The Calico Repair Process
Every instrument has its own needs, and sometimes the cause of a problem isn’t immediately obvious.
Our process begins with a careful inspection and a conversation about what we find, so you can understand our recommendations, review the estimated cost, and decide how you’d like to proceed.
Our Philosophy
Every instrument has its own history, construction, and needs. Our approach to repair and maintenance begins with understanding the instrument as a whole—not simply addressing the symptom that brought it through the door.
Sometimes the answer is “don’t repair it.” Our job isn’t simply to find something to fix. We want to understand the instrument, identify the cause of the problem, and help you make an informed decision about what—if anything—should be done.
Have questions about appointments, repair policies, or what to expect?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
How It Works:
A look inside: from appointment to pickup
To get started, contact us with a description of the instrument and the work you have in mind.
Photos can be helpful, particularly when there’s visible damage or a specific issue you’d like us to see.
We’ll review the details and let you know whether the work is something we can accommodate.
At your scheduled appointment, we’ll take in your instrument and discuss any concerns you’ve noticed.
Please bring the instrument in its case when possible.
If the issue involves a particular accessory or component, bring that along as well.
We examine the instrument, assess its condition, and investigate the concerns you’ve described.
Depending on the issue, this may involve checking the setup, inspecting components, or looking more closely at how the instrument is functioning.
The goal is to understand what’s happening before recommending a course of action.
Inspections Include:
- Assess instrument for structural integrity: check finish, glue joints, and neck angle
- Check neck for straightness and determine if truss rod is working correctly
- Make sure frets are level, properly seated, and not excessively worn
- Visually inspect nut and saddle for any imperfections
- Test that all electronic components are working correctly (if applicable)
- Measure action and intonation
- Evaluate overall "Playability"
Once we’ve looked over the instrument, we’ll explain our findings and answer your questions.
Sometimes a single symptom has several contributing causes, so we’ll distinguish between what needs attention, what may be worth addressing preventatively, and what is simply a matter of preference.
Our recommendations are intended to help you make an informed decision about your instrument.
We’ll outline the recommended work and its associated cost so you can decide how you’d like to proceed.
More involved repairs may require additional research, planning, or inspection before we can provide a complete estimate. We’ll explain any such requirements before moving forward.
Once ready, you will be emailed an itemized estimate for the work discussed. In the interest of transparency, all estimates are based on our extensive repair price list.
We aim to perform service "up to a standard" rather than "down to a price".
Our initial estimate is based on the instrument’s condition and the work anticipated at the time of inspection. During a repair, minor adjustments, additional parts, or related services may be necessary to complete the work properly. We reserve the discretion to perform and charge for minor, directly related work without seeking separate approval, helping us avoid unnecessary delays and ensure the instrument receives the care it needs.
Any significant additional work or substantial increase in cost will be discussed with you before proceeding.
If you prefer to be contacted for approval before any work beyond the original estimate is performed, please let us know when you drop off your instrument.
Once you’ve approved the estimate and scope of project, we can get started with the physical work.
We approach each instrument with care and attention to detail, keeping the agreed-upon work and your goals for the instrument in mind throughout the process.
Once the work is complete, we will send an email with the final invoice, as well as a link to book an appointment for pickup.
Before you arrive for your appointment, we give the instrument a final check to make sure the completed work meets our expectations.
Once you arrive, you have the opportunity to play the instrument and confirm that it meets your needs.
If it does, we accept payment and you are on your way!
Questions About a Repair?
We’re currently taking a hiatus from repair work as we focus on instrument building and other projects.
Availability for repair work is limited, and we’re unable to accommodate every request.
For questions about an existing repair or to inquire about current availability, please visit our Contact page →