Analogue Haven

by Robert Tapia

About 30 miles east of L.A., Pomona's Analogue Haven lives up to its name with the best in high-end gear for the discerning musician. The focus here is synthesis, pure and simple. With an extensive collection of modular synths from the likes of Doepfer, Modcan, Cwejman, and Analogue Solutions in the back and keyboard synths from Moog, Korg, Clavia, and Dave Smith Instruments in the front showroom/gallery, even a non-synthesist will be awestruck by the incredible selection. These are just some of the more familiar names. As general manager Antonio Rodriquez says, "There are keyboards, synths, and pedals no one has ever seen in the Western Hemisphere, inside an art gallery, with real art. I have been told it is the most beautiful music store in the world!"

It's not just looks that make a visit a true experience. Every instrument in the store is playable. “The gear in the store works and the staff is very educated in very specialized areas of synthesis," Rodriguez informs. The staff is among the most helpful one is likely to encounter and is willing to talk shop to experienced musicians and novices alike. "This store is not commission based," he adds. "We help you because we like to.”

The store boasts a clientele that reads like a who’s who of electronic and synth-based rock music, featuring the likes of Aphex Twin, The Chemical Brothers, The Rapture, The Presets, The Locust, The Fall, Smashing Pumpkins, Nitzer Ebb, Nine Inch Nails, The Faint, LCD Soundsystem, The Postal Service, The Cure, Wolfmother, and Tangerine Dream, among others. If that’s not a testament to one’s reputation, then what is?

Analogue Haven is located at 252A S. Main St., Pomona CA, 91766. (909) 622-4556. http://www.analoguehaven.com.