Business Details
46 Years
experience
Expert Musical Instrument & Pro Audio Repair in San Mateo
CAE Sound was founded in 1980 with a mission to help working musicians maintain their gear. Our expertise spans the repair and restoration of vintage and modern electronic musical instruments and equipment, including amplifiers, keyboards, effects, and custom accessories. With decades of experience and a comprehensive inventory of vintage parts, we specialize in servicing equipment from discontinued manufacturers, ensuring musicians worldwide can keep their beloved instruments functional.Our team has worked with industry legends, including Joe Walsh of the Eagles, and we remain committed to sustainability through eco-friendly practices. As a California Green company, we recycle e-waste, support local communities, and employ veterans and retired workers, demonstrating our dedication to excellence and social responsibility.
Services
Vintage Keyboards Repair
Guitar Amps
Bass Amps
Effects Pedals
Speaker Reconing
Custom Fabrication
Warranty Services
Recording Equipment
Digital Mixers
Turntable Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We specialize in restoring vintage instruments no longer supported by manufacturers
- Our team maintains one of the largest inventories of vintage equipment parts globally
- We offer factory-certified warranty service for major brands
- Our technicians have over 40 years of experience in pro audio electronics repair
- We provide rush service with a 3-week turnaround for urgent repairs
Services
Vintage Instrument Repair
We specialize in repairing and restoring vintage musical instruments, including rare and discontinued brands. Our technicians have decades of experience with vacuum tube and solid-state electronics. We ensure your gear performs reliably, preserving its historical value and sound quality for future use.
Speaker Reconing
Our speaker reconing service restores vintage speakers to like-new condition. We use premium materials to rebuild voice coils, surrounds, and cones. This service preserves the original tone of high-end speakers while extending their lifespan significantly through professional-grade restoration techniques.
Custom Fabrication
We design and manufacture replacement components for obsolete equipment. Our in-house fabrication capabilities include power amp modules and sustain pedals. These custom solutions maintain compatibility with classic instruments while improving performance and durability through modern engineering standards.
Warranty Services
Our technicians are factory-certified to perform warranty repairs for major brands. We handle all authorized service work with original parts and documentation. This ensures compliance with manufacturer specifications while maintaining warranty validity for the customer.
Turntable Repairs
We provide comprehensive repair and maintenance for vintage and modern turntables. Our services include motor calibration, stylus replacement, and bearing lubrication. We specialize in restoring classic models to optimal performance while preserving their original design integrity and sound characteristics.
People
Peter Miller
Founder
Founded CAE Sound in 1980 after gaining experience with Hammond organs and Magic Music Machines. Recognized as a pioneer in vintage instrument repair with over 40 years of industry expertise.
Jake
Service Technician
Expert in amplifier and effects pedal repairs. Known for his attention to detail and customer service. Brix's caretaker and welcoming presence at our San Mateo location.
Al
Synthesizer Technician
Specializes in vintage synthesizer restoration. Maintains deep knowledge of classic electronic instruments. Wilma's owner and dedicated advocate for preserving musical history.
Questions
Do you repair vintage musical instruments?
Yes, we specialize in repairing and restoring vintage instruments from discontinued manufacturers.
What brands do you service?
We repair equipment from major brands including Fender, Gibson, Roland, Moog, and rare obsolete manufacturers.
How long does a repair take?
Current turnaround time is approximately 3 weeks, with rush service available for urgent repairs.
Do you offer warranty service?
Yes, we're authorized to perform factory-certified warranty repairs for major music equipment brands.
Can I check my repair status online?
Yes, use our online portal to track the current status of your repair order in real-time.
Do you sell replacement parts?
We offer a comprehensive inventory of vintage and modern replacement parts for musical equipment.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Shiba Holdings
May 21, 2022
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Very unprofessional. They are not able to keep up with service, as They are too busy to figure out what is going on. They hang up the phone, and simply disregard you. Terrible service and zero professionalism.
Andrew Bachmann
Apr 23, 2022
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One of the warranty service centers for my product. I got an estimate that the product would be ready in two weeks, but it took over a month to get it back. I felt some pressure on up-sell. Next time I'll try another place instead.
Dan Dippery
Apr 18, 2022
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So refreshing to have such professionalism - with warmth. Took in a very tired, dusty Yamaha keyboard, well overdue for help. Elana explained their full-exam method - plus a 3-week waiting list - but hinted they would probably get to it sooner. Well, I brought it home today - just a week and a half later - looking and sounding like new! Peter Miller, Elana and the CAE crew are outstanding. They're in-shop and on-call. And very reasonable priced. You may have get in line, but it's truly worth the brief wait. And your instrument will thank you!
HvyMtle Studios
Dec 20, 2021
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This place is a gem. To be able to have my amps serviced or repaired and feel 100% confident and secure is gold. It's almost hard to believe I can even get someone at Peters level to work on my amps. My first experience has been such a pleasure I almost can't wait for something else to break.
Roberto Hernandez
Sep 19, 2021
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I highly recommend CAE Sound. Peter is very professional and highly skilled. He repaired and brought my K2000 back to life! Very satisfied customer and will certainly be back as my other vintage equipment ages.
