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ABOUT FORRESTS MUSIC
Purveyors of Woodwind Instruments And Supplies
Forrests Music is a wind instrument sales and repair shop situated in Berkeley, California, within walking distance of the University of California. The store has been a Berkeley institution since the late 1940's.
Dutch & Kathryn Forrest
Forrests Music was established as a repair shop on Kittredge Street in downtown Berkeley CA in 1944 by Dutch and Kathryn Forrest. After Mr. Forrest passed away in the early 1950's, Kathryn continued operation of the business, with the support and encouragement of her friend Ben Meltzer who taught woodwinds for many years at the store.
After moving to larger quarters on Shattuck Avenue, she hired Bill Shiek, a highly regarded woodwind technician, whose clients included the oboists and bassoonists of the major orchestras in the San Francisco Bay Area. To better serve this clientele, Forrests began to carry oboes, bassoons, and their accessories.
Peter & Joanie Klatt
During the mid 1970's, Kathryn decided to retire and sold the business to Peter and Joan Klatt who expanded the business via the double reed specialty market. Friends Ray and Ellie Dusté, prominent oboists in the Bay Area, helped the Klatts place an emphasis on the highest quality products and services.
In 1986 the Klatts purchased the building we currently reside in at 1849 University Ave. In 1999, they sold the business to the repair technicians John Goebel and Marilyn Day.
Now a new chapter has begun with long time employees Cynthia Hanson and Audrey Jackson transitioning to the ownership team.
We look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent service, products and instruments for many years to come!
Forrests Music - Your Go To Quality Double Reed Specialists!
