Mail order tuner

The nostalgia! Mail-order tuners were a popular way for musicians to get their instruments adjusted and tuned without having to visit a local music store or repair shop. Here's a brief overview:

What were mail-order tuners?

Mail-order tuners were companies that offered a service where they would adjust and tune musical instruments, typically guitars, basses, and other stringed instruments, over the phone or through the mail. The customer would send in their instrument, and the tuner would make the necessary adjustments and return it to the customer.

How did it work?

Here's a general outline of the process:

  1. The customer would contact the mail-order tuner by phone or mail, describing the issues with their instrument (e.g., out-of-tune strings, buzzing frets, etc.).
  2. The tuner would ask questions about the instrument, its history, and the customer's playing style to better understand the problem.
  3. The customer would send in the instrument, usually by mail or courier service.
  4. The tuner would receive the instrument, inspect it, and make the necessary adjustments (e.g., string changes, bridge adjustments, fretwork, etc.).
  5. The tuner would then return the instrument to the customer, often with a detailed report of the work done and any recommendations for future maintenance.

Popular mail-order tuners

Some well-known mail-order tuners from the past include:

  1. StewMac (founded in 1968) - Still active today, StewMac is a popular choice for guitar and bass players.
  2. Guitar Repair Service (GRS) - Founded in the 1970s, GRS was a well-respected mail-order tuner that catered to professional and amateur musicians alike.
  3. The Guitar Clinic (TGC) - Founded in the 1980s, TGC was a popular mail-order tuner that offered a range of services, including setup, repair, and customization.

The rise and fall of mail-order tuners

Mail-order tuners were popular in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly among professional musicians who needed quick and reliable solutions for their instruments. However, with the advent of the internet and online forums, many musicians began to seek out local repair shops and online communities for advice and services. Additionally, the rise of DIY culture and the proliferation of online tutorials and resources made it easier for musicians to learn how to adjust and maintain their own instruments. As a result, the demand for mail-order tuners decreased, and many of these companies either ceased operations or transitioned to offering online services and advice rather than physical tuning and repair.