Guitar Repair - Expert Guitar & Bass Setups, Maintenance, Modification

PROFESSIONAL CARE
FOR THE INSTRUMENTS
YOU DEPEND ON

We’re currently taking a hiatus from repair work to focus on instrument building and other projects.
Availability is limited, and we’re unable to accommodate every request.
For questions about an existing repair or current availability, please contact us.

The Calico Repair Process

At Calico Guitarworks, our goal is simple: to help musicians spend less time worrying about their instruments and more time making music. With more than 30 years of combined professional guitar repair experience, we have long aimed to be Long Island’s premier destination for fretted musical instrument repair.

Our team is committed to providing quick, honest, and reliable service. 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.

Calico Guitarworks began in 2016 as ‘Guitar Repair Long Island’, with a straightforward mission: to provide musicians with thoughtful, professional instrument care. We are proud to have gained a loyal customer base for our quality workmanship, technical expertise, and exceptional customer service.

From The Workshop

Explore our work, techniques, materials, and discoveries from years at the bench.

Maintenance

• Guitar and Bass Setups
• Truss Rod Adjustment
• Intonation
• Cleaning and Detailing

Electronics

• Wiring Repair
• Component Replacement
• Pickup Installation
• Custom Wiring Harnesses

Hardware Installations

• Tuning Machines
• Strap Buttons and Straplocks
• Tremolos and Saddles
• Pickguards

Nuts & Saddles

• Nut Replacement
• Saddle Replacement
• Hand Carved or Prefabricated
• Bone, Tusq, Graphite, etc.

Necks & Fret Work

• Fret End Dressing
• Fret Level, Crown, & Polish
• Refrets
• Neck resets

Structural Repair

• Crack Repairs
• Bridge resets
• Bracing repairs
• Broken Headstocks

Precision Setups

Your instrument, tailored to you.

Precision Setups

Your instrument, tailored to you.

Grounded in Exceptional Service

Take a look at what our clients have said about us on Google.

Calico Guitarworks

5.0

Based on 159 reviews

4 months ago

Did excellent work on my guitar will definitely be using them again.

8 months ago

As a first time customer of Calico Guitarworks, I couldn't be happier. As a player and collector for the past 30+ years, I have had work done at many shops on Long Island. This shop is the best I have ever dealt with. I brought them my Taylor Kenny Loggins that had an intonation issue and playing at a 6 out of 10. After a saddle replacement, fret leveling & setup it is now playing at a 10 out of 10. I wish they were closer, but the 45 minute drive is worth it.

12 months ago

I brought my KC Jag in thinking it just needed a basic setup, and it came back playing like a guitar worth three times the price. The action, intonation, feel; everything is dialed in perfectly. You can tell he actually cares about the instrument and knows exactly what he’s doing. If you’re on the fence about where to bring your guitar, don’t overthink it. This is the guy. Absolute top-tier work.

1 year ago

Erik is an absolute pro and I wouldn’t trust my guitars with anyone else!

2 years ago

A long overdue review...Since 2017 Erik has worked on almost all of my guitars at one time or another. His work is superlative. I oftentimes hear of this other local place and that other local place that do good work and they likely do, but if you have Erik to bring your guitars to, why would you bother even trying anyplace else? You'd have to be nuts.

2 years ago

From consultation to end result the entire process was informative and the end result was delivered to perfection. I dealt with Erik at the time and had two of my guitars worked on. The work that was done was a maintenance and setup for each as well as a level crown & polish for my SG. Attention to detail is to notch. Completely satisfied and would return for future business.

3 years ago

Erik was fantastic! I ordered a rush service for an acoustic pickup replacement, and as the rush service states on the website - the pickup was done the next day. I am a gigging musician and this is my main guitar so it was important to me that the job was done quickly and done well - Erik delivered on both. He was thorough and responsive with any questions I had through the entire process. He even had the pickup I was looking for in stock which made the process even more convenient. This is the second service I’ve had with Erik, and I look forward to doing more with the rest of my guitars!

3 years ago

Eric does the most amazing work. Just picked up my third guitar I had him set up for me. Don’t bring your guitar anywhere else!

3 years ago

Erik is the go to guy for all your six string needs! 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!

3 years ago

Another great job! Repaired broken Hipshot tuner, and set up on my multiscale!

4 years ago

Always prompt professional care

4 years ago

Erik made everything so easy! It’s been very tough to find someone who both respects your guitars they way you do but also makes every skill level feel comfortable. If you have a guitar that needs some love, bring it here. I’ve brought in 3 guitars the past few weeks and they are playing better in ways I didn’t realize what I was missing.

4 years ago

Had a great experience working with Erik on the recent pickup replacement and setup of my Jazz Bass. I appreciated the online booking of the drop-off and pickup time for my instrument. Erik took note of all my concerns and questions and answered them sincerely and professionally. The shop was clean and organized and the price list was reasonable considering the personal attention provided. The work was done flawlessly and I'm extremely happy with the way my instrument is playing. I will definitely be back and would highly recommend Guitar Repair Long Island for the services they offer.