Our Story
Calico Guitarworks is a small, hands-on instrument workshop built on decades of experience working with guitars. We began full-time operation in 2016 as Guitar Repair Long Island, with a straightforward mission: to provide musicians with thoughtful, professional instrument care.
Over the years, our curiosity led us to explore a wide range of services—including amplifier repairs, effects pedalboard setup, live-tech work, instrument repair lessons, and even guitar and accessory sales. During the 2020 pandemic, we had an opportunity to step back and reflect on our business, and came to an important realization: we were becoming bigger when what we really wanted was to be better.
In 2023, to reflect this new direction, we rebranded as Calico Guitarworks. The name “Calico” comes from the distinctive tri-color coat pattern found in cats and other animals. We liked the name, and the familiar pattern gave us an opportunity to create a logo inspired by a classic sunburst guitar finish, while the cat itself serves as a fitting reminder of the curiosity and creativity that continue to shape our work.
Built on craftsmanship,
Guided by experience,
and grounded in exceptional service.
Before we built guitars, we spent years working on them. Diagnosing problems, correcting imperfections, and maintaining instruments gave us an opportunity to learn firsthand what musicians actually need from an instrument.
Calico Guitarworks grew organically out of that experience. Today, we bring those lessons to the design and construction of original instruments, informed by years of repair, restoration, playing, and teaching.
Making & Teaching
Our work in instrument building is also closely connected to our work in lutherie education. In addition to operating Calico Guitarworks, Erik serves as Assistant Program Manager for the Luthier Program at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Working both in the workshop and the classroom provides a unique chance to practice, study, and teach the craft of instrument making.
Calico Guitarworks maintains its repair and showroom operation on Long Island, while its instruments are primarily designed and built in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The two locations reflect the different sides of our work today: our longstanding connection to musicians and their instruments on Long Island, and our growing focus on instrument making and lutherie education in Bethlehem.
The People Behind Calico
Erik Salomon
Erik is the Founder and Principal Luthier at Calico Guitarworks Inc. In addition to his business, he also 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 mentorship under experienced luthiers, formal education in guitar building, and leadership roles in technician training and development.
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 our Shop Manager. 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.
Stephanie
Stephanie helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, assisting with customer questions and day-to-day e-commerce needs. She has a knack for problem-solving, staying organized, and connecting with people.
Outside of the online world, Stephanie is also a clinical massage therapist with a passion for health and well-being. In her free time she enjoys rock climbing with her husband, drinking lots of coffee, and reading with a cat or two on her lap.
Steve
Steve is our first-ever two-time Calico Guitarworks veteran. He originally joined the team in 2019, only to be sidelined by the pandemic in 2020. Fortunately for us, he made his triumphant return in 2025. As a shop assistant, he is primarily focused on preparing orders for shipping.
Outside of Calico, Steve works as an auditor for Suffolk 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. Steve also enjoys hardcore music, hockey, and spending time with his wife and their two children.