It's about time I write a review for Forrests! After years of buying sub-par student oboe reeds from the neighborhood music store I started buying professionally made reeds. For a few years I was ordering online from a conservatory musician who had great reeds but was unreliable with delivery dates -- the last straw was a missed delivery before an important gig. So I drove out to Forrests to see if they could help. I've been going to Forrests since for the last 3 years and EVERYone at Forrests is so knowledgeable and so helpful! Justin usually helps me and he definitely goes above-and-beyond to adjust my reeds and make sure I'm taking care of. But, really, EVERYONE here has been so great to me and it's such a joy to go in! My husband is a classical guitarist and he loves going with me because, even though they are mostly a double-reed shop, it's a great little music shop with a community of musicians and it's always a fantastic experience! Thanks, Forrests! read more

Very poor customer service experience as a first time customer! I was told to buy a specific reed that I guess only this store sells. I am not local to this store so I reached out to them via email because I had questions regarding the item. Unfortunately, even after patiently waiting for a week I never got any response! If they are so busy and/or don't care about the emails then why they even have that option available to the customers? I called them during their business hours and finally had a luck on the second time. Phone was picked up by what sounded like an old, Caucasian, male. It also sounded like he was the owner and/or manager. From the beginning this person was not welcoming! He was rude, unfriendly and unprofessional for no reasons! Clearly I felt like he doesn't care about the customers or getting any new businesses. Even if I was asking dumb questions because I am new, does it mean he can be sarcastic, frustrated, and shows attitude? I really didn't want to give them any business after my phone interaction, but since I had to get a specific reed and had no other options available, I just reluctantly continued with the transactions. I also noticed that they charge heavy shipping fees and don't have any free shipping option regardless of the purchase amount like other competitors provides. I really wish I don't have to deal with them again. If I do, I hope this male have learned what a customer service is and how it should be provided. read more

Very cute little music store in Berkeley. Looks like they have everything you could possibly need. 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! read more

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Forrests Music was a great place to rent and get Oboes! They specialize in Oboes. My family made the 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. read more

I have worked with this shop for many years, and appreciate how knowledgeable they are about oboes and bassoons. They carry fine instruments, carry reed-making equipment and tools. Several of my students have rented oboes from them, they ship quickly, and they stand behind their products. Owner Cynthia has given me advice on working with bassoon students. A+++ read more

Every time we visit my parents, my husband likes to visit Forrests Music. My husband has been shopping at Forrests Music for the last twenty years from Texas, where we live. The owner, Cynthia, is really great to work with and will let you try any of her Heckel bassoons for sale. They also sell tiny bassoon tools for only $10, which all of my husband's friends in the symphony want. read more

It''s very convenient having an oboe specialist store right here in the Bay Area to take care of my reed issues. Almost "too" convenient! Only gripe is they're closed on Sundays! read more

Charged me without fixing my kid's flute. My child's flute was broken and their teacher recommended bringing it here. "Flute technician", Marilyn, wasn't there yet, but the shop said I could leave it there for them to fix. I told shop person exact thing that the flute teacher said to say was broken. Another store had pointed out that there was a missing key pad, and I also told the shop person about that. I picked up the next day and was charged for parts (key pad) and labor, but my kid tried playing it and said flute was still broken. I called to explain it was still broken, and Marilyn said this wasn't her problem and she "doesn't service cheap Chinese flutes." Recommended I go to flute world in SF, or contact the manufacturer. I was stunned. Shouldn't a flute technician test a flute to see that it works before returning it to a customer who brought it in because it was broken? I don't play flute, so couldn't test it myself when I picked it up. We just did rent-to-buy with a music store nearby that closed down last year (Packer brand from A&G music store), but I never knew that it meant music stores could just take our money without explaining that the instrument was still broken! But people at the counter were friendly and even Marilyn had a civil tone over the phone when she dismissed my concerns. Edited to add: After getting over my initial frustration, I called back and asked to speak to the manager, and she (Cynthia) apologized for not informing me up front that Marilyn does not service Chinese instruments, and sending me home without telling me that the flute was still broken. She offered to refund me for what they charged, and even to loan me a flute for a week if my kid had a concert coming up. I declined the loaner flute, bc I didn't want any more interactions with their store, but I accepted and appreciated the manager's refund. read more

I will never ever deal with another store when it comes to everything bassoon. Cynthia is an absolute gem in the double reed community, she was very patient with me trying different horns, taking them home to trial and giving me more time where needed. Got my first bassoon ever and it was such a great experience going through the process with her and the staff, and getting feedback that was just right and tailored to me specifically. When salespeople are truly fond of their wares and the cherishers of those wares, it really shows. Pricing, enthusiasm, experience and service all totally on point! Very thrilled and grateful. Would recommend, because at the costs of such things you really need to work people with integrity---Forrest's greatest asset. read more

Years ago I read, perhaps in the same sci-fi anthology, a couple short stories: The Weapons Shop of Isher and Shottle Bop, both about small stores quietly selling their wares out of view of society at large, or, in the case of the former, out of sight of a powerful imperium. In this era of the high tech commercial imperium, which have helped shutter the likes of Tupper & Reed on Shattuck, or Music Center on Powell in SF (a store that sells sheet music and a few meh pianos, next to Union Square? yeah, the writing was on the wall), a place like Forrests Music is a spot that time forgot. We went here to pull out a stuck mouthpiece from a child's trumpet. After a wait to find the device, the person came in an very carefully did us a great service for free. They seem to rent a variety of instruments but their mainstay seems to be supporting the double reed community. May they keep flying under the radar. We need more in-person places like this. read more

One part double reed musicians' guild, one part showroom to audition instruments, one part music shop. Altogether exquisite. It was a lot of fun to see the community of musicians in various phases of their development converge on this place to browse, try out instruments and celebrate music. Numerous practice rooms make this place a playground for musicians to find their next instrument... or let their instrument find them. My family got to spend almost 3 hours in the loft while my son auditioned 4 bassoons (think car prices). When we went back down to close out our session and pick up some supplies, we continued enjoying superlative service and hospitality--thank you! It is affirming and gratifying to find a community such as this to support the musical development of our children. 1 hour street parking out front, but limited parking behind for customers who are apt to lose themselves in this blissful alternate reality where time warps. read more

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Chris Fertnig, President and owner is one of the best in the music business to do business with. If were not for him working so hard to get me a guitar from the U.K. I may have never had an opportunity to purchase this guitar of my dreams. Thanks You so much Chris and staff for you professional handling of every part of the transaction and I especially want to thank you foe the excellent communication. I would highly recommend Forrest Music to anyone who is looking for musical equipment. Sincerely, Kevin Baledge read more

Forrests Music is a wonderful music shop that has a lot of cool things for double-reed instruments! The owner Cynthia is super nice, and the shop is located within walking distance to UC Berkeley! read more

This is the best place in the Bay Area for double reeds. If you don't already know about this place and play oboe or bassoon, you really need to visit. The staff is exceedingly nice and their expertise is extensive. Forrest Music is a gem of a store! read more

Great customer service , quality products and fantastic instruction ! I've been going to Forrest for 2 years now. Lucky to have a Bassoon shop so close to home! read more

This is my favourite place to go for my bassoon stuff. The staff is knowledgable. The products they sell are top quality. If they don't have the answer to your question, they will help you find someone that does. Their repair shop is top notch even if the technician can be a bit surly at times. I made an appointment with the tech and the work done was brilliant. My horn plays better than ever. Cynthia and the whole Forrests crew are the best! read more

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Finally had the chance to go to Forrest's in person after ordering online throughout the years. Had a great time talking shop with Phil and browsing through the amazing selection of oboe music. After I received the music in the mail I did have a follow up question about the billing. When I called to clarify a man answered the phone. It was not Phil, but the man who I spoke with was rude, impatient and condescending. It was an unnecessarily uncomfortable conversation and it will definitely influence my future recommendations to use Forrest's as a resource. read more

I purchased an expensive bassoon case recently. The case straps for the backpack feature of the case were improperly adjusted and the case fell, resulting in damage to my bassoon. Of course I received instructions from the manager on how to double the backpack straps for safe transport after the instrument was damaged and not before. Never again. read more

Forrests Music in Berkeley, CA has a wide assortment of supplies geared for the double-reed woodwind enthusiast. They are just about THE ONLY retail store in the Bay Area that greatly caters to the needs of Bassoon and Oboe Family Instruments. If you make your own reeds, Forrests' Catalog of devices, supplies and odd and ends will not disappoint. Although the prices are priced a bit higher than one would expect, the selection and service are top-notch. Forrests also carries stock which would be of interest to the other woodwinds, but their main focus is toward the double-reeds. If you are a woodwind player and don't know about this store, you should. They might just have the exact thing you need for a rehearsal or a performance, when you're in a bind! They also carry rather obscure, specialized woodwind recital CDs that you will not find elsewhere! Most definitely worth going out of your way to check it out! If you're a woodwind geek like me, you'll go nuts! read more

Forrests Music - Store Front on University Ave., Berkeley, CA - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Berkeley, California

Awesome store for double reed players! This store has a wide selection of books, reeds, thread, reed-makng tools and pretty much anything you would need as a double reed player. read more

Love the store each time I go. Free parking in the back - do need to worry about finding a spot. People are very helpful and understanding.

Wonderful resource for double reed instrument players! Forrest sells quality accessories as well as excellent instruments. Their repair service keeps my mid century horn playing with its deep rich tone, and never fails to get problems fixed in short order. The business serves symphony professionals as well as students and hobbyists. Glad I found this place. read more

i got my low b flat extension for English horn and i DIY my low b flat extension on April 14th and it fits perfectly to make low notes out of my instrument. i love forrests music because it is awesome double reed store they sell double reed items as well in oboe repertoire books for classes for a course and so on. read more