String King Guitar Works

String King Guitar Works, guitar repair and lutherie in Woolwich

String King Guitar Works is a workshop specialising in the repair, upgrade and modification of all types of guitars and related instruments, from small jobs to larger projects. Its owner, John, has been repairing, maintaining and customising guitars for over a decade. The workshop operates by appointment only and offers free consultations and estimates.

Workshop services

The work is organised around four main areas, although the workshop notes that it can take on most jobs:

• Complete setups.
• Electrical checks.
• Damage repair.
• Fret recrowning.

Among the jobs mentioned in customer reviews are also the refretting of a bass, correcting the warped neck of a parlour guitar and adjusting the string action at the player's request.

Clients and track record

The workshop states that its regular clients include bands and musicians such as The Big Moon, Jez Coad, Kid Bookie, Dennis Greaves, Micko Westmoreland, Natale McCool, Don Mescall, Daniel Land, Jack Penate, Rites of Hadda, Rudimental, Smoke Fairies, Shriekback, The Subhumans and Ciara Thompson. According to its own presentation, it has worked on instruments for more than a thousand additional players.

Working philosophy

John says his aim is for any instrument to play and sound as well as it possibly can, and he maintains that no instrument is beyond saving if improvement is viable. The workshop insists that it does not try to sell unnecessary services. He owns more than twenty guitars and cites his 1983 Vox Custom 24 as his most prized.

Location and contact

The workshop is located in the Woolwich and Charlton area of south-east London (SE18). Visits are strictly by appointment only, so it is necessary to get in touch beforehand to arrange a convenient time.

Phone: 07722053165 · Email: info@stringkingworks.co.uk · Opening hours: Monday: Closed. Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 - 17:00. Saturday: 10:00 - 13:00. Sunday: Closed.