Sick String Guitar Repair

Specialties

Voicing the whole guitar to make it uniquely yours, including hand-​wound pickups, setups exactly to player specifications, fretwork, repairs, custom wiring circuits, hand-​made nuts and saddles, hardware upgrades, tonal improvements, and special projects of all kinds. Touring tech experience to make guitars roadworthy and reliable on stage and in the studio. We also work with many beginning students to make the guitar easier to play and more exciting to learn.

History

Established in 2008.

Sick String was formed in collaboration with Soursound Amplification and Synapse Audio Systems at the Portland Custom Shop to provide excellence in guitar repair with an understanding of the needs of Portland musicians. Portland’s music scene is unique and Sick String strives to emphasize the things that make each player’s sound and technique distinct. I am a graduate of the Galloup School of Lutherie and have 7 years experience traveling the world as a touring backline tech. Bringing an understanding of the marriage between craftsmanship and the rigors of real-​world conditions is what allows us to provide solutions for passionate hobbyists and gigging road-​warriors alike. We believe in the high value of music and strive to prioritize people over profit. No minimum bench fees, no rush fees, and a warranty on everything we do, as it should be.

Meet the Business Owner

Brian W.

Business Owner

Graduate of the Galloup School of Lutherie, 2003. MFA in Poetry from the University of Montana, 2005. Guitar Repair Manager, Old Town Music, 2005 – 2007. Touring Backline Tech for Modest Mouse 2006 – 2011, The Shins 2007, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, 2012-​present. Born & Raised Columbus, Ohio, have lived in Pittsburgh, PA and Missoula, MT before settling in Portland, OR 2005. I love pinball, soccer, all forms of arts and music, and learning about anything I can. I count myself lucky to work for myself and do something I truly love. The best part of my job is working with my clients to help them create something truly special to them and their community, whether that means getting lost in their sound at home in their bedroom or electrifying a festival stage in front of tens of thousands. I treat every guitar I work on with the belief that it is special to its owner and capable of rewarding us all with its musical signature.