Can you recommend a luthier in Denver for work on a bouzouki?

**CrookedJack** · Aug-18-2021, 8:28pm

I am in the Denver area and looking for a luthier to do a little work on an irish bouzouki. I’m looking for someone besides the big 3 (Victor, Woodsong, Old Time Picking Parlor). I’m willing to travel some for the right person. Can anyone recommend a good luthier somewhat local to Denver? Thank-you.

**allenhopkins** · Aug-19-2021, 5:14pm

Have you checked with the Denver Folklore Center? Whether they can do the specialized work you want, in any case they should be a good referral source.

Hung out often at Harry Tuft's store as a draftee, 55 years ago...time flies...

**NursingDaBlues** · Aug-20-2021, 8:46am

John Ramsey is an extremely good luthier and has built some very nice mandolins. He retired last year from Avenue Guitars (formerly Tejon Street Music in Colorado Springs) in Manitou Springs, but has built a shop at his home. You could reach out to his son Sean Ramsey at Avenue Guitars to see if John is accepting any repair work. And if nothing else, you could ask Sean who they recommend. https://www.avenueguitars.com/

While I really don’t know Jim Hilburn, I’ve heard nothing but good comments. I believe he is in the Boulder/Louisville, CO area, but I may be wrong. He is a member of The Mandolin Café and posts regularly on the Builders and Repair section. You may want to send him a PM and get to know him.

**js464** · Aug-20-2021, 11:57am

John Rumley at the Denver Folklore Center

**CrookedJack** · Aug-21-2021, 12:19am

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I will contact these guys and see what they think.

**Tbone** · Aug-21-2021, 11:44am

Huge recommendation for the colfax guitar shop. They fixed some bridge issues I was having and set my mando up for less than $90, and turned it around in 3 days. It literally sounds better than it has in years. Super reasonable rates.... ask for Mike!