Jim Kozel – Luthier, Musician – ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC SETUPS, REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS

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About Jim Kozel …

I’m Jim Kozel, a Cleveland-based luthier. I am also a guitarist, songwriter and teacher. Music is the heart and soul of my life. I have been performing my musical stories for well over half a century; setting up, repairing and building instruments for nearly that long. Your instrument needs to fit you like a comfortable old pair of jeans. I approach every repair, setup or commission with that in mind. This website was created as a BLOG space so you can leave comments and ask questions.

Musically yours ~ Jim Kozel

1966 Gibson J-50 Restoration

A 1966 Gibson J-50 came into my northeast Ohio guitar repair shop with a pot belly top and a separated bridge along with a few other issues. Purchased by the owner when she was in college, it had been neglected and was now unplayable. Here’s how we put some life back into this old guitar.

Martin D-15 Side Crack Repair

As a luthier in Cleveland, Ohio I see a lot of guitars requiring some manner of crack repair. Large side crack repairs can me among the most challenging. Here’s how we repaired a major side crack on a Martin D-15.

Telecaster Setup and Output Jack Upgrade

A lot of telecasters that come into my Cleveland guitar shop for setup often have output jack issues, the dreaded snap, crackle and pop. Here’s how we addressed those issues while setting up this telecaster.

Michelle’s Martin Repair

Cleveland singer songwriter Michelle Gaw’s cat knocked over her prized Martin causing significant damage to the guitar. Here’s how we repaired the damage. Oh…Michelle says she still loves her cat.

Kathy & Jim at Old Prague Restaurant

Kathy and I always enjoy performing at the Old Prague Restaurant in Vermilion, Ohio. Here’s a two song clip of our good time at Old Prague on February 7, 2020.

1964 Gibson LG-1 Restoration

Cleveland-based Rachel Brown and The Beatnik Playboys https://rachelbps.com delight audiences wherever they perform. So, when Rachel brought her 1964 Gibson LG-1 to the shop for a stage-ready restoration, I was happy to help. Here’s days of restoration/repair condensed into a ten minute story.

Alvarez Lifting Bridge Repair

A very nice Alvarez guitar came into the shop with a lifting bridge. Here’s the story of how the bridge was repaired and the probable cause of why the bridge lifted in the first place.

“Short Cut” by Jim Kozel

Some years back, I wrote a song about a miner in Telluride, Colorado. Here’s an arrangement of “Short Cut” performed at Brent Kirby’s 10×3 at Brother’s Lounge on September 18, 2019. I’m playing my latest Tele creation, the Jimmy-Caster.

Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player Makeover & Setup

As a Cleveland area luthier and performer, I’ve a soft spot for the Fender Jazzmaster. Here’s a video on how this Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player gets its vintage mojo back with a Jazzmaster bridge retrofit, Lindy Fralin pickups, and a personalized setup.

Strat Stripped Neck Bolt Holes Repair

This Strat came into the shop with four stripped neck bolt holes. Here is how it was repaired with rock maple plugs taken from the 90 year old stage floor I salvaged from the Cleveland Institute of Music’s Pavilion stage.