Olley Neale Guitar Repair – Instrument repair, restoring and luthier services

Olley Neale | Luthier & Stringed Instrument Specialist

With over two decades of professional bench experience and a lifetime spent studying the architecture of stringed instruments, I provide high-tier maintenance and repair for guitars and basses.

Heritage & Expertise

My commitment to the craft began over 20 years ago. Driven by a childhood obsession with how instruments function, I sought out the mentorship of iveteran repair gurus Dave Roper and John Urquhart. Under their guidance, I developed a deep, technical understanding of luthiery—from structural integrity to the nuances of fine-tuning playability.

The Workshop Philosophy

An instrument should be an extension of the player, not an obstacle. Whether it is a vintage acoustic or a modern bass, my goal is to return it to you in a condition that exceeds factory standards.

Total Transparency: I document the repair process, providing clients with progress updates and photographic insights into the work being performed.
Accessible Consultation: I believe in “talking shop.” Whether you have a complex technical issue or a simple query about your gear, I am here to provide expert clarity without the gatekeeping.

Professional Services

I offer a comprehensive range of technical services tailored to the needs of the modern musician:

Precision Setups: Full calibration of action, intonation, and relief.
Fretwork: Expert refretting, precision leveling, crowning, and polishing.
Electronics: Custom rewiring, pickup installations, and high-grade component replacement (pots/jacks).
Structural Repair: Bridge work, nut replacement, and general diagnostics.

The Necessity of the Setup

Most instruments are manufactured in climates vastly different from the UK. By the time a guitar reaches your hands, the wood has often shifted, negating any initial factory calibration.

Furthermore, guitars are organic and reactive. Seasonal changes can cause subtle movements that, if ignored, can lead to permanent structural damage. A professional setup is not just about comfort—it is about protecting your investment and ensuring your “tools of the trade” are ready to perform when you are.