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NoVA Guitar Setups

Guitar Maintenance, Modifications and Repairs

3001 Seven Oaks Pl, Falls Church, VA 22042
401-585-0236
100% Satisfaction Guarantee

 "Had two setups and a repair done and couldn’t be happier. Don’t deal with guitar center nonsense."

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Had  two electric guitars that needed some help even after having setups done previously at one of the big retail stores, which I won’t name, but I’m sure you can guess. Eric is amazing and his prices are more than fair. We could not be happier and are so glad we found him."

Jennifer Cowser

Here's How To Get Your Guitar Fixed

1

Use One Of The Buttons On This Website To Email Me and  Request a Service. You can also call or text.

 

From there, we will work out a time for you to stop by.

2

 Drop Your Guitar Off at

3001 Seven Oaks Pl

Falls Church, VA 22042.

You can call me at 401-585-0236 is you have any trouble. 

Please park in a non-marked spot.

3

You Get A Text When Your Guitar Is Ready. 

Usually 1-2 days later depending on the nature of the service.

 

You can schedule your pick up time by texting me back.

 

There's a bunch of ways to pay me and you'll find all that out in the invoice.

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Eric Petrus, owner operator of NoVA Guitar Setups

For Faster Service Call or Text 401-585-0236

Have a project in mind or unique problem you want to talk about? Contact me for a free quote.

Do You Have High Action Or String Buzz?

Most guitars aren’t sold properly set up, and even the best guitars are finicky. Over time, they can develop issues—whether it's due to changes in humidity, wear and tear, or simply because they weren’t fine-tuned when you bought them. Your guitar might feel off, sound less than perfect, or not play the way it should.

When your guitar isn't playing right, it can be frustrating. Buzzing frets, uneven action, and poor intonation make it hard to enjoy playing. As time passes, these problems don’t just go away—they get worse.

Maximize Your Guitars Potential And Play Your Best

That’s where Nova Guitar Setups comes in. I specialize in making your guitar play like it should—smooth, precise, and perfectly tuned to your needs. Whether it’s a simple setup, repairing broken parts, or upgrading your gear, I’m here to keep your instrument in peak condition. You deserve a guitar that feels great in your hands every time you play, and I’m here to make that happen.

"Fast turnaround. Fair pricing. Didn’t charge me when he couldn’t fix the issue. Can easily be reached. Just great to have a local luthier easily within reach."Peter CM

Menu Of Services

13 Point Electric Setup (Non-Floyd Rose) - 

Keep your guitar gig-ready all year long.

This premium service includes:

General Maintenance & Care: Comprehensive cleaning and detailed attention to your guitar’s hardware and electronics.

Fretboard Care: Conditioning to keep your fretboard smooth and protected.

Precision Adjustments: Truss rod, neck relief, string action, and bridge adjustments to suit your playing style.

Intonation Perfection: Ensuring your guitar sounds great up and down the neck.

Final Dial-In: Tweaking every detail to make your guitar gig-ready and a joy to play.

If I notice any additional issues with your guitar, I’ll let you know and discuss your options. Let me help you take your playing experience to the next level!

13 Point Floyd Rose Setup 

Take your Floyd Rose-equipped guitar to the next level with my specialized setup. This service includes:

General Maintenance & Care: Comprehensive cleaning and detailed attention to your guitar’s hardware and electronics.

Fretboard Care: Conditioning to keep your fretboard smooth and protected.

Precision Adjustments: Truss rod, neck relief, string action, and bridge adjustments for optimal playability.

Bridge Leveling: Perfectly balancing the Floyd Rose bridge for stable performance.

Spring Tension Adjustments: Dialing in the springs for smooth tremolo operation.

Tuning to Your Preference: Setting your guitar to your preferred tuning for effortless playing.

Intonation Perfection: Ensuring your guitar sounds great across all frets.

Final Dial-In: Refining every detail to make your guitar stage-ready.

I’ll also inspect your guitar for any additional issues and let you know if something needs attention. With this setup, your Floyd Rose will perform as it was meant to—flawlessly.

13 Point Bass Setup 

Bass Guitar Setup – Powerful Precision
Get your bass guitar playing at its best with my expert setup.

  • General Maintenance & Care: Comprehensive cleaning and detailed attention to your bass’s hardware and electronics.

  • Fretboard Care: Conditioning to keep your fretboard smooth and protected.

  • Precision Adjustments: Setting proper string height, adjusting neck relief, and fine-tuning for your ideal playability.

  • Intonation Perfection: Ensuring your bass sounds great across all frets.

  • Final Dial-In: Adjusting every detail for smooth, consistent tone and performance.

I’ll also inspect your bass for any additional issues and inform you of anything that might need attention. This setup is designed to deliver exceptional feel, tone, and playability for any style of music.

Acoustic Setup 

Improve Your Playability 
Transform your acoustic guitar into an instrument that’s effortless to play with my expert setup. 

This service focuses on:

  • Action Optimization: Lowering high action for smooth, comfortable playability without compromising tone.

  • Fretboard Care: Cleaning and conditioning to keep your fretboard in top shape.

  • General Maintenance: Cleaning and inspecting your guitar for peak performance.

If I spot any additional issues, I’ll let you know and discuss your options. Whether you’re strumming or fingerpicking, this setup will make your acoustic guitar a joy to play.

Nut Replacement 

 Precision & Performance
Upgrade your guitar’s tone and playability with a professionally installed TUSQ nut, the industry favorite for its superior sound quality and durability. This service includes:

  • Custom Fit: Measuring and selecting the perfect TUSQ nut for your guitar.

  • Precision Shaping: Sanding and adjusting the nut to achieve the ideal string height and nut height for smooth playability.

  • Flush Finish: Ensuring the nut sides are perfectly flush with the neck for a seamless fit.

A properly installed nut enhances your guitar’s sustain, intonation, and overall tone. Let me help your instrument reach its full potential!

Fret Dressing (Level, Crown, and Polish) (Includes Setup)

Smooth Playability, Buzz-Free Performance
Take your guitar to the next level with a professional fret dressing service that includes a full setup.

 

This comprehensive service features:

Fret Leveling: Ensuring all frets are perfectly even for smooth playability.

Diamond Precision: Using a two-step diamond file system to expertly crown each fret for optimal shape and sustain.

Mirror-Polished Finish: Final polishing with microfiber polishing papers for silky-smooth frets.

Full Setup Included: Adjustments to neck relief, string height, intonation, and other key measurements to ensure your guitar plays perfectly.

This service eliminates buzzing and uneven frets, transforming your guitar into a high-performance, buzz-free instrument. Perfect for taking your playing experience to the next level!

Electronics - Inquire for Pricing
Transform your guitar's sound with our electronics service. Whether you need to replace, upgrade, or fix existing components, expect enhanced tone and dynamic range. Enjoy the power of improved pickups, pots, and jacks that bring your music to life.

$50 for 1 Pickup
$90 for 2 Pickups
$50 for Output Jack


Sharp Fret Ends - 
Say goodbye to discomfort with our fret end smoothing service. Enjoy a more comfortable playing experience as sharp edges are meticulously filed away, allowing you to play freely and confidently.

Paint Touch-Ups & Body Work / Acoustic Crack Repair - Price to be Determined


Restore the beauty of your instrument with our bodywork services. I’ll carefully fill dings, touch up paint, and seal cracks to preserve your guitar’s value and longevity, ensuring it looks as good as it sounds.

Re-Fretting - Price to be Determined
 

Tuner Swap with Drilling or Direct Replacement
Upgrade your guitar’s tuning stability with new tuners. Enjoy precise tuning and improved sound with your choice of tuners.

$45 for Direct Replacement
$75 with Drilling


Copper Foil Shielding - 
Reduce unwanted hum and interference with our copper foil shielding service. Enjoy a cleaner, more professional sound from your single-coil guitars, enhancing your playing experience.

Acoustic Bridge Re-glue - $120
Preserve your acoustic guitar’s integrity and sound with our bridge re-gluing service. Ensure optimal sound transfer and longevity for your cherished instrument.

Headstock Break - $120
Restore the structural integrity of your guitar with expert headstock repair. I’ll ensure your instrument is back to playing condition, safeguarding its value and performance.

Guitar Builds and Restoration - Price to be Determined
Whether you’re completing a custom build or need assistance with restoration, I’m here to help. Get professional insights and craftsmanship to bring your vision to life.

Restring- $35

Strings for Sale
Daddario Nickel Wound 9-42: $10

Daddario Nickel Wound 10-46: $10

Daddario Phosphor Bronze 12-53: $12
 

13 Point Setup

Comprehensive Guitar Setup Process


At NoVA Guitar Setups, my mission is to enhance your guitar's playability and ensure it remains in peak condition. Each setup is tailored to achieve low action with minimal buzzing, creating a seamless playing experience. Unless specified otherwise, I focus on precision adjustments that cater to your unique playing style.

Here’s how the process works:

Initial Inspection: I start by thoroughly examining your guitar to identify any specific issues and assess its overall condition.

Truss Rod Adjustment: By adjusting the truss rod, I ensure the neck has the ideal amount of relief (.010 mm at the 8th and 9th fret for electrics, .012 mm for basses). This creates a comfortable playing surface, minimizing string buzz.

Bridge Height Adjustment: I fine-tune the string height at the 12th fret for acoustics and the 17th fret for electrics and basses, optimizing playability and tone.

Potentiometer Maintenance: I rotate the volume and tone pots, using DeoxIT to eliminate any scratchiness and tightening loose components. I also note recommendations for any necessary future adjustments.

Fret Cleaning and Polishing: I meticulously clean and polish the frets, enhancing their appearance and ensuring smooth playability.

Fretboard Conditioning: I clean the fretboard and apply oil (for Rosewood, Pau Ferro, and Ebony), preserving its longevity and enhancing the wood's natural beauty.

String Change and Tuning: I replace your strings, tune your guitar to perfection, and lubricate the nut to promote smooth string movement.

Tuning Machines Adjustment: I tighten any loose tuning machines and torque them if necessary, ensuring they hold your tuning accurately.

Body Screws Maintenance: I check for and tighten any loose screws on the body, preventing unwanted vibrations and ensuring stability.

Pickup Height Adjustment: I assess and adjust the pickup height, enhancing your guitar’s tone and dynamic response.

Intonation Setup: I set and adjust the intonation, guaranteeing that your guitar sounds in tune across the entire fretboard.

Final Cleaning: A thorough cleaning of the guitar ensures it looks as good as it plays.

Play Test: Finally, I play your guitar to check for any buzzing, assess playability, and evaluate the overall feel, making any final adjustments to ensure your complete satisfaction.

About Me

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Eric Petrus, 

​I’m here to help you get the most out of your guitar. My mission is to make sure that every player, from hobbyists to pros, has access to fast, reliable, and affordable guitar repairs and setups. You don’t have time to wait weeks for service or deal with an instrument that’s holding you back. That’s why I offer quick turnaround times without ever cutting corners on quality.

 

My services are built around what you need:

Quick and thorough setups that make your guitar easier and more enjoyable to play.


Fret dressing and repairs that eliminate buzzing and keep your sound clean.


Custom adjustments tailored to your playing style, ensuring you have the perfect action, intonation, and feel every time.


I also believe in supporting the local music community. By choosing me, you’re supporting a business that cares about the musicians who keep our local scene alive.

 

Your instrument deserves the best, and so do you.

If you’re ready to get back to what matters—playing your best—I’m here to help. Contact me today for a free consultation or quote and see how I can keep your guitar in peak performance.

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