About Us
Smakula Fretted Instruments (SFI) was founded in 1989 by Bob Smakula. For over 35 years this shop has focused on the sales and service of vintage acoustic stringed instruments. At any given time the workbenches will have late 1800’s five string banjos, pre world war two Gibson mandolins, Martin guitars from the 1800’s to present day, and a handful of fiddles and bows.
Bob started his first musical instrument business while in high school when he made his first lap dulcimer. Friends would ask if Bob could make them dulcimers as well. No teen can resist the lure of money, so Bob accommodated their requests and Goose Acres Thumb Piano Factory and Dulcimer works was born. Later partnering with his father, Peter H. Smakula, they grew Goose Acres Folk Music Center into a Cleveland, Ohio institution.
Since 1989, SFI has grown from Bob as the only one in the shop, to a full house with 3 employees, of which 2 are craftsmen dedicated to the invisible restoration of vintage instruments. Smakula Fretted Instruments can boast that all our employees are accomplished and award winning musicians.
Now, After 36 years, Bob is slowing the business down. Not aggressively purchasing additional inventory, but offering interesting instruments that have been in the closets for years and the continuance of selling hard to find parts for you to purchase and work on your own instrument. Additionally, Bob no longer accepts instruments for restoration. Small local instrument repairs and minor adjustments are welcome, but major work is forwarded to Andy Fitzgibbon (banjo repair) and Nate Druckenmiller (guitar repair). Both were long time restoration artisans in the Smakula shop and have opened their own repair shops in the greater Elkins, WV area. Please send an email if you would like their contact information.
Bob started his first musical instrument business while in high school when he made his first lap dulcimer. Friends would ask if Bob could make them dulcimers as well. No teen can resist the lure of money, so Bob accommodated their requests and Goose Acres Thumb Piano Factory and Dulcimer works was born. Later partnering with his father, Peter H. Smakula, they grew Goose Acres Folk Music Center into a Cleveland, Ohio institution.
Since 1989, SFI has grown from Bob as the only one in the shop, to a full house with 3 employees, of which 2 are craftsmen dedicated to the invisible restoration of vintage instruments. Smakula Fretted Instruments can boast that all our employees are accomplished and award winning musicians.
Now, After 36 years, Bob is slowing the business down. Not aggressively purchasing additional inventory, but offering interesting instruments that have been in the closets for years and the continuance of selling hard to find parts for you to purchase and work on your own instrument. Additionally, Bob no longer accepts instruments for restoration. Small local instrument repairs and minor adjustments are welcome, but major work is forwarded to Andy Fitzgibbon (banjo repair) and Nate Druckenmiller (guitar repair). Both were long time restoration artisans in the Smakula shop and have opened their own repair shops in the greater Elkins, WV area. Please send an email if you would like their contact information.