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Robotspeak
Category: Shopping Musical Instruments & Teachers Musical Instruments & Teachers [Edit]
589 1/2 Haight StSan Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Lower Haight
(415) 554-1977
- Hours:
Wed 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Wed 3:30 pm - 6 pm
Fri 11 am - 2:30 pm
Fri 3:30 pm - 7 pm
Sat 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
32 reviews for Robotspeak
Review Highlights
"...of conventional and not so conventional electronic devices."
(in 11 reviews)
"Very cool place - just bought a Dave Smith Evolver here."
(in 2 reviews)
"They have all the latest software and hardware gear, and..."
(in 9 reviews)
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Johan V.
Dover, DE
1/21/2011
This place is in my neighborhood and I've passed it and peeked in the windows many times.
I got Logic 9 for Christmas and had no idea where to start to learn it. I called Robotspeak and Steve and I started a correspondence which led to him coming in on a day when the shop was closed and spending a few hours with me getting me started.
The information was great and he's been available to answer my stupid beginner's emails since - without making me feel stupid, I might add.
Now that I've actually ventured inside and have seen all the cool stuff they have, as well as the great service, I'm sure I'll be returning for more classes, equipment and hopefully to some of their events! -
Review from Ilan R.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2011
Great store, fair prices keyboards and other music instruments.
The service was helpful too. -
Review from Thomas F.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2008 7 Check-ins Here
This is by far one of the best toy stores in San Francisco!
Robotspeak is to an audio geek, what Good Vibrations is to women.
They have everything from audio interfaces, audio & MIDI sequencing software, software synths, virtual instruments, keyboards, dj equipment, drum machines and MIDI control surfaces.
One of the things that separates them from any other music store is that they have hard-to-find gadgets that you would normally only see or find online.
Another thing that separates them from other music stores is the fact that the guys who work there are really knowledgeable and helpful.
Electronic Musicians: Places like this are part of what make San Francisco so cool and unique. -
Review from debu m.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2007
This is the sort of store that makes San Francisco unique. It's small and quirky and they usually have the basics. If you're a music producer or want to get into production check this place BEFORE Guitar Center for "Electronic" equipment (Guitar center for acoustic). When I was in here a few weeks ago they had just been robbed by some crack heads and the staff was dealing with the aftermath. They still took the time to talk, and remembered when I had ordered something from them way back (Via phone on another coast).
To some this place might just be a basement walkup with some instruments, but to me it's a hidden treasure. -
Review from Atish M.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2007
Very cool place - just bought a Dave Smith Evolver here. The guy there is really cool, you can try stuff out in a pressure-free environment, and he knows his stuff. The price was a bit high, but he negotiated, and I'm happy I didn't end up going to Guitar Center.
I'm coming back here when I need more gear. -
Review from brett n.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2007
Robotspeak has synths (both integrated keyboards and modules), midi keyboard controllers, audio and midi cables, audio and midi interfaces for your computer, studio monitors, keyboard stands, effects boxes, drum machines, and lots of software. You can expect a totally straightforward shopping experience with personal and honest attention from real musicians.
You won't find a lot of the mainstream synth/workstation brands here like Roland, Yamaha, Alesis, Korg (although they often have the microkorg in stock). Instead, expect some lesser-known brands like Elektron, Dave Smith Instruments, Access, Future Retro, and MFB. Give them a try if you haven't! Robotspeak also carries Moog synths. I haven't touched any of those because I think I would like it too much, if you know what I mean.
Watch out for those glass display cases! Seeing a little synth module in there makes me want it instantly, for some reason. One day, I wandered into the store because I needed some audio cables, and I saw the DSI Evolver in the display case. When I got home, I went online to learn all about the Evolver. It wasn't long before I returned to the store to buy it. -
Review from joel h.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2007
More and more I tend to support local stores as opposed to 'Big Box' style places, even if things cost more.
This new policy has brought me to Robot Speak as I work on setting up music gear on a new project. The store is cool, they tend to get specialty items and they are pretty knowledgeable about their product. It's also nice to see the classes and the investment in the general music 'community' that other music stores tend to lack.
So far, in a short period of time I spent and whole lot of loot and am quite happy about it-especially with the occasional guidance ('You can buy that one, but this one is cheaper and...'), so, gotta give props and keep spending $$$ there for a good long time.
If you're a MIDI head or Hip Hop producer go check it out, you won't regret it... -
Review from Johnny M.
San Francisco, CA
3/20/2006
I love independent music shops like this. They have all the latest software and hardware gear, and the staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful to all inquires. This shop sure beats the hectic and chaotic environment of Guitar Center. It's peaceful and has tweeky stuff you just can't find anywhere else. I mean, nowhere but RobotSpeak can you find a totally tricked out Speak and Spell.
If you have an audiophile in your life, I guarentee you'll be able to find a gift for them here. -
Review from Christopher K.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2011
There's something about walking down the stairs to the basement that is Robotspeak. Your eyes will want to absorb this micro-museum of electronic audio and your hands will want to tinker with the newest hotness. The owners are chill and when I bought some software a year ago they were able to answer all of my questions. This is a great local business.
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Review from i. o.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2006 1 photo
During my move out to the west coast last year, I sadly had to part with some of my music gear from my home studio *sniff* ... So I was thrilled to find a store like Robotspeak, just what I needed to outfit my new home studio with sorts of great gear! The store itself is small and cozy, the staff knowledgeable and you can take any piece of hardware *and* software for a spin. The folks and service here are a very welcome change to the abuse I sustain most times I walk into a Guitar Center.
They even host monthly Robotspeak sessions where local artists come to jam out and talk about their music.Listed in: Ear Candy
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Review from Professor H.
Oakland, CA
9/8/2008
I really liked this store because of these reasons:
* Unique, one-of-a-kind store.
* One-on-one service and knowledgable. The man I talked to was possibly an owner or at least an employee very invested in the store. He dissuaded me from buying something that would have cost more money because he thought it would fit my needs better.
* Friendly to non-audiophiles. I love audio recording and sound, music, etc, but I'm no gearhead. I was able to have a productive, non-condescending conversation in layman's terms.
* Small but cute store packed with cool stuff. It's fun to just look and drool at the awesome stuff.
* Priced the same as chain stores, but you get to support local business. And you get much better service from someone who cares about his customers. Not some spotty teenager talking down to you.
Im case this matters, I was looking for an interface to record with a condenser mic in Final Cut. I was going to get an mbox because I didn't know what else to do. Instead I bought TC Electronics Konnekt 6 - it's great. I was told it's better for my needs because the mbox isn't always compatible with other programs. -
Review from jason p.
San Francisco, CA
3/12/2009
These guys are unbelievably understanding. And accommodated my every need. I am not gonna lie, I was kinda a pain in the ass and they were patient and went out of there way to make me happy.
This is an incredible store. Support small businesses... like this one! -
Review from Kurt S.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2009
These guys could literally not be cooler. Next time you want to buy some gear, consider spending your hard earned dollars with these guys instead of going with the big chain stores-- the added value they give in brain power and service are so worth it, and you have to ask yourself... what if Robot Speak was not there anymore?
BUY YOUR STUFF FROM ROBOT SPEAK. -
Review from Nathan M.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2009
Great service here and they had just what I wanted. Very knowledgeable too.
I showed up just as they were closing but the guy was still accommodating and even insisted on waiting for me while I pulled my car up, can't beat that service! Definitely support this great independent store. -
Review from Joel S.
San Francisco, CA
6/18/2008
i have to always watch myself whenever i come here because i want everything in this store. EVERYTHING! wonderful staff, wonderful selection of conventional and not so conventional electronic devices. my first stop before guitar center.
ill. -
Review from Jason A.
San Francisco, CA
5/23/2008
What needs to be said, already has in other reviews. Not only is the gear pretty awesome, hanging out waiting for my transaction I got to listen to choice stuff on their radio. I had no idea what it was, but it was insanely cool.
While I didn't make a big purchase, I did grab a cable, very reasonably priced. I also got some insight on a gear issue I was having from some very knowledgable staff. -
Review from Simran B.
San Rafael, CA
12/16/2008
You need to visit Robotspeak if you:
-produce any kind of electronic music.
-are a circuit bending mad scientist.
-love analog synthesizers.
-want to see the latest trends in music production/performance.
-want to see some cool musical toys you have never seen before.
-have any questions about music hardware or software.
-find yourself bored in the lower Haight.
What an incredible use of such a small space! Fabulous store with very friendly, helpful staff. I have turned several of my friends on to this spot and they all seem to find something different to be excited about there. Very valuable resource for the modern DJ/producer/noise maker. -
Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
10/30/2007
I'm not the type who would ever have cause to buy anything in here (namely because I don't make my own electronica), but that doesn't make it any less cool. It's the quintessential SF underground (literally) niche-market store. Some of my friends who are more well-versed in the scene dragged me here for Robotspeak's 5th anniversary party, which was essentially 7 hours of "live" music being performed, very loudly, in this tiny basement for an audience of, say, 20 people (very low-key, no admission, come and go as you please, BYOB). They actually have monthly performances here known as the Robotspeak Sessions, so even the uninitiated have an "accessible" (hey, all you have to do is listen) opportunity to check this place out.
Listed in: Lower Haight
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Review from Jeremy L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 5/31/2011
Now someone named Alan S. on Yelp claiming to be the owner is harassing me via e-mail.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/19/2011
I asked the guy how much for the prominantly displayed blue keyboard. He told me a story about his… Read more »
Comment from Steve T. of Robotspeak 6/1/2011
Jeremy --Alan's email was attached to the yelp account when… More » -
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Review from Karen T.
6/24/2008
A playground filled with fun gear for synth geeks, appropriately housed in a small and stuffy room. I wish I had the time and patience to learn about all this MIDI crap. For now, I'll just date guys who can wow me with their knowledge. Beware though, they don't make for good relationships. But they CAN circuit-bend a toy keyboard for you for your birthday. Cool...?
Listed in: The Yay
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Review from Ian H.
Portland, OR
11/9/2007
went in here the other day to pick up a midi-CV convertor, the guy at the store was very helpful and knowledgable. They have some demo models of newer analog synths that were pretty cool (prophet '08, little phatty) their prices for gear were a little high (it is indie though), but cables were a pretty good deal.
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Review from Mikael J.
Alameda, CA
11/2/2009
My favorite little music shop in San Francisco. Extremely friendly, knowledgeable and a very decent selection of instruments in stock that seem to cater to the electronic musician. I was able to get some out of stock gear last minute for a show we had at a good price. In fact they were the only place in the bay area that had it. I ended up staying to shoot the Sh*t with one of the owners and play with gear for over an hour after my purchase. If only I had time to hang out there more often...
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Review from Minotaur N.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2008
Robotspeak is the bomb - great guys with great toys. Basically the only place I would buy kit for my project studio. Other reviews have nailed it.
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Review from P B.
Oakland, CA
4/12/2008
when you go down the stairs into Robotspeak you realize there IS a reason not to buy everything online: it's a literal den of Cool Tools for the electronic music maker.
i always feel dirty after giving my $ to the bigger chains (sorry Guitar Center but you feel horrid) yet i feel great walking out of Robotspeak. a real gem of a shop. -
Review from Ryan W.
6/19/2009
This is THE place in San Francisco to get digital audio equipment and software. The guys who own/run this place are as friendly as they come and I always send people to them vs. a big chain store. The customer service is unbeatable. I went into the store for the first time years ago...glad they are still going strong!
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Review from Mister X.
San Mateo, CA
1/7/2009
For the first time ever, I was told "I own this and love it" from a store owner and actually believed it.
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Review from Matthew H.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/11/2009
Great customer service when you're in a jam. They will help you find a way to still do your music gig if something important breaks.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/8/2006
This place is what makes San Francisco special. The staff are always friendly and knowledgeable.… Read more »
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Review from lindsey g.
San Francisco, CA
6/29/2005
Robot Speak is a great little electronic instruments store located in the lower haight. Great selection, very friendly employees, and all around fun store to just drop in to once in awhile. You can find everthing from vintage synths to cutting edge software daw's, instruments, and plugins. Check it out. It won't disapoint. word
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Review from Kevin A.
Oakland, CA
6/22/2009
I am all about trying to avoid buying things like instruments online from big-box retailers, and Robotspeak offers a great alternative to do this, especially with electronic music products which are complex and often require careful audition to know what they're worth to you. Robotspeak has a pretty impressive array of new instruments, including software, that you can try out for yourself, and a staff that is much more knowledgeable than your average guitar center douchebag. The attitude in this place has been for me a little too typical lower haight; stoney, blasé, too-cool-for-school, once even a bit negative, but some of the other people who work there are really enthusiastic and helpful. I do like to go in and look at new inventory "in the flesh" and it is something of a center for the local electronic music community with occasional seminars and shows.
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Review from jeff e.
San Francisco, CA
9/12/2007
robot speak is my nerdy oasis of computer music in a sea of crappy music stores, that have no in-depth knowledge about the nuances of electronic music.
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i have walked into this store many times just to play with the amazing synthesizers that they sell, and to bug them with questions about music tech stuff. and although i have only bought a few things there over the years ( i try my best to buy everything from them) they have still been very helpful every time i go in.
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also my girlfriend and my best friend had the good fortune of hanging out with Bob Moog (before he passed) at robot speak at one of their organized in-store events
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and they have loads of cool little gadgets like circuit bent speak and spells and other little forgotten musical treasures.
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dont be shy going in here even though it is kinda has a basement-like apmosphere. the guys who run it are really nice and will answer the stupidest questions ( i know i have asked them)
horray for this tiny synthesizer enclave.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from nathan g.
Berkeley, CA
7/5/2008
Having a comfortable environment to play around in and a knowledgeable staff is worth paying a little extra for. Guitar Center is just the Wal Mart of music gear-- stay away. Plus, these guys really make an effort to contribute to the electronic music community by hosting events and classes, etc. Sure you could find it cheaper online, but these guys deserve your business.
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Review from C C.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2008
These guys are the shit. I just moved to the neighborhood, and now live about 100 ft away from the store... dangerous indeed. They are always friendly, knowledgeable, and down to nerd out with you over just about anything!! You're more than welcome to play with the gear (take a hint, Haight Ashbury Music Center) and its just a generally nice experience to be in there. They have my business for life!
