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July 2025 by Chase Bettis
There is no place quite like ARC guitar. Al is amazingly skilled in his craft and his students/clientele all love being around him.
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July 2025 by Dave Miller
I had a very complicated break to the neck of my 1960 double anniversary Gretsch Guitar. This guitar had been damaged and repaired twice before, over the course of its life, and it needed professional attention this time. I took it to Al Calderone at ARC Guitars. He did a perfect job on this guitar. In addition, he also replaced the tone pots with quality electronics. All in all a terrific repair, and I would highly recommend him. He's the real deal.
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July 2025 by Joseph Martinelli
Great place for Guitar work of all kinds! Took my project/rebuild guitar here for a new nut and fret work and it came out great!
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October 2024 by Saucetin Sherriff
I went through a guitar luthiery course with Al and built my own guitar just the way I was envisioning. He's also helped me learn about repairs and he does amazing work in bringing guitars back to life and creating them from scratch. Couldn't be happier than I am with ARC🤘
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April 2024 by All En
Thank you for your kindness and generosity, Al! If I lived closer, I would bring every one of my guitars to you to be properly set up.
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November 2021 by Joshua P.
Such a cool place. The owner is a real craftsman, making guitars as a passion. He was very helpful to me, because my 12 year old son needed a new string on his guitar, and the owner helped on the spot. My son is on the spectrum and loves loves loves music. The owner was patient with him and sold us a backpack guitar for a very low price. My son loves that guitar and uses it all the time.
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October 2021 by Andre Estournes
This place is like an oasis in the desert. I spent one week learning guitar repair from Al and his patience, calm demeanor, and extensive knowledge delivered an incredible learning experience. Drop-in and returning clients equally treated with respect and welcomeness, his passion and skill is undeniable. If you have a guitar/bass that needs some work or if you have any desire to take an in-depth look into the guitar world, Al is the guide you want. Offering full-guitar builds or repair classes, the learning environment he creates with you allows you to absorb as much as possible at the pace you require. Definitely worth stopping in and introducing yourself if you're in the area, or just diving in to learn. Wonderful experience.
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September 2021 by Kevin Cabusora
The highest compliment I can pay Al is that he is a geek about his craft. It’s infectious when you meet him.I took in a Martin D-28 to get a basic set-up and intonation job. Al thoroughly inspected my guitar for blemishes, and then enthusiastically noted the quirks and features of the guitar for about fifteen minutes.Which brings me to the next compliment - he gives you his proper attention when it comes to your instrument.He gave an accurate estimate of how long the job would take, and stood firm it would not be a quick task because it took patience to do right by me and my instrument.The results were phenomenal! The intonation is without flaw, and the setup has made it sound proper.He even took the time to leave a voicemail, yearning to know if I enjoyed the guitar!I absolutely did, Al.
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September 2021 by Bedy Molina (Ray)
Al is an absolute professional and is extremely knowledgeable at his craft. I built a steel-string acoustic guitar under his guidance and I couldn’t have been more satisfied with the final product!
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August 2021 by Ray Molina (Cassette)
Al is an absolute professional and is extremely knowledgeable at his craft. I built a steel-string acoustic guitar under his guidance and I couldn’t have been more satisfied with the final product!
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July 2020 by Eric Doral
Al is amazing. His care and precision to his craft is unparalleled. Al at Arc Guitar is the only one I trust with my collection. Amazing service and Amazing work. I would highly recommend Arc guitar for any and all of your Guitar needs.
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February 2020 by Anthony L.
The owner is a really nice guy with a lot of knowledge of guitars. I took lessons from him when I first moved to winters and learned a lot. I will def be back if I ever need anything guitar related and love knowing I have this right at my fingertips. See what I did there? =)
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January 2020 by David S.
My acoustic guitar had developed 3 different problems, which had impaired its sound and playability over the past year or two. Al quickly and correctly identified and resolved each one for me. (And charged me very fairly.) The guitar has come alive now. It's a pleasure to play it again. Al is a great guy, very strong in his technical knowledge, and he follows through. What he does at ARC Guitar is very cool. I recommend him very highly.
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September 2019 by li s.
I have been having my electric guitars Set up here for 2 years and get an outstanding setup every time. I have Been to all the guitar shops in San Francisco and this by far the best. A lot of guitar shops are very technical But don't have the same feel as Arc. I had a setup by AL my acoustic and Was just amazed how well it plays. AL At Arc is the Michaelangelo of Acoustic guitars. Do yourself a favor And get your guitar setup here. It's 10 minutes north of Vacaville. Joe Hembree
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June 2019 by Matt S.
Fellow guitarists - do you need a proper set-up done on your beloved instrument? Fret work? Crack repair? Or in my case, a strap button professionally installed? Visit my friend Al Calderone, owner of ARC Guitar in beautiful Winters, CA. He also teaches guitar building classes. He's a kind man who does great work.
