Adam’s String Shack

Piedmont, United States

5

Closed now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 415-377-8567
Website:
adamsstringshack.com
Address:
Moraga Ave, Piedmont, CA, 94611
Piedmont
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1.3 miCollege Av & Rock Ridge BART Station
1.3 miCollege Av & Miles Av (Claremont Middle School)
1.3 miMiles Av & College Av
Categories:
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Dogs Allowed
Yes

Today

Today 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Piedmont) 8:39 AM Friday, May 30, 2025

Business hours

Monday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Adam’s String Shack is an appointment only, string instrument repair, Guitar repairs Oakland, Ukulele repairs oakland Bass repairs oakland, violin repairs oakland, Ukulele lessons, Guitar lessons and vintage sales shop In the Oakland/​Piedmont area.

From storage to stage we specialize in high quality repairs.

«Life is not good when your guitar is broke!» Let Adam fix it!

History

Established in 2006.

After graduating from Berklee School of Music and moving to SF, Adam combined gigging and teaching and has worked with music stores in Pinole, Dublin and Oakland since 1993. Adam added repair to his repertoire, and has now opened his own little shack, specializing in string instrument repairs, lessons and vintage sales.

Meet the Business Owner

Adam L.

Business Owner

Adam started his musical career at the age of 11, turned on by hearing the Greatful Dead. Born and raised in NY/​NJ, he studied guitar with Van Morretti until the age of 18 when he moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music. He studied music education, performance and professional music. While working at the Performance Center, Adam got involved with stage hand work, light designing, set building, sound engineering and all aspects of live performance. After graduating in 1991, he found himself in SF. Adam merged teaching and performance and taught at local music stores while playing on several local and national recordings including the Big Mountain Unity Album, 1994 Giant Records. Having to repair instruments on the road, and discovering he loved it, he went on to study with Charles Fox and Rick Turner. He has now opened his own repair and teaching ‘string shack’ in Oakland.

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Vicinity

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20 reviews of Adam’s String Shack

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
Adam is the absolute best! I take all of my gear to him on a regular basis. Basses, guitars… whether it’s vintage or brand spanking new, he’ll set it up better than you could’ve possibly imagined. I refer all of my private students and pretty much anyone with a guitar straight to him. They always thank me afterwards!
One of the best things about working with Adam is that he is very good at explaining the «what, how, and why» of the work he’s putting in to your instrument… Helping you to figure out how to tweak it on your own as well. Can’t recommend him enough!
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
I haven’t come across a guitar tech who’s provided such great overall customer service in awhile. I reached out to Adam to do a neck install and setup on a fender start of mine and that following day it was done. While he was working on my guitar, he was kind enough to text me photos and updates on his findings. During my pickup he also provided me with a lot of additional info on my guitar which for me, was incredibly helpful since I know nothing about guitar maintenance even though I’ve been playing for a few years. Adam also went beyond the work I had paid for, cleaning up my older neck and pots. My strat has never felt this good. I was also pleasantly surprised at how affordable his fees were. So much value, such great service. I’ve now found my go to guy for guitar work. Check him out!
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
Adam has helped me get four guitars up and running now. Each guitar had its own set of problems, and each time adam has patiently given advice and options for repair, including times when he’s just told me how to fix the problem on my own. In the more complicated jobs, like resetting two different necks, the results have been excellent and totally reasonable. In fact, I think he should charge more money than he does. At the end of the day, he just wants to see that another guitar is out there being played. Thank you adam!
And he often has great old guitars for sale. Check out his website
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
Fast & friendly service from a pro!
I reached out to Adam to help troubleshoot an issue I was having with my 7 string electric’s bridge. He returned my call immediately and and was able to schedule an appointment to have a look the next day. Adam was super friendly, knowledgeable, patient, and fixed my issue in no time at all. I’ll definitely reach out to him for all my guitar tech needs in the future and I’d recommend him to all my fellow guitarists any day!
Place rating: 5
Fremont, CA
Thanks to Adam my daughter was able to learn how to independently tune her new violin and play it with confidence. As her mom, I learned how to fix pegs and maintain a new instrument. Thanks for your help Adam. I’ll come and see you for all my string needs!
Place rating: 5
Mountain View, CA
My guitar sounds and feels better than ever. I called and asked of I could drop it off today, and it was setup and re-​strung the same day. Thanks Adam– I will definitely be coming back for any future guitar work. And super reasonable pricing.
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
Friendly, professional, and excellent at what he does. It’s obvious that his only priority is getting your instruments back to you in the best condition possible. Stellar service.
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
Adam taught my six year old daughter ukulele and he was great. He’s extremely knowledgeable, patient and understands/​relates to kids in a way they feel supported and motivated. I recommend Adam to kids and adults alike.
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
Super nice genuine guy, quick service, and awesome work. He fixed a tuning peg (screw had come out) on my dad’s old guitar, smoothed out the fret board that had been worn down from years of play, and cleaned & oiled the whole thing. Gave the old Gibson some much needed love. Thank you Adam!
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
Super fast, high quality repair! My kids had stepped on my guitar (while it was in the case, fortunately) and broke the bridge. Adam took it in, and had it fixed that same day! I’m hoping to get back into guitar playing and will definitely consider Adam for lessons based on other reviews.
Place rating: 5
Castro Valley, CA
Adam is phenomenal! My son took guitar lessons from him for over 9 years, and my daughter for about 3 years. But, he went above and beyond regular guitar lessons, working with the kids on vocals and recording tracks. He compiled CDs and held recitals for his students to showcase their talent. Adam embodies patience. His laid-​back, mellow demeanor along with his musical knowledge and talent make him a superb teacher. While he was clear about his expectations, he allowed space for his students to make and learn from their own mistakes (i.e.: the amount of practicing between lessons!). After spending 9 years with Adam, I feel like I could go on and on about all of his positive qualities and characteristics! Sometimes less is more, so let me finish by summarizing our experience with Adam in two very simple sentences– Every week, and sometimes twice a week, for 9 years, Adam was a part of the Ashton family’s schedule. The entire time, whether we brought him a guitar to fix or a kid to teach, he exceeded our expectations!
Place rating: 5
Santa Cruz, CA
I took guitar lessons from Adam from age 10 – 16. He’s a fantastic teacher, and he was great to work with when I was a kid. Highly recommend for students young or old.
Place rating: 5
Concord, CA
Adam has worked on a bunch of my guitars over the years — including a vintage Strat, Ibanez and a modern Rickenbacker. He’s done everything from action/​set-​up adjustments, to more involved custom electronics, pick-​up and vibrato installation. He’s even fixed a horrible crack on my acoustic guitar. All of the work is performed with a great attention to detail, in a timely manner and at a reasonable rate. If you need a repair, or just want to improve your axe, Adam can get it done!
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
Adam is a great, laid back, encouraging teacher who lets the student’s interests dictate the direction of the lessons. Went to him as a guitar student when I was in high school and he was fun and easy to work with but didn’t let you slack off either. He also provided wonderfully fun recording opportunities that I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. You definitely get your money’s worth with Adam!
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
I’ve taken Ukelele lessons with Adam for about a year and he’s a wonderful teacher. He’s patient, friendly and kind, but will also push you to grow and improve. I really enjoy my lessons with him. He also did a little customizing of my uke and did a beautiful job. Highly recommended.
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
Adam taught my son guitar in 2009 when he was in first grade. I have a really shy boy who was very resistant to lessons. But Adam put him at ease with his calm, laid back approach. I couldn’t believe what Adam was able to teach my son. I tried to practice at home along side and could barely keep up. This was a class my child always looked forward to. 5 stars for sure!
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
Adam has completed a number of repairs on my basses and they’ve always turned out great. He also gives really good deals when selling stringed instruments. Not long ago he gave me a great deal on a ukulele and then installed a pick up for me. Whether you’re looking for lessons, repairs, or a good place to get a stringed instrument that’s already set up beautifully, Adam is highly recommended
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
Been a student weekly for a # of years – great teacher, great guy. Cant do better than to work w/​Adam in any capacity. Hank
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
I study ukulele with Adam, and am so glad I found him! I had searched for a teacher for a while, and could not find a teacher that matched my style. A friend recommended Adam, I went to my first lesson and he had prepared something for me! My plan is to stay with Adam as long as I can. Not only is he a great musician, he is a talented teacher. I can’t recommend him highly enough.
Place rating: 4
San Ramon, CA
Adam was my guitar teacher a couple years back and I really enjoyed it. I would have continued but he moved from where I live. He was able to teach all types of styles. It was really fun.