I was having some intonation problems with my guitar. When the open strings were tuned the 12th frets would be sharp. I found these guys through Yelp on a recent Sunday, dropped it off around 5, and it was ready on Tuesday. The action was fine before but now it's even better and it plays like butter. The set-up, new strings, and a strap set me back about half of what other places charge. Well under a hundred bones. The guy behind the counter was friendly and talkative, asking me about what style of music I play etc.. Good vibes here, I would definitely recommend. Support this shop! read more

So I bought a guitar a while back and started to learn..Then got distracted by life. I got tired of that guitar staring at me saying "Nick..I'm another one of your fleeting ADHD obsessions you cast aside"..and went online to find the nearest place to get a replacement 6th string that looked decent. It's a cute little shop with new and used guitars and ukeleles. Thing here seemed reasonably priced. .Which surprised me since it's Alameda. I saw the epiphany acoustic I've been admiring online for $20-30 less (not allowed to get it till I know basics). The gentleman who owns she shop was really friendly and was helpful and not condescending about my guitar inexperience. He didn't try to up sell me either. This will be my go - to place. read more

Reviews seem to agree that this has become a much friendlier, more professionally run store since Rylan took over. The inventory seems to be the familiar, eclectic mix of new and used instruments -- covering many price points, and including things you won't find elsewhere. An example of their flexibility: I called up looking for an aftermarket neck for a Squier Strat I'd just bought. (I wanted to swap its rosewood fretboard for maple.) Rylan said, "Well, we have a couple of used Squier Strats with maple 'boards. Come on in, show me your neck, and we might do a swap." So, one trip, one screwdriver (store-provided), and a very fair $30 later, my guitar had the neck I wanted, the store's guitar had my old neck, anb both looked better and played as well as before. (Props to Fender quality control for making these components so cleanly interchangeable, right down to bolt-hole placement.) And as a bonus, Rylan taught me how to properly string a guitar. Lifelong loyalty ensured. read more

Wow. Talk about costumer service. Everyone in here is so nice, and really knowledgable and into what they are doing. The owner is awesome. My 11 year old daughter and I came in to get her first guitar. They didn't have the right size in stock so he ordered it, and let her take another home for 2 weeks until the other came in so she didn't have to go home empty handed! So kind! Then, it started making this funny vibrating noise a few months later. I brought it in and he swapped it out no problem! This is the only place you will get such personalized attention AND it's no more expensive than ordering online. It's a no brainer. This is THE music store worth traveling for. read more

We LOVE the guys here!!!! Everyone is sooo nice to us EVERYTIME (even when we dont buy ANYTHING). EVERYONE here has always been very helpful, super knowledgeable and passionate about music. My daughter is only 6 and the guys here ALWAYS makes her feel like a superstar. We love supporting our local businesses and TOTALLY appreciate that the guys at thin man ALWAYS gives us ALL the attention and HELP us with EVERYTHING. The guitar center may be a lot bigger and have MORE products on display, but they dont have staff like this. This is priceless. ;) thanks guys. read more

I've been going here for a billion years give or take a cambrian epoch or two. Dave is great with common repairs and set ups, for more delicate work I like SF Guitarworks. If you're looking for a nice budget used acoustic guitar or mandolin this is an amazing place. The electric stuff is pretty random and rarely all that interesting. I just wish that they had more. The east bay needs a really nice boutique guitar shop and this certainly isn't it....but I just wish that it were. read more

I love this place. If acoustic guitars, banjos, ukuleles, banj-ukes, mandolins, dulcimers, autoharps or anything else folky is your thing...this is your place. Love the service and the atmosphere is awesome. read more

Don't waste your time or money here; customer service is nonexistent and the selection is poor. I took some equipment in for repair and the whole process took over a month. There was a complete lack of communication from the staff--no one ever called me with status updates, and when I left messages they were never returned. I was a long-time customer, but over the years it seems they care less and less about the people who patronize their business, so I am taking mine elsewhere. read more

I can't say how much I really like this place. I brought my uncle's guitar in he gave me about a year before he died- so the last thing I wanted to do is leave it with some crazy guitar shop. The man at the counter at Thin Man Music Co took pride in what he did. He re-strung it for me for a nominal fee, and repaired a tiny broken piece on the headstock. A came back another time on a Monday, not knowing they were closed and an employee came out (must have been there to get something) and tuned it for me outside. I had just stopped to get it tuned since I don't know how to play yet he went ahead and did for me at no charge. He totally made my day. Hope everyone interested in music gives this place a try, I know I did and will continue to. Many thanks Thin Man! read more

I cannot express what a great job Rylan (in house guitar tech) did on my guitar. I took my Fender Startocaster, my "Baby" in for the most serious of all overhauls possible, a complete new re fret job. And the quality of work & attentiveness I got was nothing short of FANTASTIC ! I am someone who never hesitated to go to S.F. & spend far more with another highly respected & recognized shop here in the West Coast USA but decided to give my local guy a try & I couldn't be happier, sincerely.; I highly recommend Thin Man & I hope to be doing business with them for a long time. Thanks Rylan, "shes signing like a bird" GG :) read more

I bought a Mainland Classic Concert ukulele from Laurence White via Craigslist. I'm a sloppy guitarist who started on a cheap, tiny soprano ukulele that was too small for me. I enjoyed the simple pleasure of uke playing, but also felt that my particular instrument was getting in the way of my enjoyment. I started stalking guitar stores on my lunch break, pining after ukuleles priced in the $500-$1000 range, and also looking on Craigslist for people who lost interest and wanted to sell their nice ukes. You know how it is on Craigslist when you're looking for one thing for a long time: I kept seeing Laurence's posts and they started seeming like a more and more interesting idea. He says he's obsessive about good action (the distance between the fingerboard and the string) and that the uke he was selling is the best quality at the best price. I was skeptical, but after trying the mid-priced ukes at every guitar store in San Francisco, I decided to buy one of Laurence's ukes, sight unseen and action un-fretted. I cannot account for the recklessness of my decision-making process here; I just had a good feeling and thought that a conscientious luthier would probably be able to adjust a so-so instrument into something solidly usable. So I went for it. He mailed it promptly because I was too impatient to wait for the next time he was driving to the East Bay for in-person delivery. I got it the next day, and came home from a long day, opened up the box, and found simply the most beautiful uke I've ever seen, and an absolute joy to play. I was, and remain, over the moon. The uke arrived perfectly in tune, the action really is sublime, the tuning machines are incredible -- I tried $300 ukes that did not have as many good qualities as this one that I bought from Laurence for $169. Now I'm considering how much better my life can be if I can have a luthier attend to all of my instruments with the expert care that Laurence put into my simple ukulele. read more

I called about my guitar that I needed to have repaired. He said he could take a look at it. I was told by someone at Guitar Center that my guitar had a bowed neck and would not be able to be played well. I brought it in Thin Man Music Co and he looked at it and said he could make an adjustment. I can't remember the adjustment he made. The strings were no longer high off the fret board like before. He tuned it and said the strings and all were in good shape. And It cost me very little and now I can play my guitar again!! Thank you!! read more

i had 3 guitars repaired recently, a martin, an old gibson and a very old epiphone. they did an excellent job at an excellent price. i think it's a great store. read more

I think the name of this shop is misleading -- it isn't a "company" in any respect that I can fathom. They don't seem to want business. I've tried three times now to make simple purchases -- guitar strings, some picks, etc., and each time I've waited and waited while no one says anything to me at all. I'd say "can you sell me some strings" if it were clear who is working there; but it's not. There's a couple people sitting at the back playing guitar and talking together. It felt rude to interrupt. read more

Mark is a true musician. His love for music is as infectious as it is learned. Patience and inspiration are the tools with which he plies his craft. You will learn much from this man so go forth and play. You will not be sorry. read more

I've had a few guitars repaired here. really nice people, down to earth. fast great job. if you live on Alameda, this is the place to go.

I have been playing guitar for 14 years, and learned all I could on my own. I needed help to progress in playing lead guitar, and found a wonderful teacher in Mark McGee. Mark very patient, kind, and always finds a way to explain that I can understand. I am an adult student and he never makes me feel bad about mistakes, or having to repeat or explain a technique. I recommend his lessons whole-heartedly! He has a passion for Guitar and also for teaching. A terrific teacher and a very positive person. read more

Good local place. I like their selection of guitars/basses--runs the gamut from cheap to higher prices. Something for everyone. I come here often for plectrums and cords. Their customer service has somewhat improved--they don't 100% ignore you when you walk in anymore, which I always thought was strange (are they in business to sell stuff or what? :) ). Happy to come here and glad it's a 5 minute walk from my house. read more

I really love Thin Man. I usually come in on the weekends and the place is fairly busy, but the staff are always incredibly friendly and helpful. I bought my first classical guitar there, and my second one, too. They have a nice selection and are always getting new instruments in trade, so there are always fun guitars to try out. Salesmen are superb! So knowledgable and not snooty or condescending. I will always come here first when I am looking for a stringed instrument, even though it is not super close to my house. Rock on, Thin Man! read more

i went to these guys with my left handed 1970s dean Cadillac i bought, i was trying to save money by install seymour duncans by my self, only to mess up and didn't realize their were single coil setups going on. the wires were in but nothing sound, i told the guy and he said no worries and then i got a call saying it was done and i picked it up the same day and the cost was cheap! Updated: the shop has a new owner and i love what he has done with the place, more lively, and more space. the neck on my left handed flying V was coming off due to the screw splitting the wood making it pop out more (china made guitar). i took it in and the guys said no problem and got it done today. i'm amazed how quick they get things done and under 40 bones! they made me a regular customer to fix my guitars. read more

These guys are awesome. I am in the Army and move every couple of years and unfortunately GC has been the closest guitar store to me in recent assignments. So far I've learned that there is not much the guys at Thin Man can't and wont do to help. I will not go anywhere else now for my guitar gear needs. i am not a pro or anything. I play for fun and at Thin Man that is cool and they don't look down there noses at you for it. I modded my bridge and Dave set it up based on the mod and it plays better than ever. Just received new pickups so I will post again about that project. read more

These are the kind of people you want to do business with. Personable, knowledgeable, and down to earth. I recorded vocals at the Thin Man with the owners son, who can play and sing anything. what an amazing family and what a gift for Alameda. read more

Bit of a bizarre place, and I wouldn't take a guitar there for a setup, but their string prices are good. I needed a good plectrum supply at my new house, and this place is close. 3 stars. read more

Dave at Thin Man Music is GREAT! I was in a pinch for having my input jack replaced, just about to leave for a little tour. Dave was nice on the phone when I called, had me come right down and made the repair right then and there! Was swift, efficient and friendly. Totally affordable too! Good guy and great store. Noticed a bunch of awesome equipment. read more

Knowing this place is liking adding family ! The gang of regulars here are the most eclectic guitar virtuosos and axe genius' in the greater bay. All the pros that get stuck in a bind consistantly rely on these fretboard gurus. Bands will ferry in from the City(SF if your alien) because of the experts here. run into regulars like DJs, hillbillies, jazz greats, and GIT studs all found just mulling about. Larry is a blue grass god ! his knowledge of instruments and skill at effectively preserving guitars is priceless. I lived in Alameda for several years and in the time I was there I met over a dozen star musicians each year. Now I live in Texas and send for custom string sets . If you are lucky to get to meet his son he is both courteous and helpful, a bit scary at first but...I digress. Many years playing music has made them a bit distant and It may take a while to get repairs done. But they are okay with getting reminder calls ..These guys are not exactly businessmen when it comes to the calender. BUt for great deals, expert suggestions, general knowledge and gear in a pinch when jamming the east bay... you cant go wrong. Thin man is like having a guitar family. read more

Larry is a genuine, honest fellow who loves what he does. I bought my first ukulele from him. He spent close to two hours with me, playing and showing me the differences in the instruments. By the end, I felt like I was making a purchase from a trusted friend. No sales pitch or pressure was felt in the slightest way. He just wanted me to be happy with my purchase. I believe more people playing, the happier he is. He will always be my "go to" guy for repairs and purchases. read more

Thin Man is no longer a retail shop. But they still do repairs and service based out of Oakland. The number is the same, give them a call.

Wish I could rate them -5 stars my repair is still not complete after 16 months. Never walk in this store and expect customer service or timely repairs ever!!! Completely unprofessional! No sense of communication or customer service worst repair experience I have ever seen in my 20 years of having my pro audio equipment repaired. wish it was possible to give a -5 stars! Totally convinced that Thin Man music is a business front for some sort of illegal venture based on their complete disregard for customer service odd repair hours Fishy understanding of service and complete disregard for service in a timely manner. I brought in a piece of equipment they claimed would be repaired into 2 weeks it has been nine months they have made a piece of equipment worse and above all haven't finished in fact they broke part of it! this business should be closed down and examined with a fine tooth comb by the IRS and the Better Business Bureau! Furthermore my experience is so bad I AM IN THE PROCESS of reporting them to the Better Business Bureau and taking them to small claims court. I suggest you never do business with them, take guitar lessons with them or recommend them to anyone you know or care about for your sake unless you wish to invest in their front! Find a different music store before ever walking through their door!! read more

I don t know how these guys run their shop, there is no service, the old long haired guy working there basically ignored me, payed me no mind and answered my questions with A-A-Attitude. Don't take your instruments here for repairs or to sell on consignment, My friend was selling his Les Paul custom here and it got stolen and the shop did nothing to right the situation (they basically stole $2000 from him.) This is my local music store, so I do buy stings etc. But I wouldn't trust them with my equipment, everybody tells me their repairs take forever. The tall younger guy who works there seems to be friendly and knowledgeable and strings and picks and stuff are much cheaper than the other music store in town. this place needs to get it together! read more

I have been playing guitar for about 8 years (started in my 20's) and got lessons here from Leroy. Leroy is a very good instructor, very knowledgeable, very proficient in his playing (taught me Classical and the Blues) but sometimes looses focus (in my case, I did too, because we would end up in jam sessions during my lesson times!). He was pretty hard on me which made be a better player, and 8 years later, I can pretty much play anything. Larry, the owner is very cool. I bought all my guitars from this place, and when ever anything went wrong, or I broke something, Larry usually fixes it up for me for free or a very small, minimal charge. Great deals are to be had here as they have a large collection of guitars, from vintage to starters. Larry also accepts trade-ins, on a very fair and equal basis. I love it here. I use to come here on Fridays after work and talk about life with Larry, Leroy and other Friday locals too burn of some steam. For me, this has always been like my barbershop, but instead of getting my haircut, I could pick up a guitar, play a couple toons and talk politics, women, food or whatever with other musicians. I still buy my guitars exclusively from this shop because Larry isn't trying to rip me off, but help me as a fellow musician. This is a Alameda institution and somewhat of a museum, except that you can touch and play the pieces! read more

This place is fantastic. Ryland was super helpful in finding me new speakers. Great service and shop!

Can't say enough great things about Thin Man Music, Rylan was fantastic in helping me get my bass set up, adjusted and cleaned. Very happy with the results and he couldn't be a nicer guy. Always happy to meet new neighbors here in Alameda. Excellent fast service, I will definitely be coming back for all my guitar needs and recommend you do as well! read more

Mark McGee has been my teacher for about two and a half years now, and he has taught me alot of what I know now. He`s very patient, has alot to teach, and he knows how to teach so that I can actually understand it, he`s also a fun person to be around. Before I was being taught by him I had already gotten the basics of the guitar. So, I just needed to get my soloing down. Me and him are still working on it, but so far I have felt and heard an improvement. Such a great teacher. Max read more

I bought a goatskin banjo head from Laurence. It was very cost effective and he shipped it immediately. Thanks Laurence!

My daughter has been having guitar lesson here with Mark for the past twelve months. He is a great teacher - very patient and helps students learn to play the music they are genuinely interested in. This is a big plus and keeps the motivation for learning very high. I can't recommend Mark highly enough. read more

I brought my Epiphone LP Standard to these guys for a complete frets replacement because they were the only place whose estimate for doing the job wasn't nearly twice what i paid for the guitar itself ( or, put another way, i could get a brand new Standard for what those other guys wanted just for replacing the frets on my used one ). Okay, it was about twice as long as the original estimate for when it should be ready, until it was completed and ready for me to pick up. But i'd made clear from the beginning that having it done quickly was far less important than having it done right, and what i got from them is clearly a job done right. I've never played, much less owned, any other guitar with such low and smooth action before. Despite how low the action is now, there is no fret buzz anywhere on any string or fret. And my guitar which had terrific sustain before, now has simply phenomenal sustain, tone, and playability. And all the fret edges are smooth and polished and "invisible" to the touch while moving up and down the fretboard. There were no "surprises" at the register when i came to pick it up, no "Well, we had to _________ , so that's another $_____ " . What they quoted me before i brought it in was what they charged me when i came to pick it up, not a penny more. Completely satisfied and impressed customer, i am. read more

Once I finally got to the shop and talked in person with the owner and his son, I had a very nice experience there. It was just a little daunting needing things fixed quite quickly and living in SF, I had to rely on dropping off my instrument with instructions. In the end all worked out really well and I enjoyed their shop. I feel like they'd handle whatever else I needed done and it's really way better than a big shop like Guitar Center. read more

The couple times I've been in, I've encountered two gentleman, both were really nice and knowledgeable,and completely down to earth, no sign of self grandeur or negative vibes. They were super helpful with tips to help me construct a cigar box guitar. I live in oakland and I could just as easy go to to best music, but a friendly atmosphere is always a comfortable place to spend money. THANKS THIN MAN!! read more

I don't know what has happened to my favorite ole school music shop but it appears that this place is on it's way out. Inventory is down to almost nothing but really low quality guitars. Not a descent fender or gibson in the place. This is really unfortunate because it was one of the last small town mom and pop guitar shops around. Guitar Center has probably contributed to its demise which is deeply saddening. read more

This is a great little music store. Some great guitar finds, as well as great service.