Welcome to Shade Tree!

When we started Shade Tree Stringed Instruments in 1975, the world was a very different place. Nixon had just resigned, Vietnam was still on everybody's minds, Elvis was playing in Vegas, and John Lennon lived in Manhattan.

The acoustic music world was different then, too. Guitars and cool instruments like banjos and mandolins were sold in small shops run by true instrument geeks. But shopping is different these days, and in 2004 we decided to say adios to the retail world.

We've taken this move to San Juan Capistrano as an opportunity to re-examine our business – and how to be true to the passion for fretted instruments that motivated us to start Shade Tree over 30 years ago. So, we've decided to concentrate our time and expertise on repair and restoration of the instruments we love, and on teaching folks to play them. Oh, sure, we'll still sell an occasional instrument, but only something that really gets our adrenalin pumping.

To all of you who have been our customers over the past 32 years, thank you. We're still here, and still offering unsurpassed personal service for your needs.

Greg and Margie Mirken

Mostly we work by appointment. Please click on the "Location and Hours" link at the left for more information!