From Self-Taught Guitar Hobbyist to Harper Guitar Works: Raymond Harper's Experience with Southeast Guitar Repair Academy

Student Spotlight: Raymond Harper | Fairfield, California

Raymond Harper completed the Master's Course at Southeast Guitar Repair Academy.

Before enrolling, Raymond retired from AT&T after a 30-year career splicing copper and fiber telephone cable. After retirement, he started a small woodworking business making and selling his patent-pending product, the Rip Rod.

Why Raymond Enrolled

Raymond's interest in guitar repair started decades before enrolling at Southeast Guitar Repair Academy.

"I have repaired and modified guitars since I bought my first one in the early '80s. It was a black-and-white zebra-striped Flying V with a mystery tremolo. I call it a mystery because you never knew what tuning you'd end up in after using it."

Over the years, he accumulated both experience and tools.

"Over the years, I accumulated a fair amount of knowledge and an even fairer amount of tools. I have a terrible case of G.A.S.—IYKYK."

Eventually, he realized that collecting and repairing guitars wasn't enough.

"I realized I couldn't keep acquiring guitars, fixing them up, and storing them away; I was running out of room. More importantly, I enjoyed working on them as much as, if not more than, playing them."

When he discovered Southeast Guitar Repair Academy, he found exactly what he had been looking for.

"Southeast Guitar Repair Academy offered exactly what I was looking for: a repair-focused curriculum and continuing mentorship."

Concerns Before Getting Started

Although Raymond had spent years teaching himself guitar repair, he recognized the limitations of learning alone.

"When it comes to guitars, I have always been autodidactic. The problem with that approach is that you don't know what you don't know."

He wanted a trusted source of information that covered every aspect of guitar repair.

"I needed a trusted source of information covering all aspects of repair. I found that at SEGRA."

What Almost Stopped Him

Raymond says his biggest hesitation was the investment.

"The honest answer is cost and ROI."

He also understood that reputation plays an important role in the guitar repair industry.

"In musical instrument repair and manufacturing, reputation is built largely through word of mouth and recommendations. If you're new to the field, formal training from a respected professional can help establish credibility and give potential customers confidence in your abilities."

His Biggest Breakthrough

One lesson stood out above all others.

"Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should."

Raymond explained that throughout his life he has solved many different types of technical problems.

"I think I'm pretty good at figuring out the best way forward for most scenarios."

But guitar repair taught him the value of seeking advice from someone with experience.

"The problem is, this ain't that and if you have the ability to run a possible solution to a complex problem past someone who has seen it before and knows the fix, it's hard to put a price on that."

Continuing to Build Experience

When asked whether he has earned money from guitar repair work since enrolling, Raymond answered yes.

He also shared that he still enjoys bringing guitars back to life.

"I have always acquired guitars with the intention of fixing them up and moving them along to the next owner, but once I finish them, I just can't seem to let them go."

How Guitar Repair Changed His Perspective

For Raymond, the value of learning guitar repair extends beyond the repair bench.

"Many of us think nothing of spending $6,000 over time on guitars, amps, and gear, yet we hesitate when it comes to investing the same amount in education."

He believes investing in education can provide long-term value.

"For me, learning a trade that can pay for itself and provide a lifetime of enjoyment made the decision worthwhile."

Advice for Future Students

Raymond offers the same perspective to anyone considering enrolling.

"Many of us think nothing of spending $6,000 over time on guitars, amps, and gear, yet we hesitate when it comes to investing the same amount in education. For me, learning a trade that can pay for itself and provide a lifetime of enjoyment made the decision worthwhile."

Would Raymond Recommend Southeast Guitar Repair Academy?

His answer:

"Absolutely."

He believes the Academy provides more than just technical instruction.

"Reputation is king in this business, and Southeast Guitar Repair Academy is developing a vibrant community of technicians striving to do the best work possible."

He concluded with a thought that reflects the value of learning alongside other dedicated technicians.

"Being part of that community can have a positive effect on the quality of your work and how the craft is perceived by others. A rising tide lifts all boats."

We appreciate Raymond sharing his experience and wish him continued success with Harper Guitar Works in Fairfield, California.

You can check his business out here https://www.instagram.com/harperguitarworks/