Bartlett, TN — A new kind of guitar repair experience has arrived in the Memphis area. El Segundo Guitars is introducing a repair-only shop model designed to remove the long wait times, retail pressure, and uncertainty that many musicians have come to expect when seeking instrument care.

Located in Bartlett, just outside Memphis, El Segundo Guitars operates with a simple philosophy: focus exclusively on repair, setup, and customization. The shop does not sell guitars, does not work on commission, and does not require appointments. Instead, it provides musicians with fast turnaround times, clear communication, and skilled craftsmanship in a space built specifically for instrument work.

This approach is a departure from the traditional model, where guitar repairs are often handled in the back of retail music stores. In those settings, repair work typically competes with sales activity, limited space, and the schedules of single technicians managing large backlogs. Instruments are frequently transported off-site to garages or home workshops for repairs, exposing them to unnecessary handling and environmental changes that can affect performance.

El Segundo Guitars eliminates those risks by keeping every instrument in one controlled environment from drop-off to pickup. This allows for consistent quality control and ensures that setups and repairs hold as intended without being undone by temperature shifts or transit.

The shop was founded in 2025 by Blake Jarrell and Chris Pietrangelo, both formally trained luthiers and graduates of the Southeast Guitar Repair Academy near Atlanta. The academy is widely respected for its rigorous hands-on training and structured approach to instrument repair. That formal education gives El Segundo Guitars a distinct advantage in a market where many repair services rely primarily on years of informal experience rather than formal instruction.

“We built El Segundo Guitars around the idea that musicians deserve better than rushed repairs and long waits,” said a company representative. “Our training taught us how to approach each instrument methodically and how to make adjustments that truly improve playability and tone. We wanted to bring that level of care to Memphis in a shop that focuses only on repair.”

El Segundo Guitars specializes in professional setups, re-stringing, fret work, electronics repair, pickup installations, structural repairs, and hand-crafted bone nut and saddle work. Each setup follows a detailed process that includes adjusting neck relief, nut height, saddle balance, intonation, and pickup height. High-quality strings are included with setups, and many services can be completed the same day.

Speed is a defining feature of the repair-only model. While some shops require weeks for basic work, El Segundo Guitars performs re-stringing while customers wait and offers same-day setups whenever possible. With two trained luthiers working in a purpose-built repair space, the shop is able to handle multiple instruments efficiently without sacrificing attention to detail.

Transparency is another core element. Customers receive clear, written estimates before any work begins, outlining both cost and expected turnaround time. There are no surprise charges at pickup, and recommendations are made solely based on what the instrument needs to perform its best.

By removing retail sales from the equation, El Segundo Guitars creates an environment where advice is unbiased and entirely focused on the musician. Customers do not have to walk past rows of new guitars or navigate sales conversations before discussing repairs. Instead, they can speak directly with trained professionals about how their instrument feels, sounds, and responds.

El Segundo Guitars also embraces its role within the Memphis music community. The shop offers student discounts, hosts informal in-store jam sessions, and actively promotes local musicians through social media and online content. The goal is not only to repair instruments but to support the people who use them to create music.

The name “El Segundo,” meaning “The Second” in Spanish, reflects the shop’s philosophy. When a guitar is properly set up and cared for, players often reconnect with their instrument in a way that makes playing more enjoyable. That renewed connection frequently leads to more practice, better performances, and, eventually, a desire for a second guitar.

By combining formal luthier training, fast service, independent operation, and a musician-first mindset, El Segundo Guitars is offering the Memphis area a new standard for guitar repair and customization—one built on trust, care, and craftsmanship.

About El Segundo Guitars

El Segundo Guitars is a veteran-owned guitar and instrument repair shop located in Bartlett, Tennessee. Founded by certified luthiers and graduates of the Southeast Guitar Repair Academy, the shop specializes in professional setups, repairs, and custom services for all stringed and fretted instruments. El Segundo Guitars operates as a repair-only business, providing fast turnaround times, transparent pricing, and high-quality workmanship in a welcoming environment for musicians of all levels.

Contact Information
El Segundo Guitars
5724 Stage Road, Suite F
Bartlett, TN 38134
Behind Marco’s Pizza
Phone: 901-707-8887
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM