Great shop, wonderful staff, and incredible selection! My kind of shop.
Excellent stock of fine instruments. Capable and friendly staff. Excellent luthiers.
Great job setting up my Taylor 214ce!! Fast and affordable with great service…friendly and knowledgeable…
Best music store in the area to peruse some of the best acoustic instruments by selected boutique and mainstream builders. The stock is priced between $3 and $10k but the reward for spending more is finding the equivalent of a Steinway (beautiful tone, resonance and playability) in a steel or nylon string guitar. Cheaper instruments are available, but comparing them to the better ones is motivation to indulge yourself or reward yourself for hard work in getting better. Better sound makes you play at a higher level. Check this small store out!
Best acoustic guitar selection I’ve seen
High end guitars on an eclectic atmosphere with no pressure sales.
Good selection, but weird atmosphere and left me feeling unwelcome. One might think such a ‘high’ tier guitar store would offer a ‘high’ tier experience, but that wasn’t the case for me. When I first entered the building I was met by a few older customers and employees and got nothing but a sour face by everyone just by opening the door, no greeting, nothing- super awkward, everybody literally stopped talking to look at me with an irritated look, as if I had interrupted something. I then had to excuse myself past the small gathering of what looked like employees talking to customers that wouldn’t move just to get to the first guitar room. I then was greeted by a salesman who instead of letting me tell him what I’m looking for, proceeds to go into a shpeel on all the different Martin models, basically making me interrupt him to tell what I’m looking for. The salesman also told me HD28s don’t come with dot inlays yet here I am looking at older models with them all over the internet. There was nobody else browsing the store in the guitar sections. I was then told I could play guitars, but the adjacent rooms are used for things like Banjo, which made it so I couldn’t even hear the guitars I was trying to play because somebody was in there clawing away. I really don’t think I’ll be visiting again, regardless of the selection. I’ll spend thousands of dollars somewhere else that takes every customer seriously. I went to Milano music right after and was treated respectfully and seriously without hesitation, and I didn’t need to schedule a high-pressure sales pitch and waste an hour of my time.
Very unfortunate visit, coming in to try out and buy a steel string guitar. We were greeted with passive aggressiveness and a magazine thrown across the main entrance before entering the guitar room from the shop keeper, young guy. incredibly rude and 0 customer service.
Made the whole stay unpleasant.
Monday 11:10am
3. SOUTHWEST Pianos
Address: 2155 E University Dr #108, Tempe, AZ 85281 , Tempe , Arizona , United States
Today I visited the Southwest Pianos store and was so impressed with the customer service I received from Darald & Stephen! I’ve been looking at digital keyboards and pianos for a while and these gentlemen were so forthcoming with their knowledge and honesty, I was able to make a decision and go for a piano! No pressure sales was the thing that appealed to me most. I am so happy with my Yamaha purchase, I can’t wait for delivery! Hats off to Darald for his knowledge and salesmanship
Stephen was so fun to work with. His humor and knowledge is top notch. Purchasing my daughter’s first piano was a breeze. Thanks!
Darald was outstanding. It was such a great experience for me and my wife. I am looking forward to getting a new piano when we move into a new house soon. Thank you Darald for taking such good care of me, my wife and family.
Please be cautious with this company!!! They took my fiancé’s money and it’s been almost 2 months since trying to get any details about his order, a drum booth. We just wanted to know when we should expect it to ship and the owner was very shady, never called even when he said he would, they ignored our calls and emails after that so we are now out over $3500. Scammers. We will be hiring a lawyer and suing, very disappointed as other reviews seemed good
5. Realfake Records
Address: 2051 E Cedar St, Tempe, AZ 85281 , Tempe , Arizona , United States
Address: 509 S Rockford Dr, Tempe, AZ 85288 , Tempe , Arizona , United States
Assessment: ★★★★★
5/5 based on 5 evaluations.
Business hours:
Reviews
The engineers and atmosphere here are top notch. Stop in to meet some of the best upcoming talent and showcased artists
I just want to thank Jordan and the staff for providing top services and hospitality the day I walked into the studio. I’ve been looking everywhere around the valley to help me with mastering my music and vision for my brand. I would encourage anyone looking for a space to elevate your music, needing a creative safe sanctuary to enhance your craft, and feeling comfortable in my skin. Thank you guys again, you have not only a client but a long term family member.
Great environment for the motivating energy to create your passion. Quality gear guaranteed to satisfy on succeeding your passion.
7. Firepower Music
Address: 3400 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282 , Tempe , Arizona , United States
Great store to buy and sell all forms of media. Great vinyl selection.
Cool shop for resale stuff. They have everything and anything if you are willing to put in time and look around this shop. Records, DVDS, VHS, FUNKO POPS, Instruments, Vintage video game systems, vynil toy collectables, etc. You name it, they probably have it, for a decent price.
What a good selection and great prices at the zia. The staff is not as attentive as other locations but they have great merchandise. Check out the back packs and purses
Staff was friendly. They have alot of unique items to purchase, even things you would never think existed. Bought my first vinyl here and will definitely be back for more
Whether buying or selling they will find a way to rip you off….buuuuut….don’t blame them. Buying and selling used CDs and DVDs is no longer much of a thing. They do have a great selection with lots of interesting stuff.
Records, movies, books, memorabilia, they got it all, and a huge selection… it’s fun to come in and browse, but don’t go unless you’re looking to spend, because you’ll find something you HAVE to have.
In an age where the easiest route for purchasing something is to go to Amazon — the consumer has to make a concerted effort to pause and shop at a brick-and-mortar. Zia Records is the most annoying place to shop in the Phoenix area.
This place just aggravates me. It makes shopping at Kohl’s seem peaceful.
Sales here are never really sales –
there is nothing like seeing signs posted which say 20% off books …. and then finding out at the register that you can take this sale discount on only one of your books.
I find this place irritating — and I’ll actively choose to shop elsewhere for pop culture things.
I went to sell my record collection of over 400 records. I knew it was going to be less than market value, but the offer was much lower than I was expecting. I told them I couldn’t sell them for that price and they said they would package them back up for me. When I got home I noticed that some of my records were picked through and missing. I called and after 10 mins of having to explain that I know my records were not all there, they “found” them. I came back and picked up a box that had all of my higher value items in it. Shady business.
Bought a Dir En Grey CD only for the CD inside the case to be from a completely different artist. Please do better on checking if the CD instead is the correct one…
10. Organs AZ
Address: 2060 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282 , Tempe , Arizona , United States
Definitely the best studio I’ve used by far! Engineer was amazing. Setup is perfect. I’ve been recording for decades…these people understand how it’s done. Professional, heavily equipped and ahead of the game in talent. Production is unmatched and mix was powerful. I’ll be back for sure.
Best in the city, Stevie is sick w it
Favorite studio to go to by far. The best in Arizona. Everyone needs to come here if they look for amazing service for a reasonable price. Shoutout stevie the engineer!
I live in close proximity to this studio so when I initially heard about it I was very anxious to go and start recording my project. I have attempted to book multiple appointments to record and both times I have been either mislead or completely cancelled on through text message. It’s already been an uphill battle finding quality and professional studios in Phoenix, and this seems to be another that’s not worth the time or money you will spend.
Would not send my friends here
The People in the studio unprofessional I don’t advise anybody to book here , it’s just another place money hungry . That was my first and last time ever working with them , the set up is nice but the staff is horrible
Saw the Irie open for sublime. Awesome band. The guys sounded great. You could tell they were truly having fun on stage. I will make sure to catch them again.
13. Guitar Center
Address: 8538 S Emerald Dr, Tempe, AZ 85284 , Tempe , Arizona , United States
All the valley guitar centers have always been a great place to find the gear and deals you’re looking for and all their staff have always been helpful.
Finally got to see the new location!
My young son wanted to look at guitars. Once we got inside, he was fascinated by all the instruments. He tried the silent drums with the headphones, loved that experience. Then he played a little piano and thought that was cool. Then we looked but didn’t touch the guiti. Finally, he tried the headphones on at the dj equipment area and thought that was pretty neat. We left with him wanting a guitar. He wants one for his 6th birthday so we’ll see. The staff was cool, they probably knew we weren’t a buyer last night and were cool with him just trying out the instruments. Thanks guys!
The prices tend to be a little bit higher. However, the selection is very nice. Personally, I enjoy that I can stop in and test a piece of equipment before making a decision to actually buy.
My 17 year old son think this place is a candy store always wanting something when he leaves ended up walking out with a nice guitar
Good place some prices are high but its good
Eh
I purchased a new synthesizer only to find out when I got home it was a used or demo unit and missing the power supply. When I brought it back I was offerd a discount, but the unit would no longer have a warrenty. Unlike their slogan this was not even close the the greatest experience in earth that they promote.
I went in looking for a tremelo pedal, which they had. What they didn’t have, was anyone willing to help me (the pedals aren’t just out to grab yourself). I left after about 15 minutes, and bought one on Reverb. Last visit ever. Everytime I go to a Guitar Center, I leave disappointed, and empty handed, only to make the purchase on Reverb.
Edit: A big no thank you on the canned response, Guitar Center… the same one you give to everyone. You care soooo much, that you’re willing to hit control-v!
14. The Music Store
Address: 2630 W Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202 , Tempe , Arizona , United States
We love the lessons with Tracey and we love the store! Solid business we are happy to support.
Great first experience! I pulled my old violin out of storage and two of my strings were broken. The music store helped me out. The staff was friendly and helpful. I was able to get my strings there and get them put on and tuned. They have tons of books for music and cool stocking stuffers for people who are all about music. They also offer lessons!
I bought a ukulele here. The staff were very helpful.
The instruments we have rental have been pretty worn but still work well and it is an OK deal for the price. Customer service is helpful and friendly. We have been pleased with our violin rental over this past year and will continue renting here into the next school year.
Great verify of sheet music and ukuleles and an awesome luthier.
Fui una vez a ver las guitars
Absolutely the worst service I’ve ever had, 3 people working and not one of them tried to help me whatsoever and 2 of them didn’t even acknowledge I was in the store! Very poor service
I’m renting a clarinet and they gave it uncleaned (had old spit) and with broken parts. Horrible customer service. My tried fixing the first rental, but after a week, they just returned it without fixing anything.
“Jp” the owner looked right at me and said “no” to giving me a 10% teacher discount for an $11 red label string. Thanks bud.
15. Ghost of Eastside Records
Address: 45 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282 , Tempe , Arizona , United States
Fair prices, good selection, willing to cut you a deal when you have a stack. As a bonus, they’ve got the best dollar bins I’ve ever come across.
Best shop in the East Valley! Great staff, ever revolving selection of all genres, makes it a fun place to dig!
Decent vinyl collection but the shop was way too cluttered and dirty.
I drove 45 minutes across the valley in hope’s that they would have a very rare original pressing that I’d been after for several months. I was not disappointed
Came back and spent a few hours digging through the dollar bins and found dozens of records. I was ecstatic
Lots to go through. Kind staff. Bought a couple of things too.
This place had a great selection and the prices were good. I just found the store unorganized with a lot of junk lying around. It could also use a little cleaning.
Not easy to find or access, although ample parking. Highly recommended…. But not by me.
This place has super potential. Its a collective with variable merchants and lots of super great records. Pricing seems fair by all…for the most part…. Why i gave it a 2….the place is disgusting. Multiple food bowls of variable stages laying around the floor, it stinks and can take a while to navigate around. Last time i was there i literally tripped over a random dog water bowl and spilled it everywhere. Thats what made me look around and find all the answers as to why this place smells so bad. At least with covid, you should be wearing a mask and that will help in your hunt
I love coming back here the guys are cool and funny too.lots of great new and used LPs here Its where I find mainly doom/ black metal vinyls here and a shout out to their two dogs.
Nice to be able to leave a review here as well as at Ghost of Eastside. This is my favorite record store in the Phoenix area. Prices are totally reasonable, staff know their stuff, the variety is dizzying. They’re constantly buying and trading, so you never know what you’ll find–it often feels like a totally different store each time I go. Last time I was in there, they were talking all excitedly about going to the Corey Feldman concert next month while playing some crazy cd by him on the stereo. I need more of this in my life.
Great collection of vinyl to browse through.
I love this place but they NEED to update their hours online. Every time I show up they are closed even when online says they are open.
Most records are all over the place, scratched and poorly taken care of. And the owner talks way to much.
18. svmg music
Address: 1050 S Terrace Rd, Tempe, AZ 85281 , Tempe , Arizona , United States
Address: 2051 E Cedar St, Tempe, AZ 85281 , Tempe , Arizona , United States
Assessment: ★★★★★
5/5 based on 5 evaluations.
Reviews
Despite the odor and disheveled appearance, the accommodations were fabulous. Our first, Josh, was gracious and friendly. His staff really knows how to make one feel at home.
Play. Record. Private.
Oh you didn’t know? Haha ok well now you do. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
