Cat Fox of Sound Guitar Repair isn’t just a repair technician; she’s a guitar whisperer. With decades of experience transforming damaged instruments back into playable works of art, Fox has earned a reputation as a go-to expert for musicians seeking top-tier Guitar Repair Shop services. Her journey, beginning with a spontaneous decision and fueled by passion and dedication, has made her a respected figure in the world of lutherie. From resurrecting guitars mangled by mishaps to meticulously maintaining vintage instruments, Sound Guitar Repair offers a comprehensive suite of services that cater to every guitarist’s needs.
From Epiphany to Expertise: Cat Fox’s Journey in Guitar Repair
Fox’s entry into the world of guitar repair shop services was unconventional, to say the least. After realizing that traditional academic paths weren’t for her, a thoughtful drive through eastern Washington led to a pivotal moment. “I thought, I like to party, I like to hang out with musicians, and I like to work with wood,” Fox humorously recalls, pinpointing the genesis of her career. This realization steered her directly to a local guitar store in Missoula, Montana, where a conversation with the repair technician unveiled the path to formal training at Minnesota State College Southeast in Red Wing.
Enrolling in the program was just the first step. Following graduation, Fox secured a highly sought-after apprenticeship with William Cumpiano, a luminary in guitar making and author of the influential book Guitarmaking: Tradition and Technology. This intensive training under a master luthier provided her with invaluable skills and insights, setting the stage for her own venture. In 1989, Fox established Sound Guitar Repair in Seattle, a guitar repair shop that quickly became known for its meticulous craftsmanship and personalized service.
Sound Guitar Repair: A Haven for Instruments
After years of success in Seattle, Fox recently relocated Sound Guitar Repair to South Hero, Vermont, joining her husband, retired luthier Rick Davis. Despite the move, her dedication to providing exceptional guitar repair shop services remains unwavering. It took time to rebuild, but Sound Guitar Repair is once again flourishing, serving a loyal clientele that includes renowned musicians like the Everly Brothers, Roseanne Cash, and Bill Frisell.
Fox’s approach to guitar repair shop services is deeply rooted in her formal training and extensive experience. Reflecting on her time at Red Wing, she notes, “Red Wing was very nurturing. We had a really good professor, and the class was about one-third women, two-thirds guys, all ages. We all got along really well.” This supportive environment was crucial in shaping her skills and confidence in a field where, at the time, sexism was unfortunately present. Recounting early career challenges, Fox shares a discouraging response to a job application: “Dear Cat: There’s no future in guitars. Go into computers.” Fortunately, her talent and persistence prevailed.
Her apprenticeship with Cumpiano, while demanding, was transformative. “I was with him for six years−I was his apprentice for two of those years and then I became his repair person,” Fox explains. This period not only honed her technical abilities but also exposed her to the intricacies of running a guitar repair shop and building relationships within the music community.
The name “Sound Guitar Repair” itself is a clever play on words, referencing Puget Sound, the act of listening (“sound [cups her ears]”), and the guitar’s soundhole. This thoughtful branding reflects the comprehensive and nuanced approach Fox brings to her guitar repair shop.
Beyond Repairs: A Full-Service Guitar Destination
While repairs are the cornerstone of Sound Guitar Repair, Fox’s expertise extends beyond fixing broken instruments. In Seattle, her shop evolved into a larger facility in the Fremont neighborhood, encompassing not just repair services but also guitar building and education. “It was a full-service kind of deal where you could commission a guitar, learn how to build, or get your Martin fixed,” she describes. This holistic approach solidified Sound Guitar Repair as a comprehensive destination for guitarists seeking various services, from routine maintenance to complex restorations.
Since relocating to Vermont, Fox has quickly re-established her presence as a leading guitar repair shop. She credits Adam Buchwald of Circle Strings and Iris Guitars for providing crucial support during her transition, ensuring a steady stream of work right from the start. Today, Sound Guitar Repair attracts clients from across the United States and Canada, testament to Fox’s enduring reputation and the high demand for her specialized skills. Her shop’s motto, a “no-kill shelter for vintage guitars,” perfectly encapsulates her dedication to preserving and restoring instruments, regardless of their condition. “Has your Martin been run over by a truck? I can resurrect it!” Fox quips, highlighting her commitment to even the most challenging repairs.
Tackling the Toughest Guitar Repair Challenges
When asked about the most difficult repair she’s undertaken, Fox recalls the story of a Martin guitar that had indeed been run over by a truck. “He ran over it with his own truck! … It just sat in his closet for 20 years because he could not deal with it,” she recounts. The task of piecing together a splintered instrument was daunting, but Fox’s expertise and meticulous approach brought the Martin back to life. “Luckily for me, the splinters were all there,” she adds, underscoring the blend of skill and a bit of luck that often accompanies complex guitar repair shop projects.
While primarily known for acoustic guitar work, Sound Guitar Repair also caters to electric instruments and even more exotic instruments like ouds. Fox’s foray into oud repair began unexpectedly when she became the preferred technician for the Turkish and Egyptian communities in Seattle. Working with Maurice Rouman, a master of the oud, she learned the unique techniques required for these fretless, round-backed instruments. “Maurice Rouman … taught me everything I know about oud repair,” she acknowledges, showcasing her adaptability and willingness to expand her guitar repair shop services to meet diverse musical needs.
Over her career, Fox has had the privilege of working on instruments of immense historical and monetary value, including three Lloyd Loar-era Gibson mandolins. Handling these “pinnacle” instruments was nerve-wracking, she admits, “I’ve got this thing, it’s as expensive as your house, right? So, I’m like, what do I do with this?” She also recounts repairing the iconic black Gibson Everly Brothers guitars, another highlight in her career. Beyond famous instruments, Fox cherishes the opportunity to work on guitars owned by musicians she admires, such as Richard Shindell and Cris Williamson, highlighting the personal connections formed through her guitar repair shop.
The Enduring Legacy of a Guitar Repair Expert
Despite her vast experience, Fox remains grounded and humorous. She acknowledges the inherent risks in guitar repair shop work, even joking about near-mishaps: “No comment [laughs]. Part of being a really good repair technician is that you learn how to fix your mistakes.” She even shares a humorous anecdote about accidentally removing the “J” from a Janis Ian signature while cleaning a guitar, showcasing her ability to problem-solve creatively and maintain a lighthearted approach to her craft.
Fox emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and collaboration within the luthier community. “Fake it till you make it, but not quite. Sometimes you want to at least give the aura of competency,” she quips, before highlighting the crucial role of her network of trusted luthier friends. This network provides invaluable support and advice, essential in navigating the complexities of vintage instrument repair and the ever-evolving challenges in the guitar repair shop profession.
Looking ahead, Fox is considering winding down her demanding schedule as she enters her sixties. Aware of the physical demands of lutherie and the importance of maintaining her high standards, she states, “There’s a day when my work is going to start deteriorating, and I hope to God I realize that before I start getting bad because one of my biggest fears is people saying, ‘Cat used to be good.'” This dedication to quality and her commitment to ending her career on a high note further solidify Cat Fox’s legacy as a true master of guitar repair shop services. For musicians seeking expert care and a deep understanding of their instruments, Sound Guitar Repair remains a trusted destination, embodying decades of skill, passion, and unwavering dedication to the craft.
