Al's Guitar Workshop Al's Guitar Workshop
Cosmetic repair work

Cosmetic work information sheet

Headstock carbon fiber repair collage showing color matching and finish work

A headstock repair done with carbon fiber, showing color matching and finish work — reads clockwise from top left.

Thank you for choosing my shop for your instrument's cosmetic work.

There are a few pieces of information important for you to know as part of the work you have agreed to. The most important aspect to understand about cosmetic work is that the results will not restore the guitar to brand new "factory fresh" condition. No cosmetic work will do that — only a complete refinish will achieve that goal. The goal of cosmetic repairs is always the same: to repair and restore the area while leaving as little evidence of the work as possible. That goal is achieved to varying degrees, and that degree is different for each job and is based on many factors.

Color matching is extremely challenging. I always make every effort to match colors as closely as I can, but it won't be a perfect match. Even white and black have varying shades and tints.

Physical damage repair will be accomplished using a variety of techniques and materials. The goal of that aspect of the repair is to match the curve and the plane of the guitar surface. This goal is usually achieved, but a completely level and smooth surface is not always possible. I will make my best effort to achieve this goal as well.

A little more about my cosmetic repair work