Instrument Care Service

Instrument Care & Restoration

At Alan Yates Music, instrument care is about more than fixing problems — it’s about keeping instruments playable, reliable, and enjoyable to own, whether they are played every day or carefully brought back to life.

We provide professional set-ups, routine maintenance, repairs, and restoration work.

Every instrument is assessed in-house, with honest advice given about what is needed, what is optional, and when work may not be appropriate.

Small jobs are also very welcome here — not everything needs to be a major repair.

Instruments we specialise in

Our instrument care service is focused and intentional.

Our core specialisms are:

• Banjo ukuleles

• Wooden ukuleles

• Guitars (acoustic and electric)

On occasion, other fretted instruments may be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but these are not part of our core service offering and acceptance depends on suitability and workload.

What we do

Set-ups, adjustments & playability work

A proper set-up can transform how an instrument feels and sounds. We carry out practical, player-focused adjustments to improve comfort, tuning stability, and response.

This includes:

• Action adjustments

• Head tension checks (where applicable)

• Nut, saddle, and bridge assessment

• Playability tweaks for individual playing styles

These are the kinds of jobs many instruments quietly need — and often the ones that make the biggest difference.

Routine maintenance & instrument MOTs

Regular maintenance helps prevent small issues becoming costly repairs.

Our maintenance and MOT-style checks are ideal for:

• Instruments that feel “not quite right”

• Pre-gig or pre-recording confidence checks

• Long-stored instruments being brought back into use

Typical work may include string changes fitted correctly, cleaning contact points, checking hardware, and identifying early signs of wear or stress.

Quick-turnaround jobs are actively encouraged.

Repairs & fault diagnosis

When something is wrong, we take a measured, diagnosis-first approach.

Repairs are discussed clearly before work begins, with a focus on:

• Structural stability

• Safe, sympathetic repair methods

• Avoiding unnecessary or invasive work

Not every issue requires a full rebuild — and we’ll always explain the options available.

Restoration & heritage instruments

We also undertake restoration work, particularly where an instrument has musical, personal, or historical value.

Restoration is approached carefully and realistically. Some work is time-intensive, and not every instrument is a suitable or sensible candidate. Where restoration costs outweigh an instrument’s value or intended use, we will say so honestly.

This is deliberate — our aim is to protect both the instrument and the owner.

Our approach

Before focusing on musical instruments, Alan worked as an antiques furniture restorer. That experience continues to shape his approach — valuing patience, original materials, and an understanding of how age, structure, and use affect an object over time.

Alongside his restoration background, Alan brings nearly 40 years of hands-on experience as a player, maintaining and caring for his own instruments as well as those entrusted to him by others.

Getting in touch

If you’re unsure what your instrument needs — or whether work is worthwhile — you’re very welcome to get in touch.

There is no single “right” way to contact us. Some customers prefer email, others call, and many simply want an initial conversation before committing to anything. We’re happy to start wherever you’re most comfortable.