I took two of my acoustic guitars into Indy String Theory for repairs. One was a simple humidity crack repair, the other was a bridge re-glue and a difficult re-fret. Both came back exactly how I wanted them. Initial consultation on the repairs was informative and professional. When I went back to pick up the guitars, there were no surprises and the work was exceptional. Fun shop, professional and friendly staff. You can tell they have a passion for what they do. Absolutely will continue to do business with them.

Red guitar has a shallow headstock angle. Kinda Fenderish. I’d been having issues due to that such as sitar-like string buzz and strings popping out of the slots. I did the only thing that could’ve been done and took it to those wonderful hot shots at @indystringtheory ! They recut the nut and were giving thought to installing a retainer bar but the new nut slots did the job. I. Love. Indy. String. Theory. They’ve done killer work for me every time I’ve used their services. Support them. Less big chain guitar centers and more of a return to killer neighborhood music shops. I will always take my business there b

I dont normally leave reviews, but Indy String Theory is worthy of it.The full review is included below, but in short, taking your instrument here is like having a good friend who happens to work on guitars. They dont charge you more than fair value for the repair, are honest and upfront with the price/timeline, and seem genuinely happy to do their work. You cant ask for anything more from a small business guitar shop.Indy String Theory did incredible work and has earned a lifelong customer.* * * Full Review & Experience * * *In December 2020 I brought in an old 1973 Ibanez Les Paul with the intent to get it a full refret, new nut, bridge, tailpiece, and tuning machines. Because this is a lawsuit era guitar, much of it was not built to typical guitar specs and presented some unique (and unexpected) challenges for the repair tech, Cody.From the headstock being unusually thick, creating a challenge for installing the new tuning machines, to the neck having an absurd amount of lacquer, making the new nut and refret remarkably hard - the folks at Indy String Theory got it done.These additional challenges meant my repair took a bit longer, but I was never worried. Cody would call me nearly every week for an update on his progress. He was honest with how much time this repair should have taken and was adamant he would not charge me more than the quoted amount even though him taking longer.This experience checks all the boxes of a great team and small business - I cannot recommend them enough.* * * Pictures * * *Included below are before and after pictures with the before being the guitar in the red case the day I took it in and the other being the day I brought it home.

I took my tube amp in for a retube/bias as well as replacing one of the potentiometers on the front panel. They had it done sooner than promised (very quick turnaround) and the amp sounds awesome. I will definitely be returning whenever I need another amp serviced!

Amazing work every time. Nice staff and fair prices. I’ve take an acoustic and electric to them for work and both have been above satisfactory. Highly Recommend.

I purchased one of their custom hand made pedal boards. They are true examples of craftsmanship with attention to detail. I have attached a picture of it all set up and it works impeccably. They processed my order quickly and were easy to reach through. They will get my business in the future as well as a recommendation to my peeps.Peace, Love, and Rock n Roll !

Brent,Its unfortunate that youve accepted false perceptions of this consumer. Since youd rather take the stance of internalizing, being defensive, taking our transactions personal, being immature, falsely accusing me; self justify and accuse me falsely while excusing yourself in the culpability in these matters.  Yes, I did stop by your establishment after hours, perhaps one half hour. I looked in the window and could see personnel still in the store. I knocked and asked politely, calmly and sincerely, if it would be possible to pick up my drop off my Guild, if a transaction could be done after store hours and pick up my Godin and . Your partner could have told me no, but he invited me in.  You dont get invited unless one asks cordially, If in your words, barged in was applicable I wouldnt  have been let in.Yes, there were things such as the fret work that we clearly discussed and I did not see my instructions or your written correspondence per our conversation on the order form. There it seems well agree to disagree. Since the Guild was not prepared as I needed and that I didnt care for the strings I selected originally, those were on me. Fully accepting the improper decision on the string choice.  I asked your partner if he would be willing to take the stringjoy strings as a credit towards the future work and he was willing to comply. Therefore, I was lied to by him and a denial reprimanded by you. Your establishment has misrepresented yourself in the lack of good faith and in this matterAs I mentioned in our confrontation, I got a new guitar, its a process, some ideas or changes dont work out like we planned. I more than and have been willing to pay for all changes that were on me. To ask for my guild to be turned around in a week and asking for a commitment on such due to the fretwork being done as instructed the first time, in my view is not a demanding request. To belittle my monies spent in your establishment is unprofessional, demonstrating your establishment makes preference over other patrons based on the amount they spend; thus showing partiality and bias. It appears that Im good enough for you to take my money but Im not good enough to be a valued customer: seems to be a double standard and hypocrisy?  And to use vulgarity in you lecturing and falsely accuse me in my motivations that I didnt nor premeditated, is wrongful based condescending story lines, false perceptions and your impatience to a large degree due to your age arrogance.Let me tell you Brent, Ive sold granite and the customer was always king because thats where money comes from to pay the rent so to speak. I was very detailed assisting the my client in selecting the stone, for color movement and impression, to lay out the slab or slabs as to eliminate undesired fishers, make the vein patterns match perfectly; discussing in the showroom and by email correspondence the consent of the buyer by forwarding electronic layout photos for their approval. Did all go perfectly all the time, no, mostly it was on the fabrication and installation end fowlups. Nevertheless, I was the contact man and I was the one to address the problem. I had few, very few disagreements with my clientele; striving always to make it write, even though it took additional time, money and coordination.You got a bad attitude Brent, your petty over this string issue and your establishment lied to me. Youre not humble nor willing to accept culpability in this matter. Grow up, and have you and your personnel stop slandering your buying public with false narratives that suit your justification and not reality.In closing, its unfortunate that anger does not serve us well through false perception, that words are exchanged pass down interpretation making another worse than the truth.

Took one of my classical guitars there for a tuning machine change that required some Re-drilling to properly fit. They did an awesome job and it was a lot cheaper than I expected!

Never been there, but they SUPPORT LUTHIERS, so they get my vote.

Friendly, accommodating staff. Great products that they let me test run.

Great experience with String Theory. Professional, friendly, honest, and knowledgeable. There is not a better place in Indianapolis to take your guitar to get fixed.

These folks are very unique in that they are knowledgeable but not expensive. They’re up front and won’t gouge because you’re green on a situation with your instrument.

Kind people, but an appointment doesnt mean much it seems. An appointment was made but they got a bunch of guitars in over the weekend, now they want to charge an extra $20 to rush if its not done by the agreed upon date set last week.

First time visit this week at String Theory for a guitar repair and the guys were so nice. Took the time to explain what they were doing and why. Will definitely return in the future for all my guitar needs!

Very personable staff, interesting gear, and so far great tech work.

Never had a quicker turnaround on guitar repair. Fixed an issue that 2 other shops failed to fix.

Knowledgable staff, great atmophere!

First time coming in for a repair with a vintage 60’s guitar that I love. Had a seriously warped neck from age. No playability past the 11th fret. Indy String Theory was honest upfront about the cost of a major overhaul being worth more than the guitar itself. Put new strap locks on and suggested a minor fix for a very reasonable price that has eliminated 90% of the problem. This guitar now has a lot of new life. Definitely coming back for future guitar work.

Great service, very knowledgeable, I have no desire to ever shop at a big box guitar store again.

Very glad to have found this place. Took my guitar in for a setup, and the only complaint I have is that I didnt take it in months ago--the difference is unbelievable! These guys are great at what they do and the prices are very reasonable. Im not going to hesitate to recommend and come back to this place in the future!

Got what i wanted for a good price

I was lucky enough to stumble upon Indy String Theory a few years ago and have been a loyal customer ever since. The guys are so easy going yet professional and they know what they are doing. Ive got thousands of dollars worth of guitars that Ive brought through their shop—some vintage as well as newer custom shop stuff. Every single time theyve impressed! More than anything I want a luthier who has integrity and ability and these guys nailed both. Thanks IST!

Best guitar store in Indy, hands down

Great guitar shop. They fixed my 5150 and it sounds great. The price was fair. Ill be back.

These guys are the best! Worked on my my mandolin and made it to the best it could be. They are the best at making your instrument the best it is supposed to be and at a great price. Don’t go any place else!

Incredibly skilled, knowledgeable and amiable staff. Their repairs are excellent and timely. They also have a solid selection of effect pedals, amplifiers, stringed instruments and accessories. Highly recommendable. Will repeat business with them.

I took my guitar to Indy String Theory after myself and another “professional” couldn’t get it working. These guys really did a great job fixing it ahead of quoted time and even a bit lower than original quoted amount. Very happy, I will be a repeat customer.Thank you!

Have used Indy String Theory for some guitar electrical work and some equipment purchases. Service is always awesome!

These guys were great! Brent, the owner, was helpful and educational. Everyone in the shop was incredibly friendly and easy to get along with. You can tell everyone here is passionate about music and the shop. Dope ambience and cool setup. Can’t recommend String Theory enough. Check it out!

This is my new favorite guitar store. Period. I was thoroughly impressed with their knowledge of guitar building, and the custom capability of their shop. Definitely cant wait to go back!

I just wanted to say a big thanks to you and your shop for bringing my beat up and well-seasoned Strat back to life. It performed flawlessly and played as expected!I will definitely be recommending business to Indy String Theory due to your attention to detail and customer service. Thanks for going the extra mile and working with my preferences to make sure that the guitar felt playable to me after fine-tuning.Much appreciated!

Had great service from start to finish… Darren, Steve, and Brent were all very friendly, both on the phone with my questions and in person when I arrived. Darren and Brent went above and beyond, as my “easy” task of unstringing and restringing a guitar ended up including a couple of repairs in the process of both the bridge & the fretboard. Kept Brent and Steve way past closing, but they were both very kind about it. They all have great sense of humor, too! Very enjoyable visit… I will definitely be back, and encourage others to go there. 😊

Nice guys, prompt communication, top level sincere services, fair price.

Really knowledgeable staff that were able to setup my guitar and solve some fret buzz I was having.

I bought a blues driver pedal off some Yahoo on let-go for $25. I brought it home it didnt work. The guy offered to get my money back and then never showed up gave me some SOB stories about why he couldnt be there. So I took the pedal to Indy string theory they were very knowledgeable very friendly they got my pedal working within my budget. So now I no longer have a $25 paperweight Ive got a Blues driver that works as it should. I definitely recommend these guys.

Always a good time stopping in and I even bought a used cab!

I had an issue with one of my basses (Fender Jazz MIM). I recently painted it and was very happy the the outcome. I had the electronics put back in by another company, but it was laid on a piece of corrugated cardboard while waiting to be repaired. When I picked up my bass, I was very sad to see the condition of it. I called Brent and he actually sounded concerned about my delema. He asked me some questions and suggested I bring it in. I went in the next day and met Brent and Steve. They took a look at it and gave me detailed instructions on how to get it squared away. They couldve done it, but it was something I wanted to do. Real nice guys. Thanks fellas!

Had my custom telecaster nut replaced after a different pro butchered the previous nut. They also got every other issue sorted out on the guitar. Plays better than it ever has. They also have cool and unique gear that you cannot find anywhere else locally. This is now my go to shop.

Fantastic local guitar and gear shop right here in Indy. Has a great collection of beautiful guitars and a great pedal collection. They are vendors for Strymon, Walrus and Greer pedals and make beautiful custom guitars. Prices are very good and the staff is even better. Well worth a visit!

This store has a nice selection of gear and you couldnt ask for better customer service. Highly recommend

They have all the latest pedals and some cool used amps and theyre good guys !

Rad. These guys went above and beyond when I brought my guitar in for a setup. Its like a completely different instrument, now. Their customer service is phenomenal. But for real, though, how many guitar shops are close to a cat cafe?

Professional, knowledgeable musicians, from repairs to refurbish you can trust these guys with your most precious instruments. Highly recommend!

So far the best guitar shop Ive been into, and Ive been in Chicago Music Exchange, etc. Its humble, but its got plenty of standard and more boutique gear, tons of pedals that are all hooked up in a loop and you can test them all with any guitar and amp, they will grab things out of the display case and hook them in for you to demo. EVERYTHING in the shop is available to test and theyre super cool about it, theres a bowl of picks to use on a coffee table and a comfy couch to hang out and just jam. Love the dudes working the shop, theyre super chill, they talk to you, dont pester you constantly, dont pressure you to buy stuff, all they seem to care about is that you find what you want, figure out what you like, enjoy your overall experience. I came in with my buddy who plays as well and we just jammed and demoed gear, one of the guys saw me playing some Pumpkins on an american strat and he found me a nice thick distortion and pedal and dialed in that same saturated fuzz tone, sounded awesome. Exactly my kind of music shop through and through, will definitely hit it back up from time to time. Not a single negative review for good reason.

These guys are pros! They have great pedals, amps, guitars, mandolins, and basses.I brought my mandolin by to have them install an internal pickup and they did an amazing job!I will be back!

A nice bunch of guys with honest work and prices.

Was referred to Indy String Theory by Arthur’s because I was looking for fret wire Arthur’s didn’t have. That says a lot for Arthur’s! The guys at String Theory were very helpful and knowledgeable. I will be taking a couple of instruments in for repairs soon.

Knowledgeable and friendly staffExcellent service and attention to detail

Thanks for all your help.

I was in Indy for a @Pacers game and had time to kill so I stopped in. Cody was awesome. Ill be back.

Awesome staff, honest work, fair prices. They genuinely care!

Great staff, incredibly knowledgeable and talented, and delivered on promised timetables. I cant recommend them highly enough!

A great shop offering tons of great products. Cannot recommend the shop enough.

This is a great place for the builder and the player.....!They are Building Beautiful Guitars.

Solid workmanship, friendly staff and great location.

Nice shop with a decent selection and friendly staff

Have always been very helpful and friendly every time I have been there

Great place with cool gear and a very chill staff

What a great bunch of people!

Do yall have cheap acoustic guitars

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff

Good variety with many different instruments.

Attentive and knowledgeable staff!

Nice, friendly, down to earth guys.

Friendly peeps

Friendly.Good guitars and gear.