Business Details
Trusted Musical Instruments and Lessons in East Bay
Rockin Robbies has been a trusted name in the East Bay music scene for over three decades, providing comprehensive musical solutions for students, educators, and professionals. We operate two full-service locations in Concord and El Cerrito, offering a wide array of instruments for sale and rent, expert repair services, and personalized music instruction. Our team of seasoned musicians and educators brings extensive industry experience, ensuring customers receive knowledgeable guidance and top-quality products. As authorized dealers for leading brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Selmer, we combine technical expertise with a passion for music education. Our rental program supports schools across the Bay Area with reliable instruments and flexible payment options, while our repair department provides free estimates and meticulous maintenance for all instruments.We prioritize customer satisfaction through transparent policies, including a rental warranty covering normal wear and tear. With a commitment to community growth, we partner with local schools to fundraise through our affiliate program. Our stores adhere to safety guidelines while maintaining a welcoming environment for in-person and online lessons. From beginner instruments to professional-grade equipment, Rockin Robbies serves as a comprehensive hub for all musical needs. We remain dedicated to preserving the legacy of music stores in the Bay Area through innovation and personalized service.
Services
Instruments for Sale
Music Instrument Rentals
Private Lessons
Repairs & Maintenance
Online Rentals
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of music business expertise and community engagement.
- We provide free repair estimates and warranties covering normal instrument wear.
- We support local schools through rental partnerships and fundraising programs.
- We offer authorized dealer brands like Fender, Yamaha, and Selmer.
- Our staff includes certified educators and professional musicians.
Services
Music Instrument Rentals
We provide high-quality band and orchestra instrument rentals for students and professionals. Our inventory includes Yamaha, Jupiter, and Selmer products with flexible monthly payment plans. Customers receive free maintenance and repair services under normal wear-and-tear policies. Our program supports schools across the Bay Area through affiliate partnerships.
Private Music Lessons
Our certified instructors offer personalized lessons for brass, woodwind, string, and percussion instruments. Sessions cost $170 monthly with flexible scheduling available at two locations or online. We match students with teachers based on skill levels and musical goals, ensuring tailored learning experiences for all ages.
Instrument Repairs
Our repair department handles guitar, bass, and acoustic/electric instrument maintenance. Services include setup, string replacement, and electronic diagnostics starting at $20. We provide free evaluations for all repairs with transparent pricing and turnaround times communicated upfront.
Instruments for Sale
We sell new and used guitars, basses, amps, and studio equipment from brands like Fender, Ibanez, and Pearl. Our inventory includes acoustic and electric guitars, digital keyboards, and professional-grade percussion instruments. Authorized dealer status ensures authentic products with manufacturer warranties.
Online/Remote Sales
Customers can shop instruments and accessories through our e-commerce platform with in-store, curbside, or delivery options. Our website features real-time inventory updates and contactless pickup compliant with CDC guidelines for safe transactions.
People
Robin
Owner
Robin, the owner, has over 30 years of music business experience and founded Rockin Robbies. She's passionate about creating positive relationships and opened a second location in 2020. Her expertise spans instruments, education, and community engagement.
Questions
What instruments can I rent?
We offer band/orchestra rentals including woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion instruments with pricing starting at $24.95 monthly.
Do you provide music lessons?
Yes! We offer monthly lessons ($170) on guitars, drums, brass, woodwinds, and strings with experienced instructors at both locations or online.
How much do repairs cost?
Basic repairs start at $20 with free evaluations. Guitar setups cost $80+ and electronics diagnostics start at $35 (plus parts).
Are you open during the pandemic?
Yes! We follow CDC guidelines with contactless pickup, in-store shopping, and online options available daily except Sundays.
Do you support local schools?
Yes! We partner with Bay Area schools through instrument rentals and a fundraising program returning 10% of rental fees to music programs.
Reviews (5)
Steven P.
Jan 20, 2022
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I called this store roughly 7 months ago looking for my Stolen Mandolin. The guy told me he would have seen or known if they had purchased any and hadn't in a long time. I got a voicemail from the guy I talked to, he tells me someone from a church donated a Mandolin, he checked the serial number I left him as a good shop should! Sure enough, it was a match. This mandolin has been on my mind everyday since it was stolen and searched everyday to see if someone tried to sell it. Well, luckily I had called the right place and he enthusiastically let me know in a voicemail they have my mandolin.
I had given up hope, now I'll never go to any store for any equipment/accessories and collection of strings I own. Thank you so much for looking out and letting me know ASAP, I am in tears of joy knowing I finally get my $1300 Mandolin back! You Rock as your sign says!
I had given up hope, now I'll never go to any store for any equipment/accessories and collection of strings I own. Thank you so much for looking out and letting me know ASAP, I am in tears of joy knowing I finally get my $1300 Mandolin back! You Rock as your sign says!
Patty W.
Sep 05, 2021
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This place is effing rad! I had no idea it was here! Good selection and awesome staff that were super friendly to both me and my 5 year old son that was touching everything! If you want a non pretentious laid back spot look no further! Support your local shop! I picked up a nice 12 string acoustic today and am very pleased with it.
Emily J.
Aug 19, 2021
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Love our local music store. Super fun to peruse and we have always received friendly service, especially from the owner Robin. While we want to add more instruments to our home, we aren't quite yet ready for another big purchase. So during a recent day date, we stopped by and picked up a couple egg shakers and a kalimba (thumb piano) to tide us over for now. We will be back when we're ready to add to our collection either temporarily via rental or permanently via purchase.
Lucia R.
Jul 02, 2021
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Really disappointed. this review is for the horrible experience that my little step brother had 1 year ago when he used to take guitar lessons. Our friends, classmates, & family warned us that the quality here don't match up to an excellent standard in lessons & instruments so we switched to another music store after trying it out anyways since we live nearby. and because it's cheaper. The guitar that we purchased from here was low quality. at least it was below the retail price which Robin had kindly given us as a discount so that's for the 2 stars.
You get what you pay for; cannot say anything more positive than that. The low rating is for the guitar lessons. my brother had not learn anything valuable and the teacher was very rude and demeaning to him. tried returning the guitar for a refund but there's no one at the front store & the store is really messy & disorganized. So we decided not to return it cause we thought it was unprofessional how they dealt with the lessons. We tried calling to cancel my brothers lessons but we still got charged for lessons. Would never come back here again. really upset about this.
You get what you pay for; cannot say anything more positive than that. The low rating is for the guitar lessons. my brother had not learn anything valuable and the teacher was very rude and demeaning to him. tried returning the guitar for a refund but there's no one at the front store & the store is really messy & disorganized. So we decided not to return it cause we thought it was unprofessional how they dealt with the lessons. We tried calling to cancel my brothers lessons but we still got charged for lessons. Would never come back here again. really upset about this.
Rachel H.
Mar 26, 2021
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This place is so awesome and the staff and owner Robin, are so very helpful. I have rented a clarinet for three years through their school rental program. I felt the time was right to buy him a Yamaha clarinet. Finally lol. I called Robin and she ordered it for me and gave me a price less than the retail price. Then, after I counted up my savings from renting an instrument, I had a discount of over 50% from the retail price. When I gave it to my son, he was so appreciative, pleased and amazed with the tone. Thank you so much, and thanks for helping him continue his love for music.
