The Idea and History
CLE Guitar Works:
Let’s be honest, CLE Guitar Works started as a one-man idea. Mine. While the website might say “we” here and there, the truth is, it’s just me, Josh Gaunt. The whole concept comes from over 20 years of working directly with guitars. I’m not a player and never pretended to be. My focus has always been on making the impossible possible, fixing things, keeping the show running, and bringing guitars back from the brink.
My background is rooted in high-end repair work I learned in Chicago, and that experience eventually led me to touring with bands around the world. Life on the road taught me how to solve problems fast, under pressure, and usually with limited tools. Most road techs aren’t trained repair techs, but I was... and that made all the difference.
Now I’m bringing that same level of precision and commitment home to Cleveland. My goal isn’t just to repair guitars, it’s to be part of the guitar community here, sharing what I’ve learned over the years, helping players get more from their instruments, and keeping great music alive one repair at a time.
The Plan and Operation Methods
How It Works:
I’m currently running CLE Guitar Works out of a dedicated shop I built at home. It’s a space that lets me focus on high-quality repair work while building a strong client base here in Cleveland. With more tours still on the horizon, it doesn’t make sense to open a full-time storefront just yet, but that’s where things are headed. Every hour off the road goes straight into growing this business and creating a repair experience that’s professional, transparent, and built around trust.
The goal is simple. Professional-level work, transparent pricing, and a booking system that actually makes sense. You can browse services, book online, and reserve a drop-off time that works for you. Think of it like dropping your car off at the dealership, it’s your scheduled handoff, and from there I’ll take care of the rest. You’ll be able to track progress, get updates, and stay informed every step of the way.
If you’d rather talk through your repair directly, you can always call to schedule an appointment. If I don’t pick up, just leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
I’m also working with local guitar shops across Cleveland to make things easier for everyone. I’m setting up pickup and drop-off partnerships that expand my repair reach while giving you more convenience. I’ll soon be making regular stops in North Olmsted, with plans to branch out both south and north toward Mentor.
It’s all part of building something sustainable, one customer and one guitar at a time.
The Future and Aspirations
Looking Ahead:
The goal is simple, build something lasting. I’m working toward finding a permanent home for CLE Guitar Works, a space that reflects the same attention to detail I put into every repair. When that happens, you’ll see it right here on the site.
I’m also expanding what I offer, starting with custom prewired harnesses—each one hand-built, tested, and tuned for tone, clarity, and reliability. These harnesses are my way of staying creative and connected to the craft while I’m both home and on the road. They’re built using premium components, the same parts I trust on stage and in professional touring rigs, designed to drop right in and elevate your guitar’s performance without the guesswork.
Over time, I plan to grow this side of CLE Guitar Works to include strings, parts, and accessories—the tools and components that keep great guitars playing their best. For now, the focus is on harnesses, precision, and doing things the right way, one connection at a time.
Eventually, I hope to transition fully off the road and into CLE Guitar Works full-time. Until then, it’s about earning trust, building relationships, and setting a higher standard for guitar repair in Cleveland. If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading—and if you believe in what I’m building, help spread the word.
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Joshua Gaunt