Very cute little music store in Berkeley. Looks like they have everything you could possibly need…read more My dad had dropped off a trumpet to get fixed awhile back but they weren't able to fix it so we came in to pick it up. The very nice manager gave us a recommendation of a guy in Albany who may be able to help. My dad just wants to donate it so it may not be worthy getting it fixed first, but we'll see. Anyway if you need reeds, strings, music stand - this looks like a great non-chain place to spend your money!

Forrests Music was a great place to rent and get Oboes! They specialize in Oboes. My family made…read morethe 45 minute drive to get to this place, and it was totally worth it. Justin, the worker who helped me pick out and rent the oboe was extremely kind and welcoming. He was nice enough to teach me a couple notes with the oboe I had just rented! There rates are extremely reasonable for our rent per month for my beginner oboe. I would definitely recommend this place.

I called to get some information about a drum skin for a homemade drum. I got great advice that…read moresolved the problem!

We were referred to Lark in the morning by another music shop. We had an old autoharp we needed…read moretuned and possibly repaired. Thorn the manager put us in touch with Steve. We brought the autoharp and a guitar in for repair. Steve examined both carefully. He explained what he discovered and what work he would do. He was friendly and very informative. We left the autoharp and guitar with him to repair. The price he quoted us seemed reasonable and fair.

I'm so pleased with the service I've received from this wonderful local shop. Adam ( the owner )…read moreset up my new Stratocaster and fixed my Martin so perfectly. I feel like I can play so much better now. It's nice to practice without the stress of knowing the guitar is just not right. Extremely happy!! The entire staff is friendly and very helpful. Definitely getting my next guitar from Mountain Music!! I know they will help me get the perfect guitar.

Excellent service and fair pricing. What's not to love about sales folks who give you an honest…read moreopinion.

amazing experienc! I had them do complete strings and repairs to vintage sitar and Sarood, bother…read morewe're in shambles. turn around was quick and work was fantastic, besides the work I got a case for the sitar and some pads for my tablas, all super fair prices including the repairs, Jordan even opened up the shop annhoir early for me as I was heading out of town asap. Jordan did the repairs and took his time with me in the shop, guiding me on tuning videos to check out and musicians making music with these instruments. also, I forget her name but the woman working the front desk was also very personable and à please to work with, hands down one of the best retail experiences I've had in a long time, highly recommended!!!

purchased this SOMNATH tabla 2 &1/2 years ago. The head looked used but it still sounded good…read more I Just found the head cracked in the case and when straps were removed, I discovered a huge crack in the wood that I hadn't noticed because it was under a strap. It has always been well protected in a hard case and the crack may have happened from wood being wet when shipped from India. It is a nice drum but it needed an expensive repair that I did not expect so soon after purchase.

Buying an oud has been a longtime dream of mine, and I finally decided to take the first step…read more After some research, I came across Timbre Folk & Baroque and visited the store yesterday. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed. I had the pleasure of meeting Mark and his daughter -- both were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They took the time to patiently answer all of my questions, without ever making me feel rushed or pressured to buy anything. That level of honesty and respect is rare these days, especially in retail. It was clear to me that they care more about helping people find the right instrument than just making a sale. If you're looking for a place where you can trust the people behind the counter, this is it. I'm truly grateful places like this still exist. Thank you, Mark!

Easy to work with, responsive, knowledgeable. Convenient location. Fixed my husband's old guitar…read moreand also will be taking lessons with Pete!

Love coming here to jam. You can spend hours here with all the different types of instruments.read more

I've been going to Guitar Centers ever since I started playing guitar over 20 years ago, and this…read moreEmeryville location has been a solid go-to spot. While it's on the smaller side compared to other locations, they still pack in a great selection of guitars, amps, pedals, and accessories. They also carry DJ gear, audio equipment, pianos, drums, and even have a recording section. One thing I really appreciate is the large test-playing area--you're free to try out a wide range of guitars, including some high-end models, without feeling like someone's hovering over you. They also have a used gear section, and I believe you can sell your own equipment here as well. This location offers lessons and repair services, which is great if you're looking to grow your skills or maintain your instrument. Another plus: they price match, which can really come in handy. The staff has always been friendly and laid-back, and there's even a security guard at the front, which adds a layer of comfort. And as a bonus, it's located right next to the Public Market--perfect for grabbing a bite before or after your visit. Plenty of parking available, and overall a convenient and dependable spot for musicians in the Bay Area.

I studied clawhammer banjo with Tim for six months, when I was just starting off. Now, a year…read morelater, I play actual gigs in a string band! I first reached out to Tim when my wife was interested in starting mandolin. She had no experience with string instruments and Tim was a warm and patient teacher for her. Her experience was so good, I picked up a banjo and headed to Tim's myself! Tim is a Bay Area treasure. Growing up in West Virginia and having played throughout the states, he brings a wealth of knowledge about the history of bluegrass and oldtime music, grounding his lessons in storytelling, the oldtimey way. This helps students develop a deep appreciation for the music and turned me on to players and styles I hadn't heard and might not otherwise have come across. He helped me develop a strong foundation and technique that has carried me through to today. We spent a lot of time honing in on my right hand technique and I still remind myself of his notes when I'm playing. Get on over to Tim's!

I started from scratch on the Mandolin 2 years ago, and Tim has been great to work with. In the…read morebeginning, he gave me very clear and motivational direction on how to play specific tunes. Then, as I progressed and developed my own style, Tim was very supportive of showing me how to express my own authentic voice on the Mandolin. Really, a dream come true - I have always wanted to express myself musically, and Tim has helped me do that more than anyone ... Thanks Tim! I highly recommend him for developing your own style and technique!

I'm so happy that Beats Antique store "Shadow Box" is open-! They have Beats antique merchants and…read moredesigners jewelries. All jewelries are one of kind and just beautiful-!!

Walked in for the 1st time not knowing it was there. Purchased some really cool leggings . With…read morekiller bee on the but haha. Very nice lady named Jenny working there. They have a small bit of clothing from local designers.