Guitar and Violin Repair and Setup

Local players, students, schools, music teachers, bands and music shops that send work out.

Fixed prices for common jobs such as setups and restrings, and quoted prices for larger repairs. Repeat customers and referrals from teachers and shops keep work steady.

• Woodworking and fine hand tool skills
• Diagnosing faults and setting up instruments by ear and eye
• Basic electronics for electric guitars and basses
• Clear, honest communication with customers

• Public liability insurance, plus cover for customers' instruments while they are in your care
• Valuable or sentimental instruments carry risk, so agree the work and price in writing before you start
• If you rent premises or work from home, check the lease, planning and business rates position with your council
• Keep clear records of instruments received and collected to avoid disputes
• Seasonal busy periods, such as before school terms, can bring uneven workloads

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your tools, workbench and whether you rent premises. This is an estimate, so list the tools and supplies you need before setting a budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £600 to £3,000, depending on the repairs you offer, your prices and how many customers you attract. Busy periods such as before school terms can make workloads uneven. Allow at least around 12 hours a week.

Check you have public liability insurance and cover for customers' instruments while in your care. Agree the work and price in writing before starting, keep clear records of instruments received and collected, and check the lease, planning and business rates position with your council.