Pursell Lutherie

My 1994 Srat is my one and only prized possession, and it needed a little fretwork and TLC. I didn't know who to trust with my instrument, but in my research I came across Pursell. There were many organic recommendations on various guitar forums as well as Google reviews. What struck me was that he doesn't just set up and repair guitars, he builds them...from scratch! He cuts, lays up, shapes and carves the wood. As an amateur woodworker, I know that this requires serious attention to detail; I knew he was the right guy. Mr. Pursell immediately spotted a mild neck twist, but said it wouldn't be difficult to correct (amazing, since my fretboard is scalloped). Mr. Pursell and his staff did a fantastic job within the timeframe quoted. I'm stunned by how well the guitar plays now. They have an informative but spartan website (which is important these days), and used modern technology to render service, payment and communication (via email and text). Nice. His shop is kinda old-school, with a mix of old and new music equipment in the front of the shop (pretty nice selection for a brick and mortar). The entire rear section ( probably more than HALF of the shop!) was dedicated to guitar creation and repair. It was packed with wood, tools, parts, guitars, workbenches and more tools. The clutter was not due to disorganization, it was clearly due to a lack of space. I mention this because it a testament to their capability and demand. For example, I was quoted 3 weeks for the work (it was completed several days early). This length of time showed their work is in demand. The price was on the higher end, but I expected that. Expert work isn't cheap, and I gladly paid for their expertise. He and his staff were all knowledgeable, pleasant and highly skilled. I try to patronize local businesses as much as possible, and highly recommend their service. They also have a nice selection of parts and accessories at fair prices as well as some great looking new and used gear...like the 100w Marshal reissue (JVM or JCM? Can't recall) head sitting on top of TWO 4x12 cabs--hell yes!

Very friendly staff and excellent guitar repair! My guitar was in need of new frets, as I had worn down the originals so low that my fingertips had damaged the rosewood. I brought my guitar in to be fitted with new stainless steel frets. The finish on these new frets is flawless. They are perfectly smooth and without sharp edges. The fingerboard was also smoothed out to hide the grooves I had worn into the rosewood. It plays like new and the strings bend very smoothly over the frets. I rarely write Google reviews but I must recommend Pursell Lutherie for any instrument needing new frets.

Pursell Lutherie is my one-stop favorite business for anything string-instrument related!! I’m a proud owner of 2 wonderful banjos I bought from them, one new one used. He even knew and told me about the local musician my used banjo used to belong to. The kind of care and knowledge you encounter there is just not something you see every day. They ordered nylon strings for me and always keep a set in stock now knowing I use them. Andy’s card says master luthier, and in my year or so coming there it’s abundantly clear how true that is. It’s awesome to have a shop run by a true expert craftsman. Not to mention of course, they always take such good care of me. There’s been a time or 2 I’ll bring in one of my banjos that’s having some rattling on a string and needs adjusting, and he’s taken care of me on the spot. He answers my questions too so I can better understand what’s going on with my instrument. Both for myself and other people I’ve heard him give sage and honest advice about what’s worth the money fixing. I’d absolutely trust them to give a fair and knowledgeable assessment if you’re dealing with problems or repairs. It’s always a pleasure going up there. Seriously one of my favorite businesses lol. If it’s a stringed instrument, I’d feel comfortable taking it to him. If im looking to buy, it’s always gonna be the first place I go. ~Danielle

Im a guitar player so i don't know if i speak for all other instrument players on this perspective. This Is a high quality location that knows what they are doing regardless of the instrument, and the owner Andy, seemed like a nice guy. However the prices are bananas. $150 for a setup AND $160 for a fret level? I understand times are tough but that’s a very unreasonable price. Other places charge $50 for a setup and about $80 for a fret level and polish, and do just as good of a job. As well as the fact that you won’t get your instrument back for AT LEAST two weeks, even for something as small as getting strings replaced. I say if you don’t care about the money this is the place for you but you can get most of the work done just as well at other guitar places or musical instrument stores.

I have been playing and teaching guitar for over 4 decades, primarily jazz and finger-style solo guitar. I've owned many fine custom instruments which , of course, require attention to from time to time. I visited Purcell Lutherie and was extremely impressed with the professional service and superb repairs, including nylon-guitar pickup installation, truss rod adjustment, fret leveling, and set-ups, Luthier and guitar tech, Andrew is very knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about his work and craft. This is a first-rate neighborhood music store with a laid back and very friendly environment. No need to hesitate visiting. Highly recommended. Thank you Andrew!.