
Stuart Day Guitars
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
About
Not your typical shop
In a modest brick building within a quaint Western Pennsylvania town resides a formally trained, world-class luthier with nearly 20 years of experience collaborating with the industry’s finest.

Shop
9 S. Main St. Bessemer, Pa, 16112
Open Hours
Tuesday – Thursday: 9am – 4:30pm
or by appointment
Repair & restoration
Full Service
I provide a comprehensive array of repair and restoration solutions tailored to meet your needs. From basic setups and routine fretwork to complete historical restorations, I have the training, experience, and tools necessary to address them all on any stringed instrument.
Additionally, at a dedicated location, I’ve established a professional spray booth specifically designed to handle my custom instruments and address any finishing repairs that may arise. My ability extends to working with various finishes such as nitro, poly, UV cure, and French polish.
Bespoke Instruments
Designed for You
Throughout my nearly 20 year lutherie career, my focal point has been the design and meticulous handcrafting of high-end custom instruments tailored for discerning players and collectors. With an extensive background, including an immersive six-year shop foreman position and mentorship with renowned Archtop luthier Tom Ribbecke, I’ve been dedicated to producing instruments at the highest tier of our trade for my whole adult life.
Testimonials
Stuart was recommended because he knows French Polish finishes. My Gibson U-style Harp guitar was built over 100 years ago and over the years repairs to the top were improper and incomplete. A daunting project that Stuart handled beautifully. His assessment and presentation of options was impressive. He turned an instrument that was on the brink of falling apart and a risk to tune up, into one that can make music! Stuart is not only a master repair/restoration person, but a master luthier. One who literally turns his craft into artistry!
Chuck W
Artistry
had a fantastic experience with Stuart Day Guitars of Bessemer, PA. When my guitar, a gift from my uncle, needed repairs, Stuart quickly diagnosed the issue, providing his expert opinion on a necessary bridge plate repair and bridge replacement. His clear explanations enhanced my understanding, making the repair process more transparent. He went above and beyond by expediting the work when I mentioned my out-of-town plans, delivering exceptional craftsmanship. The guitar now sounds phenomenal, thanks to Stuart's quality work. Highly recommend his services.
Levi G.
Above and Beyond
I’ve been going to Stuart for years for my lutherie needs both large and small. His work has always been impeccable and more than reasonably priced. He not only excels in repairs but also has the ability to craft guitars that are both beautiful to look at and a delight to listen to. If you are a musician looking for the best in luthiery services and the building of exceptional guitars Stuart is your guy.
Ray P.
Stuart is your guy
I bought a 28 year old Ibanez guitar in Black Pearl finish on Reverb, and it arrived with major finish damage: a 2 inch by 1/2 inch part of the finish was virtually ripped off. Nobody would want to repair this for me, except Stuart. The result is amazing, the destroyed guitar came back to life, under budget, and faster than originally planned. Stuart also did some Floyd Rose routing for me on this and a very expensive guitar, and all went perfect. If you have anything that requires the expert and you live in driving distance, let Stuart handle it. Highly recommended, very responsive, and just great.
Franz F.
Amazing
Perfectly approachable and insightful for a beginner like me to come get my guitar set up and ask some questions. Looking at the 4 other public reviews, half of them are customers from New York. The ability to pull clients from a market as competitive and dense as New York’s should tell you everything you need to know.
I can take care of the day to day maintenance for my instrument, but due to PA winters I will continue sending my guitar to Stuart Day Guitars for seasonal checkups and adjustments.
Nicholas H.
Perfectly approachable
”I
”Patrick
”Great
I have a beautiful acoustic made by Stuart. It plays and sounds fantastic. He recently did some bridge and fret work on a couple of Les Pauls and a PRS, along with installing a vibrato on the PRS; all three guitars are wonderful to play. I can recommend him with the highest confidence. I currently live in Brooklyn, but if I need any major work in the future I will make the 6.5 hour drive to have Stuart do it.
Mark J.
I'll make the 6.5 hour drive
What can I say, a talented builder and designer who really understands form, function and character of archtop guitars - those are all worth their weight. Stuart took on a project that required all of those skills when the ebony tailpiece of my ‘99 custom archtop finally failed - I looked for a long time & researched many builders w/ repair skills - he delivered in so many ways - really listened to my considerations and gave me several options at reasonable prices all while I had a gig approaching that required a fast turnaround. I’m based in NYC and he took great care in shipping / delivery - can’t say enough good things about his skills and how my guitar played after I got it back from him, rock solid like it was brand new
Robin E.
What can I say
Stuart gives great customer service and follow up to make sure you as the customer are satisfied. Highly recommended from player of 20+ years!
John M.
Highly Recommended
Appointments
Book A Consult
Schedule an appointment for a free repair evaluation or to discuss a project.




