to have the guitar "set up" and found Lynch guitars. Based on the positive reviews, I took my guitar over to Steve, and in less than a week, I had it back and looking better than ever. The guitar looks brand new and feels better than it did when I bought it! Thanks Steve! read more