Matheas Guitars Workshop

Jim’s work is impeccable! I broke the headstock off my seagull acoustic in 1998, and took it to get repaired somewhere else. It broke off only a year later. I took it to Jim. 25 years later that headstock just isn’t going anywhere! He can make an average guitar sound so good you won’t want to put it down. Highly recommended!

“In Jim We Trust!” - if you have a guitar that you rarely pick up, Jim will turn it into a guitar you won’t want to put down - he is that skilled…I’ve trusted him with some good guitars and he has in every case just transformed them into sublime music machines. He understands Tone, is a thinker, planner and guitar Doctor! Your axe doesn’t have to be expensive…if it has the bare bones done right, Jim will refine it.
Thank you Jim for your artistry!
😊Sean

Jim has been my trusted guitar repairer and maker for 25 years and he's looked after my collection of guitars and built several for me !
He is one of the most highly respected guitar makers and repairers in Australia and he is also an excellent musician who can understand what each individual instrument requires to be its best and make us sound better !
You will not be disappointed with a visit to The Matheas Guitars workshop in Melbourne Fitzroy Australia
Many Thanks Jim

Jim repaired a nasty crack in my Martin 00018. I could not be happier with this perfectly seamless repair & the way he set up the instrument. He’s a true talent! Thanks again Jim.

I took my 1984 Classic Guitar into Jim to improve the play-ability and to assess the guitar's voicing. Jim has weaved his magic and made my guitar sound even better than it did before, as well as sorting out the play-ability. Jim kept me up to date with everything he did and I can't be happier with the results.

Jim's work brought tears to my eyes! He made my guitar sound and feel like a dream, couldn't be happier with the result. Jim's such a lovely guy, and put his passion in his art. Thanks so much, Jim! All the best!

Initially I took my Gibson ES-175 into Jim for just a set up, Jim advised me of a tuner modification he could do that would create a deeper resonance.

The factory tuners were replaced with Gotoh tuners with a thicker bushing, retaining the factory aesthetics but now without the excessive movement resulting in superior tuning.

The mode of vibration across the strings is tighter and behaves more lively than before; characterised by longer sustain, deeper resonance and increased harmonic overtones.

I could not be more happy with the guitar, had I not taken my guitar to Jim I would have never been aware of the tuner upgrade.

I also requested to have the plastic nut replaced for a bone nut, unfortunately I had forgotten to specify to use the wound or plain G.
I asked Jim to change the string over upon collection and he came to the conclusion that the nut needed to be re-done to compensate for this.

This a testament to Jim's high quality workmanship and devotion to his craft, getting every detail right even if it meant redoing work he had already done before to get best result.
He is a master of his craft and a wealth of knowledge, I strongly recommend his services.

Jim is amazing! I build an acoustic guitar two years ago, but over time the action on the guitar began to get higher and it was less enjoyable to play.
Jim did work on the bridge, frets, neck and bracing.
The action is now perfect and the guitar and neck feel amazing. It's like I've got a brand new Martin guitar :)
Highly recommended!

Jim serviced my 1993 Fender Strat and did an incredible job. His attention to detail is first-class and you can tell how much he cares about his craft. He has great communication, and took the time to explain everything to me in detail. Couldn’t recommend him highly enough.

A long time ago Jim refretted two of my guitars and the improvement in playability and sound is beyond phenomenal. His attention to detail and customer service resulted in me becoming a much better player, as my guitar is now custom tailored to my playing style.
I can't recommend him highly enough.

Jim is such a wonderful luthier and person. Over the years I've been visiting I'm constantly struck by his attention to detail and high level of workmanship. Recently, Jim re-voiced my Maton and I couldn't be happier with the end result. A true master craftsman and pleasure to work with.

Jim knows his stuff and shows real passion for the craft, which produces results! I brought my Maton acoustic to the shop and the improved intonation and tone achieved was remarkable. Very friendly and prompt service, I'll be back! Thanks again Jim :)

I love Jim! He serviced two of my electric guitars and it sings very well now. Thanks Jim!

Jim refretted and set up my 1972 Les Paul Recording using stainless steel and he did a fabulous job
The guitar plays and feels better than new. I have no hesitation in recommending him, especially if you need to rely on your guitar for the stage or studio.

OMG JIM is MAGICK ! I had a beautiful Brazilian Rosewood Guitar that was a bit clunky to play. Jim took the time to rebuild the entire fret board with such precision. He revolutionised the action of my guitar and incredibly - buffed back a lot of the excess coating on the sound board and repolished it so that it truly SINGS ! It was a deep process of trusting someone with such an expensive guitar. But JIMs WORK was more than an INVESTMENT in my guitar, it was an INVESTMENT in my music and sound - this guitar has opened up and is just phenomonenal now. Its gone from GOOD to turly GREAT instrument and inspires me EVERYDAY to play more and more. I CAN NOT THANK YOU ENOUGH JIM ! My only concern is leaving such a glowing comment - you're going to have even more work booked now and I love being able to come to you for all my guitar care needs. You are amazing. Guys, having someone who has dedicated their life to guitars and who's passion is to bring the BEST OUT of a GUITAR is a blessing to receive and JIM is following his PASSION and WOW is it reflected in his WORK ! THANK YOU !!!

Jim is world class ive been playin for 54 years amd Jim has done some amazing things with my instruments..he is master craftsman

No one like him.

Amazing guitar shop with everything you could want for your guitar playing and more. Friendly helpful staff.

This guy knows his stuff. Very experienced. Very friendly x

Classic building in great locale used by a great local guitar luthier