I took my 2012 R9 replica guitar to three different high rated guitar shops in Los Angeles. Every attempt to perform basic set up made it worse. 6 weeks and hundreds of dollars later I called my amp guy Nick Mayo and he recommended Kurt Mayo. Kurt looked at my knockoff and agreed it was in poor shape. He reset every fret, sorted out the neck by adjusting the truss, then trued and polished the frets. Next the bridge was bent, tuners were high backlash and nut was not cut correctly. Kurt walked me through every thing he was doing. New Abr bridge installed. New posts, new tuners, fret job and set up. I now have the holy grail of 1959 tone with my Brandonwound PAF's and Kurt Mayo to the rescue with his incredible luthier skill. The biggest plus is how patient Kurt was and the wealth of knowledge he imparted on me. Kind of like a master historian and senior engineer. Look him up and see his new studio. I would ship a guitar anywhere in the world to this guy, he is the masters master. Best luthier I have worked with in 36 years. read more

I've learned more from Kurt Mayo in just a few lessons than I have with many other guitars teachers in 30 years! Not only is Kurt an accomplished player, he knows how to quickly assess someone's current ability and suggest techniques to help them improve weak areas, correct bad habits and enhance digital agility. I'm especially pleased that his expertise includes the fingerpicking styles widely used in popular folk music. I can now grasp patterns and apply them to tons of songs! For the first time, I really feel like I'm playing guitar, not just "playing around." Since he's also an experienced repairman and refurbisher of stringed instruments, he knows the mechanics of the guitar structures and explains the best ways to tune and care for it to prevent damage. Bottom line, he is an excellent teacher -- something that many fine players can't claim. His breadth of knowledge in music theory, songwriting and practical application seems infinite, yet he's easygoing and just a pleasure to work with. read more

I went to Kurt Mayo to get my damaged Guild Madeira guitar assessed after a bad car accident and he told me it would cost more to repair than it was worth, which was sad for me because I had written so much music on it. But, it gave me another idea to have him assess my Yairi, a sweet little guitar they don't make anymore. I hadn't been able to play it comfortably for a long time due to a series of issues, notably a bowed neck. He described in depth what he would need to do in order to bring it back to life, he clearly was quite passionate and knowledgable and I could tell he loved his work. I felt I could trust him, that I was in great hands, so I gave him the go ahead. I just got my guitar back and I'm thrilled with the result!! He told me it would play and sound like a Martin and he was right, it's just beautiful!! I highly recommend him, he's the real deal, many thanks Kurt!! read more

Nick Mayo goes above and beyond. I took a Korg keyboard to him for a short in the main power input. He patiently explained the design flaws in the keyboard that led to my problem. Then he fixed the problem and while he was under the hood, he re-solder every other component on the master board that could give me a similar problem. The he fixed a broken latch on the case without being asked, vacuumed out the case, and added some velcro straps to hold my power cord in the case. He then proceeded to charge me HALF of what the other shops were asking. Not only that, he did it in ONE DAY, not the 6-8 weeks Sam Ash was quoting or the 2-3 weeks some shop in West LA quoted. I will never go anywhere else. Ever. Again. read more

I took lessons from Kurt around 1977-78 at the original Marshall Music location in Torrance near Crenshaw Blvd and Torrance Blvd. I was new to guitar and Kurt was the perfect fit. To this day I still remember learning 12 bar in C and a couple of the fingering exercises and intro to blues soloing. I've kept a sheet of music in the front of my music book that Kurt charted for me. Doobie Bros. - Listen to the Music. Very fitting. My Mom didn't let me take lessons very long but Kurt managed to give me the inspiration to keep going. To this day I play at least an hour each day if not more. Several fun bands and always ready for a jam session. I can't imagine my life without guitar. THANK YOU KURT. read more

I recently picked up a used Godin Montreal Premiere and found that it was playing poorly. The first and second frets were very rattly. I took the guitar in to be seen by Kurt and he found that there were frets loose from their lodging and the truss rod needed to be adjusted. I also had him install new pickups, a cumbersome process for this particular guitar. Within a week Kurt had me pick up my guitar and explained in detail all the adjustments he made to the guitar. The guitar plays beautifully now and I'm very happy that I brought it to Kurt. Can't recommend his services enough! read more

I am 58 years old. Until I started lessons 3 years ago with Kurt, the only thing I could play was a radio. Kurt is very meticulous in laying down the foundations for proper note, chord, and strum patterns. A beginning student will learn good habits. An advanced student will improve any skill that they would like to work on. Kurt also is a master at arranging songs, picking out riffs and/or lead parts and explaining any music theory. I can now play many songs and capture the signature sounds...on a tenor Ukulele! I highly recommend Kurt Mayo for any stringed instrument! read more

I had a very good experience dealing with Mayo Music. I took my Ibanez Artist for a major servicing, as it hadn't been seen by a luthier in over 20 years. In less than one week, my guitar was returned to me, in better shape than he initially expected. Not only is Kurt knowledgeable about the art of luthiery and about guitars in gemeral, but he is a complete genteman whose interest seems to come from a genuine love for servicing the instrument and for the instrument itself. I will definitely bring my guitars to him to work on in the future. read more

I started playing ukulele/Guitar when I turned 55. Kurt has a lesson progression that builds upon itself. Each lesson will establish chord formation and strum patterns. When you have finished the basic lessons you will be able to apply these techniques to any song that you would like to play. Even with new songs you are trying to play ,Kurt will be able to help you with strum patterns, riffs, and arrangements that you will be proud to perform. I know some teachers "teach" you a song, but these are lessons you can use forever. read more

I am really happy with Mayos Music. Kurt is a great guy and he fixed my 14 year old Composite Acoustic guitar pre amp that I thought was unrepairable. I have had several other people look at it with no luck. I assumed it needed to be replaced entirely. He gave me several options and in the end he fixed the existing preamp. He is extremely knowledgable and I am convinced he can repair anything. I might bring him a toaster I have been having issues with. read more

I went to Kurt after completing my first bass build. I had done everything that I knew how to do and needed someone much more experienced than myself to finish a few things including shaving down the nut, adjusting the truss rod, shimming the neck, etc. He did a fantastic job and allowed me to learn along the way. I would recommend him to anyone for guitar and bass work. read more

Nick is best amp tech I have ever run into. SUper knowledgeable, practical. Has worked on all my 70's vintage fender amps (champ, bandmaster, 2 bassmans (bassmen??)) and the quality of his work is superb. He is also a great guy. As others have noted, Nick is super thorough, incredible attention to detail. Would not let anyone else touch an amp I care about. read more

Kurt did a great job on the set up and adjustment of my PRS SE Angelus acoustic-electric guitar. He is knowledgeable, personable, explains what he does in detail and has a wealth of experience. He lowered the action and made several key adjustments to the PRS making it a much better instrument. Thanks again and I highly recommend Kurt's service! read more

Took my Jackson pro king v to Kurt Mayo wanted it set up. After looking it over he said it was quite up to spec and saved me the set up charge. I brought in my schecter E-1 for some pick ups to install and he did a fantastic job. Kurt is very knowledgeable and went over my instruments in great detail. He is definitely an expert in the field. read more

Kurt is knowledgeable and patient. I was an awful guitarist with a slew of bad habits and he systematically broke me of them and put me on track to making descent music. I am also guilty of mistreating my guitars. He has made them sound better than ever as well as taught me to care for and adjust them. read more

Quite good. Fixed my bass guitar when I got there. He is actually very detailed and would tell you all you need to know and what needs to be done. Might be a bit pricey (you really get what you pay for) but I was very satisfied with his service and ability to offer you help when needed. read more

My daughter has been taking lessons from Kurt Mayo for a little over a year. In the first year she learned how to read music and is singing while playing her songs. Kurt makes her feel at ease when at the lesson, and she has fun!! read more

We had Kurt work on our son's guitars to fix several things. His work speaks to how conscientious he is. He was quick, great to work with and did a fabulous job. We'd recommend him for anyone looking for guitar work to be done! read more

If you're looking for a place to take your guitar or amp, look no further! Both Kurt and Nick do great work. My new "go to" guys!