ESP Guitars has been making guitars since 1975, since opening in Tokyo, Japan under the name Electric Sound Products. As the company's reputation for making high quality electric guitars and basses grew, it decided to expand to the United States in 1983. This office in North Hollywood is the corporate headquarters for the US division of ESP. This office communicates with the numerous ESP Guitar dealers across the nation, including Sam Ash, Guitar Center and Easy Music Center.
Are you jonesin' to strum a guitar or beat a drum? Rockin' Robbie's is the place to get started. Formerly East Bay Music Co., Robin 'Robbie' Eig took over the 20 year-old establishment in 2010. The store specializes in exotic instruments such as hand-made percussions from around the world and offers rentals, repairs and lessons. Special performances are held at Cue Productions adjacent to the store, which can also be rented for performances, recording and other special events. There is a $10 minimum for credit card purchases in the store.
Bruce Sexauer has been building fretted musical instruments since 1967. At the String Bass, he sells mid-range quality basses and offers a quick turnaround on set-up and simple repairs. Sexauer knows the clear differentiation between the needs of a jazz, bluegrass or classically oriented player, and believes customers will find his workmanship to be of the highest level.
Sexauer's shop is located in the building behind his home. Look for the double bass top nailed to the peak of his garage; it is visible from the street.
Peace Musical is a publicly owned company that manufactures instruments, with a particular focus on acoustic drums. Products include drum keys, wing nuts, rubber feet, tension rods, metal snare drums and gold-plated tenor saxophones, among others.
Benning Violins-Studio City Music is located on Ventura Boulevard between Tujunga and Vineland avenues. Studio City is a family-owned business that makes violins. It opened in 1953. Benning Violins has one of the finest collections of old and new violins, violas and cellos on the West Coast for students, amateurs and professionals. It sells instruments and accessories such as bows, strings and cases. It also offers restoration and repair services, as well as setup and adjustment. For entry-level instruments, rentals are available. If it's time to sell your old or unused equipment, consider consignment with Benning Violins.
Renaissance guitars are designed and built on commission by Rick Turner. As a young man, Turner helped to innovate low-impedance pick-ups and worked briefly for Gibson. In 1991 he started his own line of instruments. His Renaissance series of semi-hollow guitars and bases are known for sounding ultra-acoustic when amped; they are the choice of some world-famous musicians, including the likes of John Mayer.
This music store specializes in rentals, repairs, lessons and retail for musical instruments. The business was opened in 1972 and is now under new ownership, with a new location on Colfax Street near the Todos Santos Plaza. The store has an in-town electronics repair technician. Retail includes music books, exotic hand percussion, ukuleles, guitars, drums and more.
