Old Paint Records

Old Paint Records is a Tucson record shop rooted in the city's historic Presidio area, with a name that nods to spotted horses, old cowboy language, and the Woody Guthrie song "Old Paint." The shop leans away from obvious bestseller-bin curation and focuses instead on interesting titles, harder-to-find genres, historically important music, and a broad international section.

For sellers, Old Paint Records takes walk-ins for a box or two and makes appointments or house calls for larger collections. The store is especially excited by 1960s jazz, 1960s and 1970s soul and funk, fringe rock from any era, good blues, and records in clean, usable condition.

Interview with Old Paint Records

What does the name Old Paint Records mean?

Old Paint is an old cowboy term for spotted horses. Our shop is located on land that was once inside the Spanish fortress, The Presidio, where the Spanish first settled in this area. We were told we are located in the area where the stables were, so it is sort of an homage to the horses. There is also a great old cowboy song called "Old Paint" we love from Woody Guthrie.

How has Tucson's record-store scene changed, and how does that affect what you stock?

Well, it has changed a lot from when I was a kid growing up here. The scene back then was into weird, art punk, garage rock, and noise. Tucson at large seemed like Santana, ZZ Top, Los Lobos? It is hard to say what Tucson listeners want now. It is pretty diverse, and a lot of people have moved here within the last decade or so, really changing the demographic.

At our shop, we try to stock interesting titles, harder-to-find genres, and music that we feel is historically important. There are quite a few other record stores in Tucson now, so we try to steer away from the obvious or "best seller" lists, as we know that they are being adequately represented elsewhere. A lot of people comment that our selection is fun because of that.

We also get complimented on the breadth of and diversity within our international section. Tucson loves its souldies, lowrider tunes, cumbias, and classic Mexican music as well. But I think a lot of people like to discover music at our shop, and many are willing to take a chance on something they are not so familiar with.

If someone wants to sell records to Old Paint Records, what is the best way to start?

If you mean selling records to our shop, we take walk-ins when it is only a box or two, or make appointments and house calls for collections. We just want the records to be in decent shape and to be titles that we can use. We are always stoked to see 60s jazz, 60s and 70s soul and funk, fringe rock from any era, good blues, etc.

What condition problems show up most often in collections around Tucson?

Haha! You can imagine: dusty, sandy, warped. But also water damaged, and you would be surprised at how many moldy records we have found and have turned away. A little dusty is acceptable. We give every record a thorough cleaning before it goes on our shelves.

Old Paint Records also has a detailed FAQ page about the buy/sell process: https://old-paint-records.square.site/faq

What is a local record or customer story that captures the shop?

"Ray and Carl at the Musicade" is a record you come across now and then. They were a musical act at a local bar here in the 70s that incorporated synthesizers, organs, and a light show. Very rad trippy stuff. They put an album out, probably only sold at performances, and I think all of them have been signed.

We also have a 7-inch that has a song written for the Tucson tourism board in the 80s. There was a TV commercial that used it. It is called "Tucson, Arizona's favorite child." Heehee.

Abner Jay, the blues artist, used to play at the Tanque Verde swap meet and sell his records. We have seen a few of his original albums in the wild. Mississippi Records has re-released a few of them, thankfully, so he is easier to find.

What should a first-time visitor know before stopping by?

We are located in a historic adobe complex that houses a few other shops, a tattoo parlour, and a restaurant. All the shops have unique vibes and fun stuff to look at, the restaurant courtyard is beautiful, and you can really spend a whole day here.

The surrounding neighborhood contains the Tucson Museum of Art, the Presidio Museum, and a few other restaurants and shops. This neighborhood is set back a little from the main strip downtown and feels like a secret oasis. You can have a total experience and chill in a really unique part of Tucson.

FAQ

Does Old Paint Records buy used records?

Yes. Old Paint Records takes walk-ins for a box or two and makes appointments or house calls for larger collections.

What kinds of records is Old Paint Records most interested in buying?

The shop is especially interested in 1960s jazz, 1960s and 1970s soul and funk, fringe rock from any era, good blues, and other titles the store can use.

What condition should records be in?

Records should be in decent shape. Dust is manageable, but water damage, warping, and mold are common reasons a collection may be turned away.

What makes Old Paint Records' selection different?

Old Paint Records tries to avoid obvious bestseller-bin curation and focuses on interesting titles, harder-to-find genres, historically important music, and a diverse international section.

What is near Old Paint Records in Tucson?

The shop is in a historic adobe complex near the Tucson Museum of Art, the Presidio Museum, restaurants, other shops, a tattoo parlour, and a courtyard restaurant setting.

Last updated: 2026-07-11