Supply & Shop List For Musical Instrument Repair
- Shy Swartz
- Jul 25
- 8 min read
Are you interested in getting into musical instrument repair, but dont know what you need? Dont worry we got you covered! Below is a in depth list of all the products and tools i use in my shop along with links, directions, and uses for each product!
Soldering Equipment
Weller WE1010NA Soldering Station

Price: $191.99
The Weller WE1010NA is by far one of my favorite and most used irons, featuring a quick warm uptime of just 28 second, and fully adjustable tempatcher controls this is a absolute work horse of a iron!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WE1010EDU-Soldering-Education-Kit/dp/B07J49HJ4T/ref=asc_df_B07J49HJ4T?mcid=9590549cbe9a34a5a8023af67e2a1637&hvocijid=6934314624307431898-B07J49HJ4T-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6934314624307431898&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052181&hvtargid=pla-2281435180298&th=1
PACE MBT360 Multi-Channel Soldering and Rework Station w/ TD-200, MT-200 and SX-100

Price: $2,156.00
The PACE MBT360 Rework station is by far my favorite soldering iron of all time! featuring three different independent channels and individual temp controls for each channel, not to mention the iron only takes 5-10 second to heat up, this iron is the holy grail of soldering irons.
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://paceworldwide.com/mbt360-multi-channel-soldering-and-rework-station-w-td-200-mt-200-and-sx-100?srsltid=AfmBOorJD1gzezWS1vS4ylDCGtmTtaNaO-1riRbnfuunP0UbF8VUGqQR
Kester Solder 24-6040-0027

Price: $34.27
Kester branded 60/40 Solder is a great option for soldering electronic!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://www.amazon.com/KESTER-SOLDER-32117-24-6040-0027-Diameter/dp/B00068IJPO/ref=asc_df_B00068IJPO?mcid=c35330abaf553e3e8e74d2665d73c67e&hvocijid=2052194692228270094-B00068IJPO-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2052194692228270094&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052181&hvtargid=pla-2281435179538&psc=1
NTE Electronics SW03-5 No-Clean Solder Wick

Price: $16.99
NTE is the only solder wick i recommend! NTE branded solder wick is the only solder wick on the market that actually work and does not make a mess of your boards, while it is a little more pricey than other brands i promise it is worth the investment!
Weller Manual ESD-Safe Desoldering Pump

Price: $33.51
The Weller solder sucker is a great option for a desoldering pump, and is the one i personally use, most solder pumps out there are really good so if you find one you like better it will most likely be just fine!
General Tools
PITTSBURGH Comfort-Grip Screwdriver Set, 70-Piece

Price: $22.99
This is my main tool set! Its a great bang for your buck and if you ever damage or break one they have a lifetime warranty! Simply take the broken tool back to the store and they will give you a new one!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://www.harborfreight.com/comfort-grip-screwdriver-set-70-piece-56103.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739210&campaignid=21901739210&utm_content=171677808622&adsetid=171677808622&product=56103&store=274&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901739210&gclid=CjwKCAjwp_LDBhBCEiwAK7FnknER8xg3KTYUnzVP5jNgBw5gn4-ZnpjgqpQUqZLSSZ16lNxtgl1oAxoCVhkQAvD_BwE
IFIXIT Mako Driver Kit

Price: $39.95
This is a great option for for more uncommon bit styles and sizes!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://www.ifixit.com/products/mako-driver-kit-64-precision-bits?pk_campaign={campaign}&pk_source=google&pk_medium=cpc&pk_kwd=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17416004320&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyvfDBhDYARIsAItzbZFH_lM8qMl4RfY1Iut2hkcw-JdkH29MEhBraru7SRWSXbf3OlKeHj4aAgF6EALw_wcB
Snap on 44 pc 1/4" Drive 6-Point Metric/SAE General Service Set

Price: $1,165.00
This is definitely a investment but well worth the cost!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://sep.snapon.com/product/144TMPB
Snap on 8" Adjustable Wrench

Price: $103.00
This is one of my most used tools, as this snap on wrench does not have teeth ensuring you do not damage washers and nuts!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://shop.snapon.com/product/Adjustable/8"-Adjustable-Wrench/AD8C?gQT=1
Aven Long Nose Pliers Stainless Steel 6"

Price: $23.67
I use two sets of these in my shop, one that i have ground and sanded the teeth off to help with removing washers and nuts in tight places i cant get a wrench or socket, the other set i leave original.
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://aventools.com/products/long-nose-pliers-stainless-steel-6?srsltid=AfmBOopCIna632D5VapD4EkbDstWWYwI_GOaqodUPHYCEUA_vSwABpLo
Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter / Stripper

Price: $29.97
These Klein automatic stripers make striping insulated wires a breeze!

Price: $19.97
These Crescent nipper and plier set are some of the my most used tools!
Wiha 32659 High Leverage End Cutting Nippers

Price: $28.57
These Wiha nippers are great for getting super nice, clean, flush cuts
Plastic Razor Blades

Price: $13.83
These are great for removing stuck on adhesives and popping lose stuck on knobs with out scratching of damaging the instrument you are working on
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://sharkind.com/product/100-pk-plastic-razor-blades/
Viking Drill Brush

Price: $11.99
These are great for cleaning tolex
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/viking/viking-drill-brush/vcc0/808800
Fluke-87-V Digital Multimeter

Price: $589.95
This is my main multimeter i use for troubleshooting, this is definitely the one you want!
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.grainger.com/product/4EB18?gucid=N:N:FPL:Free:MS:CSM-1946:tew63h4:20501231&gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:GGL:CSM-2295:Y8ZQJW:20500801:APZ_1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21375667808&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyvfDBhDYARIsAItzbZEb_HmhcAW5iG9UM8nk1j468Lk1bd7jd-J8fb-_Aus3XTelr0MmpysaArGnEALw_wcB
VICTOR 3010 Manual Range Analog Multimeter

Price: $49.99
This is my main multimeter i use for testing caps!
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.ebay.com/itm/385941351394?chn=ps&mkevt=1&mkcid=28&var=653597213094&google_free_listing_action=view_item&srsltid=AfmBOop1UKWduoaoi5Wy-YMz5jHH4W7Mw3O6po9eO5UX1mq9cUkG1UgqWSk&com_cvv=8fb3d522dc163aeadb66e08cd7450cbbdddc64c6cf2e8891f6d48747c6d56d2c
Guitar Tools & Supply's
Stewmac Basic Setup Kit

Price: $138.04
This is what i use to do basic setups on guitars, this kit includes the Stewmac String Action Gauge, 18" Precision Straightedge, and Understring Radius Gauges
Uses:
setting up guitars
Avoid:
Coupon: Use my code: at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/stewmac-tool-sets/basic-setup-kit/?queryid=1a83e69d516ac5b77ca2572fef852f08
Stewmac Rough Fret Smooth + Shine Set

Price: $64.07
This is what i use to clean up, buff, polish, and knock down sharp fret ends on guitars and other fretted instruments. This kit includes the Stewmac Fingerboard Guards, Fret End Dressing File, Micro-Mesh Soft Touch Pads, and Micro-Mesh Touch Up Stick
Uses:
Knocking down sharp fret ends
buff frets
clean frets
polish frets
Avoid:
Coupon: Use my code: at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/stewmac-tool-sets/rough-fret-smooth-and-shine-set/
Wire & Trace Repair Supplies
22 AWG Solid Core, PVC, 600V, spooled

Price: $7.95 for 50 Feet
This 22 gage solid core wire is a staple in my shop, this type of wire is great for vintage pedals, building out circuits on a bread board, and so much more!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://www.amplifiedparts.com/products/wire-22-awg-solid-core-pvc-600v-spooled
22 AWG Stranded Core, PVC, 600V, spooled

Price: $8.95 for 50 Feet
This 22 gage stranded cord wire is the wire i use for most of my repairs! this is overall a must have in any shop!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://www.amplifiedparts.com/products/wire-22-awg-stranded-core-pvc-600v-spooled
Gavitt, Cloth, 22AWG Stranded, Top Coat Pre-Tinned

Price: $.95 per food
This 22 gage cloth wired is an amazing option for vintage hand wired amp and pedals!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://www.amplifiedparts.com/products/wire-gavitt-cloth-22awg-stranded-top-coat-pre-tinned
Gavitt, Cloth, 18AWG Stranded, Top Coat Pre-Tinned

Price: $1.09 per food
This 18 gage cloth wired is perfect for wiring up heaters in you favorite vintage hardwired amps!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://www.amplifiedparts.com/products/wire-gavitt-cloth-22awg-stranded-top-coat-pre-tinned
Heat Shrink - Assorted Diameters, 2.5" Long, 158 Pieces

Price: $13.59
Heat shirk is a must have in the shop, you can pickup this really nice assorted set of shrink tubing or purchase some at your local hardware store!
Click the link below to purchase this product: https://www.amplifiedparts.com/products/heat-shrink-assorted-diameters-25-long-158-pieces
DIYSELF Exacto Knife

Price: $5.09
having a good precise exacto knife is a must have if you plan on doing any kind of trace repair work to PCBs
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VRLYCP1/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B07VRLYCP1&pd_rd_w=qBNSs&content-id=amzn1.sym.85ceacba-39b1-4243-8f28-2e014f9512c7&pf_rd_p=85ceacba-39b1-4243-8f28-2e014f9512c7&pf_rd_r=QN4230AVE5P88HVNPNZZ&pd_rd_wg=AgEyY&pd_rd_r=76c12aa4-b8da-47ba-bfe3-4be8daec1ced&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1
General Cleaners, Solvents, & Shop Supplies
Method all-purpose cleaner

Price: $4.19
This is by far my most used shop supply, Method all purpose cleaner is such an amazing product, i use it to clean my work area as well as instruments im working on.
Uses:
general cleaning around your shop
cleaning the exterior and interior of synths, keyboards, pedals, ext.
cleaning piano and keyboard keys
cleaning knobs, slider tips, ext.
cleaning tolex
Avoid:
DO NOT USE ON GUITARS
DO NOT USE ON ANY ACOUSTIC OR WOODEN INSTRUMENTS
Ethics:
100% Vegan
Not tested on animals
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://methodproducts.com/collections/for-your-home/products/all-purpose-cleaner-pink-grapefruit-28-fl-oz?variant=47035903475963
Method heavy duty degreaser

Price: $4.59
This is a great option for more difficult to remove dirt and , i use it to clean my work area as well as instruments im working on.
Uses:
general cleaning around your shop
cleaning the exterior and interior of synths, keyboards, pedals, ext.
cleaning piano and keyboard keys
cleaning knobs, slider tips, ext.
cleaning tolex
Avoid:
DO NOT USE ON GUITARS
DO NOT USE ON ANY ACOUSTIC OR WOODEN INSTRUMENTS
Ethics:
100% Vegan
Not tested on animals
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://methodproducts.com/collections/for-your-home/products/heavy-duty-degreaser-lemongrass-28-fl-oz?variant=47035901772027
Method daily wood cleaner

Price: $6.89
This is a great option for cleaning wooden surfaces like end caps of Moog's and wood dealing on Sequential Circuits Keyboards.
Uses:
cleaning exterior wood pieces on synths, keyboards, Organs, Ext
Avoid:
DO NOT USE ON GUITARS
DO NOT USE ON ANY ACOUSTIC WOODEN INSTRUMENTS
Ethics:
100% Vegan
Not tested on animals
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://methodproducts.com/collections/for-your-home/products/daily-wood-cleaner-almond-28-fl-oz?variant=47035902722299
Method glass cleaner

Price: $3.77
This is a great option for cleaning LED and LCD screen displays on a variety of keyboards, rack units, and digital keyboards, also works as a heavy degreaser
Uses:
cleaning LED and LCD screens on synths, keyboards, Organs, Rack units, Ext.
Can also be used as a heavy degreaser
Avoid:
DO NOT USE ON GUITARS
DO NOT USE ON ANY ACOUSTIC OR WOODEN INSTRUMENTS
Ethics:
100% Vegan
Not tested on animals
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://methodproducts.com/collections/for-your-home/products/glass-cleaner-waterfall-28-fl-oz?variant=47035902427387
CVS 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, 16 Ounces

Price: $3.89
This is a absolute staple in my shop, there a so many uses for isopropyl Alcohol
Uses:
cleaning flux off solder joints
cleaning PCBs
cleaning ARP contacts
cleaning and removing adhesives
Avoid:
DO NOT USE ON FACEPLATES OR CASES OF KEYBOARDS
Ethics:
100% Vegan
Not tested on animals
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.cvs.com/shop/cvs-91-isopropyl-alcohol-prodid-1011920?skuId=216440&cgaa=QWxsb3dHb29nbGVUb0FjY2Vzc0NWU1BhZ2Vz&cid=ps_fa_pla&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21028993825&gclid=CjwKCAjwp_LDBhBCEiwAK7FnkqRIzo7PQ0pqvzh-luQhladf_7HCZq56tsLtnbEc-D7sZ528RYqLVhoCoV4QAvD_BwE
Turtle Wax All-Surface Cleaner

Price: $5.25
This is what i use for cleaning Tolex, ALWAYS DO A TEST PATCH AND WAIT 24 HOURES, FIRST BEFORE SPRAYING ON AMP!
Uses:
Cleaning tolex
Avoid:
SOAKING OR OVER SATURATING TOLEX
Ethics:
Not tested on animals
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.turtlewax.com/products/power-out-fresh-clean-all-surface-cleaner?_pos=1&_sid=35caed9dd&_ss=r
Turtle Wax Liquid Car Wax

Price: $4.50
This is what i use for cleaning and buffing hardware such as washers, nuts, corner caps, handle covers, frets, ext.
Uses:
Cleaning and buffing hardware such as washers, nuts, corner caps, handle covers, ext.
Cleaning and buffing frets
Avoid:
DO NOT USE ON GUITAR NECKS OR BODY, ONLY FRETS
DO NOT USE ON ANY ACOUSTIC OR WOODEN INSTRUMENTS
Ethics:
Not tested on animals
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.turtlewax.com/products/super-hard-shell-liquid-car-wax
NOCO E404 14 Oz Battery Cleaner & Acid Detector

Price: $5.95
This is what i use for neutralizing and removing electrolyte from leaking electrolytic capacitors, as well as restoring electronics damaged by batteries leaking inside
Uses:
neutralizing and removing electrolyte from leaking electrolytic capacitors
neutralizing and removing corrosion damage caused by batteries
Avoid:
DO NOT SPRAY DIRECTLY ONTO PCB
Ethics:
No information available
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.batteryjunction.com/noco-e404?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1072012457&gclid=CjwKCAjwp_LDBhBCEiwAK7Fnkh5YU9J9kCkfo4Kr_AbDNvIqrQf-RdDlNpJlcv8Z683bmtQ7UV9IOBoCXfIQAvD_BwE
AGS Sil-Glyde Silicone Lubricant (SG-4)

Price: $8.26
This works amazing for lubricating moving parts such as ARP slider heads, volume and wha pedals, ext.
Uses:
lubricating ARP slider heads
lubricating volume and wha pedals
Avoid:
DO NOT APPLY TO ANY RESISTANCES SURFACES SUCH AS SLIDER CONTACTS OR POTS
Ethics:
No information available
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.jbtools.com/ags-company-sg-4-sil-glyde-silicone-lubricant/?wi=off&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22208148167&gclid=CjwKCAjwp_LDBhBCEiwAK7FnkoMC30eb_exkS8tmPpad0pR1h1xjTES6RUcZIy2IVhRheSHurRZivRoCvYAQAvD_BwE
CAIG DeoxIT Pot & Switch Cleaner

Price: $27.29
This is what i use to clean pots, jacks, and some sliders.
Uses:
cleaning pots
cleaning jacks
cleaning some sliders
Avoid:
DO NOT APPLY TO ANY VINTAGE SLIDERS, RUBBER CONTACTS, OR SENSOR BOARDS
Ethics:
No information available
Coupon: Use my code: at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.stewmac.com/electronics/amps/components-and-parts/cleaners-and-lubricants/caig-deoxit-pot--switch-cleaner/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=412039152&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyvfDBhDYARIsAItzbZGg2r_hhu3Ma2OcNpwLrmqcsvcBWGIJWCfcmMa0S8nRG0pzDffS3LYaAvggEALw_wcB
CAIG DeoxIT Fader F5

Price: $21.49
This is what i use to clean pots, jacks, and new and vintage sliders.
Uses:
cleaning pots
cleaning jacks
cleaning some sliders
cleaning vintage sliders
Avoid:
DO NOT APPLY TO ANY RUBBER CONTACTS OR SENSOR BOARDS
Ethics:
No information available
Coupon: Use my code: at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://www.stewmac.com/electronics/amps/components-and-parts/cleaners-and-lubricants/caig-deoxit-fader-f5/?mtm_source=google&mtm_medium=cpc&mtm_campaign=%7C+GOO+%7C+SHOP+%7C+BR+%7C+BrandUS&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=412050672&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyvfDBhDYARIsAItzbZH_teH922QS8gOKcMeyv8YgCAt8juLmka-fMYQCltXYe632fRy28XoaAj6BEALw_wcB
Seventh Generation Unbleached Paper Towels

Price: $17.49
By far the best paper towles on the market! super strong!
Uses:
general cleaning around your shop
cleaning the exterior and interior of synths, keyboards, pedals, ext.
cleaning piano and keyboard keys
cleaning knobs, slider tips, ext.
cleaning tolex
Avoid:
DO USE CLEAN PCB OR ANYTHING SHARP, THEY WILL SHREAD APART AND MAKE A MESS
Ethics:
100% Vegan
Not tested on animals
The Humble Co. Cotton Swabs

Price: $3.37
Great cheap Q-tips for cleaning, Bamboo handle allows for extra hard scrubbing
Uses:
general cleaning around your shop
cleaning hard to reach places on exterior and interior of synths, keyboards, pedals, ext.
cleaning and buffing hardware
cleaning ARP sliders
cleaning flux of solder joints
Avoid:
Ethics:
100% Vegan
Not tested on animals
Click the link below to purchase this product:https://thrivemarket.com/p/the-humble-co-cotton-swabs?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla®ion_id=9&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla_smart&utm_campaign=Shopping_Engagement_Smart_Members-SearchAccount&utm_content=850021276348&utm_term=pmax&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21487582497&gclid=CjwKCAjwp_LDBhBCEiwAK7FnkrRCm2WUZPfA7BvQBcDguMQnmvJjYN1_sg1Mkn94rbmHpc2VV5LPZhoC-9MQAvD_BwE