FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Southeast Guitar Repair FAQ

What makes your setups different from the music store down the street?

We deliver true professional setups - not just a string change and a quick truss rod tweak. Many shops call that a setup. Bring in that "recently set up" guitar, and we’ll gladly show you everything they missed.

At Southeast, guitar repair is all we do - no retail distractions. We’re one of the few dedicated stand-alone repair shops in the U.S. Every tech here is a certified luthier, trained through formal luthier school and a lengthy apprenticeship with us before ever touching a customer’s instrument.

For over 25 years, our "Southeast Setup" has built a loyal following. Customers come back because they love the consistency - every guitar set up here plays as perfectly as the last. That’s our standard.

Do you do partial refrets?

No - and for good reason. A partial refret can’t guarantee your guitar will play better than new. You’ll end up with uneven fret heights, reduced fret life, and no true leveling. We only do complete refrets to ensure flawless results and maximum longevity.

Can you recommend an instrument insurance company?

Yes. Many of our clients insure their collections through Anderson Musical Instruments Insurance in Florida. Call them at 781-834-1700.

Do you offer appraisals?

We do not. Our focus is strictly repairs. But we recommend Gruhn Guitars in Nashville - they even offer online appraisals. If you’ve got an older guitar, an appraisal can document its current value for insurance.

Is my instrument safe in your shop?

Absolutely. We run a white-glove operation - no public access to our workshop, no storage on sales floors, and no careless handling. Benches are maintained like surgical stations to avoid even hairline scratches.

We also carry proper specialized insurance that covers customer instruments - which many shops surprisingly do not. And yes, we’re happy to show you our current insurance certificate anytime.

I can’t find time to visit. Do you offer pickup & delivery?

Yes! We offer pickup and delivery Tuesday-Thursday:

$35 one-way or $55 round-trip within 25 miles of Buford or Stone Mountain.
Further out? Contact us for a quote.
Just email or call us to schedule.

Do you do stainless steel refrets?

We don’t - but we love EVO Gold fret wire. It’s a strong, longer-lasting alternative that doesn’t sacrifice tone or playability. If you’re open to the look of gold frets, it’s an excellent choice.

Do I really need a neck reset?

Maybe - but 9 times out of 10, you don’t. We offer free evaluations and will always give you honest options. Many neck resets are unnecessary and there are less invasive, more affordable solutions that preserve your instrument’s integrity.

Before committing to that expensive reset, let us take a look - no appointment or charge needed. And if you truly do need it, we can perform it expertly.

Should I trust advice I read in forums?

Be cautious. Most forum advice comes from hobbyists, not working luthiers. Busy, professional shops (like ours) don’t have time to post in forums. For serious repair work, always consult an expert with deep, hands-on experience - not guesses from the internet.

Another shop says they can do the job cheaper.

That’s okay - you have the right to choose your tech.
Just know: we price our work in line with the top certified luthier shops across the U.S. If you’re shopping strictly for the lowest price, we’re probably not the right fit. But if you want the most qualified, consistent, and experienced luthiers - you’re in the right place.

Do I have to pay upfront for repairs?

We normally take payment at drop-off to keep our shop organized (and avoid abandoned guitars). But we’re flexible:

Need to pay at pickup? Just let us know.
Long-term projects? You can leave a deposit and pay the balance later.
Want to inspect the work first? No problem - pay when you’re happy.

The shop down the street has a Plek machine. Why don’t you?

We’re familiar with Plek machines - and we regularly fix guitars that have been run through one. A machine can measure, but a human tech still has to do the final work.

We use precision tools that measure to .001 of an inch - just without the six-figure price tag. And our clients consistently say our fretwork feels better and plays smoother.

If you love tech, that’s great! But remember: even the best machines can’t replace expert hands. Many customers come to us after their "free Plek job" - and we make their guitars truly play right.

Also, word to the wise: if your brand-new guitar needs a fret level, that’s likely a manufacturing defect. Don’t shave down brand-new frets unless necessary - check if it’s a warranty issue first.