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!
4. Cassandra Strings, Inc.
Address: 215 S Main St, Algonquin, IL 60102 , Lake in the Hills , Illinois , United States
Una suerte contar con un lugar como este cerca. Siempre asesorando y buscando soluciones. Gracias por vuestra ayuda siempre.
Very friendly place!! We service our instruments there all the time!!
My son’s Scott Cao violin needed a new bridge.
Cassandra said the original bridge was expensive and that she would replace it with the exact same one.
SHE DID NOT!
Well, when we picked up the violin it was not the same bridge.
The bridge she used did not have a name on it.
It was much larger than the original.
She also said she removed the name on the bridge!
I asked her how do we know you didn’t use a cheap $5 bridge?
She along with the other staff said they never use $5 bridges.
The receipt read:
MATERIALS: $5
LABOR: $45
Lying and cheating people only can hurt their business.
5. Piano Trends Music Company
Address: 35 Berkshire Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 , Lake in the Hills , Illinois , United States
Owner & staff are freindly, knowledgeable and helpful. There is a wide selection of product with competitive prices. This store has been a contributing and valueable member of the community for many years.
We started with lessons for our son about 5 years ago. We have had a great experience. Our son has learned a lot. The people that work at Piano Trends are friendly and very helpful. We also purchased a piano from Piano Trends. The purchase was a great investment and a great opportunity for our children to have music in their lives. I would, and have, encouraged others to go to Piano trends for their music/singing lessons, and instrument purchases.
I love my piano salesman. His name is Jason Bruno. He is an excellent music teacher also. Without him, I would never have developed my smooth legato. Also, he knows that life without music would Bb and he lives by this creed. He is my friend in music, forever.
Very nice selection.
Friendly service. A wonderful local business.
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
Worst place ever. Waist of time and money. I would not recommend this place. Stay away from this place.
6. The Instrument Barn
Address: 11221 Dundee-Huntley Rd, Huntley, IL 60142 , Lake in the Hills , Illinois , United States
I love this place! I’ve bought instruments from them, I have sold instruments to them, I am now taking lessons from them. I have been in music since the 1960s and this is the best place I have found for the simple reason that it is family owned and operated. And they make you feel like family.
Had my guitar restrung by The Instrument Barn! They’re wonderful people and very helpful! Guitar sounds great and I couldn’t be happier. Anything musically, I’m going to them!!
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
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.
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
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.
7. Ziegler’s Ace-Lake in the Hills
Address: Ziegler’s Ace, 481 N Randall Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156 , Lake in the Hills , Illinois , United States
Прекрасный магазин с птичьим кормом, всегда присылают купоны на скидку
Very helpful great service
Good service
Cordial
I stopped in for a few items, electrical and paint primer. The associate brought me to each area for both items and made sure I found what I was looking for. A quick trip was quick!
Always find what I’m looking for with outstanding help from the employees.
Seemed like I the customer was a problem not the reason for being an Ace employee. Asked to re shake my gallon of ace paint. And would have purchased a few painting supplies too, but now goind to HD for supplies
Overpriced
I was about to go to this ace hardware but After reading some of these I’m going to crystal lake
It especially rubbed me wrong that they couldn’t help actually I’m mean because they chose not to help a couple of elderly folks .
8. Starbucks
Address: The Shops on, 343 North Randall Road, Randall Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156 , Lake in the Hills , Illinois , United States
Always accommodating. Very speedy service. Cleanliness is in abundance. Even with a long drive thru line, they seem to process everyone very quickly & accurately.
This location is always hoppin’! Sometimes there’s a line, which is ok because it usually moves quickly. The staff is always pleasant and perky. Product is always on point. Location of this particular store is great, easy in, easy out. Stop here frequently.
great like always
This Starbucks right off of Randall Road just north of Algonquin Rd is very similar to many Starbucks of its size. The staff is very friendly, prompt, and they serve the same Starbucks coffee I have come to expect at most every Starbucks. I stopped here to work for about an hour or so before going to a meeting on a cold January morning.
Google needs to update the hours to this location..
I like this local Starbucks when I am in a hurry as it is consistently less busy than the other nearby one on Randall in Algonquin. I knocked a star off because often if I order something other than a teabag in water, the drink seems to not taste the same as it does at other Starbucks.
Very rude customer service by Kelsey very unprofessional!!! Me and my husband is placing an order and all we hear is ‘’ ANYTHING ELSE, ANYTHING ELSE, ANYTHING ELSE’’ with an attitude, we pulled up to the window and all she is doing is staring at us while the other cashier is taking the payment, we ask did she had a problem she reply no and why, so we ask for the manager and all she is doing behind the manager is laughing about it!
I ordered few times and I mentioned NO CINNAMON and got it of course with cinnamon.
There is non sense.
Why would they ever ignore so important details.
I’m allergic to cinnamon.
It’s unbelievable how they can ruin your health even though you MENTION not to add it to your drink.
This place is the worst Starbucks place ever.
I always come to this Starbucks and always have a great experience expect for tonight when I can in I was severed with the wrong drink and a lot of attitude
Excellent service. Pharmacy staff are courteous.
Would highly recommend this
establishment.
This location has one of the cleanest bathrooms I’ve ever been inside. God bless Walgreens.
For as busy as they are I think they do a great job.
Not sure why their overall score is so low. When I lived in Crystal Lake, this was my pharmacy of choice. They were open 24/7 so I was able to come and quickly grab bandages or Advil any time that was convenient to me. I never had to deal with the supervisor, but the checkout staff was always friendly to me and they would even go out of their way to match my $3 manufacturer coupon on my eye drops any time they would run out of the size that qualified for the coupon. I think it’s just like any other Walgreens (or CVS) but this one is clean as it’s only a few years old.
Clean and well stocked Walgreen with pharmacy and drive through. Photo center and great make up etc area.
Not sure why this one is rated so poorly. I switched to this one from the awful crystal lake location. My prescriptions have been filled within a few hours the last 3 times and even when there’s a long line they’re pretty good at getting you through quickly. I also love that they actually answer the phones fairly quick unlike crystal lake where I have sat on hold 20+mins and pulled up (while still on hold) to find no one in line. So far so good and hoping it stays that way.
Edit: On hold 15mins to see when a prescription might be in stock again. Just say you don’t have an eta instead of wasting people’s time.
Slowest pharmacy I’ve ever been to. If you call, be prepared to be on hold for AT LEAST 15 minutes before anyone even answers the phone. I’ve waited as long as 40 minutes to speak to someone. It’s simply unacceptable. Longest wait time for prescriptions, because the drive thru lines and the line inside are always INSANE. Every time, without fail. It’s crazy how management hasn’t intervened yet with how poorly they are operating. No one in pharmacy is particularly great at customer service. Overall it’s just a bad experience and a giant headache.
The entire pharmacy staff should be relocated to the Walgreens in Kabul Afghanistan. They would fit in much better there. Complete incompetent MORONS!! CVS down the street is absolutely fantastic
Pharmacy isn’t 24 hours anymore as listed.
11. Dr Woods Guitar Emporium
Address: 304 Lincoln Ave, Fox River Grove, IL 60021 , Lake in the Hills , Illinois , United States
My kids take drum, singing and guitar lessons at Dr. Woods and love it! I highly recommend any child or adult to take music lessons. We rented drums and it was very reasonable. Very friendly staff and we love their store dog, Lila.
Great customer experience at Dr Woods! Buddy and team were super friendly and helpful.
Large selection of guitars and great atmosphere. Highly recommend.
I’ve done a ton of business with Buddy at Dr. Woods over the years….3 Guitars, repairs, accessories, etc. I always get a fair price and expert advice. Recently I brought in my Tele that had become unplayable. Buck put on some new NYXL strings but also adjusted the neck too. Plays like a dream now! I will continue to go to Dr. Woods for all my musical needs.
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.
Very friendly, asked for advice on a project gave great direction. I will definitly come back to give them my business.
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.
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 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
12. Musicians Discount Store
Address: 27990 N Converse Rd ste a, Island Lake, IL 60042 , Lake in the Hills , Illinois , United States
This is the best music store around! Great prices & customer service is outstanding!!! I will be back again
Great store. Amazing guitar selection and knowledgeable staff.
Very nice store, friendly staff, huge selection, ability to order almost any product, lowest prices around, reward program gives you money back, the list goes on. Instrument lessons, repairs and they even have a small vape shop with top brands at super low prices. Definitely a must for any area musicians!
Horrible experience. They don’t care about their customers. First, took 4-5 business days to ship. Then product was defective but they said it was fine. Returned the product and had to fight to get a refund and then they charged me for original shipping which was free in the first place. Never again.
I’m sure this place is great but I wish I didn’t have to make an appointment just to look around. Not a great business strategy in my opinion.
Legitimately told you a price then followed it up with a cheaper price if “you take it home today”.
13. Piano Social Directory
Address: 35 Berkshire Dr, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 , Lake in the Hills , Illinois , United States
My husband and I went in to the store looking for iphones. One of their sales associates Konstantyn was so helpful and friendly. He also looked out for our best interest and I could tell he wasn’t trying to pull one over on us. He made sure we got the best deal.
Very helpful and no waiting time
Very professional and knowledgeable
Went to this store a few years ago and never got any help. Had a cell phone emergency and needed to swing in the other day and they have done a complete 180. Quick and very polite.
Good service, kind staff and very helpful. Rated it a 4 star only because they had music playing when I came in and was a little too loud. Made it hard to hear what the guy was saying.
I’ve never been impressed with Verizon. However they do have the best service up in northern Wisconsin. It does seem prices are always high here
I waited forever and then the very sweet gentleman couldn’t even help me. It’s ridiculous. I know it isn’t his fault it’s the larger corporation. Everyone is super nice, but Verizon SUCKS!!!!!
Pues los que te atienden no te ponen atención como debería ser
Well, after over 20 years with Verizon I am finally done!. Went there yesterday to upgrade outdated plan and phones, just to find out being loyal to VW mean to be stupid. The salesman who worked with us wouldnt badge on anything, nor the manager. Looks like the the walk-in customers better deal than us. Even making excuses that didn’t make senses like if i transfer my number from old phone would cancel my financing deal on the phone (i guess it would be different talk if i was switching from AT%T or T-Mobile??!!!). I guess salesperson, he would do whatever he is told, but shame on VERIZON. I gues loyalty means nothing these days. SAYONARA VERIZON.
For those that Costco, you know. This one is like many others. It has alcohol and a nice variety at very good prices. The clothing options are nice quality and the prices are terrific. The Costco secret is they buy so much of the items they have, they are able to get volume discounts and pass that on to their customers. While most things are a good deal, there are somethings you can find cheaper elsewhere. Their bakery and meat can’t be beat, great variety and terrific quality.
Always find Costco to be a good place to shop.
Good prices, just don’t go on Sundays if you want to leave with your sanity
Love this place and always alot of samples
Love the Kirkland yoga pants!
Not a fan, Sam’s club member all the way for me. Staff is always rude and snuttie. Best prices at sams club and selections for someone with kids.
Kate is trashy
Membership line was very long on a weekday afternoon. 2022 and it looks like they are short help here. Not a good experience.
