Buchanan Music | Mesa, Arizona

How Long Has Buchanan Music Been In Business?

Buchanan Music was founded as Buchanan Guitars by Robert Buchanan back in 1976.  At the time, Robert was a young luthier trying to make a name for himself. According to legend, Robert began his business at Milano's Music in downtown Mesa and gained a reputation as being very skilled in guitar repair, construction and reconstruction. After a few years, Robert started Buchanan Music on East Brown Road in the shopping center adjacent to the current location. Still primarily a repair location, Robert soon began carrying guitars, amplifiers and accessories for his customers. After acquiring the current 714 East Brown Road location, Robert expanded his business to include, not only retail and repair, but band and orchestra rentals and music lessons. The current location has been in business for almost twenty years.

Where Are You Located?

I am located behind the desk reading your question. Oh, you mean "where is the STORE located?" ;-)

Buchanan Music is located on East Brown Road in between the major intersections of N. Mesa and N. Stapley in Mesa, Arizona.  Our closest cross street is N. Horne.  We are situated on the North side of East Brown Road. We are in very close proximity to the north side of the 202 loop.

For complete directions, click here.

Where's Robert?

A common question, to say the least. An avid surfer, Robert relocated to California with his family to pursue his passion in early 2011. In 2012, Robert plans to open a second Buchanan Music location with his daughter, Molly Buchanan.

So... If Robert's In California... Who's Running The Store?

Good question!  Rush Harley has taken over all responsibilities in the Buchanan Music repair department.  Having an impressive resume himself, Rush has maintained a high level of customer satisfaction and professionalism in the area.  Operations manager, Mary McIntosh, has assumed many of the day to day operations of the business and shares administrator duties with store manager, Jonathan Varo. Mary has been employed at Buchanan Music for over ten years and Jonathan was brought on by Robert in December of 2010. Jonathan is also the author and director of the Buchanan Music web site and has over ten years of management experience in music retail.

Do you buy used musical instruments?

Absolutely. We purchase instruments, amplifiers, and accessories all the time. We ask that you bring the item in for evaluation as we will not give any offer over the phone or email. Our process is simple. We give you an idea of how much the item sells for and provide you different options to sell your item:

1. Either we buy your item outright.
2. Trade it for something in the store or store credit.
3. Consign your item with us.

We are forthright with the information you need to sell your item and even advise you, as to what your item is worth, should you decide to sell it on your own.

Click here for more information.

This item in your store that I have been talking to you about for the past hour... where can I find it cheaper?

Probably somewhere if you look hard enough but Buchanan Music currently prices all of our items competitively and we will gladly match a local competitor's advertised price, should our price on an item be higher. And, if we took the time to give you all of the information about a specific item, we're going to be able to help you should you run into a problem with it down the line (ie. warranty information and service, technical support, etc.). We foster relationships with our customers and when they buy from us, we do our best to make sure our customers are informed before they buy and are happy with their decision. As we rely on our customers' support, we offer our support to you for being a loyal patron of our business.

Are you guys hiring?

We are always on the lookout for prospective employees. Although we have a full staff now, changes and expansion to our business is inevitable and the need for new staff members can arise at any time. As such, we are accepting resumes at all times. If you are experienced in music retail, or are a professional music instructor looking for a place to teach your students, then drop by, introduce yourself and bring a resume.

Please note: being proficient at an instrument does not necessarily mean that you are qualified to work at a music retail location.

Do you have any two for one deals on strings?

Unfortunately, no.  With the advent of big box stores and internet sites selling items like strings, the competitive price has replaced retail (MSRP) as the street price. Back in the day, music stores could offer a buy one, get one free offer when strings were priced at full retail. For example, a pack of D'Addario EXL110 electric guitar strings have a retail price at just under $10.  Back in the day, if you paid retail, you could get a second pack at no extra charge. But, nowadays, EXL110s are usually sold at about $5 competitively.  It's the same price... just with less money coming out of your pocket.

What's better... a Fender or a Gibson?

That's the same as asking "What's better... Ford or Chevrolet?" It's all preference. Fender guitars accomplish a specific tone as does a Gibson guitar. Due to their differences, these two manufacturers have created one of the most enduring dichotomys in our industry. Most professional guitarists have a Fender strat or tele (sometimes both) along with a Gibson Les Paul (or SG, Firebird, etc.). It's the difference in tone that each guitar has that keeps musicians on the look out for a new "brush" for their musical palette. So neither is better. They're both good to have, sound great, and hold their value very well (especially if they are Made in the USA).

Do you offer appraisals on musical instruments and amplifiers?

Yes. For a fee, we will provide you with an official letter stating what your item is, what year it was made, and what it is currently worth. We research items on the internet, through books we have in the store, and even call the manufacturer for some "insider" information. Appraisals are great to have when you need to provide information about your instrument for insurance purposes.

Do you offer extended warranties on any of your guitars?

No. Almost all musical instruments are covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, by the Manufacturer, so an extended warranty is actually not necessary. We do not believe in charging our customers unneccessary costs for something that normally is included with the instrument. And, if something is wrong with the instrument that is not covered under warranty, we are able to fix it on site usually at no cost to you if the item was purchased recently. It's because we are an Authorized Warranty Service Center for so many reputable manufacturers that we have the know-how to be able to fix your instrument easily and affordably. And, if the manufacturer says it's okay... we don't chage you a dime. What we do recommend is that if you have purchased an instrument that is important to you, you can insure it through your home owner's or renter's insurance policy. Extended warranties typically will not cover theft or destruction of the instrument. Insurance will.