Timbre Folk & Baroque brings over 35 years of instrument repair expertise to Berkeley’s vibrant music community. Owner and luthier Mark Walstrom combines his background in woodworking with deep knowledge of folk and baroque instruments, offering specialized guitar repair alongside service for violins, mandolins, ukuleles, and more exotic stringed instruments like balalaikas and ouds.

The shop has built a reputation for meticulous vintage guitar work and restorations, breathing new life into treasured instruments that have been tucked away in closets. Walstrom’s approach to guitar setup and fretwork reflects his dedication to making quality instrument repair accessible to musicians at all levels. Beyond standard guitar tech services, the shop also builds custom instruments in the mandolin family and offers appraisals for those looking to understand their instrument’s value.

What sets Timbre Folk & Baroque apart is its genuine passion for folk music traditions combined with technical precision. The shop operates as both a repair destination and a welcoming space where musicians can explore unusual acoustic instruments and discuss musical possibilities with someone who truly understands the craft.