Business Details
13 Years
experience
Expert Guitar Repair Services in Ann Arbor
Collins Luthiery combines decades of lutherie experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver unparalleled repair and restoration services for plucked string instruments. Founded in 2013 by Master Luthier David Collins and Hesh Breakstone, our team specializes in guitar, mandolin, and banjo repairs while maintaining a commitment to preserving historical craftsmanship. Our technicians have honed their skills repairing instruments for professional musicians and collectors, including pre-war Martin owners. We pioneered proprietary tools and methods that reduce repair risks while maintaining 100% satisfaction guarantees on qualifying services. Our shop serves as both a repair facility and learning center, offering hands-on classes taught by industry-recognized experts.With over 25 combined years of experience in the lutherie field, we maintain strict quality controls and carry specialized liability insurance for high-value instrument work. Our CF Martin authorization certifies us for warranty repairs, and our 400+ five-star reviews reflect our client-centric approach that prioritizes transparent communication and technical excellence. Our relocation to a dedicated space with convenient parking enables faster service turnaround while maintaining our original mission of advancing lutherie knowledge through practical application.
Services
Guitar Setups
Fret Repair
Neck Resets
Pickup Installation
Bridge Repairs
Instrument Restoration
Nut and Saddle Replacement
Crack Repair
Tuner Replacement
Guitar Restoration
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined lutherie expertise from Master Luthier David Collins and Hesh Breakstone
- Our proprietary saddle mill and fret buffer tools enhance repair precision and consistency
- 400+ five-star reviews validate our technical excellence and customer service
- CF Martin authorized warranty repairs ensure authentic service for Martin instruments
- 100% satisfaction guarantee on qualifying repair services
Associations and certifications
- CF Martin
What people say
Expert repairs
Same-day service
Attentive luthiers
Quality work
Trusted by professionals
Services
Guitar Setups
Our precision setups optimize playability and tone using bone nuts, compensated saddles, and modern techniques. Services include neck relief adjustment, action optimization, and electronics calibration. Clients benefit from same-day turnaround when requested before noon, with complete setup completed by 3:30 PM on weekdays. We service all brands while maintaining Martin warranty compliance.
Fret Repair
We specialize in fret dressing, refrets, and compression refretting using stainless steel, nickel, or EVO materials. Our proprietary methods address fall-away and binding challenges while maintaining tonal integrity. Services include fret leveling, crown shaping, and end treatment to ensure smooth playability and extended fret life.
Neck Resets
Comprehensive neck reset services restore structural integrity and playing comfort for vintage and modern instruments. Using precision jigs and heat-controlled techniques, we address angle issues while preserving original construction methods. Services include glue removal, joint preparation, and final playability testing to ensure proper string height and neck alignment.
Pickup Installation
Custom pickup installations and electronics upgrades enhance tonal possibilities while maintaining original instrument character. Services include pickup routing, wiring harness assembly, and tonal balancing. We offer both passive and active system options with shielding solutions to minimize interference while preserving vintage aesthetics.
Instrument Restoration
Our restoration services preserve vintage instruments' value while addressing structural and cosmetic issues. We specialize in bridge plate replacement, crack repair, and finish stabilization using period-appropriate materials. Each project receives individualized assessment to balance historical accuracy with functional improvements for modern playing standards.
People
David Collins
Master Luthier / Owner
With 25+ years experience, David Collins founded Collins Luthiery after establishing Collins Lutherie and teaching at Galloup School. He developed industry-standard tools like the Collins Saddle Mill and has built over 100 guitars, including McPherson prototypes. His expertise spans repair, construction, and innovation in lutherie.
Hesh Breakstone
Luthier Emeritus
Hesh Breakstone brings decades of corporate business experience and lutherie expertise to Collins Luthiery. After apprenticing under David Collins, he developed repair techniques while operating Lenawee Lutherie. He now focuses on select repair work while mentoring newer technicians, maintaining his passion for guitar restoration since 2004.
Questions
Do you offer same-day guitar setup services?
Yes, we complete standard setups by 3:30 PM when received before noon on weekdays.
Are you authorized for Martin warranty repairs?
Yes, we're a CF Martin Authorized Warranty Repair Center for genuine Martin instruments.
What services are covered under your satisfaction guarantee?
Our guarantee covers setups and minor repairs, excluding major jobs and vintage instrument work.
Do you teach guitar repair classes?
We offer hands-on lutherie classes for builders covering fretting, setup, and compensation techniques.
Can I ship my instrument for repair?
We don't accept shipped work due to quality control requirements for in-person customer interaction.
What are your hours of operation?
Appointments available by prior arrangement - call 734 332-6142 to schedule repair consultations.
Reviews (4)
Jesse West
May 28, 2022
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David setup my Martin M-36 and brought this baby to life! Quick turnaround, I'm thrilled! These are good people. He's got my 28 now.
Erik
May 19, 2022
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After having been burnt at a different shop, I can happily say I full endorse Ann Arbor Guitars. Even before the work was performed I felt very comfortable as the experience and professionalism of this shop is immediately apparent. My guitar finally sounds how it is supposed to and plays very comfortably. The pricing was fair and what I expected for this type of work.
Jeremy Storer
Apr 30, 2022
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David did a great setup on my electric bass with a quick turnaround time. A great shop to do business with and i'll be bringing all my guitars to Ann Arbor Guitars whenever they need a tune up or repair.
Jeremy Brown
Oct 25, 2021
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I have had nothing but exceptional experiences with Ann Arbor Guitars. All the work they have done on my instruments has been superb. In our interactions, they have always treated me with the utmost respect, professionalism, and courtesy and have gone above and beyond to educate and encourage me. One time I inquired about a repair they were unable to do out of respect for their neighbors, and they referred me to another shop they knew would be able to do the work at the highest level.
I greatly appreciated their honesty, concern for their neighbors, and for referring me to the right place. My instruments all play better than ever since discovering Ann Arbor Guitars, and they will always be where I go for everything from setups to major repairs.
I greatly appreciated their honesty, concern for their neighbors, and for referring me to the right place. My instruments all play better than ever since discovering Ann Arbor Guitars, and they will always be where I go for everything from setups to major repairs.
