Haven't been in years. I have a 59 Danelectro that needs work. Used to watch his band.

I had Steve set up several of my guitars while I was playing regular gigs. He made an old '82 Squier Strat play better than it had ever played. He also set up a GJ2 Glendora for me a few times. Would definitely recommend him for set-ups and repairs. Meticulous workmanship and always worth the drive to Orange! read more

Very experienced and professional. He's very patient with questions and does an excellent job on everything he touches. That's been my experience I'm certain yours would be the same... read more

100% He's the best hands down. He's been a guitar luthier for over 40 years. He know what he's doing and what he's talking about. An expert by far!!!! His prices are low and better that what others charge too! Excellent work at a fair price. No complaints here!! Use this guy. He's the best. read more

Steve kept me in the loop all the way through his repair process. He sent me pictures of what he was working on. The job was very well done and extremely reasonable for the work he did. My bass needed a little more work afterward and Steve recommended the right person to do the job. I would trust Soest Guitar with any of my high end basses. read more

Repairs, set-ups, and all the nuances of guitar maintenance are done with care and skill. You can't get better than Steve and his vast knowledge and talent. This guy can fix anything fixable at a good honest price. I wouldn't let anyone else touch my guitar. Thank you Steve for your knowledge and love of stringed instruments. Rock on! read more

Perfect job from a really cool guy. I knew right away when I started talking to steve that this guy was going to be my go to for all my stringed instrument repair needs and was at ease leaving my beauties with him. I have a bass with difficult rolled fret edges and sharp like razors, Steve did an amazing job so so so smooth all over it is a dream to play. I also had another instrument with a messed up input Jack and he did that for very cheap. Price was good and the job was superb, Steve will go above and beyond believe me. Thanks Steve! See you next time read more

I was referred by my main luthier to Steven Soest for anything guitar. The man knows Grover Jackson and Wayne Charvel and has been in the industry for a long time and knows his trade. He's a professional and treats his customers with respect and kindness, he's a little goofy but hey, give the man a break, he's almost retired if not retired and doing this as a side thing and he's the coolest and nicest luthier I've ever met. He is my main luthier now and while luthier hunting, all the guitar techs in the county recommend this guy for guitar wiring jobs and pretty much anything. His prices are fair, and he turned my stock American Ash Strat SSS with a maple neck into a 8 tone beast. He also swapped my stock bone nut for a new Graphtech TUSQ nut and taught me a secret tuning technique that works with these nuts that stays in tune forever after doing it once. (Thank you Steve for teaching me ;) Aesthetically, my new pearloid pickguard makes it look even better. I came in for a pickguard, neck(DiMarzio Air Norton S) and bridge(DiMarzio Super Distortion S) pickup swap, a new 250k Japanese made push-push pot for REAL coiltapping(turning off the outer coils entirely making them a true single coil strat tone), and a new wiring job and I kept my middle pickup the stock Vintage Single Coil which is still noisy but I wanted to retain at least my middle(least used pickup) for a decent true vintage single coil strat sound. I will be coming back with my Gibson SG and have it worked on by Steve and I look forward to doing future business with him. I HIGHLY recommend him to anyone who needs professional, good priced, and a trusty nice luthier who is very patient, knowledgeable, experienced, and just a cool guy. He's very personal and friendly with all his customers, at least he was with me and I had a little issue with the nut I installed(Zero Glide Zero Fret Nut, Advice : DON'T BUY IT!) The zero fret is made out of nickel so the fret wire just created grooves instantly the moment you tune the guitar, forget tremolo use.So he offered to install a free new Graphtech TUSQ nut, absolutely free or charge and finished it within a day for me, talk about priority! This man is loyal to you, you will not regret doing business with him. Cheers, thanks Steve. Next time give me a better price for a setup and fret dress ;) read more

See all

I met Steve in the late 70s through my father. He's the only person I let work on my very high end vintage guitars. Steve's extremely knowledgeable and personable.He has worked on some of the world's greatest guitar players guitars. If you need any work on your guitars, call the guy who's going to get it done. read more

Steve is the real deal. Just got back my Epiphone Wildcat. Fixed tuning issues related to the stock TOM bridge & licensed Bigsby. Straightened and conditioned the neck. Full setup including cleanup of the electronics. Greatly improved playability. Haven't been able to put it down since. read more

Took my gretsh in because another company did a shabby job. Steve fixed it right off. Recommended him to a friend and it turns out he fixed his gibson sg neck (which snapped in half) back in 1982 and fixed it up better than it was before. Even back then he was a legend, and he is now. Never taking anything anywhere else. Steve, you are the man! read more

I haven't had a guitar mechanic that I trusted in 30 years. Instead I just live with my difficulties or stow them in the garage and get a new guitar. It's lame, but true. I spent $300 at Buffalo Bros. getting a pickup installed, remove some rattles and a "set-up" on my '63 Gibson ES175. As usual, I got taken advantage of. They put the pick up in just fine. The set-up? They raised the bridge. It sounded and played worse that when I brought it. After sitting on it for another two years I went looking again, and found, buried in a yelp review on The Guitar Doctor, that Steve Soest had fixed a botched fret job. He works nearby in Orange and has been in the business for 40 years. I decided to give it another try. He turned my ES175 into a gem again! It plays better than it ever did. Tweaked the truss road or quick-fixed two other guitars I brought along for evaluation--at no charge. I'm rooting around in the garage to see which is the next guitar I'll give him for re-animation. By the way, the shop indicated in the info section on this page is in error: He no longer has his shop on Main street, but has moved it a few blocks over to Schaffer, where he works only by appointment. Check his website out to see the overwhelming talent he has on his client list over the years--and the many companies for whom he does warranty work (Gibson, Fender, Yamaha, Ibanez, etc.) I feel comfortable recommending him without hesitation. Reasonable pricing, ease of access, quick turn-around, a very pleasant and knowledgeable guy. read more

More than a few years ago I purchased a 1970 four bolt Fender stratocaster guitar and it it played but not in the high frets hi register area (it choked out) and there was no more adjustment on the neck. No one wanted to take the repair on.They felt uncomfortable about it. Steve Soest ,took the job without hesitation. He has special equipment called a "heat jig". No one else in the county has one. The neck is fully adjustable now and I had Steve re-fret the guitar with original size frets. Over the years I've had Steve do assembly projects ,set ups ,things like that but this one was the most impressive repair project. Hit him up!! Set up an appointment with him. I do recommend him for all your guitar repair and maintenance needs. read more

Soest Guitar - Guitar Stores Near Me

See all

I first learned of Steve Soest when I was trying to find someone that knew Rickenbacker guitars. After doing a lot of research and talking to fellow musicians, I was given Steve's name. The problem was he was 75 miles away. But after he did his magic on my 12 string 330, I would not hesitate driving 200 miles to have Steve work on an of my instruments. He is very easy to work with and a true craftsman. Thank you Steve for making my 18 year old RIC like new again. It is so hard to find people now days who really know what they are doing . Nex,t I will be taking my priced 37 year old Guild 12 string to him. read more

Steve is the literal man. I've only heard great things so when I took my guitar in I was extremely excited. I took him my brand new J Mascis Jazzmaster and he did an absolute wonder of a job. I had him replace the pickguard and do a setup and I couldn't be happier. Recommending to all my friends and family and to you. Go to Steve. He's amazing. read more

Soest Guitar - Guitar Stores Near Me

A guitar is so very personal and the human in charge of keeping your axe healthy is critical. I own a few Fender Custom Shops & Masterbuilts and my luthier of choice is Steve Soest. Stevie sets up a guitar to the highest specification possible - he can literally bring an instrument to life... Stevie recently moved next door to the Orange Public Library & History Center on E. Chapman Ave - he's in a cool 100 year old barn. call or email for appointment; (714) 538-0272 e-mail: soestguitar@earthlink.net read more

Mr. Soest transformed my long neglected rickenbacker 360 '64v 12 string into a gem. Super solid work. If you ever need some work on your guitars- Steve is a master luthier. You will get 1000% return on money spent. I could not be more pleased. read more

Soest Guitar - Guitar Stores Near Me

The best repair place west of the Mississippi. Steve is the finest repairman for used or vintage instruments. Highly ethical, great work, great prices. I've done business with Steve since the 1980's and there's simply no one better. read more

Mr sweaters PLAYS old, sweet GUITARS that need a lot of love and labor. When I needed NEW FRETS done on my LES PAUL In 1989 I went down to see this STEVE SOEST cat..He made my 75 Deluxe FRESH! When I needed a custom Pick up in My Melody Maker, I got that done here as well. I took my 84 Kramer Baretta and he adjusted the truss rod for FREE, my Ibanez Flat top NO MORE BUZZ IN ! I always see Rare and Vintage Guitars in the shop getting work done. Some of these Guitars are real high end, like Museum pieces... the kind YOU DO NOT let CLOWNS works on, you dig ? Steve is straight up! You do not need an old Guitar to come here he has a long FAMOUS client list and works on new stuff !! NO WORRIES !! He is in a old barn and is appointment only ... He will take care of it fast, efficient, honest .... read more

I took my Gibson les Paul classic custom to Steve after taking it to another tech whom did a setup but returned the guitar with excessive fret buzz and compliant that my guitar needed new frets (this guitar had very little play in it) Steve did a Re-setup and gave the guitar back to me in excellent playing condition ... almost a year after the guitar continues to play perfectly ... highly recommended read more

Soest Guitar - Guitar Stores Near Me

Extremely knowledgeable and interesting. Gave me lots of fascinating information about my cherished Gibson guitar. Took it apart while I was there, sorted out a minor issue and I was on my way. Thank you! read more

No one monkeys with my guitars but Steve. He's a creative genius. Profoundly gifted luthier.

Steve did an amazing setup on my 12 string Ric. He's a very personable guy with a ton of knowledge about the history of guitars and the music industry. The price was very reasonable and turnaround time was about a week. I can't see myself taking any of my guitars to anyone else from now on! Thanks Steve!! Alan read more

I've been taking my bass guitars to Steve Soest for over 20 years. The man is an absolute legend--he's forgotten more about guitars than any of the rest of us mere mortals will ever know. He's also a super nice guy, his prices are more than fair, and I know that when I take one of my axes to him, it will come back to me sounding and playing like butter. He also knows everyone in the business, and those contacts benefit all of his customers. Here's just one example: In 2011, I bought a like-new Fender Jaguar bass, and after doing some research and finding a guitar builder's website that described how he'd done some major mods that dramatically improved its performance (new pickups, new active electronics, etc.), I bought all the parts he listed and took them along with my Jag to Steve. When I pulled up the guy's website for him so he could look at the guy's description of what he'd done, he said, "Oh yeah, I know this guy!" So, he got the guy on the phone and talked to him about the mods. He also found that one of the circuit boards on the EMG preamp I'd purchased on eBay was cracked. So, he dialed up his contact at EMG and had them overnight him a new one at no charge! If you live anywhere in Southern California, you really shouldn't even consider taking your instrument anywhere else. Oh, and make sure to bring cash when you go to pick up your axe--Steve doesn't take American Express (or Mastercard, or Visa, or Discover, or...). read more

Long live Steve! I brought in a long-neglected Gibson Marauder for a simple electronic issue (volume pot) and a couple playability issues (intonation, action, etc.), but basically asked him if he could 'make it better.' He made a few suggestions regarding strings, a capacitor and the nut. I gave him the thumbs up to do what he does. 2 days later, it's done and I'm having a hard time believing this is the same guitar. It plays smoother than I thought it could, and sounds like a more valuable guitar than what it's worth. I'd happily pay twice what I did for the difference he made. The guy is fast, affordable, and kind as can be. This is a true craftsman. Thanks again, Steve! read more

steve is a great guy who is a master of his craft. i am very pleased with the work he has performed for me. originally, i was scared to contact him because of his superstar client list. he is very humble and affordable for non-professional like myself. i have recommended him to everyone i know. i wont let anybody else touch my guitars. steve is my go to guy ! thank you very much mr soest. keep on truckin ! read more

Soest Guitar - Guitar Stores Near Me

Steve Soest is my new best friend when it comes to guitar issues! I am brand new at owning and playing a guitar. Because I wanted to do it right, I did my research and then I purchased a very nice acoustic guitar, but when I started working with it, I realized that I needed help with the action. So, off to do research on a finding a good luthier I went. I found Steve through interviews and internet searching---and what a find he is! With some trepidation I took my brand new "baby" in for Steve to assess. After listening to my concern,and he informed me, with calm reassurance, that he would be more than happy to do a "set up" for me. He explained that it would be easier for me to practice and to play my guitar, and you know, he was right! I loved the tone of my guitar from the moment I picked it up at the store, but I struggled to play it for very long at home because the action was too high for my newbie fingers. Now, I can play my guitar for a long time every day! I have a blast playing and even just thinking about playing my guitar--thanks to Steve's excellent help. Thank you Steve read more

Steve Soest is the man! I found out about him through my private instructor at the university I attend. I gave him my Eastman thinline electric (T184MX) to get it set up about a month and a half ago and am very happy with the results. His prices are very fair and his work is worth every penny. With the basic setup, he also had to give my guitar a full fret redress which has made my guitar play so much better. Mr. Soest is very quick with replies if you contact him through email and is a super nice guy. He is without a doubt an expert at what he does. Great person to do business with. I will definitely keep going to him for all of my set ups in the future. read more

i had a hollow body that had the input fall into it, after calling a couple different music stores (all who said they couldn't do the repair) one finally recommended soest guitar to me, a quick email to steve and i had an appointment, took my guitar in and in 20 min steve had not only repaired the input, but the ground cable and strung the guitar and positioned the floating bridge, super fast excellent service, great guy!!! highly recommend, rare to find a guitar mechanic you can trust! read more

Steve also works on nylon string guitars. He has refretted and set up three guitars for me. Two classical guitars and a flamenco over the last 10 years or so. I asked for higher frets on the classicals and we went with .055. The higher frets are easier for me to play barre chords and the upper frets. The action and playability of all three guitars was excellent. I recommend Steve very highly. BTW, Steve has a "new" location off Chapman Ave. in Orange. read more

I emailed Steve Soest to ask for a quote on installing my new Fishman Infinity Matrix Pick-Up in my acoustic guitar - even before agreeing to have him do the work, he offered lots of helpful advice and suggestions. His quote was totally reasonable - I even compared with other shops. What impressed me most was that he stayed back at work an extra half-hour for me to drop off my guitar in order to have it ready when I needed it. His workmanship is excellent - he was even careful not to tweek my action, which I greatly appreciated. I would definitely recommend Steve Soest for any work on your guitar. read more

Where do I start? Oh yes, the story begins last year. About a year and a few months ago I emailed Steve to ask about fixing up my guitar. I messed the guitar up royally. I was doing some work on the guitar and me being so unskilled cracked the rosewood fretboard in different locations (not the actual neck just the fretboard) and removed the dot markers to install more authentic looking clay markers. Oh yeah the guitar is a 2003 Fender AV62 Jazzmaster in Olympic White, so don't have a cow you vintage guitar guys, it's not vintage, but in 15 years more it might be considered one. There was missing rosewood in places, small crevasse if you will of missing rosewood. The guitar was in shambles. I had the neck removed and the screws and the shim. So I needed the dot markers installed, the rosewood fretboard restored, a set up and needed him to fix the electronics because my friend and I did a poor job of changing the pickups from the originals to Novak JM pickups. The pickups worked but would cut in and out. Not sure why it took me so long to bring in the guitar, I mean I didn't real it was so long until I looked at my emails that we sent back and forth last year. I was surprised because I thought it was 6 months but it was 1.25 years or so. Well fast forward to about 2 weeks ago I email Steve to set up an appointment to get the guitar fixed up. He gives me directions and instructions on where to park. I bring it to him and in one week it's done. Talk about fast turn around time. I never expected him to fix the guitar so quickly but he did. The fretboard looks flawless. He did a great job restoring it. He also did a fine job of the set up and fixing the electronics. I am very pleased. I had him install some Thomastik Jazz flatwound strings for a vintage Ventures like tone, or Astronauts or the list goes on. I knew of him by his band The Torquays. I've seen them live but I did not know he did guitar repair but guitar amp tech Billy Zoom (X guitarist too) told me about Steve Soest being a guitar tech. Billy told me he brings his guitars to Steve. So on good word from Billy, I knew Steve would be the guy. Not only is it a great testimony for Billy to bring his guitars to Steve, but Steve is a surf guy who plays a vintage Jazzmaster, so guess what? Yes he's the guy I knew to trust with the JM. But don't just think he's a JM guy. He can fix anything. I plan on brining more guitars to him when I need work. I love his lab, uh, I mean shop. It looks like Doc Brown's from Back To The Future. Granted it's not a Pasadena Craftsman home but it reminds me of one. He referred to it as a barn I think. I'd say Steve is the Doc Brown of guitar technicians. He's a super nice guy who knows so much about guitars that if you want info on a guitar he'll know about it. So in conclusion I say if could give Steve more than 5 stars I would, but then again 5 of 5 is 100% so there is no need to. Steve is the man, and I really appreciate the excellent job he did on the guitar, and just talking music with him. Oh one more thing, I am a so-so guitarist, I really wanted to hear what my guitar could do and him being one of the premiere OC surf guitarist I asked if he could do some surf songs on my JM and he kindly agreed. Sure a friend of mine is a very good guitarist but he rocks out (he knows not much surf guitar), I know what rock sounds on my guitar but I wanted to hear surf guitar not rock. Well Steve played some great surf guitar and he showed me just what this guitar is capable of doing. So if you have any guitar needs go to him, he will fix it and restore and make it into the guitar that it was mean to be. He restored mine and it's like a brand new vintage guitar! Yes it's not vintage but I've broken it in so much that it feels like one and looks like one and the sound is vintage since Novak makes such realistic pickups. read more

Steve knows his craft, he repaired a 1940s vintage ukulele that was the delaminating and a rare double neck Rickenbacker Hawaiian guitar for me. I am very pleased with the results of his repairs. read more

Went to Steve to get my Telecaster professionally setup and Steve also went above and beyond and fixed my poor wiring. My Telecaster/partscaster plays and sounds better than fender american standards thanks to Steve. I highly recommend Steve!!! read more

If you want someone who knows guitars, Steve Soest is the person to go to! But he doesn't only know guitars, he installed an LR Baggs acoustic pickup on my fiddle too. He does an amazing job with all the instruments he does. He has done repairs and installations for my brother and many friends and always gives a fantastic result. read more

Great work. I took my 78 Gibson Les Paul Custom to be set up. I not only got my set up, I got a bit of insight into my guitar. Thanks again Steve, you will see me again real soon. read more

I had Steve put new frets on my 1946 Gibson ES150 Probably 22 years ago. Excellent job, plays like a dream .Junior Watson was in and saw my guitar and said it was cool read more

I asked Mo's music in Fullerton if they worked on mandolins and they gave me Steve's number and said, "this guy is awesome." They were right. Steve straightened up the neck and fretboard, dressed the frets, lowered the action by doing work on the bridge, straightened the bridge, found the perfect placement for the bridge and then made tiny marks so I could find it again when I change strings, fixed the nut to make the strings stop buzzing, did a bunch of other things and made my mandolin play and feel VERY sweet. I've had this for instrument for 8 years and it hasn't played this nice or sounded this good. I dropped it off on a Tuesday, it was ready when he said it was going to be and he was honest and thorough from the very start. Very professional, I'd send my friends and family to Steve with no hesitation. read more

Took my telecaster to get a 57 classic humbucker put into the neck. Steve did an absolutely amazing job with reworking the entire system of this guitar, and the result has made this guitar open up to a beautiful new range of sound. Easy to communicate, knowledgeable, and highly recommended. read more

Thanks Steve -- your tune-up and re-stringing of my 1971 Strat was terrific!! the old guitar plays better than it ever did, more crisp AND more warm if that's possible. great job -- you are a master craftsman! I'll be back - your fan, John read more