ABOUT
COMPUTERS & MUSIC
| location/how
to get here | hours
| contact us
| history
| what's in the
showroom now? | why buy from
C&M? | what are they
saying about us? | who are we?
| return policy
| disclaimer |
LOCATION/HOW TO GET HERE:
Our store is located
at 4837 Geary Blvd in San Francisco's Richmond District, between
Funston and 12th Avenues. Also, 4 blocks north of Golden Gate
Park and 3 south of the Presidio. It can be foggy. Bring a sweater.
Here's how to get to us:
FROM SAN MATEO COUNTY: Take Hwy 280 north, splitting left
to the Hwy 1 / 19th Avenue exit lanes as you approach SF. Continue
in the middle lane for about 5 miles -- 19th Ave will curl you
through Golden Gate Park, and before you know it you're on Park
Presidio Blvd. As you exit GG Park it will be just 4 blocks to
Geary. Turn right and park as soon as you can.
FROM SAN MATEO COUNTY VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take
the 28 bus from the Daly City BART Station and get off at Geary
Blvd -- about a 25 minute ride. We're just across the street.
FROM MARIN COUNTY: Take Hwy 101 / Hwy 1 south, crossing
the Golden Gate Bridge, and taking the 19th Ave exit on the right,
about 1/4 mile beyond the toll booths. Once you exit the wooded
Presidio, it will be just 3 blocks to Geary, but go one block
further, turn right on Anza, right on 14th Ave, and right on
Geary. We're just 1/2 block ahead.
FROM MARIN COUNTY VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: The Golden
Gate Transit Bus 10 (from Marin City and Sausalito) stops on
Geary just 1/2 block from Computers & Music. Most GG Transit
Buses make a stop at the GG Bridge Plaza where you can change
to a SF Muni 28 bus that is traveling southbound. Get off at
Geary.
FROM ALAMEDA COUNTY: Drive over that Bay Bridge. There
are many exits/routes you might take, but Jane suggests the first
possible exit on the right: Fremont Street. After a big U-turn
of an exit ramp you'll turn left on Fremont; in 2.5 blocks turn
left onto Market; in about 4 blocks, make a gentle right turn
onto Geary; stay in the middle lane and look out for buses and
double parkers; drive, drive, drive; after about 3.7 miles turn
left at 12th Avenue, right at Anza, right at Funston, and right
on Geary. There you are.
FROM ALAMEDA COUNTY VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Take BART
and exit at Montgomery St Station or take AC Transit and exit
at the Trans Bay Terminal. The SF Muni 38 Geary bus stops by
each and will take you to within a block of Computers & Music:
Disembark at either the 12th Avenue stop, or if you're on the
"38 Limited", the Park Presidio stop.
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HOURS:
Computers & Music is open Monday through Wednesday, 10am
- 5:30pm; Thursday and Friday, 10am - 7pm. We are closed Saturdays
for the rest of the Summer. We're also closed Sundays, New Year's
day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
We generally close early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve,
so call if you want to do some last minute shopping: 415-666-9944.
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CONTACT
US:
phone: 800-767-6161 (during business hours only)
phone: 415-666-9944 (during business hours only)
fax: 415-666-9948
email: support@computersandmusic.com
physical mail: Computers & Music, 4837 Geary Blvd, San Francisco
CA 94118
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HISTORY:
First, a little history of Computers & Music owner and founder
Joe West: As a middle school student, Joe yearned to play the
saxophone, but was handed a violin. He developed an avid appreciation
of jazz and got himself a guitar. He worked briefly in the record
distribution business and in 1969 he built a basement studio
where he played and recorded with Herman Eberitzsch, Hadley Calliman,
Linda Tillery, and others. Also being mechanically inclined,
Joe was naturally intrigued by early synthesizers and in 1982
he opened the first Computers & Music in Daly City, just
south of San Francisco, on the site where Digidesign headquarters
now stands. Who knew? Those of a certain age may remember the
pre-MIDI Apple II, Alpha Syntauri, etc, etc.
In 1989 C&M moved to downtown
San Francisco when Gary Leuenberger offered a space in his piano
store at 649 Mission Street. When Sherman Clay bought out Leuenberger,
C&M moved into their basement and when earthquake retrofitting
came along, C&M took over the entire 2nd floor. It was there
that C&M hosted 2 amazing Expos of software and hardware
manufacturers. Then the dotcom boom raised the rent 500% and
we moved 50 blocks out to the Richmond District, where we've
been cozily located since 2000.
For 22+ years C&M has been
providing musicians, educators, composers, sound designers, and
home studio enthusiasts with software, hardware and friendly
support. C&M clients whom you may have heard of have included
John Adams, Michael Tilson Thomas, Yale University, "Dan
The Automator" Nakamura, and various members of bands such
as Santana, The Dead, The Doobie Brothers, the ubiquitous "many
more" as well as innumerable universities, secondary schools,
churches and plain folks like us. When our catalog was printed
on paper, it earned an industry award from NAMM. The catalog
has been electronic for about 10 years and as we continue editing,
improving, and uploading it daily, we hope that it serves your
needs for information and choosing the latest and worthiest competitively-priced
products to help make your music the best it can be.
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WHAT'S
IN THE SHOWROOM NOW?
Besides the shelved and racked inventory, we have 2 handsome
Omnirax work stations set up with continually updated hardware
and software. One station is powered by a fast Pentium 4 running
Windows XP and the other by a dual processor Apple G4. We're
happy to give short demos of the software we are running, but
be aware that not everything that we sell on our web site is
up and running at any given time. If there is a specific piece
of software that you wish to see demonstrated, or if you require
a more in-depth test-drive of a certain software title, please
call us first so we can arrange a time that would be convenient.
If you just want to browse our extensive selection of software
and hardware or talk to one of our computer music specialists
in person, feel free to drop by the store any time during business
hours. If you are looking for a specific software title, it is
a good idea to call ahead.
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WHY
BUY FROM COMPUTERS & MUSIC?
You may have noticed that our prices are very competitive. Additionally,
we're all really nice people just trying to do the right thing
(see the personal profiles below). We're a small business with
a worldwide clientele and a 22+ year track record. Our computer
music specialists are knowledgable and friendly (although Chris
can be curiously droll) do not work on commission, and will not
steer you wrong. It is to our mutual advantage if you become
a satisfied, if not deliriously thrilled C&M customer, so
we will try hard to get you the gear that best suits your music
projects. Our advice is candid and honest and once you become
a C&M client you will further benefit from continued, helpful
tech support. Warehouse stores can't match that.
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WHAT
ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT US?
We are not perfect
but most of our customers think we're pretty good. Jane Marie
has gleaned these quotations wafting through the shop, in the
post and over the internet at Computers & Music:
"Thanks, guys, for saving
my ass" -- (heard many times over the years)
"I wanted to again express
our thanks for your gracious time and talents at the demonstration
last week for our credential students. While we have a tech on
staff at CSUH, his expertise lies in other areas. Your knowledge
of the hardware and software is truly large. I for one am very
grateful for your business and willingness to share knowledge
as none of us can keep up with the everchanging market."
-- Brian B, letter from Hayward, 5/00
"You guys have been incredibly
helpful" -- Deborah, singer/guitar player, instore, 9/03
"What would I do without
you?" -- instore, 9/03
"Thanks for giving me
the hard truth" -- instore, 10/03
"God bless you, man"
-- Wiley R, instore, 11/03
"Joe, you need to teach
a course in sales-customer-relations to just about everyone else
out there... Thanks" + "Joe, you've been so cool about
answering questions and helping me that I'd like to buy the F2
from you." -- Bryan by email, 12/03
"Tell Chris he's great"
-- instore, 1/04
"Hallo Jane, thank you
very much for your kindness. I hope to write good music (mainly
for double reeds ensemble) and, you know, this software is a
perfect aid to write and play music.
Greetings from Northern Italy." -- Davide M, email from
Italy, 5/04
"Thanks Jane, I've already
told a couple of friends how friendly and easy to deal with you
guys are. Thanks for the prompt service." -- Geoff R, email
from Australia, 5/04
"Thanks for the update
Jane, and I am eager to get my hands on my new toy. The experience
with Computers and Music so far has been wonderful, I have already
looked at your web site for my next purchase. And yes, I will
tell my friends." -- Phil L, email from Australia, 6/04
"Thank you for processing
my order. Im so happy about computersandmusic service. I'll be
back if i need anything for my studio. And thank you again."
-- Matt F, email from Malaysia, 6/04
"A couple of friends of
mine said, 'You gotta go here.'" -- instore, 6/04
"You've been extremely
helpful. You're always, always helpful." -- Jim from across
the bay, instore, 7/04
"cool. i got it and it
works great. molte grazie." -- David, email from down the
peninsula, 8/04
"Hi Jane, I'm not used
to getting a personal response. It's been so long, it really
stands out and is appreciated. thanks"
-- Von K, email from Hawaii, 10/04
"Very cool! Thank you."
-- Burt J, email from Oregon, 11/04
"...I saved quite some
money getting the US122 from you, so I shall definitively buy
from you next time I need equipment for this kind of job. Thank
you for your help.
-- Dan R, email from Denmark, 12/04
"Thanks for your emails.
I think you've moved to the top of my online store list."
-- Arne E, email from British Columbia, 1/05
"Thanks for the mail.
Computers & Music is one of the only software houses that
ships abroad.... this is one of the reasons I keep ordering from
you (my operating system is in English - so I want the English-based
software). Also, Computers & Music has good service! Thank
you."
-- David H, email from Japan, 1/05
"Perfect !!! I 've received
the Indigo Dj without any problems... Thanks for your professionality,
the package was excellent, impossible to be damaged !!!
i 'll visit your virtual shop often !"
-- Frank, email from Catalunya. 6/05
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WHO
ARE WE?
Chris: Utility infielder.
Speaks German fluently plus some Italian, French, and Spanish
and you should hear his English. He's a filmmaker with 2 documentaries
to his credit ("A
Player To Be Named Later," videographer/executive producer).
His favorite C&M software is Native Instruments Elektrik
Piano. Favorite movie: "Stalag 17." Favorite restaurant:
King of Thai Noodle #2; and yet his favorite food is split pea
soup. His favorite style of music is la musica romantica; and
yet his favorite musician is Spike Jones.
Jonathan: The webmaster. Sometimes known as Boxcutter
Skip. Habla Español. Co-founder and player in a little
combo called August Bodies
that he claims plays in the tropical-gothic style. He once won
something called the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award so that says
something right there. His favorite C&M software is Arturia
CS-80. His favorite musician is Ashe Bhosle. His favorite movie
"hasn't been made yet." He enjoys vintage synth, modern
art and dining at Fruitlandia.
Joe: The boss and sole proprietor. An even-tempered good
guy who knows computer music from way-back-when all the way into-the-future.
He plays a little guitar and loves the jazz music, as in Zawinul,
Shorter, McLaughlin, Metheny; and the world music, as in Zakir
Hussein, Milton Nascimento, et al. His favorite movie: "Bladerunner."
Favorite burrito: super beef from El Faro. He's a news hound
who enjoys sipping Chardonnay and tussling with Buttercup the
tabbycat.
Jane Marie: Detail-oriented shipping maven and laughing
assistant to the boss-man. She's a prize-winning
photographer and jingle-writer. She writes a little copy
(like this, for instance), designed our logo and cranks out business
cards on her Epson. Her favorite musician: Björk Gudmundsdóttir.
Favorite movie: "The Fugitive." She enjoys time travel,
ginger gelato, scripts by Charlie Kaufman, architecture by Frank
Gehry, poetry by Federico Garcia Lorca, and acting by Groucho
Marx.
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C&M
RETURN POLICY:
Here at C&M, our
mission is to get you the right product the first time. Of course
we understand that sometimes an item simply doesn't integrate
into your system or doesn't do exactly what you thought it would
do.
Product returns must be made
within fourteen (14) days of purchase. All returned products
must be unopened and sealed inside the original packaging. Opened
products may be subject to a 15% restocking fee depending on
the item and/or the return policy of the manufacturer. Opened
products must be returned with the original packaging materials,
including warranty cards, manuals and any other items. Failure
to include all materials may result in additional charges.
The Return Process
In order to return
a product to us, you need to call us during business hours and
request a Return Authorization (RA) number. Once received, the
RA number must then be clearly marked on the outside of the package
you intend to return. Packages without an RA number will not
be accepted. Shipping and handling charges are not refundable
for returns. Your credit card will be credited or an exchange
unit will be sent once we receive and inspect the product. Most
credit card companies will post the credit to your account within
48 hours, but it may take up to 2 weeks before your credit is
posted.
Items that are not returnable
are:
- Sample/Loop CD's (unless
defective)
- Software (unless defective)
- Items advertised as Open Box or Floor Model, unless defective.
- Any personal items such as Microphones or any other items that
touch your mouth, your nose, or are inserted in your ear.
- Special Orders, including sample CD's and Omnirax Desks
Defective Products
Defective products
will be replaced. Cost of shipping to customers will be paid
by Computers & Music, except in the case of foreign orders.
(See below)
Software
Software that has been
opened is not returnable. Occasionally we will make an exception,
but this is rare. Software manufacturers do not take returns
on software nor are we able to resell opened software. Call or
email us, explain your situation, and we will do our best to
help you.
Sample CD's/Loops
Sample CD's and loops
are not returnable under any circumstance unless you received
a defective CD. In the case of defective CD's we will arrange
replacement by the manufacturer.
Keyboards, Speakers, Mixers,
and Modules
If defective we will
replace or repair the unit. Due to the high cost of shipping
keyboards it is strongly recommended that you research your purchase
well before ordering. If you just don't like it, we will charge
a 15% restocking fee. If the condition of the box and other packing
material is poor or pieces are missing, or the unit is not in
pristine condition, we may increase the restocking fee at our
discretion.
Foreign orders
Due to the high cost
of shipping overseas, we cannot reimburse shipping charges on
returns regardless of the reason for the return.
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DISCLAIMER:
We try very hard to
keep our prices current, but occasionally manufacturers make
mistakes and we have also made the occasional error, therefore,
our prices are subject to change without notice.
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COMPUTERS & MUSIC
4837 Geary Blvd . San Francisco CA 94118 USA
telephone: 415-666-9944 . fax: 415-666-9948
email: support@computersandmusic.com
Mon-Wed, 10am - 5:30pm; Thu-Fri, 10am-7pm; Sat-Sun, closed.
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