Business Details
41 Years
experience
Expert Guitar & Amplifier Repair Services in San Diego
Founded in 1985 by industry veteran Dan Altilio, Top Gear Guitar Pro Shop has established itself as a trusted authority in guitar and amplifier repair services. Our team, led by Tim and Mike with over 30 years of combined experience, provides comprehensive maintenance, custom modifications, and restorations for electric and acoustic instruments. All work is completed in-house using premium replacement parts, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for your equipment.We maintain factory-authorized service partnerships with leading brands like Fender, ESP, and Takamine, backed by a 60-day warranty that exceeds industry standards. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and personalized service has made us the premier destination for musicians across San Diego and the Southwest region.
Services
Guitar Repairs
Amp Service
Custom Modifications
Parts Replacement
Factory Warranty Service
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of combined experience maintaining guitars and amplifiers
- Factory-authorized service partnerships with major instrument brands
- In-house repairs completed by certified technicians
- 60-day warranty exceeding industry standards
- Premium replacement parts from trusted global suppliers
Associations and certifications
- Fender Custom Shop Custom Care Service Center
- Fender Gold-level Service Center
- ESP & LTD Authorized Service Center
- Takamine Service Center
Services
Guitar Repairs
Our expert technicians handle all electric and acoustic guitar repairs, from basic setups to complete restorations. We use premium replacement parts and maintain factory specifications for vintage and modern instruments. Our 60-day warranty ensures lasting quality for every repair service.
Amp Service
Specializing in tube and solid-state amplifier maintenance, our certified technicians perform complete diagnostics and repairs. We service all major brands including Fender, Marshall, and Mesa Boogie using manufacturer-approved components to restore optimal sound performance and reliability.
Custom Modifications
Enhance your instrument's performance with custom modifications including pickup installations, wiring upgrades, and tone circuit enhancements. Our team implements factory-approved modifications while maintaining the instrument's original character and playability for professional musicians' needs.
Parts Replacement
We provide authentic replacement parts for guitars and amplifiers, specializing in hard-to-find components for vintage equipment. Our inventory includes factory-certified pickups, pots, switches, and hardware to ensure proper function and maintain instrument value.
Factory Warranty Service
As a factory-authorized service center for Fender, ESP, and Takamine, we perform warranty repairs meeting manufacturer specifications. Our technicians maintain proper documentation and use genuine parts to preserve warranty validity for new instruments.
People
Dan Altilio
Founder
Industry pioneer with 40+ years experience, previously VP of DiMarzio Pickups. Founded Top Gear in 1985 and established its reputation for technical excellence before transitioning daily operations to Tim and Mike.
Tim
Lead Technician
Certified technician with 30+ years experience handling complex guitar and amplifier repairs. Specializes in vintage instrument restoration while maintaining original character and sound quality for professional musicians.
Mike
Service Manager
Senior technician overseeing daily operations with extensive expertise in custom modifications and factory-authorized warranty repairs. Maintains quality control standards across all service departments for consistent premium results.
Questions
What guitar brands do you service?
We service all major electric and acoustic guitar brands including Fender, ESP, Takamine, and vintage instruments. Our factory authorizations cover Fender Custom Shop, Jackson, Gretsch, and more.
Do you offer amplifier repair services?
Yes, we repair all types of tube and solid-state amplifiers from major manufacturers. Our technicians specialize in vintage amp restorations and modern performance upgrades.
What are your business hours?
We're open Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Closed weekends and major holidays. No appointment needed for drop-off during regular business hours.
Do you provide warranty service?
Yes, we offer a 60-day warranty on all repairs with parts we supply - double the industry average. Factory warranty service available for authorized brands like Fender and ESP.
Are your replacement parts authentic?
We use only premium quality replacement parts from trusted sources. Our industry connections ensure genuine components for both modern instruments and vintage equipment.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily serving San Diego County and the Southwest region. Customers travel from across California and neighboring states for our specialized guitar and amp repair services.
Reviews (6)
Lawrence Gilly
Dec 25, 2021
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I got my baby back. Cleaned up, set up, new strings and tuned up. Job wonderfully well done with a great price.
John Adams
Dec 12, 2021
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I got a brand new Supro Delta king 12 and right out of the box to my surprise the switch for power was on the bottom of the box. I needed my new amp fixed as soon as possible so I came to Top gear and they really took care of me it was a turnaround of only 1 day! And presto my amp was as good as new. I have found my go to repair shop now for my tube amps and my Telecaster. Great work at a very reasonable price! Thanks guys
Andrew Wakeman
Aug 08, 2021
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30 + year customer.they keep my vintage amps in top shape and set up all my guitars professionally. expert advice and service
Claire Hoffman
May 29, 2021
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I am not a "pro" and I didn't take a guitar to these skilled crafters at Top Gear but Dan Atilio sure made me feel welcome when I took a badly neglected Martin Ukelele for repairs and refurbishment. All needed was explained and fairly priced. Dan was even willing to assist me in locating the perfect case ~ something well outside of the usual job. Efficient turnaround time too ~ Top Gear Guitar Pro Shop was recommended to me and now I'm recommending them to you, they're the best.
Edward A. Sanchez
May 15, 2021
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My absolute go-to for all things guitar and guitar electronics (amps, etc.) and have been my main choice for almost 40 years. Owner Dan Altilio's a great guy and is a masterful font of knowledge and expertise. His guys. Tim and Mike ("the new guy" with only 27 yrs. tenure) are also top-notch. Any issues or advice regarding guitars or amplifiers. I look to Top Gear. (And shame to those Brit car guys for stealing the name;>)
Julian Haddad
May 14, 2021
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These guys are my go-to shop whenever I need amps or guitars worked on. Very fair prices and the quality of the work has always been superb. Bonus that they do amps and GC doesn't, and they often do guitar work for less than GC! They've done fantastic repairs on two of my tube amps, both for around $100. Super fast service, too, and the guys are really nice. Can't recommend them enough!
