Business Details
Custom Handcrafted Guitars & Expert Repairs
At Fitzgerald Guitars, we have dedicated ourselves to crafting exceptional instruments that combine timeless design with modern innovation. With over 35 years of experience, our founder Larry Fitzgerald has honed his expertise through prestigious roles at DiMarzio, Mandolin Brothers, and Rudy's Music, working alongside industry legends and servicing iconic musicians. Our commitment to quality stems from decades of repair and restoration work, ensuring every custom-built guitar or bass meets the highest standards of playability and tone. We specialize in personalized consultations to understand each musician's unique needs, selecting premium materials to create instruments tailored to individual artistic expression. Our reputation as a trusted name in the industry is reflected in testimonials from satisfied clients, including renowned artists like Eric Clapton and James Taylor.By blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary techniques, we deliver instruments that not only meet but exceed professional expectations. Our services extend beyond custom builds to include expert repairs and restorations, addressing everything from neck-resets to headstock breaks. Located in Long Island, New York, we serve musicians seeking unparalleled quality and attention to detail. Every Fitzgerald instrument represents a culmination of decades of hands-on experience and a passion for musical excellence. We invite you to contact us to discuss creating your dream instrument or scheduling professional repair services.
Services
Custom Guitars
Guitar Repairs
Instrument Restorations
Neck-Resets
Refrets
Headstock Repairs
Setup Services
Fretwork
Vintage Instrument Repair
Bass Guitar Construction
Highlights and features
- 35 years of experience building and repairing instruments for world-renowned musicians
- Specialized expertise in both vintage restorations and modern custom builds
- Direct collaboration with clients during personalized design consultations
- Proven track record servicing instruments for Eric Clapton and James Taylor
- Meticulous attention to tonal quality and playability in every instrument
What people say
Magical hands
Highest quality
Best around
Plays like butter
Beautiful instruments
Services
Custom Guitars
Each custom guitar is crafted through a collaborative process beginning with detailed consultations to understand the musician's tonal preferences and playing style. Premium tonewoods and components are selected to create instruments that balance aesthetic beauty with optimal performance characteristics. Our custom builds incorporate both traditional construction techniques and modern innovations to meet evolving musical demands.
Guitar Repairs
Comprehensive repair services address both structural and cosmetic issues affecting guitar performance. Our expertise covers fret wear, neck alignment, crack repairs, and electronic component replacements. Technicians use precision tools and time-tested methods to restore instruments to their original playing condition while preserving their historical integrity and value.
Instrument Restorations
Specialized restoration services focus on preserving the authenticity of historic instruments while improving playability. This includes careful wood matching, finish touch-ups, and structural reinforcement using period-appropriate materials and techniques. Our work maintains the instrument's character while ensuring it remains fully functional for modern performance requirements.
Neck-Resets
Precision neck-reset procedures restore proper string action and intonation to aging instruments. The process involves careful adjustment of neck angles and joint integrity while maintaining original construction characteristics. This service extends the playable lifespan of vintage guitars without compromising their structural authenticity or tonal qualities.
Refrets
Expert refretting services address worn or damaged frets using high-quality wire matched to the instrument's original specifications. The process includes precise leveling, crowning, and polishing to ensure smooth playability. Our approach maintains the guitar's original feel while improving sustain and tonal clarity through meticulous attention to detail.
People
Larry Fitzgerald
Owner & Master Luthier
With over 35 years of experience, Larry Fitzgerald has built instruments for Eric Clapton and James Taylor. He studied at the National Guitar Workshop and worked at DiMarzio and Rudy's Music. His expertise spans vintage restorations and modern custom builds, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation to create exceptional instruments.
Questions
What makes Fitzgerald Guitars' custom instruments unique?
Our custom guitars combine 35+ years of repair expertise with personalized design consultations. Each instrument balances classic craftsmanship with modern playability enhancements tailored to the musician's specific tonal and ergonomic preferences.
Do you repair vintage instruments?
Yes, we specialize in vintage instrument restoration using period-appropriate materials and techniques. Our work preserves historical integrity while improving playability for modern performance requirements.
What repair services do you offer?
We handle complete restorations, neck-resets, refrets, headstock repairs, and electronic component replacements. Our technicians use precision tools to address both structural and cosmetic issues affecting instrument performance.
Which famous musicians have you worked for?
Our client list includes Eric Clapton, James Taylor, Mark Knopfler, and Peter Frampton. We've also worked with notable artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ed King and The Edge from U2.
How does the custom guitar process work?
The process begins with a consultation to understand your tonal goals and playing style. We then select premium materials and craft your instrument using traditional techniques combined with modern innovations for optimal performance.
Are services available outside Long Island?
While based in Long Island, we accept instruments from clients nationwide for repairs and custom builds. We provide shipping guidance and maintain communication throughout the entire process.
