Guitar Shops in Chicago

[rxm1611]

My wife and I are heading to Chicago for the next 3 days to look at prospective locations to live now that I'm done with the service. Any good guitar shops that a recommended in the area?

[Shortfinger]

Sorry, but Chicago has no guitar shops. 🤤

[Shortfinger]

All you want is at CME in the Roscoeville neighborhood. Allow three hours.

[Wade Hampton]

Just north of Chicago proper is The Guitar Works in Evanston.


whm

[asilker]

Chicago music exchange. Both Carl's are great in the acoustic room, Carl Kammin is my dude

I think they still have that 1939 J-35. Lots of Santa Cruz,h&d, Collins, vintage Martin and Gibson and all the new stuff

Frankly I might see you there

[kcnbys]

Chicago Music Exchange on N. Lincoln Ave. in the city (the Disneyland of guitars).

Guitar Works in Evanston

Music Gallery in Highland Park

Tobias Music in Downers Grove

Different Strummer at the Old Town School of Folk Music (just a couple miles north of CME).

[pjmacd]

A little further north from Evanston is Music Gallery in Highland Park. Lots of Martins and Taylors, and a few McPhersons. There are also Guitar Center locations in Highland Park and Arlington Heights, as well as one on N. Halsted in Chicago proper. And finally, Tobias Music in Downer's Grove has an excellent rep.

[Rjlipton]

CME is really great for buying used instruments. They have an extensive selection so you can probably find what you are looking for and play it before buying.

Farther afield is Down Home guitars in Frankfort Illinois. They probably have the best selection of high-end guitars. Pretty far away but worth the trip.

[Kh1967]

Add to the above Tobias Music (Downer's Grove, IL) and Down Home Guitars (Frankfort, IL).

[crispscone]

Originally Posted by pjmacd

A little further north from Evanston is Music Gallery in Highland Park. Lots of Martins and Taylors, and a few McPhersons. There are also Guitar Center locations in Highland Park and Arlington Heights, as well as one on N. Halsted in Chicago proper. And finally, Tobias Music in Downer's Grove has an excellent rep.

Fair warning on Music Gallery. They have some nice guitars, but if--like me-- you're not the kind of person who enjoys trying out new instruments with a salesperson perched on your shoulder, you're not going to get much out of the experience. They really don't give you a lot of space to commune.

Chicago Music Exchange is an institution. You won't regret a visit.

[hurling frootmi]

If you make it to CME then Rock and Roll Vintage is also worth a quick visit. They normally have a small selection of nice vintage acoustics.

Tobias is not far from me in the western suburbs and they have a great selection including Santa Cruz.

[jgmaute]

Originally Posted by rxm1611

My wife and I are heading to Chicago for the next 3 days to look at prospective locations to live now that I'm done with the service. Any good guitar shops that a recommended in the area?

I can’t add any to those already mentioned but will say since I lived in the western suburbs Tobias Music was always a great place.

So what’s the call to Chicago? Are you looking in the city or burbs? Have fun looking at Chicago and other possible locations. Check with the forum for music stores and scenes as you do your search. Good luck.

[Shadowfox]

As an IL resident, I would look elsewhere if you can lol. Property taxes are insane.

However, CME is a phenomenal place!

Also, must have Dinkel's across the street for food if you are able.

[martingitdave]

I will add to this list:

Chicago Music Exchange on N. Lincoln Ave. in the city (Ask for Karl or Karl.)

Guitar Works in Evanston (Nice people - I've bought and sold there.)

Music Gallery in Highland Park (My local dealer and a great shop)

Tobias Music in Downers Grove (Family Owned Business - Best Taylor Selection)

Different Strummer at the Old Town School of Folk Music (Small Selection but Nice Place to Visit).

Down Home Guitars in Frankfort IL. (Best high end shop)

Also, yes, property taxes are very high. If you don't have a family with school age children, there is less value. That said, you do get a lot for your taxes here.