Crafting Masterpieces for Musicians
Stringed Instrument Works
Experience the art of custom guitar building and expert repairs with over 40 years of craftsmanship serving Chico and northern CA musicians.
Our Custom Luthier Services
At Stringed Instrument Works, we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet all your stringed instrument needs.
Custom Guitar Building
Design your dream guitar with our bespoke building service, tailored to your unique specifications and style.
Expert Guitar Repairs
From broken necks to fret replacements, our skilled repairs ensure your instrument plays perfectly.
Custom Inlay Designs
Add a personal touch to your guitar with our intricate and artistic inlay designs.
Why Choose Our Services
Exceptional Craftsmanship
Our meticulous attention to detail ensures each instrument is a work of art.
Personalized Service
We work closely with you to bring your vision to life, ensuring complete satisfaction.
Quality Materials
We use only the finest materials to guarantee the best sound and longevity for your instrument.
Major overhaul getting started on an old cowboy guitar.
Repair Services
Neck Repair
Our neck repair service addresses issues such as warped necks, broken headstocks, and misaligned frets. We ensure your instrument’s playability is restored to perfection.
Crack Fixes
We specialize in fixing cracks of all sizes, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic appeal are maintained. Our meticulous approach guarantees seamless repairs.
Major Overhauls
For instruments in need of extensive work, our major overhaul service covers everything from fret replacement to complete refinishing, breathing new life into your cherished guitar.
Custom Modifications
Enhance your instrument with our custom modification services, including string bender installations and personalized adjustments to suit your playing style.
Custom Inlays
Our custom inlay services offer a unique opportunity to personalize your guitar with intricate designs. From simple dots to elaborate motifs, our artistry knows no bounds.
Artistic Designs
Choose from a variety of artistic designs that reflect your personal style. Our skilled artisans craft each inlay with precision and creativity.
Personalization Options
We provide a range of personalization options, allowing you to incorporate initials, symbols, or custom artwork into your guitar’s design.
Material Selection
Select from a wide array of materials, including mother-of-pearl, abalone, and exotic woods, to create a truly one-of-a-kind instrument.
Installation Expertise
Jim ensures flawless installation of your chosen inlay, enhancing both the aesthetic and value of your guitar.
See a Few of Jim's Masterpieces
Electric guitar, easy access to 24 frets, clown inlay in headstock. Active Bartolini pickups with booster switch. Kahler locking tremolo with auto-latch system. Sperzel tuners. Graphite nut. Nitrocellulose lacquer finish: “Faded Levis.”
Custom Strat with inlay of personal logo. Vintage Fender pickups with any combination pickups option. Hard tail. Nitrocellulose lacquer finish: black.
Highly detailed skeleton logo inlay added to customize this guitar. See the detailed inlay photo above.
Vintage Parts Available
Call Jim to see if he has the parts you need.
Vintage Tuning Pegs
Vintage Pickups
Vintage Bridges
Vintage Knobs
Vintage Tailpieces
Vintage Pickguards
Vintage Control Plates
Vintage Strap Buttons
Vintage Neck Plates
Vintage Frets
Vintage Truss Rods
Vintage Nuts
Vintage Saddles
Vintage Pots
Vintage Switches
Vintage Jacks
Vintage Wiring Kits
Vintage Capacitors
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
“Jim did a fabulous job repairing my PRS electric guitar. I knocked it off its stand and tragically cracked the headstock. I was a afraid it was totally destroyed, but Jim put it all back together. Now it sounds terrific, and you can’t even see where it was damage was unless you look very carefully. Jim did the repairs for a reasonable price and in a very short time. Definately five stars! Thank you Jim!”
– August Bullock
★★★★★
“I have been extremely pleased with the quality of work from Jim Williford at Stringed Instrument Works. Jim has worked mostly on my acoustic guitars and a banjo over the years for bridge and pickup replacements as well as some occasional buzzing issues I was unable to address myself. Jim is professional, his pricing is fair, and he always does a great job.”
– Ryan Miller