Great store . Mattoon is very lucky to have such a store. GREAT EMPLOYEES, INSTRUCTORS AND OF COURSE THE OWNER!!!
The guys that work there are very helpful. They have an awesome selection of guitars too. Highly recommend going here!!
Love going there and stuff but idk if it was one of the employees or just a customer, but this older guy walked up to me and my friend and made a really rude comment about our colored hair “did you wake up late at a party or something?” How the actual heck would anyone think that is an ok thing to say?????
That was one of my favorite music stores to go to and now I’m not so sure, if it were an employee who sayid that. I’m pretty sure it was because he walked to the back after that. If you have colored hair and you take hate comments too seriously, be careful.
I remember your Christmas store at the Mall always used to eye the Bass in the box and now i am playing that a Jazz Bass i bought i am now in Tennessee so thanks for helping with my dreams
In the late 90s early 2000’s this was an awesome store. Used CD’s, Ppl who loved to talk about old bands and music culture, It was different. Mind you, they still have great instrument selection, and fair prices for a small business. Some staff is decent, some have the personality of a week old gym sock. I’d say if your local, pick up your kids first instrument there and support local small business. Idk if the lead dude from x-crush still works there, but he was awesome. but it’s a lottery.
So you want to call on the dude behind me in line and not even greet me or tell me to have a nice day? Poor way to run a business. The old white guy at the front is rude and inconsiderate. He chose to serve the man behind me in line, likely because I’m a woman, so congrats on losing not only my 42$ purchase I got refunded today; but all future purchases from my multi instrumentalist husband that has been a customer here for over 6 years. I’ll buy from Amazon before giving my money to rude old men. Do better. Hope it was worth it for that dudes 12 dollars worth of strings.
My family came in just a few minutes ago and they were very ride to us. My boyfriend, who is normally a very strong person, just walked out of this place in tears because they made him feel embarrassed. Smh. Rude rude employees who act like musical elites.
3. The Music Shoppe Inc.
Address: 27 E Marketview Dr, Champaign, IL 61820 , Bement , Illinois , United States
I bought a used YAMAHA guitar, which turns out to have a very wrong replacement of the nut and too high action. I dropped off my guitar at the store and they provided free estimates, and sent me the detailed info by email.
Price to install a strap button would come to about $18.
Price to fit a pre-shaped replacement nut would come to $40 plus part price (approx $7 – $18)
Carving a new nut (if needed) would come to $70 plus part price (approx $7 – $18)
Price of new strings (if needed) would come to about $12
Estimates are free, and the instrument can be returned at no charge with no work done.
The guitar was fixed the next day and the problem was solved! The price is reasonable. Highly recommend!
I am a music teacher and have come to the Music Shoppe for a long time for a variety of needs. They are always friendly and very helpful. They are willing to order anything not in stock, find music I may not know how to find, and help students that I send in to the store.
Margaret Escobar
Nathan is a top-notch technician. His work is up to the standard of the Schilke shop, for sure.
The Music Shoppe has always provided quality service. We have purchased one instrument from them, but had other instruments serviced. They have knowledgeable staff and I have never been disappointed with any repair or maintenance work they have completed. They bent over backward once to help us in a pinch.
My only complaint is that they are so busy with schools, it is hard to get personal instruments in. (They told me 3 weeks before they could even look at my daughter’s instrument.)
These people are consistently quality professionals. Over the last 5 years I have trusted their service and have not been disappointed.
It’s a good place for renting and buying instruments. They repair and provide loaner instruments.
Nice staff, wonderful selection, higher end of the usual price range though.
Looked at stuff for over 20 minutes without getting attention of any staff members on a very slow day. I literally was carrying a list of items I needed. Prices were way out of line. Selection was slightly better than Guitar Center.
I went in to have my saxophone serviced. The saxophone I play is pretty nice. I mentioned that I played it in marching band and the woman belittled me for playing a nice instrument in marching band. Sorry I don’t have an unlimited supply of saxophones.
Absolutely the most unprofessional shop around ! Straight garbage
4. B & J Music Inc.
Address: 3232 N Vermilion St, Danville, IL 61832 , Bement , Illinois , United States
Is now, and has always been “the” standard for musical merchandise and teaching how to use them. My parents, myself and my child have connected with B&J Music over the years. Three generations should speak for itself. Thank you B&J!
very nice folks. got my daughters flute in working order in a day.
Great help and good price
Good place to shop and has good teachers there
Its a good friendly place.
Above avery music store.
Staff isn’t very friendly!
Practically nothing for bass guitar and they were completely out of friendly customer service.
Over priced guitars, low quality at that. Better off shopping online. I have returned three different guitars now due to bad necks, and did I mention the guitars were over priced?
5. Byassee Music and Sound
Address: 521 W Main St, Marion, IL 62959 , Bement , Illinois , United States
An awesome music store located inside of a historical building! Great atmosphere, service, and prices! I purchased my first Fender guitar from Byassee in November of last year. I showed up while it was still being setup and had a great conversation with their guitar tech. (He’s got the best job in the world lol.) anyway, he worked with me on the price of the guitar and even threw in a free case with it so I had something to carry it home in. Would highly recommend. Huge selection! Thank you, Byassee, for all of the great service and smiles you provided along the way.
This is a great, locally owned music store. Wide selection of instruments, and knowledgeable staff.
Great Place! Very friendly workers helped me find what I need, they even suggested the cheapest things to get.
Best place ever to me
Really nice people, just very overpriced
Had everything we needed.
They sold me a violin for 2,000 and when I had it appraised the specialist said they cost $100 for a set of three. I will never do business with them again and I urge anyone to go elsewhere
6. Capital City Music
Address: 3700 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL 62711 , Bement , Illinois , United States
Nice store plenty of gear in stock , staff was pleasant , prices were reasonable and they even had some used instruments for cheapskate s like me hahaa I will go back and give them some business, even though online shopping may save you a few nickel s or couple bucks shopping local and having our local business s right down the street is well worth it to me .
Very limited selection of music, they have lots of guitars and pianos, though.
The guest experience was alright, but after going in, and returning my item the staff took my return and assured me it was completed, I left and enjoyed the day, more than a week later and I have discovered the staff I talked to must have processed my return improperly since I have never received my refund on my bank statement and when I tried to call in to get the situation corrected I was told they could not find my transaction. Edit… The owner has personally reached out to me and has worked to correct the situation.
went to get my guitar set up and it came back out of tune, disappointed to say the least, reading other reviews it appears the staff might need more technical experience or organization
I hate doing this because I want to like music stores but if service is gonna be like this, everyone myswell DIY at home and heed this warning. I’ve had a few guitars setup there which is what I’m always needing done, new guitars etc, well I happen to be changing the strings on my Chapman that I had setup there and the low E saddle of the Floyd Rose came loose and the saddle screw fell out and that’s strange as you tighten them down. Well here’s what I discovered. Either dude lost the original saddle screw or he broke it somehow, but sitting in place of the original saddle screw is a too small saddle screw from a different bridge! It had been set in there and the string was tightened until it held the saddle in place! Like magic no screwing required! This guaranteed that as soon as the string tension came loose the saddle and screw would come loose every time NOT like it’s supposed to. Soooo sad service especially since luckily here at home I have many of those saddle screws laying around. It would have been better service to call me/order the correct part than to wait for me to get home figure out that I have the wrong part and have to deal with it myself. Smh.
I am giving two stars because Matt Waldhoff took the time to speak with us in the store. Other than that, I’m not impressed. We were going to consign an expensive Clavinova with them. Upon looking at the contract emailed to us they wanted 40% of the price it sold for, which was satisfactory with us. What was not satisfactory was even thought they only charged $100 to pick-up the clavinova it appeared from the contract they wanted $100 to deliver it to the new owners. Also, they would take no responsibility for any damage that may occur to the unit while it was in their hands. As we had questions regarding that contract we contacted Matt Waldhoff two times via email, asking him to clarify certain aspects of the contract. He never responded back so I assumed they did not want our business. I ended up selling the clavinova on my own and kept the 40% they would otherwise have received. It is inexcusable to not return emails to clarify a contract and I can only assume he took offense that we had questions regarding a contract where they took the profit, but absolutely no responsibility for damage.
7. Old Delhi Music
Address: Contact, Urbana, IL 61802 , Bement , Illinois , United States
Honestly, the only place to purchase a harmonium in the U.S. Nic not only does an excellent job setting up the instrument–always needed after arriving from India–but is super available for help and trouble shooting even years after initial purchase! More businesses should follow his example!
I would have lost the bet that I would ever purchase an instrument without hearing it first. I trusted Sheela Bringi’s recommendation to make a harmonium purchase with Nic. “He loves harmoniums and wants to do it right” was what I needed to hear. Nic was easy to work with, answered my questions and offered knowledge and advice. Even though I am a beginner asking questions, he welcomed them with support and enthusiasm to get me set up. It arrived in the mail with tracking faster than expected, packed very well. BUT THEN I PLAYED IT! Wow. I could not be more pleased. Within two weeks of having the Bhava Kirtan Mini, I was asked to play a set for a yoga teacher training graduation. I purchased the extra Microphone and the other band mates were thrilled to hear it sound great through the PA. I am having a blast. Thank you Nic for not only setting me up with an incredible instrument, but for having done a great job to all the customers before me, so I could trust the process AND LEVEL UP. It’s a game changer to play your harmonium. Jia MA!
Nic was very professional through the whole experience from choosing which Harmonium to purchase until it finally reached me in Indonesia. The quality and sound of the Bhava Teak Limited is worth the money. Glad I dealt with Nic and would recommend him to others thinking of buying a Harmonium.
I received a faulty instrument from these people and when I asked to return it they denied my request. Even though it was kept in a hard case which I also purchased from them. They were entirely at fault and chose to steal from me instead of being accountable.
NEVER BUY FROM THESE PEOPLE. They will steal if given the chance.
8. River’s Piano
Address: 2207 Rebecca Dr, Champaign, IL 61821 , Bement , Illinois , United States
Lots of stuff crammed into such a tiny coach house, Mr. Skinner is very helpful and knowledgeable
True Antiques.
Knowledge of all items, including lamp repair.
History of building itself to any questions you have will be answered even proven if you wish.
We will definitely be back!
This place is the genuine article. My spouse & I came in 5 minutes before closing, rushing and hoping we could make it in time just to see the place(we live out of state) before it closed. We were greeted by the sweetest 89-year-old Mr. Kelly Skinner(co-owner) and he didn’t mind at all that we stayed over and purchased some really pretty glassware(including a Patisserie Glass Serving Stand). The building itself has a history, as does this gentleman who has been running this place for many, many years. It did not feel commercialized like an “Antique Mall” at all; rather, it felt like one of those rare little genuine antique shops(which is indeed what it is). The guy re-does the wiring on all the antique light fixtures because he says he wants to make sure whoever buys them is safe. He does not take credit card, cash only, and when he rang us up he used an actual hand calculator and wrote up a handwritten bill of sale with one of those cash registers that go “ding!” like something out of an old movie. For the one reviewer on here that said they were upset the place was not open as advertised, the co-owners travel occasionally and when they’re gone there is no one to run the shop(it’s literally just them who run it) so it will not be open. Mr. Skinner told us that if someone is like us and wants to visit but doesn’t live locally, just call ahead to make sure they will be there. Lovely service, great selection, and can I repeat “genuine.”
If you’re not gonna be open, don’t have the open sign up on the window.
10. Bement
Address: Illinois 61813 , Bement , Illinois , United States
11. Luscombe Music Inc
Address: 122 W Vallette St, Elmhurst, IL 60126 , Bement , Illinois , United States
My two boys have been learning piano at Luscombe over two years. The place is very clean, and the staffs are very friendly. Our boys love their teacher Miss Elizabeth. She is an amazing, incredibly knowledgeable teacher.
We are 30 year residents of Elmhurst and Luscombes has been our go to music store for good reason. Recently my wife and I, now empty nesters, decided to take up piano lessons and it has been wonderful. Elizabeth Olson is a patient, passionate teacher who makes the lessons interesting and stimulates us to learn and practice. We will never be performance artistes but are playing pieces we did not think possible just a few months ago. Most of all it is fun and very enjoyable!
I take Mondays music classes for toddlers with the twins that I care for, and Miss Michelle is the best teacher ever, very good energy and she runs the class with great excitement! It’s always a fun environment for my 18mo twins
Yearly music by the pound sale is AMAZING
The teachers are great but the instruments and rentals are not so great, since the recent downsize, you can’t find some things there.
way over priced
Extremely unprofessional. We got on the wait list, waited 2 months and got a call saying they had a spot for our day and time. We returned the call the next day saying we wanted to start as soon as possible. Office called us back saying the the instructor, Elizabeth Olson, should be calling us to make the final arrangements. She called the Sunday of MLK weekend, we were with family the next two days. We connected Tuesday and she wanted to do an assessment on the day we agreed on but a time that didn’t work and wasn’t agreed upon. She said she understood and arranged the following week on the original agreed upon time and day. We accepted, then she messages us and said she found another client that would use the extra day and bumped us out. When we questioned her motive, she said this is just business.
12. Dollar General
Address: 400 W Center St B, Monticello, IL 61856 , Bement , Illinois , United States
Dollar General puts itself in small towns…I mean really small farming towns. It’s the only place we can get a lot if different things including GROCERIES without driving but a few blocks…very important in lousy weather.
You constantly have to track someone down to check out….they act like they hate their job and get crappy with you if you try to ask them a question….seriously gone downhill since the nice girls are all gone. I Try not to shop there anymore
Store is dirty and poorly kept
Disorganized mess of a store
13. Front Row Center Music
Address: 1507 N Main St, Benton, IL 62812 , Bement , Illinois , United States
Kell is awesome and always eager to help you find exactly what your wanting at Very reasonable prices.
Guy was very helpful, had some used merchandise that saved us a ton of money. Highly recommended
Nice cozy little place and the employees seem nice.
The little unknown place with hidden gems!..
They seam to have what you need. In music supplies.
Has what you need when it comes to musical instruments needs..friendly service and knowledgeable..
Nothing in the store was priced. Took the time and found a stack of records I wanted to buy. He said he’d have to go on the internet and price each, one at a time. Gave him about 10 minutes to do that while I shopped. When I was ready to go, he only had one priced, and it was more than twice what it was worth on Discogs. The place was filthy and stinky. So, told him never mind on the records and I would buy the drumsticks and a kick plate. $16.09, fair price. Gave him a $20 and he didn’t have any change. Finally got so frustrated and just left. Don’t waste your time here.
Disorganized and everything is not priced with a tag, you have to ask him to look it up online in order to get a price. You may be there for an hour waiting for him to price each record or instrument you want. You will have better luck going to Guitar Center 20 miles away. Prices were not negotiable as well, just seems like a used music store should be more open minded to pricing and all.
Music store that appears to be run out of someone’s house. It smelled like stale cigarettes and was extremely disorganized. The guy running the place seemed to know his music but unfortunately I couldn’t handle the smell of smoke and was afraid that anything I purchased here would likely bring the smell home with me. Very friendly and helpful but this place desperately needs to be aired out.
14. Halpin Music Company
Address: 139 S Locust St, Centralia, IL 62801 , Bement , Illinois , United States
I’ve been to lots of music stores and have had custom work done.
Neil is a very knowledgeable and skilled musician, luthier, sound engineer/tech, keyboard tech, and salesman. +++
Ben is likewise a very well trained brass instrument serviceman. Both are very friendly and eager to please customers with ultimate satisfaction. Got a question… just call them.
Great people who have done some great work on my guitars and are very knowledgeable about everything else music related!
Good prices
The website says its open till 5 on Saturday not 3
Average music store
I had to have my horn sent to Alton because this tech in Centralia is discriminatory against people with disabilities. Had to drive two and a half hours 200 plus miles and no discount for a simple repair I will never use them again thinking about taking legal action.
Good stuff just could be better with details and price
15. North Shore Music
Address: 405 1/2 Linden Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091 , Bement , Illinois , United States
My 13 year-old son has been taking drum lessons at North Shore Music for 2 years. He’s also in the studio’s band camp which places him with other students to form a rock band. They perform in public around Wilmette. He absolutely loves it and so do we parents. Alejandro and his staff are terrific!
Great place to take guitar, drums or bass lessons! My Son’s been in 3 sessions here and has progressed immensely.
Highly recommend! Alejandro went out of his way to accommodate us and it is much appreciated. So nice to deal with a music shop that is not corporate, wonderful to have someone who is proud of his craft and supportive of the community as well as their love of music!!!
16. Catalyst
Address: 818 S Market St, Monticello, IL 61856 , Bement , Illinois , United States
What a unique and fun addition to Monticello. Cindy offers many classes and open studio times for all age groups. It’s nice to see something different to do in town!
17. Perks Music
Address: 502 E 13th St, Centralia, IL 62801 , Bement , Illinois , United States
Very pleasant and cute shop!! Will def go back to visit on our next trip to IL!!
I am a Sangamon Valley CEO student and we visited Monticello Mercantile for a site visit and the owner and employees are great. All were very kind and willing to answer all of my questions. Minticello Mercantile is a great little shop right off the square. It is great to have a place where you can run in and get a gift for someone you love, whether it be something small or even a big gift.The Merc will provide.
Got some great back to school gifts for 2 special teachers….. I am NEVER disappointed when I head in to shop! Always find something amazing! ♥️
Always helpful and unique items to see. Great gift place.
19. McDonald’s
Address: 306 S Market St, Monticello, IL 61856 , Bement , Illinois , United States
I was starving so I stopped on my way to work and I got two egg and cheese muffins and they were absolutely delicious the muffins were a little toasted well and it just made the eggs and cheese tasty them better it was absolutely delicious I couldn’t have asked for a better meal anywhere let alone McDonald’s it was really good stuff I went to the McDonald’s on Kirby and Neil and I was in and out of the drive-thru in less than 5 minutes good job
This was the freshest and best-tasting mcdonalds meal I’ve had in years
Curb side was very slow!
I have been there several times. Good service.
Monticello McDonald’s is always friendly, always busy too but they spit you out pretty fast
Weird
*CONSISTENTLY RIPPED OFF* I reactivated an old account to review this disaster franchise, “RipDonald’s”. Our family has lived in the Monticello community for many years and this place almost always leaves out part of our order. We never get all the items paid for, but we pull away from the window so we don’t hold up the line. Upon pulling away, we routinely find one meal missing within the bag, even though we keep our order simple. (We don’t even make special requests like “no pickles” because we recognize a fast food place for what it is.) Over the years they have screwed us out of ~$50.00, easily. We never go back to fix the issue because it defeats the purpose of the drive-through, specifically the convenience it offers. It sounds like this happens to a lot of people, so one wonders how much profit this franchise makes from ripping people off? McDonald’s is the company that set the industry standard for “fast food” and the use of the drive-through window, but this particular franchise can’t get it right. Thank goodness we patronize McDonalds so infrequently, because it’s a lifetime boycott now. Any place else is more preferable. I’d give less than a star if I could.
Sucks
20. Midlothian Music
Address: 15645 S 94th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462 , Bement , Illinois , United States
I stopped by this place before the holidays. Very knowledgeable, welcoming, engaging, and courteous staff. So many “corporate” choices out there, but they’ll never match the level of service you will receive at Midlothian Music.
My daughter plays the trombone, guitar, ukulele and piano, they have it all and more at the best price including lessons. Midlothian Music has been around for years and have an outstanding knowledge of the industry. Their service is always courteous and friendly. Clean and organized shop with great hours as well. Highly recommend them!
Very professional, kind and attentive employees, even better environment. Great higher end shop with some beginner/affordable guitars/basses/etc as well. Prices align perfectly with what you buy hands down, instruments are treated with great care before leaving in your hands.
I love all the products but at times the service was bad, other visits there were good service. Thanks!
Never coming back I waited 40 minutes to play a bass which I never got to do so I just left
I have been doing business with Mithalodian music for years. I have purchased instruments from them in the past with success and maintenance support. UNFORTUNATELY, my last purchase of an acoustic guitar was extremely disappointing. The guitar after only being played a few times and stored in my daughters bedroom became miss-shaped and needed repair. I took it back to Mithalodian we’re their manager accepted the guitar for rehydration after he Insinuated that I did not buy the GUI from them. After three weeks of rehydration I was informed that the brand new guitar’s strings were rusted (after the rehydration process) so now in order to play the NEW guitar I must replace the strings that were rusted by their repair shop. Service and customer service is extremely poor and they no longer sell quality instruments that they stand behind.
i swear i think the owner is bipolar. One day hes a total jerk to people and doesn’t let them touch any instruments without basically gloves and a background check, the next day he could be warm and welcoming and say make yourself at home…. Feel uncomfortable when i’m there
