I spent hours here. The owners are super friendly and knowledgeable. They have a great selection of modules and some hard to get classic synths. Definitely a must for synth geeks and collectors.
Amazing new synth shop. Tons of modular stuff, and standalone instruments too. They have a lot of the gear put out to try and play with!
Owner will go out of his way to help you. Places like this will make SF great again!
2. Russo Music
Address: 4072 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94114 , Mission District , California , United States
The best music lessons in San Francisco! Nicole, one of the owners, is an extremely professional, talented individual. I also recommend them for instrument rentals in San Francisco. Thank you Russo Music!
Cool spot with some good deals.
Was there briefly on my spring break and bought some sheet music for a bargain.
Then I accidentally forgot my credit card there D:
But I called them and they had it and sent it to me! Very nice 🙂
They deserve 5 *’s!!!
Update 8/2019: things have much improved this year!
Great teachers in a terribly mismanaged shop. I’ve been going here for piano lessons for more than a year, and things have been getting markedly worse. One teacher didn’t show up last week, I still can’t figure out why: they no longer have someone at the front desk, so nobody picks up the phone and there is no voicemail; the person who usually answers emails has apparently been on vacation for the past few weeks without any backup, so it’s been impossible to schedule anything. A couple of months ago I noticed that I had accidentally not paid for my lessons for several months (!). I paid them back based on my own accounting, but it’s pretty clear they are not keeping track.
This is where we go to get strings for my son’s guitars, he also enjoys playing a little everytime we go.
What an absolutely horrible experience. I came in with the intention of renting a bass guitar and inquiring about lessons. I reached out by phone to get details and was messaged by text. I replied about my interest and got a lame short answer on price. I waited for the advertised store hours and made the 45min drive. I stepped inside and there was no assistance. While I was waiting some short stubby pregnant woman came prancing in. It appeared to me that she was a parent to one of the kids. I decided to step out for a quick walk on the street because I attended the junior high around the corner and also sold newspapers on this street after school. This was a huge throwback for me.
I returned 20min later to find this stubby angry pregnant woman was an employee or something else, maybe store manager. I really do not care which or her role. Her demeanor to me was so freaking rude and un inviting. I sat down to wait for her to finish with a child lesson. Then she spoke to me in such a demeaning manner about doing business by appointment. I told her that it would have been nice if she had told me that with the text. Her smug remark was that i should have told her that I would be going in today. Isn’t that the lamest response ever?
What a despicable and ugly person she is when I’m trying to give her my business. I was really looking forward to the opportunity to start music lessons at 50yrs old. And this is the experience I get for trying to give to a small business in my old neighborhood? Jesus. I rechecked their website and found no mention about by appointment only. This place, her in particular, absolutely sucks. I hope they go out of business soon enough or get bought by a respectable owner.
If you want respectable music lessons and service check out Manor Music in Pacifica. Plenty of parking. They are awesome. It’s just that they don’t rent music equipment otherwise I’d be there without a second thought. I had my son take drum lessons with them. That’s how I know.
I don’t normally write a review for a place from which I didn’t buy anything, but the front desk blond lady was exceptionally rude when I stopped in. Jokes on me for trying to browse a local music shop to get something for my trumpet? I guess I’ll take her advice and “just get it online”. Yeesh.
3. Steve’s Guitars of San Francisco
Address: 419 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94103 , Mission District , California , United States
A truly amazing selection of guitars and the owner really knows his stuff and has a great sense of humor. Better to make an appointment first, because it is just him there and he is busy with his internet sales.
The guitars are shiny,smooth and play well
Muy bonitas sus tiendas
I must say wow you all must see
I was wondering if your store buys guitars. Or even appraisal. I just wanted to get a 4th opinion just so I’m sure about something. I’ve been there before and thought highly of your store so I know your opinion would be pretty much fact. ?
Bought a high end guitar from Steve last year. Wouldn’t deal w him ever again. Seems disorganized. Sloppy packing and shipping. In reviewing his emails, he can’t keep anything straight on exactly what he’s selling.
Information not accurate about hours. Disappointed
What’s with the ego at this place? Come on. Nobody should have to enjoy music and have to be subjected to a guitar salesman’s ego. Sure your probably great or something but an ego about it all. Leave it at home. It kills the whole reason music exists.
4. Blackbird Guitars
Address: 2180 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110 , Mission District , California , United States
Great for synth enthusiasts of the modular inclination. Knowledgable and friendly. This place is great.
Place is amazing! So much great gear and great service.
Awesome synth shop. Store owner has a really cool collection and was playing when we entered. They have live nights once a month I believe. On a Saturday. Can’t remember exactly when
A great “hole in the wall” for electric musicians. Only place in the area that sells modular gear.
THE local eurorack store. They host lots of community events.
8. Rock River Music
Address: 520 Hampshire St #202, San Francisco, CA 94110 , Mission District , California , United States
Great Store, great staff! I’ve been going here for years and never disappointed. Don’t forget about the practice rooms in the back!
Clean store, vast selection and repair services. Following COVID-19 standards. Cool stuff!
These guys are seasoned musicians (like decades of professional experience) so they know the best gear and really hooked me up when I bought a horn there. Oh and they are really nice guys.
First time here today. Absolutely Amazing. Amazing selection of Vinyl’s especially the Clearance section. Only had an hour for parking, so could only look for so long. Can’t wait till I go back.
They are very helpful
This review is for Ms. Jessica. We had Ms Jessica as our substitute teacher this summer. She is very good with young kids. My son enjoyed to learn piano lesson from her.
They sell more expensive one of the product that cost 35$ they sell it for $60
Hours are not correct
Truly unbelievable. I highly recommend you do not waste your time patronizing this store. I am a professional violinist. I am able to live in a nicer area of San Francisco due to my talent and experience with the violin specifically. I have had the amazing opportunity to play violins worth near a quarter of a million dollars just to show my style of playing. I am recorded on many works of music. And usually I am greeted with kindness and excitement. Apparently my aesthetic was too much for these people. As they refused to allow me to even touch or try out a German made full size Guarnari copy for a low price of 2700$. (Yes I know this sounds like a lot, but for professional grade instruments, this is not a high price at all.) I had to basically force them to even show me anything above student grade. And even then, they talked down to me, treated me as if I were unintelligent, uninformed riff raff, and we’re purposely vague about anything having to do with the information on the violin I wanted to look at. The old woman at the desk was literally saying insults under her breath, and making noises of disapproval when I asked about their stock. She had me believing that they had only two student grade violin’s available for purchase. The elderly gentleman who seemed to be an employee was whisked a few feet away when he began to give me too much information it seemed. I told them very politely that I was extremely disappointed in The way they were choosing to interact with me, as I had never been there before and they had no idea of my budget for a new instrument. I had a guarnari copy, full size, German made, from the 1920’s without any lacquer and an extended bridge that caused a very specific indentation on the body stolen from me in San Leandro a few months ago. There was a violin that matched that exact look down to the past details on consignment in this shop. I had nothing in my mind about This being my stolen violin. However, considering I was dressed novel,and yes I have tattoos and a nose ring, I could not, for the life of me, understand WHY these people were acting so strangely. So rude. The only conclusion I can come to is that they may have come by this particular violin from an irreputable source. There is no other reason I can think of for the excessively rude experience I had. It’s either that, or they prejudiced against anyone who has any semblance of an alternative look to them. Either way, it was an atrocious experience. Save yourself the trouble and go to ifshin violins for any of your needs. Literally, it was such an outwardly rude interaction, with no shame from the owner/employee, that it was surreal. I am very soft spoken. And very polite. Unacceptable behavior. Very disappointed.
10. Real Guitars
Address: 15 Lafayette St, San Francisco, CA 94103 , Mission District , California , United States
This is the way a guitar store is meant to be. The staff is knowledgeable, the gear ranges from what you would want to start to some gems that you rarely find in stores for seasoned players. Not to mention the general vibe is awesome. The only drawback is I would like to be able to play more guitars without always asking the staff. Mainly because I don’t like bugging them because they are so relaxed and I feel like a nuisance.
This is the best previously owned guitar store in the entire city of San Francisco. They feature a fantastic collection of vintage guitars and amps along with a very knowledgeable staff. Whether you are musician passing through or you live locally you will love this store!
I found a instrument from Real Guitars in an online search. Called them up and they answered my call, took my order, and shipped it to me very quickly. The instrument was a great price and in the advertised condition. I had a very positive experience with Real Guitars. Recommended! 🙂
A [real] guitar shop! Not a big box distribution outlet. Great vintage selections. Nice ol’ wise staff. They don’t make’em like this anymore
It seems there’s an okay selection of guitars there.. but I had to leave when this obnoxious dude plugged a guitar and it was so loud that The owner had to yell to talk to the customer he was helping .
Father and son team really know guitars! It’s like stepping into a time machine. Cool guitars and, if you need your guitar serviced, this is the place.
When I called, an employee just hung up after speaking with very little interest. I was just about to buy a guitar here but after this conversation I’m definitely not going to.
I have bought a Gibson ES125t 1964. Im not an expert, I just liked it. They sold it to me without telling me anything about the details im about to unveil.
It has nails covering up an old repair, and it needs a huge overwhole. They could have say something but the old man choosed not to…. because he knew I wouldnt notice.
Well done fellas, here is my review and I hope many other guys like me read it before buying something from you. There is no dignity in making money that way.
I will never ever buy anything again from you.
Never opens when he says he’ll be open. Unreliable and frustrating.
11. Stranded Records SF
Address: 1055 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110 , Mission District , California , United States
Claire is a wonderful teacher and the space is clean, warm and inviting. Def advise taking lessons here.
I feel so blessed to have found the studio and to have Phil as my piano teacher! LMS is my family!
This is an awesome school and music community. My kids have taken lessons here for piano and percussion here for years and love it. I took a singing class I enjoyed. I would highly recommend Little Mission for all ages and music abilities!
13. Discodelic
Address: 3174 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110 , Mission District , California , United States
This was recommended to me when I called a different store, looking for a 3/4 size guitar. Bill was very helpful in helping me choose a guitar for my kid. He also restrung my guitar while answering my questions patiently. They have a variety of guitars for more experienced musicians and they have some books for purchase as well.
Guitars First Class Selection One Stop
Great customer service and provided us with care, can’t get any better than this. A bunch a guitars to chose from and a bunch of starter books. Guitar cases too! There’re are a lot of things to look at in here, I would say that anything you’re looking for is in this shop.
Great place to buy or sight-seeing string musical instruments. Nice and kind staff that is ready to help and give advices to the costumers.
Very nice collection of guitars and ukuleles and accessories, plus a fantastic store manager
Don’t let them sell your instruments on consignment. It will take you years to get the money once they’ve sold it. I know several people who have done this and they all had to wait a very long time for the money once the guitar was sold.
Crabby guy works the counter here. A no go even if they have good stock.
Rang the doorbell. Man slowly came to open the door, no hello, no welcome. We looked around, saw two great guitars, pointed at them excitedly to each other, and were completely ignored until we left empty handed,
15. Different Fur Studios
Address: 3470 19th St, San Francisco, CA 94110 , Mission District , California , United States
One of my favorite places in the world to record music. Great live room, amazing gear, rad people, super fresh production room, incredible location. Such a classic staple studio for San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. So many amazing records have been made here, really look forward to making many more in the future!
Best studio in the Bay Area. Equipment wise this place brings the orginal San Francisco sound back to this city.
Studio A is one of the easiest studios to work out of. With lots of choice gear, a great sounding and comfortable environment, what’s not to like?
16. Tone of Music Audio
Address: 1303 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114 , Mission District , California , United States
Very knowledgeable, very friendly, second to none equipment
I was looking for a replacement cartridge for my record player. Tim was super helpful.
I haven’t bought anything from Tim yet, but he’s been great in our phone discussions about my quest for the best amp for my Devore 93 speakers. The lines he carries are further evidence of his taste and high standards.
Zero stars! I must not have met Tim,, but a crabby, unhelpful and dismissive person who said he was the owner. Google says “in store shopping”, and I wanted to shop locally, so I drive 5 miles, to be told its “appointment only.” He didn’t ask me what I was shopping for, as I could’ve conducted my business mostly, at the door. There was nobody else in the shop except for one person, eating, obviously a friend not a customer. I said why don’t you just let me come in (I’m vaccinated) as there’s nobody inside. No. Go away; not even a “can you come back in 15 minutes when my friend finishes eating?” THIS is why places like this deserve to be put out of business by Amazon! He just lost a potential large sale.
17. Power Electronics
Address: 2388 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 , Mission District , California , United States
what a great store, you can find things very cheap, and the owner of this store is awesome very kind and good behiever person” totally worth it
The store is open no matter what. It could be a big earthquake and I will still be open……. Edward R. Vega
Found what I needed fast & it was a good deal!
Para sus conpras elxtronicas
I went in to buy a charger for my iphone. The guy gives me a wall cube and a 10 foot cord. Nothing wrong there– its what I asked for. I was doing laundry across the street and my phone was on 3% and I needed to take a lyft back home. I paid $16+ For the merchandise. I went to the laundromat, only to find that the charger doesn’t work. I tried another outlet, same result. I inspected the cord. It was rusty. I plugged my old cord into the cube. It also didnt work. I walk back across the street. The guy plugs my phone into something anf it charges. He takes two staples and plucks out some lint from my phone and tells me that they would charge $60 for this service at at&t. He says to give his bussiness a good review on yelp as he plugs in my phone to a charger of a different color. I dont realize this as I am buying his snake oil and am a moron. I leave. Go bavk across the street and plug back in my phone. It still doesn’t work. I complain to the guy behind the counter (refusing to believe that the svumbag across the street would trick me twice because I am from Alaska and this sort of thing is alien to me) that the wall outlets must be broken. The guy from the coffee shop in landre lets me borrow his cube. I plug my old cable into the cube and it works fine. I try to use both things that I got from power electronics seperately. Neither work. I am good and swindled. The the heck? Over $16. What a scummy place.
They ripped me off. I found the same product online $40 dollars cheaper.
You don’t find parts
18. Music Exchange | Piano Store in San Francisco, CA
Address: 700 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109 , Mission District , California , United States
Ann was very helpful at finding us a beautiful piano for our daughter. Thanks Ann!
Great sales Ann Wu!
Highly recommended! A wonderful experience shopping for and buying my new digital piano.
Music Exchange
We had a great experience with Gary at Music Exchange. He is very nice and patience. Finally, we purchased a digital piano for my daughter a couple weeks ago. She really loves it. It is the best recommendation for us!
The crew of delivery was on time, unpacked and set it up before delivery. That saved our time.
However, we have two things to complain. They missed the bundle of piano accessories and they did not take out their shoes walking through our carpet flooring. That was not a good experience for us because we never met the delivery wearing their shoes or without shoe covers walking through our unit.
We called Gary for help regarding the piano accessories. Gary is very helpful sending us the supporting immediately. Excellent work, Gary!
Yamaha Pianos Selling
We really wanted to see some pianos and were ready to spend good money, but apparently this store is by appointment only. It’s a Saturday noon, and the store hours are till six and there is a seller inside, who opened up the door just to let us know that he will not let us in, because we don’t have an appointment… to buy what they offer. Your loss.
We were in the market for grand. We came to the store and associate refused to let us in since we didn’t have an appointment. Guess what? There are other, more hospitable stores in the Bay Area. If you want to sit alone in the empty store without customers, please keep up.
19. Groove Merchant Records
Address: 687 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 , Mission District , California , United States
Great record store. If you’re into soul music / old school hip hop, this is definitely the record store for you. More soul selection that other places like AMoeba or Rasputin.
It was after shop working hours and the owner waited till I found the vinyl to take home!
This place should be a musuem. Nah, scratch that it’s better than a museum
Great neighborhood record shop with a nice selection.
Nice store but on the expensive side.
Helpful staff and great digging. Pricey.
Don’t buy anything online from these people. Sent me a record without a jacket.
Social media said shop would be open to 7pm and we went out of our way to get there by 6:35pm… Shop was closed when we got there and person inside did not respond to our window knock… only in town today and travelling from overseas… a shame to miss
Don’t ask for a deal or haggle on the price for various items with the owner or he’ll hurl verbal abuse at you. BE AWARE! He can be very caustic and is very rude in his responses. Shame cause the store is really cool and the store has some great items- although the records are $5-8 more expensive than most places in the Bay Area.
20. Pulser Music Services
Address: San Francisco, CA 94107 , Mission District , California , United States
