Tucson, Arizona, is a eclectic city that supports it artists, from Grammy winner Linda Ronstadt to young artists who play music from their front porches. The city has music stores that have become like landmarks, standing as testaments to Tucson’s love of music. These stores provide a variety of guitars, whether you are a beginner or are a seasoned music who’s played at stadiums. They stock traditional guitars, as well as those used to play the Mexican-American music that symbolizes the city’s heritage.
17th Street Market
17th Street Music
840 E. 17th Street
Tucson, AZ 85719
520-792-2588
17th Street Music, located inside 17th Street Market, is in the Warehouse District a mile east of Downtown. Once you cross the railroad tracks, its the second left turn. You’ll notice the warehouses and several businesses. The music shop has a full line on musical instruments, including a variety of acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, drums, flutes and harmonicas. Store manager Frank Sanzo offers free guitar lessons for children and adults. The shop also sells strings, picks and other musical accessories. At times, you hear impromptu guitar music when shopping for food in the market.
Guitar Center Tucson
4720 E. Broadway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85711
520-320-9903
Conveniently located on the corner of Broadway and Swan, the Guitar Center Tucson carries more than 50 name brand guitars, including Gibson, Laguna, Yamaha, Washburn, Tacoma, Fender and Schecter. It has acoustic, classical/nylon, electric and acoustic-electric guitars. You also find other stringed instruments likes banjos, mandolins, ukuleles and steel guitars. The Guitar Center also carries a line of guitar cases, picks, tuners, strings and tools. It even has guitar wall displays and stands. Performers can purchase their stage needs like amplifiers, instrument carriers and folding carts.
The Chicago Store
Downtown Location
130 E. Congress St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-622-3341
East Tucson
7030 E. Broadway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85710
520-886-1516
The Chicago Store has operated continually in Tucson since 1919 when the downtown store opened and features musical instruments for adults, educators, beginners and children. The store stocks acoustic guitars, electric guitars, Latin guitars, banjos, bluegrass resonator guitars and mandolins. It also offers musical equipment rentals and children’s guitars start below $50. The Chicago Store gives credit and payment plans. Staff members know how to repair most musical instruments, including all guitars. If they don’t know how to repair your instrument, staff members help you find someone who can. The store sells sheet music, including instructional books. Interesting fact: The store displays promotions for visiting musicians and support up-and-coming artists.
Tuscon has always celebrated music and the arts, and its music shops offer all kinds of guitars and other stringed instruments for adults and children, beginner and advanced musicians. They have become institutions in the city and offer tools to help customers improve their guitar-playing skills or try new stringed instruments. Whether you are in the market for a new guitar or just browsing, the above-mentioned stores are worth a visit.
