tutorials

instruction in guitar repair and restoration
reviews and testimonials

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you again for the lesson on Friday. To say it was eye-opening is an understatement. The difference a true, proper set-up makes is incredible! Especially since that was a guitar that I thought was playing well to start, but the difference is huge. I couldn't put it down all weekend. I've started to take my other instruments and look at their setups with a new, clearer view. I learned more in those three hours than I have anywhere else in a long, long time. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I will carry what you taught me there with me for the rest of my life. Jeff

Harry,

Thank you very much for the tutorial this past week. Thank you for guiding me in the right direction. There is immense amount of information out there that could easily send a person off in the wrong direction. I am lucky to have been able to spend the time with you to learn the skills required in order to take the next steps in my guitar making and repairing journey. I am confident that you have instilled in me the repair methods required to do what is “right” for my customers.

Your ability to teach is wonderful. You know when to hand over the reigns and let the student have a go at it and also to quickly correct mistakes so the student doesn’t form bad habits. I appreciated your patience and attention to detail. I would recommend that anyone who would like to learn the proper methods in guitar setup and repair should come spend sometime with you.

Coming into this tutorial I was afraid to do a neck reset but now I have the confidence to undertake this complex guitar repair thanks to you. It is hard to believe my six-day tutorial is over already. The time in the shop always goes by so quickly.Once again, thank you for your time. I hope someday I’ll be able to pass some of this knowledge along and say “I learned that from Harry Becker”

Best regards, Chris Shaltis

The tutorial with Harry gave me the skill and confidence to allow me to expand my repair business in areas that I would not have thought possible. This was all possible due to the guidance and friendship of Harry Becker.

As a repairman role model, I constantly think back on the lessons learned during the tutorial. As important as the technical skills needed for repair work is the approach to repair work. The biggest gift to me from Harry is his methodical, organized approach at analyzing problems and implementing a focused solution. During execution of my own repairs, I often find myself uttering quietly “Solve the problem, solve the problem”. These simple words provide the clarity of thought and concentration that is required to properly carry out my work. Whether it is removing the buzz from a fingerboard, setting the correct neck angle for a neck reset, or lowering the action on a guitar, this approach took me from trial and error to deliberate, focused execution. Harry’s methodology is a guiding principal that serves me well. More than all the repair techniques, I treasure this gift the most.

I did not know Harry prior to the tutorial. In the few years since the tutorial, our friendship has developed. A friend is someone who is there when you need him. Whenever I needed assistance with my work, Harry has always come through. I can call Harry after months of no contact, and the conversation continues where it left off. He asks about the projects I am working on, shares some of the things he is doing and always has the time to catch up. Harry then provides all the support I need to complete what I am doing. I could not ask for a better friend. Harry the craftsman, role model and friend. He is a treasure to all the get to know and work with him.

Bob Pittman,,
http://www.pittmanguitarrepair.com

In an age where it becomes harder and harder to get your money's worth from a purchase, I have to declare that I have not been more satisfied with a purchase of an educational tutorial as I was with the "Repair Tutorial" I received from Harry Becker. Harry is experienced in both instrument repair and in teaching technique. He doesn't attempt to "rush" you through the tutorial, but is more concerned that you understand through "hands on" experiences.

Harry, with his 30+ years of experience, has an abundance of information that would be hard to replicate in any text book. It has to come directly from the source and if you ever have that chance to experience this with Harry, you will know what I mean... Thanks to Harry, I left his shop after the tutorial with both the knowledge and a great sense of confidence that will benefit not just me, but also my customers in the future. Michael Ricciarelli, North Branch Instruments, VT, http://www.northbranchinstruments.com/

Dear Harry,
Did you know that my most favorite team of any sport in any state, country, and planet for that matter is "The Brooklyn Dodgers". My passionate love for sports died the day they left for L.A..You're from Brooklyn, aren't you ? Well Harry. I guess that qualifies you as one of my favorite people. I wouldn't expect anything less of you but honesty, integrity,and sincerity. This tutorial means the world to me. What a privilege and honor. Best Regards, Sean

A note of appreciation to Sean and Claudia Barry & others:

When I received a letter from a U.S. Air Force rock band stationed in Afghanistan requesting donations in the form of musical gear I immediately thought of Sean and Claudia Barry who operate The Music Store in Great Barrington, MA and a dear friend who was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He, along with his old C54 crew provided the means to purchase and ship the gear and instruments requested by "The Foo Fighters". Being of service to those who are in desperate need has always been a priority for Sean and Claudia. They had previously donated instruments to musicians of Lousianna who lost everything in hurricane Katrina. Sean was a medic in Vietnam and participated in rescue efforts at the World Trade Center in 9/11. http://www.themusicstoreplus.com/

Mark Florio took several tutorials in Guitar Repair hoping to acquire the skills necessary to gain employment in the guitar making industry.In response to some advice I gave him before his interview and audition Mark wrote:
"You were right about expectations quality and speed, happy to say I will start final assembly and setup at Paul Reed Smith Guitars in Maryland come August, thank you for everything and I hope to keep in touch." Mark

John Mahon, a retired commercial airline pilot from Barbados took a forty hour course covering the basics of guitar repair. He had previously completed a guitar construction course with my business partner William Cumpiano nine years ago. The experience of making a guitar brings a knowledge that is extremely valuable to a repairman. Understanding the instruments structure provides a sense of how all the parts relate to the whole. It sharpens ones intuition and offers insight into problem solving. The major part of a guitar repairman’s education however requires experience with procedures involving disassembly, restoration and reconstruction. John is now better equipped to serve his community of musicians on his island.

Harry,
Many thanks for setting aside the time from your busy and full life to conduct the Tutorial on repairs. I came away with a good understanding and appreciation of the many and various repairs that are often required in the life of a guitar.
The Tutorial was presented in a most methodical manner with each step being explained in full detail with a clarity and vividness only a gifted and patient teacher who loves his craft can express. Along with the How's and the Why's of each repair procedure came the gems of experience you passed on in how to use each tool effectively to perform the particular procedure, techniques that would certainly take a long time to acquire by experience, this in turn reduces the chance of 'damage' that could be caused by inexperience in the use of that tool.

Two of the major pieces of information you shared with me were I quote,
" All repairs and adjustments reflect the clarity by which you identify the problem and prescribe the specific course of action required to sort out that specific problem". Secondly, the revelation that your concept of Guitar repair is the Holistic approach or treatment of the guitar throughout the repair process. This has struck a chord in me that will resonate for a long time.

I thoroughly recommend this Tutorial with Harry Becker to any Guitar enthusiast who wishes to maintain his or her own favorite instrument/s, I truly believe you will be rewarded with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the instrument we so love. I have been.
John Mahon, Barbados

                                      Basic Guitar Repair Course Outline
                                        tutorials by Harry Becker , $60 per hour

Basic Set-up / Acoustic Steel String or Classical                                 4 hrs
Evaluating Need for Adjustment
Adjusting Truss Rods
Adjusting/Replacing Nuts
Adjusting/Replacing Saddles

Relocating a Saddle / Acoustic Steel String or Classical                     4 hrs
Determining the Location of the Saddle Slot
Determining the Orientation of the Slot Angle
Plugging the Saddle Slot
Routing / Chiseling a New Slot

Removing / Replacing the Bridge                                                          4 hrs
Heating the Bridge Glue Joint
Removing the Bridge
Preparing Surfaces for Regluing
Locating and Gluing the Bridge

Reconstructing a Worn Bridge Plate                                                      1 hr
Plugging Bridge Plate Holes
Re-drilling and countersinking

Re-gluing Loose Braces                                                                        1 hr
Probing for Loose Braces
Gluing with Props/Clamps/Mirrors

Installing Under Saddle Pick Ups                                                           2 hrs
Drilling Holes for Wire and Jack
Preparing Slot for Transducer
Soldering and Securing Wires
Correcting Imbalances

Repairing / Refurbishing Frets                                                               2 hrs
Re-seating Loose Frets
Leveling Frets
Re-crowning / Polishing Frets
Filing and Dressing Fret Ends

Removing / Installing New Frets                                                            4 hrs
Removing Frets
Repairing / Preparing Fret Slots
Installing New Frets / Unbound Fingerboard
Installing New Frets / Bound Fingerboard

Leveling the Fingerboard                                                                     2 hrs
Adjusting / Preparing the Neck
Planing the Fingerboard
Radiusing the Fingerboard
Polishing the Fingerboard

Repairing Soundboard Cracks and Seams                                           4 hrs
Humidifying the Soundboard
Gluing and Clamping
Making / Installing Cleats
Lacquer Touch Up

Repairing Back and Side Cracks and Fractures                                     4 hrs
Re-aligning Fractured Area
Making/ Installing Cleats
Using Rare Earth Magnets
Tinting and Lacquer Touch Up

Repairing and Replacing Binding / Purfling                                      4 hrs
Parting / Removing the Binding
Making / Matching Binding
Gluing / Shaping Binding
Tinting and Lacquer Touch Up

Repairing / Restoring the Finish                                                            4 hrs
Cleaning and Resurfacing Finish
Re-amalgamating / Removing Chipped Lacquer
Re-lacquering with Brush or Spray
Leveling and Polishing

Removing a Neck / Steel String Acoustic Dovetail Joint                 4 hrs
Drilling Holes for Steaming
Steaming the Neck Joint
Parting Fingerboard From Soundboard
Removing the Neck

Resetting a Neck / Steel String Acoustic Dovetail Joint                    4 hrs
Carving Heel
Shimming the Dovetail Joint to Correct Neck Angle
Making and Installing Tapered Fingerboard Insert
Reattaching Neck to Body with Lacquer Touch Up

Removing / Replacing Pick Guards                                                       2 hrs
Pick Guard Materials
Removing a Pick Guard
Locating, Trimming and Installing a Pick Guard