I have known Dave for several years and he has worked on all sorts of guitars for me. He has great diagnostic skills, and truly cares about doing the right thing for his clients and not wasting their money on halfway solutions. He has repaired cracks, shaved and contoured necks, changed pickups and numerous set ups for me. His partner John makes some very high end Martin style acoustics and also does repairs. They have excellent ethics and integrity, and I would recommend them anytime.

Our own business is making high end doors and windows. Dave Farmer of Turtle Lake instruments worked for us for 3 years before getting his Luthier business off the ground. He is simply the most knowledgeable and capable employee we have ever had. Of course we take our instruments to him! He is a world class craftsman.

Dave is a Wizzard when it comes to repairing instruments including my Martim D 35. I would not hesitate to use him again. I walked away totally pleased and felt as though I had made a new friend.

The only reason I gave 5 stars is that I couldnt give 6 stars. Dave just converted my 40+-year old Alvarez J200 copy to left hand and re-fretted it. It took some creative work on the bridge to get the intonation right, and it is more right than it has ever been. I could not be happier. Ive had the guitar since 1977. It always played well and sounded good, but it has never played this well and sounded this good. Awesome.

Dave is, hands down, the best luthier in the Four Corners area. Totally professional and as fair as they come. Don’t hesitate to bring your prized instruments here for service. As an added bonus, John Baxendale, who builds some of the most incredible acoustic guitars, shares the same space.

I would not go anywhere else to take my banjo or guitar. Dave always makes my instruments sounding the best they can! Thanks Dave!

I have had several experiences with D. Farmer the owner. He is a remarkable magician when it comes to repairing instruments. He is passionate about the work he does and it shows in the results he produces. He is very easy to talk to as well.

I’ve been working with Dave Farmer for a little over a year, now. Dave is one of the nicest people I’ve met in Durango and is by far the best craftsman and luthiers I have ever met. You can absolutely trust him with your prized instruments. I have been working on guitars for 18 years and have seen every type of luthier there is, and have seen every level of craftsmanship. He’s the best there is! There are other people in town who claim to be “luthiers” DO NOT trust these people with your instruments. We have seen horrendous attempts at repairs by them and Dave has miraculously saved them. Do yourself a favor and take it to Turtle Lake Instruments the first time.