Very easy transaction. We went in and they showed us The product. Went over thoroughly our options for lease to own, etc. it's a no frills, compact, simple store. Just has the necessities and I appreciate it. read more

Be Warned. I also had an extremely rude experience as another Yelper posted. I took my Vito alto sax in to have the low C fixed and to get an estimate for pad replacements. The serial number places it from the Yamaha factory in Japan in the early 70s. They said that it would be inspected and I would get a phone call about an estimate. They did not review the horn with me. It should have been my first red flag. A few days later I get a call informing me that 'the instrument needs a complete overhaul and that when they put a light in it it was just full of leaks everywhere and would cost $1500 in labor and $200 in parts and that it wasn't worth it because of the value of the instrument' in an arrogant judgmental tone. When I picked up the horn, I was again told about leaks. This told me everything I needed to know because I too have put a light down my instrument to find the leaks and know exactly where a 1972 vintage alto that's never had it's pad replaced is leaking. And it wasn't were he was pointing to. I don't know who hurt you or which horn you're confusing mine with but I felt like I was being lied to. If you didn't want to do the work, simply let me know. Telling me my instrument isn't worth fixing is unacceptable. I determine the value of my horn, not you. And being rude about it is even more unacceptable. I guess with the closing of AG Music in Oakland and abundant USD student rentals, there's no space for the community musician in their shop. Be warned when you cross their handyman-grade aluminum threshold. read more

Bronstein Music is a little off the beaten path. It's in the alleyway between Grand and Baden Avenues (enter off Linden). I was very impressed with the wide selection of books and learning resources for aspiring musicians. They also had many accessories at attractive prices (such as music stands, tuning instruments, books, capos, etc.). This part of the shop deserves 5 stars. I'm sorry to say my experience with having my old guitar worked on wasn't quite as good. Maybe I didn't communicate the situation properly. When I went to pick up my guitar, it still needed work. They did it, but it seemed like it took more effort than needed to communicate the problem. 5-stars for a store and people who care about music. 5-stars for the selection of learning resources. 3-stars for my experience with repairing my guitar. Overall 4-stars. read more

Bronstein Music - Map showing alleyway location between Grand and Baden Avenues. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - South San Francisco, California

I've been going to Bronstein since I was a teenager and they have always been great to me. Recently, I had a guitar of my Uncle's that was in need of repair and set up that was beyond my diy skills. Jeff took one look at it and seemed to know everything that needed to be done. He called me to keep me informed of all the work that it needed and the estimated price. He went above and beyond in addition to the work I requested and for a very reasonable price. My Uncle's guitar plays better than ever now and I would highly recommend Jeff and Bronstein for any guitar repair or set up one may be in need of. read more

Bronstein Music - My Uncle's partscaster Jeff fixed the wiring on, set up the Floyd Rose, added a string tree, cut the pickguard, and cleaned up beautifully. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - South San Francisco, California

​Yeah I was treated quite rudely at this store was asking some questions about rentals and whatnot then ask them if my kid could check out the instrument get a feel for it instead of politely saying that's not our policy to let people check it out in that way he snapped at me and said either you rented or you don't I didn't appreciate his current rudeness I wouldn't go to this store again I'm definitely not renting from them or buying anything I'm going to find a different music star really bad attitude read more

I have been going to this business for decades, whenit was on Grand Ave. The current owners started withthe company when he was young. Became a woodwind repair specialist. I still give them my business. read more

I'm so glad I was able to find this place. I needed to find some guitar picks for my cousin's birthday gift and the reviews confused me because I was not looking for music lessons or instrument repairs. I called and the guy who answered immediately told me that they had them so it was great! The shop is a little hard to find, but the GPS directs you beautifully. Parking is a little hard, the parking lot next to it was full. However, I was able to find some street parking. As soon as you see a red door, you have found the shop! The inside is full of instruments and the people in there know their stuff. They give excellent service. I overheard a conversation where a customer was asking for some cheap sticks to use for buckets and he needed them in bulk. Though the shop had them, he mentioned that they were cheaper on Amazon. The shop person took it graciously. He explained he sometimes couldn't compete. When asked for something else the shop person admitted he wished he had more selection for that, but there simply wasn't enough space. He was learning what inventory they needed in the store and sometimes you just had to prioritize what moved. Interactions like that are noted and I appreciated the man's honesty and responses. I got what I needed and more and I believe the items I got were reasonably priced. Please support this place if you're looking for repair, an instrument and please call ahead to make sure they have what you're looking for. read more

Brought in an entry-level acoustic guitar and asked to get it cleaned up and re-strung. Jeff did an amazing job, when I picked it up I couldn't believe how nice it looked compared to before (it was sitting in a bedroom for years, not too much playing). The fretboard is so clean, the string action feels great, and the guitar is easily playable. I started learning guitar a few months ago and started learning on this guitar a friend leant me. Got my own now so I wanted to clean up theirs. This guitar is at least 10 years old. read more

Bronstein Music - Huntington Guitar - Two weeks of everyday play after having it cleaned at Bronstein! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - South San Francisco, California

We thought they were gone and when we found out where they were, we were so glad! My husband had bought a used guitar from Guitar Center and it needed a little fixing up. They did a great job! read more

#117/2016 We're lucky New Traditions' PTA has many dedicated parents working on fundraising events that allow the school to have a music program. That, of course, doesn't extend to our public elementary school having a lending library of instruments. That responsibility lies with the parents. With a list of stores advised not to be much help since all public schools quickly wipe out inventory, Yelp, baby. So motor to downtown South San Francisco to a lovely, longtime business, Bronstein Music, celebrating its 70th year in business. They explained their buyback program which allows you to rent an instrument or keep it at the end of the school year. They'll buy it back for the original price less $150 for a school year's rental. It's a good way for your kids to try something new with all the risk absorbed by Bronstein's. How can you not win? Actually, I won twice: I talked my child out of taking up the trumpet. There's just not enough Execdrin in the world for that, honey. read more

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Took my 60s classic vibe tele, which i wanted a setup with new brass saddles and convert to lefty.. Also had intonation issues and a low E kept slippin off the fretboard. Jeff installed right handed saddles which i purchased incorrectly for a lefty conversion, he intonated the guitar, fixed the low e string, shaved the nut to how it should be.He went above & beyond & informed me of things I should consider, flip switch (if i wanted to) moved the stap knob which i never thought of but now HUGE diff! I just had to raise action to my liking and lower pickup height but that is jst to match my pref with my amp setup..Great Work Jeff! read more

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Came here to fix my son's uke. They fixed it for no cost and were very friendly. Would come back here in a second. Very knowledgeable team.

Ron is knowledgeable and very professional. Go here and look nowhere else. aAA rated. read more

Bronstein Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - South San Francisco, California

For decades I've gone to Bronstein(music lessons, retail, and repairs) and I will keep going here to get my saxophone repaired. Thanks to Ron and staff for repairing so quickly too! read more

I got great service at this nice little shop. Will definitely keep in mind for future instrument malfunctions!

Great folks. I purchased a guitar amp cable for my god daughter. Very helpful. Worth the effort to find . Reminded me of New Orleans that corner . read more

...the clarinet plays great! And the new mouthpiece, I should say the new old mouthpiece, is really good and loud and in tune. My compliments for your good work! I use their repair expertise for both my school instruments and increasingly for my own top end instruments. Jeff and Ron are really excellent repair people! read more

Thank You Guitar Repair Man for fixing my 1st First Guitar. My brother gave it to me when I was 14. I have had it all these years and it was alittle beat up. A few parts had to be made to replace some that were cracked. I paid and excellent price. I was eying an Ovation Acoustic Electric capable guitar but it was sold by the time I came back to pick up my repair job. Excellent place for Brass, Woodwind and Hard-To-Find instruments. The music school is popular and busy. Easy parking. read more

Bronstein Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - South San Francisco, California

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Good place to get your instruments set up! Brought in my Fender PJ bass to get it stringed and set up. Jeff did a great job and is hard working! They setup relatively quick considering that we're still in a pandemic. Great place, Thank you guys read more

Bronstein Music - Set Up Bass - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - South San Francisco, California

I wanted to like this place since it is a small independent shop. But the arrogance and stubbornness of the owner simply cannot be ignored. We went to the store to rent a cello, which they did not have an appropriate size for our daughter. Instead, we opted for a viola. They made us agree to a 3 month minimum rental, which is not a huge deal, but they won't let us exchange it if she can't use it during her music lessons. My biggest problem with this store is their very outdated and unusual requirement of a credit check to rent an instrument. This is absolutely ridiculous. In spite of having used a credit card with more than enough available balance on just that card to buy 30 of the violas outright, they still insisted on a credit check. I have stayed in hotels with more value in the mini-bar alone than the value of a brand new viola by simply putting a credit card on file for incidentals. Come to think of it, I have rented $60,000 wheelchair vans with just a credit card stored on file. The owner's reluctance to get with the times and arrogance about how his business has been around since the 1940's may ultimately cost him his precious business. Larger businesses that were around much longer have fallen (Mervyn's 1949-2008; Gottschalks 1904-2008; and Levitz 1910-2008 just to name a few). You usually come to mom and pop stores to support local business and get superior service, not to have your intelligence insulted. The only reason I am giving this place two stars instead of one is that the salesman, whose name I didn't get, was very nice and knowledgeable. My family have purchased many instruments from other places (guitars, trumpets, trombones and pianos), but we will not likely purchase anything more from this place. If my daughter decides she likes the viola, we will purchase one elsewhere. read more

My mother was hysterically admire classic music because she was in a chorus group when she was in high school. So, she thought I should be a classic pianist so I was forced to take a class that I wasn't so much interested in. She gave up on me when I was around 9. But I didn't have a miserable childhood because I have learned how to get out the class without telling anything to anyone. and when the time comes, I just go home. Back then, there was NO KIDNAP in my neighborhood in Japan. I had lots of freedom to go out, for hours. Even I was a pretty good lookin' boy, I don't think my parents had NEVER WORRIED about someone kidnapped little Nobu. So, my mother finally found out that I wasn't really taking the piano class, so that was it. But I think I have learned easy way to know that if you really wants to become something, You don't need to be FORCED to do. You just need to get inspired. So, I didn't become a musician but I become a music lover. I thank to my mother for that. I walked in this old friendly great music store, just browsing, this place is pretty big and a lot of music stuff in there, I saw a kid was taking guitar lesson in a back room, and I was thinking of the piano classes I took, my mother and my childhood. When I walked out of this great old music store, I felt like I found a treasure in a desert. This place has been here since 1946. read more

My daughter's flute was in need of repair, so we decided to pay Bronstein Music a visit. Normally, we go to Manor Music in Pacifica, since it's close to our house. However, they don't do in-house repairs, and the techs that do the work only stop by for pickups once a week. I'm glad we gave Bronstein a try because the repair people there are great. They didn't make fun of my lack of musical knowledge. I described our problem as best I could, and they completed the repairs quickly and for a reasonable price. It seems that on some days the shop is open but the repair staff is out, and on other days, the repair staff are in but the shop is closed. Whatever your reason for visiting, be sure to call first for days and hours. Keep in mind, it's sometimes difficult to find parking around Grand Avenue, and almost none of it is free. Bring lots of change for the meters! read more

Horrible Customer Service! That pretty much sums it up. If you want to compete with the large corporations. The one and the most important thing a small business can offer is the personal connection and service you MAY not get at a larger store. (like maybe Guitar Center) If you are gonna charge DOUBLE (Yes, I said double) for drumsticks, at the very least greet your customer and offer assistance. We spent a total of 15 minutes at this place without even a "Hello" or "How may I help you?" There were three people behind the counter and we got nothing, nada, zelch (the big ZERO). Music snobs..My husband has been a drummer for 25 years and is very aware of how much things cost but he would have bought something small just to support this local business. We were at Guitar Center in the city earlier that day, where the young lady behind the counter insisted on helping my husband to find a particular pair of sticks. She just kept coming back with more and more sticks!Nonetheless, after above board service from GC we went to try this little shop only to be ignored. Boooooo! read more

After playing a year on my own, i wanted to take some bass lessons and get down chord shapes, scales, etc. SPECIFICALLY told the teacher i did not want to have to learn to read sheet music to play. First lesson he has me learning F# Major on sheet music. That was the last lesson i went to, and I paid in advance. Brought my bass in to have some strings replaced. I know how to replace strings and have done so countless times, but I wanted a "professional" to do it this time. Come to pick it up 2 days later, and he tells me its going to be $105.00 because he had to get another B string in the right gauge, and because my pickup was shorting out so he replaced it. YEA....i get home and its still shorting out. SOLUTION = replace 9v battery for active pickups. The only time I dont have a problem with this place is when I come in and i KNOW EXACTLY what I need...cable,strap, guitar strings. props to arturo & melissa tho read more

Here is my most recent interaction. Me: Hey I am looking for a power supply and daisy chain to power some guitar pedals. Them: Well, what are you powering? Me: A few standard pedals, nothing specials anything will work, Boss, One spot, Dunlop. Them: No, not anything will work, what are you powering? Me:Standard stuff, 9 volt, 200 milli-amps, Negative center pin. Them: No....but we do have Tuners with a daisy chain out. Me: Oh so you have some daisy chain cables too? Them: No. I left thinking to myself. If I need a powers supply and a daisy chain cable, how does the Tuner help me. How would I power the tuner? or even use the daisy chain output if they don't sell the cable? What kind of store sells pedals but no power supplies? read more

My review is primarily for the lessons, but a little for the store as well. My son has been taking piano lessons for almost 8 months. He's 9. I should mention for a fair review that I am an experienced piano and voice teacher. I wanted my son to start lessons on a positive and fun note - not with mom bugging him. I felt this might be a good spot to learn. 8 months of lessons, every week for 30mins. The child still cannot read notes/music. It's all by finger number. He enjoys his teacher, but she has very little interest in talking to me - even just a hello. With so little progress, I found it necessary to pull him out. I'm disappointed with the lesson quality. The store seems to have good service depending on who is working there. I've found it hit and miss. read more

The dowdy old folks in there are intimidating. Ask a question, get a question thrown back. They think they're the only music experts this side of the Bay. I try not to buy anything from them, but my high school kid likes it because it is like an emporium to them. So, OK. usually I walk in, wait for my son to pick what he needs, keep quiet, don't ask anything funny, they won't make fun of me. The repair guy at the back is something else. He probably took over from an older fellow who was very nice. This young man is arrogant, works his own hours, tells you off without any consideration. He thinks he is the only music instrument repairman this side of Atlantic Ocean. I tried to pick up a screw driver or something sharp to point to the horn I was holding to hi-lite a problem, snapped at me not to mess with his tools. I bit my lips and asked if he could help me with a broken part, he said he doesn't sell parts. A real piece of shat, pissed me off, but I kept my cool. I told my son the incident later about trying to fix his instrument, his reaction was we need a new music store. There Don (the owner), what happens at the back also affects you in front. read more

I began my journey to Bronstein's when I couldn't even see over the counter yet. At the time, I was in grade school testing my luck with the flute and the trumpet, and I had braces. EPIC FAIL. The owner of the store, Rich, suggested I try a low brass instrument in which I began playing (Euphonium and trombone) in middle school, high school and throughout college. I fell in love with playing both instruments, but ended up purchasing two trombones in the end. The staff has always been helpful in getting me the equipment I needed for gigs, class and some lessons. I would say this is like the one stop music store for classical and jazz instruments. Bronstein Music also sells sheet music and has their own repair shop for instruments in the back end of their store. I can't tell you how many times I've gone back there to get an instrument diagnostic and a repair. I would zip on over there when my instrument had the smallest dents or nicks. There's been only once when a major component busted on me as I was playing, but Bronstein's was able to fix it in time for my college concert at Skyline College and CSM. Fun fact: The owner Rich has a really good sense of humor and is really knowledgeable in brass instruments. He's a trumpet player who also loves to drive Conductor Mike Galisatus, the CSM Band director, nuts in class with his wisecracking. =P read more

Man, how long has this place been around? My brother used to go here for guitar strings when he was a kid, and I used to get piano books there when I was nine. Now, my own ten-year old daughter is getting her piano books here. I went here recently during their remodel. It looks like they are scaling down the shopping area and using the other part of the store for practice rooms(?) In any case, I like what they've done to the place. Some may not like the selection, but in the time that I was there, I saw a bass ukulele and a bass recorder--not exactly commonly-found instruments. There were a number of guitars, reeds, horns, and percussion instruments. I didn't see the keyboard instruments that I used to (due to the decreased space), but I'm not sure if they are discontinuing them or not. Oh yeah, they still have lots of music books. Bronstein's is different now than when it was years ago, but it's still cool and it looks like they've still got the stuff you're looking for. Support local business--shop here if you need musical supplies read more

Supply is limited, but that is what you'd expect from a small music store. They seemed to carry at least one of all the basics. Great place if you're outfitting music gear for kids or beginners...probably one of the best in the area. This stuff can be intimidating. If you're a seasoned pro, you'd probably be going elsewhere anyway (Elderly, craigslist, ebay, somewhere boutique). Staff is really nice if you're not a douche, or a poser. If you go in there looking to play a Les Paul through a Marshall half-stack, you're probably a douche. If you want to wail on an $2000 guitar and you totally suck, then you're probably a douche. If they look at you like you suck...well, you really do suck. You should go to guitar center to join the kingdom of douche. You know, the really fat nerd that can shred 30 notes a second on an Ibanez Jem, but has to sit down because he's tired...or the 12 year old that plays that AFI riff over and over again. You can chain your myriad of pedals together there and rock your face off. read more

Came here the other day to buy some Vandoren Saxophone Reeds and saw a good selection of reeds. The pricing was comparable to what you would find online which was definitely a plus. Side Note: I used to come here in the late 90's and since then the store has changed (smaller sales area and more focus on lessons). It looks like they still carry a good selection of woodwind necessities ranging from entry level to high end. read more

5 stars for being so darn NICE!!! and HELPFUL!!! Jumped on the 101 to Bronstein's in South City this weekend because we needed a small adjustment to a cheap-ass alto sax and holy smokes! talk about customer service! Every person who worked there was so helpful and nice - we got what we needed and bought some sheet music, too. Frankly, these folks restored my faith in humanity ... which is saying a lot for a little family-owned music business in South San Francisco. read more

I just got my lefty banjo restrung here and was super happy with how it turned out! I can't believe I was playing with such dead strings for so long...guess I just got used to it (pre-COVID I used to replace them every 6 months) but now my banjo looks and feels brand new. Jeff did a great job and even cleaned the fretboard and oiled the bridge (a very nice and unexpected surprise). The cost to do this was very reasonable, especially given the high-quality results I received. I highly recommend their services and will be back! read more

This review is regarding viola lessons I have been taking for the past 15 months at Bronstein. Signing up process was easy, and price very reasonable. I am an adult beginner who was inspired recently to pick up an instrument. I work week nights, and I travel a lot for work. So it was vital that I find a teacher who is 1) in tune with the needs of an adult beginner, 2) flexible with scheduling, 3) infinitely patient, and 4) knows how to communicate the musical concepts to an adult. I found Al Bautista (violin/viola/cello teacher) at Bronstein, and had a great success under his tutelage. Starting with fundamentals, in every step of the way, I was challenged to improve and keep reaching for the stars. In six months, I was invited to play as part of a student quartet during a winter recital. I also had an opportunity to present a solo. In a year, I was encouraged to join a summer workshop put together by the San Francisco Civic Symphony. He keeps me motivated with my studies, and never lets me forget the fundamentals. Earlier this year, he remembered that I have a friend who's starting out as a concert violinist. He found a Strings magazine with her on the cover, and gave it to me as a present! The staff at Bronstein have been both friendly and helpful. I have a chronic shoulder problem on my bowing arm due to work injury. So I like to arrive early (60-90 min) for my lessons so that I can warm up and practice beforehand. They have been helpful in finding a space for me to use! read more

There is no better place for horns or woodwinds on the Peninsula. They also have a nice selection of keyboards and stringed instruments, but horns seem to be their specialty. The service is good and knowledgeable as most or all employees are musicians. I favor trumpets so I have been going there for years drooling over their selections. read more

Come here for the following: * Purchase a quality instrument. Guitars, keyboards, saxophones, trombones, violins... They probably have what you're looking for...My parents bought me a clarinet here back in 1974 and it's still in good working condition. * Knowledgeable and helpful staff. The management has been here forever and their staff are either all musicians or band geeks. * Music lessons. I think just about every instrument is taught here. Quality instructors. * Gear and sheet music. Pretty good selection and they tend to get 'proven' gear. If they don't have it, they can probably order it for you. The ONLY reason I give it 4-stars is the mish-mash that happened to me when they lost one of their guitar teachers. One never showed, the other I didn't click with and the last one had his mind on other things other than my music lesson. Hey, I've been a musician for decades and I know what I need in a teacher. I bought my guitar from there cause I knew I could take lessons there. I'm into classical guitar and the only one I teacher I feel comfortable with is booked... Which is to say most of their teachers are... Booked! I know many teachers there who just have tons of long-time students. It's especially difficult to get a weekend spot for any of the teachers. Like I said, they have EXCELLENT teachers there. This place is a musicians mecca my friends... read more

I've brought my pair Technic 1210 turntables here for repair a couple of times now and couldn't be happier. Jeff in the back is a great guy and and takes pride in his craftsmanship. I realize turntables might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to instrument repair. Yet my turntables are always made to feel welcome amongst the saxophones, guitars in the shop. Twice I've brought my tables in. Once for a replacement of RCA cables (including the circuit board), and recently to unfreeze the tonearm height assembly. Jeff is always a good sport about using the YouTube links I provide as reference, when I think others would only be to happy to blow off the extra information as unnecessary. I think that is what makes me so comfortable and happy with the service here. They care and take pride in what they do. I totally recommend ! read more

***In particular, this goes out to Jeff Cotton guitar repair.*** I write reviews that need to be read, whether it's Awesome or it Sucks. This one goes in the AWE and then SOME column and for good reason. I've tried all the repair shops. I've taken precious instruments to famous names, to wannabe's and everything in between, all over the Bay area. Jeff over-delivered every time (and to date, he's worked on close to a dozen of mine). Among the top hit list I feel deserves mention: ~ He is uncannily accurate about what an instrument needs ~ He always calls about any changes in his assessment to get my thoughts ~ He always quotes and delivers a very reasonable price ~ I always feel like I got the better deal when I play the instrument! ~ He always backs his work no unreasonable questions asked ~ The location is perfect. You can actually find parking ~ He's a player as well and knows how guitarists think, I feel ~ His turnaround time is second to none; super quick Give him a call and be prepared to be very satisfied with your instrument after he works on it. read more

Grouchy cashier/manager (?) aside, this place rocks the Casbah. Excellent selection of drumsticks for the novice (like me) and experts alike to go along with everything else you need for whatever instrument you like to wreck havoc with and disturb the neighbors, especially on a weekday evening (the perfect time to disturb the 'peace'). Very good selection of guitars, drum sets, and even songbooks. And yes, earplugs are available here if they don't enjoy listening to garage-band style ear-shattering electro-alt rock. read more

Total nostalgic moment as I flashed back to my earlier years of being a "band nerd" now I wish I kept with the clarinet! I found this place on Yelp (thanks Yelpers!) to get a strap button drilled into my guitar and also a quote on adjusting the action on my guitar. Jeff, the repair guy, was extremely knowledgeable and gave me a good recommendation and a quote that was very reasonable. All the other staff were super friendly as well. One guy even walked me all the way back to the repair shop, he couldn't have just pointed me in that direction, but he was so nice in escorting me there! I will definitely be back hear! Probably to check out a voice lesson and some guitar lessons. read more