Any good guitar shops in Phoenix/Tucson, Albuquerque/Santa Fe areas?

[gtone]

Hitting the road on a couple of trips this fall/winter and always on the lookout for worthwhile shops with interesting stuff - vintage, used or new guitars, amps, what have you. Any worthy shops to check out in these locales?  TIA... 

[jisham]

Here in Albuquerque we have a crappy Guitar Center plus two other decent shops: Music Go Round and Backroads Guitars. Both of those are hit or miss though. 

[gtone]

Might have to contact Winnie Thomas from Winfield Amplification while I'm in AZ (he's in Cochise, closer to the NM border), maybe grab a coffee with him if he's got time. He's a great guy and always so helpful. Love the little Cyclone amp that came direct from his shop - built like a little jewel.

 

[Jeff R]

Check out Acoustic Vibes music in Phoenix (Tempe). https://acousticvibesmusic.com/

[gtone]

Thanks for the input guys! Anyone else got something to add?

 

[Feynman]

JeffRo took mine.  For such a large city we don't have much that I can recommend.  Acoustic Vibes is a decent visit though.

Most of the cool smaller shops in Phoenix have either closed or shifted way downrange in what they stock.  McKnight used to have a decent shop, but one day I heard him talk to an employee in a way no human should treat another, and I lost all respect for the guy.  They closed the store anyway and he seems to be focused on sharing his expertise online.  

Ziggy's was historically cool and would have been worth a visit, but they finally closed their doors in 2024.  

Bizarre Guitar & Drums has been around since the Stone Age and manages to keep the lights on.  

Rainbow Guitar in Tucson is still kicking as far as I know (edit: appointment only now, according to their website).  

Edited September 13 by Feynman

[RobB]

I’m surprised @Dave Scepter hasn’t chimed in. There used to be a high-end shop (ESP, Jackson/Charvel CS, etc) in Phoenix and a pretty decent mom/pop in Chandler. This was 25yrs ago so take my advice with a jaundiced eye. 

Edited September 13 by RobB

[django49]

Scottsdale is not too far away. You might look up Artistic Guitars. I have made three purchases there, but not any time recent. There was one I seriously coveted 2-3 years ago, but at $14k or so ("discounted") there was no way. The 3 I did get were all spectacular, but way less than half that. IMO. they were very fairly priced. But markets have changed.

Gary is a private operation. He generally has a very small collection of very high end, usually custom ordered guitars. Not the one to look at for a casual browse or drop in. If anything on the site appeals to you, best to contact him for an appointment.

I am not sure how many things in "Gary's Collection" imply current ownership, let alone whether they are for sale. But fun to look at.

[gtone]

Thanks guys - got some followup to do here, for sure. Appreciate your suggestions.

 

[Dave Scepter]

39 minutes ago, RobB said:

I’m surprised @Dave Scepter hasn’t chimed in. There used to be a high-end shop (ESP, Jackson/Charvel CS, etc) in Phoenix and a pretty decent mom/pop in Chandler. This was 25yrs ago so take my advice with a jaundiced eye. 

Yeah, I was gonna chime in... there used to be a lot of mom and pop shops around here, but COVID mucked things up... most of the shops are typical bread-and-butter guitars, but occasionally they'll bring in something nice "but timing is everything"...

There's Zimm's guitars https://maps.app.goo.gl/BaQsT5E7uHcZuZUz6?g_st=ac

 

The Music store 

https://themusicstorestudios.com/

I can't vouch for these places anymore since I haven't been to these places in a while as I'm poor 😪

Honestly, the best thing to do is google map and call ahead... 

BTW, You can always visit the Music Instrument Museum, while you're out here... 

Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, AZ https://share.google/RCiH0JJAOWFUF2fxl

Be warned, Arizona is pretty large and sprawled out and you'll be driving a lot

Good luck on your trip 😀👌

 

Edited September 13 by Dave Scepter

[gtone]

Thanks Dave - Zimm's is one I was aware of that's close to one of our BNB's.  Not that I mind driving 2-3 hrs if the shop is worthwhile (we live on the flat, bald prairies where some people drive an hr or more just for a coffee/donut).

Will check into the others as well. Cheers!

[Dave Scepter]

44 minutes ago, gtone said:

Thanks Dave - Zimm's is one I was aware of that's close to one of our BNB's.  Not that I mind driving 2-3 hrs if the shop is worthwhile (we live on the flat, bald prairies where some people drive an hr or more just for a coffee/donut).

Will check into the others as well. Cheers!

Also the Music Store is just a couple of miles away from Zimms... there's also  Guitar Center not too far from there... 

 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bQLErBbGg52pZWXH9?g_st=ac

[Feynman]

Zimm's and The Music Store...meh.

I like Dave's idea.  Go visit the MIM.  It's fantastic - major collections of instruments with audio examples as you walk around in your wireless headphones.  Maybe even see a show there.  The concert hall is nice.  Good food options out that way.

Perhaps we should arrange an impromptu AZ HFC beer/meetup?

 

Dave and I probably live ten minutes apart and have never met.  I'm not sure I'd want to meet me though.

Edited September 13 by Feynman

[Dave Scepter]

1 hour ago, Feynman said:

Zimm's and The Music Store...meh.

Yeah, I was just trying to throw some names out there, but honestly I haven't been impressed with ANY music stores in the last 10 years, sans internet shops... and as much as I love and want to support brick and mortar, mom and pop shops, I'm pretty selective in the guitars I'm looking for, that's why I belong to these groups better tailored towards my interest... and when I travel, I seek out food and nature spots... 

Edited September 13 by Dave Scepter