Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Carver.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Been playing guitar since I was 14 years old. I’m now 54 years old and no longer playing in a group or touring with a band. So I decided to take classes in doing repairs, maintenance, and modifications on guitars. I did learn some of the things on my own while being in bands, but also took online classes to learn the things I did not know.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The main obstacle or challenge would be trying to get a steady flow of customers. I do have my 10-12 customers that come to me regularly, but trying to get new customers has been a struggle. I don’t have a budget for advertising, so I try to use social media to drum up business.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My business is named Amped zip Guitar Care. I started the business about 3 years ago. I provide guitar maintenance, repairs, and modifications for my clients guitars. That includes electric and acoustic guitars and basses. I specialize in providing detail setups for guitars. I’ll spend extra time to get the instrument playing its best. I’m really proud of the repairs and maintenance I’ve done for 1 particular customer. He has brought in several guitars for me to get them playing comfortably and the best they can be. Every guitar that he has brought to me, he has been super excited to play them again. Most of his guitars have just sat in their cases, not being played. He enjoys playing them again. I think what sets me apart from other shops is that I like taking my time and going the extra mile to get the instruments back to their best. And I don’t charge a bench fee. I’ll look the instrument over and tell the customer what is needed, the fee, and timeline for the job to be completed.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The area of Akron that I live in is relatively quiet. Everyone in my neighborhood looks out for eachother. What I like the least is a lot of areas in Akron has a lot of crime and violence. I try to stay away from those areas.
Pricing:
- $95.00 for electric w/Floyd Rose setup
- $85.00 for electric non Floyd Rose setup
- $85.00 for bass and acoustic setups
- $15.00 for most string sets. I use SIT strings that is locally based in Akron.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ampedupguitarcare.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ampedupguitarcare
