WE CAN FIX ANY GUITAR.
Premier GUITAR REPAIR & CUSTOM SHOP.
Expert luthier services, vintage guitar restorations, and the home of Tatalias Custom Guitars. | Brookfield, CT
Master Luthiers
WORLD-CLASS COMPONENTS & PARTNERS
We are authorized installers for the industry's best brands. From Hipshot stability to Seymour Duncan tone, we use premium parts to ensure your instrument performs at its peak.
The Hot Rod Promise
We don't just fix guitars; we optimize them. Whether it’s a vintage restoration or a modern custom build, we analyze every fret, nut, and saddle to ensure maximum playability. Every instrument leaves our shop playing better than new.
Expert Repairs
& Restorations
We're not just guitar techs; we're Master Luthiers. We find what's wrong and make it right, from a simple string change to a full vintage restoration. Our bench is known for:
Pro-Level Setups (6, 7, 8 & 12-String)
Expert Fretwork (Leveling, Dressing, & Full Refrets)
Custom Carved Nut & Saddle Installs
Total Electronics Repair & Custom Rewiring
Acoustic Bridge & Structural Crack Repairs
Custom Builds & Modifications
Don't just play a stock guitar play YOUR guitar. We transform instruments to perfectly match your playing style and build one-of-a-kind, American-made guitars from the ground up.
Hot Rod Custom Builds (American-made, from scratch)
Pickup Installation & Total Electronic Upgrades
Floyd Rose & Tremolo System Installation
Hardware Upgrades (Tuning Machines, Bridges, etc.)
Complete Refinishing & Custom Paint Work
Buy - Sell - Trade
We're always looking for unique vintage and high-end instruments. Bring your gear in for a direct buy or consignment appraisal.
Wear the Brand - Hot Rod Official Merch
Grab your Hot Rod 6 Strings t-shirts and accessories directly from our online store.
Meet Chris Tatalias:
The Luthier's Legacy
Watching the guitar legends of the 70s and 80s, Chris Tatalias wasn't just inspired to play, he was inspired to build. He began his journey in California at Hosono Guitar Works, returning home to Connecticut to perfect his craft with a single vision: to build his own line of world-class, American-made instruments.
That vision became Tatalias Guitars, a signature line launched in 2007 that quickly gained national recognition. This collection represents his life's work a fusion of master-level craftsmanship and modern playability, built by hand right here in the Hot Rod shop. You can explore this Signature Collection right below.
Tatalias Guitars (The Signature Collection)
Tatalias Guitars: model t2
Handcrafted Soul
Experience the unmatched artistry of a Tatalias original. Each guitar is meticulously hand-built in our Brookfield shop, a fusion of heritage craftsmanship and modern playability
Tatalias: model x3
Precision & Performance
Designed for the discerning musician, Tatalias Guitars deliver exceptional tone, feel, and road-ready reliability. Built for those who demand the absolute best.
Read what our previous clients say about our work
The good people at Hotrod 6 Strings did a great job fixing setup issues on my guitar. It plays great now and they were excellent to work with. I won't hesitate to come back for other guitar repair issues or next time I'm looking to buy a guitar or amp!
★★★★★
Andrew Martins
Always a great experience. Chris and his crew know their stuff and are always helpful and glad to share their knowledge. It’s the only place I’d bring my guitars for a setup.
★★★★★
Matthew Schnitzler
I’m loving the work HotRod 6 String did on my ’65 Jazz Bass. I had gotten so dismayed with the way this bass played, but the refret and repairs they did restored it to all its funk and glory. Every note sings clearly, and the Brazilian rosewood still looks like it just left the Fender factory. This vintage Jazz Bass wears its age well, and it still has another 60 years of beautiful music in it. Great job.
★★★★★
MP Poirier
Chris is the best. His set ups and all of his work are top notch. And he's a real great guy as well. I won't take my guitars anywhere else
★★★★★
Joe L
Dropped off my vintage Gretsch 1960, 6120 for complete setup, fret leveling, detailing, and electronics cleaning and pickup adjustments. Cannot say enough, plays and sounds like the day I bought it! Besides being master craftsmen, they are personable and great to deal with, and their pricing is reasonable. Would not trust my instrument to anyone else!!
★★★★★
Joe Jowdy
Your Guitar, Done Right.
From ground-up custom builds to critical, tour-ready repairs, we have the master-level expertise to bring your vision to life. Stop in the shop.
We Can Fix Any GUITAR!
