The San Francisco Bay Area is the home to some great guitar shops. Many famous bands originated here in the Bay Area and many of them still visit these guitar shops. Here are a few of the best ones.
SF Guitar Works – This long in business shop sells new and used guitars, repairs guitars and equipment, and refurbishes instruments that need some loving care. Located on Potrero Street, this store is open on Tuesdays through Saturday. Customers rave about their customer service. Guitar Works has a website about their store at www.sfguitarworks.com.
Guitar Solo – If you want to play classical guitar or Spanish guitar, this is the store to visit. Their classical and acoustic guitars are reasonably priced, and they have a great selection of used guitars. This store is renowned for their collection of sheet music, guitar recordings and guitar accessories as well. Located on Townsend between 3rd and 4th Street in the China Basin area, they are close to the Giant’s stadium. Guitar Solo has a website at www.gspguitar.com.
Rocker Guitars – Shop specializes in guitars and equipment for playing rock and roll. Sells new and used equipment including older amps that you cannot find at other places. Customer service is not the best and a new guitar player will probably be lost here. The store is on Howard Street in the SOMA district. Hours at the store can be highly variable, so calling first is a good idea. You will have to knock to enter Rocker Guitars.
Other Bay Area Shops
Gryphon Stringed Instruments – Located in Palo Alto on Lambert Avenue, this store specializes in acoustic guitars and ukeleles. Featured regularly in Acoustic Guitar magazine, this store sells to clients on a national basis. The store is open Monday through Saturday. The store has a website at www.gryphonstrings.com .
Schoenberg Guitars – This is a two fold company. One part sells guitars made by Eric Schoenberg. The other part of the business specializes in acoustic and classical guitars. The shop sells brand name new and used guitars. Guitar areas covered include rock and roll, classical and jazz. Located on Main Street in Sausilito, their website is at www.om28.com. Like a true artist, this shop does not open until 11 AM.
Guitar Showcase – The store sells and repairs any kind of guitar. They also sell guitars on consignment for their customers. Guitar Showcase also carries an extensive selection of left handed guitars. Located in on South Bascom in San Jose, the store is open seven days a week. Their website is located at www.guitarshowcase.com.