Plus, @JustTim , His set up bench is right in the front of the store. He has window space, so people from outside could technically watch him work.
If he doesn’t have a huge back log of work, and or if you made an appointment, and he did the work why you were there, you could watch, ask questions, and for sure, have him add some personal touches, like if you prefer lower action on your G string, med action on your D and A string, and a little higher action on your E string, I am. Sure he could accommodate you.
This whole shop full of 2 to 3 employees max are all so very cool, and that personal touch is what would make me choose them over 13th guitars, if / when I need any service other then a PLEK
You don’t get do do much at 13th st but drop it off, explain what you want, and drop it off, and pick it up when they call you which culd be that week or 2 weeds out depending on back log. They do give you a pretty good estimate to how long it will take.
They were not always, but since Covid, have been by appointment only, and yu need to call to get on the schedule. As far as I know, things were more relaxed prior to covid, but I have not worked with them since pre covid, so I can’t say for sure.
Overall, it is more business then personal, in my perspective from limited times dealing with them (twice).
Don’t get me wrong, they are great guys, and everybody around here swears by them (Huntington Beah, they are located in, and I live in Costa Mesa now, but its a neighboring city, and I grew up in Huntington, so thats what I mean by everybody swears by them. People I talk to locally.
IMHO, my next thiing where I need professional help, I am going to AM Music, and I am pretty sure, from the two short times I was there in a week, tha the experience will be excellent.
The onlything I do not know, and did not bother to find out is what their rates are.
You could call Jeff (Al @Al1885 ) has his card with phone number and ask, or call the shop, or check online
OR
I am going to be back thre this week looking at some G&L Tributes that are coming in this week, and I can ask then