Official Luthiers Forum!

I have an old friend from high school and music school who lives in the San Francisco area (as much as I'd enjoy making a house call to get away from this lovely Ohio weather... I can't justify it.) His '68 Jazz Bass just came back from what was supposed to be a setup/intonation thoroughly butchered. Apparently, the neck was put through a heat press which caused finish damage to the headstock. On top of this the frets were leveled rather aggressively. He prefers higher action, partially to prevent buzzing, and now low frets are buzzing away. Sight unseen, I suspect he will be satisfied with its playability by putting some relief in the neck and raising the action. Long term I have advised him that he should consider getting a high quality replacement neck. The shop that did the "repair" told him the fretboard should be replaced and new frets installed. Even if the neck is slightly twisted, if he ever parts ways with it a collector or new buyer will be much happier with all original.

With all of this being said, can anyone recommend a good luthier in the San Francisco area to get the instrument in playing condition for recording sessions later this week and potentially make it right sometime down the road?

Many thanks in advance.

Gryphon Stringed Instruments is where Frank Ford does his repairs. Palo Alto I believe.

Darrin