FAQs
Your Questions, Answered Honestly
Everything you need to know about guitar care, professional guidance, mobile service, pricing, and working with MrGuitar across Toronto and the GTA.
You don't need to know exactly what your guitar needs before you reach out. Tell me what's going on, and I'll help you figure out the right next step.
Setup & Service
Why does my guitar need a setup?
Guitars are precision instruments. Over time, strings wear, necks and other components respond to changes in temperature and humidity, hardware can move or loosen, and playability can change. A proper setup brings the instrument back into alignment with how you want it to play. Just as importantly, not every guitar needs a setup simply because some time has passed. If you're unsure, I'll help you determine whether one is actually warranted.
When does my guitar need a setup?
Common signs include: • Difficulty playing or fretting • Excessively high or low action • Fret buzz • Poor tuning stability • Intonation problems • Changes in neck relief • A guitar that simply doesn't feel right anymore But symptoms don't always tell the whole story. If you're unsure what's causing the problem, tell me what you're experiencing and I'll help determine the appropriate next step.
What does a guitar setup include?
A full MrGuitar setup is personalized to the instrument and the player. Depending on the guitar and what's needed, it can include: • Restringing • String stretching and tuning • Truss rod adjustment • Action adjustment • Intonation calibration • Pickup height and balance adjustment • Fret inspection and appropriate polishing • Hardware tightening • Electronics cleaning • Body and neck cleaning • Complete inspection and play test Not every guitar requires every adjustment. The goal is to do the work the instrument actually needs.
How long does a guitar setup take?
A guitar setup typically takes approximately 1–2 hours, depending on the instrument's condition, construction, and what it actually needs. Unusual or unforeseen issues can require additional time. The goal is to do the work properly rather than rush the instrument to fit a fixed time estimate. I'll give you a better sense of what is involved once the guitar has been examined.
Do you work on all types of guitars?
Yes. I work on acoustic, electric, classical, bass, 12-string, vintage, left-handed, and other guitars. From a beginner's first instrument to a vintage collector's piece, every guitar deserves careful attention. I also work on some other stringed instruments on a case-by-case basis. If you're not sure, ask.
Do I need an expensive guitar to benefit from your services?
No. A guitar doesn't have to be expensive to deserve good care. A properly adjusted instrument can be easier and more enjoyable to play regardless of its price.
Can you do fretwork on-site?
Light fret polishing can sometimes be done on-site. Fret leveling and crowning, heavy polishing, fret gluing or replacement, and other time-intensive fretwork are performed at the MrGuitar Workshop when workshop conditions are better suited to the work.
What if my guitar needs parts or a major repair?
If your guitar needs replacement parts or more extensive work, I'll explain what I find, discuss the available options, and provide recommendations before proceeding. Parts can be sourced when appropriate. If I'm already with you for a Service Call and the guitar needs work better suited to the MrGuitar Workshop, I can take the instrument with me without an additional pickup charge. Returning it afterward is $75 within the core service area; longer-distance arrangements are quoted individually. If the guitar needs work beyond my appropriate scope or expertise—such as a major structural repair or full refinish—I'll tell you upfront and recommend a suitable specialist when possible.
Do you offer repairs beyond what's listed?
Yes. The website doesn't list every type of work I may be able to help with. If you need something that isn't listed, Ask MrGuitar and tell me what's going on. I'll help determine whether it's work I can appropriately undertake and what the right next step is. If it falls outside my scope, I'll tell you that too.
Pricing & Payment
How much does an on-site Service Call cost?
The $200 Service Call covers travel to your location and up to the first hour of professional engagement on-site. The Service Call gets MrGuitar to you; what happens during the appointment depends on what you need. That first hour may include consultation, physical assessment, professional recommendations, hands-on service, or an appropriate combination. If the engagement continues beyond the first hour, additional professional time is billed at $125/hour in 15-minute increments.
How much does a Consultation cost?
A Consultation is $75 CAD for 30 minutes, by video or phone. It's for questions, decisions, troubleshooting, purchase advice, repair decisions, and other situations where you want professional guitar guidance without needing an in-person examination of the instrument. If you're unsure whether a Consultation is the right option, simply tell me what's going on and I'll help determine the appropriate next step.
Do you charge for an Assessment?
An in-person MrGuitar Professional Assessment (MPA) takes place within a Service Call. The Service Call is $200 and includes travel to your location and up to the first hour of professional engagement on-site. If the assessment identifies appropriate hands-on work and you choose to proceed during the same appointment, the engagement can transition into MrGuitar Professional Service (MPS) without starting a second Service Call. If additional time is needed beyond the first hour, it is billed at $125/hour in 15-minute increments.
How do I pay?
Cash preferred. E-transfer accepted. All prices are in Canadian dollars.
Mobile Service & Coverage
What areas does MrGuitar serve?
MrGuitar is based in North York and provides mobile service throughout Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and Richmond Hill. Service elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area may also be available and is quoted individually based on location. If you're outside the core service area, Ask MrGuitar about availability.
How does mobile service work?
MrGuitar comes to you by appointment. The $200 Service Call covers travel to your location and up to the first hour of professional engagement on-site. What happens during the appointment depends on what you need and may include consultation, physical assessment, hands-on service, or an appropriate combination. If the work requires equipment or conditions better suited to the MrGuitar Workshop, I'll explain what makes sense and recommend the appropriate next step.
Are all services performed on-site, or are there limitations to mobile service?
Many common guitar services can be performed on-site. Some work, however, requires specialized equipment, additional workspace, extended bench time, or conditions better suited to the MrGuitar Workshop. If workshop work is the appropriate next step, I'll explain why and discuss the best way to proceed.
Can you pick up and deliver my guitar for Workshop work?
Yes. Standalone pickup within the core service area is $75, and delivery or return is $75. If both are needed, the total transport charge is $150. If I'm already at your location for a Service Call and take the guitar with me for work at the MrGuitar Workshop, there is no additional pickup charge at that time. Returning the guitar afterward is $75 within the core service area. Longer-distance transport arrangements are quoted individually. Workshop service itself is billed separately from transportation.
Booking & Process
How do I get started?
Start by asking MrGuitar. You can use the contact form on this website or email [email protected]. Tell me what's going on, what you're considering, or what you're trying to accomplish. You don't need to know whether you need a Consultation, Assessment, Service, buying guidance, or something else. I'll help determine the appropriate next step. For initial inquiries, email and the contact form are the best ways to reach MrGuitar. Once you've booked a Service or Consultation, you'll receive a direct phone number for follow-up as needed.
Can you help me before I buy a guitar?
Yes. If you're considering a new or used guitar and want an experienced, independent perspective, I can help you evaluate whether the instrument makes sense for your needs, playing style, and budget. I can help you think through condition, playability, value, potential repair or setup needs, and whether the instrument is likely to be a good fit. For questions that can be addressed remotely, a Consultation may be appropriate. If you want a specific instrument physically examined, an in-person Assessment may be the better option. The goal is not to steer you toward a particular brand or store. It's to help you make an informed guitar decision.
What if I don't know what kind of help I need?
That's completely fine. You don't need to diagnose a guitar or know which MrGuitar service you need before reaching out. Tell me what's going on, what you're considering, or what you're trying to accomplish. I'll help determine the right next step—whether that's a Consultation, an in-person Assessment, hands-on Service, buying guidance, or simply a professional answer to your question.
Still Have Questions?
Tell me what's going on, what you're considering, or what you're trying to accomplish. I'll help you figure out the right next step.