- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Al Lasher's Electronics
Category: Shopping Electronics Electronics [Edit]
1734 University Ave(between Grant St & Mcgee Ave)
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 843-5915
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 2 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Leo's has Northern California's largest pro audio inventory, including small digital field recorders; recording software,;p.a. systems; wired and… read more »
49 reviews for Al Lasher's Electronics
Review Highlights
-
"And they really know their stuff." In 4 reviews -
"They are so much more knowledgeable than Radio Shack." In 10 reviews -
"They also have many other current electronic parts." In 12 reviews
Loading...
49 reviews in English
-
Review from Alison H.
Berkeley, CA
2/3/2012
Absolutley theee BEST especially if you don;t really know what you're doing. They're very patient and answer questions and treat all their customer's with respect. I like soldering and tinkering around with stuff but I never got a high school ed in basic science so I always end up in there asking a lot of dumb questions and they are always helpful.
Great place for el wire. -
Review from Frank d.
Oakland, CA
1/9/2012
This place is amazing. They have shelf after shelf of parts. Can't find what you need? Just stroll over to the counter and ask. Not only is the staff friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, but they instantly know where everything is. Not a small feat when you see how many different items they have packed away in there.
And for what it's worth, the prices I paid for the 4 items I bought were the same or less than I could find online (before shipping!). -
Review from Tom B.
Berkeley, CA
5/21/2012
Great old school electronics store. I bet you can still get vacuum tubes there if you want? Avoid Radio Shack, go here.
-
Review from James W.
Alameda, CA
4/14/2012
I dropped in to Al Lasher's today for stuff needed for an SMT soldering project that I wanted to finish this weekend. Wow, they had stuff that I simply cannot imagine getting anywhere nearby (certainly not at Fry's, or Radio Shack, or...). And it was reasonable. Al Lasher's has been around forever. I used to buy stuff there for my grad school work back in the 70's, and I am glad that they are still here today. They are knowledgeable and helpful. In fact I really sort of view them as a Berkeley institution - one that provides unique resources to the community.
-
Review from Augie S.
Oakland, CA
3/12/2012
So remember when Radio Shack was helpful, stocked everything under the sun, and generaly was THE place to go for everthing electronic? Those days are gone but you would never know it coming to Al Lasher's. It's a fairly well stocked store meant to cater to the hobbiest or student that needs LEDs, breadboards, or solder like, yesterday. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpfu plus their prices are very reasonable. Definitely a place to bookmark!
-
Review from Michael V.
Berkeley, CA
8/27/2011
First of all, the douchbag who gave this place a 2 star rating because of the price is a moron. Go into "Shadio Rack" and ask the salesperson ANY question, they typically know even less than my grandmother about electronics.
This place is as good as it gets. They have all kinds of stuff, and yes, it will cost more than getting it from a catalog. It's called RETAIL location, with incredibly knowledgeable and helpful staff. They know stuff... they help you achieve your goal. And they don't make you feel as if electronics are some sort of esoteric club. I pray they never close. -
Review from C U.
Berkeley, CA
4/6/2012
These guys really know their stuff and are patient with questions.
-
Review from David A.
Albany, CA
1/20/2012
Great store - friendly people.
I'm biased because I went to school with Bob L., but it wouldn't matter.
I'd use them anyway because they are knowledgeable and stock cool stuff.
And the prices are better than other stores -
Review from peter s.
Berkeley, CA
2/19/2011
One of the last old-school electronics shop.
stocking the latest in electronic parts as well as that triode tube you need to fix or build a antique radio to Cool Neon wire for your next burningman project.
The people behind the counter are expert with their inventory and are willing to take the time to explain things to you ( if they have the time ).
Unlike Radio Shack, if you have questions they have answers, not a blank stare.
If you have been reading maker magazine, this is the place to get you electronic parts.. -
Review from Andrew B.
Berkeley, CA
11/3/2011
I was looking for a new rocker switch. Bought one that I thought fit, but it didn't work. Went back, talked to the guy in back, and he broke down why the new rocker switch wasn't working good enough to be in a high school science class. He got me the right rocker switch, and saved me $50 in labor at a motorcycle shop by doing so.
These people know their stuff. I should've just talked to him from the get go. You sure can't find this knowledge at circuit city. -
Review from Toni M.
4/13/2009
Very cool place, but they can't fix my watch. They don't do repairs, not even to VCRs or DVD players. They just sell the stuff so you can fix what's broken. They did give me a good lead on a watchmaker on Piedmont Avenue, though, and one of the other customers told me about another one at 17th and Broadway, so the hunt continues. For those who are just tuning in, this is a continuation of the quest that began before our trip when Oaks Jewelers referred me to Bill's Trading Post, which referred me to Lasher's.
Update: Hmmm. I just looked up the Yelp reviews on the Piedmont Avenue watchmaker: 5 reviews, 4 of them one star, one 5 star for replacing batteries. I think not. -
Review from Bill G.
Berkeley, CA
9/6/2010
This place is so amazing and helpful. Seriously, it's like traveling back in time... not only do they sell replacement parts for products that haven't been on the market during my lifetime, but they're also from a time when a person running a shop like that was expected to know a thing or two about their merchandise. They stock ICs that are in the original packaging from the mid '80s, and can look up the datasheets for you if you actually need to buy one. The shop has existed since before the internet, and it's beautiful.
I'mma tell y'all yelpers a secret: You will also notice my five-star reviews for Ace Hardware and Urban Ore... between these three stores, a person with a little time and know-how can fix, bend, hack, fabricate, restore, combine, upgrade, and up-cycle ANYTHING into ANYTHING ELSE. Thank you all.Listed in: Hacking and Fabrication
-
Review from Brian D.
Oakland, CA
8/12/2008
When I was a wee nerdling at Cal, this was our Mecca.
They have everything you need for your tinkering, and I don't just mean "I need component X, time to go to Al Lasher." They also sell big bags of random components so you can build a parts-bin. Bucket of caps, bucket or resistors.
They have a blinky demo board of LEDs so you can see what color they actually look like when lit. Everybody there knows what they are selling, so you won't run into the problem you get at Radio Shack or Fry's where they can't tell you where the Zener diodes are. -
Review from East Bay J.
Oakland, CA
9/6/2011
It was an absolute to joy to discover Lasher's Electronics. From the massive, extensive inventory to the incredible knowledge of the staff, this is the perfect electronics store. As an electronics novice, I appreciate the ideas, guidance and advice I've received from Lasher's staff. They know electronics from theory to components to design, which is, of course, amazingly helpful. I especially love Lasher's for being so close. When I need a 22k metal film resistor or a 3PDT switch, I can get it NOW! And they're open Saturdays!
-
Review from Pat T.
Berkeley, CA
1/8/2006
A must visit if you're an electronics geek. Al Lasher's specializes in TV and radio electronics. Nothing too high-tech -- you won't find computer parts or complex ICs here, this isn't the DigiKey catalog -- but if you need a weird BNC to something adaptor, a particular transistor, or a specific gauge of wire, this is the place.
Staff is knowlegeable about electronics and the inventory. -
Review from Austin H.
Oakland, CA
5/26/2010
These guys are fabulous. I'm not against ordering stuff on the internet and all that..but I must say it is SO nice to be able to walk into a store and not only find what you need but for there to be someone there to help you find it.
I needed a bunch of tiny light bulbs to be installed for an art piece and Ellen, who was quite helpful, cut me the wire, supplied the bulbs and sampled their brightness, and essentially ensured that my project would work.
If you're thinking about going to Radio Shack bear in mind that I was given Al Lasher's info from a Radio Shack employee who had ZERO idea in regards to what I needed. -
Review from Angie C.
12/17/2008
I know nothing about volts or electricity, so when I bought a cute string of dino lights in Europe and plugged them into my socket at home (with the help of an electrical adapter plug), I was surprised to find that the dino lights were much dimmer than I saw in the store.
Someone told me that Europe puts more electricity through their lines than we do here in the United States, so I went to my neighborhood Al Lasher's Electronics looking to buy a new/better AC adapter for my dino lights.
The super nice staff patiently explained to me that it's not a problem with the AC adapter perse but that I could buy a step up/down transformer and plug my lights into that for a boost of electricity. Sure enough, my dino lights are glowing nicely now and I was really happy to have stumbled upon Al Lasher's Electronics! It's like Disneyland -- the happiest place on earth (for those with a penchant for tinkering and being creative). -
Review from Daphne L.
Fresno, CA
8/17/2008
This place is awesome in every way. This is the way to take care of customers. I've been here a handful of times and they have addressed all my needs completely every time. When they didn't sell the item that I needed, they directed me to several other places around the area that they thought might have it. They're a very cheery, helpful people in there! And they really know their stuff. And I mean like, REALLY know it. Every single one of them.
Plus, they have the cheapest cables and accessories and stuff. The first time I came here, I walked in and asked the price of something, and then I said I'd be back. After checking out Eid's on Durant and the Used Computer Store on Shattuck, I discovered the price was double at Eid's and like 10x at the Used Computer Store... so I went back to Al Lasher's and bought it and the guy smiled at me and he was just like "price checking huh?" haha, I was caught! But nothing beats this place. I won't doubt them again.
Their service is infinite times better than Eid's, and their prices are better too. The only downside? This place is closed early, especially on Sundays. So we must plan accordingly when we need to visit this place! But it's well worth it. -
Review from Mark G.
Berkeley, CA
1/16/2010
I am not a musician, but any store where you can walk in and buy a KT-88 tube (hell, five of them) automatically gets 5 stars.
I love places that are stuck in the past (they still have dial phones!) yet can still deliver what is required - chances are they'll have what you need. It would be a real loss on both the practical and emotional levels if this store were to close, and for some reason I worry that it will. Vintage and crusty yet knowledgeable and well-stocked. Go there and buy something. -
Review from Mark M.
Palo Alto, CA
3/26/2008
UPDATE, Sept 08: This place is like a trip back in time. They have the most obscure stuff, like knobs for analog clock radios (remember those?), very old but new in the box transistors and diodes, military Cannon connectors, plus modern ICs, LEDs batteries, etc. Places like this were common back in the 60s, but this is the last one I know of. You could probably find everything you need to repair a 1967 Zenith black and white TV here, still in 2008! The staff knows their stuff and were helpful to me. Do you watch the HBO show THE WIRE? This is where Proposition Joe buys parts for his TV-Radio repair business.
Old faded CRT monitors and TVs serve as displays for security cameras, but the images are so washed out that you'd have a hard time catching any pilfering. They have used stuff (knobs, connectors etc) and new stuff. Prices are fair. How they can support a staff from profits amazes me, but somehow they make it all work. Do visit, even if you are not into electronics. This is the electronics equivalent of a 1950s soda fountain still in business... and not a glitzed up remake like Johhny Rocket's. Long Live Lashers!
OLD REVIEW: Amazingly, this wonderful retail dinosaur has survived. As an electrical engineering student at UC Berkeley in the late 60s, I went here often to find the odd part for a project or to repair a TV or stereo. I had no idea it was still in operation. This is to Radio Shack as a Ferrari is to a Moped. You can get a beefy high voltage capacitor here for your vacuum tube power supply. Filament transformers? No problem. A Thyristor or Tunnel Diode? You bet. Store hours are not customer friendly, the show ends at 5 PM sharp. -
Review from Jesse L.
Berkeley, CA
12/23/2009
A real electronics store.
When you walk in you realize what's really missing in all those monstrous fluorescent-lit, tidy stores other than just actual customer service and quality and any products made locally or even close to the United States.... Heart and something real you rarely find anymore.
Whatever it is, no matter what age you are.... this place will cause you nostalgia and the quickest sense of loyalty possible. -
Review from Matt F.
1/31/2011
My TV developed a problem and I tracked it down to some bad capacitors on the power supply. Came in to Lasher's and the sales person who I gave my part to, said "Bad flat screen tv power supply?" She helped me find the right replacement part and sent me on my way for under $5. This is a great store but also a great resource for the community. I highly encourage you to shop Lasher's over, say an online purchase or Radio Shack. Oh, and the TV is working great again.
-
Review from orz o.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2008
Wow, what a great place to get electronics goodies.
Bought my first soldering iron and supplies here. One of the old guys at the shop helped me out patiently despite my totally noob questions. They sold me exactly what I needed based on my description of the problem at hand. The soldering iron worked perfectly for my repair project, and I'm a happy camper.
I coulda gotten cheaper stuff at Radio Shack down the street on University or even online, but why? I'd rather support my local business, and a Berkeley institution to boot. -
Review from Jenn C.
2/24/2011
If you need some kind of crazy battery for - say - a solar camping lantern - this is the place to go. Instead of spending crazy amounts on shipping (those batteries can be heavy) - go support a local business! Very competitive prices and they have a lot of stuff in stock.
-
Review from Anne H.
Berkeley, CA
Loads of good stuff for old school gear heads. Thought these places didn't exist anymore, but here it is right in Berkeley.
-
Review from Dave R.
Oakland, CA
1/26/2009
As a kid growing up in the 1970's in England, building electronic circuits with discrete components was a popular hobby, with many different magazines, mail order companies and stores all catering to this particular type of hobbyist.
I visited Al Lasher's once in 2008, a few months after moving to the bay area. I felt like I was revisiting my childhood. For just a few dollars, I walked out with some transistors, resistors, capacitors, and a reel of magnet wire for winding a coil - made me feel like a teenager again! The lady who assisted me was knowledgeable, friendly, and very helpful.
While I was busy thinking about the exact values of the various parts I wanted, my friend asked if they had a power cord for a printer she owns. Not only did they have it, but it was cheaper than it would have been at any of the corporate chain stores like Radio Shack.
It's a little sad that very few places like this exist now, but times change, and while there's no point in clinging blindly to the past, it's great to know that there is still a place for a store like Al Lasher's in today's world. As another reviewer mentioned, they have surface mount devices. They also have many other current electronic parts. While Al Lasher's has one foot in the past, the other foot is planted firmly in the present - and you get personable service too. There is DEFINITELY a place for Al Lasher's in today's world. -
Review from dj m.
Emeryville, CA
2/19/2009
This place is amazing!
It was recommended to me and I stopped by this morning to get a metal box for a DI I'm working on, and I was amazed at their selection of practically EVERYthing. The people who work there are totally friendly and willing to help out and point you in the right direction.
Definitely returning. -
Review from Richard C.
Berkeley, CA
9/17/2010
I've been shopping at Lasher's since 1969 and think they are great! They don't always have everything I need but I can't tell you how many times they've bailed me out with parts nobody else had. They're also very good about referring you to a competitor when they don't stock what you need. A half century is a long time to keep a small business going. Keeping it alive in this economy is a nothing short of a miracle. A true asset to the community!
-
Review from Amy J.
Alameda, CA
6/18/2007
Catering mostly to UCBerkeley students-- great selection yeah yeah but look closely at the store hours....for a hobbyist, they suck!!
-
Review from Ian M.
Oakland, CA
9/2/2010
God, I love this place. It is truly a geek heaven. Bob and Ellen are helpful and their selection is really good. A must for Burning Man and crazy artists.
-
Review from Tamir S.
Oakland, CA
10/26/2009
Extremely knowledgeable , funky, great prices, easy parking. Great local small business!
-
Review from Dale C.
Irvine, CA
10/29/2009
If electronic stores were restaurants, this would be the dirty mexican hole-in-the-wall gem that all the locals know about, only the locals in this case are ampere loving engineers. I came here looking for a fuse that Ace hardware didn't have, and was recommended here by the worker. This place seems like an electronic warzone for engineering guru's. I am unfortunately not of the sort, so I couldn't oo and ahh at the rare transmitters or boards lying around, but I could appreciate the friendly and knowledgable service that was provided. The lady that helped me, the daughter of the shop's owner, was very warm, took the time to lay down a quick 101 on fuses, and seemed genuinely interested in her own shop products. Overall, my time was quick, knowledgable, and the prices were definitely reasonable. Score!
-
Review from Allan M.
Berkeley, CA
7/10/2008
Last of a dying breed, a journeyman's electronics store. Where else can you test tubes? These guys have been around forever and know their stuff. When it's gone, there will only be RadioShack, a depressing thought.
-
Review from Dan S.
New York, NY
8/15/2006
Like looking through your grandfathers garage, if your grandfather was Dave Packard. Gruff but friend staff, reasonable prices, and a unique selection make this a great weekend hunting ground.
-
Review from Ian H.
Portland, OR
2/4/2008
seems good to me, but I'm not really that knowledgable about electronics. They carry a TON of stuff though, so I would imagine that if you're looking for any sort of component part you could probably find it here before resorting to ordering it from mouser. I will definitely be back.
-
Review from Justin A.
San Leandro, CA
2/10/2009
Love this place! About to go there today actually. Their LED, resistor, capacitor, switcches...etc... are priced way cheaper than Radio Shack. Also if you let them know how much power you are running through your circuit they'll give you the proper resistors. Only place around to find non-mercury tilt switches! Took off one star because of the store hours and one time I was looking for a certain toggle switch and he had no idea what I was talking about.
-
Review from Peter W.
San Jose, CA
3/6/2008
Pretty excellent place. Patrick T summed it up well. It's a great place to find parts for cobbling together a weekend project. Good assortment of new parts as well as new old stock surplus stuff. Connectors, wires, batteries, tools, relays, caps, etc...
-
Review from Rob R.
Oakland, CA
2/24/2009
The folks at Al Lasher's treat you like you should be treated. I brought in my fan motor and switch and asked how to wire them together, since I know nothing about electricity. They took about ten minutes, looking at the parts and figuring out the best way to accomplish what I wanted. Then charged me only $1.25 in parts. I really appreciate getting that kind of service for just a small sale.
-
Review from Ernie M.
Berkeley, CA
11/29/2009
Al Lasher employees know everything about electronics. Bring in any battery-operated appliance, and chances are great they will be able to replace the battery AND tell you how to install it! They are so much more knowledgeable than Radio Shack. And, their prices are often cheaper.
-
Review from cognit d.
Los Gatos, CA
11/4/2007
Place is perfect! Except for the hours :(
If you are one minute past 5 you are SOL
