Cottles Bridge workshop
Guitar setups & repairs.
Thoughtful servicing for acoustic, classical and electric guitars, from everyday playability issues to fretwork, structural repairs and considered restoration.
Yarra Valley workshop visits by appointment only.
Start here
What has changed?
Whether it is a regularly played working guitar or an instrument with personal history, select the closest description below.
It has become difficult to play
The action feels high, notes buzz, chords play out of tune, frets feel uneven or the guitar no longer responds comfortably.
Something is damaged or not working
There is a crack, broken headstock, lifting bridge, worn fret, loose component, electrical fault or another specific concern.
It needs major or careful restoration
The guitar has extensive damage, previous alterations or sentimental value that calls for a considered plan rather than an isolated repair.
Workshop services
The right level of work.
A setup, repair and restoration solve different problems. Photographs help with the first conversation, while larger work is inspected and quoted before it proceeds.
Professional setup
A luthier setup considers the guitar as a complete system rather than applying one standard measurement to every instrument.
- Neck relief and action assessed where construction permits
- Custom bone nut and saddle geometry adjusted
- Fret levelling, crowning and full refrets available
- Pickup height and balance checked where applicable
Recommendations are adjusted to suit both the guitar's construction and the player's unique style.
Repair assessment
For structural, mechanical or electrical problems where the cause and extent need to be confirmed before the repair is planned.
- Cracks, broken headstocks and loose joints
- Lifting bridges, bridge plates and loose braces
- Neck resets and complex structural corrections
- Hardware, wiring and pickup faults
Hidden damage and previous repairs can change the final scope after hands-on inspection.
Restoration consultation
For older, extensively damaged or personally significant guitars requiring structural, functional and cosmetic decisions to be considered together.
- Original material and structural integrity assessed
- Structural stability separated from cosmetic choices
- Preservation of value and historical character prioritised
- Finish touch up or refinishing discussed explicitly
The restoration goal is agreed before work begins; finish work is never assumed.
At the bench
Different work for different problems.
A setup improves playability. It does not repair cracks, loose joints, damaged components or underlying structural faults.
Setup and fretwork
Balances action, relief, custom bone nut geometry, fret levelling and intonation to suit the instrument and player.
Repairs
Addresses cracks, broken headstocks, neck resets, loose braces, damaged joints and related faults.
Restoration
Brings structural, functional and cosmetic decisions together to preserve damaged or significant instruments.
From enquiry to workbench
Inspect first. Repair second.
Photographs help identify the likely direction, but an accurate plan may require a hands-on inspection at the Cottles Bridge workshop.
Describe
Enquire with a description of what has changed and include clear photographs where possible.
Inspect
Arrange a workshop assessment to identify the cause, extent and any previous work.
Confirm
Confirm the specific scope, price and likely turnaround timeframe for the repair.
Proceed
Work begins only after the structural and cosmetic approach is explicitly discussed and approved.
Workshop case study
Fire-damaged Gibson ES-355.
This project required a considered plan encompassing stability, function and appearance rather than treating one isolated fault.
- Condition: Extensive fire, smoke and structural damage.
- Assessment: Evaluating what could be safely retained and what required precise replacement.
- Approach: Establishing structural stability first, followed by functional and cosmetic recovery.
- Outcome: A fully playable instrument retaining as much original character and integrity as practicable.
He has a great eye for detail and loves a challenge. I have seen his work with Gibsons with a cracked headstock, unreal. He rescued a 335 that had been charred in a fire. He sanded it by hand and refinished it. You couldn't tell. I took him a 12 string with a very high action... He assessed the issue and fixed the problem.Miguel
Traditional craft, technical precision
Engineering precision, international experience.
Brend's approach combines a background in precision engineering with two decades of guitar building, repair and workshop teaching. He provides technical workshop support and local tour management for international artists, including the Joscho Stephan Trio, Yamandu Costa, Mike Dawes and international touring work with Edith Pageaud. Each instrument is assessed as a complete system, with recommendations based on its specific construction and the needs of the player.
Questions & Pricing
Before arranging drop-off.
Begin with an enquiry so the likely service, photographs and workshop timing can be discussed before you travel to Cottles Bridge.
Guide pricing for standard work
Clear starting prices for predictable work are listed below. Complex structural work is quoted only after physical inspection.
- Professional setup: from $X
- Fret level, crown and polish including setup: from $X
- Full refret including setup: from $X
- Workshop assessment: $X (credited toward approved major work)
- Structural repairs and restoration: Quoted after inspection
Do I need to know what is wrong with my guitar?
No. Describe what you hear, feel or can see and include clear photographs where possible. The technical cause can be identified during the workshop assessment.
Can you quote a repair from photographs?
Photographs can indicate the likely work, but hidden damage, previous repairs and internal condition may only become clear during a hands-on inspection. Larger work is quoted after assessment.
What is included in a professional setup?
The guitar is assessed as a complete system. Work may include neck relief, action, nut and saddle height, fret condition, intonation and pickup balance where applicable. Recommendations depend on the instrument and the player.
Do you service acoustic, classical and electric guitars?
Yes. Each is assessed according to its construction, hardware and intended use. Include the guitar type, brand and model in your enquiry.
How long will the work take?
Turnaround varies with the repair scope, materials, parts, curing time and current workshop schedule. An expected timeframe is discussed after assessment; complex work may be scheduled in stages.
How do you approach vintage finishes and original material?
The restoration goal is agreed before work begins, including the balance between structural stability, appearance and preservation of original material. Finish touch-ups, local finish work and complete refinishing are discussed separately rather than assumed.
Can you install pickups or modify a guitar?
Pickup installations and practical modifications can be assessed according to the guitar, selected components and intended result. Any irreversible work is discussed before proceeding.
Where do I bring my guitar?
Guitar servicing is completed at the Gourley Music workshop at 220 Hildebrand Road, Cottles Bridge, by appointment. Begin with an enquiry before arranging drop-off.
Workshop enquiries
Discuss your guitar.
Include the guitar type, brand and model, what has changed and clear photographs of any visible damage. You do not need to identify the technical cause before getting in touch.
hello@gourleymusic.com.au Cottles Bridge workshop, Yarra Valley