Empire Guitar Works LLC provides guitar and stringed musical instrument repair, maintenance, and restoration services performed with precision and passion.

We seek to delight our clients by helping them get the most out of their instruments. We are committed to providing world class service and quick turnaround times.

With over 16 years experience repairing tens of thousands of instruments for some of the biggest names in the music industry, luthier Chad Gerbe is thrilled to offer his expert services to Riverside County, the Inland Empire, Southern California, and beyond with

EMPIRE GUITAR WORKS LLC

I'm excited to introduce PLEK Station services, coming to Empire Guitar Works this November/December 2023!

The PLEK Station is a computer controlled device designed to perform extremely accurate fret leveling and crowning, fingerboard preparation for new frets, nut and saddle work, as well as a variety of other functions to help make our guitar repairs as high quality as possible. This upgrade to the shop will help me serve my clients with more efficiency, repeatability, and a higher level of service.

Schedule an evaluation to see if your guitar would benefit from the soon-to-arrive PLEK Station's services! I am so thankful to all of the clients who have helped to make this possible.

-Chad Gerbe, Empire Guitar Works LLC

"Chad has done work on my 1938 Martin D18 and D28, and the results have always been superb; he reset the neck on the D18. There's nothing like taking in a guitar with a serious problem or setup needs and getting back a perfectly setup and easy-to-play instrument. Thanks, Chad, for the hard work you do!"

“Chad has performed a range of repairs and pickup installations for me. He has always done impeccable work – I have never once been dissatisfied! He’s a whiz. Chad is very communicative, professional, and courteous as well, which makes the whole repair experience that much more pleasant. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Chad for any and all work you need done to get your instruments in top playing shape!”

"Chad has done amazing work, restoring old guitars that I've brought in, making them sound and play like they are supposed to. Always appreciate his attention to detail and love for instruments!"

“Chad Gerbe has worked on nearly every guitar I own. There is no one I trust more to set up or repair my instruments. He understands that a guitar is supposed to feel right in the hands of the player, and he has always patiently listened to and fulfilled my many requests over the years.

The West Coast is lucky to have such a talented and skilled guitar doctor. I cannot recommend Chad Gerbe highly enough.”

"Chad has worked on all my guitars. They have been on thousands of my song productions and played by several of the best studio musicians in the world, and they all comment on how amazing all of my guitars sound and play. He showed awesome respect for the instruments and got all of the details perfect for studio use. I definitely recommend Chad to work on anyone’s prized instruments, as he will take great care of them.”

"Chad Gerbe did two neck sets for me, and they are both stellar! Excellent work, and I am enjoying both of these guitars now immensely.

One was an old Epiphone Emperor archtop from the late 40s, and one was an early 50s Gibson SJ. This man does excellent work!"

"Chad has done all kinds of work on my guitars, from installing pickups to setup and restoration work. When he’s done with them, they always sound sweeter and play easier.”

We are proud to offer factory authorized warranty repair services for the following brands

Member of the Guild of American Luthiers

Mission Statement

“I know how frustrating it can be to be limited in my playing by a poorly maintained instrument. I’ve seen too many young players get discouraged and ultimately give up playing because they were suffering through high action, sharp frets, excessive buzz, and noisy electronics. My mission is to provide highly personalized instrument repair and maintenance services for every type and style of musician to help them achieve their creative and performance goals, from reknowned players at the height of their craft to beginners first getting to know their instrument.”

-Chad Gerbe, owner/luthier