Bruce has professionally repaired string instruments for West Music Co. since 1976. In 1978 he became C. F. Martin factory authorized to perform warranty work on their fine line of acoustic guitars. In fact, if you call Martin Guitars for service they frequently recommend Bruce. A very well-known figure in the eastern Iowa music scene and 2013 Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association Hall of Fame inductee, Bruce has over 40 years of experience assisting musicians with a wide variety of musical instrument repairs. His specialty is fretted instrument repair, ranging from acoustic and electric guitars and basses, banjos and mandolins, but he also has extensive experience in violin and cello repair. In addition to his C. F. Martin certification he holds a variety of official repair certifications, including Fender, Gretsch, Gibson/Epiphone, Takamine, Ibanez, Yamaha and many more. His training and attention to detail coupled with his years of experience make him one of the leaders in the field. “Our goal is to return your instrument to factory specifications and playability, yet look as if it had not needed the work and had not been worked on. So that it now functions as it should and yet looks great.”

His specialties encompass everything from basic setups to neck resets, bridge reglues, refretting, restoration work, brace repair and replacement, and crack repairs – in addition to his fractured headstock repairs, which are exemplary. Bruce’s instrument repair experience is matched only by his electronics know-how, with decades worth of wiring, pickup and acoustic preamp system replacements and installations that can be directly attributed to him. No matter how unique your repair needs are, chances are that Bruce has seen and dealt with it – with stunning results. Check out our YouTube videos featuring some of Bruce’s interesting repairs, including a neck reset / top crack / finish restoration performed on a delicate 1950’s Martin guitar.