Buchanan Music | Mesa, Arizona

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

We love to hear from our customers to find out how we are doing and are always interested in your comments to help make our service the best in town.

Here are some comments left by our customers online and in the store:

A Happy Customer!

I brought a guitar in first thing this morning (one I didn't purchase from you.)  Jon snapped it right up and adjusted it lickety-split, answered some questions from this newbie and didn't charge me anything.  He could have sold me a set of strings but told me mine still had life left.

On a 5 star scale, he rates a 6 or better.

A happy customer,
Mike Boerner

They Helped Me Out So Much!

They are super nice and Rush, their technician in the back, even stayed after hours to help me get my tuba bits unstuck before I left on a band trip this week. And, they didn't just give methemoglobin either, he helped me understand why it happened and how to prevent it. You guys are the bomb and the best in the Valley!

- TubaBits
  Google Review 

Best stringed-instrument service in the Valley.

I was looking for a good guitar tech and tried Buchanan Music for the first time a few months ago. Rush Harley has worked on several of my guitars (Taylor Custom GS, Martin OM-28V, Fender CD-140 and American Strat, Gibson ES-335) in that time, and he's done outstanding work on every one of them. He's pretty quick, too. Another luthier had my Martin for two months and when I got it back it still didn't sound right - but Rush had it singing in 2 or 3 days. Buchanan Music is a long drive away for me - 40 minutes one way, even with no traffic - but well worth the effort. It's impossible to overstate the case - Buchanan Music's stringed instrument service is second to none.

- Mark B.
  MojoPages.com 

Easily...

"Easily... The Best Rental Program In The Valley!"

- JoAnna T.
  In-Store Testimonial

"In my opinion, Buchanan Music has the best staff and service of any music store I have visited in the Phoenix Valley."

I have visited quite a few of the local stores, as well as many throughout the U.S., and Buchanan's is second to none anywhere with regard to the friendliness and knowledge of their staff. I'm a retiree who has had a lifelong desire to learn how to play an acoustic guitar, but had been unable to find an instructor who was a good match for me. I read through the bios of the teachers who are available at Buchanan Music, and selected Duncan Kunz. Frankly, with his qualifications, I was afraid he wouldn't want to take on someone my age with almost no real musical training. But he did, and the experience has been fantastic right from the beginning. He relates to the music that I like (bluegrass, country and folk), and with his assistance I was able to, after only a few weeks, play through my favorite country song (Wildwood Flower) last evening for the first time. Duncan's easy going style, and dedication to providing highly personalized musical instruction, is simply the best. I would recommend him to anybody who is interested in guitar, banjo or bass instruction.

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the other staff members at Buchanan Music. The store manager, Jon Varo, is very easy to work with, and is incredibly responsive to any question you might have. Rush Harley, their staff technician and master luthier, is one of the best I have worked with. He took my Martin that had gone through a setup in California, but had started to buzz when I brought it back to the dry climate in Phoenix, and has made it sound like new again. Rush is simply a lot of fun to work with, and doesn't hesitate to share his knowledge with those who want to learn more about the mechanics of their instrument. Actually, it was indirectly through Rush that I found out about Buchanan Music. I had sent a note to Fender, asking where I could find an expert on the setup for an old Guild 12 string that I have. They recommended Buchanan Music (Fender Gold Level service), and after one visit there I was sold. I have personally seen several old and severely damaged guitars that Rush has brought back to life. He does amazing work. And of course, there is Mary McIntosh, their Operations Manager. What can I say? Just spend five minutes talking with Mary, and you will be glad you stopped by. Ask her when she first started to take music lessons, and you will quickly appreciate how much experience you have access to through Buchanan Music.

- Bob Tanner
 
Google Review 

"The guys at this store go out of their way to help you!"

Their prices are surprisingly low for not being a huge store. There is no stuck up sales person to busy to help you. Rush, their guitar tech guru will treat your guitar, bass, fiddle,  etc. like it was his own and get your prized axe set up right! Highly recomended!!!!

 Awesome customer service second to none. Knowledge at this store is incredible!
-Xman2000
 Google Review

"There is no doubt in my mind that Rush is the Tops!"

I recently got back to playing the guitar after months hearing my wife asking me to teach her to play. Finally, for whatever reason, my personal interest was fueled. Plans to purchase a guitar, for each of us, was put into gear. I ended getting a great deal on two Les Paul guitars, one of which was set up acceptably from the factory specs... the other was terrible.

The tech where I bought it, set it up, but it wasn't done well at all. He mentioned that it was done to factory specs and in reality it wasn't. It didn't even come close to what my other was set at. I didn't pursue the issue with him as he was not a very pleasant individual to deal with. So now where do I take this guitar to be set up properly?

Funny thing is that every day that I take my wife to work, we pass Buchanan's store; oblivious to what they do and sell. So, one afternoon, I decided to stop in and find out if they can help. I was introduced to Rush and, I was immediately put at ease by his very pleasant and I was immediately put at ease by his very pleasant and warm personality. Talking with him gave me a feeling of confidence that he could do the job. So I went home, looked up Buchanan's website, found and read some very flattering testimonials by individuals who have had Rush look after their instruments. I immediately called him and arranged to bring both guitars in for him to check out and right away he noticed the difference. So, an arrangement was made for me to come back with my poorly set up guitar and have him take care of it for me. This was on a Thursday morning, and Rush mentioned that he probably won't have it ready until the following Monday.

Later, that afternoon I got a call from Rush saying that it's finished and ready to be picked up. Rush, you are genius! In all the years when I played in the past, I don't ever remember having any of my guitars set up as well. This is perfection personified. Nobody could do a finer job on my guitar than this. I look back now feeling very grateful that the tech where I bought the guitar blew it, otherwise I might not have had the opportunity to meet Rush, let alone have him work on my guitars. Nobody will be working on them from now on but Rush. You have my business sir and I will highly recommend your services to whomever I meet that plays.

Well done!!!!!!

- Wayne H.
  Google Review

"Just got my guitar back from being set up at Buchanan's..."

Just got my guitar back from being set up at Buchanan's, and I would have to say that it is one of the best jobs I've ever seen. It plays great, and they took the time to be very precise and make it perfect. I feel they went above and beyond to make sure I'd be satisfied. I will certainly be returning on a regular basis. Thanks guys.

- Benny T.
  Google Review

"Guys!..."

Rush Harley has got to be one of the BEST GUITAR TECHS IN the Valley!

He works on my Dad's guitars, mine, and my guitar player friend and ALWAYS GETS IT RIGHT FOR YOU.

Thanks Rush, you Rock man!

- Kyle
  Google Review 

"What can I say?"

One of the most friendly, knowledgeable and personable music stores in the valley! When it comes to sales and service, they're the best. From custom repair work to new and used product sales. They do it all.

Now as for the staff: Rush's care and repair of guitars is unsurpassed. From professional guitar set-ups to complete restorations Rush is the man to see. Then there is Mary, a Goddess from the sixties. Her gentle demeanor coupled with a genuine desire to serve is a huge asset to any business. And, all with a warm and pleasant smile. Next, we have Jordan, an accomplished musician in his own right. But, when it comes to sales and knowledge of product, he is the one to talk to. If he doesn't have the answer he will get it for you. He is a true professional. And, finally with the addition of new store manager, Jonathan, Buchanan Music is no longer just a neighborhood music store but a retail force to be reckoned with in the future. He brings a new level of professionalism, service and customer care with a Nashville flare thereby solidifying the long term organizational survival and business success of Buchanan Music.

Let's not forget the person responsible for Buchanan Music in the first place... Robert Buchanan. I first met Robert three years ago and was very impressed with him, his staff and his store. It's because of him and the people that work for him that I continue to bring all of my guitar service and sales needs to Buchanan and will do so for years to come. But, just don't take my word for it. Go by the shop and see, hear, and feel for yourselves. You won't be disappointed.

So, thanks Robert and thanks to all the fine people at Buchanan Music for an awesome store. Keep up the stellar work.

- Mike S.
  Google Review

"A Joy To Play!"

IMG_0131_2_494x640"The re-fret on my Les Paul made it an absolute joy to play!! - and in stainless!!!  Thanks Again."

-John C.

"The Best Service you can get from a music store... Period."

Extremely informative and helpful staff. All other music stores have staff that only cares about taking your money. If you are a Musician who needs to talk to Musicians go to Buchanan Music. I also saved like 80 bucks because they checked the competitors price! True Story

- Michael A. Figueroa
Google Review 

"The guys at Buchanan Music have so much collective knowledge of instruments..."

I deal with many items to purchase and sell for clients. The guys at Buchanan Music have so much collective knowledge of instruments, they are a valuable resource for me. They know that I sell musical instruments and they don't mind sharing their expertise with me. It's great to know that there are businesses that are interested in helping other business people make a living during this tough economy. Competition never seems to be an issue with these guys and it shows in their attitude. From now on, I am a 100% Buchanan Music customer and I'm going to help these guys as much as they help me!

- isell-buy-consign
Google Review

"I Have Found My Friend In The Music Business!"

Thank you for helping and educating me on my purchase. Your staff was friendly and honest. Much appreciated.

-Marie
 Google Review 

Needed A Harp Fast When I Blew Out A Reed...

Needed a harp fast when I blew out a reed on one of mine. They had the brand and style I play AND they carried the right key that another local shop did not have. Got some tips on reworking my Fender Blues Deluxe amp, from the repair department while I was there. Next time, this is my first stop. Thnx guys.

-Buzz Fowler
 First String Promotions 

"Extremely Helpful"

The gentleman behind the desk was extremely helpful and knowledgeable on how to clean and care for my new guitar. They didn't try to up-sell me, which I always appreciate, especially being a new guitar player and not knowing much about what I'm doing. I'd definitely go back.

-Tyler
 Google Review 

“Courteous, Non-Intimidating, & Professional”

The staff is incredible. I am not a musician but, by the time I left, they had educated me about a violin in order to make an informed decision. They didn't pressure me into purchasing their instrument either. What I liked the most was how helpful they were, they had a decent selection of violins to purchase, and they had a rental option which was priced really well. Since my son is five, renting seemed like the best option for me. They also offered lessons which were reasonably priced.

The inside of the store is in some disarray but they were in the middle of painting and cleaning. From the excitement of the manager, it seems that they are improving the store to give it a more modern look.. They seem to know exactly what their business needs. I know that they have a lot of history and the store has been there for some time. They seem to be improving everything on their own and are very proactive. What I liked was that they stopped everything they were doing to help me. Once I finished, they were back to work helping other customers or continuing their renovations.. Buchanan Music is a rare gem in Mesa. The fact that they are concerned about my needs and addressed my questions is perfect for a Mother looking to get her child an instrument. I have been to other Mesa music stores and was mostly ignored. Buchanan Music is not one of those music stores!.

- Mary R.
  from judisbook.com 

"The BEST guitar repair shop in Phoenix is actually in Mesa!"

Simply incredible! I've been to some of the so-called "Best" Repair Shops in the area and was never treated with any respect. Buchanan Music is my guitar oasis in the desert. Rush not only took the time to talk to me about my guitar, he genuinely cared about how I play it, what my problems were, and even gave me some insight on how to fix some problems if I was ever in a pinch.  Most repair guys, if they are even interested in talking to you, don't help you in the way the guys at Buchanan do.

-Alex M.
Phoenix, AZ

The Long Drive Was Worth It.

I needed to have a minor repair done to my new Ibanez AW32ECE-NT.  Although I live in Tucson I decided to drive up to Mesa and have  the good people at Buchanan Music take care of it.   I had previously been assured by Rush that I would have my guitar back the same day.  In fact Rush diagnosed and took care of the problem within 15 minutes!

The staff at Buchanan is friendly, courteous and knowledgeable.  I highly recommend a visit to their store

-Dan Castillo
 Tucson, AZ 

The People Who Work Here Know Their Stuff!

Ok so first off, the people that work here know their stuff!

I treat my guitars like my babies and wouldn't ever let Guitar Center lay a hand on them. My mom has been playing forever and has some BEAUTIFUL guitars (1970's Gibson Les Paul Custom with 3 pickups, two ovations one six string and one twelve string, a gibson dove and more). We took the two Ovations and the Gibson Dove in to get fixed and, although we haven't gotten them back just yet, I'll tell you...

This Place Is Awesome!

I took my brand new Ibanez bass in because the strap lock piece wouldn't stay in. They took it back, fixed it and said if it feels even a bit loose bring it back and they'll fix it again for me. The strap locks now work perfectly!  The hours at band practice are not spent worrying if the strap is going to fall off! :)

All hail Buchanan Music (and Rush)!

- Anna M. DeMuro

Transformational!

I took my Guild hollowbody to Buchanan's the other day.  Rush did an amazing set up on it: transformational!  This is THE PLACE to take your guitars in the Valley.

-Will N.

27 Years of Perfection

27 years ago, I was in a road band playing a 3 month house gig Mr. Tease nightclub (Long Gone). I had been constantly fighting an action problem on my Gibson. I found Robert repairing guitars downstairs at Milano's Music when Willie of (Tim and Wille) was still the store manager. Robert loaned me an incredible guitar he had built himself. A week later, I got my guitar back with the lowest playable action you can imagine. That guitar stayed exactly like that for 27 years until a drunk fell on top of it, spilling a drink all over the guitar and knocking it out of whack.

Well......

I have been living here in Arizona since 1992 and have often wondered if Robert was still in business?  I was greatly relieved to find him with his own store and repair shop in Mesa.  Needless to say it was great, not only having my guitar repaired expertly, but also to see Robert again. Great Store, Great Gear, Great Service. Do yourself a favor and get to Buchanan's. "Still Rocking After All These Years"

- Ben "Jammin" Reeves

Great Selection & Helpful Staff

Buchanan Music has a great selection and very helpful staff. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a music store in the Phoenix area. Especially nice for parents that need to rent a school instrument for their kids.

- Pat Fleming

Great Set-Up!

I took my guitar in here for a setup and it came back much better than I had hoped for, the action is perfect and my pinch harmonics sound just right. I would definitely recommend them.

- Zac Clarke

Thanks Rush!

Took my bass to Buchanan Music today to fix the intonation. He did it while I stood there, got me out the door in under 10 minutes, the cost was super-reasonable, and it sounds great.

- Krystofer James VanSlyke

Set Up Your Guitar Here!

Robert does a great job of intonating your guitars here. He has an old oscilliscope too!

 

Nice Job!

I had my Martin set up and worked on here. The guys are friendly and seem quite knowledgeable.

-StoneSwagger

Amazing!

I had my PRS worked on here, and they knew exactly what they were doing, and did an amazing job, it's affordable, and you get what you expect and even more!

-Track4Owns

Meets Students Needs

I had my daughter take violin lessons there and had a great experience. They have a wide selection of music and the staff was very helpful. It was also at a convenient location.

Great Owner!

The owner of this store is very nice and always supportive of community/school events. He offers great lessons and has a wide selection of guitars to choose from. It a convenient location, too.

- Shelley W.

Gibson Warranty Work

Took my Historic Gibson 59 Les Paul in for warranty work for the inlays were above the fret board. Guitar was done in a week and setup perfect.  I have many more Gibsons and will be taking them to Robert if they ever need work.

-Chuck Madvig

Vintage Martin Guitar Neck Re-set

Let's face it, taking your favorite old guitar for a neck re-set is always nerve-racking. From the get-go, Robert took a keen interest in the project, and gave me confidence I had found the right person for the job (after a long and fruitless search in the Phoenix area). If you are in a big hurry, you might try someone else. If but if you want someone with patience, skill and a gentle temperament to painstakingly repair your beloved instrument, by all means I recommend Buchanan Music.

-William

Customer Happy With Daughter's Progress

I want to thank everyone at Buchanan for playing such a large part in the success of my daughter's musical endeavors. With your help, she plays clarinet, tenor saxophone, bass guitar and keyboard.

Thanks,
-Peggy Mackey
 Mesa, Arizona

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