Hello, my name's Oliver and since April 2025 I have been working as an instrument technician with Hickies Music in Reading. The services I can provide include, but are not limited to:
The instruments I can service include acoustic, electric and classical guitars, violins, violas and cellos, and limited work on keyboards, amplifiers and effect units. Feel free to contact me with any questions about specific repairs.
I am a junior technician at the shop, currently learning from and supervised by the previous incumbent, who worked in the role of instrument technician for around a decade. What I lack in long-term experience, I hope to make up for with a considered and careful approach, an aim to always improve my skills, and strong attention to the details.
Some services are currently beyond my ability to provide; if you have a potentially demanding repair, get in contact before you bring it to the shop to avoid disappointment.
As well as the above repair services, I have also designed several (mostly MIDI-based) instruments and accessories, which I can build on-demand and to specifications. Feel free to contact me if you're interested in any of these.
For repairs conducted via Hickies, labour prices are as follows:
| Service | Details | Starting Cost (labour only) |
|---|---|---|
| Restring | Includes a full check-over and clean, fret polishing, fretboard conditioning. | £25 |
| Setup | Neck relief, nut, saddles and bridge are adjusted for the best possible action and intonation, making the guitar feel better to play. Includes a restring as described above. | £50 |
| Electronics | Silent, buzzing or scratchy jacks, pots, and pickups can be cleaned, fixed, reconnected or replaced as necessary. Usually necessitates a restring as the strings often need to come off to fully access the electronics. | £40/hr |
| Small Repairs | Any little problems that need putting right; broken tuners, strap button installation, minor adjustments, single string replacements. These can often be done on the spot if I'm in the shop, and are charged according to the problem at hand. | £5-15 |
Any necessary parts (strings, etc.) will be charged at cost price to me, including shipping when applicable. The prices above are guides; any substantial labour price increases will be checked with you first before work is carried out.
I do not and will not knowingly use Artificial Intelligence in any of my endeavours.
Last updated 2026-03-12