Luthier supplier in Uk

[Kwackman]

Can any of the luthiers here recommend a UK based supplier of tools for basic guitar maintenance- things like files/abrasives for polishing frets, cleaning fretboards, cutting nut slots and probably other things I'm going to screw up
I'd prefer not to use Amazon/eBay.
Thanks.

[Luke W]

I've had bits and pieces from Tonetech in the past. Scarily, I've just looked up my last order and it was nine years ago ( ), but the kit is holding up well!

Their website is still up and there seem to be recent TrustPilot reviews.

[zenguitar]

I've been using StewMac from the USA for decades.

https://www.stewmac.com

I also have StewMAX with them which offers free postage. So if you make a couple of purchases a year it more than pays for itself. It also means that you can just order one or two things as you need them rather than making a big order to justify the postage cost.

I am cautious with many UK suppliers because it is hard to be clear on where their tools are sourced. However, Crimson Guitars do have a good reputation so I would consider them as well.

https://www.crimsonguitars.com

Andy

[adrian_k]

I’ve used WD Music, who no longer seem to exist, and Allparts https://www.allparts.uk.com/

[Drew Stephenson]

I've used Tonetech, Stewmac and Allparts in the last few years with no problems.

[Kwackman]

Many thanks Drew, Adrian, Andy & Luke.
I've spent a LOT of time looking at Crimson's site- so many tools I didn't know existed, for tasks I didn't know existed!
I see Stewmac are doing the Max thing for $29.95 until December, which is tempting too.
Gonna be a long night.....
Thanks again for the info

[Stuart79]

No idea about tools, but Crimson's cleaner and restorative are excellent.

[Dynamic Mike]

Crimson's youtube videos are pretty helpful too, although occasionally a bit long-winded.

[S2]

I've used all of the above and can recommend them all, though Stewmac is USA based so the postage is quite expensive.

My personal favourite is Northwest Guitars as I've found them very helpful and their delivery charges are sensible.

I'm sure you know this so apologies if I'm teaching you to suck eggs, but buy the absolute best that you can afford and you should never need to buy them again.

I'm a big fan of Crimson and Ben knows his stuff, but some of his tools are a little on the pricey side though they do look nice! I've got a couple of things from him and again the service and support is always good.

[Wonks]

I’ve used WD Music, who no longer seem to exist, and Allparts https://www.allparts.uk.com/

WD Music changed their name to Armstrong Music and are pretty much the same outfit as before.

https://www.armstrongmusic.co.uk/

Always had good and prompt service from them.

I've also used Chris Alsop Guitar http://www.chrisalsopguitar.co.uk/shop/ ... ommon/home for various tools and they did an excellent job cutting an extra wide bone saddle to fit in a Gibson Country Western to replace the screw height-adjustable saddle fitted.

[Martin Walker]

Welcome back Wonks!

[adrian_k]

I’ve used WD Music, who no longer seem to exist, and Allparts https://www.allparts.uk.com/

WD Music changed their name to Armstrong Music and are pretty much the same outfit as before.

https://www.armstrongmusic.co.uk/

Always had good and prompt service from them.

I've also used Chris Alsop Guitar http://www.chrisalsopguitar.co.uk/shop/ ... ommon/home for various tools and they did an excellent job cutting an extra wide bone saddle to fit in a Gibson Country Western to replace the screw height-adjustable saddle fitted.

Ah thanks! And good to hear from you

[Wonks]

I should clarify that WD Music became Armstrong Music just in the UK. In the US, WD Music is still WD Music. https://www.wdmusic.com/

I have no idea why the name change/split occurred.

[Kwackman]

Update- I'm grateful to everyone who responded with suggestions, and I spent too much time oohing and aahing over tools, some of which I never knew existed.
But in the end, I bought nothing!

I think I might have become, "all the gear, no idea" man.

So, I decided to hand my guitar over to a trusted guitar tech.
I've got the guitar back and, for what a few nut files would have cost, I have a beautifully set-up guitar with a new nut.

[Wonks]

But no nut files...

[Drew Stephenson]

But no need to buy a new nut either.