Xu Strings (pronounced 'shü) is a boutique, full-service repair shop in Rockville, Maryland. We specialize in guitar electronics and fretwork. We take great pride in our attention to detail and customer service. We are DIY-friendly and love projects just as much as you do, so even if you get stuck on yours, we are here to help.
Listed below are starting prices for some common services. However, since every repair scenario is different, it is not possible to have set prices for everything. So, much like an automotive shop, many jobs are charged at $120 per hour. Sometimes an estimate can't be made until the instrument has been examined in person, but send an email with some pictures of the instrument and what needs attention, and we will respond with a ballpark figure and some options. Please contact us for an estimate!
Xu Strings has a small storefront with a good handful of instruments and products in stock. A good assortment of strings, picks, humidifiers are regularly carried. Select pickups and preamps may be in stock, as well as certain pedals.
If you need parts for your project, Xu Strings has a dealer relationship with many brands and can special order them for you directly from the manufacturer. These brands include:
We can probably open for most manufacturers, so feel free to ask if you want products from brands not listed above.
Xu Strings accepts all major credit cards, Samsung and Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo and cash payment. Personal checks, CashApp and Zelle are not currently accepted.
*Xu Strings reserves the right to price at its discretion. All listed prices are subject to change without notice. Xu Strings reserves the right to refuse service.
This is your guitar/bass 'tune-up.' This is the service that will fix most string height issues ('action') and really make your guitar feel like it's meant to be played. Xu Strings' setups are customized for YOU. Everybody's playing style, hand size and tolerance for string buzz is different, and each setup is going to be specific to the tuning and string gauge. If you have a guitar that you love and have another setup exactly like it, bring both and we will measure, record and replicate the setup you love on the other guitar. The cost of strings is not included; you can either bring your own, or purchase some of the varieties kept in stock. Strings are changed and the neck relief, string action and intonation are adjusted. Nut and saddle heights are inspected and filed if necessary. If the nut slots are low and the nut must be shimmed, there is an additional charge for that. All hardware is checked and tightened. Electronics are tested and pickup heights are adjusted. A brief cleaning is included. If your guitar has built-up grime, a deeper clean and condition can be added starting at $18. Add a fret polish for $36. Instruments with octave strings or double-locking tremolos cost additional. Setups come with a 30-day free adjustment period. Sometimes the guitar's neck will settle a bit after an adjustment and the guitar will not be how it left the shop a few days later. Sometimes you just decide you'd like the action a little higher or lower. Bring it back, and we'll dial in the setup with you until it's just right. Xu Strings maintains a database of setup specs for every instrument that gets setup by us! We will know and can repeat any setup we've done for you previously.
Old strings are removed, new strings are then installed, stretched and tuned. Since many customers like to provide their own strings, strings are not included in the price, but Xu Strings is a proud dealer of Ernie Ball, D'Addario, Pyramid Strings, DR and Thomastik-Infeld (bass only for now) and keeps many products in stock! Instruments with octave strings, floating tremolos or nylon will cost additional.
PLEK work is being suspended for the time being. We're sorry for the inconvenience, but we'll update here once it is resumed. In the meantime, we still level by hand under simulated string tension. The ultimate factor that determines how well a guitar plays is how perfect the fret plane is. The slightest imperfection can make the difference between buzz and no buzz, or if a note chokes out on a bend or not. This service uses a PLEK machine to scan your fretwire on a microscopic level and then, given the right conditions, create a literally perfect playing surface on your frets. PLEK is a specialized CNC tool for fretwork and provides accuracy down to 0.00004”, which is not achievable through any other means. While it's a machine with amazing potential, PLEK is a tool; there is no magic button that works for every guitar. PLEK provides data which must be interpretted, analyzed and then given parameters in which to operate. Experience and thorough understanding of physics, geometry and the instrument are required to use the machine to bring out the best of your instrument, and this sets the team at Xu Strings apart from even other PLEK operators. PLEK can work on the majority of electric and acoustic guitars and basses, however, it cannot yet do multiscale or True Temperament instruments. The instrument must be in reasonable, working condition; there must be ample fret height to work with (>0.02”, more if the fretboard has problems), the neck must be in reasonable shape with a working truss rod or appropriate relief, the frets must be properly secured in the fretboard (this isn't always possible to check until PLEK is cutting), etc. If some of these conditions are not met, a refret will most likely need to be performed first. If the instrument is scanned, but PLEK cannot perform correctly due to issues, you will be charged for just a PLEK scan. This will be credited back towards a refret or PLEK service if corrective service is performed. Xu Strings still does manual fret leveling using a neck jig to simulate string tension for instances where PLEK is not feasible or in emergency situations where the customer cannot wait for the PLEK turnaround time. Please allow for about 3-4 weeks for this service, and this may be more if there are issues with the instrument such as an improperly placed nut, or loose frets. At least one pack of strings is required (two is preferable for guitars), so if you do not plan on purchasing some from us, please provide strings of your choice. The full setup package comes with this service, along with the 30-day free adjustment period. PLEK for brass frets/fretless fingerboards: $420* PLEK for stainless steel/EVO/bell-bronze frets: $540* PLEK scan only: $61 Manual Fret Leveling for brass frets: $420 Manual Fret Leveling for steel/EVO/bell-bronze frets: $540 * Additional charges may occur if additional bench time is required to perform PLEK service, such as frozen saddles, troublesome truss rods, misplaced nuts, faulty bridges, etc. These charges are not always predictable.
If frets have been worn too severely, they cannot even be leveled, in which case the instrument will require a complete refret. Frets are most commonly brass, however stainless steel (SS) frets are well-loved at Xu Strings for their ultra-smooth feel and greatly extended fret life. Xu Strings has been doing SS refrets since day 1 and is absolutely dedicated to every detail. We believe that fretwork is really what makes the instrument and is the true tell for quality. All refrets will result in rolled fretboard edges, ball-end fret dressing and will be finished with a PLEK level and fret polish. Finish work may or may not be required for maple fretboards. Extended range instruments with extra-wide fretboards may be additional. Re-radiusing or planing of fretboards may be additional and cost will depend on how dramatic the change/correction is. At least one pack of strings must be provided or purchased; two packs are recommended for guitars and smaller instruments. Brass Refret: $840 Stainless Steel Refret: $960 Refinish for Maple Fingerboards: +$240
If your guitar, bass, mandolin or other fretted instrument has frets that feel like barbed wire as you run your hand along the edge of the fingerboard, this is the ultimate remedy for that. The fret ends will be rounded off in the shape of a quarter-sphere, commonly known as a 'ball end.' The fret end itself will be shortened such that the fret length will be less than width of the fretboard, so even if the fretboard shrinks a bit, the fret end will never extend over the fretboard. Stainless steel frets will be billed an additional hour.
The cost of this service can vary quite a bit as it depends on a number of conditions. The preference is to fill the fret slots with wood veneer, but other filler can be used. The listed price is for a straight neck with no fretboard wear and no finish. A re-radius, epoxy/lacquer finish or warped fingerboards will cost additional. There are a lot of variables for a conversion like this, so please ask for an estimate; a final price will be given once the neck and fingerboard condition are assessed.
A straight-forward pickup replacement is a flat price, whether it's a one, two or three pickup guitar, solid or hollowbody. This includes restoring stock options like humbucker splits or blend controls. This will also include some very basic wire management, if applicable and at Xu Strings' discretion. The cost for a full rewire to make everything look as clean as possible depends on the number of controls and other options. Certainly ask for a quote if you are interested in adding options like pickup splits, treble bleeds, upgrading pots or four-conductor conversions! Many of these services/mods have overlapping labor, so doing several at once saves the most money.
Price does not include the cost of the pickups or any other parts. Xu Strings keeps many components, such as pots, caps, and jacks, in stock. If you need brand recommendations or ideas, we are tone enthusiasts ourselves and are more than happy to consult! Xu Strings is a dealer for the brands below and order directly from them. If they have a custom shop, we can place custom orders from them as well.
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Seymour Duncan DiMarzio Fishman EMG Pickups |
Raw Vintage Bartolini Nordstrand |
Need to plug your acoustic into a PA? Most acoustic pickup installations are $101, from piezo tabs to combination mic/USTs. Ukeleles, mandolins and classical stringed instruments are also included here! Routing for preamp boxes is additional.
These prices do not include the pickup(s) or other parts. However, Xu Strings is a dealer for:
LR Baggs
Fishman
K&K Sound
DiMarzio
Seymour Duncan
Bartolini
Xu Strings is also a proud dealer for the amazing ToneWoodAmp! With this device, you can play your acoustic guitar with effects produced through the guitar itself; no amp required! The guitar does need a pickup for the ToneWoodAmp to work. Definitely look up some videos if you have not seen these in action yet, or drop by the shop for a demo!
ToneWoodAmp Solo: $279
If you purchase a ToneWoodAmp through Xu Strings, you will get a free installation on one guitar. The guitar must have a pickup.
Customer-provided ToneWoodAmp Installation (existing pickup): $60
If you wish to add or swap a preamp in your bass, the cost is somewhat variable depending on the options of the new preamp. Drop-in plates for J-basses or other pre-wired harnesses start at $120. Other options can be added à la carte, such as battery boxes, 18V wiring, pickup switches, etc. Modular preamp installs start at $360 and the price depends on the number of controls and additional options. Routing is usually an additional cost; if there just needs to be a tiny bit more space made to fit a toggle switch, it can be included, but if a good amount of material is needed to be removed, the charge is generally $120. Sometimes, it's not possible to completely predict how much routing is involved until the time of installation; sometimes the control cavity wood is too thick, extra space needs to be made for the pots or space needs to be made for the additional wiring.
These costs are for labor only; but if you need to source a preamp, Xu Strings would love to consult with you. We are a direct dealer for Nordstrand, Aguilar, Bartolini, Darkglass, Audere Audio and Lusithand Devices. Most of these manufacturers keep their most popular preamps in stock, but it's common for them to be made-to-order as well.
Xu Strings can work wonders with custom circuits! From the most simple mods, such as 50's style tone control conversions to the most all-out, complex switching systems with passive EQs, Xu Strings will work with you to get the most out of your instrument. If you need your instrument to be tailored for gig-reliabilty or you just want some ideas to see what's out there, we are more than happy to consult. We have taken on the projects that nobody else can or wants to do, and have certainly helped many a DIYer finish their dream builds, from abandoned project guitars with bags of loose parts to integrating pedal PCBs into control cavities.
Xu Strings will go over all aspects of your project and make sure it's exactly what you want, and then execute with the cleanest wiring in the area. Complete circuits will come with a professionally drafted wiring diagram and bill of materials. It goes without saying, but this work is completely custom and the cost will depend on the scope of the project. Please don't hesitate to ask for a consultation!
Whether you have a broken nut, or if you just want an upgrade, a bone or TUSQ nut/saddle can be a big improvement. Tone can be improved and TUSQ can help with string binding. Each nut or saddle is hand-cut, specific to your instrument. String spacing can be adjusted for nuts, and intonation for saddles is compensated for. The cost of material is not included, but unbleached bone and Graph Tech TUSQ XL (in black and white) are kept stocked. You may also provide your own.
Tuning machines, tuners, tuning heads, winding pegs, whatever name you like to call them... Sometimes they break, sometimes you want an upgrade, or sometimes you want to go back to stock. Whatever the case, Xu Strings will do it right. Retrofits will have the peg holes properly tapered from the back (the holes are usually not straight and should not be enlarged with a straight bit), old screw holes filled and leveled, new holes cut with precision and of course, the tuners will be properly aligned and secured. Unless you are replacing the tuners with the exact same model, it will be assumed the replacement is a retrofit, which is the price as-listed. If the replacement tuners are the same model, or on the off chance the aftermarket tuners happen to be direct-fit, the cost is only $72. Single tuner replacements will usually be $36. Extended range instruments and instruments with octave strings will cost additional. Xu Strings is a proud dealer of Hipshot Products. We have found these to be the most reliable tuners across the brands, and they make the lightest locking tuners available. We keep a good stock of the Grip-Lock Open gear tuning machines (our favorite), but we can custom order directly from Hipshot, and you can have the knobs (buttons) and string post heights customized however you'd like.
A headstock break can seem like the end of the world, but they are almost always fixable! If the break is clean and has a lot of surface area, the repair can usually be fixed with just glue. Finish work is optional - sometimes with no finish work, you'll be left with just a line. However, some breaks are much worse, or too shallow, in which case reinforcement must be added, whether wooden splints or reinforcement rods (Xu Strings' preferred method). These repairs will need a quote; please send pictures via email for an estimate. The cost and predicted results of finish work will vary depending on the finish; nitro-based finishes in common colors (as shown in the picture) can yield extremely clean results, but polyurethane and similar finishes will always have a line and can be difficult to color match exactly. If your headstock breaks, immediately loosen the strings, save any wood chips or splinters in a locking bag, and put the guitar back in the case. The sooner you can get the guitar to the shop, the better. A new set of strings is required and a setup is recommended.
For bridges that have completely or partially separated from the top, this is a common and usually straightforward repair. There is typically no finish work involved, but if there is, it's usually obvious. There may be an additional charge to correct previous repair jobs. If you notice your bridge is lifting, or if it has separated altogether, immediately loosen the strings, save any wood chips or splinters in a locking bag, and put the guitar back in the case. A new set of strings will be required.
Xu Strings loves projects! If you want to do a build-from-parts, Xu Strings will start a shared build sheet with you and track all the parts, materials and labor. If you're halfway through your project already and need some heavy-lifting or just some finishing touches, we'd love to help with that, too. Please ask for an estimate! We've done enough work with Warmoth that we are on their suggested builder list, and while we aren't affiliated with them, we certainly recommend their products. Xu Strings is a dealer for many companies and even if we don't deal a specific product you want, we can take care of ordering it, or you can order it and have it shipped to the shop.
Yes, Xu Strings can help you with your pedalboard! If you just need cable management, or if you want a completely turn-key solution, we can help. Xu Strings has lots of experience doing cable management in many professional A/V installs and brings those best practices and aesthetic to pedalboards.
As for parts, Xu Strings is a dealer for:
Strymon
Peterson Strobe Tuners
Dunlop, MXR, Way Huge
Gruv Gear: Pedalboards and Carts
D'Addario
On-Stage
Darkglass
LR Baggs
Nordstrand
Aguilar
Bartolini
Ernie Ball
Seymour Duncan
Fishman
AirTurn
If you need any rack accessories or wireless systems, Xu Strings deals many other brands as well. If we do not carry a product you want, we can certainly purchase it for you, or you can do the purchasing and have the product shipped directly to the shop. Please ask for a quote!
Xu Strings does limited work on classical instruments. We do electronics installation, and we certainly work on hybrid, amplified instruments. Please inquire!
Over the years, Xu Strings has worked on many exotic and specialized instruments. If it has strings, we'll most likely work on it! Please send pictures and ask for a quote!
Xu Strings offers a subscription service for stringed instrument maintenance. This is an excellent way to keep your instruments in top shape and avoid costly repairs due to neglect or small problems becoming huge headaches. This is an ideal service for music schools, houses of worship or avid players with a collection of instruments to look after.
The subscription entitles you to a prepaid number of our fully comprehensive setups each month. These setups include our express option, which brings the turnaround down to a day or two, depending on when you drop off your instrument(s) for a total value of $180 per instrument. For those not familiar, our setups consist of the typical string change, neck, bridge and intonation adjustments but also a check and adjustment of all the hardware, frets, electronics, pickup tuning and cleaning.
Strings are not included; you may provide your own or purchase them from us.
1. Enroll your instrument in the subscription for $20. The instrument must have been setup by us in the past year.
2. Bring in any of the instruments that have been enrolled once a month for express setups.
3. We will bill once a month for the subscription, starting when the first instrument is enrolled.
4. Increase or decrease the numbers of setups, or cancel at any time. The change will take effect the following month.
$60/mo - 1 Express setup
$100/mo - 2 Express setups
$150/mo - 3 Express setups, $5/pack discount on strings per instrument
+$50/mo for each additional setup
Please contact us to subcribe!
Daniel Heo was formerly an in-demand audio/visual design and field engineer, doing everything from $200,000 home audio and video distribution systems, to $500,000 video teleconference systems in high-end conference rooms, to the largest video wall in a restaurant in Howard County, to a KVM over fiber upgrade in a high-security military aircraft hangar command center. He also brings along more than 15 years of live sound engineering and is well-known as an audiophile and for having a very discerning ear. Upon leaving his career, he has re-established relationships with some distributors and can now bring his career experience to Xu Strings' customers.
If you are interested in anything from a simple home-recording solution to a full-on church technology upgrade, Xu Strings can provide the design and parts. Depending on the scale of the project, installation may also be possible. Please reach out if you need anything from a complete construction build-out, a home-theater upgrade, a home-recording setup or just a mic and some music stands! Below are a few of the brands we deal:
For a complete list of brands, click here, here and here.
*Not all products from every brand may be available to Xu Strings directly. Xu Strings can still source desired products through retail avenues.
Due to the regular requests for apprenticeships and just out of general interest, Xu Strings offers lessons for specific repair tasks. The goal of these lessons is to be accessible for DIYers and hobbyists and to help musicians better maintain their own instruments. Stay tuned for more lessons to be added to the list!
Learn how to change your own strings! You will learn the professional method of string removal, correctly tying strings or using locking tuners, tuning and correctly stretching the strings. Have a floating tremolo or classical guitar? Same price!
You will need to bring in your own instrument, and either purchase or provide your own strings for the lesson. It's hands-on, so come ready! Have someone else who wants to watch? Just add $20. Due to the current COVID conditions, only ONE additional person is allowed. Masks are required for everyone.
This is a fairly deep lesson which will get into the theory behind setups at Xu Strings. The mechanics of everything included in a setup will be gone over in detail, from stretching strings to neck geometry. Checking frets for levelness, cleaning out electronics, and preventive maintenance will also be addressed.
Basic proficiency with the instrument is required (you need to be able to play chords and the chromatic scale). You must provide an instrument to be setup and you can either purchase or provide your own strings. This is a hands-on lesson, and you may bring your own tools if you want to learn to work with what you already have. Of course, shop tools will be available for use. One additional person may attend to watch for $180.
Xu Strings offers consignment! Xu Strings has been buying and selling gear for more than 20 years and has helped numerous people sell their gear, from pedals to pianos. For most items, the terms will most likely net you anywhere from a little bit to substantially more than the big box stores or pawn shops.
- For items valued at $400 and over, you will net 70% of the sale, less any repair or parts costs.
- For items valued between $200-400, you will net 50% of the sale, less any repair or parts costs.
- For items valued less than $200, we will issue store credit only. This can be issued immediately.
As a registered Secondhand Property Dealer in Montgomery County, there is a procedure that must be followed. Here's how it works:
If you would like to view some of the items on consignment, you can do so on our Reverb Store! All of our items have gone through a regimented quality control screening, and all instruments come setup and free of issues unless disclosed. As a repair shop, our instruments will come ready to play as you'd expect. We pride ourselves on our customer support and offer video demos or further close-ups of items if desired. If you're local, you're encouraged to come by for demos and to save on shipping!
Daniel Heo (h'uh) is the founder, owner and chief luthier at Xu Strings ("'shü strings" - it's a pun). He has a background in both artistic and technical areas, but is primarily an engineer at heart and thus views luthiery from an engineering perspective as opposed to a traditional wood-worker's. He has a great appreciation for craft, quality and attention to detail and has always brought those values to his work. These things, combined with 20+ years of playing, fixing and modifying guitars, has led to many a happy customer.
Daniel started playing guitar when he was 15 and joined his church's band only three months after. It wasn't long before he figured out how to set his guitar up to be like the expensive ones in the local Sam Ash. Shortly after, he figured out how to swap his pickups, add 3-way mini-toggles and modify the pickup selector to put the pickups in series in the middle position (mind you, this was before YouTube). Guitar became his obsession, and he strove to learn and read everything about the instrument. A couple years later, while studying mechanical engineering and studio art at university, Daniel started building parts guitars and quickly became the guy everybody gave their broken guitars to to fix.
So, in 2010, while still in his never-ending undergraduate career, Daniel took the initiative to register Xu Strings Guitar & Bass Repair (Xu was his last name at the time - that's another story!) as a legal, registered business in Maryland. He ran his business part-time out of his home for many years, developing his reputation and client base.
Ten years and thousands of guitars later, at the beginning of the great pandemic of 2020, Daniel made the transition to running his business full-time. Since, Xu Strings has continued to expand and Daniel has brought many new services to the business.
Xu Strings is a repair shop and musical instrument store located in Rockville, MD. We operate by appointment only, but feel free to call, text or email for a quote or other inquiries!.
While we strive to answer all messages across Google Business, Yelp, Facebook, Instagram, etc., email is far and away the most reliable form of communication, followed by text. Project discussion is definitely preferred over email for record keeping, pictures and reference.
Book an appointment here. The entire schedule of availability is shown here in real-time, as well as information regarding the current turnaround time.
Email:
Phone:
Address:
Hours:
sales@xustrings.com
240-475-6789
326 N Stonestreet Avenue
Suite A1
Rockville, MD 20850
Monday - Saturday
11:00am - 9:00pm
By appointment only!
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