About us
Cottam Guitars started as a hobby fixing and making our own guitars as well as doing repairs and setups for friends, from 1989.
In 2000 we took over as the main guitar and stringed instrument repairer for Manchester’s legendary Johnny Roadhouse Music.
We catered for all their repair work until 2010 when we reverted solely to working from our workshop for personal customers.
We always aim to excel, by using quality parts that you can rely on, whilst also charging sensible prices and carrying jobs out in a decent time-frame so that we have customers who keep coming back. And of course, we do see lots of regular faces.
At Cottam Guitars, we are second to none when it comes to guitar repairs.
Get in touch with us today and let’s see how we can help you – 07803 940252
Our Services
Ibanez
Ibanez
DiMarzio
DiMarzio
Guitar Repairs & Setup
Guitar Repairs & Setup
Personal Service
Cottam Guitars is me, Max Cottam – with assistance from my better half when needed… but more importantly for you is you’re dealing with one person from start to finish.
We don’t have any employees, or apprentices or sub-out any work to other repairers or companies.
We don’t and we won’t pass the buck.
You can speak/deal with me directly, tell me what you want/like and not have to worry that your request will be lost or mis-communicated, when it gets passed from one place to another.
This can be common when you’re dealing with a shop with a number of workers and they then pass on work to whichever repairer they use…
Speak to me, deal with me, and get a great job done by me!
Thanks,
Max
A prompt and reliable guitar repair service
At Cottam Guitar Repairs & Sales, we have many years of experience repairing all types and brands of guitars, basses and acoustics……. fitting parts, modifying, and customising, but we specialise in the Ibanez Jem/RG guitars and are highly regarded throughout the “Ibanez/Jem” community.
We also stock many cool guitar products, backed up by the knowledge and expertise that allows us to provide informed advice as well as to fit those guitar pickups & parts aswell.
Our Testimonials
EXCELLENT Based on 106 reviews Posted on Mariusz DziekonskiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just Perfect. Max is your man to do it all and the results are just amazing. Very nice person to deal with too 😊Posted on Ben GrimshawTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really great, friendly, affordable service. Took 3 guitars all with different problems and within 5 minutes Max had told me what was wrong with each one, how much it would cost (very affordable) and when they would be ready (maximum 1 to 2 weeks). He found me a new rare saddle for one, fixed a bent neck on my acoustic and did a re-fret on a gifted guitar which means a lot to me and is now beautiful to play. Max was also good enough to give me progress reports via text during the week. I wouldn't even consider going to anyone else now I have met him. Will be taking more guitars that are dotted around the house very soon!Posted on Carl SidebothamTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I needed some work doing on my Tobias Toby 5 string bass, to fix a bridge issue and also wanted some better pickups & pre-amp fitting to improve the sound from the stock pickups and preamp. I took it to Max after being recommended to him by a friend, I could not be happier with his process in terms of figuring out what the best options might be whilst also ensuring we were both on the same page in terms of what I wanted. The Aguilar pickups and Glockenklang preamp Max recommended after his research sound really great and the work was completed within a week. He really looked after me and my old bass, it sounds a lot better than it ever did. Very happy!Posted on Richard HughesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Don’t go anywhere else for a guitar setup … Max is a guy you can trust 100% with your guitar.Posted on Andrew PriceTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another great service and set up by Max, my budget Epi 335 now plays like a dream. I’ve been a customer for several years and thoroughly recommend him.Posted on Sam EmmisonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 5 star! if i could give 10 i would!...took my ibanez for a fret dress and setup, max did an absolutley fantastic job and super fast turnaround and a very good price too, really friendly and full of top advice, if you need your instrument looking at take it to cottam guitars! 100% i will be back again thankyou so much! Kindest of regards samPosted on Emma WTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I called Cottam Guitars to sort out a small electrical problem on my boyfriend’s guitar. It was very quickly sorted out while I waited and for a minimal charge and my boyfriend is now really happy that he can play again…….. but my peace and quiet has gone!!! Highly recommendedPosted on krazi gearTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First class service from Cottam guitars. My most recent project carried by Max. One in a long line and many years years whether building me a purpose build guitar for a specific purpose or my day to day service and repair needs. Book in with Max with confidence 👍Posted on Matthew GouldingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Recently had the daughters electric guitar restrung at cottams fantastic job, friendly service with a fast turnaround at a great price ....she's absolutely made up with it Thankyou
Guitars for Sale
We are now stocking a range of quality beginner to intermediate guitars – electrics, acoustics and basses
We will primarily focus on two things :
1) We wont stock anything we wouldnt be happy playing ourselves
2) Every guitar will be PROPERLY set up to YOUR requirements
So, YOU can buy from us with total confidence!
We will accept Part Ex’s in Good Condition and also look to Buy for Cash any guitars in Good Condition. Call or email to discuss
Current Stock :
NEW Shijie STE Classic £700
NEW Ibanez AS53(like a 335) £349
NEW Ibanez GRG221 £279
NEW Ibanez GRG120Q £239
NEW Ibanez Mikro GRGM21Mini £209
NEW Ibanez GRX40 GIO £199
NEW Ibanez AE205JR £489
NEW Ibanez ALT20 Acoustic £329
NEW Ibanez Jam Pack Acoustics £125
NEW Ibanez Bass SR300 Teal Metallic £359
S/H LAG Tramontaine Electro Acoustic T200DCE £249
S/H Chord Strat – £70
S/H Squier Acoustic in Sunburst – £80
S/H Vintage Bowlback Acoustic – £115
S/H Gear4Music Bowlback acoustic £70
S/H Suzuki Japanese Classical – £125
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Working hours
Make Cottam Guitar Repairs & Sales your go-to place for all your guitar needs.