Who we are

The Intersection of Science, Art, and Precision

At Topaz & Weston Instruments, we believe that a guitar is more than just wood and wire—it is an engineering marvel and a musician’s soul. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, our shop represents the fusion of two lifetimes dedicated to the craft of lutherie.

By combining old-world hand-tool traditions with 21st-century computer-controlled precision, we provide a level of care that is rare in the industry. Whether it’s a routine setup or a "basket-case" restoration, our mission is simple: To keep the music going.

Meet the Luthiers

Teresa Topaz | The Artist & Restoration Specialist

Teresa’s journey began on stage. As a professional vocalist and songwriter performing since age eight, she learned early on that a musician is only as good as their gear. This "player-first" perspective drove her to master the art of structural restoration.

  • The Desert Expert: Operating in the harsh Mojave climate, Teresa became a specialist in rescuing instruments damaged by extreme dehydration—handling broken headstocks, lifting bridges, and split soundboards that other shops deemed "unfixable."

  • A Precision Pioneer: Teresa is the owner of Nevada’s first and only female-owned Plek-equipped shop. Her "if it’s not perfect, it doesn’t leave" philosophy has earned her the title of "Best Repair Shop in Nevada" and the trust of the world's most prestigious brands.

A smiling woman with long blonde wavy hair and a tattoo on her arm stands next to a man with short, light brown hair, both wearing black shirts, in a room with musical equipment and guitar cases in the background.

Ian Weston | The Scientist & Technical Master

Ian views lutherie through the lens of Applied Sciences. With a background in organic chemistry, physics, and calculus, he understands the microscopic structure of wood and the complex engineering of instrument hardware.

  • Global Expertise: Trained at the Totnes School of Guitarmaking in England, Ian mastered traditional joinery using only hand tools. Over a 20-year career and more than 10,000 repairs, he has become a globally recognized expert.

  • The Plek Specialist: As a member of the Plek Support and Software Development team, Ian doesn't just use the technology—he helps develop it. He provides training and support to Plek owners across North America, ensuring the highest standards of fretwork in the industry.

Why Topaz & Weston?

In April 2025, our paths crossed when Ian arrived at Topaz Guitar Repair to install a new Plek machine. We quickly realized that our combined skills—Teresa’s restoration artistry and Ian’s technical engineering—created a partnership unlike any other.

When you trust us with your instrument, you benefit from:

  • World-Class Certifications: We are an authorized service center for the "Big Three": C.F. Martin, Taylor Guitars (Gold Level), and Santa Cruz.  In addition, we are Nevada’s only certified service center for Huss & Dalton, Guild, Cordoba, Takamine, and one of three shops in the US for Lowden guitars. 

  • Plek Technology: We utilize ultra-precise, computer-controlled fret leveling accurate to .0002 inches, scanned under real string tension.

  • Total Transparency: We pride ourselves on honesty. We treat every instrument as if it were our own, and we will never recommend a service you don’t need.

Our Promise

Whether you are a touring professional or a hobbyist with your first heirloom, we offer a welcoming, educational experience. We don’t just fix guitars; we help you understand how to care for them so they can last for generations.

Welcome to the new standard of lutherie.