Tucson Estates: Overview of the top 20 music shops

They are very professional

Very friendly staff. Always available for questions. Very clean and organized place. Huge selection of everything!

My home away from home.

I got a great deal on a Martin guitar, and the customer service was excellent.

I went to pick up some picks and replacement strings for the guitars that my boys have and was very happy with the visit. Will be returning to get song books that they want.

Not friendly enough with customers. OK selection but were out of my strings. Used gear selection was non-existent.

A smaller location, this store still covers all the bases. The staff are friendly and helpful. Always something new and interesting.

I normally like most Guitar Centers, but the staff on this day were particularly apathetic, and seemed more interested in playing instruments, rather than helping me, when they were aware I was about to drop over $200 on a piece of equipment. When they finally got around to helping me, one left me at the counter for about a half hour while he went in the back. He didn’t say why he left the counter, so I was confused. The only other guy working there didn’t know what was going on either, but he didn’t seem interested in helping me, nor ask the other guy if he was still helping me. He just sat there, and played a guitar.
I literally hated having to buy something there that day, but I was away from home, and needed something in order to complete a project for one of my clients.
They also were supposed to provide me with additional information so I could register my product, and get accompanying software, but they failed. They literally dropped the ball. Thankfully, I ironed it out with the software company, who went by my receipt info for me to redeem the software portion of my purchase.
I just think these workers could’ve at least seemed more interested in helping me, and made some kind of effort beyond just working the register.

I go the for my husband

No knowledgeable people, sales driven

Amazing atmosphere and customer service is great! Had just what I was looking for!

Bought a classical Takamine and some Ukes for my kids. Had a small issue with the Takamine neck (understandably, it was an older guitar) but they took it back and fixed it for free in a very timely manor. The people there are easy and enjoyable to talk to as well. Always a fantastic experience.

Been coming here for four years, great place and great people always a wonderful time

Good customer service

Kind of small looks crammed up

Very cramped space but they have lots of instruments and friendly staff. Very old school mom and pop feel. I’ve gone through them for school instruments for two of my children in band and recommend them.

I agree, the service is not good. There is not much in the way of customer service. I never felt welcomed and they have a care-or-less attitude. It felt like I was bothering them. Especially if you need assistance with a low priced item. It’s too bad because when folks feel welcomed they hang around and part with their money. I hear the same thing from everybody. They all love the new store, the new location rocks, everything is organized but no one feels treated good by the staff. They got it all but they just need someone to come in there with some good sales experience and allow them to train and educate the staff. I bet they could double their profit if it was run properly. People should be lined up at the door every morning just to get in there and hang out with the staff. Just my two cents worth 🙂

Its closed! They went out of business.

Internet says its open on memorial day! I drive there to find out its closed!

I had a great experience and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Store is extremely organized and clean; it’s obvious that the staff takes a lot of pride with the business and helping customers satisfy their musical needs! I strongly reccomend anyone that wants to learn to play an instrument (both beginner and advanced levels) to consider Music and Arts, as their teachers are very experienced and patient.

Very friendly place and nice staff i went in to go see about getting a violin for music classes the lady that helped me was very nice.

Friendly staff!

Very knowledgeable and helpful staff.

Friendly and helpful staff! Clean and distance with masks observed! Awesome place to learn music as well as purchase quality music products.

Just want to say that I am a fan of this store. I think they do a great job at helping people find what they are looking for and have them leaving satisfied with their musical purchases. With that being said, I want to make a point that only having one store closer is unsafe. Multiple times in the past year I have heard of there being theft. I’m concerned for the employees’ safety and customer safety.
Protect your employees! They make the company money!

The worst place ever.. Always pay my rental before its do and yet still get notices in the mail saying not paid.. They never get the billing correct.. I even got a collection letter 2 months after I even returned the instrument in and have proof of paid in full yet they say it was a computer problem.. This place sucks.. Never doing business with them again..

One of the worst experiences I have ever had dealing with incompetent employees all the way up to management (heaven) to even cooperate , I’m so thankful I no longer have to deal with any of these people again especially the guitar instructor, I did not appreciate every little comment he made about any of the equipment we brought in to shame my child because the items he brought in were passed down from his grandfather , I also find it way more convenient to order my items on Amazon for a much lower rate and to not have to deal with individuals that are looking to charge me an over priced rate , I gave a small shop a chance to help out locally and all they did was run the “he said she said “ experience, I will not and do not recommend this place to anyone , one of the worst experiences I have ever had at any facility . Good riddance !!!!

I used to be loyal customer for years. Howerver, M&A’s new strategy of “Paperless receipts”, requires that I provide my email address for a purchase. Their “paperless reciept” excuse is nothing more than a strategic excuse to obtain email addresses so they can spam. When I stated I do not provide my email, they refused to sell me a service. I have since found a local music store that is more friendly and will no longer use M&A.

I went there by suggestion from groves guitars(I think) and I traded in a old gold tone 4 string for $150 towards a better 6 string and service was awesome I even got to browse the store and play guitars and other wacky things
When I broke a string they charged me 75 cents to buy and have it replaced!

Just had a set up on my Yamaha and it sounds better than I thought possible. Great price as well. Highly recommend this place!

Great helpful sevice.

Such a cute little shop and my hubby loves his guitar

This place needs a few more customers that are interested in older instruments. Nice people. Bought a older repaired guitar and gig bag. Perfect for someone who just wants to see if they like playing a guitar.

Putting an inanimate object ( guitar) in a five day quarantine seemed silly….especially after the tech spent 20 minutes in extremely close contact doing the inspection. The work was fine, the price was fair. The extreme lock down just turned me off….

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.

This place Rocks. The boy’s here are the real deal. Professional knowledgeable. I recommend them highly to all musician’s here in Tucson. Love Health Brothers. See you soon

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.

I highly recommend this place. Top notch!

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

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.

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

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

Great guys, really helpful. Call ahead and make an appointment as that’s the only you can shop there because of the pandemic.

It was totally awesome the gentlemen at front counter eas totally awesome dont know hes name TOTALLY IT IN

I was initially put off by the appointment only thing but I’m glad I made one! If you’re in the market for a high end acoustic this is the place to go. Stefin made the experience even better with a breadth of knowledge and a low pressure sales approach. Came home with a beautiful Martin and couldn’t be happier!

It’s difficult to highly rate a store that has changed their business model to online only after being able to walk in and peruse inventory in the past. They’re good folks with nice gear but I am not fond of the model

These people know what they are talking about. Excellent selection of instruments and gadgets along with knowledgeable employees.

Seems you can’t just go into the store to buy without an appointment due to the virus. Understandable, but I didn’t see that on the website before driving over there. Still I try to keep it local, hope to see some of their inventory in a couple of days, I have heard good things.

I have purchased over $10k of guitars from Rainbow, so I will say the selection is great. The customer service is possibly worse than any guitar center. The employees act like you are bothering them when you inquire about inventory or you feel like they are judging your ability to buy the instrument before helping out. Since they are now only online, you can find the same selection with better pricing elsewhere. PitBull audio out of San Diego has been my new go to. Same instrument selection, better prices and much more friendly staff. Chicago Music Exchange will also be more competitive with better customer service. Interested to see how long Rainbow can stay in business with this business model and a unhelpful/unfriendly staff.

Came into Rainbow Guitars disgusted with Guitar Center and their customer service or rather lack there of!

I moved to Tucson from Las Vegas 1.5 years ago and I have found poor customer service to be pretty much pandemic in Tucson in all businesses including the medical field!

My experience went exactly like this…….I was at the door waiting for the store to open at 10:30 am. I practically had $4,000.00 in my hand to spend on a new or used guitar I’ve always wanted. They didn’t have a Gibson ES 335 in stock new or used and I asked about a 336 because I saw one online in their used inventory. The salesman who’s initials are “Stefin” told me they didn’t have any in stock so we looked for probably 30 minutes in the Gibson website and found a brand new one I liked and the salesman who’s initials are “Stefan” took my number and said he’d call me next week! So I went home and when I got there I called the store, asked for the salesman who I’ll still refer to as “Stefan” and asked him again about the ES 336 I saw online. He then looks and says “oh I didn’t know we had this in inventory.”

The salesman I won’t mention his name, didn’t know his inventory, didn’t research his inventory when asked, directed me to the brand new guitars online which is obviously more money to them and it’s been nearly 2 weeks now and I still haven’t heard from Rainbow Guitars and the MIA salesperson commonly referred to as “Stefan!”

High end guitars with low end customer service! And I come from a service oriented town! So either Harvey & his shop here is making so much money that they don’t need my $4,000.00 at the end of the year? or it’s just more atrocious customer service in this cowtown?!

I need to start a business and then have this town hire me to teach them all Customer Service!

HEAD’S WOULD ROLL!!! Starting with a certain sales associate who lost the business and it’s owner $$$$ FOUR GRAND $$$$ and any return business!

And I called this morning to speak to the owner, left my number and it’s 5 hours later and no call! So there you go! Lead by example is a great business practice!

New business model is pretty inconvenient for anyone looking to drop in for a quick repair question or if they have an item in stock.

Tried calling and got transferred with no answer.

Got a cool 25 cent vinyl!

The gentleman was very sweet and helpful. I sold them a guitar I no longer wanted at a fair price.

they have just about everything and the staff is extra knowledgeable and helpful. (: 10/10 would recommend & return.

Way, way, way more than just buy/selling instruments!

Unique

“Guitar section for employees only” unfortunately I didn’t bring my binoculars to look at guitar prices. I just went elsewhere.

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

Over priced. Disappointing

I really wish I could give it to zero Stars they sold me used parts they didn’t do what they said they were going to do and they charged me for stuff that they didn’t even replace and tried to sell it as new they just left the old stuff on my bike and told me that they replaced it then they took old parts are used parts off of some other bike and charge me full price

Wonderful place to shop for instruments and basic sound systems. You know sometimes you just need to talk to a real person. Their experience is worth it.

I took my violin and ukulele into instrumental music center today to get help with tuning and finding a music teacher…. I am a 70 year old beginner and expected to get the bums rush… to my surprise and delight they helped me with everything tuned my instruments, taught ne how to tune and gave me refurals… Jesus waited on me, what a nice young man… very patient and helpful….I would highly recommend this store for your musical needs….

Amazing prices and great people! Even though far from my home, I’ll gladly go back!

Helped us out to select keyboard for birthday gift. Price same as best deal online.

They have it all, drums, pianos, guitars, saxophones. It’s super friendly staff, very chill and helpful. If you get an instrument buy the insurance for it, especially if it’s for a kid. Worth every penny.

They were somewhat helpful but they were pricey

Had my violin taken in for string and bridge replacement because of old age. When given back they failed to consult if I wanted the gear pegs back on, nor did they fill my request of a new bridge. When taken to a second opinion they stated that the bridge was ready to collapse and was causing issue to the sound post.

Place is ok but prices are high

This bad review concerns Maria Ferraz, piano teacher. Our initial meeting seemed positive and I felt comfortable with her with my three year old son. To make sure he was ready to be taught piano, according to her, we set another appointment the following Saturday. This time she wasn’t as nice and patient. I was outside the room while she stayed in the room with my son. To begin, my son is three. He is a very curious boy. This particular day he wasn’t wanting to sit and learn. As I peeled through the window, I saw Maria force his little hand to play the piano. My son resisted and just sat there staring up. She then yells at him, “What are you looking at? What are you looking at?” She turned to see if I was standing there and she just nodded her head. I opened the door and grabbed my son.

I also want to point out that she has a lot of pictures, posters, just stuff in her tiny room enough to distract anyone much more a three year old. Also, if she doesn’t have the patience it takes to teach a three year old, then you shouldn’t advertise that you do. And lastly, you have no right to yell at my son or any child who doesn’t have the ability to fully comprehend what is happening, what you are asking, or able to express his emotions with proper vocabulary to answer your ridiculous questions!

Beware of this woman and always keep an eye on your child when you are not in the room.

Great customer service, the gentleman at the front greeted me as soon as I walked in. Had a question about an effect pedal and the staff is very knowledgeable and even gave me some suggestions for a similar product. This will be my main shop for all my gear needs.

There’s always great staff to take care of my kids’ needs when it comes to their cellos! Whether it’s this store or the downtown location, every employee has been kind, courteous, helpful, and knowledgeable!

Great customer service and quality instruments.

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

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

Pretty good selection of instruments other than no ovation guitars. Didn’t have the product I was looking for and the desk manager is very pushy about selling. Other than those, decent store.

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

For people who play guitar with left hand beware not the place for you to expensive but for people who play with there right hand good choice for you

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.

Thank you Scott and the rest of the clan. We were very pleased with our business arrangement. The piano worked beautifully. My daughter loves it and that’s why we made the decision to buy it for her for her H.S. graduation, following the 6 monthly payments with an option to buy it (rent to own). Thank you for the great communications thorough out the 6 plus months and for providing us with a very nice practice piano for our daughter. Take care and may God bless.

Good Pricing, Very Polite. I had my piano moved and tuned. They did a great job with both.

I used Ramseys to help me with a cross country move of a family heirloom piano. I was trying to find a way to move a piano without paying thousands of dollars. Scott explained to me how they could get my piano “road ready”, load it on to my uhaul and all I needed to do was hire someone on the other end to unload the piano. It was the perfect solution and literally saved me at least $1500. The actual piano loading went well, all the guys were friendly and tolerated me being nervous quite well. Thanks guys!

I just walk by it, I’ve never went inside.

Scott Ramsey has been very accommodating with getting our piano fixed. He is very flexible when helping get payment done and he did an excellent job tuning and fixing what has been needed to get done.

This disgusting low-life stole my wife’s piano! He took it on consignment and said he had a buyer if she would take $1,600. She agreed and when she contacted him to get the money, he said he “spent it” and could not give her the money he owed her!

Watch him claim “bankruptcy” whenever he owes money to people. 100% dishonest crook!

I paid for a move and a tuning but never got the tuning I paid for. I was quite clear that I would be complaining if I didn’t get what I paid for. I called and left voicemails and emailed and never heard back. So my experience as been terrible and I am shocked this guy is still in business.The piano was delivered still reeking of varnish and stunk up my house for a week and the repairs I was promised were not made… I was out of town and trusted Ramsey to deliver on his promises. Instead I got screwed. I will never use this company again and explained as much in my last correspondence with these people and heard nothing back. So thanks for nothing and here is the review you requested and earned!

Refurbished a baby grand, tune, fix a pedal and paint. Paid more than the cost of the piano to begin with. Original color was flat black, and that is what was requested. Returned to us gloss black with lots of pits and debris underneath paint and gloss. Have contacted now for 3 weeks without a response. Poor customer service and will have to file with method of payment. BEWARE!

Really knowledgeable and friendly staff. 11/10 would definitely help them in the zombie apocalypse.

Knowledgeable staff and great teachers. Went here to get some lessons for my son and was very impressed with the customer service and expertise of those on staff.

Stopped by Music & Arts to plugin and try out an acoustic guitar amp they had in stock there. I had the good fortune to meet Louis and Steven there – a couple of super helpful gentlemen that answered all my questions and attended to my guitar needs letting me tryout the full selection of acoustic guitar amps. Most importantly they demonstrated refreshing kindness and patience with an old flat picker. Thanks fellas! (I purchased a most excellent Fishman Loudbox Mini)

Nice enough store. Employees seemed cool. Owned and operated by Guitar Center. I still prefer local when possible, but this place is nice.

my son had saxophone lessons scheduled about a week in advance so we showed up to our appointment only to have the front desk guy tell us that he supposedly called me and left me a voicemail telling me our instructor cancelled us. i had no missed calls or voicemails. i left work early to bring my son, wasted time and gas having to drive 30+ minutes to get here. very unprofessional.

Mariachi Tesoro de Tucson was an absolute pleasure to work with! They arrived on time and were extremely personable. All of our guests loved the performance. They were so talented! I look forward to hiring them again.

Thank you for being such a good example of how talent combined with great attitudes shows off. Your consistently great performance was a inspiration to all of us…But specially the Birthday girl..

(Mariach Tesoro de Tucson) Adrian, muchas gracias por su excelente trabajo y dedicación . Estoy increíblemente agradecida con su profesionalismo…

This was the worst ” professinals” my family has EVER worked with. We needed a group that was available for my sons passing. They agreed with to play for less than an hr but required a full hours pay. Due to the circumstances and our emotional state we entrusted true quality services. They showed up late it took 3 phone calls asking when they would be arriving which did no good because they were still late with NO APOLOGIES. On top of that they just left after maybe 4 songs! Not making any contact with anyone from the family asking if we wanting anymore songs due to the fact it was well under an hour that they played for maximum of 25 mins, mind you requiring a full hour of pay.

PLEASE SAVE YOUR MONEY. AND IF FOR A FUNERAL PLEASE SAVE YOURSELVES ANY MORE UNNECESSARY STRESS. DO NOT RECCOMEND!!!