Business Details
50 Years
experience
Dallas' Premier Guitar Store & Repair Shop Since 1976
Charley's Guitar Shop has been a cornerstone of Dallas' music community since 1976, founded by the visionary Charley Wirz who pioneered the vintage guitar movement in North America. With nearly five decades of combined experience, our team of expert technicians, including acclaimed luthier Bryant Russell, delivers unparalleled craftsmanship in guitar repair, restoration, and customization. We specialize in both vintage and modern instruments, offering meticulously curated guitars, amplifiers, and pedals that cater to working musicians' needs.Our commitment to quality ensures every product we sell meets rigorous standards, while our repair department combines technical precision with a player's perspective to maintain instruments in peak condition. As stewards of Texas' musical heritage, we serve local legends and touring artists alike, providing personalized service that transcends typical retail experiences.
Services
Guitar Repairs
Vintage Guitar Sales
Amplifier Sales
Guitar Lessons
Pickup Installation
Fret Work
Neck Restoration
Acoustic Repair
Pickguard Fabrication
Electronic Upgrades
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined experience in vintage and modern guitar craftsmanship.
- Our team includes Bryant Russell, DFW's most acclaimed guitar technician since 2005.
- We guarantee expert repairs with transparent processes and reasonable pricing.
- We maintain Texas' largest collection of vintage and custom shop guitars under one roof.
- Our staff provides player-centric advice from decades of musical industry expertise.
What people say
Expert knowledge
Prompt service
Legendary technicians
Unique vintage finds
Professional repairs
Services
Guitar Repairs
Our expert technicians handle everything from minor setups to major structural repairs. With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in vintage instrument preservation and modern guitar maintenance. Each repair combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced techniques to ensure optimal playability and sound quality. Services include crack repairs, neck resets, and fret work for both acoustic and electric guitars.
Vintage Guitar Sales
We offer an exceptional selection of vintage guitars featuring rare models and historically significant pieces. Our inventory includes sought-after brands like Martin, Takamine, and Fender Custom Shop. Every instrument undergoes professional evaluation and setup to guarantee authentic condition and playability. This service caters to collectors and working musicians seeking premium vintage instruments.
Guitar Lessons
Our lessons combine technical instruction with practical musical development for all skill levels. Taught by experienced musicians, the curriculum covers various styles from blues to rock. The program emphasizes proper technique through hands-on guidance while fostering creative expression. Students gain access to professional facilities and equipment during their lessons.
Pickup Installation
We specialize in installing premium pickups for tone optimization in electric guitars. Using CTS pots and Switchcraft components, our technicians ensure reliable performance and noise reduction. The service includes basic pickup fitting to complete electronic re-wiring projects. Customers receive expert recommendations for achieving their desired sound characteristics.
Neck Restoration
Our comprehensive neck services address structural issues and playability problems. From neck resets to fret replacement, we use traditional methods combined with modern precision tools. The process includes radius restoration, nut fabrication, and truss rod adjustments. Each restoration preserves the instrument's original character while improving functionality.
People
Bryant Russell
Master Guitar Technician
With 25+ years of experience, Bryant graduated from SMU with classical guitar training before joining Charley's in 2005. He combines technical expertise with performing experience to deliver player-focused repairs for local legends and international touring artists.
Questions
Do you offer same-day guitar repairs?
Many minor repairs like setups and pickup installations complete within an hour. Complex work receives priority scheduling based on technician availability and repair complexity.
Can you help identify vintage guitar authenticity?
Our experts use decades of collective experience and reference materials to authenticate vintage instruments. We examine construction details, tonal characteristics, and historical context to verify provenance and market value.
Do you buy used guitars?
We specialize in vintage acquisitions and accept select used instruments for consignment. Each evaluation considers market demand, condition, and historical significance to ensure we maintain premium inventory standards.
Are your technicians active musicians?
All senior staff maintain professional performance experience. Bryant Russell, our lead technician, performs locally while serving national touring acts, ensuring technical work supports real-world playing requirements.
Do you offer guitar maintenance workshops?
While we don't host formal classes, our technicians provide hands-on education during repairs. Customers can observe procedures like neck resets and learn maintenance techniques while instruments receive professional attention.
Reviews (4)
Alex G.
Apr 19, 2022
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I purchased a vintage Takamine from here a couple weeks ago. Every time I pick it up I fall in love with it all over again LOL. Seriously though, it was cleaned up and professionally set up by their awesome techs when it arrived. There are always amazing treasures you can find at this shop. not to mention the good folks who know what they're talking about that work here. Thanks guys!
Raymond KIrkland
Oct 24, 2021
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They do excellent work and appreciate the customer treat them as a human being a true plus plus in today's society highly recommend anyone needing a good car base cello violin banjo this is where they should shop first a true enthusiast for Dallas and surrounding areas musicians on the journey of enlightenment of music
Robert Wolpa
Oct 15, 2021
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I took my telecaster guitar because it needed adjustments. Caleb and Bryant are the two guitar techs that do all manner of repairs and maintenance on acoustic and electric guitars. Bryant had worked on a friend's brother in law's Martin D 28 guitar I played it and it played perfectly. The action on the strings was the perfect height from the neck, it tuned up and stayed in tune the entire time I played it. I don't know exactly what Bryant did to this guitar, had it been my guitar, I would've been a happy customer.
David Winters
Jul 27, 2021
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My dad went to this when the original Charlie was the owner. It was a great place to visit when I was a kid. And he took me with him. My dad is a local musician and has been since steve ray Vaughn went here. Since then it's gone down hill they lack customer service. And was very rude answering my questions pretty much acted like they didnt have time for me. And I was looking for an amp to buy. And just wanted to see what options I had. After they pretty much hung up on me. From now on guitar center is getting my business.
