Another spectacular job guys! Cooper, thanks, you did a great job! Came in for a setup and it came back great. Had the addition of a new nut job, but it needed it. read more

If you have a guitar that needs a very expert loving touch, you would be crazy not to take your guitar to Southeast guitar repair. They know what they're doing, they do it right, they do it fast and they do it at a fair price and I'm talking acoustic electric anything you got that got strings on it read more

I had the same repair experience as described in Frank J's review on Apr 3, 2024. Southeast Guitar Repair offers Luther training for $10000. I wanted to start the training in the fall, so I opted to research the business and its training program. I found no reliable references or feedback from existing customers on their web site.They were disabled. So I took a 2010 Les Paul Studio in as a test of the business. Requested a tuning and drop down in string size. Make it sound nice was my request, not a fret job. After 2 weeks, Had to call them, picked up guitar, paid over $300, and tested it at home. String rattle on the low E and A strings. Bad nut job. They refused to fix it, wanted another $150+ to fix what I already paid for. And yes, the manager was arrogant. So, I left with my Gibson and $10000 in my pocket, and went to Guitar Center, who cleaned up their work, for free. Sounds nice on my 5150 amp. Thanks Guitar Center. The Goat. Friendly staff, great service, and an unlocked front door. read more

Great work! Owner pretty arrogant and unfriendly but staff friendly and competent . They're really busy so expect a long wait to get your guitar back. I'd recommend these guys. read more

Had my new Strat set up after paying the supplier $300 for a special set up. They did a great job on the set up. Now when I need a setup I know where to go! read more

I had a great experience at Southeast Guitar Repair for my Martin J40. Work was completed on time and looks and sounds great! I will have my other guitars serviced there as well! Thank you Somerville! read more

Brought an instrument in for standard setup & to have a bone bridge fitted. Left with an instrument with a palpable buzzing on all frets of the 2nd string. I brought the instrument back the next day to inquire, and 2 technicians told me that they did not hear any buzzing which is ironic because I had 5 other friends and colleagues hear it. I left with no recourse from the shop. For this service, I paid in full in advance and was required to leave the instrument in their shop for the ~2 week wait time. I had hoped that my place in the queue would have been guaranteed by the payment and that I might have been able to leave with the instrument and return with it on request closer to the scheduled work time. That was not possible and no fair customer feedback was really permitted on the subject. Finally, the price for the setup services rendered was above the top of the range for any similar luthier service that I've seen. Thoroughly fed up with this place. I would not return. -- Follow up to Mindy's response of April 6, 2024: Are you serious? This is about a $100+ setup that was returned with a string that buzzed on all frets, not someone's mood (as you indicated before you removed your original comment). All other strings play fine with no buzzing, and if a fret dress was indeed needed to address a problem (that occurred only on one string), it's surprising that this was not brought up or recommended until AFTER I left with the instrument and brought it back in to inquire about the poor setup. The bottom line: poor work that is not supported by the shop is pitiful, IMO. read more

Great people and they do great work, thats why they are very busy. Be patient and you will be rewarded with a top notch instrument. They have never let me down. Johnny read more

On Jan 4th I brought my guitar (77 Stingray) in to be repaired. In my estimation this was a complicated repair, and I tried to communicate the personal value I have for this instrument and my desire to see it fully functional. The tech assured me they have the skill and ability to bring my guitar to life. At the time, they said that there was a possibility of a 6 week lead time. After 6 weeks, I called the shop and asked for an update. They informed me that nothing was done to the guitar and they were waiting on a custom pick guard. I clarified that nothing was done yet on the guitar and they gave me attitude that I was even clarifying. Fast forward to today MARCH 20th. 10 weeks since I first brought the instrument in. I called to get an update and they said they are STILL waiting on the pick guard. I asked Barry if it takes 10 weeks to get a pick guard in and he gave me an earful. The lack of professionalism, the lack of customer service, the lack of communication, the lack of care and command of this craft is shocking. I would give negative stars if I could. I went to the shop. Asked for my guitar back and Barry said "Oh you're Mr. Impatient" and then went on the lecture me about how I was handling the situation. Saying that I should be thankful he is being nice about things, insinuating that I deserve even worse treatment. I told him I would like a receipt as proof of refund because ZERO service was given within 10 weeks of my guitar being on site. He said he couldn't give me one but that the refund will take place in a few days. I stood my ground and said I would need proof of refund and he said "get the F*ck out of my shop" and told me I could sleep on the sidewalk out front if I wanted to. At that point his temper was at an all time high. I was forced to ask law enforcement to be involved because it was evident that he was escalating things well past what was necessary for a guitar repair. As of this morning the refund has come through. I am just in shock with how unprofessional, how the complete lack of care and value for their clients they have. This guy has a chip on his shoulder and if you press on ANYTHING I would be careful. Please find another repair shop for your instruments. read more

The second time I have been a customer there. Over the summer I took two guitars one Jackson one Ibanez, they did a setup an a small repar to the neck, they did a good jobe on both issues with the ibanez. The Jackson has been there before and had pickups installed and a setup, the setup was excellent. This last time the Jackson has been unplayable, constantly out of tune for months now. I am absolutely disconsolate and difgusted. read more

Had three great experiences at Southeast Guitar Repair. On two separate visits I had Martin guitars setup by Sam. Both times the work was excellent, and I took advantage of the same day service. The guitars were ready in a couple of hours. I am two hours away and I was glad I did not have to keep driving back and forth. A few days ago, I was having an intermittent problem with the jack on my HD28E. I took it in thinking it was going to turn into a lengthy Martin Warranty repair (waiting for parts). Gavin took a look at it and could only duplicate the problem once. Trying a D'Addario cable there was no problem. They sold me a Daddario cable, and I have not had a problem with it since. Gavin saved me a lot of time, travel and the time without the guitar by making the extra effort. They always make you feel welcome, knowing how important every one's guitar is to them. Well worth the drive to get the excellent service and WORKMANSHIP. read more

Don't recall my 2024 dates bringing in two basses for tune up work.Both of my basses still have tremendous buzzing at the 1st frets. I took extreme notice in the fact that both instruments had this buzzing problem upon picking them up?? Although they came highly recommended, I wouldn't use them again based on setup price but very subpar work.My 5 string sting ray has buzzing across all five strings so I'm thinking I need someone that not only sets basses but can actually play bass and would recognize extreme fret buzzing before the customer returns for pickup. Prior to one pickup, they called to offer another bone bridge (additional $100) because of buzzing but no tech ever had to install before so I declined. Besides... the bass was brand new read more

Came in with a sustainer job and a setup some time ago. Whoever set the intonation on the bridge stripped a screw hole in the metal plate of the bridge. Likely used a power screwdriver. Came back in to get a refund, and the manager insinuated that I had broken it myself, and refused to make right the situation. Don't bother with them if you're looking for professionals. Maple Street Guitars is where you want to go read more

Just picked up my Tele Thinline after having it set up with six new stainless saddles installed. Got it home and WOW I'm in heaven! Thanks Mindy, Gavin, Dylan, Barrett and the gang at Southeast! read more

This place rocks! They have fixed my Jazzmaster more than once; they are super professional, fast and friendly. I'll be bringing my Jaguar there to install the buzz stop, they are factory certified professionals; I'd rather they to it than me. read more

Southeast Guitar Repair - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Buford, Georgia

Brought a Les Paul in for a headstock repair. 3 months later, pushing the timeline every time, they returned the guitar with chips, scratches, and other damages everywhere on the back of the instrument. The owner of the shop got aggressive and insulting when confronted, accusing my kids of the damages, and swearing on the life of his children. Avoid this place!! read more

If you need your guitar or bass worked-on and done right the first time, Southeast Guitar Repair is the place. I've now had Barrett and his crew work on all three of my electric basses, and I've been thoroughly pleased with the results. The simplest job was just a fret-clean and setup; the most complex was one that needed the fingerboard re-leveled and re-fretted and new inlays installed plus a new nut, following 24 years of sitting in a closet not being played after another luthier did a lousy job re-fretting it in 1991. All three basses were a bit dull and tired when I dropped them off, and all three were like playing a new instrument when I picked them up- they were full of life and sounded excellent. Having such great and enjoyably playable instruments has been a factor in my renewed interest in playing music, and I'm loving every moment. The easy one got turned around really quickly, and the most complex one took a couple of weeks- which was perfectly fine with me, as I understand craftsmanship and made it clear that I didn't want anything to be rushed; take all the time necessary to get the right result. I can't say enough about SEGR's craftsmanship. Everything they've done for me has exceeded expectations. I never knew my basses could be this good! Don't let the smarmy and amateurish ad-copy on their website fool you; these guys deliver excellent service with a smile and have always been great to deal with. I have no complaints about the price of SEGR's services either; I think I've been charged very reasonably for the quality of the work, especially since these guys are real, professional luthiers and not just the repair-counter at a music store (no offense music stores, I love you guys too). SEGR is definitely who you need to call when you need your guitar repaired. I will absolutely be back! read more

These guys are the best. I've been getting great service from them for many many years. Barrett was really good a decade ago and now he's like a young Dan Earlwine. They have helped with the tricky aspects of several of my builds as well as service and/or repairs on my "bought" guitars. read more

These guys are the best. They fixed a setup that another company messed up. I should have gone to Southeast first. I'll be sure to have them setup my guitars from now on. read more

Love the service. But best of all the expert staff is great. Trust all my work to be done by them. read more

Southeast Guitar Repair - Musical Instrument Services Near Me - Buford, Georgia

Took my brand new guitar in for a setup. They told me it needed a fret leveling and fret gluing as well. The charge was going to be $320. I paid $95 up front as a down payment. When I went to pick it up 2 full weeks later (they said it was complete), the intonation was completely screwed up and the D string was completely fretted out to where it would barely sound. After pointing it out and the tech took it from me twice to adjust it, he brought it back to me and said that the guitar's neck was the problem and it couldn't be fixed. At this point, the owner Barrett Culpepper came over. The tech's comment sounded very wrong to me as the guitar played fine when I got it. I just figured I'd have it professionally set up since it was new. When I told Barrett that it couldn't be a problem with the neck as it played fine when I brough it in, He made a snarky comment as he took the guitar, "I'll take a look at it, but I don't appreciate the insult" he said. When I saw the moment escalate with his comment, I tried to de-escalate by apologizing and saying that it wasn't a criticism, I just didn't know how to express that I was concerned about how the guitar now played. He responded again, "Well it sounded like an insult to me", he said. At this point, I'm very upset. This jerk is smarting off to me the customer even as I am trying to deescalate the situation. When I called him out on it, the whole situation blew up. He started shouting and cussing me out, and continuing to insult me (and I returned fire), HE THREW my guitar onto the counter so hard that it dented the Styrofoam box I brough it in and screamed "I'm not going to work on your guitar (no kidding, you think I want you to now?!). Then as I am taking my guitar away from him, he flung the box at me. Not assault, but far too aggressive for my tastes. When I got home, I emailed them and asked for a full refund of my $95 as my guitar is now nonfunctional, They quickly responded. They sent me an invoice for the remaining balance. So, to sum up, I am out $95 cash, and my once functional brand new (2 week old) guitar is unplayable, the frets were sanded down too low, the frets weren't glued down, so my E string gets caught under the 3rd fret, and the intonation is worse than a toy Hello Kitty guitar. This guy is the rudest, most self-righteous blow hard I have ever met, especially in a customer service environment. How they are still in business is beyond me. PS: I heard the receptionist yell something about the cameras catching the incident (because she was screaming at me too), so maybe you could ask to see the footage if you decide to give them your business. PSS: This guy is so self-righteous, check his response to this review, as every 1 star review I've seen on this place, he responds with a snarky, snotty response. See for yourselves. I'll be filing a BBB complaint. Happy playing all! read more

Best of the best! Always willing to get work done quickly, and with quality! Have taken a few axes into their shop. Their assessment and guidance is always spot on. They just completed a clean up on a Lakland bass, and did a phenomenal job. read more

Took my guitar in for a setup and the owner was completely dismissive of the concerns I had - like 1st fret intonation on the g string and a tight nut ( I know) - that needed to be addressed. When I picked it up and pointed out that the problems were not taken care of, I only got a shrug and that the guitar was set up to spec which is what I paid for. At least they changed the strings fast. read more

Over charge for small repair, weren't very cleared with the work performed, end work was fine for the most part, however it's really over priced. I would not come back again that's for sure. Not customer focus that's for sure. read more

Plus is subpar at best, prices are too high for work done and there are tons of other places who aren't extremely rude and offer far better prices. Just go somewhere else. read more

Superior customer service and overall great guys! My guitar is playing/looking like new and exact to my spec and preference. You have a customer for life. Thanks again Fran and Barrett! read more

Great place and excellent service. I had a strat that Southeast equipped with a floyd rose and humbucker pickups. Very challenging mod that needee some serious woodwork and paint. A year later, and I couldn't be more pleased. The prices might seem a bit high, but for the craftsmanship and detail work done, it is a bargain. I would recommend them to anyone! Great job! read more

I have been taking my guitars here for many years and the new location at 1651 Horizon Pkwy #100 Buford, GA 30519 is even closer to me. Today they did an excellent setup on my DuPont MD-50 (Gypsy Jazz guitar). In the past they did a good refret job on my D'Aquisto New Yorker, as well a pro setup for my Stratocasters and various other guitars. Good folks and good service. read more

knowledgeable staff, replaced the nut and did a great setup. A+

My first repair was a few weeks ago on one of my basses. They ordered and replaced the toggle switch and repaired the output problem quickly and professionally. They go out of their way to take extra gentle care of the customer instruments. Will use again if I need additional setups and repairs. Thanks Guys! read more

These guys got my 65 strat playing amazing right before some studio sessions it's hitting on all cylinders! Absolutely top notch ! Mike Marshal used to take care of her so I know the best and you guys live up to the name. I recommend 100 % read more

You have far better options than this place. They are really slow and arrogant and the quality of their work is no better than anywhere else and well below that of some of the high end stores available in Atlanta. I cannot see paying their high prices for inferior work. Maple Street, Dodson Guitars, Jerry Lucas and a slew of others are less expensive, do better work and do it quicker. read more

To anyone interested in high end guitar services. I'd carefully examine the words of this business against reality. They state a higher level of service than other shops, great care, individual attention. Reality, I brought my bass in for a setup, fret eval, neck eval, etc. This was Monday morning last week of June. Following Tuesday, 11am, bass still sitting on bench. But Barry promises me it will be done by 3. With an hour for lunch as he didn't strike me as a work through lunch kind of guy. So 2 hours MAX was ever going to be spent on my instrument for well over 100 dollars. And, after I decided to take my business elsewhere, the sarcastic, "have fun in LA" was just icing on the cake. I have a small sphere of influence but unless you change my opinion I will always take the time to recount my experience at your business. Thanks Barry and Southeast Guitar repair for completely ruining what should have been the start of a great relationship with a local small business. That bass means the world to me and I had hoped it meant something to you. "Have a nice day." Mike read more

Our church just recently used their services to fix multiple instruments. To be exact, we had an an acoustic guitar that needed to be refretted. We had a bass that needed a new nut, setup, and strings. Lastly we had an acoustic bass that needed a setup and strings. We were amazed at the difference in the instruments when we got them back. They all played like they were brand new. The setups didn't require any adjusting as the action was low without any buzz. The refret was excellent and made a huge difference in the playability. The guy who made the bone nut for the bass cut it too shallow and the B string kept slipping out. We took it back and the owner recut a new nut himself and the job was absolutely superb. I am encouraged by businesses who stand behind their services. We have already taken other instruments to them as we know they will take great care of us and our instruments. I couldn't ask for better service and quality. read more

Great shop! I have been getting my guitars setup here for years and am pleased to recommend these guys to other musicians needing fast, reliable, quality service. These are the guys I count on when I'm going into the studio because they always do top-quality work and have a really fast turn-around time. In addition to their craftsmanship, everyone at the store is very friendly and willing to share their expert advice. read more

I have a brand new Epi Dot Deluxe. Got it for Xmas 2008 from my wife. I was very grateful to be getting back to the guitar since stopping back in the 60's. I took it here because of Mike Marshall (big website hoopla about him on their website) and was told he only stops by once in awhile. Hmmm. Shoulda left then. I got a bone nut, setup,had the electronix checked and tightened under warranty, wanted low action. I was disappointed so much when I got home I could not stand it. Hard to play, adjustments a joke. Bridge p/u all the way up and the neck p/u all the way down,angled a little. Jack was loose in a matter of days. Tone knobs - one barely worked and the other made no difference. Volume knobs are either wide open or non existent -nothing in the middle. Intonation was off worse than when I took it in. Action was almost as high as when I took it in. Quick to take the money. I just paid the bill and never went back. The thing played terrible. I put it away and bought an acoustic to play. I just recently met some guys on Vanderbilly.com that are helping me get back into the game with sound advice and helping me find a luthier that knows guitars and cares about the owners needs. Barrett was the guy that did the work. I should have checked the guitar out there - my fault - but trust goes deep with me. On the flip side, premier customer service would have reviewed each charge on the bill, showing what they did re:electronics work and demo'd them, intonation dead on, see this on the tuner, bragged on the bone nut etc. etc. and lastly, invited me back if I had any problems or needed their help with any guitars in the future. Maybe you just have to have carbon fiber Rainsongs or Collings guitars or be a professional musician to get their attention. I would have paid double what I paid them to get what I wanted. I also wanted a long standing relationship with someone I could trust. I am going to try Dodson Guitars in Jackson Ga. next, 10 great reviews and Fresh Air BBQ is close by as a bonus. So what if I have to drive 50 miles one way, I can play the guitar on the way home as a family member can drive me back... or one of the guys that Vanderbilly referred me to in Gainesville - Berts Guitars. I have not written too many reviews, but this has been bugging me since Jan 2009 and I had to get it out. I will get off my soap box now. read more

this is THE best guitar repair shop in the universe. these guys are guitar and bass nerds. its gotta be the only thing they think about because there instrument knowledge is insane. i tried to stump them on questions and they knew everything about everything. im a skeptic so i came in a couple of times before i dropped off my baby. when i got the instrument back it was like a christmas, thing played like a dream. there prices are fair and the work is the best ive ever seen (gigging for over 15 years) all the guys at the shop are young passionate players that really care about staying cutting edge while treating your instrument as it it was there own. i was greated with a smile and a hand shake the second i walked in the door the first time. called me by my name and didnt forget it the next time i came in. a+++++ for these dudes! read more