Setup & Repair
String height, neck relief and tuning accuracy adjusted for the way you play electric, acoustic or bass guitar.
Explore Setup & RepairCarrollton, Kentucky ·
Your guitar should feel impossible to put down.
Setups, repairs and upgrades for electric, acoustic and bass guitars in Carrollton, Kentucky. Work directly with me to get yours feeling right and sounding its best.
Services
Better feel. Better sound. More reasons to play.
Not sure where to start?
Describe what feels or sounds wrong. I’ll help you choose the right service and confirm the price before work begins.
Pickups & Upgrades
Pickup installation, repairs to noisy controls, wiring fixes and hardware upgrades.
Quoted after inspectionExplore Pickups & UpgradesFret & Nut Work
Buzzing notes, sharp fret ends or strings binding at the nut? I’ll find the cause and recommend the right correction.
Quoted after inspectionExplore Fret & Nut WorkBuy, Sell & Trade
Looking to move a guitar or find your next one? I buy, sell and trade select instruments.
Contact me with detailsSetup & care packages
From a tune-up to a fresh start.
You don’t need to choose a package now. I will inspect the guitar and help you decide what it needs.
A clear starting point
Starting at $85*Professional Setup
Playing adjustments, a check of the instrument’s condition, and a final play-test.
More complete care
Quoted after inspectionSetup & Spa Day
Everything in a setup, plus a thorough cleanup of the body, fretboard and accessible hardware.
For a bigger comeback
Quoted after inspectionResurrection Package
Cleaning, agreed repairs and replacement parts for a neglected instrument, finished with a setup and play-test.
Strings, parts and additional repairs are discussed after inspection. You approve the work and price before anything begins.
Our Work
From the Golden Guitars bench.
Real instruments. Thoughtful work. Results you can see, hear, and feel.
Custom assembly, wiring, and a full setup.
The FrankenBullet
Ten years of collecting parts. Eight pickup combinations. One finished guitar, with every bit of its mojo intact.See project details & photos
Pickup swap, light restoration, and full setup.
1968 Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary
A 1968 Gretsch 6117 Double Anniversary restored with TV Jones pickups, complete fretwork, electronics service and a precision floating-bridge setup.See project details & photos
Complete teardown, spa day, and setup.
2007 Jackson DKMG
A Japanese-built Jackson DKMG completely disassembled, inspected, deep-cleaned, restrung and professionally set up.See project details & photosWhat local players are saying
Straight from the customers.
“Doug Golden of Golden Guitars is top-notch in every way. The craftsmanship and customer service both deserve five stars. Give Doug a call; you’re sure to be impressed with his professionalism. Thank you, Doug! My guitars have never sounded or played as well as they do now. This is from a traveling musician, and I thank you!! 👏❤️🎸🎶🎶”
Darrell Edens
Google review“Quality work, awsome service and a great guy with an awsome passion! Highly recommend!”
Brandon Branham
Google review“My good friend Chris Metz recommended Doug to me after using him for a "Spa Day" with his Bass guitar. I needed my guitar to be restrung and gave the frets adjusted, and Doug didn't disappoint! I personally also like to use Veteran Owned businesses whenever possible, and Doug is a proud Navy Veteran. If you need any work done on your guitar, or have just been thinking about giving it a Spa Day, please contact Doug Golden!”
Rick Stacey
Google review“Doug does fantastic work! Everything that I have had him work on came back to me perfect and looking better than when I dropped it off. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing work on their instrument. 5 star in my book!!!”
Chris Metz
Google review“Got in a Les Paul from an online store. Won’t mention any names, but it’s what sugar tastes like and what rain is made of. Fret ends like razor blades. Couple high frets too, which is to be expected. Doug took care of all of it. Did a fantastic job in a very timely manner. 100% recommend, and I’m sure I will eventually be back! Thanks!”
Chris Roberts
Google review“Doug does great work, and he’s always been excellent about making sure I leave with my guitar feeling exactly how I want it. I’ve taken all of my guitars to him, and I wouldn’t take them elsewhere.”
Elizabeth Roberson
Google review“Doug is a super guy and talented technician. He setup my vintage Strat and it plays better than new.”
Pinnacle Productions
Google review“If you have a guitar it probably needs set up, GG will set up and baby your axe like it was his. It makes a world of difference after set up. Great rates.”
Dennis Caraway
Google review“Did a professional job.”
Donnie Harmon
Google review“Cool dude. Go way back. Sells great and clean guitars.”
Georgia Golden
Google reviewSee what customers posted on Google.
See all Google reviews
About - Meet Your Guitar Guy
Dialed in by a player, for players.
I’m Doug Golden, a lifelong player and guitar tech. At my home-based Carrollton shop, I help everything from budget guitars to custom shop instruments play the way they should.
I’m also a U.S. Navy veteran, husband to Marie, father of six and a loyal Jaguars fan. Some of my best friendships started with a conversation about guitars. I look forward to hearing your story.
The Golden Guitars Promise
I stand behind every instrument that leaves my bench. If something related to my work doesn’t feel or perform the way it should, bring it back and I will take care of it.
Your first visit
From first text to final play-test.
Golden Guitars is my home-based shop in Carrollton, Kentucky. By appointment. Get in touch before making the trip so we can confirm the visiting details.
Map & directionsRequest a visit.
Send an appointment request or contact me with what feels wrong and what you’d like to improve. You don’t need technical terms to get started.
Arrange a drop-off.
We’ll agree on a time and I will share the workshop details. After inspection, we’ll confirm the work, price and expected timing before anything begins.
Pick up and play.
When your guitar is ready, we’ll arrange a pickup time. Try it, ask questions and let me know how it feels before you head home.
What should I bring?
Bring your guitar in a case or gig bag if you have one, along with any parts we’ve agreed you’ll supply. Include the tremolo arm if it’s part of the setup. Let me know your usual tuning, preferred strings and how you like the guitar to feel.
What about strings and replacement parts?
Mention your preferred string brand or gauge when we talk. If you’re supplying pickups or other parts, send the details first so we can check compatibility. Strings, parts and additional repair work are discussed before anything is added.
How long will the work take?
Timing depends on the work and any parts needed. After inspection, I will give you an estimated completion time and arrange pickup when your guitar is ready.
Who’s next on the bench?
Tell me about your guitar.
Send a few details about the instrument and what you need. I’ll help you figure out the next step.
First visit? Here’s what to expect.Prefer to talk first? Call, text or email me.
Text Golden Guitars(859) 938-9619Call Golden Guitars(859) 938-9619EmailDoug@GoldenGuitarsKY.comCarrollton, KY 41008 · By appointmentMap & directions
See what’s next on the bench.
Follow Golden Guitars for new arrivals, work in progress and finished projects.