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Leo's Professional Audio
Categories: Shopping Electronics Arts & Entertainment Electronics, Arts & Entertainment [Edit]
5447 Telegraph Ave(at 55th St)
Oakland, CA 94609
Neighborhoods: Rockridge, North Oakland
(510) 652-1553
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 11 am - 5:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
32 reviews for Leo's Professional Audio
Review Highlights
"He let me plug in and go to town on my new guitar."
(in 9 reviews)
"I rented sound equipment from Leo's Audio for an event and..."
(in 7 reviews)
"...I'm happy to support a local business that has serving the..."
(in 3 reviews)
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Montara M.
Pleasanton, CA
8/16/2011
I always received great service & products from Leo's, and once when I saved up for an item, it was on sale when I came in to make my purchase. Score! I also received a lot of help from the software specialist helping out when I was wondering why Logic isn't necessarily logical, and when I placed a very large order (YIPPIE), everything went very smoothly.
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Review from Art O.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/14/2012
The owner sent me an email about my concerns a while back so I'll bump up some stars for showing concern about my experience at Leo's
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/2/2010
Incredibly horrible service! I can't remember the last time I was treated so badly. The tall black… Read more »
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Review from Marci T.
San Clemente, CA
7/7/2011
First time customer, great experience! I went to Leo's to look for a quality guitar for my daughter but had no knowledge of musical instruments. I had been speaking to Nick via phone and he finally convinced me to come in to look at the merchandise. Nick not only looked for the best price but also had a signifigant amount of patience with my 13 year old daughter.
I was very impressed with his professionalism and customer service. Nick overall made this a memorable experiance -- in the most positive sense. He took the time to teach my daughter how to tune the guitar and taught her about the notes. He was positive, courteous, encouraging with excellent patience and sensitivity. I felt that he really had the best interest of my daughter at heart. I definitely recommend going to Leo's and asking Nick for assistance. He over-delivered above my expectaions and gave more information then the other stores.
A very good experience with honest and reliable service. Many companies have forgot about what it means to have intergrity - MT -
Review from Eric S.
Oakland, CA
4/25/2011
Leo's has always been good to me. I've purchased and rented from them. I've never had a bad experience with the staff. In fact, they've been polite and accomodating every time I've been there. They will order items for you and charge you the same price as Musician's Friend. Why wouldn't you buy locally?
The only problem I've ever had was with a DJ rig that lost a channel in the middle of a gig. I don't know if I would rent a DJ rig from them again but since I have my own rig, that shouldn't be necessary.
Keep up the good work but I hope you're reading these reviews because A LOT of them make you look REALLY BAD. -
Review from Jenny G.
San Jose, CA
4/9/2011 3 photos
I would encourage anyone (newbie to the guitar world to old seasoned pros) to check out Leo's and give them a chance. Prior to me even stepping foot into Leo's, I called ahead to confirm the business hours and the dude who answered was very polite and friendly.
When I finally did visit, I walked in there without a clue in the world about guitars and walked out with a brand spanking new guitar, some picks, a fun checkered guitar strap, some guitar knowledge and WHOLE LOT of INSPIRATION!
Yes, I'm a little biased because I won the Kofy's Dance Party "Air Guitar Challenge" which earned me a free guitar: http://www.youtube.com..., BUT I really appreciated the time, effort and care Corey took to explain to me basic guitar 101. Furthermore, he DID NOT make me feel like complete dork, when I got stuck in the guitar strap. He let me plug in and go to town on my new guitar!
They have an incredible selection of just about anything, any guitar player would ever want. Also keep in mind, they are an "audio" store as well, so I saw quite a few keyboards, vintage looking microphones, amps and DJ equipment as well. The prices are also very competitive - I saw a Fender practice amp for the same price you could buy online minus the dumb shipping fees!
Leo's totally make it worth the drive from San Jose to Oakland and I can definitely see myself coming back here soon.Comment from Rosemary R. of Leo's Professional Audio 4/12/2011
Thank you, Jenny! We appreciate the "yelp". Rosemary More » -
Review from Patricia H.
CA
10/9/2009
Update 10/10/09:
Had a very nice email from the owner apologizing about my experience. Bumping them up another star because I really appreciate the time she took to respond to my concerns.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
God knows that I hate any type of professional music store, but occasionally I reluctantly agree to accompany my husband when he needs new gear - or thinks he does.
Leo's is a big step above those numb nuts at Guitar Center, but not as good as Bananas at Large in San Rafael, nor Sweetwater Music (mail order). One of my issues with Leo is that their customer service is almost nonexistent, and it's difficult to get someone to wait on you, 'cause they're too busy shredding some guitar to pay attention to *gasp* someone who wants to BUY something. -
Review from Rich H.
Second Mesa, AZ
6/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Summary based on several visits:
--good selection
--good advice and service, even for the ignorant (I guess I've had different people helping me than other reviewers)
--easy parking
--competitive prices -
Review from Ariana W.
Oakland, CA
2/20/2009
I just had a great experience with Leo's Pro Audio! I bought a pair of headphones there several years ago. I went in looking for a specific rather expensive pair of headphones. Though they didn't have the specific Sennheiser pair I was looking for, they had a tree of headphones that I could try out and I was directed to the ones which had the qualities most resembling the set I had been seeking. The person who helped me was flexible and patient. He helped direct me to something that would meet my needs, but which cost a third of the price I was expecting to pay. (Which is a great quality in a sales-person, by the way.) So, instead of paying about $300 for my headphones, I purchased a pair that retails for about $150, but which Leo's Pro Audio had on long-term sale for $99. I left happy and have been very satisfied with the product I purchased from them.
A few months ago, one of the ear pieces began to disintegrate. That is, the technology was all still intact and wonderful, but the plastic that holds the foam to the thingamajiggy that makes sound began to tear. How sad! I loved these headphones. So, I held on to them trying to figure out if there was anything to be done to repair them or if I should toss them and buy another (I go through expensive headphones really quickly - my Bose noise-cancelling ones lasted for less than a year).
So, now I'm moving and moving is a time of harsh decisions. Like: if it doesn't work, for heaven's sake throw it out! So, faced with the proposition of actually putting my favorite headphones in the trash bin - I mean holding them in my hands and holding those same hands over the trash bin - desperation sparked inspiration. I would call Leo's and find out what they would recommend.
I called them up and was put on the phone with someone wonderful named Mark. I explained the situation and he suggested I write him a brief email re-explaining the situation and that he would forward the information to his Sennheiser contact and would find an answer for me either that day or the next. So, I sent the email, including digital photos and everything. And, true to his word, the next day, I received a telephone call from him with the solution. He left me a detailed voicemail walking me through the process of going to the SennheiserUSA website and where to find the replacement part, what part number it was, and how to order it online. He was detailed, thorough, and efficient. Furthermore, everything he told me was absolutely correct.
The extraordinary thing about this? He went to all these lengths in a situation where he knew that if he was 'successful,' Leo's wasn't even going to get a penny. In fact, because he helped me out in this way, I end up buying a $19 piece from Sennheiser, instead of a $99-$300 replacement set of headphones from Leo's Pro Audio.
I mean, how many folks might've asked when I bought it, told me it was well out of warranty, and recommended that I come down to the store and browse the latest in expensive headphones?
Honestly, the whole experience was so remarkable, that I really felt like I should sing and shout about it.
So I'm singing and shouting and happy that my headphones will be singing and shouting again real, real soon, thanks to Leo's! -
Review from Jennifer L.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 10/30/2009
I've been going to Leo's Pro Audio for years. Almost 15 of them. I've made purchases as large as an entire PA system and as small as a 2-foot quarter-inch cable. My experiences at Leo's have been consistently positive. It's, hands down, my top choice for sound equipment
Leo's salespeople have given me a great education on every piece of equipment I've bought there, not only when I'm spending a lot of money, but also when I'm there to buy something in the $20-$50 price range.
The person I've worked with most at Leo's is John Sergeant. He's super knowledgeable and a very fun person to work with. I've referred many friends and colleagues to Leo's and to John specifically.
Leo's is always willing to match prices, despite the fact that the service you get there is far beyond what you can get at a place like Guitar Center.
I happen to live in Oakland now, but Leo's was my audio store of choice even when I lived on the Peninsula. Well worth the trek.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/27/2009
I've been going to Leo's Pro Audio for years. Almost 15 of them. I've made purchases as large as… Read more »
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Review from Paul K.
Oakland, CA
6/29/2010
I had a complaint here regarding a disrespect of customers, but the owner responded immediately to my issues. One salesperson since is no longer there. So I am revising this review. They seem to be sincerely concerned and open to improving their customer service. I brought up a star because of this quick response and may add more as time goes on.
Thanks! -
Review from Mike B.
Oakland, CA
5/8/2011
I just wanted to say and put out there that George Astin at Leo's really worked hard to help me with everything I needed!! I recently bought a PA through George and not only did he get me the best price....he came
to my studio and properly set it up and showed me how to use it.
Keep up the good work and thank you again for helping me get my
studio in order!!Comment from Rosemary R. of Leo's Professional Audio 5/8/2011
Thank you so much for the Yelp. We appreciate your… More » -
Review from casey f.
Oakland, CA
9/9/2011
I rented sound equipment from Leo's Audio for an event and was very pleased with everything! Rosemary and Nick were fantastic and made the ordering process very easy. I know nothing about sound equipment but they were able to explain everything thoroughly and help me get exactly what we needed. They even helped (by phone) on the day of the event when we couldn't figure something out. Their equipment is in great shape and they were kind enough to allow us to pick up our rentals a little earlier than usual
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Review from Bobzilla S.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 3/31/2011
Great service as always. I have become a frequent customer at Leo's. I needed a mixer bag. I called Corey in the Parts Dept. Gave him the brand and model number and he had it waiting for me in a day or two. The best place to go and I'm happy to support a local business that has serving the community for decades.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/3/2010
I love Leo's. When I first went there I was a little intimidated but as soon as I introduced… Read more »
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Review from Marcus B.
Berkeley, CA
5/9/2007
I came in to buy studio monitors. Everyone BUT the guy who helped me seemed wonderful. The guy who helped me, however, started by telling me that they don't have absolutely everything hooked up, nor would they do so. I wanted passive monitors, which they didn't have, but I wasn't completely sold on the idea so I wanted to hear some active ones. I brought a friend who masters albums to help me listen to them.
The guy was rude, talked endless smack about all kinds of monitors because they were made in China, and basically refused to let me listen to any of them. We put in a CD anyway and listened to about 10 secs of a song on two sets of monitors.
He also just gave me inaccurate advice. He said that the Tannoy actives wouldn't sound anything like the Tannoy passives, but the only difference between them is where they get their power (which may create slight differences) so basically they should sound very similar (I was willing to order the passive Tannoys through them if the active ones sounded good but the guy was too acerbic). Also he said that no normal receiver could power passive monitors, you need a power amp. But any receiver that pumps out 100 watts/channel should do the trick. He was just unwilling to help and wanted to talk smack since he's probably an unfulfilled musician or engineer.
I'm sure that the rest of the people were great, they seemed like it, and their selection was very thorough. But it looks like I have to head to Guitar Center to spend the $1000 I have set aside for some new monitors. -
Review from Max S.
Oakland, CA
1/3/2008
There's no Guitar Center in Oakland, and any East Bay musician will tell you that's not necessarily a bad thing. Musicians and pro audio folks on this side of the bridge know that Leo's Pro Audio is the spot for all things pro-audio-related.
A knowledgeable and friendly staff, a deep stock, solid services and fair prices make Leo's an East Bay music maker's staple. -
Review from P B.
Oakland, CA
4/12/2008
Leos has been solid over the years.
they've always been helpful and worked with me on getting the right pieces together.
head and shoulders above Guitar Center and the like, as far as retail pro audio in the bay area, it's Leo's in the east bay and Robotspeak in SF. -
Review from Tito Y.
Emeryville, CA
Whether you a starting out as a garage band or shopping Pro Audio Equipment for Axel Rose, Professional Audio fulfill those tempted wishes. When you first walk in, you realize right away, its gonna take a few days to figure the place out. Think of it as a maze, but it organizes itself rather quickly. Don't go in expecting to get a bunch of questions answered, instead, investigate yourself, take your time. This place isn't about high pressure sales but rather expects you to realize your own questions and get them answered.
I am seeking a new guitar, and I found out right away that coming here offered me a couple of very nice things. First and foremost, almost every instrument is on sale, Gibson, Fender, Ibanez, and.... almost every amp is on sale as well. Next... is their selection.. With something like guitars, selecting one is a personal, however, to match that guitar with the right amp, knowing whether you plan on having vocals, sound effects and enhancements, and other band members as part of your final path, the correct amp will be gotten.
Leos is awesome. -
Review from Adam B.
Oakland, CA
12/26/2008
I really do hate to diss on local business.
I went here trying to buy monitors for my home ProTools setup. I told the salesperson what I was looking for, he brought me into the (really nice)back room with tons of monitors to A/B. I told him what Guitar Center was selling the monitors for and he said that he would match their price. I was glad to not be supporting a huge conglomerate like Guitar Center and instead supporting a local business. Unfortunately, I got a cell phone call, and when I came back, he had changed his mind!
He told me he would no longer sell me the new monitors at that price, and would only sell me a pair of used ones for the price I was quoted, and tried to make me feel guilty, acting like he was cutting me some HUGE deal by even doing that!
Though I didn't want to, I left and bought my monitors at Guitar Center instead. -
Review from J H.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2010
I love Leo's. They fill an important niche and do a very good job of it.
My only complaint is price. I record exclusively on analog tape. They stock tape in different formulations/widths, but their prices for RMGI tape are ABOVE MSRP list price. I don't buy tape from Leo's. I would if they got their pricing under control.
Everything else, though... the accessories counter staff is great and extremely helpful. -
Review from Julie B.
Oakland, CA
5/21/2008
Customer Service, with a capital "Fuck You."
I'm sorry you didn't make it as a musician, or a sound engineer, or whatever it is that led you to ostensibly have a familiarity with av equipment, but it didn't work out. You are working at Leo's Pro Audio. Fine. This is a perfectly respectable option choice for earning income. God knows we all need it. I was an av tech for a while. Not glamorous, but we all need to pay bills.
However dissapointed you are with your life, for whatever reason, this is no reason to treat your customers like shit. It just isn't. I don't know if it's mysogony. Why do you need to argue with me about what set-up will work for me at home. If I only want a small, $40 midi to USB converter, guess what? I DON'T want something else. I don't even know what they literally were so rude to me about, but I vowed not to go back there. Fast forward three years. I'm under deadline, and I need a power supply for my M-Audio Firewire 410. These things are super janky with computer supplied power, and did I listen to the big red card, supplied by M-Audio,warning me of this? No, and most likely I had a huge hard-drive melt down because of that. Now I really want the specific power supply they asked me to get. I REALLY need it, so I call Leo's. So friendly on the phone! This is going great. Until the "expert" gets on the phone and asks me which power supply I need. Like, the model number. The device model is not enough. Well, guess what, I just moved and I don't know. The friendly "expert" then provides me with this pearl of wisdom: "You can look that up on the internet."
WHAT CAN'T YOU LOOK UP ON THE INTERNET? Is there something left that's NOT on the internet? I can find out what color socks Brian Eno was wearing when he recorded "Taking Tiger Mountain," but a paid customer service rep is having a problem finding out what the fuck he sells at his store? Well, there is something else that is not on the internet. That would be the reason the staff at Leo's is unwilling to look it up something, and sell me the goddamn part.
You know what I'm going to do as soon as I look that part on the internet? I am going to order it from someone else, dipshits. -
Review from stevie d.
Oakland, CA
5/1/2009
You know once again I was reminded why I'd shop at any other place than Leo's. I am a professional recording artist and producer. Over the years I have spent tens of thousands of dollars here mostly against my instinct but they are very close to my house and Guitar Center is unbearable.. these days i go to Starving musician or I'll drive all the way to San Rafael to Bannana's for real customer service and good prices or as a last resort I'll go online for pro Audio.
Too many of the guys at Leo's always had a stuck up attitude until they smell money.. and to be fair there are still a few good guys there but the overall general vibe is archaic and irritating. I want to support my local business, I really do but forget these guys. I'm done.
Just this morning I called to see if they have a new drum machine in.. this old fart could barely hide contain his sneer when i said Drum Machine and condescendingly told me, slowly like I was a retarded child " we haven't carried drum machines for years" . if he'd bothered to stay current and put away his grateful dead jam tapes for 5 minutes he may have discovered that Drum machines are back with full force.. Alesis just released an updated version of their classic Sr-16.. It's all good.. guys get over yourselves you work in a shop! Sorry that was a low blow but.. well you had it comin!
and this is just one of the many times I have come away from Leo's in disgust.
I know for a fact that this is not the first time you've heard this.
Change or vanish.. -
Review from monique H.
Hayward, CA
3/11/2008
I have a ton of records that I refuse to give up...the old record player that I have - which will be thrown out - is huge, bulky, and outdated. I needed something to keep on playing the vinyl and take up less space, so I was told to call these guys. They were very helpful on the phone - ordered the lil' portable player that I wanted, and was told that it would be in by the end of the week - sweet! Well...after 2 - 3 calls to them, it actually took two weeks. I picked up my player, got it home...and it ain't loud enough for my taste. I'll end up hooking it up to my other stuff to get a better, LOUDER sound.
Other than my lil' tinny-sounding record player - which I got for @ $140.00 (with tax) - they sell all sorts of music-related stuff, mainly recording equipment. I think I saw some musical instruments too. The place is big and cave-like - I asked if they had an actual recording studio there, but they didn't. Could've fooled me.
Update 4-23-08: It's been over a month and I'm still waiting for a stylus replacement since the one that came with the record player was damaged...I've called 3 -4 times and they are as slow as molasses in getting shit done. I would really be raising hell if I didn't happen to have my old stylus, which works. Down-graded to 2 stars!
Update 5-14-08: Two months have gone by folks. Still no replacement stylus after 2 -3 more calls. I was promised that it would be sent out today - the excuse this time was that the warehouse guy forgot. One star. -
Review from A. J.
Emeryville, CA
9/24/2009
as someone who has worked in radio and music for the better part of 30 years(if you count high school), i expect to get good customer service when i am potentially spending a lot of got-damm money up in a store. i don't get that at leo's.
i wasted my time explaining to the sales guy what i wanted, what kind of equiment i thought i might need, the music i was looking to make, and the guy talked down to me, ignored me and was downright rude. i needed someone to work with me and from this guy, i got NOTHING but grief.
when i got up to walk away, he came around and said" what was that? i wasn't rude. why are you walking away?" the vibe was getting very weird. i told him i wouldn't talk to his supervisor so he really shouldn't worry about it. but he insisted on an explanation, all the while insisting he didn't suck as a sales assistant.
his behavior was smug defensive, and oddly inappropriate. leo's may have the best pro gear, but i won't go back.
at least, not without a man. -
Review from George C.
Oakland, CA
1/24/2011
wow -- whoever is in the rentals department needs to a) seriously work on their people skills, b) get into the 20th century and get some CDJs and perhaps consider offering delivery, and c) realize that people who are throwing events are willing to throw down some cash if there's a mutual respect between the customer and business. as an East Bay resident and someone in the music industry, it's unfortunate that not only can i not recommend this place, but i will go out of my way to tell anyone looking for audio equipment to avoid Leo's "Professional" audio like the plague.
Comment from Rosemary R. of Leo's Professional Audio 1/24/2011
George, we are sorry we disappointed you this morning. The… More » -
Review from Jennifer S.
Oakland, CA
7/17/2009
I needed a PA system for a party I am throwing, and I called a couple times to try to get some help. I left my name and number and no one called me back. When I called again, the guy in the rental department was rude. It's true that I didn't really know what I needed, but what I needed was a customer service guy who was willing to be nice and spend some time working with me. At that point I decided I didn't want to work with them--when I am spending my money somewhere, I like it to go to people with the courtesy to treat their customers kindly. I asked around and tried to borrow a PA system from the bands I am working with or friends. When that didn't work out, I knew I had to bite the bullet and go to Leo's. I called them again, and AGAIN they were rude--and I hadn't even betrayed the fact that I didn't know anything in this phone call. At this point I remembered I have worked in the past with Eddie and Event Magic--I have worked with him before and I know he's always nice and willing to talk about my needs. They have a PA and that's where I'm getting it.
I think Leo's Pro Audio is perhaps good for pros, but never for me. -
Review from Andrei P.
Berkeley, CA
5/3/2011
I've been shopping at Leo's Pro Audio for 25 years and have always had friendly, helpful, and professional service. This is the go-to place in the Bay Area for your pro audio needs. Their selection of guitars and basses is great too.
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Review from jeremy G.
Oakland, CA
12/15/2008
25 years coming here.
obviously have had good and bad experiences during that much time.
overall: I'm a fan - they are in a tough market position and I commend them for keeping it together for all these years.
I know that if I had ever worked there, I might have gone nuts on a few customers! They have a lot of foot traffic + that makes doing their jobs difficult.
They keep a very wide range of stuff from crap to cream in stock. -
Review from Peter M.
Oakland, CA
8/6/2010
I have been going to Leo's for a while now and have purchased several things from them from cables to a mixer. Here are my thoughts:
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- Nick kicks ass. If you have a chance to work with someone at that store ask for him by name
- They match prices with ONLINE retailers, not just Guitar Center, which is super cool and makes them VERY competitive.
- They need to allow the return of UNOPENED gear. Yes, that is right, they do not accept returns. This is why I removed a star, because I find it to be bad form that, if you, let's say, bought a cable, did not open the package, found out you did not need the cable, and try to return the item, they won't take it back.
- Another reason why I removed a star is because there are 2 employees there, one who works in the accessories area, that have such a snobbish "I know everything and you're wasting my time" attitude that I honestly avoid them at all costs. . .that's why I like working with Nick because he's not like that at all.
OVERALL, I HIGHLY recommend this place for all your Pro Audio and ProSumer audio needs. Great selection, great pricing, and easy location to shop. -
Review from Stacy B.
Oakland, CA
5/20/2009
So, I was having problem with the sound that I was getting from my shotgun mic into my DVcamera. It was a very slight hum and I wasn't sure where the source of the problem was, I wasn't even positive that I was actually hearing it. I needed a second set of experienced ears. I took my set up in here and the folks immediately made time for me. Franklin took me in back, had me explain my problem, then spent some time troubleshooting with me (he did hear what I heard... I wasn't crazy!). Not only did he help determine that there was nothing wrong with my mic, he helped me figure out what setting it was on my camera that was creating the source of the problem. He definitely spent some time with me and everything was free of charge! Thank you Franklin & thank you Leo's!
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Review from k ..
Mill Valley, CA
3/14/2006
Excellent selection of professional recording and sound equipment at competitive prices. Untypically helpful service, without pressure to buy unnecessary and high-profit margin items. I would return again
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Review from Kappe R.
Alameda, CA
5/20/2010
Leo's has some great staff and great stuff, but tonight I went in and (the tall black guy,,I quote from another Yelp review) was very arrogant. So unlike the service that I had received ony 24hrs previous. I had gone in to get a small recording device for my piano work. Unfortunately, the store was closing and I needed to come back to finish the conversation. The (tall black guy) is apparently the manager, or so he says. I told him what I wanted to look at and he grilled me in the hallway,"Well, want do you want to know?" Very unfriendly and self serving. It wasn't until I asked him if he knew anything about the products that he boasts he knows everything and has been with Leo's for 20 years...I had intentions to buy and he almost got me to turn right around and leave.
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Review from llenrad r.
Oakland, CA
1/21/2009
Wow!!!! What a wonderful experience. I needed some expert information to help me with getting the right equipment for my studio. I found this place on the net and how lucky was I. They have a guy there that knew everything about all of the current software, microphones & mic pre's, the whole package.....Incredible....I will tell all of my friends "this is the spot to get you recording equipment fix".....And I a junkie for good equipment and someone who has the knowledge about all of this stuff........And they have guitars too!!!! How cool is this place.
