W.T. Center

3352 Route 9 South Freehold, NJ

WT Shopping Center

Guitar Phone 732-866-9024

New Hours

Monday - Thursday 10am - 6:30pm

Friday 10am - 4pm

Saturday 9:30am - 1:00pm (Summer Hours til Labor Day)

Closed Sunday

Email info@repairguitar.com

Joe Civitano, or "CJ" to his friends and clients, has always been involved in music in some way. From his first childhood musical experiences , CJ has played music of all styles. Upon leaving high school, CJ served in the U.S.A.F. as a member of the N.O.R.A.D. Command Band.

When his tour of duty was done, CJ attended The Eastern School, located at Dorn & Kirshner Music Company in Union, NJ. Under the tutelage of Mr. Fred Kirshner, CJ learned the basics of both the repair and retail end of the music business. CJ graduated in 1979 and moved to Philadelphia where he played in several rock bands. He supported himself by repairing all types of musical instruments. Upon returning to his home town of Roselle, NJ in 1981, CJ worked full time in law enforcement and repaired guitars and played part time, continually gaining experience and knowledge in his trade. CJ retired from law enforcement in 1990 and went back to school at South Plains State College, located near Lubbock, Texas. There, CJ learned all aspects of advanced guitar repair, and construction techniques graduating with honors.

While attending college, CJ also had the privilege of spending two months working and learning under the eye of Mr. Paul Unkert, "The Guitar Guy". CJ also attended a two week repair course at the National Summer Guitar Workshop in New Milford, Conn. Here, CJ met and studied under Mr. Flip Seipio.

Since his graduation, CJ has operated Raritan Bay Guitar Repair on a full time basis. CJ is married with three children and currently performs as a Jazz singer under the stage name of "Mr. Joe Mercy". He also loves to play upright bass every chance he gets, and "lives" to play both Jazz and Bluegrass with friends and clients!