Looking for a pro set up in MD

[Legattabass]

Hey TB,

Can anyone suggest a good tech/luthier in MD for set ups? I live 30 minutes northeast of DC.

Many thanks.

[Din Of Win]

Originally Posted by Legattabass

Hey TB,

Can anyone suggest a good tech/luthier in MD for set ups? I live 30 minutes northeast of DC.

Many thanks.

Atomic Music in Beltsville is my fave.

Stu's Music in Westminster.

Chuck Levin's in Silver Spring.

Victor Litz in Gaithersburg.

Bill's Music House in Baltimore.



Shoot... there are a bunch of capable TB dudes in the MD/DC/VA/PA area... maybe if you asked nicely, one of them could help ya out!

[Thunderitter]

You should think about coming along to the GTG were having in June as we're hoping to have a set-up you bass clinic as part of the program!

[fenderhutz]

Action Music. The guy who works there is a total guitar knowledge bank and does a really nice job of setups.

Action Music, Arlington, VA: HOME Guitars Basses Amps Pedals Repairs Lessons

My guitarist drives over an hour to have his stuff setup.

I do my own.

The guy at Atomic (Paul I think is his name) does a good job but can come across as arrogant sometimes and he has a loooooong wait time.

[Fuzzbass]

John "Orkie" Ingram, who worked with Paul Reed Smith for decades, starting in 1978 when it was just Paul and John. He's located east of Annapolis. His wait time can vary, but he's often quick. Here's his contact page so you can call ahead:
John Ingram's Guitar Page

[Legattabass]

Originally Posted by Fuzzbass

John "Orkie" Ingram, who worked with Paul Reed Smith for decades, starting in 1978 when it was just Paul and John. He's located east of Annapolis. His wait time can vary, but he's often quick. Here's his contact page so you can call ahead:
John Ingram's Guitar Page

I'm sure this is an unecessary question but is he solid with setups on bass? Is a guitar tech always a capable bass tech?

[TheDialog]

The best of the best is Phil Jacoby... Philtone Guitar Company - Guitar Repair and Lutherie in Baltimore, Maryland You just have to be willing to wait a crazy long time. If you don't have the time I'd go to Brooks Harlan at Big Crunch Amp.

[Legattabass]

Originally Posted by Thunderitter

You should think about coming along to the GTG were having in June as we're hoping to have a set-up you bass clinic as part of the program!

While I'd love to come to the GTG, I'm enough of a beginner that the thought of doing anything in front of several dozen musicians leaves my blood cold. If I'm there, expect me to be a wallflower or a mute

[baba]

All good suggestions above, but unless you are getting into fretwork, why not do it yourself? Check this out and ignore the ramp stuff: Setup Instruction Manual

[Chrisk-K]

The best of the best is Phil Jacoby... Philtone Guitar Company - Guitar Repair and Lutherie in Baltimore, Maryland You just have to be willing to wait a crazy long time. If you don't have the time I'd go to Brooks Harlan at Big Crunch Amp.
__________________

+1

He has a Plek machine. I've used his service for a fret issue and a mysterious pickup problem. I had made an appointment and he did the job while I waited.

[Fuzzbass]

Originally Posted by Legattabass

I'm sure this is an unecessary question but is he solid with setups on bass? Is a guitar tech always a capable bass tech?

Your question is valid, but I can personally attest that John does great work with basses too -- setup and repair.

[WardEarth]

Originally Posted by Legattabass

While I'd love to come to the GTG, I'm enough of a beginner that the thought of doing anything in front of several dozen musicians leaves my blood cold. If I'm there, expect me to be a wallflower or a mute

Well, you should learn to setup your bass. Saves you $ and its really not that hard. I've learned from TB and a few experiments along the way. Go ahead, give your truss rod a 1/4 turn, raise or lower strings at the bridge, etc. Unless your totally inept, you've got this!
That or you'll ruin your bass and have to buy something nicer.

[Lumpy_Bass]

Originally Posted by WardEarth

Well, you should learn to setup your bass. Saves you $ and its really not that hard. I've learned from TB and a few experiments along the way. Go ahead, give your truss rod a 1/4 turn, raise or lower strings at the bridge, etc. Unless your totally inept, you've got this!
That or you'll ruin your bass and have to buy something nicer.

Or just be really careful with the neck, no more than a 1/4 turn either way and anything else you do can generally be undone by a pro if necessary. Unless you're looking for a *good* reason to buy a new bass then by all means don't let me stop you!

[Rockman]

The guitar teacher here recommends Walt Johns, I was going to go in for a fret replacement but just bought a new bass instead... Anway he swears by this guys work

[joshwilkesbooth]

Originally Posted by TheDialog

The best of the best is Phil Jacoby... Philtone Guitar Company - Guitar Repair and Lutherie in Baltimore, Maryland You just have to be willing to wait a crazy long time.

Phil is a true professional. He's done fantastic work on my gear... I'd recommend him to anyone.

P.S. I never have to wait... haha.

[Legattabass]

Originally Posted by Rockman

The guitar teacher here recommends Walt Johns, I was going to go in for a fret replacement but just bought a new bass instead... Anway he swears by this guys work

Walt is great. When I visit a friend in Gaithersburg, I have him do work on the way.

I was just looking for closer options. Walt is a class act and if I didn't have to brave the Beltway and a quarter of a tank of gas to get to him, I'd have him do basic setups.

[Stumbo]

Even if you don't do it yourself, you might want to take a look at these guitar/bass setup links:
1 Setup a bass
2(pdf)