Looking for THE BEST luthier/repairer in Australia

[wez]

I have a friend who has just acquired a 1927 Martin Parlour guitar (I know!) that requires some work.

In addition to needing a neck reset (which he knew about before buying it), the guitar has tragically been damaged in transit and needs a crack or two fixed and the binding repaired.

It goes without saying that he is not keen to leave a guitar of this vintage and value in the hands of just any old luthier - he is after a vintage specialist, preferably one experienced with pre-war Martins. He is in Melbourne and reluctant to ship the guitar, but if the right guy is interstate, then so be it.

I know there are a few people on here who know their vintage guitars so I'm sure someone will know who the go-to guys are.

[Wiz]

James (don't know if his Dad, Merv, is still around) Cargill...

Seaford Vic.

[Ender]

Another big vote for James, he does fantastic work.

http://www.cargillcustomguitars.com.au/

[Lee Cardan]

hi Wez

My friend Joseph Price (Soxy music) does great guitar work
Not sure if he's 'the best' but everything he's done for me was top notch

His number is: 0414 692 798

[harry]

Hey Wes,

I highly recommend Mark Wilson - in Rye Dromana,

I have had extensive work done on a number of instruments including a neck reset. He is a Gibson authorised repairer (for like 20 years) and there would barely be a week when he is not repairing a broken Gibson neck. He is known for making the neck repairs invisible - he's very experienced in respraying and repainting.. etc.

I knew I had found the right guy as soon as I saw his workshop - thousands of custom hand made tools etc...

I don't have his number sadly (iphone crashed) but i'm sure someone might know him / vouch for him.

He is very approachable - i'm sure he'd be happy to talk to the owner of the guitar about the repair about the process etc obligation free..

In any case - hope it all works out for the best.

[wez]

Hey thanks so much to everyone, and those who have PM'd... more than enough info to pass on, great stuff.

[Ben M]

I know a couple of very fine luthiers. One that would suit your friends guitar is Terry Hennessy (master luthier) in Kangaroo Valley (near me). He's told me stories of working on older Martin's for others...mostly does dulcimers these days which has built him the reputation of "the go to" dulcimer guy worldwide.
Another interesting fact about Terry is that he made the puppets/marionettes for The Thunderbirds. A fine craftsman and classic guy.
Your probably looking for somewhere closer to Melbourne, but I can ask him if you'd like?

All the best with it.

[Chinagraf]

I've recorded one oh Terry's dulcimers and it was amazing. Ben can you ask him to make me a Miss Penelope puppet please.

[Ben M]

I've recorded one oh Terry's dulcimers and it was amazing. Ben can you ask him to make me a Miss Penelope puppet please.

That's great you've recorded one of his dulcimers Andy. The Appalachonians are crazy for his gear...Peggy Seeger, Joan Baez...George Harrison...he's got lot's of stories.
He is still making puppets but I don't think he'll go for making another miss penelope.

[Text_Edifice]

I'd take it to John Davis - http://guitarrepairers.com/

He does good work, and has a bit of a line in restoring parlours of that vintage.

[SYOS]

+1 for John Davis - exceptional work as seen on these beauties......

http://guitarrepairers.com/category/all ... c-guitars/

[Milo]

Dan Kellaway has much experience with vintage Martins. In fact, he fully restored - from basket-case - one of the first Martins to come out of the factory (around 1876, I think) - it was a harp guitar design, and naturally worth wads of cash. A lot of his customers are investors with very expensive vintage items.

http://www.kellawayguitars.com/

Milo

[wez]

Seriously, thanks again everyone for all those names!

[zenelectro]

I have a friend who has just acquired a 1927 Martin Parlour guitar (I know!) that requires some work.

In addition to needing a neck reset (which he knew about before buying it), the guitar has tragically been damaged in transit and needs a crack or two fixed and the binding repaired.

It goes without saying that he is not keen to leave a guitar of this vintage and value in the hands of just any old luthier - he is after a vintage specialist, preferably one experienced with pre-war Martins. He is in Melbourne and reluctant to ship the guitar, but if the right guy is interstate, then so be it.

I know there are a few people on here who know their vintage guitars so I'm sure someone will know who the go-to guys are.

Jeff Mallia is the man - in Sydney.

He has resurrected many a guitar of that ilk. A few players I know with very expensive, old Martins & Gibsons
won't take their guitars anywhere else.

http://mallia.com.au/

[The Mill]

Mick Wordley has a friend south of Adelaide who is amazing. Contact Mick on 08 8278 8506 for his contact details, assuming you're still looking into the options. Mick's friend rebuilt my 1921 Martin Tiplé... it was nothing short of a masterpiece when it came back...

[wez]

Hey Andy thanks for that, sounds like a good option - will pass it on.

And again, sincere thanks to everyone for all the great advice.