ABOUT US
Meet the Owner
My name is Gavin Somerville, and I’m the owner and sole Luthier of Nashville Guitar Repair & Restoration. Like you, I love guitars.
Ever since I was a kid, I have been interested in all things music. Once I received my first guitar (Fender Squire Stratocaster) it quickly became the vehicle of my artistic expression and my main focus. Ever since that first guitar, I’ve been inseparable from the instrument.
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Wanting to further myself professionally in the world of music but looking for an avenue that wasn't just performing, I set my sights on Guitar Repair. I thought “maybe I should learn how to properly take care of the instrument that has taken such great care of me." So I began my journey.
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I had the opportunity to attend and graduate from some of the most prestigious Luthier schools in North America, one of which I remained with to complete an apprenticeship. That journey allowed me to learn from and work with some of the best in the business and to quickly learn some of the best guitar repair and restoration techniques in the industry. And ultimately, the experience inspired me to open my own shop.
Nashville Guitar Repair & Restoration is a one-man shop, providing a uniquely personal experience and the attention to detail your guitar deserves. My job is to take the time to know you and your guitar, so I can bring out your guitar's full potential and optimal playability. From small repairs to full restorations, Nashville Guitar Repair & Restoration is here to restore your instrument to its highest potential — or bring it out for the first time. Because at the core of it all, like you, I simply love guitars.
Why Choose Nashville Guitar Repair & Restoration?
Why should people bring their guitars to Nashville Guitar Repair & Restoration?
As a Luthier, my job is to bring out the best in every guitar. While not every guitar is created equally, in my shop they’re all treated equally and with the same level of respect, care, and attention to detail necessary for bringing out their full potential.
The majority of playability and enjoyment you get out of a guitar comes from the Setup and Fretwork. A proper Setup is a full adjustment of the instrument that includes adjusting the neck relief, action, and nut-slot heights (intonation and pickup heights if electric). Dialing in the Setup and Fretwork optimizes the playability and tone. Without proper care and attention to these intricacies, a high-end guitar can feel like a low-end guitar. My purpose as a Luthier is to make even the low-end guitars play like high-end guitars.
From basic repairs to full restorations, Nashville Guitar Repair & Restoration is the place you take your guitars for honest evaluations, true craftsmanship, and careful attention to detail, leaving your guitar feeling better than new.