I came across an ad for a free handpan lesson. I was so excited because handpan music has been so calming and that's all I've been listening to lately. It was such an amazing experience. We were lucky and got to experience Liron Man play for us since he was here for a music convention. He's been playing for 20 years and you can definitely feel how much heart he puts into his music. It is Dave's shop and he was very sweet. He actually makes the hand pans which is very cool. Daniel was our instructor and he was very engaging and funny. I loved his energy. He told us about the different types of handpans and went over the rhythm, melody, harmony, and silence. Daniel was kind and went around the room to individually help everyone. I'm so glad I got to try it out. I'll definitely be coming back as it's $75 for an hour lesson. It's also $150 a month to rent out a handpan which also goes toward the payment for if you decide to buy. read more

Dave's Island Instruments - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lakewood, California

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I didn't know I wanted a ukulele until I saw an Instagram Ad for a free session, which then drew me in for a quick hour. After a quick introduction, the story, and the lesson, I realized I indeed wanted one... just a matter of when. The lesson here was amazing. I didn't leave playing a full-fledged song (I'm a first-timer), but I left with knowledge, motivation, and a thirst for more. There was no pressure to buy any instruments or to sign up for any products. The only difficult part was finding parking. The plaza is U-shaped, with businesses along the U but not much parking around for customers. Some cars were parked in unofficial spots, so I would recommend planning for parking during your visit. read more

Dave is the best! I have been coming to his weekly community steel drum class for a year now and it has been amazing! He is an amazing teacher and puts so much effort into ensuring our success. He has gone so far out of his way and been so generous in numerous ways to help me in my steel drum progression. He really cares about his students and can meet them where they're at. Somehow he supports all different skill levels at the same time! He breaks down the songs and the notes in a very digestible way, even for a total beginner to be successful! He is so friendly and creates a space where it's ok to to not be very skilled. The community he has created is so fun and welcoming. He is an amazing guy and a great teacher! Highly recommend for any of your island instrument needs read more

Came for rental handpan and pickup was easy. Daniel took the time to show me the pro models and the way to practice. If you want to buy a handpan or ukelele, this would the place. If you rent a handpan for 3 months you can apply that towards a handpan purchase. They also offer online handpan courses via Dii Community. read more

I came on a day when they were offering a handpan class. Daniel Tim Tim is such a great instructor. He has amazing vibes. I also stayed for the ukulele class. I love what they're doing here and I look forward to supporting them at other events!!! read more

This piece of Art is worth every penny, I still play the Luna Clarity Eleven almost every day. Dave is a super humble artist with a killer team. read more

Dave's Island Instruments - Luna Clarity Eleven Handpan - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lakewood, California

First of all, let me begin by explaining the four-star rating: the selection of ukuleles is limited to a few brands. Had there been more variety, I would have given the store five stars. Second of all, try not to rely on GPS to get you there. GPS will get you to the general area. After that, you should rely on your experience with finding addresses based on street numbers. The store itself is small, but the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. There are mostly Ohana and Makala ukuleles. The store has a good supply of accessories, from uke straps and cases to capos. The coolest product is a vast array of steel drums. I know nothing about steel drums, so I cannot begin to comment on them. However, if you look at the pictures I have posted, you can see that Dave's Island Instruments probably has something you can use. read more

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I didn't get to go in person but I did get to do a video call and purchased the aurous handpan! Daniel and Kari helped and was able to add in the stand last minute! I am real happy with the service and product! read more

Dave's Island Instruments - Aurous handpan - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lakewood, California

This review is for the booth that Dave's Island Instruments had set up at the Long Beach Funk Festival. In my past life, and by that I mean a decade ago, I used to play in a steel drum band. Triple guitars represent! :) Dave's Island Instruments didn't exist back when I used to play. But Smarty Pans did and this is the same owner! I've known about Dave's Island Instruments for many years now but I've never made it out to the actual store. So I was eager to stop by their booth at the Long Beach Funk Festival. The owner and staff is super friendly! They even had some pans out on display and they encouraged me to pick up the ol' mallets to play a bit of pan music. Flashbacks of my reggae/soca/calypso music-filled early 20's came rushing back! I also got a chance to check out a something called Hand Pan which basically looks like an inverted steel drum that doesn't require mallets to play. Very cool! Unlike Smarty Pans, Dave's Island Instruments sells more than just steel drums. There's also ukulele's galore! As somebody who has danced hula for eight years (even though I haven't danced in two years), I really appreciate the sound of live ukuleles and Hawaiian music. I subscribe to the newsletter and DII's has weekly ukulele jam sessions for all levels. So to end this review, I'd like to leave you with three songs: 1) One of my favorite pan songs to play when I was a steel drummer: http://youtu.be/CTuTJM0UVf0 2) One of my favorite Hawaiian songs to hula dance to: http://youtu.be/4WFiuNgQvHI 3) And this awesome song by a hipster with a ukulele: http://youtu.be/9FT1v65c1lI Cheers :) read more

Daniel TimTim taught a FREE, yes that's right FREE, ukulele class to any/all. 3/23 Even if you don't have one they have loaners if you want to try it. If you do guaranteed you'll be hooked! He has the patience and skills of a great teacher. Next class, if you're thinking about getting uke fever go We even had a short jam session! Strum on! read more

I just bought a hand pan!!! I did sooooooo much research before I went with them. After listening to several, I liked their hand pans the best. I have never dealt with a better company. They are friendly beyond and did a zoom call with me to demonstrate and help me pick the best. They took their time with me and cared. They were the only of the company with super quick email responses. They make you feel like family. They stand behind their products, have quality products, theirs has less upkeep (you don't have to worry about rust), accurately tuned (Dave is an expert at that). I can't say enough good about Kari and the whole team there. The hand pans are super beautiful too. They even have online learning opportunities. 1,000 stars if I could. read more

Stumbled in by accident, as this is right around the corner from my home. Took a free ukulele lesson from Daniel, and now I am hooked! Hopeful that group lessons will open soon! I miss them! Everyone here is so helpful! read more

Dave's Island Instruments is a great place to experience exotic and fun island instruments like hand pans, ukuleles, steel drums and more! Dave's people are so helpful and friendly. You will not regret your visit and you may end up being the proud new owner of a beautiful island instrument. Then you can bring the island experience home :) Thanks Dave! Or should I say "Mahalo Nui!" read more

I absolutely love this store! I teach ukulele lessons at a local music store and send all my students thier way. They are so friendly and take thier time to help you find the right instrument for you! They have great accessories and don't try to sell you things you don't need! read more

Dave's Island Instruments - These two sisters just picked out 2 lovely ukuleles and have since been hard at work learning to play chords and melodies! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Lakewood, California

Dave's Island Instruments is a fantastic place to buy steel drums, hand pans, ukelele's, sheet music, island accessories and get lessons on any island instrument! It's tucked behind a Shell gas station off of Los Coyotes and Carson. Dave is super friendly and helpful to anyone who comes in. There are jam sessions that usually take place on Friday nights for $5 a person, and beginners are more than welcome to come and learn! The instrument deals are the best in town and totally worth it if you want to buy a ukelele for a family member as a gift or for yourself to learn on. It's the best place to go for any instrument of this type in town. I'd also recommend the hand pans for anyone interested! read more

Also owner of Smarty Pans! He also tunes steel drums, best in the business. read more

Ukuleles are fun and Dave's Island Instruments has a bunch. Look for steel drums and hand pans too! read more

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This is a very cool place to shop or hang out. Dave Beery is an awesome and patient teacher. I learned how to play the steel drums by Dave and he was so patient and understanding with me. I'm not a musician but he gave me faith I could perform in a couple of concerts at the church we attend. Not only does he teach, he makes all the steel drums and travel the world teaching. Dave and his friendly staff are very, very talented as well as his beautiful wife Jackie and wonderful girls.. They are such a musical and talented couple and I highly recommend this place if you are interested in learning how to play steel drums, ukulele and other island instruments. read more

We went in for a free ukelele lesson that we saw advertised on Facebook. We found a new love here. Daniel Timtim was a great instructor and my daughter's lesson will continue in 2019. The service, knowledge and love of music here is amazing! My New Years resolution is to own one of Dave's handpans in 2019... read more

I called from San Diego and explained that I needed to rent a tenor pan for recording. I had my dad pick it up as he was going to L.A. for something. The day he picked it up, I called again, explained that I was going to be recording and asked if they could pick a good steel pan out for me. He brought me the instrument and not only was part of the stand missing, but the instrument was terrible. The E and Eb weren't tuned well and 5 or 6 notes hardly played. My opinion is well founded as I've stayed in Trinidad with a professional steel pan competitor. I've definitely played good instruments. This one was more like a student instrument and barely passed for that. Despite the fact that I had to buy wood and hardware at Home Depot and build a substitute for the bottom of the stand, they offered me no discount. When I returned the instrument, I explained to the guy at the counter that I was disappointed that after calling twice to request a good instrument for recording, I got a crappy pan. I showed him the notes that weren't playing correctly and his response was pretty much like, "yeah that sounds terrible. sorry." No discount offered. So after paying full price for a sub-standard instrument and incomplete stand, and driving from San Diego, I can't say I'm satisfied with this service. If Dave is a great tuner, as I've read in other reviews, all the more reason that pan shouldn't have ended up rented to me, or anyone else. I understand that if I lived closer, I could have returned the instrument immediately and picked up the rest of the stand. I made it clear that I was from San Diego because I thought they would be sure to give me what I needed. Dave, do your customers a favor and throw that thing in the dumpster. Obviously, I wouldn't have taken that instrument if I had come to pick it up myself, and I'm sorry I wasn't there. Did you give my dad that messed up one because he didn't try it in the store? I'm still not sure why you (meaning whoever was there ) were okay sending this thing to San Diego for recording. I saw some MUCH nicer rental pans in the store when I came to return it. I wish you'd given me a decent one. read more

The guy working there was super nice showing me all the different kinds of ukeleles. I've been playing for 3 weeks at that point and was not ready to get a new one but it made me want to get one from them when I am a better player. I would be happy to come back to get next next uke there :) read more

Great place for Island instruments and community. Nice selection and staff. Worth the drive up from South OC. They had a bunch of handpans, and are a source for custom built/ bespoke instruments. Knowledgeable and didn't give me a hard sell at all. Mahalo, Brah! read more

I recently attended a handpan workshop there. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and a great setting to learn about the instrument (literally hands-on), and I'm so glad I went. Super cool place, and Dave and his staff are very friendly and helpful. Plus, the prices on the instruments are very reasonable and affordable. Yes, I definitely recommend this shop! read more

I found this little gem of a store looking for places to restring my wife's (now my daughter's) ukulele. I gave them a call to see if they could do it today and the pleasant woman said absolutely and to come on in. So off I went. The store is located off the corner of Carson St. and the infamous Los Coyotes Diagonal. The store is actually behind the Shell gas station on the corner. You'll need to enter the parking lot off of Los Coyotes Diagonal. I walked in and the store is adorned with "Island" instruments such as steel drums and ukuleles. There was a keiki ukulele class that was just finishing up when I was greeted by Cynthia. I handed her my uke and strings and said to look around and that it shouldn't take long. While looking at all the ukes and accessories, an adult uke class started to come in. I kept to myself and grabbed a few ukes to test out. When the class began, it was totally great. The music brought me back to Hawaii and I couldn't help but try to look over some shoulders and play along. After the song, the instructor (who had a very wonderful voice) must've caught me trying to play along and asked to if I wanted to join in. I didn't want to intrude in her class and I politely declined. I've been looking for a uke class to join and I think I found it! When my uke was finished, Cynthia came out to show me her work and had me verified that the strings were placed in the correct order (awesome) before she cut the color-coded ends. I asked about the classes and she provided me with excellent information and gave me some literature to take home a look over. She then took it to the back and gave it it's finishing touches and handed me by my uke. I asked about the class that was in session and she said that the instructor is not affiliated with them (not completely sure) but she is able to conduct her class at their store. Now that's Hawaiian hospitality! I then paid for her services and was told that if I had any issues with the work to come back and she'll make it right. It's been a couple of days and the strings are starting to settle in. I will most definitely come back and possibly purchase one of their ukes and register for a class. Big ups to Dave's Island Instruments on the hospitality and courteousness, customer service, and more importantly... their professionalism. read more

We love this place. Definitely come back staff was helpful and good product. We went on a Sunday they had a sing along and snacks. We had a great time. Walked out with to Ukuleles and lotsa books. We'll definitely come back. Friday they have something for kids read more

I love Dave's Island's Instruments. LOVE IT! Dave's a busy guy so it's only open on the weekend, unless you make an appointment with him. The store staff is personable and super nice. I've been there several times just to play around and check out his instruments. Eventually ended up buying a set of used double second steel drums which sound so pretty. I only had them tuned and polished once and they've sounded great ever since, even after an entire summer of playing. Thanks Dave for everything! read more

This place is such a gem because they not only carry Ukeleles, but they also make & carry high quality Handpans (which are very hard to get anywhere else.) The handpans have a great tone compared to a different brand that I have played before and they resonate really well. There are also Ukele and Handpan music lessons that are held at the store. This place has nice, friendly, & knowledgeable staff! I'm always happy to come back! :) read more

Love love love Dii! For steel drums, hand pans, ukes, and accessories, there is NO ONE better. Thank you, Dave!

This place is awesome !! I did a lot of shopping around for quality instruments and information. This place went over and beyond to Help me out. I wouldn't go anywhere else in the future. The selection and professionalism is unbelievable to its competitors. Thank You again for all your help and I will definitely be back and will spread the word to everyone I know. read more

I was so impressed by the customer service at this store. The associate Jason went so above and beyond what I expected as a customer. He was so helpful and informative about my instrument. I will recommend this store to everyone know...Friendly and fun staff. read more

I just bought a cool Makala Shark uke from Dave's Island Instruments. The store staff know ukuleles like pros, but cater to the novice as well as experienced player. I like how they reach out to the community with ukulele concerts, workshop, and lessons. My favorite Pono 8 string tenor uke I got from there. They are a primary dealer for Ohana ukes, so if you are interested in an Ohana, go there first thing. read more