I strive to help instruments reach their potential

inquiries & estimates

Testimonials

“Conan is an exceptional luthier. He’s deeply committed to what he does, with incredible attention to detail and a real passion for getting every instrument playing at its absolute best.

Because he’s a multi-instrumentalist and a working musician, he has a very real understanding of what a gigging instrument needs. He knows how an instrument should feel in your hands, what players rely on night after night, and the kind of care that keeps an instrument dependable.

He also has a great knowledge of electronics, acoustics, and the science behind how instruments actually work. He brings a solid, almost scientific approach to what is ultimately an art form, driven by a genuine curiosity that shows in every job he takes on.

On top of that, he’s brilliant at explaining things. Even when the issue is complex, he can break it down in a way that’s clear and easy to understand, and he always meets you at your level without any jargon or ego.

Conan is a complete professional with proper tools, excellent turnaround times, and very fair pricing. He communicates well, treats your instrument with real respect, and makes the whole process straightforward from start to finish.

I drove an eight-hour round trip to see Conan, and it was absolutely worth every minute. The difference in tone, feel, and playability after his work is clear the moment you pick up the instrument again. If you’re anywhere within driving distance, your instrument will definitely thank you for going the extra mile to see him.

— David James Murphy, Cork City

Sounds perfect! Very natural, woody, tone. Nice chording! The chords sound smooth and balanced. When the action was high, chords choked out and the intonation was dodgy. Slides work now. Before, they wouldn't carry, even over one fret.

Re-footing the bridge has resulted in dramatically more energy driving the sound-box, and the F5 mandolin feels like it is jumping about in my hands like a live fish! Tone, responsiveness, sustain - everything markedly improved! It is a new instrument, which responds to much lighter playing, especially with hammer-on and pull-off technique, which is essential for phrasing. The mandolin is adjusting to the new levels of energy driving it.

— Colm, Galway City

I am delighted that Cónan is progressing his vision as a luthier and inspired by his enthusiasm and generosity to pass on the skills he has acquired.

He has repaired instruments for me to the highest of standards, and I know him also as a musician and artist of great ability and integrity, as I have toured the country with him when we preformed together in Decedant Theatre.

Since then he has been single minded in his dedication to perfecting his skills; his understanding of all aspects of lutherie, woodcraft, acoustics and electrical components leaves me in no doubt that he is fast becoming one of the master luthiers in the country.

— Little John Nee, AOSDÁNA

Setup Packages

 

SPRUCE UP

starting at €55

SPRUCE UP INCLUDES:

  • STRINGS REPLACEMENT (with shop strings or you’re welcome to supply your favourite set)

  • DEEP CLEAN OF COMPONENTS & FINISH

  • NOURISHING TREATMENT FOR FRETBOARD & BRIDGE

  • TUNING MACHINES TIGHTENED

Everything is working, but you need new strings and there might be the remnants of a few too many nights in the pub accumulated on your fretboard.

BASIC SETUP

starting at €99

BASIC SETUP INCLUDES:

  • SPRUCE-UP PACKAGE +

  • SUBTRACTIVE STRING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT AT NUT AND SADDLE

  • TRUSS ROD ADJUSTMENT

  • FRETS POLISHED

A basic set up will improve the tone and playability of almost any guitar. Factory-made guitars can often be difficult to play because they were never set up properly in the first place, but even the best guitars need regular maintenance due to normal wear and exposure to the elements. This package is a budget option for guitars that are in pretty good shape, but need some fine tuning.

FULL SETUP

starting at €325

FULL SETUP INCLUDES:

  • SPRUCE UP PACKAGE +

  • CUSTOM-MADE BONE NUT AND SADDLE (high-quality vegan material also available)

  • TRUSS ROD ADJUSTMENT

  • FRETS FILED, CROWNED, & POLISHED (Refretting available for an additional charge)

For the player who loves precise action tolerances—or if it’s time for a new nut and saddle due to wear or you’re ready to upgrade from plastic—a full set up will ensure that all of the components of your guitar are working together for maximum playability, intonation, and quality of tone.

BOOK A SETUP

Repair and Restoration

Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Bouzouki, Banjo, Fiddle, Electric Guitar,

Electric Bass, Contrabass, Cello, Bodhrán, Cajón, Corkwork etc.