The Hobbit Luthier — Local services in Orange

I’ve brought all my guitars to him for professional setups, and every single time the results have been absolutely top of the line. His work is quick, meticulous, and worth every penny. As a student musician who plays in my school band, I can’t overstate how much of a difference his expertise has made in helping me perform at my best.

One thing that sets Cory apart is how thoroughly he explains everything he’s doing. He takes the time to ask detailed questions about your playing style so he can tailor each setup perfectly to your needs. You’re not just dropping off your instrument—you’re collaborating with someone who genuinely cares about your music.

He also keeps a great stock of strings and accessories on hand, which makes the whole process convenient. Plus, he accepts multiple forms of payment, including credit cards, which is a huge help for students and newer musicians who might not always have cash on hand.

Cory is a certified tech for Taylor guitars, but his knowledge extends far beyond any one brand. Whether it’s adding adhesive to an input jack so it stops unscrewing (something big-box stores routinely overlook) or dialing in precise action and intonation, he pays attention to the little details that dramatically improve the playing experience.

While his services may cost a bit more than somewhere like Guitar Center, the difference in quality is night and day. In my experience, the big stores often rush through setups and miss important finishing touches. With Cory, you can trust that your instrument is in the hands of someone who values craftsmanship and takes pride in doing things right.

He’s also just an incredible person—friendly, professional, and genuinely invested in every client who walks through the door. Supporting a local expert like Cory over a corporate chain feels good, and you get vastly superior results.

I couldn’t recommend him more highly. If you care about your instruments and want them to play their absolute best, Cory is...

Proprietor Cory Brackett has three things that stand out as soon as you have the good fortune to bring your stringed instruments to him: One, he's a knowledgeable, top-notch craftsman with deep experience going back to the heyday of NYC's 48th Street music row; second, he's been a working musician and gets the customers' issues and needs as well as he knows their guitars; and third, he's a really nice, down-to-earth guy. A rare trifecta! He turned around an emergency setup on my beloved 1968 Gibson Hummingbird expertly, same day, so I'd be gig-ready. Highly...

Cory is one of the best in the business - as a person and luthier. I was on the verge of selling a Gibson SG that I had for years but never played quite right. I had Cory set it up before putting it on the market and needless to say, I never sold the guitar and it became my main for years after. Since moving to the west coast I’ve struggled to find anyone I trust with my guitars like I trusted him. Bring your guitars to Cory and let him work his magic - you...