TheGuitarDog.com

These “Tech Guru” shots were taken by Patty Palazzo for use on John’s (now de-funked) “Trust the Process” website. This was the eve of the release of the “Astronaut” album.  I was fortunate  to work with Yoshi Faruta and Bob Ito of Aria Pro Instruments in Japan, two of the nicest men in the music business, in securing the re-issue of the Aria Super Bass 1000.  In my opinion John Taylor singlehandedly put this SB1000 on the map and many of his contemporaries in the 1980’s also followed suit and began to play this bass for its wonderful ringing sustain, unique electronic circuit and slightly compressed sound when recorded.  Although I don’t know the exact number, they only made a few of the JT 1000’s, however currently in 2010 they continue to make the SB1000. This was one of the happiest moments of my professional life, working with Yoshi and Bob was cultural and learning experience, add to that John Taylor and the SB1000 bass … it doesn’t get much better.

Guitar Repair by James Knopp - The Guitar Dog

Repairs by James Knopp - The Guitar Dog

Customer brought this cool XM series bass from the 1980’s with electronic issues. The headless bridge tuning system had a broken tuning mechanism, so 2 of the strings could not be brought to pitch.  With some spare Steinberger parts and new electronics, the bass was singing in no time.

Guitar Repair by James Knopp The Guitar Dog

This beautiful 50’s Kay Mandolin doesn’t need much, but will get a new nut and bridge plus a total set-up.  This will have my customer singing “that’s amore! ”

Guitar repairs by James Knopp The Guitar Dog.

Guitar repairs by James Knopp The Guitar Dog

This vintage bass is ready to hit the road with Gregory McGlothen.  Sounds sweet … especially when played by Greg.

To sum up the restoration the instrument had seam separation everywhere so the front and back were completely re-glued, the neck was reset, the fingerboard was removed, resorted and reinstalled and we replaced the bridge, tail piece and end pin.

This is the vision of a promising guitarist, Kyle Pratt, or “K” as I call him.  Custom Dimarzio pickups and custom green inlay fret markers.

Client has requested a black finish over this nice piece of ASH.

“ I needed a pickup installed on my Martin HD 28V.   This guitar is my “baby” the one I’m very particular about.  The Guitar Dog did an excellent job on the installation and also did the set up on my guitar so it plays better than before.  I would not hesitate to recommend the Guitar Dog to anybody;  even you “fussy”  pickers out there”

Bob Larson

Now the top, back and sides are all sound and secure.  Time to prep the neck for instillation of the restored finger board.  While I’m doing this I will also remove the old tuners to see if they can be salvaged.

A customer brought me this neck with a fun project in mind.  Jet black Tele Thin Line style guitar with this beautiful “Tree of Life” neck.  As the build continues and we decide on hardware we will update.

“The Dog (or James, if you prefer) has always provided my guitars with the utmost care and professional service; and always with a smile and a cup of coffee.”

“The Dog understands that my guitars are like my children.  He always treats them with the greatest personal care.  Whether a re-string or a repair, he keeps my guitars smiling.”

“I come from all the way Wickenburg to James, because I know he’s the best; and I always look forward to my next visit.”

Peter Paige, Wickenburg, Arizona