Purchased a violin and loved it. Got answers to all the questions I asked. Really friendly staff and a cool store layout. I would definitely recommend them.
Very knowledgeable and helpful. Good prices!
We love our friends at the instrument barn. My Daughter has been in piano for 2 years now and loves it! Mr Lowe is an amazing teacher. And the staff is always wonderful. We look forward to the spring and winter concerts.
Friendly staff that answered all my questions
Everyone is pretty nice, but I don’t like that you can’t reschedule the lessons after 10am
Extremely heartless employee named Janet and horrible cancellation policy. In short, my daughter developed a 104 fever and all we wanted was to make up the missed class. The owner told me she didn’t care, which is heartbreaking to hear when my 7 year old is sick and suffering. I am all for policies but when a child gets sick at 4pm it is unacceptable?! Kids have to be sick by 10am-with our current world many would appreciate keeping a sick child at home. All I wanted was a chance to explain and share my point but she cut me off and raised her voice and said she simply didn’t care. We have been attending the Music Barn for over a year with great attendance so it was unfortunate to hear the disregard for my child.
My instructor Jim was outstanding I would learn with him anywhere, anytime. The school itself is a different story. After my last lesson I told the owner I would call to schedule my next lessons. Unfortunately health issues prevented me from calling. The owner still charged me $180 for two lessons. I called and asked why I was charged and she said too bad, that’s your time slot and you missed your lessons. Not a very good way of doing business, especially for a veteran owned business. I will never leave my credit card on file again.
Mr. Choin,
Please do not address my behavior, I have acted in a most honorable manor for a person who had $180 dollars stolen from them. I am afraid you have been given miss information from an “employee” who I can only guess is your mother. I respect you for taking family’s word over that of a stranger, but that is where my respect ends.
If you had played a particularly great USO show in the Army and your commanding officer approached you with praise stating he was going to put up for a commendation or a promotion, but you did not hear anything for a month. Would you assume you were promoted and wear the higher insignia? I think not.
This situation is no different. The last time I was there I told Janet “I would call to schedule my next lesson”. When I did not call there is no lesson scheduled, not implied, not intimated, not suggested. Jim was not there specifically for me, he has had lessons before I was there for my lesson and he had a student immediately after my lesson. When I did not schedule a lesson with him, that time was free-time for him. He could have left and gone for coffee.
The partial refund of $60 by Janet, when I called and very respectfully requested a full refund, indicated that she knew she was wrong for charging me in the first place. Your reviews are very clear, this is a pattern with her of taking money with out rendering services and this practice must stop.
I thank you for your service to our country but obviously the Army band did not prepare you to serve the country or community honorably. For that I am sorry
Never again buying from this shop.
Here’s the story: I purchased a guitar through Reverb. It arrived while I was out of town, and when I finally got home and plugged it in to play, I found that only the bottom pick up works. I cleaned it up a bit, bought a new cord, and tried again. Still no luck.
I brought it to my local tech to do a tune up, thinking maybe it was just some dust or dirt from shipping. I got it back and it’s still not playing other than the bottom pickup. The tech even said he took out the input jack and that the wiring there was fine, so it must be something within the wiring of the guitar/pick ups. Nothing in the description mentioned anything wrong with the pickups or the guitar. “100% ready to play!”
Considering I travel for work and my tech isn’t the fastest guy in the world, this whole ordeal took place over a few weeks. I’m not out playing every night or anything like that. Admittedly, this was a little long, but I didn’t think it was crazy to address this issue. Even clothing stores have 60 day policies. BUT when I contacted the shop they just said “too bad, we sent it to you several weeks ago.” So now I’m left with a guitar with one functioning pick up. Terrible customer service from a small business.
3. Hampshire Social
Address: 124 S State St, Hampshire, IL 60140 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
Their River gold wine is one of the best I’ve had! Highly recommend!!!
Second time we have been there and we love it…!!! I think we are going to try the whole menu
Friendly staff, very accommodating. Just a great place to be with friends and family. Very nicely laid out and decorated.
Discovered this coffee shop while on the bicycle from Genoa to Hampshire. What a great atmosphere. Love the indoor decor. Drip coffee is really expensive though at $4.36 a cup. Probably wont be back.
4. Hemispheres Amusements
Address: 215 Industrial Dr # A, Hampshire, IL 60140 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
Kurt is absolutely fantastic. Honest, informative, and a pleasure to work with. Recommend his company to anyone and everyone.
I don’t do a lot of shopping on the Internet, much less make a substantial purchase from two strangers who live out-of-state. Working with Mark and Kurt has been a great experience. I think that I got a good deal on a new Golden Tee 2018 Home Edition but, more importantly, I got exactly what I ordered in a timely fashion from an honest dealer. Mark followed up with the shipper to ensure that the delivery went smoothly and the machine showed up at the end of my drive in perfect condition. I would definitely do it again. These guys are awesome!
Ken D.
St. Louis, MO
Kurt is the best! I bought a pinball from him and he made 1000% sure everything was working after he delivered it. Amazing service and a great guy to talk to. I highly recommend this company! A+ Seller in the pinball world. They have over 30 years experience – you can trust this company to deliver high quality. thank you
Thank you for the great shopping experience. God bless you all. Shalom!
There is a wounderfull variety of antiques in all 3 stores
This place is pretty cool. If you are into antiques, old stuff, vintage and new vinyl records, coins, knives, and all kinds of stuff, stop by! The lady at the counter, Pam is really nice and is happy to answer any questions you have. They get new stuff every few weeks. I’m here at least once a month. Highly recommended.
Always a fun place for a treasure hunt.
Cute items
Great stuff!
Meh
7. Cambridge Studio
Address: 900 Wester Blvd, Pingree Grove, IL 60140 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
The Bestest Mickey D’s in a very long time.
Fresh Food combined with top notch service. Thanks
The food has gotten better at McDonalds
Sweet tea the best. Typical McDonald’s smell inside. Get some fresh air in
Fair
Good McDonald for a stop along the Highway
Disgusting bathroom. Dirty. Only one person working. Overwhelmed and none of their machines worked.
This is one of those MacDonald’s where they keep the drink fountain on their side of the counter. So you can’t even enjoy a refill while waiting for your order to come out. They give you your drink with your food. Probably foreigner owner / franchisee.
Usually McDonald’s are a relatively safe spot for a highway bathroom break, but skip this one if you’re in need and can wait a little longer – they were in quite the state of disrepair with puddles and flies
9. PJLA Music Sales & Marketing
Address: 22159 N Pepper Rd, Lake Barrington, IL 60010 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
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!
10. Level Audio
Address: 12172 S, IL-47, Huntley, IL 60142 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
Best Music Store Around!! There’s a great selection of pianos, fun teachers, and the staff couldn’t be nicer. I’d live in the store if I could 🙂 I grew up there taking lessons here and purchased my Baldwin grand piano from them, I would never think to go anywhere else!
Owners are my parents. Of course I’m giving it 5 stars, but I would even if they weren’t. I remember in the 90’s when piano sales were more frequent, there was a lot of local competition. I remember my parents talking at home about how honestly was a big part of their sales strategy. Pretty smart and impressive if you ask me. And it worked. They genuinely love music and create a lot of good energy in the community. Stop in and ask my dad to tell you a pun, might be cringe-worthy, but I promise your day will be brightened. Also check out “Lifting Spirits,” a nightly youtube series of live music recorded directly from their store.
Great local supplier of music and instruments. When I need something in a pinch, I like to shop local. If it’s not in stock, Tim or his staff will order it for you! They have a showroom full of pianos and other instruments.
I’ve referred my piano students to Piano Trends Music Company for many years, for their printed music and musical instruments and I’ve heard no complaints.
Visit Piano Trends Music Company soon. Try out their pianos. You may find the perfect instrument to grace your home.
Music is for everyone – all ages – the universal language! Make your home come alive with the sound of music.
Friendly service. A wonderful local business.
Very nice selection.
Worst place ever. Waist of time and money. I would not recommend this place. Stay away from this place.
Bought a beautiful piano paid cash … husband walked out needed money for kids paid piano trends to sell for me they refused to answer or send money I even paid for them to pick up in same town for 300. Now and then they refuse to respond to me
12. Austin’s Violin Shop
Address: 316 Wheeler Rd, Sugar Grove, IL 60554 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
Hands down the best place you can go in the area for violin accessories and violins. It made me feel like family
The customer service here is superb! I had a wonderful experience with them today and the price is right too! Super happy with them.
Charming shop with pleasant people provided all our violin needs. Competitive prices, many levels of instruments, bows, cases etc. for the beginner or the pro. Music making is affordable at Austin’s … and fun.
13. Copper Barrel on State
Address: 172 S State St, Hampshire, IL 60140 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
Food and service are amazing!!! Best brisket!! The tacos are super delicious
Best service ever. Split the combo with my wife so i was able to try wide variety. All was good. Kentucky bourbon barrell beer was awesome.
Very good! Have to go back! Too many interesting options, not enough room for it all in one trip!
Service was very good! The food can be either hit or miss. We ordered nachos as an appetizer. Didn’t think you could have bad nachos, but there was barely any cheese on them and they were kind of bland..lacking flavor. I have also ordered the street tacos. They were good, just small. The cornbread is amazing! The bruschetta is very good too. We made the mistake of going for open mic night. Yeah, will never do that again. It was ridiculously loud. I still couldn’t hear the next day. We have also gone for music trivia. That was a lot of fun! Not my number one choice if I want to go out for food, but It is my choice if staying local.
Live in town and want to love this place, but I can’t say that I do. Third time here, and they still don’t have a nice menu. Food is inconsistent, and lacks punch. Mostly bland menu choices, although they sound “excellent” they are normal, with the more expensive prices. Chicken fingers were bread crumbed- now nothing special fried; and the fries went from store made to home cut (although that change was good!) I really am surprised that people who currently own a restaurant would open another and treat it like this?
I took my family there on a recommendation from a friend. The food was delicious. The staff was friendly. Very enjoyable experience. If I had to nitpick, I would say they are a little pricey, but not to the extent that I wouldn’t go again.
Horrible service and food . Won’t be back
I made reservations at 545pm for 615 with my name and phone number when we arrived at 615 they didn’t have any reservations. So we asked to be placed in line 20-25min wait. Not only was every other table that walked in seated before us but when I went back to the host to get an update “they were unsure of the wait” and when I brought up the reservation again this time the girl said “oh there was no name on that only a phone number” even tho we had told her both when arriving. Then when I asked for a manager I was told she’s to busy to talk to you.
We are local and love supporting local but not for bad service. I would not recommend due to the bad service and bad host. I had clearly made a reservation and it was only when I had went back up 30min after my scheduled time did they “find it” and I still needed to wait an unknown time for my family.
The smoked meat plate was not worth the money. Tasted old and dry. It took almost an hour after ordering for us to get our dinner. The server was nice.
14. TA Travel Center
Address: 19 N, 430 US-20, Hampshire, IL 60140 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
The TA Elgin is a very good place to refuel and grab a bite to eat. It’s conveniently located and has all of the amenities for truckers and auto travelers.
Good service …surprisingly clean for a TA
I enjoyed this place. Not too many places have a restaurant that have truck parking.
Shower was clean but its very small.
Also little hard to find because in the corner there is a hall then upstairs
SHOWERS ARE TINY! Not enough truck parking, and full of ice. Building is old and locals seem a little ghetto. @ICEBOXTRUCKER
Went for an oil change and got out with air leak, the monkey greaser told me to NOT SET THE BRAKES and puncture one of my air chambers while I was outside talking with my dispatch. Then he’s like man you have and air leak and we can replace the air chamber for you. STAY WITH THE TRUCK AT ALL TIMES, IF THEY DON’T LET YOU STAY IN THE SHOP GO SOMEWHERE ELSE OR YOU’LL GET SCREWED.
15. Down Home Guitars
Address: 11 S White St, Frankfort, IL 60423 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
The Staff did a wonderful job repairing my 45 year old Guild guitar. Finished the repairs quickly, in a few days. Very efficient. Reasonable. Very helpful and friendly staff.
Down Home Guitars is fantastic. I have a vintage 1969 Gibson acoustic 12 string that was my fathers. It’s also the guitar my brothers and I learned on as kids. It had some cracks and was coming apart. I trusted Steve with the guitar to repair it and make it solid again. What a fantastic job. Now I don’t have to worry about losing my family treasure. Forever grateful. Thanks
This place is the best high-end guitar store in Chicagoland! Great people that treat their customers fairly and have superb guitars!
For the high-end guitar user this is the place to go when you want a new toy or to make a trade in swap deal. They are very fair.
I’m extremely happy after leaving there.
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.
16. Axes Music Group
Address: 19715 South La Grange Road Suite 3, Mokena, IL 60448 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
Great service. And an awesome selection. They didn’t have what I was looking for yet they still called around to try and find it. Awesome place. Definitely will be going back.
Great teachers and lessons
Great experience there. Friendly staff and more importantly were very motivated to get me anything I needed. I will definitely be back!
17. Love’s Travel Stop
Address: 201 Loves Crossing, Hampshire, IL 60140 , Hampshire , Illinois , United States
Great conversation and a welcoming atmosphere make for an absolutely fantastic buying experience.
One of the best, love this store
Took my guitar to a different shop a couple months ago and the other shop took 6 weeks to not do a proper set-up. The guys at Tobias did it in one night and charged half the price! Plays beautifully now. Thank you!
***EDIT***
So, I am knocking down my review from five stars to three; due to my most recent experience a couple months after the first one. So I reached backout to buy another guitar (place order) as I really wanted an AD22e or another model I can’t remember, but after confirming they could place the order I let them know that I wanted the AD22e and to provide me the full price so we could close the deal and they went silent, mind you I didn’t even get a copy of the receipt from my AD27e that never came which I had also requested from the last conversation.
I did finally get my guitar ordered but I had a national retailer place the order. I was disappointed I didn’t hear back from Tobias Music about completing the purchase and obtaining a copy of the receipt for my AD27e that never came.
** original **
Just bought an AD27e (Taylor) from them after finding it for sale online. it was a great buying experience. I’m a lefty, buying guitars online is the norm, and most of the time guitars I buy take a day or two to pack and ship. we had a few emails back and forth and they were quick to respond and very professional. These guys had it packed and shipped the same day, and I didn’t place my order until after lunch; that’s service.
They also took the time to dial the guitar in; it came with the action set and was tuned ready to play out of the box. Paul did a great job and really made this buying experience easy, and hassle free. I’ll have to check back often to see what other lefty guitar they get in. If I have the chance, I will buy from them again.
They are more of a acoustic guitar place not really a place for bass players .
This was my first time at Naperville Music. I called ahead on a Martin guitar I was interested in. Spoke with Chris and he had everything set up for me when I arrived. Had plenty of space to try it out and did not have 50 people around me, it was a great and seamless experience. Not only did Chris help me out on the price he was a good guy all around and had a wealth of knowledge on high end guitars. He has earned my business and I would recommend any one looking for guitar on the next level to give him a call. He also threw in a set of strings for my daughters guitar which he did not have to do but did anyway.
Thanks Chris,
Mike
Good service
Affordable
Friendly and helpful staff
Fantastic store and service. Have bought two pianos from them the past 15 years . Ask for Nate…he is great!!
Very knowledgeable staff
“Without music, life would be a mistake.” It’s really nice quotation, because its help for healthy living. Now a day’s Music can be a great, medicinal relaxer to assist us break away from the various stress of life.
I have no regrets buying my guitar with you considering that Guitar center is closer to my place. I’m not after convenience but GREAT SERVICE which i have receive and Good Deal. I’m satisfied with my purchase and will come back again.
As soon as the piano teacher looked at me and my daughter the energy was wrong. I maintained a positive attitude…she swung the room door open 5 mins before my daughter’s lesson ended and started talking to me LOUD saying “your daughter is not supposed to be using THIS BOOK”. I kept trying to explain (again) how my daughter had taken a break in her lessons. Ms Allison KEPT cutting me off everytime I tried to speak. She did this after the lesson was over as well. Then, she kept hammering at my daughter telling her how impossible close to difficult it would be to re learn the notes. This lady took 1 look at us and assumed we were ignorant. She chose to be antagonizing instead of being a teacher. I don’t think she’s like this with everyone, picks n chooses.The energy of this place was nothing like this when Tracy works.
Didn’t even have basic quarter inch to quarter inch speaker cords…
I had a very negative experience with this company. This involved serious product misrepresentation in an online transaction (eBay) and major problems trying to resolve the issue. I do not recommend doing business with these people. A little internet research indicated that I am not the only one that has had trouble with Naperville Music.
