Recommendations on a luthier near Bennington VT

[joni24]

I'm looking for a good, mandolin-experienced luthier within 90 minutes of Bennington VT. Does anyone have any recommendations? I have a Kentucky KM-1000 that has been played pretty hard over the past couple of years. It's now developed buzzing problems among other things. I bought it used a couple of years ago, so not really sure of it's history. The nut is very, very low... plus the first 5 or so frets have deep grooves in them where the strings have pressed in. So I'm thinking a new nut, some fretwork, plus a good setup would be a big boost to its play-ability. Ideas?

[Russ Donahue]

I'm looking for a good, mandolin-experienced luthier within 90 minutes of Bennington VT. Does anyone have any recommendations? I have a Kentucky KM-1000 that has been played pretty hard over the past couple of years. It's now developed buzzing problems among other things. I bought it used a couple of years ago, so not really sure of it's history. The nut is very, very low... plus the first 5 or so frets have deep grooves in them where the strings have pressed in. So I'm thinking a new nut, some fretwork, plus a good setup would be a big boost to its play-ability. Ideas?

Jake Wildwood. He's a member of the Cafe. I've used his services and found his work very good. He worked on a vintage Gibson of mine and brought it back to life! NFI.

[joni24]

Jake Wildwood. He's a member of the Cafe. I've used his services and found his work very good. He worked on a vintage Gibson of mine and brought it back to life! NFI.

Thanks, good to know! He's about 2 hours from where I actually live, but it might be well worth it to get an expert to do some tweaking.

[GreenMTBoy]

I'm looking for a good, mandolin-experienced luthier within 90 minutes of Bennington VT. Does anyone have any recommendations?

You could try these folks

http://tuckerbarrett.com/ in Brattleboro VT
OR

http://sauveguitars.com/ in North Adams mass

[Andy B]

Steve Sauve at Sauve Guitars in North Adams MA has worked on my mandolins since 1995. He sweats the details and his work is meticulous.

[Paul Busman]

Check out Martin Macica in Schuylerville Ny, which is not far at all:

http://www.macica.com/

[joni24]

Update: I ended up taking my mando to Jake Wildwood, of Antebellum Instruments in Rochester VT. He was able to perform all the needed work (professional setup, fret level & dress, nut & neck adjustments, etc.) for a very reasonable price, and ready for me to take home later that afternoon. The end result is amazing... the tone and playability are greatly improved, buzzing gone, couldn't be happier! Thanks to all for your recommendations. Once again this site has come to my rescue!

[billhay4]

I second the recommendation on Jake. Very talented guy.
Bill