Just a few commonly asked questions. But if you don't find the answer you're looking for I'm just a call or email away.
Question:
Can I drop off my instrument anytime?
Answer:
No, you need an appointment. Home business zoning rules require scheduled visits only.
Question:
How do I make an appointment?
Answer:
Just call, text, or email using the info on the CONTACT page. Please include your name, phone number, preferred date and time, and a short description of the work you’d like performed
Question:
Does my instrument need a case when dropped off at the shop?
Answer:
A case is recommended but not required; your instrument will be carefully handled.
Question:
What can I expect when I arrive for my appointment?
Answer:
When you arrive, we’ll sit down to discuss your instrument’s needs and goals. I’ll collect your contact details and instrument background on an intake form, then inspect your instrument and note any observations or recommendations. Together, we’ll review this information and decide on the services you want. After agreeing on the scope of work, I’ll provide an estimate for your approval; your project will be scheduled once approved. All estimates are valid for 30 days, giving you time to review and adjust before confirmation.
Question:
What if I don't have time to schedule an appointment but would still like to get an estimate. Can you still provide one?
Answer:
Yes, absolutely. If you're unable to book an appointment, I can give you an estimate by email for a prepaid $25 fee. This fee covers the added time needed for an assessment done through discussion and photos. Should you accept the estimate, the $25 will be applied as a credit toward your final invoice.
Question:
Once I sign and approve my estimate, what is the typical turnaround time for the work being completed? How will I be contacted and will I receive updates?
Answer:
Turnaround times depend on current workload. Non-custom work typically takes about two weeks or less. Custom projects may take longer based on scope. I will provide an estimated timeframe and keep you updated if there are any changes to your completion date.
Question:
Is a down payment necessary to begin work on my project?
Answer:
A down payment is not required. Work will begin with approval and signature of the estimate or service agreement.
Question:
What is required for me to pick up my instrument? Do I need an appointment for that as well?
Answer:
To retrieve your instrument, please bring the Claim Number from your signed Estimate/Service Agreement (located at the top of the form), a valid ID if requested, and full payment for the completed service. If someone else will be collecting your instrument on your behalf, kindly provide their contact information in advance. Instruments will not be released to anyone not listed on the signed Service Agreement without prior communication and authorization from you. An appointment is required for instrument pickup; once your instrument is ready, we will contact you to arrange a suitable date and time. In most cases, pickups can be scheduled on the same day.
Question:
I work night shifts, so it's difficult for me to schedule appointments during weekdays. Is it possible to book one on the weekend?
Answer:
I don't have regular weekend hours, but if you can't book on weekdays, contact me to check my weekend availability. If I'm in town, I'll try to fit you in.
Question:
Can I test play my instrument when I come to pick it up?
Answer:
Absolutely and I encourage you to do so. And if its an electric, you can plug in and go to town!
Question:
What if my guitar played great when I picked it up, but after a couple of weeks it feels a bit off? Can I bring it back in to be checked out?
Answer:
Yes. You are covered under our 30-day warranty policy. Go to the "Policies" page for more details.
Question:
Does Triple Creek Guitars carry insurance on client instruments while they are in the shop?
Answer:
Yes, we maintain specialized insurance coverage through Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance, ensuring your instrument is protected while in our care.
Question:
Can I provide my own parts?
Answer:
Yes, you can. However, Triple Creek Guitars does not warranty client-supplied parts and cannot guarantee their fit. We are happy to discuss any needed modifications if required.
Question:
Does Triple Creek Guitars warranty their work?
Answer:
Yes, with a 30-day warranty. See the "Polices" page
Question:
Does Triple Creek Guitars have a refund policy?
Answer:
Yes, we have a 30-day refund policy on all items purchased through our store.
Question:
What's the difference between your restring service and setup service?
Answer:
Our restring service includes the following procedures:
• Comprehensive inspection of the instrument
• Documentation of current neck relief, nut and string action
• Measurement of the existing string gauge to ensure consistent replacement
• Removal of old strings
• Thorough cleaning and polishing of the instrument
• Cleaning and conditioning of the fingerboard
• Inspection and tightening of all hardware components
• Lubrication of tuners
• Polishing of frets
• Detailed cleaning around pickups, tuners, switches, knobs, bridge, etc., using a soft toothbrush
• Lubrication of nut slots
• Installation of new strings, followed by stretching and tuning performed three times
• Play testing across the neck
• Final verification of electronic components
• Final polishing of the instrument
Our *setup* encompasses all services included in a restring, plus the following:
• Inspect the truss rod to ensure proper functionality during evaluation.
• Examine and test all electronics; apply contact cleaner to pots or switches as necessary to eliminate noise.
• For acoustic instruments, check interior bracing, sound scallops, bridge plate, heel, and neck joint.
• Remove, disassemble, and clean the bridge and saddles, inspecting for burs and addressing any issues found.
• Reassemble and reinstall the bridge and saddles after thorough cleaning, adjusting saddle height to match the neck radius and approximate intonation.
• Install new strings, perform an initial stretch and tune the instrument three times.
• Set appropriate neck relief.
• Simulate nut action at the first fret and measure string action at the twelfth fret, making saddle adjustments as needed to meet string action specifications.
• Tune the instrument to pitch, verify nut action at the first fret, and adjust nut slot depth according to specifications.
• Adjust pickup heights for optimal performance.
• Finalize intonation.
• Play across every fretted position along the neck to confirm playability and address any issues.
• Conduct a final operational check of all electronic components.
• Complete the process with a thorough polish.
Question:
How do I know if I need a setup?
Answer:
Schedule a professional setup and inspection if you experience any of the following with your instrument:
• Tuning won’t hold or is inconsistent.
• Unwanted buzzing on certain notes or bends.
• String action is too high or low, making play difficult or causing buzz.
• Intonation issues—fretted notes sound off-pitch.
• Sharp fret ends feel rough or uncomfortable.
• Poor sound quality, like lack of clarity or sustain.
• Discomfort while playing.
• Visible distortion such as a warped neck or altered shape.
Question:
Do you do partial refrets?
Answer:
No. Both partial and full refrets require a complete fret dress for optimal playability, and the work involved is similar. However, a full refret extends the fingerboard's lifespan and playability more than a partial refret. In the long term, a partial refret may cost more, since you'll likely need another refret once the old frets wear out. Matching new and old fret materials can affect tone, but that's a separate issue.
Question:
Whats the big deal with bone nut and saddles?
Answer:
In short, tone, durability, and resonance. If your instrument has a plastic nut/saddle I highly recommend upgrading to bone or Tusq. I think you'll like the change.
Question:
If have an old guitar that I needs a lot of love to get back into playing shape? I'd really like to have it restored. Is that something you can do?
Answer:
Yes, most instruments can be restored, though a few may not be worth the effort. It's important to consider how much you want to invest, as restoration costs may exceed the instrument's value. Value is often subjective and can vary from person to person.
Question:
Are there any repairs you wont perform?
Answer:
Only the ones I feel may do more harm than good to the instrument or may not provide the desired outcome.
Question:
Ok, I read through all of the questions and didn't see the answer I needed. Now what?
Answer:
Give me call or send a text or email.
