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812GUITARS
61 Riverdale Ave, Greenwich, CT 06831, United States
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812GUITARS
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St
Review №1

Chris is a Master Luthier. He is professional, knowledgeable and I trust him completely with any guitar. The best thing about Chris is that he listens and carefully customizes his work towards the player. I brought in my Gibson Les Paul and spent some time playing it, describing how I wanted the guitar to play and feel, how the volume and tone pots should work, the type of music I play, everything. Chris really understood what I wanted.When I came back to pick up the guitar it had a beautiful clean and smooth re-fret job, excellent set up and the electronics all replaced and rewired. Chris even used some old school wiring schematics that I’ve never even heard of, so that the controls worked exactly how I wanted. The guitar now sounds and plays amazing.If you are looking for some one you can trust that has a great understanding, experience, and craftsmanship look no further. His prices are fair and he will never sell you something you don’t need. That combination of honesty and expertise is hard to find. Thank you Chris.

Da
Review №2

As musicians we come to learn that some people are just naturally gifted in their craft. More importantly if you practice hard, if you apply passion and dedication to your craft, you can become a master. Chris is a naturally gifted luthier and is as passionate and dedicated as anyone I have met. He is very skilled and easy to work with. In short he is one of us, passionate about the sound of a six strings ringings out……..and he is really good at it!

Su
Review №3

I contacted 812 Guitars to ask about servicing my carbon fiber guitar. He said he absolutely could do that. I brought my guitar in, we looked at it together and discussed. He took a photo. He educated me on the guitar and exactly what he was going to do. My guitar was ready when I was told it would be ready, pickup was easy and pleasant. My guitar came back cleaner, sounding better, easier to play and the whole thing was quite reasonably priced. What a great deal!

ro
Review №4

A musical instrument is a very personal piece of equipment for many of us and its always a very difficult decision to leave it with an unknown element. I felt very comfortable choosing 812 Guitars as it was obvious by the website photos that Chris was an actual luthier and not just a tech. His knowledge and professionalism upon meeting him in person confirmed this. Chris is a skilled artisan who will be getting my repeat business, Id highly recommend him. Thanks again, Chris!

Br
Review №5

I don’t trust anyone with my guitars, but Chris was AMAZING and he’s now the only exception. Did a great setup on my Les Paul. He’s so knowledgeable and so good at what he does, and a real great & funny guy! Would highly recommend.

Ju
Review №6

Initially, from reading some online reviews, and due to the fact that the shop is less than 3 miles from where I work, I reached out to 812 Guitars about a setup on my #1 (1979 USA Fender Lead II - my 1st real guitar). Ive never let anyone other than myself touch this guitar.He explained my options - and was spot on with his diagnosis/recommendations. Ive been doing my own work/setups for a while now, but I now realize the difference between a pro (Chris), and a hack (myself - self-taught from books & YouTube videos, lol).Ill still be working on my Epiphones & garage sale guitars, but I know to go to Chris for anything of value, or anything I need to be sure is done 100% correctly. Just go through some of his videos and youll see that he knows everything from the old school methods, to new technology maint./upgrades, and all the capabilities, methods, & tools in between.Chris is extremely knowledgeable, has great customer service skills, and maintains an overall relaxed, yet confident vibe in the shop. Ive never left the shop less than an hour after I thought I would be leaving, lol. (the more passionate you are about guitar setups/upgrades/heritage, the more Chris will show you, and the more youll see & learn. 👍)

Ge
Review №7

This was my first experience with Chris and I’ll be back again whenever I need help. He gives it to you straight and honest, cares about what he does, and doesn’t want you to spend your money unless the investment makes sense. I brought in two acoustic guitars that seemed off to me, and asked Chris if repairs were necessary. Chris immediately saw the issues with both, and showed me so I could understand. Chris repaired them even faster than he initially estimated, and they played better and with less effort than ever before. No surprise to Chris, as he recognized that one had not been set up properly from the beginning. What a difference it makes when you find a caring professional you can trust, and one whose charges are totally reasonable. He also checked out my electric guitar and amp, and gave me very helpful advice. Thank you, Chris!

Da
Review №8

Chris set up this guitar that I bought on eBay (I was so nervous). It plays SO much better. His turnaround was quick, communication was really responsive....and hes just a heck of a nice guy! Cant recommend him strongly enough, hes a total pro.

Re
Review №9

Chris is a genius. My bass feels better than it ever has after a visit with Chris. I don’t think I will ever play another guitar unless it passes his inspection first!!! Thank you 😊

Ry
Review №10

I was recommended Christians work by a friend. As soon as I talked to him on the phone, I knew he was the man to work on my very rare and sentimental guitar. I dropped off my guitar and he let me know exactly what he was doing and how much it would cost. I left feeling excited for my guitar to be treated well while I went on vacation.My guitar was ready in a timely manner and when I got it back, I played around before checking out and he gave it one last tune up per my request (as the occasional slide player). I paid (electronically), then we chatted for a minute or two before the next customer came and I left with my baby again, incredibly satisfied with every aspect of my service. I played a gig the next Saturday playing a beautifully cleaned and wonderfully set up guitar. I have since recommended him to my friend and will continue to recommend him to anyone, including anybody reading this review. No B.S. with 812 Guitars.

Jo
Review №11

I highly recommend 812 Guitars for all of your guitar needs. Chris is a highly skilled craftsman, generous with his time and knowledge and was very welcoming to me as a new customer. The guitars recently brought in for service have never felt or sounded better! This will absolutely be the only shop I use for all of my guitars!

La
Review №12

Chris is totally awesome! I had been searching for the right person to set up and work on my guitars and am thrilled to have found Chris. He has greatly improved the look, feel, sound and playability of each of my guitars, electric as well as acoustic. He is a gem! Highly recommended!

Do
Review №13

Chris knows what hes doing! He repaired a large crack on my Collings guitar expertly, and set up the action on a Taylor 414ce for extra light strings just like I wanted it.

A
Review №14

Chris did an amazing job for my grandson. H turned a Slick 57 into a real player. Great shop / great guy. Get set up right, contact Chris.

Ca
Review №15

Nowadays its not easy finding a master craftsperson to care for your guitars (and basses). When you go to music chain stores they have suspect maintenance services or shaky referrals. I was fortunate to have a friend refer me to Chris at 812 Guitars and was blown away by his skills. He is a master luthier and very much knows his craft. I had a Telecaster that needed some upkeep and pickup work. Chris got it back and beyond how it sounded when new. He is very much a professional and the level of his workmanship is of the highest quality. I give him my highest endorsement.

Ja
Review №16

Its really all just about playing, and having fun with the guitar. Its one of the first things he said as I entered his shop. Hes incredibly generous with his time and talents. If you have questions, hes there to answer them. Hell go as deep, or as simple as you want to take it. He loves what he does and it shows. You can hear the years of experience come thru in his work.

Jo
Review №17

A+ Shop. Chris just serviced my early Fender JV Strat and made it perfect. He sourced parts that are hard to find & belong to this specific model. He is super responsive to any questions or requests and is very easy to work and vibe with. I highly recommend 812 Guitars. You wont be disappointed!!

Ra
Review №18

Chris is a true luthier in a time when builders and techs are commonly given or claim that title. There are few like him. His attention to detail and knowledge of his craft, combined with artistic sensibilities make 812 Guitars an easy choice when you need anything from a simple setup to a complete custom build, and everything in between. Got an heirloom Martin or Gibson that needs reconstruction? Bring it here. Is your guitar too far gone to be fixed? Bring it here. You likely wont bring your guitars anywhere else afterward. Thank you Chris; see ya soon! 🤘🤘🤘

Ka
Review №19

I needed someone to look at an Ibanez acoustic-electric I bought used a couple of months ago, and knew Chris would be the guy from the first phone call. He was friendly, professional, and straightforward - didn’t rush me, answered all my questions, and told me exactly what my guitar needed. I brought it in for a set-up and he had it ready for me within one week at a beyond fair price. The guitar sounds incredible and I haven’t put it down since! Chris is a great guy and running a great business, already recommended him to a family member for a repair.

Ma
Review №20

I have an old Yamaha that, by accident, wound up with a very broken headstock. For reasons of my own, I wanted her repaired. I had contacted several people who told me she was not worth fixing and could not be bothered even looking at her or they wanted to charge me an exorbitant amount to do so. Then I found Chris and 812 Guitars. Chris was willing to look at her, honest about to what extent he could restore her and if I chose to go beyond a restore to full working what it would cost. Chris understood why it meant so much to me to see her whole again. And, his pricing was reasonable for the amount of time and work he needed to put into her. The Green Lady, as I call her, will never play quite like she used to but I am grateful to Chris for doing the amazing job he did of putting her back together. I also enjoyed my conversations with him and learned some things I never knew about guitars. I highly recommend Chris and 812 Guitars.

Ew
Review №21

The entrance is on the the side of the house. Hes a cool and laid back guy. Will fix whatever guitar problem you got. Really one of the best. You wont be disappointed.

Ni
Review №22

I wish I was as good at anything as Chris is at working with guitars.

Li
Review №23

Dropped my Martin off a week ago for string buzzing/overall setup and I’m so pleased with the end product. Played it for a while and it feels like a new, much fuller guitar. Chris is also the man and super knowledgeable and a pleasure to talk to. Will definitely be back in the future

Br
Review №24

Chris is the man! I had been searching for a while for a quality guy to work on my guitars and Chris is definitely that guy! He brought back to life my 80’s Strat and it has never played better. I can’t wait to bring him more of my guitars.

Ra
Review №25

I will never go to another luthier! He set up my PRS, and it plays like an absolute dream. This guy absolutely knows what he’s doing. If you have any guitar repair or modification ideas, this is the place to go!

Br
Review №26

I had tried 2 other recommended places to get my bass set-up right but nobody could get it just right. Took it into 812 on my teacher’s recommendation- turned it around for me in less than 24 hours because he knew I needed it back in a couple of days - but more importantly, finally my bass feels just right. Literally like night and day from before. Responsive, professional and very fair price for work done. I won’t consider anyone else in the future.

Br
Review №27

Chris is awesome. Hes fast and does quality work. Hes my go-to guy now.

Ia
Review №28

Chris Matos is a master luthier. He’s absolutely the best in the area and does remarkable work. In addition, he’s a blast to talk to and really cares about each and every guitar he works on. Second to none!

Jo
Review №29

Had my guitars serviced there recently and they came back playing better than I ever remembered them playing before.

Ro
Review №30

I owned two vintage guitar stores in Manhattan over a span of almost 20 years. But I don’t repair my own acoustic guitars. I brought my Gibson Advanced Jumbo in because I thought it needed brace repairs. Chris figured out the actual problem and fixed it. A real expert. A pro. The guitar sounds and plays better than when I bought it. Highly recommended.

Da
Review №31

Chris is the MAN. He knows what hes doing and he knows how to make it happen. a wealth of knowledge and experience. Great experience have 812 repair my Gibson Les Paul Jr. with a damaged neck. Fast! Done right and fair price. I will continue to have Chris repair and maintain my vintage guitar collection.

Da
Review №32

I dropped off my 25+ year old Telecaster for some repairs and set up work. Chris did a fantastic job, making the guitar sound and feel like the day I took it home. Hes very responsive and does great work at very fair prices. Ill be bringing the rest of my guitars to Chris for all of the work Ill need!

Ti
Review №33

Brought in a seagull s6 with a cracked bridge on both sides of the saddle. Chris managed to fix the original bridge and avoid the trouble of a full bridge replacement. He even changed the saddle so it fits and plays properly. The guitar plays like new and I couldnt be happier. I will definitely be giving chris my business in the future and recommend him to my musician friends!

ri
Review №34

Guitar lovers everywhere should visit 812 Guitars to have Chris service and maintain their instruments! He is truly a master, and someone who GETS IT!! He loves guitars, and it is apparent in his work, and in his words. A rare gem of craftsmanship in our modern world. He immediately picked up the issues w my acoustic 12 String, and my sons hollow body electric, and another sons bass.....awesome master craftsman!!

Ma
Review №35

I was having major trouble finding a trustworthy place to get my guitar set up in CT, and from the moment I called Chris I knew bringing my guitar to 812 was the right decision. Chris is friendly, welcoming, knowledgable, and extremely passionate about what he does. To top it off my guitar sounds better now than it has in years (maybe ever). I highly recommend Chris to anyone who needs anything from a basic set up to a major repair - he can do it all.

Pe
Review №36

Chris is the MAN. He is really good at what he does and prices are very reasonable. A very honest person.

Ch
Review №37

Received a new electric and nothing was aligned or even close to properly setup. I decided it needed a pro to get it setup and found 812Guitars. Chris did a great job.

Al
Review №38

Chris @ 812 came highly recommended by guitar friends and he didnt disappoint. He installed a new bone nut on a Les Paul for me and did a great job. He is very knowledgeable and loves to talk. A fine luthier and an interesting guy to boot.

Lu
Review №39

I learned a lot from my visit, Chris is a fountain of guitar knowledge. I brought in my acoustic and he got the action nice and low and fixed her up to playing like new... but better.

Ro
Review №40

Chris is extremely knowledgeable, if you care about the way your guitar looks and plays - bring it to him. You wont be disappointed. Very fast service - he turned 2 guitars around for me in a week, you cant beat that!

Di
Review №41

My guitar is like a brand new because of thee professionalism of 812 Guitars. So impressed with their work. My songwriting will definitely benefit from this experience.

Se
Review №42

Chris took my old beat-up guitar and made it look and play significantly better than the day I bought it. Not only was he friendly and professional, he also answered all my questions and gave me some good tips for the future. I feel very lucky to have found this place and cannot recommend the service here enough!

Gr
Review №43

Discovering Chris has been a godsend. He hands down knows his craft in and out. I don’t even consider letting anyone else touch my guitars... EVER. He makes my guitar playing feel like butter 🧈. I can fly up and down the neck because of his setups. 5 star guy gets a 5 star review! Thanks Chris! 🤘🏻

Mi
Review №44

I brought in my guitar for a basic setup, and it feels and sounds so much better now! Chris did an amazing job, Ive had setups done in the past where I honestly couldnt tell much of a difference before and after but the improvements in playability and intonation were obvious. Chris listened to my specific concerns and even filled me in and explained a bunch of things, he really knows his stuff and is obviously extremely passionate about his work. And it was a quick turnaround too on top of that. Im extremely satisfied, I will be coming back and recommending Chris to all my friends.

Ji
Review №45

Thank you so much for repairing my guitar. The nut replacement is perfect. I could never get the intonation quite right. I never thought that the neck pocket might be slightly large. It is the slight matter to detail that really impressed me. It is great to bring your guitar to someone that puts that extra care into his craft.I was shown around the shop and was blown away by some of the new builds that are being made.Heres a pic of my guitar that recently worked on at 812.

Co
Review №46

Chris is so great! Super professional and knowledgeable. Very friendly and responsive. We highly recommend him

Ja
Review №47

Chris is the best! Brought an old Ibanez back to life so my kids could enjoy it. Went through exactly what it would take to make it playable again and even suggested ways to make it better down the road. Look no further for your guitar needs.

Ro
Review №48

Theres a reason - or more accurately, several reasons - why 812 Guitars consistently earns 5 s in its Google reviews. It has to do with the owner, Chris, whose knowledge, experience, and technical abilities are superb. In addition, he is a pleasure to work with and will treat you and your instrument, with the highest respect no matter how basic or advanced a player you are. He is honest and straightforward and will not push unnecessary work to pad the bill. In addition to top-notch work, Chris completes his jobs promptly and wont keep your guitar for a year or more as some other luthiers have been known to do. Like a pre-war Martin, Chris is a gem!

Ri
Review №49

I cannot say enough good things about Chris and the work he does. Hes a gifted luthier whose own work is incredible, and his understanding encompasses all aspects of stringed instruments spanning from hundred-year-old mandolins, to vintage electric guitars, to modern guitars and basses with composite bodies and active electronics. He gets into the DNA of how instruments behave, and he has an eye for detail. On top of all this, hes a really nice guy. Highly recommended.

Je
Review №50

Made my old guitar sound awesome! I will come back again for all my set ups and guitar needs.

Gr
Review №51

Recently got a guitar setup and it feels and sounds amazing. Chris really knows his stuff and Im super happy with his service. If you need any work done on your guitar, 812 is where you wanna go.

Ti
Review №52

Chris is very knowledgeable. He was able to answer many of my guitar related questions. His attention to detail shows in the quality of his workmanship. He repaired the electronics in my 335style Hamer Echotone. He also gave my guitar a complete set-up. I am a very happy customer.

An
Review №53

Came in for setup and to fix a cracked bridge. Chris did the job and did it well. Guitar plays like it never did before. He was able to repair the existing bridge and can barely tell a repair was done. Very knowledgeable and will be my go to guitar tech from now on

Jo
Review №54

Chris Matos is clearly an expert luthier with decades of experience working with guitars and related instruments. Not only does he possess the skill for any guitar repair and crafting, but he also truly care for his customers and is very easy to get along with. I will absolutely be a returning client, thanks Chris!

Me
Review №55

Great guy, great business, incredibly knowledgeable, and the list goes on. Super friendly and knowledgeable guy, with a workspace full of guitar repairs and custom designs to prove his skills. I went in for an acoustic guitar cleaning and restringing for my Yamaha acoustic guitar Ive had for years, and got a helpful lesson on what Yamahas need, as well as a rehabilitation for mine, plus the cleaning and restringing. Incredibly flexible timing and scheduling, and very responsive to other guitar questions through text. I would highly recommend you check him out if you need assistance.

Ed
Review №56

Brought in 2 well played and worn strats for set ups, new locking tuners, bridge/saddles replacement, neck and fret work and Chris gave them both new life. In addition to a quick turnaround, the price was more than fair, especially for this level of craftsmanship. All around good dude who clearly loves and takes pride in his work. Highly recommended.Thanks man! I’ll play til my fingers bleed.

Pa
Review №57

I drive an hour to get my guitars serviced here. No matter what you need, 812 has it covered. Need a high end hand made custom build? Yea he does that too. 😎

pe
Review №58

I had a vintage 45 years old Yamaha FG300 guitar re-fretted and bridge reset. Chris thought I was crazy to spend the amount of money it would cost to do the work needed. He wasnt alone with that thought because I felt the same. I have had that guitar for a long time and Chris promised that I would not be disappointed with his work and the 🎸 would sound great. He did not disappoint me. There were frets I could not play on because of the wear and tear but now, I cant explain how happy I am with his work. Thanks Chris and you are also a funny dude.Pierre

An
Review №59

Chris has a tremendous knowledge of his craft. My Gibson couldnt sound better after he set it up. Straight shooter, which is all you can really ask for in this day and age. Highly recommend.

Ro
Review №60

Chris is a great guy with an eye for detail and a heart for doing the right thing. He made my Grosh NOS retro strat and Suhr modern tele better than ever. Would highly recommend his services. Support your local luthiers!

Fr
Review №61

If you’re in the area and want any work done to your guitar or bass, Chris at 812 is THE man. I contacted Chris with the idea of replacing the bridge on my Jaguar with one from a different model to stop some issues I’d been having with it. Chris actually suggested just altering the current one as it would be faster and cheaper. For an extremely fair price, Chris fixed the issues with the bridge and did a general servicing on the guitar. Having spent a couple of hours in his shop up to this point, I can tell you first hand that this is someone who is truly passionate and knowledgeable about what they do. As a relatively new and younger player, I was initially hesitant to take my guitar into a more specialist workshop, but I felt extremely welcome and was treated the same as someone who had been playing for decades. You aren’t going to find a better experience anywhere else.

De
Review №62

Chris is the real deal. Brought my Strat in for a setup and it plays better than when I first bought it. Chris is a great guy and extremely knowledgeable. Also, the setup was at reasonable price and I will definitely go back.

Ry
Review №63

Chris is amazing. Very knowledgeable and can handle even the most complex repairs & set ups. Honest, fair and really talented. One of the best in the country, we are lucky to have him in the neighborhood.

Ch
Review №64

I brought my SG Special in to adjust the nut and fix one of the P90 mounts and Chris did a fantastic job. He is as knowledgable as he is passionate about his work and it really shows in the final product. Really nice guy too! Ill be bringing in more of my guitars for sure! Very highly recommended!

Al
Review №65

Chris is so easy to work with such a nice guy. He did a beautiful job repairing our sons guitar, it is like a brand new instrument. We look forward to working with Chris again in the future.

MA
Review №66

Chris fixed a crack on an almost 25 year old Seagull acoustic. Not only did he do a great job on the crack, but cleaned everything up and gave the guitar a setup that has it sounding better than it has in over a decade.

Ja
Review №67

Chris is an expert at what he does. If you play guitar and its at all possible for you to get Greenwich, he should be your go to for any kind of guitar maintenance/set up. Otherwise youre just wasting your money going anywhere else.

Is
Review №68

Chris is an artisan, the dude really knows his guitars and how to get them in the best possible shape. It was an absolute pleasure working with him and the quality of his work is outstanding.

Al
Review №69

Cris definitely knows what he is doing and will give you different options for what can be done to your instruments that fits your needs and budget. Who doesn’t appreciate spending time at his shop learning the background of each piece. Much love

Pe
Review №70

Chris is a skilled craftsman and a pleasure to deal with. He did a finish repair on my Les Paul and I couldnt be happier!

Jo
Review №71

Chris did the initial set up on my new Fender Geddy Lee Jazz bass. Although I am an experienced musician, I am new to the guitar world. Chris was generous with his time and answered my many questions about the instrument. There is an old world feel to his shop, which I really appreciated. I will happily return to Chris for future repair/maintenance work.

An
Review №72

Chris is legit! Within 5 min of meeting him, I knew he was the guy to take care of my baby. He re-fretted, and custom cut a new nut and bridge for my ‘97 Taylor 410. He also added a Fishman pickup. The guitar plays like a dream and sounds better than it has in a decade. Upper neck notes sing where they used to die out. Chords and melodies ring true and solid.I am sold on 812 Guitars and Chris and would recommend him for guitar/string instrument work in any capacity.Once again, this dude is legit!

Pe
Review №73

Quick turnaround, reasonable prices, but most importantly excellent work with fine attention to detail. Will definitely be back!

Er
Review №74

Sure Chris is a uniquely gifted luthier, but wait, thats not all you get at 812! You get a 6 string shaman, a gear historian, a comedian, a friend, a motivational speaker and a deeper love and appreciation for thing you already love and appreciate. I dont know if he offers couples counseling or stock tips, but I wouldnt be all that surprised.My Chris Creation is a magical light as a feather, neck smooth as silk, Bad Company vinyl record pickguard MTT T-style that I can sleep with comfortably! Bring your babies here or have Chris make one for you! 812 should seriously be part of your guitar health regimen!

Je
Review №75

Needed a guitar fix for my acoustic pickup in the Connecticut area in my Martin 000-15. My external pickup I installed fell inside the guitar due to the loss of adhesive strength. Chris took his time to get the guitar back to me in a matter of two days, but kept me updated through text of what he exactly was trying to do to make sure everything was secure and well. The guitar is good as new.Go to this guy for guitar repairs and setups! He’s the real deal!

Gu
Review №76

The Best and Professional Service I have ever seen. Thanks a lot Chris

Je
Review №77

So once upon a time, I stumbled upon 70s Lawsuit Era Sekova les paul copy that I rescued from a storage space. I really liked the neck and saw potential for the guitar. It needed some work on the inlays, straighting the neck again and a refret, plus locking tuners and a killswitch button just for fun. Chis killed it. The project came out top notch and he essentially turned a budget type guitar into a full on rock machine. Its a pretty much a pro level axe now. Amazing! Do not hesitate to call Chris at 812 for anything you need. He can get the job done.

Ke
Review №78

Chris at 812 Guitars took one look at my squire telecaster and knew exactly what should be replaced and already had all the supplies in stock! Quick turn around time, fair pricing and over-all great experience. Take your guitars to 812, you wont regret it.

to
Review №79

I am grateful for finding Chris at 812Guitars. Previously I had to wait 6-12 weeks to get my guitar back from my luthier and that was just for a set-up! Chris got my guitars done in less than a week and I believe that he has a far better sense of what needs to be done to get the optimal sound from a guitar. Very happy and the price is far more reasonable.

Ma
Review №80

Great service, great workmanship, great experience! If you’re looking for any set-up work, repairs, or general guitar tips and tricks reach out to 812!

Jo
Review №81

Chris did a beautiful job returning my Taylor 12 string back to its former glory. I was amazed at how incredible the tone sounded when I got it back from him. It sounded even better than when I first bought it. The crack on the top has been repaired to the point where there is no hint that it had ever cracked. I cant wait to bring my Gretsch in for repairs.

Jo
Review №82

Got my guitar set up and the action lowered. Feels like a new instrument now, great work and thank you! Highly recommend 812 guitars

Ca
Review №83

It was smooth sailing dealing with Chris. Highly recommended for your guitar repair.

Er
Review №84

Chris does amazing and authentic work. He puts his best into every instrument and project, and goes beyond in serving his clients. Highly recommend!

Mi
Review №85

Amazing builder and person! Gave him an American strat that should of needed a whole new neck but he was able to heat press it and get it straight. Beautiful fret work and setup and very knowledgeable!

Jo
Review №86

Great service. Really pays attention to the customers needs and concerns. The only negative is that I cant give more than 5 stars.

Jo
Review №87

Chris did a phenomenal set up on my bass, spent lots of time getting to know me as a customer and as just a person. He knows guitars inside and out. He is the go-to guy in the area in Westchester & Fairfield & beyond.Super fast (did full setup on the spot) and for a very reasonable price.

Ma
Review №88

Look no further for all your guitar repair needs! I regularly make the trip from Brooklyn NY to get my guitars worked on. Chris does great work and his attention to detail and knowledge of the ins and out of guitars is second to none. This is the only place to bring your guitars to.

Te
Review №89

I met Chris during the pandemic of 2020. Nothing was open in New York State so I looked in desperation to see what was open in Connecticut to service my guitars. I made an appointment with Chris to drop off a very special Les Paul that was given to me by my late Mother. Chris met me out front so I can gauge what kind of guy he was and whether or not I would leave my prized possession. After a five minute chat I could tell that he knew what he was doing and he was extremely passionate about guitars. A few days later he contacted me to let me know that the new switch and set up was done. Upon arriving to pick up my guitar he told me to come in to the shop. We chatted some more like we were friends for 20 years. Showed me my guitar and told me the price, which was very fair. I was so impressed that I actually left another Les Paul with him that I toured with in the past and was really beatdown.This the true test. If he could bring this beast back to life then he was really the real deal. I picked up the second Les Paul and It played better than when it was new. Chris is definitely worth the time and the money and from his Instagram page you could tell he really knows what he’s doing. I hope he doesn’t change his number once I start texting him all the time with new projects.LOL

Ev
Review №90

The best.I have used many Luthiers in the the past. Some simple jobs and some challenging jobs. I had Chris work on a Strat that never played properly. No Luthier ever got it right. I just got it back and its amazing. It plays like a dream. He also Reliced it and did an amazing job.I also brought in a 1987 Gibson ES-335 which I purchased used and was not told about the warped neck and other major issues. Another Luthier wouldnt even touch it. I cant believe the Excellent job Chris did.I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMEND TAKING ALL OF YOUR INSTRUMENTS TO CHRIS AT 812 GUITARS

Mi
Review №91

If it has strings and wood. Chris is your guy! He is a true master of his craft ! He set up a 12 string for me a few weeks ago. And did a last minute adjustment to my 6 string before a family Christmas party. Chris is a super nice guy who does phenomenal work at a fair price. Worth stopping by if you just want to talk guitars

cu
Review №92

A master craftsman who is passionate about what he does. Cant ask for a better combination. Always great service - always world class work. Mario M.

Ma
Review №93

I just bought a new Rick bass that needed setup from the factory and took a chance on 812 since they were the closest to me. Chris is a real solid nice dude who knows what he is doing. He had my 4003 intonated and set up in about an hour while I hung in the shop. Great work, totally customized for my hands/playing style. Could not have gotten this level of service from any of my local guitar shops. Bass feels like butter now. Will be coming back to 812 for my guitar needs in the future for sure.

Mi
Review №94

Incredibly friendly and knowledgable. He definitely knows his stuff and does great work. Fair prices, and he made sure my guitar was in perfect shape before giving it back to me. This is someone who really shows pride in his work.He repaired a torn off bridge on my 12 string, and it sounds just like it did before. Would definitely recommend to anyone who needs instruments serviced.

Ca
Review №95

Chris is honest and super knowledgeable when it comes to guitars. Choosing someone to work on a guitar is like finding the right mechanic for your car. You want the work to be quality without getting ripped off. Chris offers both of those: fair prices and fast professional work. He set up two of my guitars, and they sound phenomenal now. On top of that, he was honest in his feedback about the quality of the guitars I brought in.He also builds custom guitars from the ground up if you’re interested in that. As I said, the guy knows what he’s doing, and I give him the highest of recommendations.

So
Review №96

I found them on Facebook. Although I don’t live in the same state they were able to provide a good evaluation and are willing to help with anything. Affordable estimate and very kind.

Jo
Review №97

Friendly, quality service on my beloved American Telecaster. Chris knows exactly what he is doing- his experience shows. Fixed a problem for which three other (highly regarded) shops failed. Highly recommend.

Gr
Review №98

Getting a guitar serviced shouldnt be a risky endeavor but unfortunately more often than not it is. The industry is filled with unskilled techs, wannabe luthiers & people who should never touch your guitar. Chris at 812 guitars however is the real deal. The work he has done on my guitars is nothing short of amazing. From refrets to restoration to making disgusting old maple look like new Chris is the man. Ive been playing since the late 80s...Ive tried many different guitar techs & luthiers over the years and I can count on one hand how many of them actually knew what they were doing. Chris has vast knowledge and the experience of working on vintage instruments as well as modern stuff so you know if you need something done it will be done right and a way that wont affect the heritage or the value. Ultimately his work is top-notch and I trust him, you really cant ask for more than that in an industry filled with charlatans.

ch
Review №99

Went in to get my Fender American Strat setup. Was completely blown away at the knowledge Chris had on all things guitars. The setup was extremely quick and he did it while I waited. The guitar has never sounded this good. Chris from 812 has a new customer and friend for life. Please go by and give him the business. You won’t be disappointed.

Ch
Review №100

Did a great job repairing the truss rod on my old Greco bass. Will use again for any major repairs!

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
5 Rating
  • Address:61 Riverdale Ave, Greenwich, CT 06831, United States
  • Site:http://812guitars.com/
  • Phone:+1 203-969-5987
Categories
  • Musical instrument repair shop
Working hours
  • Monday:10AM–5PM
  • Tuesday:10AM–5PM
  • Wednesday:10AM–5PM
  • Thursday:Closed
  • Friday:Closed
  • Saturday:10AM–4PM
  • Sunday:Closed
Similar organizations
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