About Fat Cat Custom Guitars & Repair

Fat Cat Custom Guitars and Repair is a fiercely independent guitar repair shop and musical instrument store located at 55 Douglas Avenue in Elgin’s historic McBride Building, where we have operated since 2012.

We’re a trusted source for expert guitar and bass repair, guitar accessories, guitar parts, and carefully selected used guitars, basses, and amps.

Our customer base comes to us from throughout the region and beyond, including some far-flung corners of the continental US.

We strongly support working musicians and the regional live music scene. If you’re enjoying an outdoor festival or other live music performance within about twenty miles of our location, there’s a good chance a guitar on stage has been through our shop.

Community and connection are the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to serve all kinds of music makers.

 We are deep believers in the power of music to improve the world. It is our life’s work to facilitate this.