About

Kirby Guitars is a small workshop in Birmingham where I build and repair guitars and other stringed instruments. I currently build one steel string model, based on an OM. I also have a classical and electric model in the works. I am happy to discuss commissions via email or in person. Set up/repair work starts at just £30, you can book a free 15 minute consultation below or drop me an email via the contact form.

My guitars are constructed from premium tonewoods, which I air dry before building with. I love making jigs and using traditional processes such as hand bending the sides. I use a dovetail neck joint and finish the guitars with Oil. My goal is to produce tactile, one off instruments, that sound great and stand the test of time. Contact me for more information about prices and what's available. 

I currently offer a range of services from my workshop in Sutton Coldfield. I use precision tools to get your guitar playing exactly how it should. Ukuleles, Bass guitars, Banjos, and Mandolins also welcome! You can book a free 15 minute consultation below or drop me an email via the contact form.

All work excludes the price of strings, I stock various gauges of acoustic and electric guitar strings. I can order specific strings for you or you can supply your own.

A full restring and fretboard oil costs £30. 

A basic set up costs £60 and includes lowering nut slots, adjusting the truss rod, lowering the saddle height, changing the strings and oiling the fretboard. If your instrument is hard to play and needs some TLC, a basic set up goes a long way. 

Set up and fret levelling costs £120 and includes all of the above, as well as levelling, re-crowning and polishing the frets. If your instrument has seen a fair bit use, a fret level and set up is essential.

A full re-fret starts at £240 and will get your well loved instrument playing better than ever. Worn frets are removed, the fretboard is levelled and radiused, and new fret wire installed.

A new nut or saddle costs £50, or both for £90.

For structural repairs and restoration work, a quote will be sent after appraisal. Please note there is a £10 surcharge for guitars with floating tremolos and 12 string guitars. 

Hi! My name is Zac. My passion for guitars began 15 years ago when I started playing and working on my own guitars. My first experience of lutherie was building a Stew Mac kit, and then a course at Bristol Guitar Making School with Alex Bishop. After that I worked for George Lowden and went to Lagan Lutherie School. I've been building and repairing in my current workshop for the past three years.