Amelia WilliamsFor a musician, nothing hits harder than a broken instrument. If you’re juggling part-time gigs, it’s even worse. Your main weapon of choice stops working, so does the vibe.
And when buying a brand new one isn’t in the budget, your best bet is finding an instrument repair pro who knows every little detail about various instruments.
Lucky for us, Auckland is full of these talented fixers.
Our team wandered around the city to find the best spots to get instrument repairs in Auckland. Stick around to find out who made the list.
How much does instrument repair cost in Auckland?
The cost of instrument repair in Auckland varies depending on the work required, but you can expect small jobs like minor adjustments to start at around $25. Full servicing or restorations can often reach a few thousand dollars for historical instruments or extensive repairs. Some repairers may even offer tuning free of charge, as it’s typically a quick and simple job.
1. Le Violon Rouge NZ
Address: 3/8 Ashwell Street, St Heliers
Contact: +64 210 604 360 / [email protected]
Business hours:
- By appointment only
If you’ve ever owned a violin or cello, you’ll know they can be a bit high-maintenance. That’s where Sylvie, the luthier behind Le Violon Rouge NZ, really shines.
She’s very hands-on and collaborative. She’ll have you play while she tweaks, making sure the violin or cello feels right for you, not just set to some standard measurements.
Customers also praise her incredible eye for detail, especially when it comes to antique and fine instruments. She notices the little things that can make a big difference in sound and playability.
Price-wise, she’s very fair. Some minor adjustments start from around $25, and small fixes can be around $50–$100, while larger restoration projects on historical instruments can cost up to a few thousand dollars. She doesn’t charge anything for tuning a violin since it’s a quick job, and she’s known for being flexible—never letting financial limitations get in the way of helping passionate musicians.
But based on what we heard, the results are worth it. Some players even said their violins have never sounded better after her work.
We also have to give her credit for offering a guarantee on repairs, plus free check-ups every 6–12 months. You know she’s in it for the long haul.
And here’s the kicker: Sylvie is a violinist herself. That’s probably her strongest asset, so we won’t be questioning more about this.
But if you’re looking for repairs outside the violin and cello family, you might have to look elsewhere.
Highly recommend Le Violon Rouge for anyone in need of expert luthier services
“It was a pleasure having my violin and bow fixed by Sylvie. The professionalism, skill, and attention to detail were top-notch. The work was completed on time, and my instrument sounds amazing now! Highly recommend Le Violon Rouge for anyone in need of expert luthier services.”
Wellington de Jesus Silva, Google review
The best luthier in Auckland
“We have been going to Sylvie for many years (even when she was still working for Stringed Instrument Co.). IMO she is probably the best luthier in Auckland if you need any repairs or want to bring out the best sound from your instrument…”
Jennifer S., Google review
2. ABI Music Ltd
Address: 10A Parity Place, Hillcrest
Contact: +64 9 443 5666
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 12 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The ABI Music Ltd team is serious about instrument care. Their workshop is one of the few that actually does the big jobs most places won’t touch—full restorations, overhauls, and even custom modifications.
They’ve even got their own lacquer facility on-site, so your instrument can have a proper spa treatment without having to ship it off somewhere else.
Where they really shine is with bass and woodwind instruments. If you’ve got a beloved tuba, bassoon, flute, or clarinet, this is the place you want on speed dial.
If you don’t fall into that category, though, they probably won’t be the right fit.
We also liked how they look after schools and ensembles with discounted summer servicing. It’s smart, practical, and generous.
Considering that, they’re clearly in high demand, and you might need to be patient. They’ll do their best to fit you in, but turnaround times can stretch out, especially during the summer.
Awesome service
“Awesome service. The tenor sounds and feels brand new. If you need to fix or maintain your woodwind, this is the place to take it. Highly recommend it.”
Pablo Piccione, Google review
They come with my highest respect and recommendation!
“ABI Music have been my instrument service and repair team of choice for a very long time. This is an annual service job I refer to. Nobody else is allowed to touch my beloved tuba. Andrew and Bronwyn, followed by Natasha and team, have ALWAYS done a superb job of everything they have done for me!! They come with my highest respect and recommendation!!!!”
Malcolm Gapes, Google review
3. Binford Luthiery
Address: 43 Princes Street, Onehunga
Contact: +64 22 032 3684
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Trevor Binford is the brains (and steady hands) behind Binford Luthiery. While he’s known for building gorgeous jazz archtop guitars, he’s also the person you want if your acoustic, electric, or even ukulele is having problems.
One of his biggest strengths is his versatility in repairs. He can set up your guitar so it’s easier on the fingers, sort out buzzing frets, and fix crackling jacks or noisy pots. Even big jobs like neck resets are on the table.
And if a piece of your instrument has actually gone missing, he can build or find a replacement.
His personality also shines through, according to some customers. One person mentioned he repaired his guitar on the spot and threw in some history about the instrument too.
It seems like he’s always up to share his knowledge because he also offers buildshop courses. Here you can build your own guitar with real tools, real wood, and proper guidance from an expert.
The downside is that communication can be a bit slow. When we tried to reach out, it took a few days to get a response.
Always a pleasure having Trevor work on a guitar of mine
“Absolute awesome. Always a pleasure having Trevor work on a guitar of mine. He’s just helped restore an old vintage guitar that wasn’t working.”
Tim S., Google review
His workmanship was excellent
“I recently had Trevor replace the frets on my acoustic guitar. His workmanship was excellent, and he beautifully mixes expertise and sage advice with friendly and diligent service. Trevor completed the job ahead of schedule and within the estimated price range. Would recommend without hesitation.”
Gareth Davies, Google review
4. The String Workshop
Address: 44 Maxwelton Drive, Mairangi Bay
Contact: +64 9 478 5000
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 1 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The String Workshop is a little underrated around the area, but it deserves some attention. Phil, the man behind it, is brilliant at repairing violins, violas, cellos, and basses seamlessly.
We heard stories of cracked violins and dented violas that came back looking flawless. One customer even mentioned taking before-and-after photos because the difference was so striking.
And he doesn’t just do the job well, he does it quickly. A violin that had cracked one week was back in action within a couple of days.
Phil also seems to be approachable. Parents who know nothing about violins say he patiently explains everything, making them feel included rather than out of their depth.
Of course, no place is perfect. Finding his workshop can be a little tricky since the driveway is easy to miss.
And while Phil clearly puts his heart into his work once you’re there, he doesn’t always shine when it comes to communication. One customer mentioned struggling to get replies to texts.
Phil is so good at what he does
“It is unusual for me to give a five-star review, but Phil is so good at what he does. A few weeks ago, our daughter cracked her violin, and Phil fixed it in a couple of days to an extremely high standard. He is personable, gentle, kind, and knows what he is doing. Just be careful when you go there, as his driveway is very easy to miss, but that is an extremely minor issue. Great guy, great service.”
Kevan Landbeater, Google review
I highly recommend The String Workshop
“My daughter’s viola was broken, and we came to Phil for help. He spent 15-20 minutes carefully repairing it on the spot. What truly surprised me was that at the end, he didn’t charge us anything for the repair! Phil is not only incredibly skilled and professional but also very friendly and generous. It’s rare to come across someone who cares so much about what they do and the people they help. I highly recommend The String Workshop to anyone needing instrument repairs or restoration. Thank you again, Phil, for your kindness!”
Connie Wang, Google review
5. Audio Zephyr Guitar Repair & Services
Contact: +64 21 703 071 / [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 12 PM
- Sunday: Closed
When our team looked into Audio Zephyr Guitar Repair & Services, it really came across as a place where guitars get a second life.
Customers often say that after Warren’s service, their guitars sound better than they ever have—even after decades of playing. That’s a pretty bold transformation.
What makes Warren stand out is how much he notices. One guy brought in a used Epiphone Les Paul expecting just a refret and setup. Warren went ahead and fixed a tiny neck crack he hadn’t even mentioned.
He’ll go beyond the checklist and give you back a guitar that feels like it was waiting to become itself.
We also liked that he treats every instrument with respect, whether it’s a vintage piece or something bought secondhand.
And it’s not just the results. People genuinely enjoy dealing with him. He communicates, keeps you in the loop about parts delays, and he clearly loves talking shop.
However, he doesn’t seem like the guy for last-minute fixes. Because he sometimes sources custom parts or goes the extra mile with improvements, things can take time.
Can’t recommend Audio Zephyr highly enough for guitar repair and setup
“A+ service – can’t recommend Audio Zephyr highly enough for guitar repair and setup. On the two times he’s worked on my guitars in recent years, the before/after difference in playability of the guitars has been amazing. Friendly, straightforward service, efficient turnaround, and reasonable price for the top-shelf work you get. Thanks!”
F C, Google review
Great service, friendly and fast
“Highly recommend coming here! Great service, friendly and fast. I’ll be coming back here with all my guitars, no doubt about that. Got my Ibanez serviced here and it’s never played better!”
Ruiari Brunt, Google review
