Premium music shops of South Tucson: Our Top-20 selection

There’s wonderful service! They will help you find anything you need!

They got everything I need, from mics to instrument gear. Very nice people working here

Very friendly staff and awesome store. They have a ton of options and even offer to rent to own instruments. Sorry to see the mural on the outside go but the heart of the music lover is still there.

Was a great music store later .with alot of selection … And I had a problem with being over charged and the manager helped me with the problem and it was great costumer service…. Thank you

Went in to get instrument fixed and gentlemen on back knew what was wrong with it and fixed it.

They hade grate survies but they take to long to answer the phone and they should stay opend till at least 11:00pm and they should open at 7:00

Just attempted to trade in a guitar. Strange fellow pretended to go on ebay and lied about the going rate for the same guitar by %50. Offered me less than a third of what Guitar Center offered. I spend alot per year on gear and none of it will go to Chicago Music Store. Liked the store on Speedway but they’re the ones who sent me to this swarmy installation.

HATED IT! Couldn’t for the life of me understand why they would move to a smaller building, until I realized it was because they were probably losing business! All thanks to an inconsiderate manager. After being rushed and insulted by management I can honestly say that I refuse to give them any opportunity of doing business with me whatsoever in the foreseeable future!

So I returned to Tucson after 20+ years and a lot has changed. Chicago music store skimmed down from the corner brick and mortar super store to a scaled down Store front and that’s just fine. And the staff pleasant enough.

I was in the market for a telecaster and they had a few that looked promising. I picked one up and reached in my pocket for a pick, and shockingly, had none.

I asked the associate for a pick who said “sorry, no picks are allowed.”

Let that sink in. This wasn’t a vintage, artist owned, custom painted or even an American telecaster. It was a MIM standard and they wouldn’t let me play the guitar with a pick. I laughed at first because I thought he was joking but then I saw they actually had a SIGN stating no picks. They were dead serious and were trying to sell guitars without letting guitarists pick at them.

2 stars for surviving the online wars and guitar center and the nice guy who was embarrassed at this obvious bizarro policy but who tried to sell it to me by telling me I could plug it in to an amp. yeah that’s like trying to sell me a tv with the sound muted. Naw bro, I’m good…

I just moved from Nashville where my local music shop had a 68 Gibson j45 that I played like I owned it because as they said when I first inquired about the guitar and cost (6 grand), “play it. That’s why it’s there.”

Cmon on. You’re damn near a Tucson institution for gear. Policies like that alienate musicians and nothing more. I don’t even wanna know what happens if you wanna try to play the drums… Jazz sticks and a timer no doubt.

Ugh. Someone correct me and tell me that was a prank on me or something dumb they only did for a day….

Just as a disclaimer, I am no musician in any sense of the meaning. I came in with a unknown violin in poor condition, that I want to have redone for a Christmas present. Adam was very knowledgeable, professional and it was a very educational trip for me. Wonderful layout in their store. They had sheet music and instruments as far as you can see!

Great service.

Southwest Strings has everything one needs for their young orchestra member, plus guitars, ukuleles… not sure about banjos. Over the past five years their staff has been courteous and helpful yi my kids and me. We’ve rented violins, violas, cellos, and guitars.

Great service; changed my string for me. Don’t know about the string itself though. I bought a replacement E string for my violin. Got home to tune it, and it broke right away.

Very Nice plece coolSTUFF

Love this place nice people

I’ve been a loyal customer for 30+ years and purchased and traded both of my violas here but they won’t even consider purchasing a previously used instrument!

Do NOT buy from here. I returned a defective violin ( Two luthiers inspected the violin and noted multiple of the same defects ) and SW strings refused a full return and told me the violin has no defects therefore I do not qualify for a full refund, only partial. They never even reimbursed the cost of sending the violin back ( I had to pay for the 20 dollar box ). Additionally, the qr code they sent me for FedEx did not work and they said it was not their problem but FedEx’s. Anyway, as expected of a online only shop, it is very risky to buy from here, best go to a local store with actual professionals.

Bad company. The g string was in bad condition and Southwest strings didn’t want to replace it for another one.

Joe paid me nearly double what any other shop in town offered for my vintage Gibson guitar. He was very communicative and friendly as well.

Best experience ever.

I have bought multiple guitars from Joe. He’s extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and very fair. Highly recommended

Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Really glad I found this place. I also really appreciate the steps that taking to keep people safe during COVID.

I love this place. It is magical-

First time at store today. Was interested in selling my Yamaha handmade classical guitar or putting it on consignment. The owner was very kind and honestly told me that he could try to sell it on consignment, but that I could do much better selling on my own. After that, he gave me plenty of his time and lots of great, detailed advice on how best to sell it, all while helping other customers and people in the back. Hard to find honest business owners these days who clearly put the customer first, but The Folk Shop was a pleasant exception. If I later decide on selling via consignment, they will get my business!

Love the new ukulele room.

Such a cute little shop and my hubby loves his guitar

Extremely friendly. Good selection of many types of folk acoustic instruments and they let you play most of them. Somewhat limited array of different brands, thus 4 stars. I’m looking forward to doing more business with them.

I am absolutely incredulous as to how condescendingly I was treated over the phone by this place. I arrived with my Taylor 312-CE looking to trade up and quite likely spend substantial chunk of money. I noticed the posting on the door that read (I may be paraphrasing) “masks required even for those vaccinated.” I have been twice jabbed with Pfizer, but no problem. I get it. I understand it. People may not be fully honest about their status and might contaminate others. I have zero issue complying with the policy The posting also read “do not knock; call to be granted entry” (again, I may be paraphrasing, but this was the gist). I keep a KN-95 with me in the car but couldn’t find it. Maybe it fell behind the seat or something. I ring their number. A woman answers. Convo goes like this: “Hi, I noticed you require masks even for the vaxxed, which I am fully, but I can’t seem to find mine here in my car….I’m here outside….do you happen to have any masks there inside the store that you could pass out to me”? (like logical, sensible merchants across town, the state, the country have in abundance in case you forgot or can’t find yours—sterile ones for the taking in boxes) “If not, I don’t live too far. I can run home, grab one and come back”. The woman on the phone raises her voice and says “NO YOU NEED TO WEAR A MASK” and abruptly hangs up!! Um, I think I got that part and more than amply communicated it back. Wow. And delivered with a tone of voice akin to Mrs. Gulch from Wizard of Oz. I was perfectly polite, acknowledged the policy and was willing to go out of my way to comply. This is not only ridiculously bad policy, but there was not even basic intelligible, lucid communication on her part. Not the conduct of a sound minded individual.

Now, for some background. I have never made any major purchases at Folk Shop. However, I have patronized them over years–even before I moved to Tucson. The first time, I was recording an album visiting from Austin in 2014 and needed a dobro capo. The engineer called around to Guitar Center and few other places. They didn’t even know what a dobro was, much less a dobro capo. Folk Shop to the rescue with a Paul Beard capo, just like the one I had forgotten and left back in TX! I’ve been there since for strings, straps, stainless steel slides etc. Never ever the slightest of problems. What happened today is totally inexcusable. I myself have been fastidious and a stickler about masking and distancing throughout the pandemic, but this kind of post-mandate fanaticism, illogic and outright meanness is beyond the pale. They certainly don’t want my money or any of my future business. To hell with this place. l’ll buy a guitar from Musician’s Friend before stepping foot in there, even though I prefer to shop locally.

Very rude disrespectful because I was asking for a part and I didn’t have a mask and I wasn’t trying to go in the place without permission and they were just very rude very very rude and I didn’t understand I was thrown off by it. Yelling at me for no reason all I wanted was a part I didn’t even try to go into shop told her I’d wait outside because I didn’t have a mask she slams door in my face. So I go get a mask and they won’t even deal with me I was the up most respectful and didn’t deserve that. Very very rude!!! I’ll never do business with them again.

Well, over the years I’ve bought, sold, and traded with Paul and really wouldn’t do so again. The last guitar I purchased there had broken tuner barrels and more important, his pricing and moods vary wildly. Certainly lots to look at, but no great shakes in terms of quality or pricing.

They have super inventory. But you must make an appointment to come in and play them.

Best in town !!

I had a great experience buy a guitar from them. Knowledgeable staff and clear communication.

Has the sense of everyone there at one point of their lives was or is a musician, but nonetheless the service is quick to help. Always ready to answer any questions you may have. They have just about anything you may be looking for to specific parts to instruments. I love it! Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable to their field/musical expertise. Check ’em out.

One of the last locally owned shops, probably one of the bigger & maybe even best stocked.

They fixed the bridge on my Fender acoustic steel string guitar. Finished a week sooner than promised and did a great job.

On my visit I was not allowed to go into the Recording/Keyboard room. Sign on the door said I could not go in without an employee present. That made me feel a little odd. Then I was told no one was available to accompany me into the room. So, I was like….so I can’t go in there? The guy just disappeared without saying anything. I had my son with me so we walked around and finally a dude came out and said he would go in the room with us. He unlocked the door, followed us around and basically was glued to my side the whole time. He wasn’t rude, he was just “in the way” in a uncomfortable sense. He said we could not audition the KRK 12 Sub, something about someone was out for lunch and we had to wait till he came back…sounded made up to me. Second visit. The room was open. Again I was interested in listening to the sub but was told they didn’t have any input source to play through it. I was like…OK. I sheepishly offered to use my cell phone as an input device while he mumbled something about using a keyboard but then he never did it. Then he started saying I better have a really big room for “that”. Like he didn’t think I should buy it LOL The store seems cool but I don’t think they want to be bothered too much. I probably won’t go back for any big purchases, just for little stuff, in and out. They have a nice selection. They have really good reviews too, I don’t get it….

I was testing a guitar I wanted to buy when one of the employees walked in and said ” play a less expensive guitar” and he just grabbed it from my hand.when I had the cash in my pocket to purchase the guitar….I’m never going back.

Drum department sales person sucks. He was outside in the parking lot smoking when I pulled in. No big deal. He didn’t know I was there for his department. Took him about 5 mins. to come in. Again no big deal. When he came in l said hi and he never acknowledged me. Keep in mind I’m the only customer in his department. He sat behind the computer the whole time I’m there. I had to dig out a cajon I was interested in. I sat there and played it for a few minutes. You would think he’d ask if I needed any help or had any questions. Another customer came in and he acknowledged her and took care of her. Again no big deal, but the whole time I was there not once was I was approached. I finally got fed up, left and went to Guitar Center. Spent the $500.00 I had in my pocket for a cajon and carrying case.

Ian knows guitars, how to play them and how to get the right guitar into your hands for all music styles. Because Ian and other staff perform they can suggest the best equipment for your band or solo act. Always true to their word and besides Lessons and More, Their HOUSE OF BARDS is the new ICONIC TUCSON MUSIC VENUE. Rock On !!!!

Luthier Jon Lucas knows his stuff. They are kind, the lessons are great (Mario E is terrific) and they are local. If you need an instrument, or a repair or a GOOD setup for a fair price, this is where you need to be. Skip the big chain. Shop local. Great people, great place and they are connected to Tucson and musicians. Highly recommend.

Best place in town for all things musical. Friendly staff and incredible “niceness”. Very professional and LOCAL . Thank you John B ujak.

Friendly staff. Stock is usually good and other times they don’t have reeds which requires me to travel further to a different store.

Friendly knowledgeable staff

It’s basically just a repair shop for guitars and amps

Took my clarinet in for the simplest repair. Took more then 3 months to get it back.

John took my bass for a setup about a month ago. He first said it would take about a week. a week later, I called in and he said he was working on it that day. When I came in the towards the end of the following day John had not worked on the instrument at all. Instead of providing customer service, he gave the run around and said it would be done in a week, he said he would call me the following Monday. Havent heard from him since, now i have to find time to go back to retrieve my property and i expect him to give me a hard time based on how he has treated me so far. Wish i could give 0 stars, its been a month.

Awesome place to shop. Big facility with percussion, Guitar, keyboard and bass. Even mic/gig equipment. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Keagen was very friendly and an expert in his craft and a Valuable customer service asset to the store. Will be going here for all my musical needs. Don’t go to the one on the Northside haha

The employees are very friendly and provide excellent service regarding musical products and the Customers needs. The senior staff has an incredible knowledge base from experience and are very helpful…

These folks are awesome! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Willing to walk you through whatever you need help with and a great amount of gear to play with. Definitely going back.

Nice place with all you need. Friendly staff too.

Still just a soso music store. Over priced and under valued. At least staff has kinda stepped up their game

There is plenty to choose from, but there is no soul to the place.

Staff to busy talking to each other to help customers

Wow…what an awful experience here not once but 2 days in a row! Our son spent almost an hour trying out all the acoustic guitars and at no time did anyone come in the area to assist us. Our son ended up purchasing a $700 guitar and the only interaction we had with anyone in that store for over an hour was when we went to the cash register. We got up-sold on the warranty plan (which was fine, we were planning on it anyway since he will be flying to/from school with it) but no mention of anything else…did you find everything, do you have a trade in, need a case or humidifier, nothing.

We brought our old guitar in the next morning to sell it back AND to buy a new case (since the new one didn’t fit in the old case) and got the complete runaround. There were shifty looks going on between the sales guy and repair guy and computer screen while they decided how much to give us for the old guitar. Then there were multiple trips that the sales guy made to the managers office. It truly felt like we were at a sleazy car dealership.

We also asked numerous times about other possible options for buying a new acoustic guitar case and electric guitar case (as they only had one on the floor) and kept getting told by the sales guy that he would go look it up. He would then point blank ignore us and start helping other people. He did this twice! We couldn’t believe it, it was just so blatant! We finally realized we were not going to get any service, even though they knew we had just spent $700 with them the night before, so we walked out and bought our case elsewhere AND sold our guitar elsewhere for A LOT more than what they had offered us. What a complete disgrace of a store.

And by the way, there is a 10% discount on whatever you buy if you trade in your old equipment at the time of purchase. We never got told this. Both at the time we bought the new guitar and the time we were trying to sell the old one.

Take your business elsewhere if you don’t want to get ripped off here. Go across town to the store on River Road. They are super friendly and helpful.

Impossible to get help at this store. When you find someone, they can’t help you and send you looking for someone else, nowhere to be found.

Always great people, always great and fair to deal with. Probably the best place to stop for music gear in Tucson- would recommend over Rainbow or anywhere else in town. Never walked out of this place with a bad deal, always fair and first class to customers.

Great service! Bo is so helpful and knowledgeable. Get local instrument shop!

Reps are helpful and very nice. They really know what they’re talking about! Will return again and again. Recommending to everyone!

Slow customer service.

good store..a tad overpriced on certain items… the staff is decent, there is one guy who always seems like he’s in bad mood he’s usually right at the front, his service could use some improvement, other than that neutral experience I guess, definitely not much of a welcoming vibe.

To be honest I always go back to the same mechanic because I trust his work

Will Rip You Off

Over priced. Disappointing

I thought it was a music store, but it is a bike store

Where are you.

Jim has a wealth of experience and colorful stories, and he’s patient with his clients. The studio is intimate and cozy. Jim makes you feel at home.

Jim is personally a great friend of mine. I got the amazing opportunity to do an internship with him when I was in high school. He taught me everything I know about producing and mixing music. He is a great guy. His services are very affordable, and he definitely knows how to listen and make what you hear in your head come to life! I would definitely recommend taking any of your projects to him, especially if it’s something that you are serious about! Waterworks is your place to go! Not only will you be satisfied with the final product, but I can guarantee that you will learn something from him as well!

Great place. Recorded here a couple times and have loved the process and felt comfortable being there every time. Jim Waters is super cool.

Amazing music store to shop at! Friendly staff, wonderful selection of instruments, and helpful information when I asked for some help. 10/10 would recommend.

Many thanks to these band of miracle workers. Especially Ryan who worked on my new Martin 000-Junior which, when I brought it in was unplayable. Not only was it fixed and restrung to perfection but they only charged me for the restringing. When I got it home it sounded better than it ever had even before the problem. In essence it really does feel as if I walked out of there with a brand new Martin for only $25.. Truly amazing.

Thanks again to Brandon the soothsayer for all his good advice and Ryan the healer for the work.

I’m 51 years old and have been playing since I was 8. I’ve lived on both coasts from DC to LA and so far Chicago Music on Speedway has proved the best experience to date for the care and personal touch. This is why LOCAL is always best.

I’ve decided to periodically bring in each of my instruments including guitars, mandolins, ukuleles and guilele’s for tune-ups and adjustment.

Bridget Keating is absolutely amazing, and working with her is always a joy! A vocal miracle worker of sorts, if you will — I adore her for the way she helps you reach your goals as a vocalist!

Staff is always friendly and helpful!

Everyone was nice wish they would have returned the product I purchased tho.

I talked to jim the repair guy and he was super helpful and knew exactly what I was talking about.

Great service, Mark and his team were really helpful!

The guitar technician is one of the worst I’ve encountered in the many years I’ve been playing guitar. He was VERY rough with a 1300 dollar guitar. In his haste and carelessness he damaged a flamed maple top. He shrugged his shoulders and said, “that is what happens when you work on a guitar”. I can’t imagine the damage he creates behind customer’s backs. His methods of examination and his repair knowledge was at a staggering incompetent level. I DO NOT RECOMMEND going to this technician. Don’t know his name. Just best to stay clear from any tech from the store on speedway.

Wouldn’t recommend, music is suppose to be fun and the tall white guy doesn’t leave you alone. Let people play in peace. I’ll be going to guitar center where they let you express yourself.

Was doing rent to buy they gave me a broken instrument that didn’t work then I took it back the next day they accused me of breaking it then made me pay a hundred and fifty dollars to fix it even though I didn’t break it

Great place for music, DVD’s and more. Been going for years, always find something new!

Only bad part was i couldnt but it all

The staff is really great and they have a huge selection. I can always find what I’m looking for and more

Its okay. Reminds me a lot of New bury Comics back in the day.

overwhelming amount of media including CD’s, vinyl, DVD, etc.. t shirts and more. Easy to spend a lot of time looking for your favorites.

The best selection of all things music, movies, collectables. Staff is stellar!! Four stars because parking is tight and can sometimes be a little difficult. Store itself makes it a 5 star experience.

Prices have gone up….finding the same CDs on amazon for half the cost….goodbye zia

High high price $$$

If it wasn’t for the employees I would say this is an alright store. There was a lady working there on the evening I visited and I’m still trying to get her laugh out of my head.

Johny and Katie performed at our wedding ceremony this May 2018. Their lovely instrumentals helped to create a beautiful and memorable experience. Working with these two was so easy breezy, and they were very accommodating. Two days before the ceremony I made a special song request for our recessional music and they pulled it off amazingly. They sent us a song list to give us an idea of our options, but in the end we simply let them know the ambiance we were going for, and left the song selection in their hands. They did not disappoint! I highly recommend Dos Sueños.

We really enjoyed Johny and Katie (Dos Suenos)! They were the perfect addition to our fundraiser dinner/auction. Very talented! Definitely hope to reserve them again for future events. Thank you both so much!

Katie and Johny played for our ceremony this February and did an absolutely AMAZING job. I was amazed at the work they put in to making our day special and felt that their pricing was very reasonable. They’re wonderful performers and everyone was giving their compliments the rest of the night.

They asked me what songs we wanted for each part of the ceremony and prepared their own versions. They requested no substitutions and made all of my requests work including Talking Heads and Labi Siffre. They were entirely professional and easy to communicate with throughout the whole process. I cannot recommend them more!

Thank you Katie and Johny!!