About Calico Guitarworks
Professional Grade Guitar Care
At Calico Guitarworks, our goal is simple: to help musicians spend less time worrying about their instruments and more time making music. In addition to being Long Island’s premier destination for fretted musical instrument repair, we design and build handcrafted electric and acoustic guitars and, through our GuitarRepairParts.com brand, provide a trusted source for parts and repair supplies worldwide.
Our team is committed to providing quick, honest, and reliable service. With more than 30 years of combined professional guitar repair experience, we bring a deep understanding of instrument care, restoration, and performance to everything we do. Prior to 2023, the business operated under the name ‘Guitar Repair Long Island’, earning a reputation throughout the region for quality workmanship, technical expertise, and exceptional customer service.
As the company grew beyond repair services alone, the time came for a name that better reflected who we are. The name “Calico” is inspired by the distinctive tri-color coat pattern found in calico cats. For our logo, we stylized this familiar pattern to resemble a classic sunburst guitar finish—a subtle nod to both craftsmanship and creativity.
Our clean, organized facility is purpose-built for instrument care and restoration. To ensure a personalized experience and the highest level of attention to detail, clients are seen individually by appointment, allowing us to give every instrument—and every customer—the time and consideration they deserve.
Built on craftsmanship, guided by experience, and grounded in exceptional service, Calico Guitarworks helps musicians get the very best from their instruments.
For more about our shop’s policies and operations, please check out our F.A.Q.
Service You can Count On
Take a look at what our clients have said about us on Google.
Always thorough and will never cut corners just to finish a project on time. Tells you like it is which is what I want from the person keeping my gear up to snuff.
Been using GRLI for years and don't see that changing anytime soon!
About The Facilities:
- Fully insured
- 24/7 Video Surveillance
- Security system with central monitoring
- Climate controlled (temperature and humidity)
- Private (appointment only) workspace
- Commercially zoned building
- Prime Location near largely residential area
About The Facilities:
- Fully insured
- 24/7 Video Surveillance
- Security system with central monitoring
- Climate controlled (temperature and humidity)
- Private (appointment only) workspace
- Commercially zoned building
- Prime Location near largely residential area
Factory Authorized Service
Taylor Guitars
We are proud to have such a sustained relationship with this iconic brand.
Meet the Staff
Erik Salomon
Erik is the owner of Calico Guitarworks Inc. and the e-commerce retailer GuitarRepairParts.com. In addition to running both businesses, he serves as Assistant Program Manager for the Martin Guitar Foundation Luthier Program at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
A graduate of Five Towns College with a Bachelor of Music degree, Erik was Valedictorian of his class and recipient of the Audio Recording Technology Award. His career in guitar repair spans nearly two decades and includes extensive training under experienced luthiers, leadership roles in technician training and development, and formal education in guitar building.
As both a musician and craftsman, Erik approaches instrument repair, restoration, and construction with an understanding of both the player's needs and the instrument itself. He has recorded three albums of original music and has performed with rock bands, collegiate ensembles, wedding and event groups, and as a solo acoustic artist.
When he's not in the workshop or classroom, Erik enjoys spending time with his wife and their cats. He is a vegan, an avid rock climber, and a distance runner.
Andrew
Andrew is the shop manager here at Calico Guitarworks. He has been repairing guitars professionally since 2014. He was the first employee of Calico Guitarworks and has been an integral part of the business almost since its inception. Reserved and exceptionally capable, Andrew shares the values of integrity and craftsmanship that the business is known for.
Andrew graduated from Five Towns College in 2011 with a degree in Music Education. A member of the Phi Sigma Eta Honor Society, he received the Provost’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement upon graduation.
In addition to his work as a repairman, Andrew is also a professional solo guitarist/vocalist for weddings and special events. He lives in Ronkonkoma with his wife, two children, and their dogs.
Steve
Steve works in shipping and receiving for our GuitarRepairParts.com business. He is our first-ever two-time Calico Guitarworks veteran. He originally joined the team in 2019 before being sidelined by the pandemic in 2020. Fortunately for us, he made his triumphant return in 2025.
Outside of Calico, Steve works as a forensic accountant for the county. While we're not entirely sure what that entails, we're pretty confident it involves spreadsheets, investigations, and dramatically removing glasses while discovering accounting irregularities. When he's not solving financial mysteries, he applies those same investigative skills to locating guitar parts, packing orders, and occasionally figuring out where Erik left the stapler.
Steve also enjoys hardcore music, hockey, and spending time with his wife and their two children.