From inception to 2024, a quick review of how Mint Strings started.
My guitar business started as a hobby around 2003 when I found an Ovation guitar that needed to be repaired. This was my first repair test, it had issues with the neck, and it had a bad bow. I didn’t know how to repair it, but I figured it out with some research and time. I was able to sell it and make a few bucks. So I did it again and again., it was a great way to put extra cash in my pocket.
In 2007 I decided to do something with this hobby. I changed my focus toward the guitar business as a side hustle, keeping my full-time job but I started looking into how to build this into something bigger while continuing to buy, fix, and sell used and damaged guitars.
Soon I found a way to buy damaged guitars cheaper, in bulk, and repair them. After about a year or so I found out there were companies that already do this, refurbishing guitars that is. So I changed my focus from fixing to supplying refurbished guitars. I did a pretty steady stream of sales for a few years. My next step was to become a repair center and dealer for some major guitar brands. I carry about a dozen brands like Ovation, Warwick, Cort, Washburn, and Hagstrom guitars. At that point, I had to create a name and become “legal”. Fun Fact Biz Name story; I had to create a name and since I was focused on selling mostly repaired, refurbished guitars I used one of the refurbishing terms that refer to a near-new instrument, “Mint”. So the name came from “Mint”-Condition “Strings”- Stringed Instruments.
As with every business you have to move with the times, and the past 3+ years have really thrown a monkey wrench into the guitar business. Sales started to plummet, and as of early 2024, my guitar business is almost non-existent, down 90% since 2020.
I had been asked a few times over the year about wood pickguards so in 2021 I decided to give it a shot. I made an investment in some equipment, a laser, saws, sanders, etc. I spent the past few years, learning new techniques, honing my craft, and now creating some amazing products that I'm very proud of. The best part of what I do, well, I love the photos and comments when clients revive their custom parts. I work to make something not only to complement the instrument but for the client as well. Many pieces are based on a love, hobby, or even a dedication to a loved one. This is why I do what I do.
Want to see more custom pieces? Follow me on Instagram @mintstrings or
https://www.instagram.com/mintstrings/