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July 2022 by B K.
This is an older repair job when he was back in his old digs. It was a repair on a Taylor 612C. When I brought it in he showed me the starting gap between the bridge and the body and the ever so slight waver in the neck. He reglued the bridge and leveled the neck and the finished results were amazing...even for a guitar notoriously having an amazing neck. The finished job was $1400 (with strings) which was nearly half of what I paid for the guitar. But great workmanship is great workmanship. Yes, he takes forever and only will schedule X amount of work until new time becomes available. So make sure this is not your main instrument that you need to record next month with. I trust his workmanship but it rivals ordering a new custom hand made guitar these days. It might take years to see it. Make sure your heirs know where the receipt is kept. They might be picking the guitar up!
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March 2022 by Kevin O'Connell
CUSTOMER BEWARE!!!!I had a history of 3 projects with the Guitar Specialist (Doug Proper). As stated by others, Doug is capable of very exceptional work but it will take 2-3 times longer than stated to get your instrument returned. I was for several years a loyal customer, sang Doug's praises and referred others to his business.BUT, when I brought my 3d guitar, he gave me a long list of work it needed and he said it would take 12 months to complete. Every few months I would reach out to follow-up on the progress and was told the work was delayed due to "accident/injury" "illness of himself or family member"(which I was told during all 3 of my projects) or that he discovered other issues with the guitar that had to be corrected. He described for me in great detail the "neck reset" he had to do in very small increments, a gouge in the top under the bridge that had to be carefully refilled and many other "surprise" issues.AFTER 2 1/2 YEARS OF WAITING AND A LONG LIST OF EXCUSES AND HIDDEN ISSUES, I insisted on seeing the guitar for him to show me what was happening. Doug got immediately defensive and verbally challenging so I knew something was wrong. Once he realized I insisted on inspecting the guitar, he then said I needed to pick up the guitar and he would fully return my deposit, even though I offered to pay him for the work he had done. He angrily insisted on returning my full deposit. When I arrived, he insisted on taking the original work order and refused to open the case and show me the work that was done and the work still needed. He demanded I leave immediately with his wife present and adding demeaning comments.When I arrived home I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THE ONLY THING DONE IN 2 AND 1/2 YEARS WAS REMOVAL OF THE BRIDGE. NO WORK WAS DONE. When I contacted Doug and asked why did he lie to me for 2 and 1/2 years? Why would he do this a good customer who never gave him a problem or withheld work payments? He couldn't or wouldn't tell me why.BUT HE DID EMAIL ME A LIST OF MANY THINGS THAT HE CLAIMED TO HAVE DONE WORK ON THE GUITAR WHICH OF COURSE WAS NEVER NEEDED, DONE OR TOLD TO ME PREVIOUSLY.Since that experience, I have heard from other guitar owners that they have had similar experiences and that some have even taken legal action.SORRY FOR THE LONG STORY, BUT MY HOPE IS THAT NO OTHER PERSON WILL GO THROUGH MY EXPERIENCE.Turned out good for me, I found a very experienced vintage Martin restorer who said the guitar ONLY NEEDED a neck reset which was done and the guitar is spectacular. The restoration cost $600 instead of the $3200 for the many not-needed issues the Guitar Specialist (Doug Proper) insisted he to be done to make the guitar right.CUSTOMER BEWARE
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February 2022 by Kevin O.
CUSTOMER BEWARE!!!! I had a history of 3 projects with the Guitar Specialist (Doug Proper). As stated by others, Doug is capable of very exceptional work but it will take 2-3 times longer than stated to get your instrument returned. I was for several years a loyal customer, sang Doug's praises and referred others to his business. BUT, when I brought my 3d guitar, he gave me a long list of work it needed and he said it would take 12 months to complete. Every few months I would reach out to follow-up on the progress and was told the work was delayed due to "accident/injury" "illness of himself or family member"(which I was told during all 3 of my projects) or that he discovered other issues with the guitar that had to be corrected. He described for me in great detail the "neck reset" he had to do in very small increments, a gouge in the top under the bridge that had to be carefully refilled and many other "surprise" issues. AFTER 2 1/2 YEARS OF WAITING AND A LONG LIST OF EXCUSES AND HIDDEN ISSUES, I insisted on seeing the guitar for him to show me what was happening. Doug got immediately defensive and verbally challenging so I knew something was wrong. Once he realized I insisted on inspecting the guitar, he then said I needed to pick up the guitar and he would fully return my deposit, even though I offered to pay him for the work he had done. He angrily insisted on returning my full deposit. When I arrived, he insisted on taking the original work order and refused to open the case and show me the work that was done and the work still needed. He demanded I leave immediately with his wife present and adding demeaning comments. When I arrived home I WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THE ONLY THING DONE IN 2 AND 1/2 YEARS WAS REMOVAL OF THE BRIDGE. NO WORK WAS DONE. When I contacted Doug and asked why did he lie to me for 2 and 1/2 years? Why would he do this a good customer who never gave him a problem or withheld work payments? He couldn't or wouldn't tell me why. BUT HE DID EMAIL ME A LIST OF MANY THINGS THAT HE CLAIMED TO HAVE DONE WORK ON THE GUITAR WHICH OF COURSE WAS NEVER NEEDED, DONE OR TOLD TO ME PREVIOUSLY. Since that experience, I have heard from other guitar owners that they have had similar experiences and that some have even taken legal action. SORRY FOR THE LONG STORY, BUT MY HOPE IS THAT NO OTHER PERSON WILL GO THROUGH MY EXPERIENCE. Turned out good for me, I found a very experienced vintage Martin restorer who said the guitar ONLY NEEDED a neck reset which was done and the guitar is spectacular. The restoration cost $600 instead of the $3200 for the many not-needed issues the Guitar Specialist (Doug Proper) insisted he to be done to make the guitar right. CUSTOMER BEWARE
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November 2021 by Richie Panetta
No answer no business
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May 2021 by R Smart
Incredibly knowledgeable, capable, and friendly!
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March 2021 by rockturtleneck
Doug is a true artisan. He did wonders for an Epiphone Casino that I loved but just seemed a little off. He fixed a couple frets and set it up and now it plays like a premium guitar. He also did a long overdue set-up for my Stratocaster. It may seem expensive to have work done to a guitar but the effects are transformative and well worth it as they make the playing experience so much more enjoyable. Highly recommended.
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November 2019 by Steve B.
Doug does excellent work. I've been going to him for years and he has always been honest, up front, and takes the time to walk you through what's going on with your instrument. Yes, it can take some time to get the instrument back, but I can assure it's to get the job done right and the work done is well worth it. Thanks Doug and Sharon for your dedication to the instruments.
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November 2018 by Kathy Berard
Super knowledgeable! Told me everything I needed to know plus much more about my 1935 Martin guitar.
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September 2017 by Gregg S.
Great little guitar repair shop! Can repair/restore vintage & modern guitars. Doug is extremely knowledgeable on so many makes and models, and can get your guitar back up and humming! However, if major work needs to be done, it can take almost a year or more before you'll get it back. But definitely worth the time & money to get it done right!
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June 2017 by Alexander Melko
Doug is an excellent luthier. I can certify that his quality of work and attention to detail is second to none. He performed leveling of individual frets, a bone nut replacement, and a full set up on my LP Standard. The guitar feels great, plays well, sounds amazing, and the nut looks like it has been there all along. I couldn't be more happier. Fine work!! Attached pic for the reference.
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May 2017 by pete H
Great repairman and great craft man ship, does great work and perfectionist, but I have to say what some of the others reviews say, very slow in getting your instrument back. I know that it takes time to perfect. He is a great guy and I don't think he is BSing anyone just be prepared to wait if you have major work., a set up will take longer than normal, but his set ups are on point, perfect.
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December 2016 by Nicholas Wells
Excellent service. Luthier is extremely knowledgeable and experienced. Prices are a bit high and not the fastest turnaround time -- BUT - worth the extra few bucks and wait because you will know that your instrument is in good hands and the quality of the work will be top notch.
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May 2015 by Ricky Solomon
he will do amazing work on your guitar. it will just take a long time.
