One of the most difficult challenges traveling musicians have to deal with is instrument repair and maintenance. I’ve lived and toured all over the U.S., Canada, Europe and the Caribbean for over 50 years and finding a skilled and reliable technician to bring my acoustic and electric guitars up to professional levels is a real gift and I believe I’ve found one here in Maine. Joel Amsden works out of Brunswick and does outstanding work on all stringed instruments and vintage amps. I brought a ’60’s Martin 12 string into him recently that was in completely unplayable condition and after applying his artistry and energy to this beautiful guitar, it’s the first one I pick up at home and on-stage. It plays as smooth and as easy as any of my six-strings and sounds big and bright and better than it ever has. So if you’re looking for someone to put your mind at ease about repairs, give you honest answers about diagnosing any issues your instruments might develop over time, (and they will!) and keep them up to speed, Kennebec Instrument is the place to go. Thanks for your great work, Joel! I’m Jonathan Edwards and I’ve approved this message.

Jonathan Edwards

As a producer, I keep a stable of instruments and amplifiers at my studio for artists and for myself to use, and I need them to be ready to go, in great shape at all times. For the past five years, I’ve trusted Joel Amsden to maintain all my guitars and amplifiers. He is meticulous in his craft, attentive to what I’m looking for, and wonderfully personable to make it a great, collaborative, custom experience.

One day at his shop, Joel plugged me into a then unfinished prototype of a 50-watt high-gain head he was working on. I effectively handed him a blank check and insisted that I had that amp. It is just that good.

Jonathan Wyman

I’m writing to tell others that Kennebec Instrument & Amplifier will be the only place I take my equipment to be worked on. Joel just refinished the back of the neck on my custom Les Paul, and I was terrified to have it done. This is by far my favorite guitar I have ever owned. I couldn’t be happier with the results. Joel is up front, knowledgeable, meticulous, and, more importantly, passionate about what he does. So thank you again, Joel, and I can’t wait for the Soma line of amps!

Jason Arsenault

First-class and terrific work at a fair price. Joel just put a new neck on my Fender EJ which looks great and plays like a dream. Previously, he’d done some mods to my Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue and got it pretty close to the original ’63 sound without a huge expense. You won’t go wrong.

David K. DuVal

I was referred to Kennebec Instrument & Amplifier by a local music shop. Though I prefer doing business locally, I wanted to check out the shop in person before leaving my favorite Les Paul in the hands of a stranger. I introduced myself to Joel Amsden, the owner, and told him that I needed to have a custom bone nut and locking tuning heads installed. He was very pleasant and showed me his step-by-step process for modifying my guitar. His knowledge and attention to detail won me over in less than a minute. It was obvious that he had a full workload, but he happily spent 20 minutes thoroughly addressing all my questions and concerns. He had my guitar finished the very next day and even called me once to offer a solution to a problem regarding my modifications that I hadn’t foreseen. He also reused the set of strings I had on the guitar, which were almost new. All in all I’m elated to have found Joel’s shop and will no longer be taking my equipment to the corporate Guitar Center. I’d also like to note that the prices at Kennebec Instrument & Amplifier are much lower than Guitar Center’s! Thanks, Joel!

Keep up the good work, man! See you next time.

Matt Covert

Over the years, I have had my equipment repaired or updated by various technicians, some good, some not so good. Several months ago, I took one of my amps in to Kennebec Instrument & Amplifier. Joel did a fantastic job on repairing my amp. It was done in a timely manner and done with precision. I was impressed enough that I took in one on my Fender guitars to have it tweaked. It now plays better than it did when it came from the factory. Joel does outstanding work for a fair and reasonable charge. Kennebec Instrument & Amplifier does it all: from repairs to many different types of amps and instruments to building amps, cabs, and guitars to your specifications. Please give them a try. It will be worth your while!

Dusty Nelson

Hi Joel,
I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to take a moment to send you a sincere thank you for the work that you’ve done on my guitars. I am so happy that I discovered you and your talented team. Not only have you repaired the guitars that have needed attention, but you have made each and every one of them a much better instrument than they were previously. I could not be more pleased with the re-wiring, fret-work, and set-ups that you’ve performed on several of my most prized guitars. I am not joking when I say that you have made my $500 Washburn play as well as my other instruments that cost four times as much.
It is so nice to know that I have such an experienced and skilled luthier that is located so close to home. I will continue to bring all of my instruments to you in the future to make sure that they are functioning, sounding, and playing at their best.
Thank you very much Joel! Fantastic job!

Greg Cabral

I brought my prized D-18 into Joel as I had done a little amateur luthiery and decided it was time to have a pro clean up my mess. Nothing very drastic mind you, but enough to offend my ears. Joel was right up front, fixed my main problem then set about on a few tweaks that dramatically improved the string to top connection. The result, improved playability and better tone on an instrument that was already a winner. Turnaround was 24 hours and the price was very reasonable. Joel won me over and I highly recommend him. Next up are a couple of amps that need some sprucing up! Cheers!

Jeff Levesque

Joel did an absolutely fantastic job on my Strat…..with a new bone nut, set of saddles, new frets and a set up I couldn’t be happier!! It sounds better and it definitely plays better.
Thanks Joel!

Don Brewer Jr.

Man, just got my Custom Deluxe Strat back from the Jedi Master. Joel took my 60’s C down to a Standard thin C. I challenge ANYONE to find a flaw, or any aspect that doesn’t look like she came right out of Fenders Custom Shop. Absolutely amazing!!
I had Obi Wan do a hand full of custom mods to my Standard Strat (Snapple, the candy apple Strat on Joel’s page) prior to my CS. New neck, fret polish, new pups, mid boost, set up!! Beautiful work!
Next up….Tele mods, then to work on a custom head!!
The force is strong in this guru!
Top notch Mr. Amsden!!
PS… And oh yeah, Joel’s rates couldn’t be anymore reasonable or fair.

Rob Hackett

Joel refretted my 1973 SG Special. He had to true up the fretboard and did with great care, replacing one inlay that didn’t survive the process. In any event the guitar plays great and feels brand new…awesome job, Joel. Thanks

Bob Ryan

Joel is highly a knowledgeable tech with a readily apparent passion for music and guitars. As a first-time customer with an ailing Tele, Joel quickly instilled an ease of communication and a high degree of confidence in his work. A good person of the highest integrity and a great tech. I will entrust Joel with my instruments from this point forward. Well done!

Peter Fillion

My new Jazz bass ended up with a twisted neck, and Joel did a superb job replacing it with a new one. Joel is confident and very professional, and I am impressed with the quality of his craftsmanship. I will bring all my guitar work to Kennebec Instrument & Amplifier!

Ned Nugent

I commissioned Joel Amsden to build a custom one-of-a-kind baritone electric guitar, and I could not be more pleased with the results. From the stunning flame maple neck, special fender-style pickups, and Spruce Green Mica color, it is an extraordinary instrument. Joel’s knowledge, attention to detail, ability to understand a customer’s wishes is top notch. If you are looking for a guitar that you will play and love for a lifetime – buy a Soma!

Dale Perkins