Luthier Jeff Hoppe


I graduated from the Guitar Repair and Construction program at Minnesota Southeast technical, Red Wing in 2006. Following graduation, I was happy to accept a job in Seattle at the Dusty Strings harp and dulcimer factory. I worked on the finish team where I learned the finer points of sanding, sanding and more sanding. Also, spraying and touch ups. It was a great training ground for developing a fine eye and getting to work on many beautiful instruments. 

However the pull of repairs wouldn’t leave me, so I ended up working for Mike Lull in Bellevue. In this fast paced shop, I was able to learn a great deal about many instruments but mostly electric basses and guitars. It was a great opportunity to learn real world experience from experts. A side bonus was I got to work on many beautiful high end instruments. I truly wanted to round out my knowledge and expand my skill set, so I set out for the Dusty Strings repair department. 

Again, I was lucky enough to work with some true masters and learn, learn, learn. This environment proved to be mostly acoustic instruments, but that was what I needed. Neck resets, bridge reglues, fretwork, huge rebuild projects. Eventually I was able to work my way up to Repair Shop Manager. In 2016 after having learned so much all these years, I was ready to strike out on my own. Hang my shingle. I grew up in Tacoma playing in bands, so it seems it has come full circle. 

**Education**
Red Wing Guitar Program Graduate 2006

**Experience**
Dusty Strings-Harp and hammered dulcimer construction 2006-2010 
Mike Lulls Guitarworks-2010-2014
Dusty Strings-Retail Repair Shop Manager 2014-2017
South Sound Guitar Repair 2016-current

About South Sound Guitar Repair