Julian Mullen Guitars in Reading

I have just used Julian for the first time. Dropping off with him two guitars that needed some overall set-up work, including a new nut on a Strat. I’d never met Julian before and, like the previous review, I guess I was a little nervous about leaving them with someone I didn’t know, but Julian’s manner, enthusiasm and obvious knowledge put me at ease. I have to say that the transformation of both guitars was absolutely fantastic and I wish I’d discovered Julian years ago. He now has two more guitars from me and there’ll be some more to follow.

Julian is clearly a talented luthier, who puts a lot of care and attention into the work he does. He’s been genuinely interested in discussing the guitars I’ve bought in and always explains exactly what work he thinks is (and, just as importantly, isn’t) necessary.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Julian.

I asked Julian to carry out a complex rewire on a Gibson SGJ, and a stainless steel refret on a Westone Thunder 1A.

Julian was able to consult on the rewire options and helped me decide what would be useful and worthwhile without being too complex. The rewire required an entirely new harness was carried out perfectly and functions exactly as it should.

The SS refret on the Westone was done to a very high standard. I was worried there would be inevitable slight damage to the fretboard where the original frets were pulled out, but you can hardly tell anything has been done. The new fretwork is fantastic, and the guitar plays like a dream. It feels like a new guitar.

Julian is great at what he does and the experience of getting these guitars customized by him was really positive. Highly recommended.

I had a valuable vintage guitar that needed repair so I called him. He was very prompt in response and even came to my home to pick guitar up, but without any paperwork. I felt uncomfortable giving guitar to a stranger without any paperwork... will I see him again? I declined and send him email stating specifics of guitar repair so I would have some kind of proof for transaction, but he declined to answer email. Later he rudely ignored correspondence. All and all I found this to be very unprofessional, and I would never want to deal with such type of service again.