Olson Daniel R Violin Maker &amp; Dealer

I have had my tubas repaired and cleaned by Sean and his crew a few times now and I really love his…read morework and completely trust his shop. He modified the my F tuba to reduce the valve throw using a pretty creative solution which worked great. The thing I was most impressed by though is I came in complaining about a sticking valve on a relatively new tuba. This was clearly a manufacturing defect, and I need the value to work well for an upcoming concert. He was there on a weekend when the shop was closed and spent an hour meticulously going over the value to identify the problem and got it working perfectly while I waited for the repair. I highly recommend his shop for brass instrument repairs.

Always excellent service on wind instruments…read moreWe have been here throughout students years in band.

Lark in the Morning

4.4

(25 reviews)

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.

SF Guitar Tech

(113 reviews)

Quick communication. Fixed my bass on the spot, cleaned it up a bit! Works good as new!…read more Thanks for saving karaoke night!

Dynamite high-quality work with a rapid turnaround-- I could not ask for any more. This time, on…read morethe second gold bass guitar, Jeremy managed to get it completed on the same day. Simply incredible that he is able to do a complete fret job with nut and string retainer installation this quickly and accurately. I am in utter disbelief and will be returning to Jeremy for the next several units as they are built. Thanks again, Jeremy!

Ifshin Violins

3.9

(117 reviews)

I'm a self-taught player who has been on the same beginner violin for years now, so I was a bit…read morenervous at first, but I had an extraordinary experience at Ifshin! I booked an appointment to try violins and Sarah walked me through prices and ranges of violins, narrowing it down to a couple which I loved. They let me bring them both back home for a week to test, which I very much appreciated! In any case, I'll definitely be back and highly recommend.

the workers were extremely kind and patient towards me. their prices aren't high either, and they…read moreoffer many different instruments here. this cellist that was helping me even helped me add tape to my double bass. she was extremely understanding, since I'm a student bassist. the service overall was amazing, and the website is really organized. i will definitely come again, awesome shop.

Van Arsdale Violins

(5 reviews)

I recently acquired a violin that had slightly unusual string spacing. I took violin lessons as a…read morechild and am trying to re-introduce myself to the instrument. I brought my instrument to Peter for evaluation and he suggested re-spacing the strings and filing the bridge a bit. He completed this work and installed the new strings I had bought for the instrument by the following day. In addition to setting up my violin, he gave me a couple tips on how to evaluate the quality of a bow. Prior to leaving with my instrument, Peter told me about the San Francisco Scottish Fiddler's group when I told him about my interest in fiddling.

I've been meaning to write this review for about 6 months now, after the apartment complex I lived…read morein burned down and my violin had some related water (thankfully not fire) damage. I've always felt kind of uncomfortable in music stores specializing violins - I'm a mostly self taught folk musician whose instrument isn't worth tens of thousands (ok, barely a thousand at all), and I've gotten some serious attitude/snobbery from those places. However, going to Peter was the best experience I could have hoped for. He was super nice, wonderful at explaining what he was doing, and I instantly knew my instrument was in great hands. It's clear that he loves what he does, and he's really damn good at it. I couldn't recommend him more highly!

Phoenix Song Music

(19 reviews)

Phoenix's Voice and Drum class was fun and challenging. Over summer and into fall this year, I took…read moretwo -10 week class series, back to back, and really enjoyed them. Although it was the same class repeated, she offered enough variation and creativity to inspire a continuum of engagement and learning. Phoenix is truly talented as a musician and facilitator who knows how to create a safe space in which students are able to let down their guard and get into the flow of drum circle magic.

Amber will truly help you "Free Your Voice"! I've taken their Free Your Voice classes in various…read moreforms, both in-person twice as single-class experiences in the last two years and recently as an online, 8-week class over Zoom. Every time, Amber has brought amazing creativity to the content and a genuine ability to help participants develop both as singers and human beings. The classes are always a safe space to push one's own boundaries and learn new superpowers you didn't know you had! I would highly recommend Amber's class especially to anyone who wants to develop their voice and become more confident, but as well to anyone who wants to just explore new sides of themselves and do something very fun, cathartic and liberating.

Saxology / Saxcraft

3.3

(10 reviews)

•$$$

Saxology/SaxCraft is a great addition to the Berkeley music scene. It's a small world, always nice…read moreto see a familiar face. The shop is cool, lots of Sax material and useful knowledge to further your career as a saxologist. It was nice to meet Prof. Eric Drake himself on weekdays and get to know the one in the store. Of course check out the mouthpieces, there's a YouTube review online if you need back up. Stay involved!

Overpriced overhaul with sticky pads and a loose fitting neck that didn't fit the body. I actually…read moreended up taking this to another repairman after the overhaul to get it repaired yet again after multiple follow up visits that failed to address the problems.

Audivex Speaker Repair

4.2

(55 reviews)

Daniel is the real deal, a craftsman. He repaired the foam surrounds on a pair of Boston Acoustics…read moreHD7 speakers which I have had for over 30 years. He did it in less than 24 hrs! His price was very good. He is a real find! Garth Webber

The best in the Business. Daniel repaired my vintage speaker quickly and professionaly and showed…read moreme exactly what i was hoping for. Will be taking all of my speaker work to Audivex from now on! A Great Value!

RF Guitar Solutions

(4 reviews)

Amazing knowledge and attention to detail on the many guitars hes worked on for me! All of them…read morehave great setups, improved things like the pots, fretwork, restrings, new batteries in the preamps etc are all standard.

Got a new guitar that needs a setup? (Let's face it, they all pretty much do, these days!). Or an…read moreolder one that needs some work? Or any other customization you might want or need? Bob's your guy! He's extremely knowledgeable, meticulous about his work and care of your guitar, and a really professional person to work with. I took a new Strat to him to get it dialed in, and he did a wonderful job for a very reasonable price. Turnaround was quick, too--and it was finished before the date he promised, even. Very glad to have such a skilled luthier nearby, and I highly recommend him!

Danielle LoPresti

(47 reviews)

Breakthrough Moments From the Very First Lessons…read more I can't recommend Danielle LoPresti enough as a singing teacher. She is amazing--supportive, patient, and incredibly kind. Almost immediately after I started taking lessons with her, she helped me break through obstacles that I had struggled with my whole life. What I appreciate most is her holistic approach to singing. For me, it's about expression, not perfection, and Danielle truly understands that. She creates a safe environment where I never feel judged or rushed, which makes it much easier to explore my voice and grow with confidence. Another thing that makes her classes special is the community she has built among her students. She organizes opportunities for us to meet and perform, which is incredibly valuable. Watching and learning from others is inspiring, and it also reminds us that many of us share the same challenges--stage fright, nervousness, and sometimes the pressure of perfectionism. If you're looking for a supportive teacher who truly helps you grow as a singer and as a performer, Danielle is fantastic.

I attended a class in West Contra Costa Adult School (May-June 2026). Danielle was the instructor…read more Even though everyone had different levels of singing experience, she integrated everyone excellently. I usually don't give reviews of any kind; however, Danielle deserves to be recognized. Her experience instructing clearly showed with the results of the class. Personally, she helped me a lot since I didn't have any vocal coaching and pushed me to break out of my shell.

Berkeley Musical Instrument Exchange

(18 reviews)

•$$$

The staff is very knowledgeable , and they have a variety quality used instruments at good prices.read more

Love this place! Great personal service. They always do an amazing job efficiently and with very…read morereasonable prices. Bonus, the place has a great vibe but maybe because it's filled with beautiful instruments

Danielle LoPresti

(47 reviews)

Breakthrough Moments From the Very First Lessons…read more I can't recommend Danielle LoPresti enough as a singing teacher. She is amazing--supportive, patient, and incredibly kind. Almost immediately after I started taking lessons with her, she helped me break through obstacles that I had struggled with my whole life. What I appreciate most is her holistic approach to singing. For me, it's about expression, not perfection, and Danielle truly understands that. She creates a safe environment where I never feel judged or rushed, which makes it much easier to explore my voice and grow with confidence. Another thing that makes her classes special is the community she has built among her students. She organizes opportunities for us to meet and perform, which is incredibly valuable. Watching and learning from others is inspiring, and it also reminds us that many of us share the same challenges--stage fright, nervousness, and sometimes the pressure of perfectionism. If you're looking for a supportive teacher who truly helps you grow as a singer and as a performer, Danielle is fantastic.

I attended a class in West Contra Costa Adult School (May-June 2026). Danielle was the instructor…read more Even though everyone had different levels of singing experience, she integrated everyone excellently. I usually don't give reviews of any kind; however, Danielle deserves to be recognized. Her experience instructing clearly showed with the results of the class. Personally, she helped me a lot since I didn't have any vocal coaching and pushed me to break out of my shell.

Encore Piano Moving

4.5

(114 reviews)

Excellent- I highly recommend them as piano movers. They communicated immediately and clearly…read more Pricing was the best I could find. They gave us a 3 hour window for delivery and arrived within that window. Piano was well cared for and protected.

Great company and we scheduled on very short notice. Wonderful price. Very professional.read more

Affordable Piano Tuning

(112 reviews)

Jian Min was responsive and professional. He showed up on time and did a good job…read more As my piano hadn't been tuned in a long time, he provided the option of a longer one time tuning or two separate tuning sessions one month apart. Given that the price difference was minimal and that it would have been easier for him to do a single session instead of coming here twice, I appreciate that he recommended the separate sessions to give the piano time to settle before subsequent fine tuning. He also recommended an in-piano dehumidifier as my location is very humid (which is true) and there are visible signs of moisture damage inside the piano. I appreciate that he informed me of this, but without being pushy about it.

We acquired a well-aged but well-kept Baldwin baby grand (likely built in the 1940-50s!) Last…read moretuning was supposedly 2-3 years ago? After having it professionally disassembled and moved from Walnut Creek to Dublin, up a flight of stairs, & adjusted to a new environment, it needed some tuning. Found Jian on Yelp, who was responsive through text for an appointment. He serviced Baldy to optimal pitch at a very reasonable rate (compared to other quotes). Daughter's piano teacher is pleased, and my "wide, dark, & handsome" plays wonderfully in tune! (FYI, my cello is my "tall, dark, & handsome" lol)

McCrea's A A Piano Moving

4.7

(76 reviews)

Really enjoyed working with McCrea's on my recent piano move. The crew was punctual, professional,…read moreand handled my instrument with great care on both sides. The crew expertly maneuvered obstacles, including a steep wooden staircase and a tricky narrow elevator situation. They made sure the piano was positioned exactly where we wanted it on the receiving end. Overall I had a very positive experience with this company.

Although I have not used them (still deciding on purchasing a piano). I do recommend them. They…read morehave been very responsive and patient with my husband and myself. They have responded to every email and patient with all of our questions. They have given us, what I believe, fair quotes for moving pianos that we have considered purchasing (used of course).

Olson Daniel R Violin Maker & Dealer - musicinstrumentservices - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Olson Daniel R Violin Maker & Dealer also viewed

Van Arsdale Violins

(5 reviews)

I recently acquired a violin that had slightly unusual string spacing. I took violin lessons as a…read morechild and am trying to re-introduce myself to the instrument. I brought my instrument to Peter for evaluation and he suggested re-spacing the strings and filing the bridge a bit. He completed this work and installed the new strings I had bought for the instrument by the following day. In addition to setting up my violin, he gave me a couple tips on how to evaluate the quality of a bow. Prior to leaving with my instrument, Peter told me about the San Francisco Scottish Fiddler's group when I told him about my interest in fiddling.

I've been meaning to write this review for about 6 months now, after the apartment complex I lived…read morein burned down and my violin had some related water (thankfully not fire) damage. I've always felt kind of uncomfortable in music stores specializing violins - I'm a mostly self taught folk musician whose instrument isn't worth tens of thousands (ok, barely a thousand at all), and I've gotten some serious attitude/snobbery from those places. However, going to Peter was the best experience I could have hoped for. He was super nice, wonderful at explaining what he was doing, and I instantly knew my instrument was in great hands. It's clear that he loves what he does, and he's really damn good at it. I couldn't recommend him more highly!

Timbre Folk and Baroque

(23 reviews)

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!

Wind & Brass

4.9

(66 reviews)

I have had my tubas repaired and cleaned by Sean and his crew a few times now and I really love his…read morework and completely trust his shop. He modified the my F tuba to reduce the valve throw using a pretty creative solution which worked great. The thing I was most impressed by though is I came in complaining about a sticking valve on a relatively new tuba. This was clearly a manufacturing defect, and I need the value to work well for an upcoming concert. He was there on a weekend when the shop was closed and spent an hour meticulously going over the value to identify the problem and got it working perfectly while I waited for the repair. I highly recommend his shop for brass instrument repairs.

Always excellent service on wind instruments…read moreWe have been here throughout students years in band.

East Bay Guitar Repair

4.9

(52 reviews)

I'm so happy that I found East Bay Guitar Repair. After having some subpar experiences with other…read moretechs in the bay, I can truly say that Mike is top tier. I have brought him 4 of my guitars now and the work has ranged from just a standard setup to installing new pickups with custom wiring and switches. He's knocked it out of the park every time. I am admittedly a pretty picky person when it comes to my guitars and Mike has been MORE THAN accommodating any time I had a follow up question or asked for a tweak or a second look. His setups have made my guitars play better than they ever have. His prices reflect the value that you get out of his services; and even though there most certainly will be a wait; it's well worth it. I hope to keep taking my guitars to Mike for as long as I am a bay area resident.

Mike did an excellent job improving a problematic old Fender Jazzmaster/partsmaster with some…read morefairly involving work. First, I had him install a Mastery bridge to replace a non-stock Vox-style bridge that was very noisy and plonky sounding. To do that, he first had to drill out and re-fill the existing, sloppily done dowel-and-drill work that was done decades ago--by another shop--to accommodate the funky Vox bridge, and then drill new bridge thimble holes for the Mastery. He also dealt with a problem with the old Fender-licensed Allparts neck: there was a sizable gap between the sides of the neck heel and the walls of the neck pocket routing, and he filled and re-drilled the neck's bolt holes so that the neck could be nudged forward to at least close the gap between the end of the neck heel and the body, which also helped to more accurately dial in the Jazzmaster's intended scale length. In addition, he replaced a noisy output jack and set the guitar up with 11-48-gauge strings, and it now plays *quite* nicely. No more rattling from the bridge, and the guitar has a more stable and playable feel to it. I'm happy with the quality of the work Mike did, and I would go to him again. I also like that you get to communicate with Mike in person, face to face. I've dealt with other repair shops where you don't get to talk with the person doing the work, which has sometimes resulted in a communication breakdown that had an impact on the work done. But with Mike, you schedule an appoint and you get to discuss with him--one on one--whatever work you'd like him to do, which is exactly how it should be.

Subway Guitars

3.7

(98 reviews)

one of a kind guitar store - patronize them!…read more I've bought remotely from them for years and its always good, talk to someone on the phone to be clear on stuff

10 years ago as a bum I bought a guitar for $40 here and it was damn fine. Good people. Later sold…read morethat same guitar in much worse shape to someone else for $40 and some weed, and I regret it now because it sounded so good. I'll definitely be coming back soon for some repairs on some nicer guitars and maybe grab another beater.

Adam's String Shack

(57 reviews)

•$

Amazing store. Adam is a master guitar repairman! He helped repair and glue the seams of my son's…read moreMartin.

Very helpful staff. We were looking to get my son his first electric guitar and they were so…read moreknowledgeable and we're not pushy at all. I felt the used guitars were very reasonable and great quality. Such a cool little shop so happy to support a small business.

Lark in the Morning

4.4

(25 reviews)

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.

Berkeley Musical Instrument Exchange