Turtle Lake Instruments
Expert repair, restoration, and setup for stringed instruments — plus world-class handmade guitars by luthier JC Baxendale.
What We Do
Expert Instrument Services
From precision setups to full restorations, we bring decades of expertise to every instrument that comes through our doors.
Repair & Setup
Professional setup, adjustment, and repair for acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, banjos, and other stringed instruments.
Restoration
Expert restoration of vintage and damaged instruments, preserving their character while bringing them back to peak performance.
Handmade Guitars
Fine handmade flat top guitars crafted by luthier JC Baxendale. World-class instruments built with passion and precision.
Master Craftsmanship
A Tradition of Excellence
Turtle Lake Instruments is a professional, top quality setup, repair, and restoration service for stringed instruments, located in the heart of Durango, Colorado.
It's also the home of JC Baxendale's fine handmade guitars. Each instrument is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using time-honored techniques and the finest tonewoods.
Decades of Dedication
Numbers that reflect our commitment to the craft
30+
Years of Experience
5,000+
Instruments Serviced
100%
Satisfaction Guarantee
1
Master Luthier
From Intake to Encore
A straightforward process designed around your instrument's needs
- 1
Schedule a Consultation
Call or email to discuss your instrument's needs. We'll set up an appointment at a time that works for you.
- 2
Assessment & Quote
We carefully examine your instrument, identify any issues, and provide a transparent estimate before any work begins.
- 3
Expert Repair
Using time-honored techniques and premium materials, we perform the agreed-upon work with meticulous attention to detail.
- 4
Quality Check & Pickup
Every instrument undergoes a final inspection and play-test before you pick it up — sounding and playing better than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered
What types of instruments do you work on?
We specialize in all stringed instruments including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, and other fretted instruments. Whether it's a factory guitar or a vintage heirloom, we treat every instrument with the same care.
How long does a typical repair take?
Simple setups and adjustments are usually completed within a few days. More complex repairs like crack fixes or neck resets may take one to three weeks depending on complexity and our current workload.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. We provide a thorough assessment and transparent written estimate before any work begins. There's no obligation — you decide whether to proceed after seeing the quote.
What makes JC Baxendale's handmade guitars special?
Each guitar is built one at a time using hand-selected tonewoods and time-honored construction techniques. The result is an instrument with exceptional tone, playability, and beauty that only improves with age.
Are you a Taylor authorized service center?
Yes — Turtle Lake Instruments is a Certified Taylor Warranty Center. We're authorized to perform warranty repairs on all Taylor guitars using genuine factory parts and approved techniques.
Trusted by Musicians
“
Dave does top notch work and his prices are reasonable. He worked on my Gibson LG-2 and a couple of fiddles - they all came out perfectly set up. I highly recommend him and wouldn’t hesitate to have him work on any of my instruments
Nicholas Lawrence
“
Dave Farmer, owner of Turtle Lake Stringed Instruments in Durango, CO did an awesome job setting up my Taylor 814CE! Just left him my Taylor 856CE. Strongly recommend Dave for your stringed instrument repairs and care!!
Steve Schroder
“
Dave as well as John who shares the building with him are both true masters! They have given me much of their time discussing repairs on my instruments on numerous occasions and I have found them both to be a vast wealth of knowledge and so helpful and communicative.
Innatú
“
Dave is, hands down, the best luthier in the Four Corners area. Totally professional and as fair as they come. Don’t hesitate to bring your prized instruments here for service.
Michael Crouchelli
“
Took in my mother's old guitar to get checked out. It was just an old acoustical guitar that was worth more sentimentality than $. He gave me an estimate and not only did he do an amazing job on it, he came in under his estimate.
Jury Krajack
“
Dave is a Wizzard when it comes to repairing instruments including my Martim D 35. I would not hesitate to use him again. I walked away totally pleased and felt as though I had made a new friend.
Ricky Garcia
Trusted & Certified
Industry certifications and partnerships that guarantee quality service
Certified Taylor Warranty Center
Authorized to perform warranty repairs on all Taylor guitars with genuine factory parts.
Insured by Heritage
Fully insured — every instrument in our care is protected during repair or restoration.
30+ Years Experience
Decades of luthier expertise across acoustic, electric, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele.
Major Credit Cards
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover for your convenience.
Get In Touch
Schedule an Appointment
We operate by appointment only, Monday through Friday. Call to discuss your instrument and reserve a time — appointments fill up quickly.