Very helpful staff, competitive prices. I bought a few piano books and they were priced lower than on Amazon. It’s good to give business to a local store.
Music shoppe is a great local store with comparable or even better priced items like guitars, equipment and awesome guitar lessons. I highly recommend you stop by. you will be glad you did.
Last time I came in here I had an employee make fun of me/my instrument because it wasn’t high end (which I knew). Now that I work on my own instruments I know better than to put up with snobby musicians like the one I dealt with here. Three stars because I can’t condemn the entire establishment because of one or two rude employees.
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.
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.
Absolutely the most unprofessional shop around ! Straight garbage
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.
3. The Upper Bout
Address: 723 S Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820 , Gifford , Illinois , United States
Great Staff of knowledgeable professionals. Comfortable and welcoming environment. Boutique vibe.
In my experience, music shop staff are usually condescending and unfriendly. You get the opposite at this shop. Knowledgeable and courteous would be the best way to describe them.
The store itself is clean, great guitar selection. Basses, not so much.
Anytime I’m in the area I like to stop by and will eventually buy something. Highly recommended.
Talk about a needle in a haystack!!! I bought my first guitar sight unseen from The Upper Bout last week and all I can say is WOW! Very responsive to emails and Ricky went above and beyond. Not only did they answer all my questions but helped me in figuring out what would be path as I head down my journey into the guitar world. Highly recommend and I know they have gained a customer for life and look forward to picking up whatever is next in my collection from them.
Good place to buy guitar stuff in a convenient location.
It’s kind of expensive, I paid $25 for two sets of strings when I go through them like crazy. This being the only place I buy strings nowadays I am now scared to break one!
They have loads of guitars and amps to try out, as well as mandolins, banjos and other stringed instruments, makes it a great place to learn about instruments.
I will purchase my next guitar here for sure.
Very nice store for guitar players. Not a lot of options for bass players. Store is very clean and the store has a very classy look and vibe. Very nice selection of effects pedals. I will go there again. I would like to have seen more high end 5 string basses. But, I think everyone should stop by.
Be forewarned! If you are anything but an accomplished or professional guitar player they may not have the time of day for you! They WILL talk down to you, and make broad assumptions of you. Without asking me any further questions, because I said I traveled a lot, had a sentimental instrument that I didn’t want to see damaged and didn’t presently have a place to store it: the assumptions changed to me being homeless and I couldn’t be pushed out of the store fast enough. Even when I asked about a simple $15 item. Oh and let’s not forget the whole the salesman is talking down to me, he grabbing expensive guitars off the wall just playing them instead of listening to my questions. Nice job Upper Bout
I put a guitar here on consignment that had a synth pickup and they straight up lost the synth. When I came in to pick up my stuff they just shrugged their shoulders like “so what?”
Brought in a broken guitar hoping to fix it. They were quoting me 4 times the value of a new guitar to fix it and kept pushing me to just buy a new one. I ended up leaving and getting the guitar replaced elsewhere
4. Corson Music
Address: 71 E University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820 , Gifford , Illinois , United States
Decent selection of acoustic and electric guitars, even if they’re mostly your staple brands (Fender, Ibanez, etc). Employees always seem friendly.
Staffed by professional knowledgable musicians.great store with a down home atmosphere.
They were honest about the likelihood my guitar cannot be played
Very knowledgeable
The s place was a big help been to a few other guitar store and they couldn’t help but this place could I’ll be back!!!
Got a bass bag and some strings. Still using the 4 channel mixer/amp I got from them a few years back.
Nice products but bad service. The gentleman at the counter obviously didn’t want us in the store even though it was empty.
Tried to make small talk and the guy wasn’t having it.
Stinky, dirty place, and not friendly at all.
This place isme terrible. The owner wanted to buy some portable racks from me. So I rearranged my whole schedule because I am very busy and am selling this stuff for church. The racks were visible on photo, when I got there, he told me he wasn’t interested.
5. Guitar Center
Address: 712 W Town Center Blvd, Champaign, IL 61822 , Gifford , Illinois , United States
Geoff from the repair team provided excellent service for my acoustic guitar!
Luke made the shopping experience great. Spent hours making sure I got the guitar I needed.
Great place to buy and sell gear
Can’t give a corporate store more than 3 stars, but I have always received good service, and selection is ample
Great I was given good attention
Made a small purchase, service was a very good first experience. I will go back to try their repair service. They had good advice and seemed reasonably well stocked with fair prices
Limited selection of 5 string basses, not very knowledge staff in terms of live sound equipment. Mediocre experience at best.
Insulting offer on one instrument, didn’t even attempt to look up the other and gave a very low price for the amp that I brought in. I’ve spent alot of money at this store and sold quite a few items there with out a problem until now. Will not be returning. Other than that, recently, The selection of used and new instruments is comical.
Poor customer service and rudd
6. Old Delhi Music
Address: Contact, Urbana, IL 61802 , Gifford , Illinois , United States
Old Dehli Music Provides some of the most beautiful Harmoniums of an unsurpassed quality 🙂 Nic is wonderful and very smart with the work he does and the concert tuning sound’s fantastic, he really does know and understand his stuff when it comes to harmoniums and is extremely helpful ; a person as well of great integrity and kindness. When I received my harmonium it was packed very well and with great care for shipment, no buzzing reeds no rattling keys, damage or tuning issues. I cannot recommend this company enough. Thank you again Nic for the beautiful work and for the helpful tips and knowledge, it is greatly appreciated 🙂 I will definitely be purchasing from Old Dehli Music again 🙂
David 🙂
Nic and Old Delhi Music have been consistently fantastic to work with. We first bought two harmoniums from Nic, which he tuned and customized well. That was a great experience. Next, when one of the harmoniums needed some general maintenance, I searched everywhere in Boston and New York for someone who I felt I could trust with the instruments. I didn’t find anyone, so contacted Nic about shipping the instrument back to him. He walked me through the process carefully and worked wonders on the instrument. It’s almost better than new now, and shipping it to him was a breeze.
Overall, I couldn’t recommend Nic and Old Delhi Music more highly. They’re professional and extremely competent, and, more than anything, it’s clear that they love what they do.
I have helped arrange for the purchase of 2 harmoniums through Nic at Old Delhi Music and he has provided wonderful service. The person who received the harmonium said he could tell it was so lovingly packed and none of the keys were buzzing or sticking at all. And he said that the sound was really incredible. Thank you.
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.
7. River’s Piano
Address: 2207 Rebecca Dr, Champaign, IL 61821 , Gifford , Illinois , United States
Had a great day with my grandson at Gordyville. We both came home with something and enjoyed checking out all of the vendors!
Tons of used items, some at reasonable prices others priced over the top.
Good amount of vendors
Lots of Activities!!
parking very unorganized very limited vendor food choices NO close stores poor restroom facilities. Not very impressed
I ran into a situation today at the Gordyville flea market that has necessitated me making a change to my original review. Last month I purchased a tape deck from a vendor there. I asked him if it worked and he said yes and would I like him to plug it in for me to see. I told him that wasn’t necessary especially since he did not have an amp to hook it up to and no speakers. The only thing he could show me was that it lit up and it does. But it dosen’t play tapes. So today I went back and took the tape deck expecting him to refund my money. He said the tape deck worked and that he would not sell anything that didn’t. But he had another tape deck, a Sony, again with no way to prove that it worked. Anyway he offered to give me 15.00, half of what I paid. I said no I paid 30 and thats what I expect back. He said he wouldn’t do any better. I said I should have known when the original price the month before last was 100.00. I talked to him then about it but 100.00 was to much for this deck and now he’ll let it go for 30.00. So I thought the best thing to do was go talk to the owner/manager of the flea market for some assistance. I was told by the lady that she would not interfere and that each vendor set there own rules. I should have known that would be her stance since the vendor is paying them and not me. But, indirectly I pay them as well, without us buyers there would be no need for the vendors to be there and therefor no flea market. I was a shop owner/vendor for 20 years and the customer was always right because the best business is repeat business. I’ve been going there for 35 years and the auctions as well. I believe that ends today.
Bunch of white trash
9. Down Home Guitars
Address: 11 S White St, Frankfort, IL 60423 , Gifford , Illinois , United States
I have been looking for a certain guitar and found it at Down Home Guitars. I sent an email inquiry and Steve got back to me the next day. I live in Hawaii so I needed it shipped safe and quick. The guitar showed up just as promised. This was a seamless transaction. I would recommend Down Home to anyone interested in a great guitar, great service, and fast response.
Thanks again, Steve.
Very friendly and knowledgeable. They restrung my 6 string banjo to Nashville tuning while I waited.
I found a great Martin acoustic in my price range. They have a wide selection–not everything in the store is on their website. Steve and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. I had a small issue while breaking in the new guitar (Velcro holding the battery for pickup came unglued). I took it in and they fixed it on the spot at no cost. Always a pleasure visiting the store, convenient free parking right in front.
The store carries beautiful high-end acoustic instruments. They also hold some impressive seminars and concerts. If you want the very best and can spend 6K on a guitar then this store may be for you. With a larger wallet, perhaps you will receive better treatment than I did. The red-haired owner of this store is probably the rudest retail store owner I have ever experienced. Of course, I wasn’t there to spend thousands of dollars. I simply went there to buy picks, strings, tab books, and to explore and discuss instruments with other music lovers. My initial visits were often greeted by cold, stiff, and awkward personalities. After multiple visits, I expected things would warm up, and while some staff were friendly, it was never a comfortable experience. This was especially true whenever the owner was present. Pompous and arrogant seem apt descriptions, and small talk and small wallets are beneath him.
10. Flores Music
Address: 3831 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL 61614 , Gifford , Illinois , United States
For the past two years I’ve been to a lot of shops trying to pull the trigger on my first electric. Finally did it at Flores on Sheridan in Peoria while in town to visit. The guys there were the first I’ve encountered who were humble and genuine. No pretense. No judgment. Old school kind and sincere. Could have stayed just to keep talking guitars and learning.
Danny is da’ man! I was looking for a new pedal, not only did he have what I wanted he hooked it up and played…thanks Danny!
Been three times. Every time talk to the great people there and they are always very helpful.
Pros: I just moved here and was told by a guitar center employee that Flores music down the road has the best guy around to diagnose a problem I have with my very expensive guitar. Three shops had tried and failed at this point. I wish I could remember the technicians name; it started with a “j” I know, he takes one look at the guitar and checks a couple things. He then tells me that the problem is easily fixed. I tell him I’ve heard that before. But while I waited he fixed the buzzing problem and even corrected a couple other things that were bad. I’ve never had a guitar play this well ever! The con is when I was done thanking the savior of my taylor guitar a man from the store got mad at me for peeking my head in the shop to talk to the technician who I am trusting with my guitar. Sorry Flores music for bothering you with my business. Great repairs and lousy customer relations.
It was awesome na Kevin Gray Is such a good drum teacher
Nice music store.
When I was unhappy with the 5th string banjo capo they sold me, they didn’t offer any kind of refund or even a discount on a new installation. Instead, they reacted in what I thought was a rude and unhelpful manner. Come on people… this is customer service 101!
Don’t buy anything from them, nobody there competent enough to know what they are selling
Do not visit if you have brown skin. Clearly has a preference for whites only…. cannot believe this place and the racist service exists in 2014!!! Had a horrible experience. They would rather not serve me or take my money….. beware black and brown people of Peoria!!!
11. House of Guitars
Address: 802 N Keller Dr, Effingham, IL 62401 , Gifford , Illinois , United States
Great selection and very homey atmosphere.. Luv the place
Great service
Owner So friendly and makes good conversation and very knowledgable and helpful
One of only two places that I know of in Effingham to purchase guitars and sound equipment. Even though the shop is small, they have a lot of quality guitars at reasonable prices. I was also impressed with the ukulele selection, an instrument that is becoming more and more popular. They also have some sound equipment and sound accessories at decent prices for performing musicians. If you are in need of anything for your guitar, this place is worth a visit.
Have bought accessories and have had tech/set up work done here. Owner’s always been nice, and even cuts ya the occasional break on the price. Definitely recommend.
Great little shop top notch ownership.
Have been coming here for five years and spent thousands of dollars in this store. The owner has never acted like he recognized me or knew my name. Today in the store he falsely accused me of scratching a guitar in the shop, and told me I was lucky he “didn’t shake me down for money.” The guitars in the shop are high quality, but I am never bringing my business back here.
12. Gifford
Address: Illinois , Gifford , Illinois , United States
13. In-A-Godda-Da-Vida Music
Address: 302 S State St, Geneseo, IL 61254 , Gifford , Illinois , United States
Currently my favorite place to visit. With a passion before profit mentality obvious in the prices of his products, and services. The owner of this hand built haven, is more than willing to share the magic that is music, flowing within the walls of his personal eden.
A great selection of guitars and other instruments, strings, amps and equipment. If they don’t have something in stock odds are they can get it for you.
14. Chesnut Family Music
Address: 110 S Front St, Effingham, IL 62401 , Gifford , Illinois , United States
Great gear & innovative designs! Tonelovers and true music lovers! Classic analog gear based on Hammond vintage parts with smart new twists. Their amps are intense and very dynamic. You only get away with them if you can seriously play! If so you”ll be rewarded with great response from all the practicing:)
