These guys are amazing. They have always done an impeccable job on all of the guitars I've had them service. They have worked on fifteen guitars in the time that I've used them. It has always been amazing. I have never dealt with a more talented group of luthiers. I just picked up one of my Paul Reed Smiths today. It was set up as a righty, and I'm a lefty. Even though it was a pretty simple set up, the guitar plays flawlessly. But these guys have done pretty extensive work on my other guitars. During the winter vortex in Chicago, a huge crack appeared in my 1979 Gibson Custom Les Paul. I think it was due to low humidity. After they worked on the guitar, it appeared as if no crack had ever been there. I literally could not see anything that would indicate damage to the guitar-damage as severe as it was. The guitar looked new after they worked on it, and this is a forty year old guitar. Kingston is the most helpful person I've ever dealt with. I've regularly called him to just to check up. We've talked about everything from my special needs dog to the technical side of the work these guys do. Corey, who has worked on my Gibsons and Paul Reed Smiths for months, has never disappointed. He is absolutely the best guitar repair guy I have ever used. These guys are not only the most talented in the business, they are also the kindest and most engaging people I have ever met. Chris, the owner, is so cool. He always engages me in meaningful conversations about what's going on in our lives. They just hired a new guy in the past few weeks, and he's already perfect at his job. The training they must do for new employees must be completely flawless. I would have never guessed this guy was new, until he introduced himself as such. This is just a review amongst many, but I hope it matters. These guys are perfect. read more

Third Coast focuses on customer service and providing excellent guitar repair and maintenance - they deliver beyond expectation on all counts. My guitars are always done on time and I can tell they have been handled with care. This is the only place I have felt comfortable leaving my guitars. The few times I've had questions or special requests, they were handled promptly and accurately. For most places, I'm not the easiest customer to deal with - I'm a stickler for details and can get quite specific about what I want. Both the owner and techs seem to have the same attention to detail as me, which means I don't have to feel like a nuisance - when I ask for something specific, it is done exactly that way. read more

Where the Pros go to keep their Gear in Top Shape! Chris & Company are Super Cool

I found a vintage Martin mandolin at an estate sale. The instrument was in desperate need of some TLC and expert repair. After a couple of months the mandolin was ready. It looks and sounds great; ready to find a new home. The guys really know what they are doing. read more

Top notch work every time. I've been coming here since they were bob's guitar service. I've had many types of jobs done, from setups to extensive repairs and they have nailed it every time. It is the only guitar shop in town as far as I am concerned. read more

Chris is such a great guy, very courteous and generally nice guy. The set ups and repairs are always top notch. The service is fairly priced and I always walk out impressed. read more

Mike at the Northfield Satellite Shop has done several set-ups for me and I couldn't be happier. Will take the time to dial it in just they way you want rather than the usual 'this is how it should be'. Great tech and great guy. Thanks! read more

Great service! I was able to get my guitar jack replaced in about 15 minutes and it was an awesome price too. Will definitely come back for any other repairs or service needs! read more

I reviewed here before, saying what a great job they did on two of my guitars, but unfortunately it was filtered. I took in two amps here last week because of problems with the input jacks, and they fixed it up and had it back to me in two days, for a great price. I dealt with Nathan, who was very cool and accommodating, but it was Craig who actually fixed the amps. He did an excellent job, got them working and sounding great. He even fixed some tolex on there that I didn't even notice was peeling! Great work, highly recommended. Hoping this review doesn't get silenced. read more

I just stopped in for a small guitar repair and was pleased and impressed. These guys really take good care of their customers and seem to be great at their craft. I would highly recommend this shop and will definitely return should my guitar need another tune up. read more

Brought my guitar in for a set up and get a custom bone nut installed. The work was great and the nut really effects the tone in a great way. I am still relatively new to guitar and they didn't mind answering all my questions in a straightforward way. Highly recommend this place. read more

Great customer service. I had new pickups put in my mexi-tele. I love this guitar. But the noise from the stock pickups was intolerable. I purchased new Cobalt Custom Shops from guitar center and passed them off with my guitar to the Third Coast booth. I don't know the guy's name. But, he was totally friendly and to the point. He answered all my questions. The guitar was done and done right in 3 days. Couldn't really ask for more. I will give 5 stars if my next visit is as pleasant as my first. read more

Totally happy with the experience and knowledge of Third Coast. Everyone is a music tech geek and that's who you want working on your gear. They tell how and why it does what it does. They also give advice on what to buy for the music you are playing. And if by chance they don't know how to fix it - they have connections all over the city to accommodate your needs. I did have an experience where a repair needed to be repaired but they did the right thing and refunded my money. Show the good character of the guys running the shop. 10 outta 10. J Frye read more

Super helpful and knowledgeable staff! They do unbelievable finish work and are great with set ups and other maintenance.

There are many great places in Chicago to take your guitar for a routine setup. Third Coast consistently provides the highest-quality setups of any of those places. Last Saturday, when I showed up to get a setup on my Gibson ES-135, Third Coast staff took the guitar in back for a few minutes, lowered the action and let me know that a setup probably wasn't yet necessary. They sent me on my way with my guitar in great shape and they didn't charge me anything. I really appreciated that. There are places that are more expensive than Third Coast and there are places that are less expensive. Third Coast does the best work. Third Coast has performed multiple setups on that Gibson ES-135 and my 1962 Fender Jaguar. They've done work on my Martin HD-28. I'd trust them with any guitar. read more

What a terrific shop. I'm a recent convert to Third Coast after trying several guitar shops around chicago...not that the other were bad, just not as good. I had a complicated guitar that has a tv jones, a P-90, and a mini-humbucker in it. They set it up to really maximize each setting not to mention great neck and fret work. Really friendly knowledgeable staff as well. I'll be having all my work done here from now on. Thanks Guys! read more

Took in a parts project with an ebay neck for various bits of work and set up, they suggested a fret level. Got back a neck with almost no fret remaining at all. Frankly, looks like a lazy, grind-and-pray job to me. Action was then set up ridiculously low, with no frets the guitar was not playable. In addition, strings weren't stretched, nor locked at the bridge end. In the end, I'm out a hundred and seventy bucks, I still had to do my own setup and the neck is on the practice table for doing in my own fretwork. I'm just glad the first guitar I brought these guys was a cheap project and not one of my babies. read more

Sadly, I have to amend my previous review. The guys at Third Coast actually completely missed a major problem with my guitar, and that resulted in my having to send it to the manufacturer for proper repair. After I got it back properly repaired, the difference was night and day. I can't imagine how they overlooked this problem, which was the main problem I brought it in for. I don't believe I would return to them for even the most basic issue at this point. Zero confidence in Third Coast. Sorry - I wanted to like them. Nice guys who just couldn't do the basic job. read more

I've taken several guitars and bass guitars to Third coast over the past year and a half. My experience has been nothing but great. Chris (the owner) takes his time explaining what needs to be done with the initial examination of your instrument. He shoots you quote on the spot that never swings more than $5-$10, and he gives you a completion date that he has never missed other then one time when the boys got into my guitar realized it was manufactured slightly different than usual. That being said, they needed it for an additional day. Any weirdness that they have found once getting into the work was communicated to me in real time or explained to me when I picked it up with no additional charge. Their prices are standard and are very fair and quality has been excellent. Work that I have had done with them includes set ups (and they always nail the action just the way I like it), pick up installs and recently 50's style wiring. The knowledge, craftsmanship and overall great service will keep me coming back. Oh yeah, Chris and Nathan (service manager) are real dudes, we always seem to continue a conversation from the last time I was in. For the people reading this review: I'm a picky guy, I want what I want and when I want it and I don't care what it costs. That being said, I'm realistic when shit doesn't happen exactly the way I want it. I'm adding this because after reading some of the other reviews, I'm curious what some peoples expectations are. These guys (Third Coast Guitar Repair) ROCK!! read more

Went through an old 60's Magnatone for me. Crew did a fantastic job! Quick turnaround, fair pricing. Outstanding results ! Highly recommended. read more

I have used the expertise of Third Coast Guitar on dozens of occasions, after becoming a guitar collector and player. For the last 9 years, I have had guitars refinished, repaired, re-strung and everything in-between with the help of Chris Eudy and his expert technicians. In addition to the technical know-how of Third Coast staff, I believe they have the best customer service of any retail setting. They are always courteous, they are always truthful and their recommendations are almost always better than my own thoughts. I've recommended 3CG over the years to friends, co-workers and even on-line forum members. Given the fact, I own numerous guitars; I can honestly say that my relationship with Chris and his staff @ Third Coast will continue indefinitely. read more

I had a great experience with these guys. I needed a small component removed from a guitar because I didn't have the tool to do it myself properly. Chris quoted a fair fee for the quick job and told me to bring it in. I brought it in, he had it squared away in less than 5min, and said it was much simpler than expected so there would be no charge. I really appreciate the integrity and the rapid service. The next time I need actual repair work done, I'll be taking my gear here. read more

These guys have been around forever. I've frequented the shop many times over the years and the work is unsatisfactory. I took a guitar in for a setup and needed a new pickguard for my gibson les paul. First, they cracked the nut and glued it back together without telling me. Second, they order the wrong pickguard, epiphone, and anyone that knows about gibsons, the epiphone pickguards don't fit the gibsons, but they jammed it on anyways with the guard bowing like crazy. Up to you, but not my idea of a good time. read more

OK. I'm not sure why there are only 6 reviews for Third Coast, and I have NO IDEA why they would have so many horrible ones from dissatisfied customers. I brought in a Fender Strat copy purchased on eBay because of a pickguard issue that I've been having and I fully expected to pay a great deal of money for the repair/replacement part. Chris met me at the front desk and did a quick diagnostic check of the guitar and basically told me that the warpage on the pickguard is somewhat common and that it wouldn't be worth the trouble or the cost to replace it with a new one. He then went ahead and dismantled the guitar for me and went over the different components with me. He confirmed that the guitar was worth what I spent on it and that reassurance alone would have been worth a lot of money. His advice and consultation were obviously done gratis and for that I will be forever grateful. I will DEFINITELY return to Third Coast with any unforeseen problems with all of my guitars and basses, and I HIGHLY recommend that you do the same. read more

Saw Andy up in Highland Park for repair work. Service office located in Guitar Works retail store. He couldn't have been more accommodating and even helped us get the repair done quickly so guitar would be ready for an important gig. Going the extra mile for sure. I'll be back if I need repairs or service in the future. read more

Very satisfied. They were very honest. Just took my guitar in for repair, they told me that it was not worth it to fix. I appreciate the straight forward honest answer. read more

One month after I purchased my brand new Gretsch NOS Masterbuilt 57' Duo Jet from Wildwood Guitars I had the worst thing happen. While I was playing the guitar my phone rang and I leaned the guitar up against a speaker in my home. The guitar slipped on the tile floor and put 4 penny sized chips in the neck and one chip on the lower bottom end of the guitar. I was in shock for about 24 hours. I called Wildwood and asked Steve if Fender would repair the guitar. They don't. But the tech said call Third Coast Guitar Repair, because that's where I would send mine if it needed that type of work. So, I called and spoke with Chad. Chad asked me to send pics. Once he had the chance to review the pics he gave me a very fair price for what I thought was a completely ruined guitar for me. I sent the guitar, and Chad called after he received it. He told me that the tech noticed that the frets needed to be crowned, and that he would see about Fender paying for that part under warranty. He made me feel completely comfortable and assured me that they would be able to fix my guitar and bring it back to it's original condition. Well, yesterday I received the guitar and let me tell you... not only does it look brand new like nothing ever happened, but it plays and sounds 10 times better. The tech adjusted the pickup poles as well. I'm serious here. My guitar is better than when I received it brand new. Guys, you're the best. Best repairs. Best service. Best response, and completely overall just nice guys. Thank you so much for making something that was so tragic, into one of the best experiences I've ever had in all my 40 years of playing and owning guitars. Thank you!!! Fred read more

Third Coast does excellent work ! I recently took my son's guitar in for a minor repair and set up. I could not be any more pleased, at the quality of their workmanship. Very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. I would highly recommend them and will use them again in the future. read more

Third coast guitar service what can I say about them. I have been going to these guys since about 2002 january. The list of guitars I have had work done. fret jobs, stainless steel, buzz fieten, new pickups, custom work to the bodies touchup work. Even amp work as well. new tubes and bias. Even when I had fried a tube in my amp. They had my back and made the problem right that I had caused. The list of guitars goes like this. prs all american made not that korean crap. Custom 22 ruby red Singlecut trem dark cherry 513 Rosewood tri color sunburst 20th ann Custom 22 green Custom 22 quilt vintage natural Singlecut violin amber sunburst all ten tops or better also my Diezel amp and they put speakers in my cabs as well. Bottom line is this I have trusted these guys with my most prized guitars and amps. They have never let me down. Never did a bad job. Most of all if i ever have a question about tone amps or anything they are there to answer. Just a phone call away and never to busy to help you out. Not like most places where it's just about money. See you next time you have a wade a bills in your pocket. I have spent a lot of money over the years there. because they are the only people i will go to. They do the job right the first time. Chris, Shawn, Nate, Brad, Zach and the rest know there stuff. regardless if it is amps or guitars. Like i said i have never had a problem. Take my review for gospel GUY read more

Third Coast recently worked on my 50th Anniversary American Strat. They installed all new electronics and did a full fret level and crown. I thought I needed all new frets, $300, add in $50 to $100 for electronics, roughly $400. Chris the owner, could have taken my money. Instead they did the fret level and crown, and my Strat plays like new. Total bill including install of new electronics=$175. Third Coast has worked on my other guitars as well, and their turnaround times are logical, quality repair work is not like going to a fast food drive thru. I go back because of their consistent high quality of work and they are honest. read more

Third Coast has worked on almost all of my guitars and basses since I moved to Chicago. Chris and the guys have always taken good care of my gear, and have been great about suggesting options for each instrument without coming down hard like a used car salesman or unnecessarily pushing a higher priced modification or repair. Their location is pretty easy to get to by the L or cab, and there is plenty of parking around if you're driving in. I've never once gotten any attitude or rude treatment from the staff, and they have been very patient explaining different options and procedures that they've used on my instruments. They also sometimes have some very cool guitars, basses and amps for sale on a consignment basis and it's usually stuff you won't find very often. The only hiccup I've had with Third Coast is with my Gibson Les Paul. I bought it off of Craigslist and upon taking it in for a setup discovered that the truss rod was damaged. The first suggestion that Chris had was to try and return it, but as we all know Craigslist deals don't come with a trial period (and the guy I bought it from lives in an area where I wouldn't go again without an automatic rifle). Since returning it wasn't an option I elected to fix the guitar and was quoted a time frame of 8 to 12 weeks. Fast forward 8 weeks later and I call to get status on the repair...they hadn't started on it yet. About 4 weeks later they started working on it, and 6 weeks after that they had it ready to go. So the downside is that the repair actually took almost 5 months to complete rather than the quoted 2 to 3 months. The upside is that the guitar which was initially unplayable now plays amazing, and you would be hard pressed to tell that it was repaired at all except for the lack of "nibs" on the fret ends (which I was advised would likely happen and approved knowing it was a probability). The reason for this is that they have one guy named Robert that handles all of the major repair work and they were backed up with previous major repair orders. However, Robert's work is phenomenal and I would not have any problem taking any more repairs to him (though I hope nothing this serious again!). So overall I can say that I am very pleased with the repair work from Third Coast Guitar Repair and would not have any problem taking any of my instruments in to them for repair work. Though it was frustrating not having my Les Paul ready within the initial time quote I understand that it was an issue of an abundance of repairs and not neglect that cause the delay (and I do have other guitars to play shows with as should any gigging guitarist). This instance was not the norm and usually I have gotten my instruments sent in for setups and pickup installation back on time, and in a few cases a couple of days early. So, in conclusion, definitely consider Third Coast for any kind of setup or repair. They have always treated my guitars and I with fairness, honesty and respect, and will do the same for you. *I am not in any way affiliated with Third Coast but am just a customer.* read more

Funny thing, glowing reviewers, because they sucked at every job I took in. I am now a more than competent repair and setup guy, because they forced me into it. If you are a working musician with a high end axe, they may be okay, but if you are a hobbyist or have an inexpensive guitar (not cheap, inexpensive) my experience is they will bend you over. A Few examples (there's more, believe me)- I brought a new $1000 12 string in to have a new bone nut and saddle installed, when they were done it played worse than before. Pointed this out to Chris, they redid it (or did they?) Same problem, he said well we redid it once for free, I am not going to lose any more money on this. Great, so *I'm* out $200 and the friggin thing still ain't right. I put the originals back on and sold it. Took a Casino in to have a new nut and setup. When they were "done" -the string slots were angled as if this were a Strat, i.e. all pointing to the posts on top of the headstock. EXCEPT this guitar has 3x3 pegs, not 6 inline!!! And It has a Bigsby, how the f88k are you supposed to bend with the strings making a left and a right thru the nut slot!?!?! Yamaha acoustic- ok, not an expensive guitar but old and dear to me with w/ great sound. Trying to get the action down a bit, told it probably needs a neck reset but cost not warranted. OK, do what you can do. Shaving the bridge down to expose more saddle, and ramping the pin holes. An accepted practice, especially on an inexpensive piece. What is unacceptable is- bridge now FLAT, and not one slot going in the same direction (like, in line with the string!) and looking like they were cut with a chainsaw, chipped out all over the place. I did not complain about the last two, they were enough to send me to school. I did have an amp serviced there, no complaints, but caveat emptor on the rest. Consistently bad across the board in my experience- and believe me, I tell everyone who asks. read more

I've been going to Chicago Fretworks for my repairs, but last month my friends recommended third coast because its closer and they do a good job as well. They told me they would give me a call and it'd within 3 to 5 days, and it has been over two weeks since I brought it in and I still havn't gotten a call. I just called third coast at guitar center and was told it still isn't ready yet. Not too happy about it. read more

I can't begin to say how helpful Chris and his team are. Chris spent ages with me going over some inherited instruments I needed to sell and only recommended one of them and not for a lot of money. He could have easily have convinced me to spend more but didn't. That's an honest man. read more

LOVE this place ! The staff is super friendly and helpful and they work extremely hard to make your guitar look perfect. Zach, Sean, Benny, Tom, Bob, Chris... they couldn't have been more patient and took the time to explain things to me. The place is clean and pretty cool. They have everything you need to fix your guitars and even amps ! Couldn't have been happier and I come in every 3 weeks for more & more work ! read more

Don't ever let them work on a vintage AMP. Took my 1961 Fender Super Amp to 3rd Coast on Jan 9, 2016 to have it cleaned up and original Jensen speakers re-coned. Ticket said "check tubes and call-dual recone". I did not get the amp back until June 10th, and the speakers were not correctly re-coned ("they had a problem with their supplier in California). Speakers sounded like crap. In May and June I couldn't get anyone from 3rd Coast to even call me back. I finally told them to put it back together and I would pick it up at their Palatine store. They charged me $347.50 to get back an amp, that all I wanted was the speakers re-coned. They had re-tubed and re-biased the amp (I just had that done about 10 years ago). Now I have my speakers re-coned (I went to a great local guy) and I am trying to put them in. Someone at 3rd Coast stripped the threads on one of the speaker bolts...and now I can't even get the old Scorpion speakers out to replace with the original re-coned Jensens. Don't ever take a vintage amp to these guys...ever read more