Dave’s Island Instruments

I found this little gem of a store looking for places to restring my wife’s (now my daughter’s) ukulele. I gave them a call to see if they could do it today and the pleasant woman said absolutely and to come on in. So off I went. The store is located off the corner of Carson St. and the infamous Los Coyotes Diagonal. The store is actually behind the Shell gas station on the corner. You’ll need to enter the parking lot off of Los Coyotes Diagonal.
I walked in and the store is adorned with «Island» instruments such as steel drums and ukuleles. There was a keiki ukulele class that was just finishing up when I was greeted by Cynthia. I handed her my uke and strings and said to look around and that it shouldn’t take long. While looking at all the ukes and accessories, an adult uke class started to come in. I kept to myself and grabbed a few ukes to test out. When the class began, it was totally great. The music brought me back to Hawaii and I couldn’t help but try to look over some shoulders and play along. After the song, the instructor (who had a very wonderful voice) must’ve caught me trying to play along and asked to if I wanted to join in. I didn’t want to intrude in her class and I politely declined. I’ve been looking for a uke class to join and I think I found it!
When my uke was finished, Cynthia came out to show me her work and had me verified that the strings were placed in the correct order (awesome) before she cut the color-​coded ends. I asked about the classes and she provided me with excellent information and gave me some literature to take home a look over. She then took it to the back and gave it it’s finishing touches and handed me by my uke. I asked about the class that was in session and she said that the instructor is not affiliated with them (not completely sure) but she is able to conduct her class at their store. Now that’s Hawaiian hospitality! I then paid for her services and was told that if I had any issues with the work to come back and she’ll make it right.
It’s been a couple of days and the strings are starting to settle in. I will most definitely come back and possibly purchase one of their ukes and register for a class. Big ups to Dave’s Island Instruments on the hospitality and courteousness, customer service, and more importantly… their professionalism.

This is a very cool place to shop or hang out. Dave Beery is an awesome and patient teacher. I learned how to play the steel drums by Dave and he was so patient and understanding with me. I’m not a musician but he gave me faith I could perform in a couple of concerts at the church we attend.
Not only does he teach, he makes all the steel drums and travel the world teaching. Dave and his friendly staff are very, very talented as well as his beautiful wife Jackie and wonderful girls. They are such a musical and talented couple and I highly recommend this place if you are interested in learning how to play steel drums, ukulele and other island instruments.

This review is for the booth that Dave’s Island Instruments had set up at the Long Beach Funk Festival.
In my past life, and by that I mean a decade ago, I used to play in a steel drum band. Triple guitars represent! :) Dave’s Island Instruments didn’t exist back when I used to play. But Smarty Pans did and this is the same owner!
I’ve known about Dave’s Island Instruments for many years now but I’ve never made it out to the actual store. So I was eager to stop by their booth at the Long Beach Funk Festival. The owner and staff is super friendly! They even had some pans out on display and they encouraged me to pick up the ol’ mallets to play a bit of pan music. Flashbacks of my reggae/​soca/​calypso music-​filled early 20’s came rushing back!
I also got a chance to check out a something called Hand Pan which basically looks like an inverted steel drum that doesn’t require mallets to play. Very cool!
Unlike Smarty Pans, Dave’s Island Instruments sells more than just steel drums. There’s also ukulele’s galore! As somebody who has danced hula for eight years (even though I haven’t danced in two years), I really appreciate the sound of live ukuleles and Hawaiian music. I subscribe to the newsletter and DII’s has weekly ukulele jam sessions for all levels.
So to end this review, I’d like to leave you with three songs:
1) One of my favorite pan songs to play when I was a steel drummer:
2) One of my favorite Hawaiian songs to hula dance to:
3) And this awesome song by a hipster with a ukulele:
Cheers :)

This place is awesome !! I did a lot of shopping around for quality instruments and information. This place went over and beyond to Help me out. I wouldn’t go anywhere else in the future. The selection and professionalism is unbelievable to its competitors. Thank You again for all your help and I will definitely be back and will spread the word to everyone I know.

Ukuleles are fun and Dave’s Island Instruments has a bunch. Look for steel drums and hand pans too!

Dave’s Island Instruments is a fantastic place to buy steel drums, hand pans, ukelele’s, sheet music, island accessories and get lessons on any island instrument! It’s tucked behind a Shell gas station off of Los Coyotes and Carson.
Dave is super friendly and helpful to anyone who comes in. There are jam sessions that usually take place on Friday nights for $ 5 a person, and beginners are more than welcome to come and learn!
The instrument deals are the best in town and totally worth it if you want to buy a ukelele for a family member as a gift or for yourself to learn on.
It’s the best place to go for any instrument of this type in town. I’d also recommend the hand pans for anyone interested!

Also owner of Smarty Pans!
He also tunes steel drums, best in the business.