I recently moved from Los Angeles to Orange County and had no clue where to go to get my new Gibson Hummingbird set up. After some searching, I found Doc on Yelp, and let me tell you--it was the best decision I could've made for my guitar. At first, I just wanted a strap button installed. From the moment I walked into the shop, I knew I was in the right place. Doc's wife greeted me warmly, and the shop itself was incredible--guitars everywhere, an atmosphere buzzing with creativity. Walking in felt like stepping into a musician's dream. Then I met Doc. What an absolute legend! He didn't even charge me for adding the strap button. Instead, he spent about 30 minutes walking me through my guitar's specs, the materials it's made of, and a ton of other details I never knew. His passion and knowledge about guitars left me completely confident that he was the guy to do my full setup. The turnaround? Insanely fast--just one week. For comparison, I once took an older guitar to McCabe's in Santa Monica, and it took nearly three months. Never again. Doc doesn't just work on your guitar; he treats it like it's his own, ensuring it plays at its absolute best. I'm literally writing this right after picking up my Hummingbird, and I couldn't be happier. I'm officially a Doc client for life! If you need someone who truly knows guitars and cares about quality, look no further. read more

The Guitar Doctor - POV: Lobby + My Guitar Case. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I met him almost 25 years ago when he was doing free setups for new guitars for Guitar center. I'm pretty good with technical things and do most of my own guitar maintenance like intonation , simple tremelo adjustment, replace pickups etc. Recently, I had a front strap button screw snap off on a beautiful guitar I really like. I figured I was going to fix it myself, but I stopped by Doc's office for a second opinion on how to go about it. OMG, it was like sitting down with an old friend. His logical, no nonsense approach to his craft as a luthier, and the way he thinks out of the box to improve the custom work that I had done on my guitar, was super impressive. There are a couple of setup things that I'm not crazy about trying. Fret work, changing tremolo springs to different strengths, and the like. Doc The Guitar Doctor is the real deal and will the one that gets my business! read more

Took my brand new guitar to Doc for a set-up (I always take my new guitars in for a set up to dial them in) and he suggested leveling the frets. It seemed odd since it was a brand new guitar but I trusted that if he said they needed leveling then they needed leveling. I was shocked when I picked up my guitar to find that my medium jumbo frets had been ground down to nubs (see the pic). He totally butchered my the guitar and now it's absolutely awful to play. When I brought up the terrible fret job to Doc his suggestion was to let him scallop the fretboard so the frets would seem higher (!!!). Needless to say I won't be doing that nor will I ever again entrust him with any of my instruments. Oh yeah, he also put a chip in the back of the guitar by the control plate. Anyway, for now I'm gonna have to start saving up to have a total refret done by a luthier who I can trust. read more

The Guitar Doctor - Brand new medium jumbo frets after getting a fret leveling that ground them down to nubs. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I have a 95 Strat that was in great need of fret leveling, crowing and polish. Doc did an amazing job on this and also did a complete setup. I am totally delighted by the outcome. I definitely would recommend this place. Doc and Amy were very nice and were very detailed in their communications. read more

I've been going to Doc for all my guitar and bass service needs for nearly 20 years. There's no one else in the Western hemisphere I would trust with my instruments more than Doc and Amy Pittillo. Doc is the real deal, a Southern California legend, who's actually worked with the best guitar builders in the business. The type of expert that was actually there he has the experience you can't just learn because he lives it. I've brought high end Fender guitars and low end garage sale finds and he always gets them to play better than they ever could before. If you are lucky enough to own a Pittillo custom like me well then you have an instrument for life. His guitar building is on the next level cut above everyone else who's left. Can't express my gratitude and admiration enough for the Guitar Doctor! read more

I texted them and they responded within an hour. I went to get a guitar strap button installed and the service was EXTREMELY QUICK and FRIENDLY. I was in and out within ten minutes. On top of that, Guitar Doc EXPLAINED everything to me, about which location for install works best and the reasons for that, etc. ALSO he pointed out some problem points on my guitar that should be serviced for a better sound which was nice because it was very informational. 11/10 AMAZING experience. WOULD RECOMMEND AND COME BACK AGAIN read more

I was referred to The Guitar Doctor through musician friends and met Doc and Amy Pittillo, I needed significant repairs to two of my grandfather's guitars. I was extremely impressed with the time that Doc & Amy took to explain to me, not only the history of my grandfather's guitars, but the best approach to get them back up in playing condition. Finally, some real honest folks that actually care, I've talked to other repair shops and it was just always about money and not really great feedback. Doc and Amy's professionalism, care and love they have for this industry was unmatched by any one else I spoke to. The guitars sound and look incredible and I just want to thank you guys and my family wants to thank you for caring as much as my grandfather cared for his guitars. Anyone reading this please use this shop You won't find better craftsmanship and friendship from any other shop. I guarantee it. read more

Doc is the only guy i'd trust to fix my guitars. He takes wonderful care of them, is very knowledgeable and so personable too

Sometimes when you finally lay your hands on a new guitar, there's a honeymoon period where you can't honestly appraise it. I had Doctor Guitar assemble a guitar for me about six months ago. After taking the time to really inspect their work, I feel comfortable saying they did a really wonderful job. Here's a summary of the work I asked them to perform: I gave them a heavily used neck, a set of three aftermarket pickups, a custom pickguard, and a professionally painted body. I asked them to repair a flaw I caused when trying to assemble the body, to build the whole guitar out, and set it up. What they gave me back is an expertly built instrument. They repaired the flaw in the finish so perfectly that I genuinely can't find it anymore. They wired the pickups with quality potentiometers and a very sturdy switch. But the star of the show is the setup! The action was very low, the neck relief was perfect, and they crowned and leveled the frets with a luxurious rolled edge on the bass and treble sides. Suddenly, my parts guitar outplays my $3000 J Customs. There might be places that turn repair jobs around faster, but I doubt many do better work. read more

The Guitar Doctor - It's hard to capture fretwork, but trust me, they did a great job! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Simply the Best! I've been playing for 50+ years and have never found anyone like Doc with regards to setting up a guitar. I just bought a brand new PRS CE 24 semi hollow body and it was basically unplayable out of the box (for me). Actually, one of the worst new instruments as far as playability goes I've ever had. Granted, all, if not most new guitars do need some work such as a string change, actions setup and bridge adjustment. The Guitar Doctor took this beautiful new guitar and made it play like BUTTER. And I mean Warm Butter! The bridge floats and stays in tune will, even with my specific 8 gage strings. I will definitely take all my instruments to Doc and would highly recommend his service to anyone. Again, great job! read more

Excellent service, high quality work. I dropped off my 1997 Martin for crack repair at the hole and setup, fix bowing at neck joint with body, fret reset & polish. I provided Martin custom light strings. He gave me a deal of $200 for all the above and when I got it back it was fantastic!! Action so easy, sounds good as ever, very happy! Great service and friendly cool couple. read more

After being turned away from every guitar shops in town I went to the Doctor. I had a rare vintage Recording King with a nasty ass bridge repair. The integrity of that whole are was compromised. In fact at first they tried to turn me away too. That this guitar was a loss. After some careful negotiations they went to work. Three days later they called and said "come pick it up" not knowing what to expect I went down. When I arrived they handed me the guitar. It was perfect the whole area looked brand-new. Solid as a rock. It was jaw dropping. Then came the bill. I was expecting my jaw to drop again. It was so inexpensive I felt like I was stealing. I mean it was less then $100 I payed to bill and thanked them and went home. Over the months the guitar stayed in tune perfectly and the repair held. I cant say enough about this shop it wax impressive and i recommend of every time it comes up. Note: this is a real review not some bullshit created by the owners just so you know. read more

PERFECT FRET JOB!! Actually it was a Full Neck Restoration when Doc was finished with it. And not 1 penny extra for all the extra work that Doc put into my guitar!! The frets were worn down so bad they almost didn't stick out above the board anymore, and the rosewood fretboard was dried out and lifeless ! I just can't say enough about the amazing work that Doc did to bring this guitar back to life Thank you Doc & Amy !! read more

The Guitar Doctor - Doc saved this guitar ! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Called several times inquiring for pricing on a possible regret and set up. No answer many times on different days. Texted the number as stated in the voicemail. No answer no reply. The good news is 13th street guitars had a plek machine just a few blocks from my work. Can't wait to spend my money with companies who care. Edit: I appreciate the open honesty regarding to ghosting me. Great customer service! read more

The Guitar Doctor - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Earlier this year I took 3 National Resonators to Doc for some refurbishment. He and the crew got them playing better than I ever though they could. We discussed setting the action of each a little differently, so that there would be one low, one medium, and one higher. And that's exactly what came back to me! Thanks guys for all the great work you do! read more

I am a professional, full time working musician. My main instrument being "acoustic guitar" was having wear problems with the stock pickup that came with it. Doc Pittillo "Guitar Doctor" promised to install a brand new system. He kept my guitar for a year and a half, promising me every month, "it will be done next week". Finally, after months of putting pressure on him to return my guitar, it was serviced and I paid him $500 for the "new system and installment". I took it to a gig to find the system was defective and did not work. I took it back to Doc twice, and both times he insisted the Tuner in the system has a button that must remain off. I insisted on making sure that button was off, for weeks, but the battery continued to drain and the guitar continued to be useless. I took the guitar back to Doc Pittillo, now for the 4th time, he finally admitted the system was defective, and promised to install a new system. He again kept my guitar for another 6 months. Once again, only returning it to me, after months of me pressuring him. He either returned my guitar without having installed a new system, or he installed a new defective system, once again. I texted, called, emailed... no answer from Guitar Doctor. I then had Doc's pickup removed from my guitar, and took the pickup to Doc Pittillo. I asked Doc to please accept back his defective system, and to refund my $500... Doc Pittillo then laughed in my face, stating "that was 4 years ago" My guitar is still useless now almost 4 years later. He stated the only thing he would be willing to do for me, is to install a new system in my guitar. I refused to leave my guitar for Doc to service for the third time. In my experience, I found Doc and his services to be unreliable, to say the least. I can not express how disappointed I am. My guitar still needs a pickup, and I am at a $500 loss. I would never again use Doc to service any of my guitars, nor would I recommend him to fellow musicians. read more

The Guitar Doctor - My Cort guitar bought Im 2001, system failed in 2019, taken to Doc, and now in 2023 it is still useless. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Doc, the Guitar Doctor has always been enlightening to me with his knowledge of his craft and explanations as well the efforts he puts in and the results. There is no question of his passion for what he does, and he and Amy treat people with only love and courtesy. Over half the people I see coming in there are giving hugs and sharing their love of music. This is organic, ground roots, musical instrument care from an icon in the music business! read more

Wow! Doc does amazing work. I had a set up and new tuners put on and I can tell you Doc took care of everything. You can tell he has a passion for guitars and it shows in his work. Highly recommended! read more

In a moment of sheer carelessness and stupidity that still makes me feel sick to my stomach, I knocked my prized Les Paul over and broke the headstock. It was a pretty bad break, it snapped almost all the way through, with jagged edges. I took it in to the Doctor. He told me it would be a wait, so I was warned..and it was! But Doc is a busy guy, and now I see why. I just got it back. Not only can I not even tell it was ever broken based on appearance, it looks and sounds better than it ever has. It's actually never sounded and felt this good to play (I've had it for about 20 years). I don't know what he did, but I would say he is more of a wizard than a doctor. Thanks Doc!!! You're a lifesaver! read more

The Guitar Doctor - Headstock repair...it was a BAD break. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

In case you were wondering... Santa's workshop does exist. I saw it with my own eyes today. I dropped my Ovation and took a chunk out of the headstock. Broken heart. It still played but I'm picky. They got her all fixed and set up better than it ever played! The action is perfect. Doc was like a medical doctor. I brought in my baby, he examined her and gave a full diagnosis. Upon pickup, I was escorted into the "Little Room" where he explained everything! Not handed to me and sent on my way. Here's the secret guitar friends: If you want it done RIGHT and you're not in a hurry... go here. read more

The Guitar Doctor - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I brought a guitar to Doc to replace the strings and get a tuneup as a surprise for my man's birthday. Doc went above and beyond to make sure it sounded great and was the best it could be and he even had it ready sooner than I had expected. I'll be back again and highly recommend The Guitar Doctor! read more

I Bring all my guitars here! Had my PRS and Ibanez both recalibrated and it's amazing how you can feel the difference afterwards. Never had this done before but after feeling the difference I am definitely going to keep coming back whenever I need them serviced again. read more

The Guitar Doctor - 01 RG570 and Gold PIA - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The Doc does great work and has fair pricing. He has worked on a couple guitars of mine in the last year or so. I brought him a Gibson SG with a broken headstock, it came back like nothing had happened. Not only was the repair clean, he did one of the best setups I've seen, much better than what Gibson did originally. I also brought him a Lakland bass that was having some fret buzzing issues and a small crack in the neck. He worked on it for a bit and came back to me with bad news that it would probably be cheaper to get a new neck than have him try and repair it. Even though he spent time trying to fix it he didn't charge me. He currently working on another bass of mine, he is getting all of my business because he is the type of person you want to do business with. read more

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Never open never answer the phone. I have to learn how fix guitars,never have to need them Again read more

I brought a second guitar, a nice Seagull acoustic to Doc. Unfortunately, it had a quarter size hole in the side. Doc explained how the repair would be done, the set up and quoted two weeks. One week later it was done. Doc took the time to explain how everything was done and even repaired the pickup, no charge. Again he spent some extra time to tell me how Seagull crafts their guitars and had me play it to make sure all was good. The guitar now plays to it's full potential. Clearly he is a master craftsman who makes you feel good about your instrument. read more

Mike Haney is a true craftsman. He took my Strat from good to great with a combination of a pickup reinstall, a new modded 5-way switch and a comprehensive set up that significantly improved playability, tone and tuning. He's the man! read more

This was my first time ever getting my guitar tuned up. I always figured there wasn't much to do to a guitar once it's been assembled. Maybe change the strings, get rid of string buzz, etc. I was very wrong. The guitar that Doc Pittillo returned me feels, sounds and looks like a completely different guitar than what I gave him. Where my fingers would get stuck, even with multiple passes of string fuel, they glide with no aid. The fingerboard feels buttery smooth and the frets in between shine like gold. The notes and chords hang inside my guitar for what seems like forever. When I gave him my guitar, I mentioned to him that I had dropped it and caused some damage on the back of the neck - he gave it back and I have no idea where that damage went. All of this in a week's time. In short, he knows what he's doing, and he's very good at it. I will be taking my other guitars to him ASAP. read more

I have a Martin SPDC-16R that had become my outdoor guitar because it was getting beaten up. After moving from California to Florida, it had become my traveling guitar and I needed it spruced up. Problems included dead B-string, grooved nut at the G-string, action getting sloppy, and the laminate border was pulling away from the widest part of the body where my forearm draped pinching me while I played. One California trip I took it to the Doc. He fixed each issue where this guitar has become my main instrument. Thanks Guitar Doctor! Great job!!! read more

Doc is the best! Whatever he charged me wasn't enough. He went above and beyond bringing my favorite guitar back to life! There is no better guitar guy than the doctor himself! Thanks Doc! read more

Doc is awesome! Snapped the headstock on my Gibson and he repaired it with a full set up. Plays better than before! Doc and his family are the best in the business! Definitely check him out! read more

The Guitar Doctor - Repair - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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I was afraid to let anyone touch my vintage SG and i did some research and found that this place was the best place. It's true, the action on my SG feels SO GOOD thank you so much!!! BEAR couldn't be any more nice and helpful! I HIGHLY recommend you come here and get the job done right read more

Doc is the best.. he moved!!! Still the same great service. He knows his stuff and people. I'm a working musician and he keeps my instruments playing perfect. read more

5 stars. The Doc is so incredibly nice and professional. He takes the time for each customer and shows you exactly what he will be doing and why. It may take a little bit to get your guitar back, only because of how many people bring their guitar here. Be patient and don't bug the man after it has only been 2-3 weeks since dropping your guitar off. They will call you back just be patient , it is worth the wait! I will always come back. Thank you Doc and the family! read more

Took my Les Paul Custom in to have the neck painted and setup. Doc did an incredible job with the finish work and the color match is perfect. The setup is spot on and the guitar plays beautifully after he leveled the frets. It's my first time at the guitar doctor and I'm really impressed. I will be back! read more

This was my first time at guitar shop as I wanted to get my sister's old guitar fixed up as a birthday present. The staff and Doc was very welcoming and definitely appreciated Doc doing his best explaining the repairs to a person who lacks significant knowledge about guitars. read more

cutest and most efficient family run guitar business there is. I've been coming here for over 15+ years for a reason and everytime I need some guitar help but I'm too lazy to make the drive I always regret it once I see the quality of other shops work. Doc has always genuinely looked out for me and I imagine he does the same for everyone. I was mostly going to the old shop but they recently opened up at a new location and somehow it looks even better. literally the guitar doctor will be able to handle any issue or question you have, one stop guitar shop read more

This is hands down the most professional, knowledgeable, and helpful shop I've ever been to! The quality and care they have for customers is insane! I came for in a quote and left with more knowledge than I could live asked for. Do yourself a favor and check these guys out for any repairs or setups! They do lessons as well, I will be back for that when this virus nonsense ends! They are offering curbside 05/2020. read more

Had a hard time getting ahold of these people. THEN the girl that answered the phone was super rude. Hung up the phone before I could get answers. I called back and she seemed to not have time for my questions and handed the phone to her mom. Lol. I will find somewhere else to take my business!!! read more

Doc really knows what he's doing!! I took my ukulele in because it had a really high action and heat damage, he took the time to really dial just right for me. I couldn't believe how amazing it sounded when I went to the recording studio. Thank you Doc and Amy!! read more

Thank you so much, Doc! I had to wait 3 weeks, but it was totally worth it. Doc took my Squier Jazzmaster and set it up beautifully. It plays and sounds great. Ashley was great answering my calls and keeping me updated. read more