Meet the Technicians
Leo
What first drew you into building and working on guitars?
I started by constantly tinkering with my own instruments and those of my bandmates, usually making a mess of them. In 2019, I decided to properly build my first guitar with guidance from Noom Guitars in The Gap. I hadn’t touched a power tool since school, but it sparked something. Now I’ve built around fifteen guitars and basses since that first rough attempt, and I work on our customers' guitars every day.
Is there a standout project you’re especially proud of?
Definitely my electric sitar, inspired by the old 1960s Coral model. It’s got six standard strings, thirteen sympathetic strings, and a custom aluminium buzz bridge I designed myself. It nails that unmistakable electric sitar tone you hear on classic records.
What do you focus on when setting up or repairing instruments?
I’m all about precision setups that make a guitar or bass play its best. Having built so many instruments, I understand how structure, hardware, and materials affect performance. That insight helps me spot issues quickly and fine-tune everything for stability and feel. I especially enjoy it when someone brings in an unexpected instrument that turns out to sound incredible.
What kind of instruments do you love working on, and any simple care advice?
I’m a bass player at heart, so a P-Bass setup with flatwounds always makes my day. My dream setup job would be a 1970s Greco P-Bass in sunburst with a rosewood board.
For looking after your gear, keep it in its case, wash your hands before you play, and wipe the strings after. The basics go a long way.
Alex
How did you get into working on guitars?
I decided one day to build a guitar just because it seemed cool. I came into the shop to buy parts, and when I showed the finished result to the team, they were really encouraging. I kept building, kept hanging around, and eventually ended up working here in 2025.
What kind of projects have you worked on?
Mostly unique, experimental builds, with some being closer to art pieces than guitars. The standout is my Game Boy guitar, which has a slot for Game Boy cartridges that each contain a different effects pedal, so you can plug them in for new sounds depending on the game.
What’s your specialty when it comes to repairs and setups?
Electronics. I love troubleshooting and figuring out why something isn’t working, whether it’s a guitar or a pedal. I also take on mods and custom wiring jobs. If someone has an out-of-the-box idea, I’ll tell them if it’s possible and find a way to make it happen.
What's your biggest tip for keeping instruments in great working order between services?
My biggest tip: If any electronic part feels loose, like a jack or knob, tighten it straight away before it breaks