Being in the tennis industry for a few years now, I've met some pretty awesome tennis people. I've found that tennis stringers are an entirely different breed unto themselves. Strings and a good stringer are just about everything, especially as you get older and start dealing with wrist or elbow issues. A good stringer can act like a therapist for your on-court woes, and can offer you key advice on what strings to use, what tension to string them your rackets and beyond.
I wanted to share a unique list with you... with a mix of the major shops as well as the more mom-and-pop stringers you wouldn't normally know about. Here's my go-to guide to the best stringing shops across L.A.
1. The Tennis Garage: (Mar Vista)
Why it stands out:
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Local Business – Operated out of his garage in beautiful Mar Vista, owner Paul Cochrane knows tennis! . Paul is an awesome stringer and is very knowledgable on what strings and tensions you should be using based on your hitting style, frames and ailments.
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Same‑day while‑you‑wait service
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Tennis-focused gear: Partnership demos (e.g. Wilson, Head, Babolat, Yonex).
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Customer love: Hanging with Paul! He even has fruit trees growing in the yard, so grab an orange while you wait
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2.The Racket Doctor (Atwater Village)
Why it stands out:
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Legacy & expertise – Serving SoCal since 1970, this is L.A.’s premier stringing shop
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Same‑day while‑you‑wait service by certified stringers.
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Tennis-focused gear: Partnership demos (e.g. Wilson, Head, Babolat, Yonex).
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Customer love: called “LA’s #1 OG expert pro shop” with killer selection
Why it matters for Ace The Moon readers:
A trusted choice for reliability, pro-level tuning, and access to premium gear — ideal for performance-focused players.
2. The Tennis Ace (Studio City)
Why it stands out:
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Family-owned since 1996, led by ex-pro Bruce Man‑Son‑Hing
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Rapid service with a personal touch.
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Full-service rackets, regripping, and apparel from popular brands
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Great for Studio City locals seeking quality and convenience.
3. Santa Monica Tennis Center (Santa Monica)
Why it stands out:
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Full-service pro shop with custom-built stringing and same‑day turnaround santamonicatenniscenter.com.
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Uses HEAD 3‑in‑1 machine: measures weight, balance, swing‑weight—perfect for fine tuning.
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Competitive prices
Ideal for Ace The Moon readers:
Offers quick, precise service near the beach — perfect when playing a few sets at Palisades Park or Clover Park.
4. Jem Strings (Alhambra)
Why it stands out
Tips for Choosing the Right Stringing Experience
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Want pro-level precision? Go with Racket Doctor or Santa Monica — their gear and certified techs are top-tier.
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Looking for speed and ease? Tennis Ace offers friendly regional access, while A1 Stringing saves you a trip altogether.
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Special requests? Always ask about string types available (poly, natural gut, hybrid) and any diagnostics (swing‑weight/balance).
In L.A.’s sprawling landscape, there’s no one-size-fits-all for racket stringing. Whether you prefer traditional shops with pro stringers, quick-turnaround local favorites, or the convenience of a mobile tech at your court, these top options have you covered. Keep your game sharp — and your racket sharper.
