1. Axe Man Guitar Service

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    Axe Man Guitar Service

    5.0 (85 reviews)
    Closed • 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

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    2 hours

    Response rate

    100%

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    Dimarzio PAF 59 installed. "Double Trouble" Gibson LP 60s Standard
    Karlo R.

    Matt is a great guitar tech. He installed new pickups on 2 of my Les Pauls and set them up to perfection. Great price for the value of his work! Highly recommended! 5 stars

    Thank you Matt! I love the guitars - they sound perfect after your expert setup! You are the best!
    Metallimirk M.

    I had a great experience working with Matt at Axeman Guitar. Realizing how short life can be, I am unquestionably having my mid-life crisis at 50 years old. Not having played for over 30 years, I bought an ESP Kirk Hammet KH-602 and an ESP James Hetfield Iron Cross and a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier. I couldn't decide between the guitars, so I got both! Setup of a new guitar - especially with a Floyd Rose is a challenge. There's an art to guitar/bass repair or setup - each instrument is different and it's up to the luthier to make choices on the best approach to solve a particular challenge. Matt passed with flying colors here: He expertly helped with slight modificiations that make a huge difference (filing down the bridge, new strings) - making the action and the itonation perfect. I have to tell you that Matt's work is perfect. I could not have been happier with the results. He took care of the guitars as if they were his own. The guitars sound awesome and play perfectly... and my wife hates the noise (and my profanity at relearning how to play)... which is one of the best parts. I encourage everyone interested in servicing their guitar to consider Mat and the amazing service he provides. He works on Acoustic, Electric, 6-string, 12-string, can repair, replace, setup, polish frets, replace frets, upgrade parts, replace bridges, rewire electronics, upgrade pickups and basically turn your kitchen table into a guitar if you need him to. I would trust Matt with any guitar service needed. He works out of his home workshop and will have your guitar back in your hands in a reasonable amount of time based on your requirements. Bottom line... Matt is the best! He provides a great service, is the greatest guitar tech and you cant go wrong with seeing Matt!

    Daniel R.

    Not only does Matt do high quality work, he is a pleasure to deal with and very professional in every respect. I brought a couple of things to him that had issues, and he quickly diagnosed the problems and had my guitars back to me in a very timely manner. I feel fortunate to have found a tech in the neighborhood that can be my "go-to" guy for guitar repairs. 5 slam dunk stars.

    Full electronics swap out!
    Jonas M.

    Matt is an absolutely great guy to work with! He's only done work on one of my guitars (so far), but I would wholeheartedly trust him with the rest of the herd. He made my John Mayer-inspired Stratocaster play, look, feel, and sound even better than I thought imaginable via a complete setup and full electronics (pickups, pots, wiring, etc.) swap out! I'm definitely going back to him for all my professional guitar maintenance and repair needs. Great communication, fair prices, and super fast turnaround! You can't go wrong with taking your guitars to Matt!

    Sears catalog guitar from the 80s

    I took an old guitar from my childhood to Matt because I could not get it tuned right or intonated. Matt went far and beyond with his work. Came out perfect. I am a session musician and the guitar Matt fixed for me is one of my main guitars to record now. Price and completion time was great too. He is my go to guy now. Highly recommended. RGuzman

    Guitar
    Felix C.

    Just got my old Chibson back from Matt, and man oh man- it's never played or sounded this good! In just a day, he finished my botched attempt at changing the pickups, had it set up to play smoothly and quickly, and fixed a chip in the nut. Matt was extremely responsive, kind, and knowledgeable about what I wanted. I will certainly be taking all my other guitars to the Axe Man!

    Fixed up my Suhr real nice!
    Frank J.

    Matt is the man! He's fixed a few of my guitars and don't regret it! He's courteous, professional, and respectful of one's instrument. He listens to your concerns and does the job right. Do yourself a favor and don't hesitate.

    I'd been going to the same prestigious music store (which I'll leave unnamed here) for about a decade, which employs several luthiers who do good work. After becoming frustrated with their lead times, I saw Matt had positive reviews and decided to take a strat project to him. Let me be clear - I am incredibly picky and passionate about my instruments. I typically pick just ONE guitar to tour with for years, as I get to know the intimate nuances of that guitar. Why does this matter? The initial setup is EXTREMELY important to me, and I like to go for wiring super specific to my playing style. I found my long term luthier. Not only is Matt a genuine, cool and collected guy, you can immediately tell he knows his stuff and it was a joy to talk shop while describing what I wanted. He actually LISTENS to the customer and deploys the vision without needing to ask twice. Literally 48 hours later, I had exactly what I requested, routed, setup, installed; wired. Honestly, the best experience with a luthier I've ever had in my life. And to use the old cliche.. I never leave reviews and am a pretty introverted guy. Seriously, just go to Matt. A+ experience.

    Fender American Professional II set up at Axe Man Guitar Services

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    2 months ago

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    Matt C.

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    2 months ago

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    Matt C.

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    11 months ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you so much, Stacie! I hope Lenya enjoys playing it.

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    5 months ago

    Matt did a great job replacing the push/pull volume pot on my guitar. Pleasant guy, great work, and reasonable pricing. Highly recommended!

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    Matt C.

    Thank you, Brian! It was pleasure to work on your guitar.

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Matt C.

    Thanks, Karlo! Enjoy that beautiful guitar.

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    1 year ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you, Justin! It was my pleasure. Happy strumming!

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    4 months ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you for the kind words, Gabriel! Enjoy that sweet guitar!

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    9 months ago

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    Matt C.

    Thanks, Mike! It was a pleasure to meet you. Glad it was a quick fix.

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    3 years ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you so much! Happy strumming!

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    1 year ago

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    Matt C.

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    1 year ago

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    Matt C.

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    2 years ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you, Dan! Enjoy your instruments.

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    3 years ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you so much, Jonas! Enjoy. That thing is awesome!

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    2 years ago

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    Matt C.

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    3 years ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you so much, Felix!

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Matt C.

    So glad to hear that, Bob! Thank you again for your business. Enjoy!

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    2 years ago

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    Matt C.

    Thanks, man! My pleasure. Happy strumming!

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Matt C.

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you, James! Enjoy.

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    2 years ago

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    Matt C.

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    2 years ago

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    Matt C.

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you, James! I appreciate your business.

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    5 years ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you, Isaac! Enjoy that beautiful guitar.

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    3 years ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you so much, Brian! Enjoy your guitars.

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    6 years ago

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    Matt C.

    Thank you, Spencer! Enjoy.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Axe Man Guitar Service

    Review Highlights - Axe Man Guitar Service

    “I had another Taylor with me which played not quite as badly but I immediately left that one with Matt as well.”

    Mentioned in 68 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Music Works - Cost +/- 3 G's 46 years ago.  How much today? Jim knows.

    Music Works

    (37 reviews)

    $$

    Met Jim in 1978-9 as the 'best' guy by The LB Arena and all of us playing hard out of…read moreGilmore's,World of Strings(he was their best dude), Whittiker's, McCabe's, Morey's,Guitars Afire,Music City and on and on. Jim is INCREDIBLY talented and smart. He has a heart of Gold and is honest as the day is long too. His time is very valuable and he is 75 now. I urge him to charge a lot more because he deserves it and is very well worth it ! So the news is maybe a great thing for all of us, looking forward. I called to say, no rush on my axes, let us help? Apparently. his landlord decided to remodel for more profit, despite being lousy. Poor Jims doors were broken, HVAC full of issues, and anyway. All Jims inventory is safe, secure, carefully placed and he is there, in a special new place, for a while, by appointment. He also needs us to find him a managable storefront, and maybe a nice dwelling in or close. The few weird comments I have seen are, well..."I left my acoustic guitar,no name, and expect a 100 tune up or so and called.called and maybe did not get the hint? The best guy in the business is in no huge rush for $100 tune up? 'I'm sore unaware that the poor guy is very polite but is staring at investing a lot of money and may spend days, fabricating a special, specific jig for this work? Maybe check yourself and let players and Luthiers or techs round this reasoning . Jim is not in this for the money and will tell old friends this. Collecting,buying, selling or tossing instruments kind of includes the ability and experience to judge, then think like a business person. Or a Luthier. Offer another Luthier a 1,000 for the making you a special Jig and have Jim sign it. It will be worth a lot more money some day,amigo. Then get it fixed for a great price, and you take the jig home, and find other no name 6 string guys to share it, ya know? If it ain't workin' as some say,well? Buy a better axe. Invest in a Gibson, Fender, Martin, Ovation or one of Segovia's students instruments? Sounds like glued and pressed and baked composite wood from China or Viet Bong. If you want to play,buy a real guitar with one piece neck and body, and invest in nice tone and better playing maybe ? Handing cheap junk to the Master kind of insults his friends intelligence when blasted around the world and unfair. There is a speaker seeker in oh no panic mode too. Google Jim, big news,,THE LA SHERIFF has formerly filed and served an official eviction demand and bla bla who gives a duck. Those who know, know and this will all work out. Sherifs serve people all day and night.Normal rental ending Due Process,Notice and this gang has rats all over the poor guy too? Don't be a rat. Be a musician,and artist. A gift . Dudes, dudettes, please just remember, slander and libel is a real means of business tort(Civil wrong=Pay. Honest opinions are 1 thing, but innuendo,distortions, false facts or omissons of fair, neglected facts is important. Objective,detached balanced reporting is key, and a duty, in Californa. I have maybe,$60-70,000 worth of my children with Jim right now, museum pieces I have loved since 19 79 and 1984. A black Clapton Strat kind of. Bad Ass black Maple neck with old school EMG's, the original type, plus, the originals for trade in, out. My V neck, hard tail (rare), Blonde, 1956 dream mobile. Birthday gift from my best brother. Neck says 1/56 and it is really, too bitchin to sweat on ! The original tweed case they claim fetches 3500-4500...no way....but Yes way.. Simple point? ONLY Jim is EVER going to tune these up. I trust and value him, endorse him fully and many many are calling him for a well deserved, and hard earned accolade...WE LOVE HIM. Thus, ; 'Do you need anything Jim?Can I, or WE,help you reloacte, find a new cool place?" Yesterday he sounded really happy, and like, wow ! He said; 'I can't believe how many kind people are calling me to volunteer help, work for me, do whatever, show friendship'. I said;"Jim, you have a huge friends and fans base and are so modest and cool, it was just out there waiting for you to need to hear about it,maybe ?" "You are a legend dude, and loved !'' Maybe get on that train, and in to the next Chapter of Music History, we feel ? Bless you Jim ! We need a 1) Power pack at the storage vault for lights, and machinery. A nice home and why not, there is definitely a cool Lady around the Music Industry to share the best things of life a little?'' Food,paperwork,errands, whatever frees him up to do his Art. Many wish he could DELEGATE related cool things, like what NORM's always did? Have a separate piece of the buy and sell world. Detached but connected? T SHIRTS Jim? Just an Image of you at your bench doing what Wizard;s Do. And dudes, Jim was a GOOD player? Up in Berkley, he needs to play too?Sit in with Jim now and then? Why not. Jim is like a Hendrix in our world that we much cherish and respect, Play on James (3rd stone from the sun). I'm in...

    Best Guitar repair! Jim is very knowledgeable! Many different choices in the South Bay. I'll always…read morecome back to Jim.

    Bootlegger Guitar  - Absinthe

    Bootlegger Guitar

    (10 reviews)

    A Hidden Gem in Redondo Beach for Music Lovers and Non-Musicians Alike!…read more Admittedly, I have never owned or even played a guitar--my musical "expertise" peaked decades ago in school with piano lessons and the viola. Yet, as fate would have it, I stumbled upon Bootlegger Guitar while walking to grab Thai food for lunch, and I'm so glad I did. This is so much more than just a guitar shop--it's a welcoming, community-driven lounge for anyone who appreciates music, craftsmanship, and good vibes. The owners were incredibly gracious and made me feel like an old friend the moment I walked in. They even offered gratis sips of bourbon (yes, bourbon!) and, if my eyes didn't deceive me, I think they had a bottle of scotch back there as well. It's clear that their hospitality is as much a part of their business as their musical expertise. While I can't vouch for the instruments from personal experience (again, my viola days are long gone), the passion and knowledge of the team here speak for themselves. You can tell they care deeply about their craft and their customers. Whether you're a seasoned musician, a newbie, or just someone who loves to soak in creative energy, this place is worth a visit. For all your musical needs--or just a friendly chat and a sip of bourbon--Bootlegger Guitar is a true treasure in Redondo Beach. I'll definitely be back...maybe for a scotch this time.

    Bootlegger is amazing. I bought the 5 watt amp and it sounds incredible. The guitars are way under…read morepriced for the quality. The owner is awesome.

    Rockstar Guitar Repair - Custom matty borratto guitars  for sublime

    Rockstar Guitar Repair

    (12 reviews)

    Huge shout out to Dennis at Rock Star Guitar Repair! We stopped by his shop late one evening…read more Although he was jumping on a plane the next day for an East coast gig, he said "no worries, I'll fix yah up"....and that he did! Got my son's older Roland GC-408 amp working again by the time he said he would. To top it off, he gave us a discounted price as a first-time customer. Dennis is an incredibly laid-back, multi-talented, musician and gear repair extraordinaire! I can't recommend Dennis and his honest, quality work high enough. We will definitely be back for any future needed repairs or upgrades!

    When I dropped off one of my most valuable possessions with Dennis, I had questions: Is he insured?…read moreWill I actually see my guitar again? Will she come back intact? That's the thing about being a South Bay local -- your handshake is your word and reputation travels fast. I didn't know Dennis from Adam, but he's clearly been in that spot a long time and has the respect of his neighbors, which was enough for me to take the chance. It's rare to find people who go above and beyond anymore. I would've been satisfied if he just fixed my issue (reseat the saddle, check the piezo) and wiped off the fingerprints. Instead, he went next-level: sanded the saddle, adjusted the action, shimmed the piezo, oiled my dry fretboard, put on new strings, and cleaned her up like Christmas morning -- all before heading out on a big trip. And friendly as heck. Point is: you don't need to go anywhere else. Make him busy, drive up his prices. This is your guy.

    Axe Man Guitar Service - musicinstrumentservices - Updated October 2026

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