I bought a trumpet from PJLA Music a PHAETON Trumpet PHT-2040 Black Chrome Onyx plated finish with 24 K Gold Plated finger buttons, top/bottom caps & water keys. I have been playing trumpet for 40 years and I have never had a better horn then this. I got it and starting playing and it played freely and was open and the horn allowed me to do as i wished with it and truly went over the top with its performance.. Thank you for my Horn!
3. Scratched Vinyl
Address: 119 Barrington Commons Ct, Barrington, IL 60010 , Barrington Hills , Illinois , United States
Excellent selection. Stores like this are rare these days. Worth stopping in if you love music.
Great selection of vinyl, John helped me find just what I was looking for. Nice guy, I will be going back, bringing my son and grandson next time.
Love the vibe, TONS of selection and knowledgeable team members.
Great little vinyl shop! Took my daughter (15 yrs old) to let her browse and she found a couple Christmas albums she bought. Wonderful vibe and a place you can’t just hang out.
Nice old school record store
Gotta say it looked good from the window, open Saturdays only. To be updated with in store experience
– Lots of product
– Super clean store.
– Unfortunately this place has a very boutique feel to it, and that includes the prices. Used records are definitely over priced.
– Could benefit from more proper/accurate labeling/organization
– Lady at the counter was more interested in her phone than anything else.
I used to go to Rainbow Records often and Loved It!!! John was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and the place exuded the love of music. Scratched Vinyl doesn’t have that vibe; it’s more of an overpriced music boutique than a true “record store;” selling good condition used vinyl at the price you could find it new and playing music that once would expect to hear in a trendy clothing store. I really think it’s a shame that Rainbow Records’ legacy wasn’t carried on with the new ownership and location but all good things must come to an end.
4. Fundamental Records
Address: 330 E Main St, Barrington, IL 60010 , Barrington Hills , Illinois , United States
Fantastic place for kids to learn an instrument in a fun environment. The teachers and staff are all excellent and excited to work with kids. They love music but they love kids too. We’ve been to other School of Rock locations and Barrington has been our best experience. I wouldn’t have my son go anywhere else. High quality of lessons, performance experience, and overall atmosphere.
I use to come to Barrington twice a year to visit my daughter, who lives here. As a piano student I need a place to study my lessons with a decent keyboard for practising.
I found all this at the School of Rock of Barrington. And even more: Barbara Lewis, its general manager, is a very caring person, wishing to help you, to make you feel comfortable at the school.
I strongly recommend the place to all the people who wants to learn or practice music (which is, indeed, among the most wonderful things in the world).
Not really impressed with this school. We went for a trial lesson with every intention of signing up for regular classes. The instructor really had nothing to say to me after my son’s class. I had to approach him myself as he was walking away and still he barely said a thing after I inquired about how everything went. Say something man. Anything. The front desk attendant educated me more than the actual teacher. Just left w a bleh feeling. Not signing up.
This school is only for approved white rich people. Horrible experience with the instructors playing favorites. If I could give zero stars I would. All of these five star ratings are from the parents that have been given preferential treatment. Don’t waste your time, and YOUR MONEY if you’re a hardworking middle class family in this school.
7. Offbeat Music Store
Address: 3 S Old Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047 , Barrington Hills , Illinois , United States
I love Offbeat I go very often and they always make sure I get the best deal possible. They are very friendly and they know a lot about musical instruments and such. They have a variety of unique items such as “Tank Drums” which are very cool and they have just about everything you could want musically. Go check it out!
Nice small music shop, very organized. They have some instruments (mostly guitars). They also offer music lessons, my daughter just started piano lessons with James Lyons and he was great. I was skeptical that she would like piano lessons but he made it very enjoyable and fun for her. We can’t wait to see her skills grow.
Guitar arrived today in great shape! Thanks for a smooth transaction.
Music store with a nice selection of instruments. Some vinyl and CDs too, although it has very few, if any, hidden treasures. 2 stars removed because the one employee and 2 of the customers were not wearing masks when I visited. I would have spent more time and money here if they were. Stay safe, everyone.
Friendly people
I was very dissatisfied with this location as they don’t offer any instruments that would allow the user to produce the sounds of Echolocation
8. Dr Woods Guitar Emporium
Address: 304 Lincoln Ave, Fox River Grove, IL 60021 , Barrington Hills , Illinois , United States
Have had an awesome experience for gutair lessons in Mchenry County. Everyone is friendly and helpful. The pricing is very reasonable. 5 stars!
Fantastic fast service on my broken Gibson classic, which had a severed head for the 2nd time. I would argue that the finish is cleaner and smoother than the fix previously, and the playability was just like new.
They also have an impressive set of gear from tube amps, used stuff, and even a crazy Dean flying V looking thing that I can’t wait to wail on next time I stop in for some gear.
Lastly, my toddler thanks the fine maestros at the store for not calling the cops on her for walking out with about 10 packs of strings without anyone knowing (obviously returned).
5+ stars
Great customer experience at Dr Woods! Buddy and team were super friendly and helpful.
Large selection of guitars and great atmosphere. Highly recommend.
Very friendly, asked for advice on a project gave great direction. I will definitly come back to give them my business.
Buddy is an expert musician. His advice, insights, and customer service are worth the visit. I support this local shop because they offer value that I can’t get from the web or a large chain.
A very helpful and knowledgeable staff. A relaxed atmosphere with some really great looking guitars.
I called 45 minutes before they closed and was there about 25 to 30 minutes before they closed to get a guitar pick the lady with a dog looked at me walking out locked the door and got into her car and left mind you there was still about like I said 25 to 30 minutes left so if you’re gonna close at 8:30 put it on your page on Google that closing is at 8:30 and I’m still gonna buy a pick tomorrow because you’re the closest but that will probably be the last time I’m there and I will be returning the saxophone either Friday or the third
Its a long story. In the end it was a bad experience.
I think if I didn’t check up with them things could have been much worst.
I’m not doing any business with them and advise the same.
I debated posting a review or not, but I think I should if it’ll keep someone from having a bad experience. First off, the employees are super kind people. Couldn’t be happier with the staff. But unfortunately the work I received on my guitar was really poor. Took a guitar there, first time bringing them one of my instruments. Was told I could expect a turnaround in under a week. Ended up waiting almost 2 months. Honestly not a big deal, happens a lot with instrument repair. Got the guitar back. Took it out to play it and the truss rod cover is missing. Find it in the case and put it on. Turn the volume knob, it falls off. Have to spread the top of the pot and reinstall it. Start playing and there’s a weird oscillating noise from the amp. Find the output jack totally loose, have to take off the cover and tighten it. Screws for the cover are stripped in the body. This is a new guitar by the way. Notice the G string sits higher off the neck than all the others, very noticeably. Figured they would fix this when doing a setup but I guess not. Had to file the saddles out myself. Should have just done the job myself at this point. Ended up taking the guitar apart to make sure the wiring wasn’t as bad as the assembly and setup. Got it playing good now, but after paying for someone else to do it and then having to do it myself, it wasn’t worth it. I figured the extra time taken would have meant it was 100% ready to go when they called but apparently not. This was a mid range guitar so I’m not terribly upset about it, but if it was something really nice I would have definitely been upset. Take this into consideration before dropping off your favorite axe. Hope they learn to slow down and do quality work.
We have been extremely pleased with the BMA and in particular the owner/teacher Marian Fadrowski. Our 12 year old son plays cello and is in the school orchestra. While the school does a nice job, the instruction my son receives from Marian in private lessons is priceless. Beyond the lessons, there are also recitals and group playing available. Highly highly recommend!
From my first phone call to Marian until now, the second year of violin lessons with my 6 year old, I have been pleased with our experience at Barrington Music Academy. The caring and knowledgeable violin instructor he recommended was an excellent fit for our family. My daughter has grown so much and enjoyed learning along the way. I highly recommend the school. It is well run with a personal touch that I appreciate.
Personal attention, patience and inspiration for my young developing artist. I’m certain Maestro motivated my young musician, teaching him life skills in addition to the love of music.
14. Knight Music Academy
Address: 106 S Wynstone Park Dr Suite 101, North Barrington, IL 60010 , Barrington Hills , Illinois , United States
My both children has been going to Knight Music Academy for last six years and we had nothing but great experience. Academy has wonderful, Knowledgable, and experienced teachers.
My son has been a student at Knight Music Academy for 5 wonderful years and the Laura and the staff there are outstanding. They take the time to identify each child’s strengths and weaknesses and work to provide a great learning environment that is age appropriate. They do their best to accommodate ever changing schedules and they host holiday recitals which the students and family love. Their rates are reasonable and the teachers are highly educatedin their fields. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who loves music and wants to learn how to play piano, guitar or percussion instruments.
I cannot emphasize five stars enough when I talk about Knight Music Academy. We have been a KMA family since my daughter was 2 and my son was a newborn (we are nearly celebrating 7 years at KMA). Because of Laura Knight and her incredibly warm teaching style and commitment to providing the best educational experience possible for all KMA students, both of my children have grown to have a deep and genuine love of music and feel proud to be guitarists. I have also watched in awe as Laura has helped to foster within them a sense of self-discipline, respect for themselves, their classmates, and their instruments. Moreover, both of my kids feel a sense of confidence as performers that I never had growing up with music lessons. The skills that they have learned at KMA transfer to their attitudes towards learning in many other environments as well. KMA offers far more than just music education, it’s an excellent investment in your child’s development overall. As a parent, watching my children thrive in such an enriching and nurturing environment is an incredible feeling. I am so grateful to Laura and all the KMA teachers for providing such a wonderful home for music education. Every family I have referred to KMA (and there have been quite a few) have marveled at how incredible the experience is–way better than anything they had tried elsewhere. If you’re searching for a place to teach your child to love music–look no further. KMA is the absolute best!
Disappointing Experience for my Child
I enrolled my 6-year-old child at Knight Music Academy with high hopes for a positive learning experience. Unfortunately, my experience with the owner, and the piano instructor, left much to be desired.
On multiple occasions, I observed displaying rudeness and impatience towards both students and parents. This behavior created a tense atmosphere that was far from conducive to a productive learning environment.
Moreover, demonstrated a lack of patience when working with my child. Instead of providing gentle guidance and encouragement, there were instances where my child felt discouraged and hesitant to continue with lessons.
These experiences had a notable impact on my child’s enthusiasm for learning piano. What should have been a joyful exploration of music turned into a source of anxiety and reluctance.
Expectations vs. Reality
When I initially enrolled my child, I anticipated a nurturing and supportive environment where a love for music would flourish. Unfortunately, the reality fell far short of these expectations.
Suggestions for Improvement:
I strongly recommend that Knight Music Academy invest in training for their staff, particularly in areas of effective communication, patience, and professionalism. Creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere should be a priority.
Conclusion
In sum, my experience at Knight Music Academy was disappointing, primarily due to the demeanor of the owner and instructor. While there may be positive aspects to the school, they were overshadowed by these significant shortcomings.
Sign Off:
Thank you for taking the time to consider my feedback. I hope this review serves as constructive feedback for Knight Music Academy to improve and provide a better experience for future students.
15. Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters
Address: 100 E Station St #170, Barrington, IL 60010 , Barrington Hills , Illinois , United States
So I just finished a Bike Race, long story, and I wanted a slice of Pizza. But apparently Barrington thinks it’s too posh for a simple honest slice.
Instead my legs take into this place. Low-Key. Good vibes. The baristas were friendly and welcoming, much needed after a long cold day.
The Amarillo Chipotle Egg Sandwich. One Bite. Heaven.
Thank you
LOVE the staff. Alyssa, Brett, Hailey, all totally warm and friendly when I come in. Great at suggesting new drinks and also remembering my “regular”. Great atmosphere!
Friendly service, delicious coffee, clean and cozy ambience – my favorite coffee shop
Nice coffee place. Enough indoor seating and also has outdoor tables. Location is great too.
Lack of staff, too long of a line to bother with. With Starbucks around the corner and good breakfast places nearby, why bother. Once you get your coffee it is excellent, but is it worth the wait.
Amazing coffee and donuts.
It has a nice cozy atmosphere and we visit often. But the PRICE INCREASE is huge. My almond milk capp,lg. is now over $8.00. Starbucks is alot less.
I will still go,but will order plain coffee here. the last 3 visits, we had tiny flies flying around our coffee and faces. no kidding… in January!
Never been there!
Denied service and harassed for not having a mask on. As it’s their policy as an independent business, they failed to address if we had a medical condition deeming us liable to not wear a mask. Very poor service.
16. SL Studio
Address: 115 E Station St, Barrington, IL 60010 , Barrington Hills , Illinois , United States
