Vermont Guitarworks — Local services in Cambridge

I migrated to VT (the 3rd time) and prior to, was never here long enough to become aware of the guitarist’s “scene”... so when my Gibson SG cracked after taking a spill, I weighed heavily on my options for repair. This guitar has supported me for 3/4 of my life, walked with me through my initial studies and live performance experiences, assisted me in attaining a scholarship, went to college with me supported my studies daily, and held true throughout my professional years in music. So choosing the proper route for repair was super critical. I don't have sentimental feelings for any other possession like I do for this SG.

Fate landed me on the VT Guitarworks Hospital public FB thread. I know a few luthiers, but when I saw some images of Tommy’s prior work, I knew I had found a possibility. Versed with Gibson. Versed in vintage overall. The work looked great too. But it's impossible with this type of work to know for sure.

When I met Tommy in person for the consultation, within minutes I knew I'd found the right guy, and a guitar owner’s utopia. The planned 1 hour appointment went to 2.5, as he proceeded to teach me more about my guitar than I'd ever been close to aware of. He was able to point out evidence of past injuries and repairs that occurred prior to my ownership. He was able to confirm that all the hardware was original. He reviewed the electronics and pointed out what was original, what wasn’t, and how it could be improved upon if he took on the work and found faults when testing. He questioned the style of playing I leaned towards to present options for the final setup of the guitar. He was keenly aware of the guitar’s aesthetics, and ensured he and I were aligned, explaining the work required could be handled differently based on my vision. Essentially, by the end of the consultation, Tommy had given me a detailed analysis of everything he could possibly do to improve on the instrument, and then presented an a la carte approach, keeping budget in mind, and explaining what was most in need of repair and what other improvements should be made now, as the fracture required removing the neck from the body (specifically, a much needed refret).

Once we agreed on the general scope of work, he explained to me every possible option I had regarding materials and the likely outcome of each decision in regards to tone, look, and longevity. Throughout the entire consultation, Tommy diligently took detailed notes of everything we touched upon, and was able to recall the details as he provided updates throughout the repair process and once completed. There was too much detail for me to recall it all here. It felt like a master class.

I noted another crucial detail worth sharing: SURVEILLANCE. Knowing that the facility is equipped with a significant monitoring system extinguished any smidge of a concern that could remain after going through the clinic he had presented.

I left that day completely confident that he was going to viciously knock the ball out of the park and he did not let me down at all.

When I returned to get the SG, I was completely dumbfounded. I first picked that guitar up to try it (~28 years ago), and knew I had found a special instrument...like immediately. Picking it up for the first time after Tommy’s repairs, was, no joke, a religious experience. I didn’t think I would ever feel that same kind of magic like I did way back after years of desensitizing. It’s the best condition the guitar has been in since I purchased it. Functionally, feels and sounds better than it ever has. Aesthetically, perfect. And to boot, he also took this meeting way over time to put it through the paces on his rig, while adding some consultative ideas for amps and pedals as I’m in the market for some upgrades.

I, without any hesitation, would absolutely recommend Vermont Guitarworks Hospital to the most established professional guitarist. I honestly don’t think I can write well enough to give this review the credit it truly deserves. This guy is an artist, engineer, and scientist, and it was worth...

Last November my son and I brought my Martin D-35 to the Vermont Guitarworks Hospital in Jeffersonville, VT to Luthier Tommy Graves. My son had a Vermont made electric guitar that Tommy had restored a couple years before and he was so impressed with Tommy’s work that he recommended him to me. A few weeks earlier I had the strap slip off my Martin and the guitar landed on its head leaving a slight mark in the lower part of the neck. It would not stay in tune and just not sounding like it used to so I realized that after twenty years of wonderful service, mt Martin required some loving care and professional attention. At the Vermont Guitarworks Hospital, my son and I thoroughly enjoyed the watching Tommy evaluate and diagnose in tremendous detail all the various issues which required attention. My guitar had been used heavily for 20 years, so there were a few nicks and pick marks, and there were much more serious issues he found and explained how he could restore the guitar to its original pristine condition. And did he ever! Tommy completely restored the neck to the body, brand new and beautifully installed frets, a split on the bottom of the guitar (caused years ago when holding it and swinging accidentally into a chair) had grown about 2 inches or more over the years. He repaired these items so well that even with close scrutiny you would never know they existed, such a professional a job he did. A new custom hand made bone saddle and bone nut as well, custom fitted the bridge pins plus other detailed and loving repairs not even listed. Extra craftsmanship care and work. The sound is amazing! And playing it is so much fun. It is like a brand new wonderfully sounding guitar. I cannot express the beauty of the professional work Tommy has put into this restoration. I highly. Very highly recommend Tommy Graves at Vermont Guitarworks Hospital for your stringed instrument repair. He’s now restoring my old 1955 Guild F-20 guitar I purchased in college in 1962 and restoring it for my son and grandson and I cannot wait to hear...

When it comes to high end restoration, Tommy is the best. I brought him an old Gibson SG that had been through hell and back. I didn't think anyone could bring it back to life but it had some mojo and potential so I figured what the heck? Friends had recommended Vermont Guitarworks as the best of the best so I wanted to see what they could do. I hung out with Tommy for a few hours in his shop and he quickly showed me that he didn't just know what he was doing, he knew it better than anyone I had ever met. He was thoughtful, thorough and was super low pressure. He was also gracefully blunt and wasn't afraid to give me the truth about how ugly the guitar was (it was really bad). By the end of the visit I said heck, if anyone is going to be able to work a miracle, it's this guy. I put down a deposit and felt like my old beater was in the best hands possible. What I got back was worth every penny. He exceeded my expectations. He had done finish work covering up a broken neck that was so good, you can't even tell the neck was ever broken. The paint match, finish and buff were flawless. He replaced the nut with a bone nut that is the best thing that has ever happened to that guitar. He cut me a custom pick guard that looks like it's NOS from 30 years ago and is totally unique. He saved my cracked old fretboard and brought it back to life and luster. He redid every fret and now they look like a custom shop job. For those willing to do things the right way, Tommy is your man. He's a professional luthier for musicians that want the very best. I already am planning out my next restoration job and look forward to hanging...