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

10 years ago as a bum I bought a guitar for $40 here and it was damn fine. Good people. Later sold that 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. read more

I went in to sell back the guitar I had bought there 15 years ago. I was selling it back because I've lost my hearing, and with my cochlear implants, I can't hear music. I expected them to be sympathetic, and to at least give me what I paid for it 15 years ago. They paid me much less, and didn't even have the decency to look sorry. read more

Amazing place! Came from Vacaville and plan on coming back any chance I get! Thank you all for your kindness and time!

I love this shop, it is quite unique and its services are high quality and very affordable. I got two guitars worked on and it was only $40, although it did take a little longer than I would have liked. I had pickups installed though, and it was done really well and quickly. I highly recommend this shop to anyone who loves guitars! read more

I brought in a Carruthers EUB-1. One of the the tuning mechanisms broke. [On another note, the folks at Carruthers were USELESS. They would not provide any info about the tuners. No measurements, nothing. I was told to search online for something similar. Talk about not standing behind your products....] Anyway, the folks at Subway did an extensive search and found a tuner that was almost identical. They found it and installed it within a week and the price was right!! These guys are highly recommended! read more

This is a cool shop. The only thing I don't like is I brought in a guitar for trade in, and he scrutinized everything that was wrong with it and announced it as if he were the lead singer of The village people. I found it not only embarrassing but quite entertaining. read more

Absolutely like no other guitar shop in the U.S. Drop ALL preconceived notions of what a guitar store is when you enter here. There is no place like Subway. The Fatdog approach to Guitars is that they are all musical instruments. Period. All instruments are equal, prices notwithstanding, made to be played. It's a Socialist thing and Fatty is nothing if not social. He has been a friend and customer for over 40 years, buying almost anything that has, or had, some value as a guitar, or part of a guitar, once upon a time. One of the most liberating things about having the personal resources to basically throw one's own individual program is that one is beholden to no other paradigm but the one you choose. There are no guitar egos here. No fashion requirements. No strict rules or even suggested rules. Everybody helps everybody else. Fatty is a generous supporter of a long menu of community causes and continues to maintain the ethos of the 1960's Berkeley that he came to as a wannabe Med Student at UC, 60 some years ago. Now he's the last tie-dye-wearing-man standing for Old School style peace & love Hippiedom. I hope he lives to 105. God bless him, the man is an absolute hero. read more

This place is a cool shop for vintage guitars. You really have to pay attention though these guys are selling Frankenstein models for $1,000. Basically guitars they have sitting around that they rebuild and charge you $1,000 for. You also have to watch out for the owner who looks like one of the missing members of The Monkees. Don't let this man fool you with his page boy hairdo I'm just saying watch yourself in this store and question every guitar. These guys like to play word jiu jitsu. They're not exactly liars but they're not exactly telling you the truth either read more

I am not a musician, so I don't really like this place. But I come from a family of musicians and they absolutely love this place! This place is very well known by world famous musicians, some of whom you may run into here, and those who are up and coming. Fat Dawg knows his stuff and unlike people who work at one of the big box loud music stores out there, he actually knows what he's talking about. It is for that reason, they have my utmost respect. So, I'll go, hang around outside, dip in and out and enjoy my family member, who likes coming here, but for me it's a no. I played the piano. But if you need a guitar or an accessory, this is the place to go! read more

I purchased a 2003 America Standard Tele from Fatdawg last year on May 15, 2019. It was a consignment instrument for which I received a good deal. The place is full of crap, but can be a great place to find a vintage amp or a partscaster. You have to ask if you want something nicer from the back. Meeting Fatdawg is an experience in and of itself. He's been around a while and has seen it all. read more

Subway Guitars - Fender American Standard Telecaster 2003 SN #Z3227663 Made in USA (Corona, CA) - Guitar Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

These guys are knowledgeable, friendly, approachable and reasonable. The vibe is sweet here - support your local guitar source before going to the "big guys". It makes a big difference in the experience and keeping home grown music alive in Berkeley. Thumbs up y'all. read more

My go to place for guitar repairs. I've also bought a custom baritone guitar and nicely outfitted Ibanez artcore from them. They understand guitars. read more

I'm an old man, A long long, time ago... I went into Fat Dog's place I was about 20 years old I need to buy some strings Fat Dog, with wearing a funny hat! Hilarious hat He gave me some stuff, and he walked over to me when I was playing and he said, to somebody in the op office... In regards, to what I was playing on the guitar, Fat Dog said, "that's how you do it" Since then, my life has been very difficult Not very pleasant at all... Many many sad things have happened I've lived 30 more years You folks, in Berkeley, do math really well So I'm an old fuck. Fat Dog, Blueberries, raspberries, organic only Kombucha, turmeric, avocado, great fucking Zinfandel, American spirit tobacco organic Mixed with white sage Raw salmon sushi any kind Rothamel no no no tuna ever I don't even feed it to my fucking cat Divide your weight in half Say you weighed 150 pounds, 75 pounds= 75 ounces of water per day preferably, osmosis water. Chinese herb doctor. Western medicine doctor as well. CBD oil pharmaceutical grade go see Ken, at New Leaf, 41st Ave., Capitola, California I have been eating healthy food since I was 18 years old. At that time I lived in San Mateo. In order to get food I had to drive to the rainbow market in San Francisco, or drive to Palo Alto where there was a Whole Foods In order to get food I had to drive to the rainbow market in San Francisco, or drive to Palo Alto where there was a Whole Foods For years I told my friends to shop there For years I told my friends to shop there Big Norred me Fat Dog, I want to thank you for the wonderful two or three times we met many years ago. You mean so much to me, even though you wouldn't even remember me. You did me right! Fat Dog, I want to thank you for the wonderful two or three times we met many years ago. You mean so much to me, even though you wouldn't even remember me. You did me right! You're a wonderful man! read more

I recently bought a vintage National lap steel from Ethan at Subway Guitars. Ethan is not only a knowledge, honest, and fair in his assessment of the guitars I looked, but is also an excellent musician as well. I'm so pleased with the music I'm making the the National. Thanks so much Ethan. read more

Came here to try out a couple of of guitars. Most of the guitars I played were not in the best playing condition and had some problems. However, the people here were friendly and have to give the store credit for that. It's an ok spot if you're looking for a guitar and are willing to go an extra mile in paying for the repair but I do not recommend if you're looking into buying a solid great guitar unless you're willing to pay for the expense of the repairs. read more

My first comment on Subway Guitars... is why are you in business? I came here looking to see if I could find some pedals and when I walked in I was stunted. Why? because it looks like the place is owned by a hoarded, kid you not. I looked around as much as space allowed and asked one grey haired dude about a pedal that was boxed and marked $40 and he said he didn't know anything about pedals or anything about the pedal I had in my hand. Okay, so I asked the other dude that looked like he was fixing a guitar about the pedal and he said; what's this for? And I said; I want to purchase it and he couldn't even tell me the price or inventory or any information about it at all. Seriously? What the heck? Then why are you in business for? So at that point it was crystal clear that Subway Guitars was NOT wanting to do business. Period! So I put the pedal and other stuff I was going to purchase back and I left. read more

I love Fat Dawg, the owner, as well. He's still has a kind spirit after so many years in the music biz. But this shop is an unholy mess. Six beat-to-shit guitars hanging from every hook. Sometimes there is a treasure in the stack, but you pay dearly for it. He, really, never has any guitar amplifiers that are worth a shit. I'm a 47 year guitar playing veteran. Been in the major leagues, played with some names. Even owned a few guitar shops in my time. It's a tough business to make a living wage. I'd rather see Fat Dawg make money selling guitars than American Music Corp (Guitar Center's real name), but that is just a fanciful wish. Fat Dawg has a vision and style. His guitar shop just doesn't ever see a vacuum cleaner. read more

this review is mainly in response to the 1 and 2 star reviews posted here .. overall, i've always liked this place and its' founder / owner Fatdog .. and the social scene around it .. this is a Last Outpost of 1960s / '70s CounterCulture .. as well as a Guitar Store / Museum / Junk Yard / Fatdog Clubhouse .. i've always told people that Fatdog is an East Coast Big Shot, West Coast Hippie, and most importantly, Junior High School Bully / Prankster .. he is very Knowledgeable of the History of Guitars / Folk, Blues Music, Leftist Politics, and Technical Knowledge of Guitars .. especially Electrics .. overall i've found him to be kind, considerate, generous, and humorous .. and sometimes cheap, aggravating, Infuriating, distracted, and unavailable .. this place is Not Guitar Center .. it's more like Alice in Wonderland, Cheech and Chong Land, with Rod Serling in the background .. as far as cleanliness, and order, this is not Guitar Center .. or General Hospital .. and you don't have to worry about sales people following you around, trying ".. to be helpful .." you can Browse, Browse, Browse .. in regard to repairs, the best thing is to have them do it ".. while you wait .." if possible .. if you do leave 'em, remember the first names of the people you deal with so they can do a search of the Chaos Pile of Repairs .. and be ready to give a clear, succinct description of the instrument and repair .. if you see any Famous Musicians here, pretend like you don't know who They Are .. they like their annonymity .. take your time, and get to know the Place and Staff .. this is not 7-11 .. and if it seems Too Weird, come back Another time .. there are many rewards here .. if you take the Time .. read more

I walked into Subway with the intention of browsing a bit than hitting other stores to finish out my east bay guitar selection shopping experience. I had been to "Best Musical Instrument" in Oakland and "Fifth String" in Berkeley but their small selections for my beginner range was underwhelming. When I walked in it was a mess, guitars lined the walls, ceilings and parts strewn about in random places. The bloke behind the counter looked up from his mag for a second, then back down. The other guy looked at me easily, but in more of a "what's up bro?" way than a "how can I help you" way. Honestly I was confused who to address. The second guy Knoel helped me, a total beginner, sift through guitars in my $2-500 range. He was so kind and helpful and calm I wanted to buy there before I even decided on a guitar. Eventually I found one that resonated with me, and surprisingly it was really affordable. Is it a Martin or Gibson ... No. It is the best fit for me though? ... Yes! I really respected and admired their cool, calm, and easy approach, not sales-ey or pushy. It even helped me forget about their inability to find the sales slip booklet for 5 minutes while the bloke behind the counter rummaged through the piles of crap. In the end, their laid back manner won me over and I left a happy camper. Definitely recommend if you are shopping and want a unique and wonderful experience. read more

Subway Guitars - Guitars line the walls top to bottom in this tiny but power packed joint. - Guitar Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Bought a guitar here a few weeks ago. Decently priced and they have a good return policy where you get to return or exchange the guitar within 2 weeks! I originally got another guitar but ended up not giving with that one and exchanged it for another that cost the same. It was not a hassle at all. Also the people that worked there were helpful. The place has a funky vibe as well. Overall it It was a good experience. read more

Independent music stores are becoming more and more rare these days, especially stores with personality, character, and situated in a quaint residential neighborhood. Did I mention PACKED with vintage musical instruments and amps?? I don't care how rude people think Fatdawg (the owner) is - stores like this are a dying breed!! In fact I don't know any other stores in the East Bay (or SF for that matter) that have such a great selection of interesting, cool, rare, old - and AFFORDABLE musical gear. If you're a musician, you'll love this place. And you'll be so busy eyeballing the gear stacked all over the place that you won't give two shits about the customer service. read more

Subway Guitars - Don't be scared - Guitar Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Take my talented grandson to Subway whenever he visits so he can pick one or two or three guitars to play from the huge assortment of used instruments hanging in two rows, surrounding us - guitars everywhere! And if you don't see what you want, ask; he has an extensive stock of finer instruments that are not on display If I'm lucky, the owner Fat Dawg, is not too busy to be drawn into talking about the store's and his own history which seems to include every important player since the early '60s; if he hasn't built them a guitar he's likely sold or loaned them one. A uniques experience for the guitar players and lovers! read more

Subway Guitar should become a building on the National Historic Society. Will not find the latest Gibson or Fender but do a little digging around and you may find a gem tucked away. Mark Knopfler bought a guitar there...just saying. read more

Fantastic deal!! So friendly and knowledgeable. The guys walked my daughter through each step of her first electric guitar and amp. They worked with her budget, searched for the just-right equipment, and got her completely set to annoy her parents with good distortion and plenty of noise. I particularly love their "library" model - when she's ready to upgrade, she can trade it in for the price paid and get something new, paying only the difference between the original prices. Definitely I a shop we'll frequent. read more

This place is AMAZING. As a traveler and a musician, I will always at least stop by this place to check out the inventory. There's lots of history and the owner is a great story-teller and very informative. They make their own guitars. This place is definitely for the community. read more

I've taken three guitars there for some TLC and have always been happy with the results. I also like that they have a lot of very nice, player-oriented guitars for very reasonable prices. They specialize in refurbishing Frankenstein-ed guitars, but they do it with taste and an eye towards value. The experience can be a little unrefined -- it's crowded in there with guitars, and the guys are only moderately customer-oriented, but it's friendly, funky, and a great place to stop if you want a pro-quality guitar at a beginner's level price, or need an experienced eye to repair your favorite axe. read more

I first stepped into this place about a decade ago with my mom when I was in middle school. Having taken piano and voice since I was a toddler and dabbled in other instruments over the years, I was ready to add a new instrument to the list -- the guitar. My mom told her professional musician friend this and he recommended that we go to Subway Guitars. He was suppose to come with us, but something came up with him at the last minute, so we went ourselves anyways. It ended up being the worst instrument buying experience EVER. Let me tell you -- this guy is not here to make friends, long term customers/build a clientele, or to help you pick out your dream guitar by giving helpful suggestions. He's just there to blurt out the prices of guitars when you ask. Maybe it's because our outward appearances were Business-Woman-With-Her-Preppy-Looking-Teenage-Daughter, or maybe it's because we told him that I was a beginner and was looking for a guitar to start off with, but we were not given any service at all. To make matters worse, the place of business is literally a rundown shack that is the size of my walk-in closet, which actually would've been a really cool experience to be in had the guy been totally rad. I just recall us being completely brushed off and ignored in favor of his friend who had just come over to jam with him in the corner. Being a teenager, I just randomly picked a guitar and bought it that day, but my mom was so unsettled about our experience at Subway Guitar that she ended up returning it a few days later and we bought another guitar elsewhere. If that had happen to me today, the older and wiser me would've just walked out and left the store immediately. Rico S.' review so spot on. About the place, the instruments, and the guy: http://www.yelp.com/biz/subway-guitars-berkeley#hrid:mlY1PsQ7tM_XZ62erMTRCQ Fat Dawg is TOTALLY like Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons. I eventually taught myself guitar, loved it, and have gotten several other guitars in the years since, and definitely NOT from here. I would suggest this shop for more serious musicians who know exactly what they want, or as someone in another review suggested, bring a friend who knows guitars. Maybe Fat Dawg will respect you more and actually give you the time of day. I wouldn't suggest that a beginner wander in here for a starter guitar. Despite my poor experience here and the fact that I'll probably never be back because of it, I'm still giving Subway Guitars 2 stars because it *is* still full of local flavor and I'm very much in support of local businesses. It's a shame that it's run the way it is because it has the potential to be so much more. read more

It's hard to rate a store that has so many pluses and minuses. Positives: -Buyers get 30 days to try out their instruments, which is really nice. And their prices are VERY reasonable. If you are looking for a cool, unique guitar or bass for under $500, this is a good place to shop - if you know what you're doing. -You will find instruments that you will never see anywhere else, mainly because he "Frankensteins" them together from old guitar parts. The flipside is that you won't find many standard (i.e. normal) used instruments here. There are a few Strats and Gibsons, but this isn't the place to come if you're looking for a conventional used guitar. Think old-school Danelectros, Nationals and Hagstroms... - He has lots of basses!!! Frustrated bassists will understand how rare it is to find more than a few instruments at a vintage/used store. Now for the negatives: - FatDog (the owner) is a local "character," but he's really kind of a jerk. I've bought several instruments from him, and every time I walk in it's like we're meeting for the first time. That's not so bad, but he insults customers, takes phone calls in the middle of conversations and generally provides poor service. -FatDog is much like Comic Store Guy on the Simpsons: cocky, arrogant, abrasive and difficult to like. He also thinks his guitars are awesomely made, but you can easily see and feel flaws in the workmanship - which he denies exist! - The store is filthy. Like bus-station-bathroom-filthy. Vacuuming is not a crime. - The biggest negative is that most of the instruments suck. They look cool, and they're fine for beginners or as conversation pieces, but most of the gear is assembled by FatDog and his crew with absolutely no care or attention to detail. The bottom line: If you are going to shop here, bring a knowledgeable friend with you! There are a few finds, but most of the gear is third-rate drek that will look cool on your wall - but you'll never play a show with it. read more

Thanks, Subway Guitars- you've ruined my life. Ok- well not really. BUT I totally have guitar inferiority complex- my guitar is too nice for me. I'm just a beginner and it's like giving a toddler a baby grand to practice on. So painful. Oh beautiful guitar you deserve so much more than my inadequate non-Hendrix awesome self. I thought they were really helpful for someone who has nil experience with guitars. The dude I met (not this "Fat Dawg" or something that everyone talks about) was really nice and helpful. I told him that I wanted to start playing guitar, but I didn't know what kind. I think I got a really nice guitar (some sort of Takamine), actually I probably should have started with a cheapie guitar and progressed to a nice guitar. But yeah- they ever had a selection for me- A LEFT HANDED guitar player. I feel like in hindsight, I should have just gotten a right handed guitar and learned to play it. But the guy actually talked me out of it. Subway guitars makes me feel good about myself and say "screw you right handed world- I AM LEFT HANDED AND PROUD!". Although, the guy I talked to said that Mr. Dawg would probably have talked me out of trying to play left-handed. I know the rest of the guitar world says I should play right handed- there are NO books for left-handed folks. Now I have to find a guitar teacher who will "condescend" to teach me how to play left-handed guitar. But it's worth it. My baby (the guitar) is beautiful. Extra note: I went to Subway guitars by recommendation of Yelp. I wanted something that no one else could buy at Target or Walmart or even the Guitar Center- and I got exactly what I wanted. read more

I just don't get it. The place is a mess. The owner is an ass. And the prices are OK. Walking in feels like you've walked into a musical version of the Sanford and Son junk yard. "I think there's a good something or other over here... somewhere." Or maybe it's like the soup kitchen guy from Seinfeld, "No music for you!" From the way the story reads, these guys got their name by customizing guitars... building in effects, lights and knobs... They moved to Berkeley after closing their shop further north, so they crammed a few thousand square feet of instruments into a few hundred. The shop feels dusty, unkempt and a little mildewy. I've been here twice and have only had the guts to pull a guitar off the wall once. I felt too cramped and uncomfortable to do so at any other time. read more

So, I'm a complete n00b when it comes to playing the guitar, but determined to be a pro one day and with the guidance of my guitar coach, Will M. (please refer to his review for complete details on technicalities and true guitar vocab) I decided to fix up my dad's guitar which he gave to me instead of buying a new one. So, my dad's guitar is an old school Carlos dreadnaught whose chords were totally rusted over and bridge was on the verge of flying off (but the body overall were still in great shape!). My friend did some research and suggested this place to me, so here we ventured. Most of the stars I am giving to this place goes to their humble, hippie shack. SO BERKELEY. I love it! It's painted with blue clouds (with a blue cloud buggie mobile parked in front). Inside there are tons of old school/vintage guitars scattered all over the place waiting for repair -- a place I felt safe to drop off my dad's classic so that it could reunite with its past hippy buddies. We're greeted by this one guy who's really laid back. My friend does all the talking because well...I'm a n00b. Still learning! We're told to go meet another guy in the back of the shack. We make our way back behind the secret door and through some kick-ass curtains made of bubble wrap (so cool) and greeted by another really chill dude who according to my friend, must be a guitar genius because he's so calm and collective about the damage to repair. ANYWAY. The whole fix up: new strings, new bridge, adjusted set-up, neck, and a bunch of other little things cost $45. Which was well worth the adventure into this little random shack and getting my guitar fixed like brand new -- they did a great job, too! (Playing now.) The service was expedient: Turned it in on Friday, and it was ready to be picked up by Monday! And now I'm ready to be an all-star...one day! =D So yes...again, please refer to technical details through Will M. Thank you and have a nice day. read more

Some years back, before I knew any better, I went to Subway looking for a nice Acoustic. He had a bunch hanging up without prices. I'm now convinced that he did this so he could mark up prices depending on whomever walked through the door. I liked the feel of an old Kay and asked how much. He said $800. That seemed high but I trusted that he knew the value better than I would, so I bought it. Turns out the neck had been fully broken off and spottily glued back on. I didn't know to look for that stuff when I was first starting out, but I do now, and no one would pay more than a couple hundred dollars for a guitar in that shape. The experience always stuck with me and I don't appreciate being sold a broken guitar at more than full price simply because he could get away with it. read more

Fun guitars to look at and try. You'll see some unique stuff here if you like guitars. Not sure its the best place to buy a guitar unless you're looking for something unique. read more

Do NOT COME HERE FOR REPAIRS! The shop has some really great guitars and Fat Dog is really nice, so by all means check out their guitars. Subway Guitars is after all, QUINTESSENTIAL Berkeley! But this means an incredibly laid back and unfortunately sloppy attitude towards repair. I took my bass in for a simple wiring job, after a week I was told it would be a couple more days. A week later I called to find the repair tech was out of town. I went to pick up my bass without the repair but found the back cover to the controls missing, the guy in the shop couldn't find it. Called the next day and was told my bass wasn't fixable. Came to pick it up and Fat Dog had no idea where it was, other people's instruments were carelessly placed everywhere. Once he finally found my unfixed bass I took it home only to discover that it ALL of the controls were messed up (where before just two of them were not wired). Again, it's a cool spot, but DO NOT come here for repairs! read more

The guys that work here are really nice and will steer you straight - especially if you are a newbie looking to learn guitar bass or uke. They have a large selection of beginner and above instruments - many used as well. The shop is pretty crowded so be careful as you edge around perusing the goods. They have a good deal on strings - they buy in bulk and you can mix and match the gauges as you see fit. Hence a custom set for $4 or so for guitar. If you are looking for big name big ticket items this isn't the spot - but if you're hella mella stop in and give it a look. read more

I've gone to a couple places to get basic strings for my acoustic guitar and either they were trying to overcharge me or trying to 'repair' the minor details that I wasn't asking for. I went into Subway Guitar, the gentleman assisted me... was in and out of the store in less than 5 minutes with an easy solution that barely cost me anything. As simple as it should have been, Thanx Subway! read more

I first met Fat Dawg in 2006 when I was looking for my first electric guitar. I remember saving up for a year for it and even then, that wasn't nearly enough but he was willing to help me out with that a little. I refused to start off on a strat body and wanted a Les Paul style. Lo and behold, here they were, lined up from the 1970s and on and for a fairly decent price. I've bought a few things from him as well as sold a few things and it's always for me an interesting experience to go down there. I've also taken a few friends over to show them a completely different type of guitar store experience than going to Guitar Center where the brand new guitars are paraded before your eyes. Here, you're likely to find something odd, quirky, vintage and memorable. The people I've met here have been more than friendly and engaging in conversation to get to know you and all. The place is very cluttered and you'll find that if you want to find something specific (that's brand new and you could find everywhere else) go to guitar center. If you want a serendipitous experience in guitars, you go here. It can get messy some days, but very rarely should you ever be in a rush to pick out an instrument. They also sell decent strings for fairly cheap here too. read more

When I was going to Cal, I wandered in here after anais Mitchell said she bought her guitar here. Got a beautiful guitar epiphany then realized I didn't want it and came back a few weeks later and got a beautiful Martin- ish acoustic I still cherish to this day. Fat dawg and his workers were extremely helpful, this must've been 2016! read more

I saw a few bad reviews of Subway Guitars and so I wanted to add my voice to the mix. I had a great experience in this place. Subway Guitar's staff was extremely helpful in helping me to find an acoustic guitar. They started me well below my named budget and I had to press them to show me something more expensive. (The astute reader has probably already surmised that they were simply matching their guitars to my skills.) When it came down to the final selection I found Fat Dawg very personable and accommodating. AFTER I purchased a guitar at Subway I continued to shop and I couldn't find a new guitar with comparable sound within $1000 of my Subway purchase. And where else can you can have a blues great (known there simply as "maestro" but I've listened to his music for 30 years) play your guitar before you buy?! THANK GOD there are still alternatives to the shops that belong in a strip mall where you find 10x the attitude and 1/10th the real knowledge. read more