Business Details
27 Years
experience
Your Trusted Guitar Shop in San Antonio | Guitar Tex
Since 1999, Guitar Tex has been a trusted destination for musicians seeking quality instruments and expert repair services. Founded as a repair shop by San Antonio native Mark Waldrop, our focus has always been on connecting players with instruments that match their style, budget, and passion. Our team of experienced technicians and musicians brings over 60 years of combined expertise in guitar building, repair, and electronics. We specialize in acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, and fretted instruments, offering both new and pre-owned options. Our commitment to personalized service ensures every customer receives tailored advice and support. Located in San Antonio, Texas, we serve local musicians and visitors with a family-oriented approach rooted in integrity and musical passion.From routine maintenance to complex repairs, we treat every instrument with the care it deserves. Our inventory includes premium brands like Martin, Larrive, and Huss & Dalton, alongside specialized repair services for stringed instruments. We prioritize customer needs over collector interests, fostering a welcoming environment for first-time buyers and seasoned professionals alike. Through decades of experience and a deep understanding of musical needs, Guitar Tex remains dedicated to preserving the art of craftsmanship in guitar sales and repair.
Services
Guitar Sales
Instrument Repair
Pickup Installation
Setup Adjustments
Fret Repair
Nut Replacement
Bridge/Saddle Work
Electronic Repairs
Instrument Trade-In
Custom Guitar Building
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of combined experience in guitar repair and building.
- Our team consists of working musicians who understand your needs.
- We prioritize customer needs over collector interests.
- We offer expert repair services alongside instrument sales.
- We provide personalized advice to help you find the perfect guitar.
What people say
Expert repair services
Knowledgeable staff
Personalized advice
Quality instruments
Family-friendly atmosphere
Services
Guitar Sales
We offer a curated selection of acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, and fretted instruments from premium brands like Martin, Larrive, and Huss & Dalton. Our inventory includes both new and pre-owned instruments suited for beginners and professionals. With personalized guidance, we help musicians find instruments that match their playing style, budget, and tonal preferences.
Instrument Repair
Our master technicians provide comprehensive repair services for stringed instruments, including fretwork, neck resets, crack repairs, and electronic troubleshooting. With over 60 years of combined experience, we handle routine maintenance and complex restorations using traditional techniques and modern innovations. Every repair prioritizes structural integrity and tonal quality to preserve your instrument's performance.
Pickup Installation
We specialize in installing acoustic and electric guitar pickups from brands like L.R. Baggs, Fishman, and K&K. Our technicians ensure proper fit and optimal sound quality while minimizing invasive modifications. Services include undersaddle, soundhole, and floating bridge pickups with endpin jack installations, tailored to enhance your instrument's amplified performance without compromising its natural tone.
Setup Adjustments
Our setup services improve playability by adjusting string action, intonation, and neck alignment. We include restringing, fret polishing, and electronic checks to ensure optimal performance. Custom setups address specific player needs, from stage-ready electric guitars to vintage acoustic instruments, using precision tools and decades of technical expertise.
Fret Repair
We offer fret leveling, partial and full refrets for guitars and basses, using materials that match your instrument's specifications. Services include edge dressing, saddle radius adjustments, and nut slot corrections to restore playability. Our technicians handle both minor touch-ups and complete neck restorations, ensuring smooth action and consistent tone across the fretboard.
People
Mark Waldrop
Founder
A San Antonio native and lifelong musician, Mark Waldrop founded Guitar Tex in 1999 after studying guitar building in 1993. With experience from New York's Greenwich Village music scene and decades of technical expertise, he established the shop to combine craftsmanship with personalized service for local musicians.
John Michael Ramirez
Guitar Technician
John Michael Ramirez was a skilled guitar technician and local band member who mentored many musicians. He brought extensive repair expertise and a passion for music education to Guitar Tex until his passing in 2024, leaving a lasting impact on customers and colleagues.
Logan Mask
Contractor
Logan Mask is a guitar technician and contractor at Guitar Tex who studied at Galloup's guitar school. He contributes specialized repair skills and modern luthiery techniques to the team, supporting both routine maintenance and complex instrument restorations.
J.B. Bierman
Technician
J.B. Bierman brings deep expertise in guitar electronics and instrument repair to Guitar Tex. His technical knowledge extends to microphone building as a hobby, enhancing his ability to solve complex audio challenges for musicians seeking optimal instrument performance.
Questions
What types of instruments do you sell?
We specialize in acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, and fretted instruments from brands like Martin, Larrivée, and Huss & Dalton, including both new and pre-owned options.
Do you offer guitar repair services?
Yes, our master technicians provide comprehensive repairs including fretwork, neck resets, crack repairs, and electronic troubleshooting for all stringed instruments.
How long has Guitar Tex been in business?
Guitar Tex has served San Antonio musicians since 1999, founded by Mark Waldrop as a repair shop and guitar sales destination.
Can you help me choose the right guitar?
Our team provides personalized advice to match your playing style, budget, and tonal preferences with the perfect instrument, whether you're a beginner or professional.
Do you install guitar pickups?
Yes, we install acoustic and electric pickups from brands like L.R. Baggs and Fishman, ensuring optimal sound quality with minimal instrument modification.
What repair pricing options exist?
We offer fixed-rate services like restringing ($25+) and setups ($75+), with hourly bench rates ($78/hour) for complex repairs requiring prior consultation.
