Hoffman Guitars

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Expert Guitar Repair & Custom Handmade Guitars

Hoffman Guitars has been a trusted name in guitar repair and craftsmanship since 1971. Our expertise spans factory-authorized warranty service for renowned brands like Martin, Gibson, and Taylor, alongside meticulous restoration of vintage instruments. We specialize in both acoustic and electric guitar repairs, from minor adjustments to major structural fixes, including fretwork, bridge reglues, and finish restoration. Our commitment to quality extends to custom handmade guitars, crafted with premium materials and traditional techniques honed over five decades.

We prioritize transparency, offering free estimates and clear timelines for all repairs. With a legacy rooted in Charlie Hoffman's passion for luthiery and Gabriel Hoffman's continued stewardship, we blend experience with personalized service to meet each client's needs. Our dedication to excellence has earned us the trust of professional musicians and hobbyists alike.

Services

Guitar Setup Electronics Repair Fretwork Bridge Reglues Structural Repair Finish Restoration Hardware Upgrade Custom Guitars Restringing Neck Repair

Details

Year established: 1971

Highlights and features

We offer factory-authorized warranty service for Martin, Gibson, and Taylor guitars
Our luthiers have over 50 years of combined experience in guitar repair and craftsmanship
We use only premium solid woods in our custom handmade instruments
No charge for repair estimates or consultations
Same-day setups available on Saturdays with advance scheduling

Website

Update Listing

Services

Guitar Setup

Our comprehensive setup service optimizes playability by adjusting neck relief, string height, and intonation. We address wood movement from humidity changes to ensure smooth action and proper tuning stability. This foundational service improves performance for acoustic and electric guitars of all skill levels.

Custom Guitars

Each custom guitar combines premium solid woods with traditional luthier techniques. We build to exact specifications using time-tested methods, ensuring superior tone and durability. Our instruments reflect decades of expertise in crafting tools for professional musicians and collectors.

Fretwork

From minor dressings to full refrets, our specialists restore fretboards to optimal condition. We address wear patterns, level uneven frets, and install new frets with precision, extending instrument lifespan while maintaining tonal integrity and playability.

Structural Repair

We handle complex repairs including neck resets, crack stabilization, and bridge plate replacements. Our experience with vintage and damaged instruments ensures proper structural reinforcement while preserving original character and sound quality.

Finish Repair

Our finish specialists perform touch-ups and full refinishing using traditional techniques. We match original finishes to repair dents, scratches, and wear while maintaining instrument value and aesthetics for collectors and working musicians.

People

Charlie Hoffman

Founder

Founded Hoffman Guitars in 1971 after building his first guitar as a Ph.D. student. Crafted over 650 instruments, with two in the Minnesota Historical Society collection. Mentored countless luthiers before passing in 2024.

Gabriel Hoffman

Luthier

Apprenticed under Charlie Hoffman for 30 years. Built his first guitar at 13 and now continues the legacy. Specializes in traditional construction methods while incorporating modern innovations for improved instrument performance.

Questions

What guitar brands do you service?

We provide factory-authorized warranty service for Martin, Gibson, Taylor, and Olson guitars, along with repair services for all other acoustic and electric brands.

Can you repair vintage instruments?

Yes, we specialize in vintage guitar restoration including structural repairs, finish touch-ups, and period-correct part replacements while preserving original character.

Do you offer custom guitar options?

We build fully customized instruments with your choice of tonewoods, body styles, and decorative elements. Each guitar is handcrafted to your specifications by our master luthiers.

What repair estimates cost?

We provide free written estimates for all repair work after inspecting your instrument, with no obligation to proceed with the service.

Are same-day repairs available?

We offer same-day setups on Saturdays with advance scheduling, subject to availability during our regular business hours.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Charlie Buzzell

Apr 22, 2022 Report

These guys do a great job, I've had them do a number of repairs, recently repaired a back crack on a 1940 martin d-18 for me, they've also done some great fret replacements, and just recently had them re-fret a 1959 strat, was a great job, guitar feels and plays fantastic, always great service, thank you guys!

Brenden Yule

Feb 27, 2021 Report

Beware of getting work done here. They broke tuners on a guitar of ten years and blamed it on the tuners. Never had a problem with this guitar. They constantly lied about how long the work was going to take, and what parts were ordered. Poor communication all around.

Bill Webb

Dec 01, 2020 Report

This was my experience with Hoffman Guitars as a first time customer. I dropped off a guitar on January 4th for a setup and for them to give it a once over. At that time they said it would take about a week. A week goes by and I call just to check in and they say they haven't gotten to it yet, should be by the end of that week. I wait the second week and I don't hear anything from them. I give them a full third week plus a day before driving over and picking it up.

Maybe they do really good work since they obviously take their time (I wouldn't know since they never touched mine), but don't expect any communication on their part or put any faith in their turnaround times.

Andrew Abu-Ghazaleh

Nov 03, 2019 Report

After nearly 20 years of abuse, electric heat, camp fires and childish use I relied on these guys bring my Taylor 314CE back to life. With three large cracks, a split across the bridge and a pickup that hasn't worked since 2007 they fixed it all. The work is fantastic and I'm extremely happy. The workmanship was expert work along with a price that was less than two other shops I brought it to. Highly recommended!