Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Guitars & Music Lessons in Raleigh
Harry's Guitar Shop has been a trusted destination for musicians since 1985, offering premium instruments, expert repairs, and personalized instruction. Our experienced team caters to all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, with curated selections of guitars, basses, amps, and folk instruments. We provide comprehensive repair services including setups, electronics, and structural fixes, ensuring instruments remain performance-ready. Our dedicated instructors deliver tailored lessons for multiple instruments, fostering musical growth in a welcoming environment. With decades of industry expertise, we combine technical knowledge with exceptional customer service to meet the needs of local and visiting musicians.Our inventory includes specialized gear like pickups, strings, and effects pedals, supported by detailed product guidance. We maintain strong community ties while serving customers nationwide through our online store. Our commitment to quality extends to transparent communication, fair pricing, and reliable service. Whether purchasing equipment, scheduling repairs, or pursuing lessons, customers benefit from our focused attention to detail and passion for music. We remain dedicated to evolving with musicians' needs while upholding the values that have defined our shop since its founding.
Services
Guitar Sales
Music Lessons
Instrument Repairs
Amp Sales
Folk Instruments
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in guitars and music education for over 35 years
- Our in-house technicians handle complex repairs and custom modifications
- Certified instructors provide personalized lessons for all skill levels
- We maintain extensive inventory of rare instruments and specialized parts
- Our family-owned operation combines technical expertise with community focus
What people say
Honest staff
Expert service
Patient instruction
Quality instruments
Welcoming environment
Services
Guitar Sales
We offer an extensive selection of new and used guitars including electric, acoustic, and specialty models from leading brands. Our inventory spans entry-level to professional-grade instruments with expert setup included. Customers receive personalized guidance to match instruments with their playing style and budget, supported by ongoing maintenance and accessory recommendations.
Music Lessons
Private lessons for all skill levels cover guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, and dobro with customized curricula. Our experienced instructors develop personalized learning plans focusing on technical skills, music theory, and performance techniques. Flexible scheduling options accommodate students' availability while maintaining consistent progress tracking.
Instrument Repairs
Our onsite technicians handle complete instrument maintenance including setups, electronics repairs, and structural fixes. Services range from basic restringing to complete restorations using quality replacement parts. We specialize in vintage instrument preservation while maintaining modern instruments' optimal playability through expert diagnostics and repair protocols.
Amp Sales
We provide a comprehensive selection of guitar and bass amplifiers spanning vintage models to modern digital solutions. Our inventory includes practice amps, stage-ready combos, and specialized acoustic amplifiers. Expert staff assist with tonal matching and equipment configuration while offering maintenance packages for long-term amplifier performance.
Folk Instruments
Our folk instrument collection features mandolins, ukuleles, banjos, and dobros from respected manufacturers. We offer complete setup services and related accessories including cases, strings, and effects. Expert consultation helps customers select appropriate instruments for bluegrass, folk, and traditional music applications with ongoing maintenance support.
People
Laurie Capparella
Music Instructor
With 25+ years teaching experience, Laurie specializes in guitar, bass, and vocals while maintaining an active performance career and songwriting practice.
Shane Bullis
Music Instructor
Offering 25+ years of performance and teaching experience, Shane focuses on customized instruction in guitar, bass, and songwriting techniques for all skill levels.
Steve Howell
Music Instructor
A 30-year teaching veteran and founding member of The Backsliders, Steve provides expertise in multiple stringed instruments and Americana music traditions.
Joe Knowlton
Music Instructor
Specializing in beginning instruction since 1997, Joe teaches electric/acoustic guitar, bass, ukulele, and introductory mandolin with emphasis on youth engagement.
Jon Heames
Music Instructor
With professional experience since 1980, Jon teaches guitar and bass while focusing on music theory and tone customization techniques developed through major label recording experience.
Questions
Do you offer online music lessons?
Yes, all instructors provide remote lessons via platforms like Zoom while maintaining our standard personalized approach.
What brands of instruments do you carry?
We stock major brands including Martin, Taylor, Fender, Gibson, and boutique makers like Bedell and Godin across guitars, basses, and folk instruments.
Can you repair vintage or specialty instruments?
Our technicians have extensive experience with vintage instruments and specialty repairs including headstock reconstruction and electronics restoration.
Are beginner instruments available for purchase?
Yes, we maintain a curated selection of entry-level instruments including guitars, ukuleles, and basses with expert setup included.
What lesson payment options exist?
Payments are made monthly directly to instructors via cash or check at the final lesson of each month.
Reviews (4)
Wolfgang Sanyer
May 30, 2022
Report
Have been visiting Harry's since 1998. I admire the honest and professional service they provide, but most of all the friendship. Thanks Harry!
Ashesh Chatterjee
May 25, 2022
Report
The best guitar shop in the triangle. I've had the pleasure of buying several guitars from this shop and this shop has the best customer service out of any of the shops that I've been in. Can't wait for the next piece of gear!
Drew Peterson
May 07, 2022
Report
Bought a ukulele, and the staff was really friendly and knowledgeable. Good selection and fair prices. Highly recommend.
Mark Roman
Apr 26, 2022
Report
I am admittedly sometimes a difficult musician to work with - I'm resistant to change, I'm picky with things like picks/strings and the type of gear I use, and I generally am unwilling to compromise. I come to Harry's because Terry Dineen does AMAZING work. I bring guitars of all type to him for setups, restrings, minor repair work, and hardware changes. He is an absolute professional, always wearing a smile, and is extremely knowledgeable about gear.
The man is also a luthier with some amazing pieces on Reverb. That said, Harry's staff are great people, not to be outdone. They have a decent variety in their products, have ample time to offer recommendations (even if the product isn't something they carry or can order) and generally have your needs as their focus. Any time I want new gear of any kind, I will come here first and see if I can get it through them before going online.
The man is also a luthier with some amazing pieces on Reverb. That said, Harry's staff are great people, not to be outdone. They have a decent variety in their products, have ample time to offer recommendations (even if the product isn't something they carry or can order) and generally have your needs as their focus. Any time I want new gear of any kind, I will come here first and see if I can get it through them before going online.
