Never in my life have I experienced such an unbelievably careless display of character from an employee at a retail store. I'm a professional guitar player around the Phoenix area- I constantly buy and sell high end guitars and have been to many of the nicest guitars shops in the world. I've toured the Country going to guitar shops. If I'm not allowed to pick up a guitar- Say even a cheap mid-line workhouse style guitar like a red Epiphone Firebird; Then it should be excplitly explained by staff upon greeting customers at he door. If your business model is to turn away customers that you don't think will buy a real guitar, then just politely ask. It's not that difficult, and as a professional customer I would clearly understand. I have never seen an establishment so good at making customers feel unwanted and uncomfortable- Ever. Not to mention I did walk in with a very healthy budget in mind, and was seriously considering a new guitar that I could use. read more

I live in Tucson and came up to drop off my son at the airport...Had been meaning to come for quite a while NOT DISAPPOINTED!! This place is fantastic...the staff is amazing (Jeff helped me and what a great guy!) very pleasant and helpful and patient and not pushy and I have not seen a bigger room of amazing electrics and then in the Acoustic room my heart almost stopped...Wow!!! You guys really have it!! I'll be bringing my son when he comes back from his trips and plan to tell everyone I know in Tucson... Gibsons galore, Martins, friggin' super wow!! Thanks gents!!!! read more

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Bizarre guitars & Drums is a top spot for browsing, falling in love with and buying guitars in the Phoenix area. There aren't many businesses to compete with the big national instrument center, and unlike the national chain, the staff at bizarre guitars are straight with you, honest, not terribly opinionated as to what is right or wrong and won't sway you in a direction outside of your budget. They want you in the right instrument and will help you figure out just what that is. They have a room filled with acoustic guitars and a room filled with electric guitars as well as a section for hand drums and full drum kits. There are a handful of pre-owned guitars, they do repairs and adjustments. I've been in here more times than I've spent money, I'm sure that's probably standard for most instrument stores, but I've never felt pressured or resented for not walking out with a new instrument. Just like most other musicians, sometimes you just want to know what your next buy is, what budget are you shooting for and what is shiny and new for the current year. When I am looking to find the next right guitar, bizarre guitars is the place you'll find me. read more

Great experience buying a guitar here. The staff were nice and helpful. Happy to support this local business.

The staff are very knowledgeable and professional in the musical instruments they sell. The service they give is excellent and they have lots of drum hardware and drum kits. The guitar selection is very impressive. read more

I have noticed throughout many visits that the staff ALWAYS greets customers and lets them know that staff will take the guitar off the wall for them. It makes me feel confident that the guitar I might buy has not been knocked around by someone and treated poorly. I see people take offense to such white glove service but if you stop and think about WHY they do it you will understand! read more

I was looking to add an essential piece to my 15 year old son's collection and stumbled upon Bizarre Guitar while looking for a Les Paul. They had tons of them! We met Jeff right as we walked in and he was very helpful and allowed my son to plug in a couple and test them out. Greg the manager then approached and we had a great conversation. We ultimately decided on the Cherry Burst Les Paul. We were looking to buy one guitar but I know now we have found the place to get all his guitars moving forward. Shout out to Jerry as well. Jerry and Greg are amazing. These guys are straight shooters. Looking forward to moving our business here for more gear and repairs. Bizarre is not about selling you more stuff you don't need but rather HELPING you get the right quality and value for what you actually need. See you soon. read more

Cool selection of stuff, may have been the worst greeting/ customer service I've encountered for a guitar shop. Definitely not returning.

Lots of guitars and a good amount of them are lefties, so that's nice. There fewer amps than I was hoping for and it didn't really feel all that welcoming of a place. When they tell you the moment you walk in that you should ask them to before trying out a guitar, well....kinda been in a lot of guitar stores and I know what I am doing. read more

Great selection of guitars, really great, but honestly the most terrible customer service known to man. I've shopped here on and off for several years due to the great selection which is a shame (and officially done now) so it's not a "caught them on a bad day", they consistently have a bad vibe and sour outlook on customers, especially the older "manager/owner" with the blonde mullet and hat who's running the show, and I hoped that would change with time but it hasn't. As soon as you open the door, you're greeted/interrogated with the "what do ya want? Make sure you don't touch the guitars, make sure you ask me to take them down okay?!" which is asked in the most negative, brash tone. Once you agree to the terms and conditions thrown at you after you've taken 2 steps through the entrance, you're followed around the store and big brother is always watching over your shoulder. If you should want to try a guitar, they will stand over you while playing. The whole atmosphere is "tense" and quiet in the oddest way for a music store. Granted, some of the part time employees are nice I will say, so it's not really them that's the issue as is the owner, but you can feel the tension and almost want to ask them "blink twice if you need help!". It's just unsettling and very unfortunate that a decades-old music store with such great selection, has to have the customer service of a prison/DMV. The old 80's "rock n roll" attitude shows, and it's not cool anymore. This store is a great example of no matter how good your product, if the service stinks, the product is useless. I won't be returning here again after multiple buys over the years, because I just don't appreciate being treated this way when I can take my business anywhere else. Buying an instrument should feel like a fun experience, and something about this place just kills that, sorry to say. I hope they fix this one day, as what a great looking store and history to be proud of. I do wish them well, just not for me anymore. read more

Everybody is real nice and helpful except The guy who isn't the owner but runs the show; he's not the friendliest. But the others make up for it. Every time I go there I hope to be served by someone other than him lol. read more

Went there Saturday morning just browsing for cool drums for my boys and Greg help patiently and willing to give a discount for us

Greg helped pick out the absolute perfect guitar for me, shared his stories, and created the best atmosphere today. I highly recommend checking them out. Not many places have their level of customer service , patience, and knowledge like they do. And a side note to people commenting about them wanting to take the guitars off the wall for you, think about it....... People drop guitars in stores and walk away. Sometimes those guitars knock down the one below and now they have 2 pieces of beautiful craftsmanship destroyed and they are on the hook for. When you are a small local shop, you can't afford those accidents. When those accidents can cost $6k or more. I asked to look at about 10 different guitars today and yes they took them down for me and not a single time did Greg act impatient or annoyed. He genuinely seems to just love his job. Thank you Greg! read more

Bizarre Guitar & Drums - Fender Vintage II - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Greg helped me buy my first "step-up" acoustic guitar, and gave me a great deal on it. I went to Bizarre intending to try/buy an Eastman (they're basically the only dealer in town). However, after trying a few, none in my price range were really connecting with me. I asked Greg if he could give me any recommendations for what I wanted to spend & he showed me a number of models. When I played the Takamine, everything clicked! Be advised that they do not allow you to pull guitars off the wall at your own discretion, like you find at a Guitar Center. A sales person is required to grab any guitar you want to try, and they'll float nearby if you have any questions, etc. While I probably would have preferred to have a little more autonomy in trying out new guitars, I might not have noticed my new Takamine if I hadn't asked Greg to help me out. So, sort of a double edged sword there, and I can see where it might make some folks a little uncomfortable (especially if you are a beginner like me & kinda suck at playing lol). That is the only reason I docked a star. However, I'm sure they have their reasons for the policy. All in all, I would certainly recommend Bizarre Guitar to a friend. They have a great selection, the staff was nice enough, and as I said, I got great deal on a guitar I love! read more

Needed some help and they hooked it up very appreciative. I will definitely be back if I need any help again.

I went in to get a starter drum set for my son. I've never purchased a drum set and was expecting to pay $1400 give or take. I had no idea what to look for and they just happened to have some drum sets right up front that were on sale they were half of what I was expecting. I called someone who has been drumming for 20+ years to make sure I wasn't buying trash drums. He said for the price it was definitely a good starter set with good hardware. I picked it up the next day and they had it all tuned and helped me load it up. It didn't come with a crash but that's an easy fix. Great first experience. read more

Great spot. Gregg and staff are great and have a great selection. He was very down to earth and spent time talking with me. Highly recommend. read more

Great deals, a decent selection of guitars/straps/amps/etc, good customer service. I highly recommend this place!

This is THE place in Phoenix to purchase a new (or used) guitar. I floated in there early on a Saturday afternoon with a guitar I wanted to trade-in. Greg, the owner, was very fair and reasonable in our dealings. He was extraordinarily helpful and knew a lot about the models and features that he offers for sale. I left Bizarre Guitar & Drums a very happy man that day! read more

Bizarre Guitar & Drums - The 2020 Epiphone Les Paul Muse I scored from Bizarre Guitar & Drum in Phoenix! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I was on a layover to Cambodia and I needed a better travel case for my Mandolin. These folks had several excellent choices, but I ended up buying an Eastman mando at a great price instead. It came with a quality case- problem solved! read more

As soon as I went through the door I saw the posters they are selling that manage to mock both mentally and physically disabled people. I'm not that thin skinned but as a disabled wheelchair user this was so personally offensive and alienating that I knew immediately that this shop will never get a dime from me. The staff were helpful enough but the selection was way biased towards the usual Les pauls, strats, and teles. The only jaguar in the shop had an obviously blemished pickguard. Not even GC would have a guitar like that on the floor, and def not selling for full price. I hate to say it but I would have been better off going literally anywhere else. read more

Went in for the first time today and left with a beautiful LTD EC-1000. I was greeted upon entering the store and advised to request assistance if I would like to play a guitar. They take great care of their instruments so I felt this was an acceptable request. I was allowed to play for quite some time and they had nice feedback for me. Much more peaceful of an environment than your average Guitar Center. They have a stellar selection of amazing guitars. I was given a great deal on my guitar. I will definitely be returning in the future! read more

Bizarre Guitar & Drums - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I've been cruising guitar shops for a month trying to find thicker necks that help relieve my hand ache. The salesmen at Bizarre Guitar & Drums really jumped at the opportunity to find me the best options they had, putting a bunch of models in my hands, and patiently waiting while I noodled around on each one to judge its comfort level. I took home a limited edition Epiphone Les Paul with a nice, thick carve. I can whole heartedly recommend you give this shop a try! They were great! read more

I was just in there looking at possibly buying a new left handed P Bass , wasn't actually ready but Greg answered my questions and since I'm a little short on funds right now, he let me know what I need for a layaway ,so now I put a plan together once I sell a few things that I'm not using ,definitely will be doing business with them soon read more

Upon walking into this store this male employee made me uncomfortable. He was stood directly at the door when I walked in as if i wasn't welcome. I asked for a price range on strings and he wanted to see the guitar- which was fine. I asked about picks. He was short & rude - asked for a dollar - gave me no receipt while the younger female pointed at my Black Lives Matter purse and laughed- i asked if i could look though the store because it was so uncomfortable- he said yeah but If you want to play or touch something we'll get it for you. His tone & body language was uninviting and rude. I ultimately decided to leave instead of walking around on egg shells so i then leave and head a few doors down to a crystal shop- where he follows me out and goes into another business " to get a water " this sort of thing happens to black women too often. But we play guitars- we want and deserve service and not to be treated as if we don't belong. This generation won't tolerate this anymore. read more

Bizarre Guitar & Drums - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I have heard that this shop is not very welcoming , I just went in for some strings and I wanted 13 gauge and the old guy at the counter just threw 11's at me and said this is what you need, he didnt ask what tuning i was using or seem to care at all, i guess i got strings.... not the size i wanted kinda felt like he push the sale on me when i didnt have a choice.... go somewhere else this guy doesnt want to be nice then you dont get business read more

Had a great transaction ( over the Phone) I live in Florida and knew about a specific guitar i was searching for. Ryan was the associate that had helped me with my purchase. The whole team was accommodation, patient and friendly. Absolutely the friendliest music store i have dealt with in the past 20 years. Thank You Bizarre Guitar and Ryan for the experience. I will be checking the inventory regularly :) read more

Bizarre Guitar & Drums - I found a 2014 120th Anniversary signature LP i was searching for at Bizarre. Was as Described.Totally Happy with my purchase :) - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I'll just echo what others have already said. This is not a welcoming guitar store. They tell you if you want to try something, you must ask and they'll take it off the wall for you. And it doesn't stop there. They actually sit near you while you play so you don't jet out the door with their gear, I guess? I get it! This is expensive equipment but if you are that worried, don't own a freaking guitar store. The employees act like they don't want to be there and it makes me not want to be there either. Go somewhere else. read more

Bizarre Guitar & Drums has been around for a long time and has come a long way. They do sell drums and have an ever changing lineup among their drums along with percussion instruments but they are noted for their vast selection of guitars! They have a specialty section of signed or famous guitars for collectors and 3 walls loaded with electric guitars that wrap around a big selection of amplifiers! There is also a climate controlled room for many many acoustic guitars. They have effects, picks, cables and repair options. Great deals on guitars and drums! read more

I'm getting back into music after a 15 year absence and these guys were friendly and knowledgeable while I was picking out my equipment. They have a large variety of gear inside, the store is pretty deep so don't judge it from what appears to be a smaller store front from the street. I'm very happy with my experience here and I will be back soon read more

Great place! Owners and workers are super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend to anyone from beginner to full on professional musician.

My husband's guitar had a broken string and the owner helped him change it and tune it. He was very knowledgeable and willing to help. If you are looking to buy or a repair this is a non intimidating and experienced place. read more

Love this shop! They treated my young son like a real drummer and showed him how to try out different drums. He left the shop with his first drum and was on cloud nine! Very friendly, helpful and personable! read more

Great service. Staff is very knowledgeable. They shoot straight I have been there for years and have always felt good about my purchases as well as setting up my guitars. read more

I went to try and trade a guitar I bought (new) from them 5 month ago. I basically didn't even use this guitar and upon trying to trade for an electric guitar this worker stated that there was a "bulge" in my guitar from not humidifying it properly (which I did, the exact way they said plus how they said on the internet). They also plugged it into an amp because it was acoustic/electric and stated that the pick ups were broken. Like I said I maybe played this guitar 5-10 times and not ONCE even used the pick ups. So he devalued my guitar and said he could maybe do a guitar for 100$ when I bought this original guitar for almost 400$ only 5 months ago. I told him no, I'd rather keep it then basically giving it away back to them to make very easy fixes and sell it to another person. I will not be returning to this place again. read more

I have tried to give these folks business and the benefit of the doubt over the years, but not once have I ever walked in and felt welcome, which, I suppose is why I always leave without buying. not only will they not let you touch anything, they won't even let you look. they aren't friendly. I know guitars and guitar stores and this is among the worst. read more

I purchased my Epiphone Riviera Custom P93 Semi-Hollow body a week or so back. I was interested in a Epiphone Casino but saw this one first. Still I reached past it for the Casino and was trying it out but kept looking at the Riviera. I had to try it out, I like it and I bought it. Jerry and Greg were a great help with questions I had and you just don't see that guitar hanging in the big stores. I'll be back..... Because I also saw a black Squire Bass VI on the wall read more

Bizarre Guitar & Drums - And she likes it too. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Came in to look around, they yelled at me for taking down a Squire Strat really? I own many guitars and know how to handle and instrument. From the look of an empty store I can tell they don't get much business least of all my business. A hands off music store means my business goes elsewhere guys. read more

Staff are rude and this place will sell you broken/ near broken gear and refuse a refund. I've tried to buy gear from them 3 times and each time ended up out on my money and them telling me they will not give me a refund. Eventually after sharing my experiences with other musicians around Phoenix I was made aware that most of the musicians in this city do not care for this store and have their own stories of how this store has conducted poor business over the years. read more

Adjusted my guitar, tightened everything down, fixed my tone knob cracking sound, and gave me a quote all for free. The nicest and realest people in the AZ guitar business you will meet. Planning to come again soon! read more