Fretted Strings

Harrison is a fantastic luthier, teacher, and person. I can say a thousand good things, but I’ll just tell you the most recent.
I bought a used $ 2,500 guitar that looked great to me and everyone else. I took it to him, and within two minutes he found four cracks and binding that was coming apart. Luckily, I was able to return the guitar. He saved me from owning an expensive piece of junk.

Absolutely the best, in every respect. Quality, cost and turnaround time. The important stuff. I’ve had several techs over the yrs. I’m kinda lazy and just like to spend time playing. Have found Harrison to be the best. Detail oriented. Knowing what I need even when I don’t know. Just a true artist and scholar of the instrument (s). Recommend him highly. Best in the valley.

I always go to Harrison when I need a fix for my instruments. He’s probably the most knowledgeable person in the area when it comes to fixing and building guitars and the like.
Definitely stop by his shop if you can and see all the beautiful instruments he has built!

Harrison taught me to build guitars starting 6 months ago, and I’m fully obsessed now. I finished the first instrument after 3 months and am more than halfway done my second one. Harrison is a great teacher and a very generous person. Most importantly, he is highly creative and fosters an environment where each student can make their visions come to life. Having been a luthier for many decades, his attitude is that any idea can be executed, and any mistakes can be fixed.
There is nothing quite like playing an instrument that you’ve made. My first guitar sounds better than my Martin 00-​DB, and more importantly, I know EVERY inch of that instrument. I chose every piece of wood (with Harrison’s assistance) and made every artistic decision.
His new workshop is a gorgeous space and he’s adding new guitar and ukulele building students on a daily basis. I’m so lucky to have this priceless resource located right in downtown Davis. Any of you reading this: you have the opportunity to ride your bike to build a guitar with your own hands. You can learn from a master luthier who is the most respected repairman in the Sacramento area. I recommend the experience wholeheartedly.

Harrison is a brilliant craftsman. Hands down the best luthier around — both for repairs and for workshops in building instruments. AND he’s extremely honest, kind, and prompt (he restored my banjo to playable condition within the hour I brought it in).
I’ve also had the privilege of building my own instrument under his instruction. It was a 100% positive experience. Harrison’s expertise, patience, and generosity really made it rewarding. I highly recommend attending a workshop or diving into a longer-​term class at the Fretted Strings shop. It’s really fun, and Harrison will teach you how to do it right the first time!
He does mostly guitar repairs, but he works on all sorts of instruments. I’ve seen banjos, double basses, violins, amps… even drums and wooden shotgun barrels! Whenever I need help with any instrument, I bring it straight to Harrison. I feel so lucky to have Fretted Strings in town.
(Plus, the new shop on G Street is awesome! Y’all should just pop in and check it out if you haven’t yet.)