Guitar Techworks offers professional guitar and amplifier repair, restoration, and training by industry veterans Benny J. Rodriguez and Derek Phelps.

Our Mission

As musicians, we understand that a great-playing instrument makes all the difference to you when it comes to making music. Guitar Techworks takes a straightforward and professional approach to instrument repair, maintenance and training. A properly adjusted guitar will unlock your playing and creativity. With over 40 years combined experience playing, building, and repairing stringed instruments we can get you back to where you belong: playing and taking care of your own instruments.

Derek’s Background

In 1985 Derek Phelps bought his first guitar. His love for the instrument led him to attend a luthier training session in a Franklin, Tennessee repair and custom facility known as The Apprentice Shop. After completing his training, Derek headed West to Los Angeles and worked at Valley Arts Guitars under the direction of company co-founder Mike McGuire. One of the first guitars he had the honor to work on was Larry Carlton’s prized vintage 1960’s Stratocaster.

Hundreds of guitar setups and major repairs later Derek went to work for Tom Anderson Guitarworks, and later the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville. He worked many studio sessions as guitar tech for Brent Rowan, one of Nashville’s busiest studio guitarists. Offers to go on the road appeared and Derek went on to work with Larry Carlton, Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes, Brad Whitford of Aerosmith, Tom Dumont of No Doubt and more.

Benny’s Background

Benny started his guitar career in 1976. After years of modifying guitars for friends and himself, he met up with Tom Anderson in 1985. He began a ten-year education in the time-tested modification and setup processes and helped create cutting edge manufacturing techniques.

Artist work during this period included Edward Van Halen, Elliott Easton, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Steve Vai, Billy Gibbons, and other L.A. studio guitarists. Benny then left L.A. to work as a guitar tech on the road. He now owns a guitar repair and restoration shop and is factory authorized by Tom Anderson, Taylor, Don Grosh, Larrivee, and G&L Guitars.

Benny and Derek Have long established working relationships with luthiers at Martin, Gibson, Collings and Sadowsky guitars. Any instrument, whether electric or acoustic, long or short scale, four or twelve string that was put in their hands has been returned in absolute best playable condition.