Business Details
16 Years
experience
Premier Guitar & Amp Repair Services in Escondido, CA
Founded in 2010, James Hood Guitar Repair has established itself as North County San Diego's premier destination for professional guitar and amplifier repair, custom finishing, and instrument setups. Our team of certified technicians, led by James Hooda seasoned luthier with decades of experiencespecializes in restoring and enhancing stringed instruments to their peak performance. Certified by industry leaders like C.F. Martin, Taylor, Guild, and Fender, we combine technical expertise with a passion for music to deliver exceptional service.From fretwork and electronics upgrades to full-scale restorations, our meticulous attention to detail ensures every instrument leaves our shop playing flawlessly. With a commitment to exceeding client expectations, we serve musicians of all levels, from beginners to touring professionals, while also offering educational opportunities in guitar repair and finishing. Our state-of-the-art facility in Escondido, CA, houses both repair and manufacturing operations, reflecting our dedication to innovation and growth in the guitar industry.
Services
Instrument Setups
Bass Guitar Repair
Pickup Swaps
Electronics Repair
Fret Services
Guitar Finishing
Amplifier Repair
Warranty Repairs
Vintage Restorations
Nut & Saddle Replacement
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Certified repair center for Martin, Taylor, and Fender guitars
- Decades of combined experience in guitar repair and finishing
- Offer same-day guitar setup services with bench reservations
- Custom guitar finishing using modern UV and traditional lacquer techniques
- Comprehensive repair services from fretwork to amplifier diagnostics
Associations and certifications
- C.F. Martin
- Taylor Guitars
- Guild Guitars
- Cordoba
- Fender
Services
Guitar Setups
Our professional guitar setups transform unplayable instruments into responsive masterpieces. With years of experience handling electric, acoustic, and bass guitars, we adjust truss rods, nut slots, bridge heights, and intonation to ensure optimal playability. Every setup includes string replacement and tuning stability checks, guaranteeing your instrument performs flawlessly for live performances or studio sessions.
Amplifier Repair
We specialize in both tube and solid-state amplifier diagnostics and repairs. Our technicians address power supply issues, preamp problems, and speaker connectivity failures while maintaining original tone characteristics. From vintage tube amps requiring capacitor replacements to modern digital amps needing firmware updates, we restore amplifiers to their factory specifications using premium replacement components.
Fret Services
Our comprehensive fret services include dressing, partial refrets, and full neck replacements. Using precision leveling tools and crowning jigs, we eliminate buzzing and dead spots while maintaining proper string height. Whether repairing worn vintage frets or installing jumbo frets for modern playability, our work ensures smooth, consistent action across the entire fretboard.
Guitar Finishing
We offer traditional lacquer finishes and modern UV-cured coatings for guitar refinishing projects. Our custom color matching capabilities restore vintage instruments to original specifications or create unique custom designs. From subtle sunbursts to bold custom graphics, our finishing process maintains instrument resonance while achieving showroom-quality aesthetics.
Pickup Swaps
Our pickup installation services enhance instrument tone with clean, solderless installations where possible. We specialize in passive and active pickup systems from brands like Seymour Duncan and Suhr. Electronics repairs include potentiometer replacements, switch fixes, and wiring harness upgrades using premium components from Switchcraft and CTS to ensure reliable, noise-free performance.
People
James Hood
Owner & Master Luthier
Certified by Martin, Taylor, and Guild, James has repaired guitars since 1989. He apprenticed under Bill Meyer at Buffalo Bros. Guitars and founded his shop in 2010. His expertise spans guitar finishing, repair, and manufacturing.
Holland Morgan
Guitar Technician
Specializing in archtop construction and precision setups, Holland combines technical skill with a musician's understanding of performance requirements. She ensures every instrument meets exacting playability standards before returning to clients.
John Heaney
Amp Repair Specialist
Handling amplifier diagnostics and repairs, John combines electrical engineering knowledge with musical experience to restore vintage and modern amps to optimal working condition while preserving their tonal characteristics.
Tucker Bancroft
Repair Operations Manager
Overseeing daily repair operations, Tucker applies his guitar-building expertise to complex restoration projects. He manages both traditional repair work and CNC-assisted manufacturing processes in our expanded facility.
Bob Ryan
Sales & Customer Service
Handling front-end sales and repair consultations, Bob combines technical knowledge with customer-focused service. His musical background helps clients articulate their instrument needs while ensuring transparent communication throughout the repair process.
Questions
What guitar brands do you service?
We service all major brands including Fender, Gibson, Martin, Taylor, PRS, and Guild. We're certified repair centers for Martin, Taylor, Guild, and Fender guitars.
Do you offer emergency guitar repairs?
While we don't provide 24/7 emergency services, we offer priority bench reservations for urgent repairs and often accommodate same-day turnaround for standard setups.
Can you repair vintage guitar electronics?
Yes, we specialize in vintage electronics repair using period-correct components. Our technicians handle dirty pots, faulty switches, and wiring issues while maintaining original instrument integrity.
Do you provide guitar finish restoration?
We offer complete finish restoration using traditional lacquer and modern UV finishing technologies. Our process includes color matching for vintage instruments and custom paint options for modern builds.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Escondido, CA, we serve North County San Diego and surrounding areas including Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Vista. We also accept mail-in repairs nationwide.
Are your technicians certified?
Our team includes certified repair specialists for major guitar brands. James Hood holds certifications from Martin, Taylor, Guild, and Fender, with decades of combined experience in guitar repair and manufacturing.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Dennis Parazak
May 10, 2022
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Brought my PRS Custom 22 to have a setup/adjustment. In addition to that, the guy that worked on it also polished the body and neck finish. The guitar finish is now radiant. As far as the setup goes, the intonation and playability is extraordinary. Any chord & any note any where up and down the neck is very sweet sounding. Thank you James Hood Guitars, Escondido/San Marcos.
Lee Harper
May 09, 2022
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I brought two guitars to this shop and I was very happy I did. A set-up and fret leveling was done on my 20 year old stratocaster and it plays so much better, no fret buzz. The other guitar had crack in the sound board. Holland repair it and it came really nice. I thought it was a lost cause. I recommend James Hood guitar shop.
Paul Hagerty
Mar 07, 2022
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James is my personal friend and the only business I trust with my guitars. Take that green paper with dead presidents pictures there. Money carries germs! Spend it a JHG and play it safe!
Jk
Feb 04, 2022
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I had a guitar I brought in on Saturday and asked if I could pick up the following Saturday, which I was told would be fine. The instrument was brought in for a set-up and tuned to B standard. I didn't have time to play it at the shop, was on a tight schedule, but once I had the opportunity later that evening, I was very happy with the outcome. Appreciate the job that was done, I'll definitely be back up with other guitars. Thanks!
Patty Sullivan
Oct 26, 2021
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We had a great experience with James Hood Guitar Repair and our Martin warranty repair. They were recommended by a friend we trusted and he was spot on. It was worth the drive from LA to San Diego to have them do the job.
Christian Guynn
Oct 18, 2021
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I can't recommend James Hood guitar repair enough. I brought in 3 electrics and an acoustic that all needed various work from basic set ups to electronics repair. The staff in the shop was extremely friendly and knowledgeable from the start. They gave me a very fair estimate to get all my guitars fixed up and they were ready for pickup in less than a week. I now have 4 guitars that are amazing to play.
They work on all levels of guitars. You don't need to have a $10,000 Martin for them to help you out. Even if you just need the action lowered or something basic, JH will get your instrument back in shape and it won't break the bank. I will definitely take all my guitars here for years to come.
They work on all levels of guitars. You don't need to have a $10,000 Martin for them to help you out. Even if you just need the action lowered or something basic, JH will get your instrument back in shape and it won't break the bank. I will definitely take all my guitars here for years to come.
Brandon Wood
Jul 20, 2021
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Loved my experience here. The guys know what they are talking about, they are down to earth and friendly. I felt like I had a friend who owned a guitar shop and I just walked in for the first time. Quality work - had guitar fret edges shaved which needs careful attention. Highly recommend.
