The Greatest Guitar Repair Shop In The Universe!
At Southeast Guitar Repair, we take pride in upholding the highest standards in the industry. Every member of our team is not only formally trained at a top-tier lutherie school but has also completed an apprenticeship under Master Luthier Barrett Culpepper, ensuring they meet our exceptional level of craftsmanship. We are committed to working with only the finest luthiers.
Our team consists of six expert luthiers, each dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality work. If you have a preferred luthier, feel free to mention it when dropping off your instrument or contact us by email, and we'll update your repair ticket accordingly. Please note, choosing a specific luthier may extend your turnaround time, depending on their current workload.
We value the trust between you and your luthier. Just like finding the right doctor, establishing a strong relationship with your luthier leads to a more personalized and satisfying experience.
Mike Marshall 1942-2016
RIP Mike Marshall. We will always honor your talent. Mike received his first guitar as a gift in 1956 at the ripe age of 14. The guitar was damaged and in dire need of repair before the guitar lessons could begin. An old Kay archtop was the patient that Mike brought back to life (and dearly wishes he still had!). The next 3 guitars Mike got also needed a good bit of work to make them playable, and the love for repairing guitars was ignited.
Mike studied guitar with Clair Buzzard, who toured with most of the Big Bands during the late 40's and early 50's, and quickly found his love for Jazz and the styles of Kenny Burrell, George Benson, and Joe Di Orio. Over the years, he played with many different types of bands, the last with Woody Guthrie and the Saratoga Blues Band.
Certified by major manufacturers (Fender, Gibson, Guild, Yamaha etc..) to perform warranty repair, Mike went on to become a graduate of the Luthiers International School of Guitar Building and Repairing. He is also a member of The Guild of American Luthiers as well as The Association of Stringed Instruments Artisans. While Mike is the chief luthier, his standards are extremely high for his other staff members.
Mike first opened up Southeast Guitar Repair in the Mars Music on Pleasant Hill Rd. When Mars Music closed it's doors, he moved into his own shop just doors down in the same shopping center.
Mike studied guitar with Clair Buzzard, who toured with most of the Big Bands during the late 40's and early 50's, and quickly found his love for Jazz and the styles of Kenny Burrell, George Benson, and Joe Di Orio. Over the years, he played with many different types of bands, the last with Woody Guthrie and the Saratoga Blues Band.
Certified by major manufacturers (Fender, Gibson, Guild, Yamaha etc..) to perform warranty repair, Mike went on to become a graduate of the Luthiers International School of Guitar Building and Repairing. He is also a member of The Guild of American Luthiers as well as The Association of Stringed Instruments Artisans. While Mike is the chief luthier, his standards are extremely high for his other staff members.
Mike first opened up Southeast Guitar Repair in the Mars Music on Pleasant Hill Rd. When Mars Music closed it's doors, he moved into his own shop just doors down in the same shopping center.
Barrett Culpepper
Master Luthier / Head Instructor/ Owner
Veteran Certified Master Luthier Barrett has been with Southeast Guitar Repair for over 16 years. Originally starting at the old shop next door to Guitar Center off Pleasant Hill Rd. Barrett is now located up in Buford.
Finding his love and passion for music by age 10, he started repairing guitars and drums at age 14. Within the same year he was playing shows in Downtown Atlanta, beginning the networking of his musical career. After years of gigging & playing out he graduated & obtained his certification from Luthier school. Soon after, he lucked up and secured an apprenticeship under Mike Marshall at Southeast Guitar Repair in Lawrenceville. After years of mastering his craft, he is now leading the team at Southeast Guitar Repair. Barrett holds a Fender Gold level certification and our shop is Gibson Level A+ Certified. He also is certified by Taylor and Martin Guitars.
Barrett prides himself on every instrument that hits his bench. People drive from all over Georgia & other states and even ship guitars to him. He has had guitars shipped to him as far as Norway & Ireland. Barrett even had to turn down a trip to Singapore when a client tried to commission him to spend a month there to service his collection. With a baby due at that time he had to decline. But in the end, the client had Barrett service his newly acquired collection while on his trip here and we were able to have them shipped back to him in Singapore. He has plenty of high profile clients, but he treats every guitar like its playing a sold out show.
A broken guitar neck? You will not find a prettier repair than his. He is named in so many forums across the internet. He has very high standards for his benchwork and every other luthier in his shop. He is a wiring & electronics fanatic which really sets him apart from your average luthier. From full rewires to bass pre-amp work, he can handle it all. He can diagnose & fix any guitar. He has developed methods far beyond his time to restore the instrument while still maintaining the characteristics you love in your guitar that will not sacrifice its value or original state. Even Fender, Martin & Gibson ships guitars from their other "authorized service centers" straight to Barrett. They always trust his expertise and when heftier repairs or more vintage items need more care, they seek out Barrett to take those on. Many customers of high end & vintage pieces wary to trust just anyone, will call Fender looking for their professional advice on where to have their instrument repaired or just maintained & if the location isn't a concern, Fender will send you to Barrett Culpepper at Southeast Guitar Repair.
Barrett has the best bone work in the business. Guitar schools have tried to lure him to teach bone work classes for their students but he has declined each time.
A detailed perfectionist in the field through & through.
Barrett is now teaching his mastered techniques to students of Southeast Guitar Repair Academy. Learn more at guitarrepairacademy.com
Finding his love and passion for music by age 10, he started repairing guitars and drums at age 14. Within the same year he was playing shows in Downtown Atlanta, beginning the networking of his musical career. After years of gigging & playing out he graduated & obtained his certification from Luthier school. Soon after, he lucked up and secured an apprenticeship under Mike Marshall at Southeast Guitar Repair in Lawrenceville. After years of mastering his craft, he is now leading the team at Southeast Guitar Repair. Barrett holds a Fender Gold level certification and our shop is Gibson Level A+ Certified. He also is certified by Taylor and Martin Guitars.
Barrett prides himself on every instrument that hits his bench. People drive from all over Georgia & other states and even ship guitars to him. He has had guitars shipped to him as far as Norway & Ireland. Barrett even had to turn down a trip to Singapore when a client tried to commission him to spend a month there to service his collection. With a baby due at that time he had to decline. But in the end, the client had Barrett service his newly acquired collection while on his trip here and we were able to have them shipped back to him in Singapore. He has plenty of high profile clients, but he treats every guitar like its playing a sold out show.
A broken guitar neck? You will not find a prettier repair than his. He is named in so many forums across the internet. He has very high standards for his benchwork and every other luthier in his shop. He is a wiring & electronics fanatic which really sets him apart from your average luthier. From full rewires to bass pre-amp work, he can handle it all. He can diagnose & fix any guitar. He has developed methods far beyond his time to restore the instrument while still maintaining the characteristics you love in your guitar that will not sacrifice its value or original state. Even Fender, Martin & Gibson ships guitars from their other "authorized service centers" straight to Barrett. They always trust his expertise and when heftier repairs or more vintage items need more care, they seek out Barrett to take those on. Many customers of high end & vintage pieces wary to trust just anyone, will call Fender looking for their professional advice on where to have their instrument repaired or just maintained & if the location isn't a concern, Fender will send you to Barrett Culpepper at Southeast Guitar Repair.
Barrett has the best bone work in the business. Guitar schools have tried to lure him to teach bone work classes for their students but he has declined each time.
A detailed perfectionist in the field through & through.
Barrett is now teaching his mastered techniques to students of Southeast Guitar Repair Academy. Learn more at guitarrepairacademy.com
Gavin Gaines
Gavin is a graduate of Southeast Guitar Repair Academy. He apprenticed exclusively under Barrett Culpepper. He is a multi-instrumentalist. Gavin has a professional background in fine woodworking. His knowledge of woodworking is impressive. Gavin is a perfectionist just like Barrett. He has great attention to detail. Gavin has been performing live since the age of 15. His Gavin's favorite guitar is his Guild T Bird.
As of 2023, Gavin logged 10,000 repair hours with Southeast Guitar Repair and received his promotion to a Master Luthier.
As of 2023, Gavin logged 10,000 repair hours with Southeast Guitar Repair and received his promotion to a Master Luthier.
Dylan Hansen
Dylan is a graduate of Southeast Guitar Repair Academy. And apprenticed exclusively under Barrett Culpepper. Dylan has been a touring & session Musician since the age of 15. He is the son of producer / engineer & session musician Gerry Hansen. He's been around every aspect of music in & out of the studio his entire life.
Sam Evans
Sam is a graduate of Southeast Guitar Repair Academy. He apprenticed directly under Barrett Culpepper. He is also a graduate of Lanier Technical College where he studied Carpentry. Sam played Saxophone throughout Middle and High School. Sam is a natural at luthierie! He is our resident Death Metal player here at the shop! His favorite instrument is a Warwick P Bass.
Chris
Chris is a student of Southeast Guitar Repair Academy. He has played instruments since he was 15 years old. He performs with the Worship Team at his church. He plays the guitar, drums & Sings. His favorite guitar in his collection is his Surfliner Deluxe.
Cooper
Cooper is a graduate of Roberto Venn School of Lutherie. He is also a student of Southeast Guitar Repair Academy. He actively builds guitars from raw lumber in his spare time. If you are looking for a custom build, contact him.
MindyMindy is the shop operations Manager & the Admissions Director of Southeast Guitar Repair Academy. While she is not a luthier, she knows all of the details on every repair we offer here at the shop. She manages all of the business aspects to the shop. She helps with everything outside of actual bench work. Mindy lends help to the shop to allow the guys to have plenty of time at their benches. |
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