Cleveland based luthier and instrument repairman, Jim Kozel has been playing finger style 12-string since he first heard Leo Kottke in the early ’70’s. Here’s video on how to bring out the best voice in your 12-string acoustic. Notice: JavaScript
Jim & Kathy Livestream Concert – July 27, 2023
As a northeastern Ohio luthier, I spend most of my time repairing, restoring, setting up everything acoustic or electric. When I’m not at the bench, I’m often performing solo or with my partner Kathy Lynn. On July 27, 2023 we
1966 Gibson J-50 Restoration
A 1966 Gibson J-50 came into my northeast Ohio guitar repair shop with a pot belly top and a separated bridge along with a few other issues. Purchased by the owner when she was in college, it had been neglected
Martin D-15 Side Crack Repair
As a luthier in Cleveland, Ohio I see a lot of guitars requiring some manner of crack repair. Large side crack repairs can me among the most challenging. Here’s how we repaired a major side crack on a Martin D-15.
Telecaster Setup and Output Jack Upgrade
A lot of telecasters that come into my Cleveland guitar shop for setup often have output jack issues, the dreaded snap, crackle and pop. Here’s how we addressed those issues while setting up this telecaster.
Michelle’s Martin Repair
Cleveland singer songwriter Michelle Gaw’s cat knocked over her prized Martin causing significant damage to the guitar. Here’s how we repaired the damage. Oh…Michelle says she still loves her cat.
1964 Gibson LG-1 Restoration
Cleveland-based Rachel Brown and The Beatnik Playboys https://rachelbps.com delight audiences wherever they perform. So, when Rachel brought her 1964 Gibson LG-1 to the shop for a stage-ready restoration, I was happy to help. Here’s days of restoration/repair condensed into a
Alvarez Lifting Bridge Repair
A very nice Alvarez guitar came into the shop with a lifting bridge. Here’s the story of how the bridge was repaired and the probable cause of why the bridge lifted in the first place.
“Short Cut” by Jim Kozel
Some years back, I wrote a song about a miner in Telluride, Colorado. Here’s an arrangement of “Short Cut” performed at Brent Kirby’s 10×3 at Brother’s Lounge on September 18, 2019. I’m playing my latest Tele creation, the Jimmy-Caster.
Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player Makeover & Setup
As a Cleveland area luthier and performer, I’ve a soft spot for the Fender Jazzmaster. Here’s a video on how this Fender Jazzmaster Classic Player gets its vintage mojo back with a Jazzmaster bridge retrofit, Lindy Fralin pickups, and a