Brookfield, CT · Est. by Master Luthier Chris Tatalias
WE CAN FIX
ANY GUITAR.
Premier guitar repair & custom shop. Expert luthier services, vintage restorations, a rotating sales floor, and the home of Tatalias Custom Guitars.
The Hot Rod Promise
WE DON'T JUST FIX GUITARS. WE OPTIMIZE THEM.
A vintage restoration and a modern custom build get the same treatment: every fret, nut, and saddle checked and set. It leaves the shop playing better than it came in.
At The Bench · Every Guitar Gets The Master-Luthier Treatment
Master Luthiers On The Bench
EXPERT REPAIRS & RESTORATIONS
Master luthiers at the bench. We find what's wrong and make it right, from a string change to a full vintage restoration. The bench is known for:
Pro-Level Setups (4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 12-String)
Expert Fretwork (Leveling, Dressing & Full Refrets)
Custom Carved Nut & Saddle Installs
Total Electronics Repair & Custom Rewiring
Acoustic Bridge & Structural Crack Repairs
The Custom Woodshop
DON'T JUST PLAY A STOCK GUITAR. PLAY YOUR GUITAR.
We rework instruments to fit your playing style and build one-of-a-kind, American-made guitars from the ground up. 100% handmade. No CAD, no CNC, no shortcuts.
Hot Rod Custom Builds
American-made, from scratch or parts you provide.
Pickup Installation & Total Electronic Upgrades
Floyd Rose & Tremolo System Installation
Hardware Upgrades
Tuning machines, bridges, and more.
Complete Refinishing & Custom Paint Work
Components & Partners
AUTHORIZED INSTALLERS FOR THE INDUSTRY'S BEST
From Hipshot stability to Seymour Duncan tone. We fit parts we would put in our own guitars, and nothing we would not.
Notable Clientele
THE PROS TRUST HOT ROD
From touring legends to weekend players, the pros trust Hot Rod 6 Strings with their most prized instruments.
Andy Powell
of Wishbone Ash
Todd Rundgren
of Solo · Utopia
Vernon Reid
of Living Colour
Meet Chris Tatalias
THE LUTHIER'S LEGACY
Watching the guitar legends of the 70s and 80s, Chris Tatalias wasn't just inspired to play, he was inspired to build. He trained in California at Hosono Guitar Works, then came home to Connecticut to build his own line of American instruments by hand.
That vision became Tatalias Guitars, a signature line launched in 2007 that quickly gained national recognition. This collection represents his life's work, a fusion of master-level craftsmanship and modern playability, built by hand right here in the Hot Rod shop.
CHRIS TATALIAS
Founder · Master Luthier
The Signature Collection · Handmade in Brookfield
TATALIAS GUITARS
Chris builds every Tatalias by hand in the Brookfield shop. Vintage feel, modern playability, and one of one every time.
Google Reviews · 4.9 Stars
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“Wow, what a great experience!! I was immediately greeted by the huge smile of Louis Baummer when I brought my 45yr old Yamaha acoustic in for a long overdue set up and string change. Louis treated me and my guitar like I was the same guitar royalty that regularly frequents their shop. Louis told me he always treats every piece like it was owned by family. And he certainly did!!”
“The absolute best guitar technician/luthier on the East Coast. I have been bringing my guitars to Chris for over 20 years, and his service, repair skills and expertise is unmatched. I am happy today to drive two hours each way in order for Chris and Louie to work on my guitars! If you want your instrument to play right, bring it to Hot Rod. They truly are the best.”
“I don't live close, but I go out of my way to bring my guitars here. Their service is unmatched, and their prices are reasonable. It is immediately apparent that Chris and Lou are passionate about guitars and know what they are doing. If you ever need service, you want people who care about your instrument as much as you do.”
Buy · Sell · Trade
THE SALES FLOOR
A rotating wall of quality guitars and amps from the biggest names: Gibson, Fender, EVH, Kramer, Yamaha, Guild and more. Every guitar listed online is hanging in the store, set up by our luthiers and ready to play.
Inventory changes constantly. Stop in to see what's on the wall today, or browse our current listings on Reverb. We're always looking for unique vintage and high-end instruments: bring your gear in for a direct buy or trade appraisal.
Wear The Brand
HOT ROD OFFICIAL MERCH
Grab your Hot Rod 6 Strings tees and shop apparel straight from our online stores.
YOUR GUITAR, DONE RIGHT.
From ground-up custom builds to critical, tour-ready repairs, we have the master-level expertise to bring your vision to life. Stop in the shop.
14 Del Mar Dr, Brookfield, CT · (203) 775-6989