This place is synth paradise. The owner is super kind, and plays beautiful demonstrations of the gear. I've had great conversations with other patrons, because it's the sort of environment that facilitates nerding out. read more

This is My Shop! I try to stop when I'm in town now that we've moved. Thanks for all the information and backstories, Steve! SUPPORT LOCAL!! read more

ROBOTSPEAk - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It's as if I died and gone to heaven when I went down those stairs. Every synthesizer, drum machine, and fx pedal I could ever want is all in one place. That explains why every legend has been in Robotspeak all the way from Bob Moog to Dave Smith. Once you meet the owner, you will know why. Steve helped me accomplish my goal to find StrymonTimeline and also gave me the opertunity to explore a Prophet 6 to it's true potential. Steve also shared with me his passions that he has for euroracks that I can't wait to experience, and that is just so personal from one synth enthusiast to another. I'll be back really soon. There is no place like this in California. read more

ROBOTSPEAk - StrymonTimeline was the missing piece in my effects board. I can't wait to get a Phrophet 6 next. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's full of electronic instruments and run by a very intelligent guy. Things are on display for you to try out. Some modules and synths may need to be.turmed on or patched. Just ask. read more

Not you're average music store. It's really just a dude who likes to play with modular stuff who lets people come into his private collection. If you stay long enough like you're interested eventually he'll get to a pause in his patch and ask if he can help you out, but the parch definitely comes before the customer. Can't say I wouldn't be the same way. Most of what you see isn't for sale except a smaller sampling of regular stuff under the glass. You'd kind of think to stay open that a boutique shop would try and stock specialty stuff or rare/hard to get things, but it's more like you can try out things, though you're probably gonna end up ordering online because what you try out isn't actually in stock. Interesting business model. Hopefully they can afford to keep the lights on. read more

The feel of this shop is very DIY art space. Curated clear that the setup invites discovery and play for the folks who walk in. Incredible customer service. My partner and I have been researching new synths to pickup. We had been eyeing two on YouTube and elsewhere but could never figure out if they would do well with the sonic quality of our existing synth (Prophet REV 2) Steve went above and beyond for us. Not only did he and his colleague get out a REV2 from the back, we were able to recreate some of our favorite patches, make a bunch of noise, and determine which one we needed to bring home with us. Thanks for being so welcoming and making such a great creative environment! This isn't the kind of store that will push you into buying things, but if you spend a good amount of time, definitely give back to this small shop. Lots of really great knowledge, synth history ephemera. 10/10 would recommend. read more

Steve @ ROBOTSPEAk is great! Bought a super-low-serial number Prophet-10 desktop module from him a while back, and a Sequential Take 5 today, and couldn't be happier. Very cool little shop. read more

Super fun place! I wish I had more time to explore. They had just the last minute module I needed before a show. I'd buy the whole store if I could! read more

During my move out to the west coast last year, I sadly had to part with some of my music gear from my home studio *sniff* ... So I was thrilled to find a store like Robotspeak, just what I needed to outfit my new home studio with sorts of great gear! The store itself is small and cozy, the staff knowledgeable and you can take any piece of hardware *and* software for a spin. The folks and service here are a very welcome change to the abuse I sustain most times I walk into a Guitar Center. They even host monthly Robotspeak sessions where local artists come to jam out and talk about their music. read more

ROBOTSPEAk - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - San Francisco, California

You can tell that the owner is someone that is really passionate about modular synths. There's lots of cool stuff here, but it's constantly selling. He likes to keep enough in stock and in the rack that people can try stuff out, but that means that it's not always available to buy. Has connections with lots of module creators and can get stuff for you pretty quickly. Very cool, place, I just wish it wasn't up in SF! :P read more

Update... the owner just sent me a message here essentially calling me the a..hole because I called him out on poor customer service, poor business approach and just plain text being a snob in general. Mind you this is months after I posted my honest accurate review. I did get a chuckle out of his message tho. Funny guy. But that's all. read more

Sure you could go elsewhere but why would you? This place is run by someone who will take the time to understand you and your needs and not try to push you in to anything out of your limit. He's got a deep historical knowledge and love for electronics. He spent over an hour and a half just getting to know what wanted and pointed me in exactly the right direction. Plus on some Saturdays he does live modular shows in the store. Go. read more

This is by far one of the best toy stores in San Francisco! Robotspeak is to an audio geek, what Good Vibrations is to women. They have everything from audio interfaces, audio & MIDI sequencing software, software synths, virtual instruments, keyboards, dj equipment, drum machines and MIDI control surfaces. One of the things that separates them from any other music store is that they have hard-to-find gadgets that you would normally only see or find online. Another thing that separates them from other music stores is the fact that the guys who work there are really knowledgeable and helpful. Electronic Musicians: Places like this are part of what make San Francisco so cool and unique. read more

My son is passionate about synths and electronic music making. Therefore traveling halfway around the world to visit a synth shop is just part of the journey. I have to say it was worth it. The service was amazing and the lovely guy at Robotspeak really did go all out to help guide and advise on the best product. He was knowledgeable, extremely patient, kind and empathetic. We walked away very happy campers. Thank you! read more

This is the sort of store that makes San Francisco unique. It's small and quirky and they usually have the basics. If you're a music producer or want to get into production check this place BEFORE Guitar Center for "Electronic" equipment (Guitar center for acoustic). When I was in here a few weeks ago they had just been robbed by some crack heads and the staff was dealing with the aftermath. They still took the time to talk, and remembered when I had ordered something from them way back (Via phone on another coast). To some this place might just be a basement walkup with some instruments, but to me it's a hidden treasure. read more

Analog Synths? check Knowledgeable staff? check... they're nice and coo too Cables & Software? yup Circuit bent toys? check Classes? oh yeah Live Performances? you betcha Used Gear? yiiiip New school, old school and diy gear? oh yu kno Modular synths might be the only thing missing at this joint. :) perhaps i just haven't been there on the right day... a crucial component to SF's audio community to top it all off, you'll probably be able to take something for a test drive... if you're nice f*** the fat cats Gutter Center, Best Barf and the like. Support Local Businesses!!!! Robotspeak for life! read more

Robotspeak has synths (both integrated keyboards and modules), midi keyboard controllers, audio and midi cables, audio and midi interfaces for your computer, studio monitors, keyboard stands, effects boxes, drum machines, and lots of software. You can expect a totally straightforward shopping experience with personal and honest attention from real musicians. You won't find a lot of the mainstream synth/workstation brands here like Roland, Yamaha, Alesis, Korg (although they often have the microkorg in stock). Instead, expect some lesser-known brands like Elektron, Dave Smith Instruments, Access, Future Retro, and MFB. Give them a try if you haven't! Robotspeak also carries Moog synths. I haven't touched any of those because I think I would like it too much, if you know what I mean. Watch out for those glass display cases! Seeing a little synth module in there makes me want it instantly, for some reason. One day, I wandered into the store because I needed some audio cables, and I saw the DSI Evolver in the display case. When I got home, I went online to learn all about the Evolver. It wasn't long before I returned to the store to buy it. read more

I love independent music shops like this. They have all the latest software and hardware gear, and the staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful to all inquires. This shop sure beats the hectic and chaotic environment of Guitar Center. It's peaceful and has tweeky stuff you just can't find anywhere else. I mean, nowhere but RobotSpeak can you find a totally tricked out Speak and Spell. If you have an audiophile in your life, I guarentee you'll be able to find a gift for them here. read more

I really liked this store because of these reasons: * Unique, one-of-a-kind store. * One-on-one service and knowledgable. The man I talked to was possibly an owner or at least an employee very invested in the store. He dissuaded me from buying something that would have cost more money because he thought it would fit my needs better. * Friendly to non-audiophiles. I love audio recording and sound, music, etc, but I'm no gearhead. I was able to have a productive, non-condescending conversation in layman's terms. * Small but cute store packed with cool stuff. It's fun to just look and drool at the awesome stuff. * Priced the same as chain stores, but you get to support local business. And you get much better service from someone who cares about his customers. Not some spotty teenager talking down to you. Im case this matters, I was looking for an interface to record with a condenser mic in Final Cut. I was going to get an mbox because I didn't know what else to do. Instead I bought TC Electronics Konnekt 6 - it's great. I was told it's better for my needs because the mbox isn't always compatible with other programs. read more

This place is in my neighborhood and I've passed it and peeked in the windows many times. I got Logic 9 for Christmas and had no idea where to start to learn it. I called Robotspeak and Steve and I started a correspondence which led to him coming in on a day when the shop was closed and spending a few hours with me getting me started. The information was great and he's been available to answer my stupid beginner's emails since - without making me feel stupid, I might add. Now that I've actually ventured inside and have seen all the cool stuff they have, as well as the great service, I'm sure I'll be returning for more classes, equipment and hopefully to some of their events! read more

These guys are unbelievably understanding. And accommodated my every need. I am not gonna lie, I was kinda a pain in the ass and they were patient and went out of there way to make me happy. This is an incredible store. Support small businesses... like this one! read more

These guys could literally not be cooler. Next time you want to buy some gear, consider spending your hard earned dollars with these guys instead of going with the big chain stores-- the added value they give in brain power and service are so worth it, and you have to ask yourself... what if Robot Speak was not there anymore? BUY YOUR STUFF FROM ROBOT SPEAK. read more

Great service here and they had just what I wanted. Very knowledgeable too. I showed up just as they were closing but the guy was still accommodating and even insisted on waiting for me while I pulled my car up, can't beat that service! Definitely support this great independent store. read more

I love synthesizers - have a decent amount of experience with them (5+ years), and have been in bands for the last 15+ years. I also worked in a niche music shop for 2 years - that focused on everything from the beginning grade-school musician, up to the symphonic player with a sizable budget. Somehow, even though we had customers of all different levels of proficiency, we still managed to make everyone feel welcome and meet them where they are. I was excited to visit this place the first time, pretty intent on buying a monophonic analog synth to play key-bass in my band. On my first visit the owner was disinterested, a poor listener, and un-motivated to sell anything. I was interested in either the Moog Grandmother, the Moog Minitaur, or the Moog Sub37. I was pretty clear I was looking to play bass on whatever I bought, so he patched the grandmother into his eurorack setup and cranked up that arpeggiator and took things to an inharmonic place. Right. I left empty-handed, even though I was ready to "buy" that day. Later, I eventually bought a mono-synth, a few modules, and plopped it into a eurorack case. I didn't plan on heading back to Robotspeak, but ended up passing through the neighborhood with my girlfriend. Given I wanted to pickup a few more cables, I thought, what the heck, this should be convenient to stop in --- now owning more stuff closer to the owner's heart to potentially connect with him over. I walk in and he immediately says "We're out of cables." I look at the rack of cables behind him and say "what about those?" and he's like "Oh, yeah, we have those." I told him what I owned, and what I still needed. I asked about spacers, he didn't carry those. I asked about buying a splitter but he seemed to be reluctant to sell it to me, insisting I needed a 'buffered mult.' I again repeated what I already owned (which makes a buffered mult unnecessary). As we left he called out that he could sell me the 'buffered mult' for $70. I bought some of the cables out of an awkward feeling of obligation to support a local music shop. After we left the shop, unprompted, my girlfriend is like "That was weird. What's with that guy? Did he seem rude to you?" Second time's a charm! No one is second-guessing this guys expertise or knowledge, but there's a lot to be improved here. Part of this is business/selling skill, but more fundamentally is just social skills. Sometimes when you listen it is serving only a pro-social function - you might not be interested, but you want to be polite, show respect, etc because it's the right thing to do. If you are a business-owner it really benefits you to do this --- people are more likely to buy something from you if they feel heard, and you can guide less-knowledgeable people to be more informed and ready to buy. I don't know what the backstory is on this place but it feels like it's only nominally a "shop" and open to the "public." read more

i have to always watch myself whenever i come here because i want everything in this store. EVERYTHING! wonderful staff, wonderful selection of conventional and not so conventional electronic devices. my first stop before guitar center. ill. read more

You need to visit Robotspeak if you: -produce any kind of electronic music. -are a circuit bending mad scientist. -love analog synthesizers. -want to see the latest trends in music production/performance. -want to see some cool musical toys you have never seen before. -have any questions about music hardware or software. -find yourself bored in the lower Haight. What an incredible use of such a small space! Fabulous store with very friendly, helpful staff. I have turned several of my friends on to this spot and they all seem to find something different to be excited about there. Very valuable resource for the modern DJ/producer/noise maker. read more

What needs to be said, already has in other reviews. Not only is the gear pretty awesome, hanging out waiting for my transaction I got to listen to choice stuff on their radio. I had no idea what it was, but it was insanely cool. While I didn't make a big purchase, I did grab a cable, very reasonably priced. I also got some insight on a gear issue I was having from some very knowledgable staff. read more

I have to say it was worth it. The service was amazing and the lovely guy at Robotspeak really did go all out to help guide and advise on the best product. i use this website Arabic keyboard (clavier arabe) https://www.clavier-arabe.co to write any languages it's helpful. good writing and thank you. read more

Robot speaks is an interesting little shop that provides a different shopping experience then the usual local instrument place. It carries boutique instruments and effects that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the city or anywhere else for that matter. The focus is on the high end and mostly with synths (especially modular) and they host related events and classes for electronic music. In theory this shop sounds like a cool place for those super heavy involved synth-heads but unfortunately the place suffers from some fatal flaws despite it being obviously loved store ran by a staff that cares about what they are selling. Having tried to go shop at this shop 7 or 8 times I have only been able to successfully enter the store front 3 times. This is due largely to the fact that they are open on strange days and business hours. The first time I finally managed to get in the shop and look around I found the owner twiddling with his modular setup full blast. This was 2 or three years ago. Having just had an event where the designer of a certain synth module lent him a unit to test he was deep into playing with it. I walked in and was ignored while I traveled around the space disappointed at the small selections on display in the tiny shop. I had over $1000 bucks in hand and was ready to purchase something but received seemingly no interest from the owner to do business. Another person walked into the shop later after me and immediately the owner gravitated towards him. Apparently he was a friend or a regular so they started chatting immediately still leaving me ignored. I left frustrated. The next time I managed to enter the shop the owner was there again playing with some gear and checking emails in the back corner. This was a year after my last visit and I thought I would give the place another try because I was hoping the last time was just a weird one or something. I was again met with the same aloof treatment. Having visited the online shop I saw they had Elektron products sold in the store. I was extremely interested in testing out their machines so I came in to the store front hoping they had a unit to check out. I was disappointed to find this not to be the case. After finally tracking down the owner and telling him that i was interested in buying a unit he informed me they didn't even have any units on site. For me it seems like a no brainer that if you have a storefront and are specializing in selling boutique items you should at least have what you are selling for people try. Why would someone bother to come in if the only way to order a unit is first to ask for them to order it for you? Why not just order it directly from a supplier that has a stock of units online instead of going between a middle man who has to do the exact same thing you are doing and take longer? It seems like a silly business practice to me. I asked a staff member about the classes they provided and he straight up told me to look it up online because he didn't know and didn't want to look it up. I walked out again. The third and final time I came to Robot Speaks a few months ago I walked in to find that they were doing an event. It was not advertised nor was it posted on the website. I walked into be a customer but ended up being a spectator. It was rather annoying to find this as I wanted to buy something but in all fairness the performers were pretty sweet. They were all doing fully analog modular sets and it was fascinating to watch. They finished up and I went walking around the store looking to purchase a echo pedal that I saw they sell. I never had the chance because the people kept talking and congratulating themselves on each other's setup. After waiting for an hour for the store to function like a store (after the performances) I was now being ignored again as a customer. I was over it and left. Before I walked out I over heard the business owner talking about how they were several thousand dollars in debt to a company they order from and I find it to be no surprise. I think that is going to be the last time I check out the store with the mindset of buying. Maybe I will check out some of the events but I don't think I will ever purchase anything. It's a shame because I was really excited about finding a place that offered and specialized in the rare niche things I am interested in and obviously by passionate and knowledgeable people. Unfortunately between the poor customer service I have received, impractical confused business models, and rather inconvenient business hours this store has lost my respect and interest as I can't justify driving 45 min into the city to receive this poor treatment and service. I will give this place 2 stars at the very least for being unique and having soo much potential but I will never recommend business with them based off of my experiences. Some people may have the patience to deal with this but I don't. I am looking for a place with a little more professionalism. read more

I wanted to like this place, as I'm super into music tech. But I've tried twice to visit this shop during their posted business hours and they've been closed. Their hours are very erratic to begin with so I made sure to check the website before heading over there. The last time I had biked all the way over from the sunset for the sole purpose of visiting the store, and was pretty frustrated to find all the lights off. If you're going to have your customers go through the trouble of having to conform to your erratic scheduling, don't add insult to injury by not being available during those hours. Maybe they've become better now, but they've lost my business forever. read more

I'm not the type who would ever have cause to buy anything in here (namely because I don't make my own electronica), but that doesn't make it any less cool. It's the quintessential SF underground (literally) niche-market store. Some of my friends who are more well-versed in the scene dragged me here for Robotspeak's 5th anniversary party, which was essentially 7 hours of "live" music being performed, very loudly, in this tiny basement for an audience of, say, 20 people (very low-key, no admission, come and go as you please, BYOB). They actually have monthly performances here known as the Robotspeak Sessions, so even the uninitiated have an "accessible" (hey, all you have to do is listen) opportunity to check this place out. read more

A playground filled with fun gear for synth geeks, appropriately housed in a small and stuffy room. I wish I had the time and patience to learn about all this MIDI crap. For now, I'll just date guys who can wow me with their knowledge. Beware though, they don't make for good relationships. But they CAN circuit-bend a toy keyboard for you for your birthday. Cool...? read more

went in here the other day to pick up a midi-CV convertor, the guy at the store was very helpful and knowledgable. They have some demo models of newer analog synths that were pretty cool (prophet '08, little phatty) their prices for gear were a little high (it is indie though), but cables were a pretty good deal. read more

Robotspeak is the bomb - great guys with great toys. Basically the only place I would buy kit for my project studio. Other reviews have nailed it. read more

There's no other place like this in San Francisco. My advice: before you go in give your wallet to a friend and only enter the store with as much cash as you are willing to spend! If you're obsessed with Eurorack or synth in general you won't be able to resist the temptation of something cool that you don't already have. The owner, Steve, is a stand-up guy, completely knowledgable, will demo gear for you and is willing to procure anything for you that he can. They also host monthly music events (third Saturday of the month at this time) where synth-heads come in and perform. read more

My favorite little music shop in San Francisco. Extremely friendly, knowledgeable and a very decent selection of instruments in stock that seem to cater to the electronic musician. I was able to get some out of stock gear last minute for a show we had at a good price. In fact they were the only place in the bay area that had it. I ended up staying to shoot the Sh*t with one of the owners and play with gear for over an hour after my purchase. If only I had time to hang out there more often... read more

Don't expect this place to be your typical music store. It's more like someone out there opening their doors for those interested in modular synths and the latest in electronic music producing gadgets into his basement. It's as if it's his own garage (definitely has that feeling), and shows off his gear. He plays with them, demoing them as if each unit is a plate at a 7 course meal at an exclusive restaurant only few have the honor of experiencing. And it's that friend that shares his passion for his discoveries that makes you want to make music yourself. Except that instead of coming home empty handed with nothing but inspiration, you come away with his magical loot! read more

when you go down the stairs into Robotspeak you realize there IS a reason not to buy everything online: it's a literal den of Cool Tools for the electronic music maker. i always feel dirty after giving my $ to the bigger chains (sorry Guitar Center but you feel horrid) yet i feel great walking out of Robotspeak. a real gem of a shop. read more

Just had the best experience of walking into an electronic instrument store, and getting exactly the info I needed about connecting my keyboards to my Mac, so that I can both compose and perform live. Steve gave me a quick demo of Maschine with Ableton Live, which is a kick-ass combination. This guy was generous and very knowledgeable. To the complainers, small shops like Robotspeak are getting squeezed out of existence, due to local musicians not buying local at shops like Steve's. Work with him. He's competing with online retailers that ship massive amounts of product, but have no local presence, or the kind of in-depth knowledge Robotspeak has to offer. I'm definitely going to attend their classes and buy my gear through them. You should too, if you care about SF. Lower Haight is about more than hipster T-shirts and bars, so let's keep it that way and buy from shops like this. read more

Robot Speak is a great store and quite unique for the Bay Area. I've taken a couple of electronic music and acoustic theory classes here and they were a lot of fun. Steve is pretty cool and let's you mess with the modular to figure out what you want to buy. Lots of new and used gear and a beautiful picture of Bob Moog on the wall. You can tell it's a labor of love. read more