- Service and Repair -
Frequently Asked Questions

Strait Music is proud to service all of Austin for nearly anything musical you need tested, tuned, adjusted, restrung, re-tubed or repaired.

Need to ship your repair item to us?
Shipping Information can be found HERE

Electronic Service

How much does it cost to have my repair looked at?

We charge a $50 diagnostic fee at which point you will receive an estimate for the full repair. Unless otherwise requested, we will seek an estimate approval before beginning the repair. Once approved the diagnostic fee will be absorbed into the cost of the repair. You will only be required to pay the diagnostic fee if you do not approve the repair.

What is the hourly rate for repair?

Our electronics repairs are based off of an $90 per hour rate billed in 15 min increments.

Can I get an estimate over the phone?

We cannot accurately estimate a repair without having our techs look at it in our facility. Your best bet is to bring it in.

Do I have to bring my instrument in for an estimate?

Yes. Repairs come in all shapes and sizes. In order for our techs to give you an accurate estimate for repair, you will need to check it in. We cannot give estimates or quotes without evaluating an item for repair onsite.

What is the turnaround time for repair?

Our turnaround times fluctuate depending on how much work we have at a given time. Some repairs also require parts to be ordered which may impact repair time. It's best to contact our Service Department for the current turnaround time.

Are repairs done in house?

Most repairs are done here at Strait Music. Occasionally manufacturers require repairs be sent to them which may impact repair time.

Can my repair be prioritized?

A $75 rush service can be applied to your repair ticket for electronics repairs. This rush fee is separate from the initial bench charge and is not absorbed into the repair cost, but will place your repair at the front of the line. Some rush repairs still require parts to be ordered.

Does my repair carry any warranty?

Strait music covers all repairs for 30 days after being picked up. We stand by our work and will take care of an issue promptly.

Do I need an appointment to drop off a repair?

There is no appointment necessary for dropping off repairs. Simply come by either of our two locations to check in a repair. See store hours and locations

I need to use my repair item, can I keep it while it is “in line” to be repaired?

Typically no. Your item needs to be here "in line" ready to be worked on.

Electronic Repair Contact

Please contact our service department directly for more info: (512) 476-6927

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Guitar & Fretted Instruments

How much does it cost to restring my instrument?*

A "Standard Restring" is cost of strings + labor as noted here for the following instruments:

• Acoustic Guitar - $20
• Electric Guitar - $20
• Bass Guitar - $20
• Banjo - $20
• Mandolin - $30
• Ukulele - $20
• Classical (Nylon) Guitar - $25
• 12 String Guitar - $25
• Locking Tremolo (Floyd Rose) Guitar - $30

A "Deluxe Restring" up-charge is $10 and includes additional service:

• Clean and polish the instrument
• Oil fingerboard (when applicable)
• Fingerboard and fret cleaning

* Please note that instruments must be in good condition and shall not require additional work to make playable. Additional service will require a tech to give an estimate for full repair cost.

— All restrings are subject to a $2 bench supplies fee. Instruments checked in without a case are subject to a $5 storage fee.

Can you string my instrument while I wait, how long does it take?

Restrings are performed by our knowledgeable guitar sales staff and usually take 1-3 days based on how busy we are. In certain circumstances we may be able to restring your guitar the same day or while you wait depending on staff availability.

How much does a set-up cost and what is included?

A typical setup starts at $90 ($115 for Locking Tremolo / Floyd Rose Guitars) and includes the following:

• Thorough inspection of the instrument
• Cleaning and polishing
• Service tuning keys as required
• Clean the fingerboard / oil (if applicable)
• Clean frets
• Adjust neck relief (curvature)
• Adjust tremolo System (if applicable)
• Adjust string action (height) at both the bridge and the nut
• Adjust string radius (match to fingerboard)
• Adjust intonation
• Adjust pickup height
• Full bench test

What is the turnaround time for guitar & fretted instrument setups & repairs?

Anything more than a typical restring needs to be seen by a technician. There are typically more repairs waiting in queue for the repair techs who's workload can fluctuate. It’s best to contact our service department for current turnaround times.

I bought my guitar from you, is my repair covered by factory or store warranty?

New guitars purchased from Strait Music are covered under the specific manufacturers warranty. Strait Music is a Certified Warranty center for most major brands including:

• Charvel
• EVH
• Fender
• Gretsch
• Jackson
• Martin
• Taylor

Do you install pickups?

Yes. We do all type of guitar electronic repair and modifications.

I need to use my instrument, can I keep it while it is “in line” to be repaired?

Typically no. Your repair item needs to be here "in line" ready to be worked on.

Fretted Service Technicians

Please contact our service department directly for more info: (512) 476-6927

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Woodwind & Brass

All of our local schools come to Strait for a reason, we are the #1 band repair shop in Austin! You can take your instrument to either Strait location for award winning brass and woodwind repair services.

Do you clean and polish brass/woodwind instruments?

Yes, we offer both ultrasonic and traditional brass chem cleaning methods. Woodwind cleanings generally only apply with a complete repad as pads can not be washed.

Can a tech look at my instrument and tell me what it needs? When are they available?

In some cases, if a technician is available they can take a look at your instrument. Keep in mind technicians are busy keeping repairs moving so they may not always be available. Techs usually work from open (10am until about 4pm). Your best bet is to check your instrument in and a tech will get back to you as soon as possible with an estimate.

What is the turnaround time to have my broken instrument repaired?

We aim to return horns to players as quickly as possible; however the scope of the repair can affect the amount of time the repair will take.

I need to use my instrument, can I keep it while it is “in line” to be repaired?

Typically no. Your repair item needs to be here "in line" ready to be worked on.

Do you have loaners?

Loaners are available for rental customers.

I am renting from Strait, is my repair covered?

Your Rental Maintenance Agreement covers most repairs to keep your instrument playable and functional. It does not include cleaning, polishing or finish repair. It also does not include repairs caused by abuse or neglect.

How much does a re-pad cost?

All re-pads are different for all instruments and brands. This makes the cost vary quit a bit. We ask that you bring your instrument in for a free estimate on the cost of any repair or re-pad.

Do I need to leave my mouthpiece with the instrument being repaired?

Sax mouthpieces should be provided if neck corks are being replaced as they are fit directly to the player's mouthpiece; mouthpieces are not universal. Mouthpieces should be left with the instrument if they need to be cleaned.

My mouthpiece is stuck, can you help?

In most cases we can usually do this at the counter. If it cannot be removed at the counter we may be able to bring it to a tech to do while you wait.

Do I need an appointment to drop off a repair?

There is no appointment necessary for dropping off repairs. Simply come by either of our two locations to check in a repair.

What type of woodwind & brass repair repair can Strait Music do?

• Solder: Yes
• Dent work: Yes
• Overhaul: No (An overhaul is a complete rebuild of the instrument including removing EVERY dent, buff, lacquer, plate as necessary. We do not completely rebuild and overhaul instruments.)
• Re-lacquer: No
• Remove lacquer: No
• Re-plate: No
• Full build/restoration: No (It never works out like people want/think/hope it will.)

Please contact our service department directly for more info: (512) 476-6927

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Orchestra & Strings

How much does it cost to restring my instrument?

Violin and Viola restrings are performed by our knowledgeable sales staff at no charge if you purchase the strings from Strait Music. | SHOP STRINGS

Cello and Bass restrings are done by a technician and cost may vary from instrument to instrument, it is best to ask our technician directly for an estimate.

How long does a restring take?

Most Violin and Viola restrings take between 1 to 3 days based on how busy we are. In certain circumstances we may be able to restring your violin or viola the same day or while you wait depending on staff availability.

Cello and Bass restrings require a tech and may take a bit longer depending on current workload. It is best to ask our tech directly for an estimate on restring time.

Do you re-hair bows?

Yes, we re-hair bows in-house. Costs are as follows:

• Violin - $65
• Viola - $65
• Cello - $75
• Bass - $85

We also offer re-hair "Additions" such as Colors starting at $10. Estimates are given as needed for any "Additions".

Replace Tip With Plastic

• Violin - $50
• Viola - $50
• Cello - $50
• Bass - $60

Winding

Silver wire or faux whale bone (traditional or fun colored).

• Violin - $70
• Viola - $70
• Cello - $80
• Bass - $80

*Please note that any winding replacement must also include grip replacement.

Replace Grip with Goat Skin

Silver wire or faux whale bone (traditional or fun colored).

• Violin - $25
• Viola - $25
• Cello - $25
• Bass - $36

Orchestra Repair Technician

Please contact our service department directly for more info: (512) 476-6927

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Piano Services

Piano Department Contacts

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