Surfin' Bird Surf Shop

the owner bart started out with a surf board shop in houston many years ago and then branched into musical instruments - mainly guitars and electric bass guitars. today his shop rockin robin also sells (used only?) surfboards again - in addition to new and used guitars, drums , amplifiers, sheet music, books and accessories. they also have a repair shop run out of the store, and the repair work is done well and warranted. there's probobly not anything you might be looking for in all these catagories that, if they don't have it , they can get it for you. they also have a huge inventory of vintage used gear, and a website that lists some of the items up for sale. as a side business, the owner was involved with robin guitars at one time. he currently owns rio grande - a well-known company that makes custon aftermarket electric guitar pickups. and i believe he is/was part owner of allparts. jimmy page, billy gibbons and scores of other rock legends have visited the shop on shepherd and richmond over the years. the sales people generally know a lot about the gear they sell. rockin robin isn't an authorised gibson dealer, but they do have a large inventory of most all gibson accoustic and electrics including vintage 1950's les pauls and J2000's. on the down side, most instruments aren't marked with a visible price. rather, you request a price and the sales rep (who works partly on commission) lets you know what the price is. from there, it's a give and take of sorts. also, there's a sysyem of different colored round stickers they sometimes use. i presume it's an indicator of how long an item has been around and what kind of discount (if any) the sales person can offer. anyway, before you shop do your research with care. they will most likely meet about the best competitive legit price you find on something. as a part of the sale they stress that they can also provide service after the sale, unlike most other larger music retailers like guitar center. Pros: knowledgable sales people, selection, after sale service Cons: most prices are not clearly marked, goofball sales people more

I really wanted to like this place, because it has a definite local, funky vibe. But, the service is not good. The staff all seem to view customer questions and requests as an imposition. Also, it's ridiculous that you have to have someone accompany you into the drum rooms in back. more

RATING SHOULD READ 5 STARS! Rockin' Robin is a stop on the trail to Mecca. The people serving you by the grace of GOD are true soldiers of music. They have been in the trenches and lend their talent by moving top quality merchandise, vintage gear, and a tech staff that set up your gear with repeatable performance, try getting THAT off the net or at a discount store.\r -Diamond D\r Producer\r Satisfied Customer for over FIVE YEARS!\r HotRox Records - Houston, TEXAS Pros: Staff more

I have mixed feelings about this place. I'll start with the good. When it comes to guitars they have a selection offering some items you'll have trouble finding elsewhere, and good prices. They don't have everything but they have some less mainstream guitars that are good quality - where you pay for the workmanship and not the name brand. The repair center seems very competent... they took care of things quickly and the charge was reasonable. Prices are generally negotiable. The downsides... limited availability of accessories is one issue. The main issue is a laughable attitude towards customers. There are a few good people working there, but the rest are jaded and not helpful at all. They stand around talking to each other and completely ignore the customers. I've frequently had people there apathetically tell me ""I don't play ___ brand, I only play ___."" That is ridiculous. They should know the products they're selling, or at least be able to get someone else who does. They tend to rush you to buy things. I'm sure they're well aware that it never works to rush a customer but they just don't have what it takes to be good salespeople. There's other people who know their products but are just plain arrogant. Honestly, I don't know why the have to act this way. That said, the guy who specializes in bass guitars does an outstanding job in comparison, as does another younger fellow (Brian, I think). Just go in, see if you like anything, and remember that the sticker price will always come down quite a bit. Hopefully if you need help for whatever reason you find one of the 3 decent people working there. If you know what you need and what a good deal is you're all set. If not you should remember what I've said and try to bring a knowledgeable friend with you. The prices and selection are good enough that you shouldn't ignore this store. more

Bought a Guild Pilot bass from Rockin' Robin. It had a small ding in the neck but RR sold it to me at a much lower price than I had been seeing them for on Ebay. I sanded the ding out and it looks perfect. Looking to buy my second bass from them in a few days. Bart, Bijan and Tommy return emails and calls quickly and 48 hour satisfaction policy on shipped basses is a nice little insurance policy in case it's not the bass you've always dreamed of. Pros: Quick shipping, return policy, selection of stuff you just can't find Cons: Could be a little better informed on stuff they get in trade. more

I went there after reading the online review. The review must have been written by an owner or employee! I was there for 30 minutes; NOT ONE person said hello! I really needed help because I am a garage band mom and my nephew wanted a bass. I have never bought a bass! Maybe I just didn't look as cool as the guy who came in later with news of a get together that seemed to lure the salesguys from behind the counter with ease! I took my $1500 elsewhere. Their loss - my gained eduacation. Pros: location Cons: , musty odor, poor cust service more

No computer chips allowed. You won't find keyboards, MIDI cables, or sequencers at Rockin Robin. But if you want a vintage Fender or Martin, or a work-a-day drum kit - these guys will have it or find it. With a stellar rotation of quality used gear you won't have to look long for whatever you need. The service department has fixed any problem I've ever had inexpensively and quickly. BASS- Even compared to the slicker and better funded ""mega"" stores - Rockin Robin has the BEST selection in town (A little heavy on the Fenders, but rightly so). Always a great deal somewhere on a great bass. Pros: Prices, Used Gear, Bass Equipment more