The guys that work there are very helpful. They have an awesome selection of guitars too. Highly recommend going here!!
Not only was Sound Source incredibly professional and easy to communicate with, but they went above and beyond to make the buying experience convenient, fair, and memorable. The store itself is beautiful, but it’s the staff that brought a higher level of professionalism to the table: kind, informed, and around every corner making it comfortable. I will 100% be using this store again, and will make it a point to stop by the next time I’m in Illinois. Cannot say thank you enough for the new keys!
Im looking for a electronic keyboard with a nice sound and an amp hookup for more sound.
I dont need anything too big because i drive cross country and spend most my time driving to location.
Something not to big with a nice sound.
I stopped at guitar center but prices were through the roof and no one assisted me.
If you can rreccomend a good unit ill be glad to stop by your shoppe.
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.
7. Swing City Music Co
Address: 1811 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
I’ve been coming to swing city 1997 They care about you after the sale They take care of you My salesman came to my gig And help me set up I move to Tennessee I still come to swing city I just ordered an amplifier and had speakers Fix there they still take care of me because they have great people working for them They never forget you they’re good people You can’t go wrong there
Hands down the best place to shop for musical instruments. Their selection and quality of equipment is far better than any place around. Swing City puts Guitar center to shame. The employees are even helpful and even knocked off over $100 off my purchase. I’ll be returning here from here on out.
These guys form RELATIONSHIPS with their customers. They know my name, they remember what I like, they help educate me, AND their prices are GREAT. I prefer SWING CITY over any national chain music store because at the other guys, I’m just a number and a sale.
It’s a really good place. Sorry, we were the ones that crashed intk the building
A good old school music store.
They hate drummers. Lost a sale because they were condescending to a young man I was with. We’ll be taking our business elsewhere.
I am in a spot where I need a bass today. I came in 10/8/22 ready to buy. After 10 minutes, a sales associate said hi from across the room. After another 12 minutes, every staff was chatting with the one other customer in the store, ignoring us. No wonder the place is empty every time I drive by. I hate going to guitar center, but places like this leave you little choice when you’re ignored and not helped at all. I couldn’t reach the bass I was going to purchase, so I’m just done waiting for the chatting giggly employees hanging in their “clicky” circle.
I frequently purchased merchandise over my years, normally I do business up north. I decided to buy a guitar for a gift about several months later I noticed that the bridge on the guitar was coming apart so I took the guitar back for exchange but was refused to exchange because of warranty. I didn’t expect a new guitar to come apart especially at the bridge we have several at home and never had an issue besides basic maintenance. I don’t feel as if I need to bring rulers, micrometers, calculators to purchase a instrument. Please spend your hard earned money at some other music shop if you want quality and respect.
8. Miller Music Inc
Address: 4510 N Illinois St #3, Swansea, IL 62226 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
Miller Music is awesome. A great experience from beginning to end. Steve is a no pressure type of guy. Fun to get to know, professional & easy to be around. My delivery included his brother who was just as nice. I would recommend Millers to anybody. The piano I bought looks like new. Thanks for a great & easy experience.
My daughter is involved in school band and I have zero knowledge of music. I’m so thankful that the staff at Miller is friendly and always willing to answer my questions. They’ve always provided great, speedy service at a fair price. I’m thankful to have such a reliable, local resource for helping me navigate being a “band mom”. Thanks Miller Music!
I took my clarinet in for repair after having lent it to my niece for several years, expecting the worst. The owner Steve took one look, showed that the repairs were minimal, and knew just what to do. He was prompt, efficient, and professional. Highly recommend!
They appear to no longer be in business.
Simply call to find out the brand of acoustic guitars they sold when I mentioned name brands the lady was set off very rude on the phone and hung up on me her name was Sharon
I took my niece to Miller Music to see about having an issue fixed with her flute. The guy working looked at it for a few seconds and said he didn’t notice any issues (leaks) visible to the eye. I then asked if it would be okay for her to play the instrument for him so that he could listen, and hopefully make a diagnosis that way. He responded with, “Yeah, hurry up.” Needless to say, the instrument is still having an issue. When we purchased the couple of instruments we have, he was polite. Now that there’s an issue, “Mr. Nice Guy” left the building. I’d never recommend anyone to buy anything else from them again.
The owners were rude and condescending. I got the impression that not EVERYONE was welcome in their store. They may have a large selection of music, but I’ll take my money and my dignity to other music stores.
9. J & J Old Louisville Music Shop
Address: 1449 S 2nd St, Louisville, KY 40208 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
Just got my amp serviced/tubes replaced at J&J and I couldn’t be happier. Other shops in the area were quoting $50 just for a bench fee to take a look and had a weeks long wait list, the fine folks at J&J said bring it on in and were able to quote an estimated range. Turnaround was quick for an amp (1 week) and the price was great. Jerry was friendly and he genuinely seems to care about and is happy to talk about what you bring to them. I’ll recommend this place to anybody!
Great group of guys with a lot of knowledge and experience. Felt homie
Both Josh and Jerry are very friendly and knowledgeable. Very awesome place to get all your guitar repair and needs done
Cool owner you have to respect given the competition. Limited Wares to offer and a little pricey, but the experience compensates for that.
Great Guys Very Good Customer Service
Great little spot for basic music needs, but primarily centered around guitar
Josh is very helpful and knowledgeable
Was looking for a guitar string damnedest places expensive
I took two guitars to them. One to have some bridge work done and the other to see what can be done about my fret job that was done somewhere else incorrectly. I am now spending $390.00 to get my Jackson frets fixed at yet another shop after J & J made my guitar unplayable. I was supposed to get a couple of frets fixed but they replaced all the frets with smaller ones. They only charged me half since I didn’t authorize the new fret job. That was a plus anyway so I have to give them that. The second guitar that they fixed is fine but the damage they did to the wood on the fretboard is not repairable. The new luthier said it would have to be replaced. He asked how it happened. Well it was at J & J while they were doing their construction phase so it obviously got damaged then. He recommended that I just live with it. It is playable and is an awesome Dean guitar so I will just live with it. If I operated this way at my job I would be fired. I will not go back there again. I do not recommend them unless you are buying strings or picks.
10. Southern Illinois Guitar
Address: 101 E Egyptian Ave, Christopher, IL 62822 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
Been going to this place for years. Even before they moved locations. Their staff is knowledgeable, and even if they don’t know a thing, they can point you to someone who does. obviously they deal is used equipment, so if they don’t have a thing that you want maybe wait a week and they might. Never had a bad experience here.
I always find what ever I need
Great deals, many selections to choose.
Pretty cool place, I like the idea they do trades etc..
Dos not stand up to there ads
Purchased a used solid state amp head from this guy’s under the impression that it was working and fully functional, showed up only to have months of repairs and multiple technicians look at it and still unable to get it working. Tried to inquire about a refund or even a price break on the repair costs and they would not budge because it was outside of their return policy and it was “tested before sale.” Absolutely avoid this company at all costs.
They are overpriced & offend to sell. What I bought from then a year ago when inflation wasn’t at its highest they sold me a saxophone for $450. It’s been a year & 2 months. The instrument was played a total of 3 times. They offered me $20 to buy it back. Would have never gave them my money originally had I known a thing or two about instruments before hand. I give them 1 star because they’re customer service isn’t great. They spoke with me over the phone assuring they’d buy back the instrument so I drove 30 minutes from my home to sell for $20?!?! What a joke!
Didn’t have what I needed. And they didn’t try to help me try any thing that might work
Quality instruments and even better people. Check this place out!
Its always like family every time you walk in there
Excellent service, nice people.
I used to take lessons here back when it was under another name and some of the people from that are still working here. I am hesitant to recommend the place as some of their prices are kinda high for stuff you can get for half the price or less at pawn shops. I’ve also walked in and never been greeted or even acknowledged on occasion(didn’t appear busy) which isn’t a deal breaker. The price of simple things like strings and other things is also a bit crazy. I understand that this is a business, but i believe there is room for improvement. Especially when i’ve taken things in to trade, they’ll downplay whatever you have with whatever small issue a used instrument will have unless it’s absolutely immaculate. That’s not to say i don’t believe they have a right to do that, but i also just believe that there is a good balance between making money vs giving the customer what they want.
That being said, the lessons i got were pretty okay at the time and i’d recommend it for a beginner easily. Just be wary of the prices on things in the shop. They’re not completely unreasonable, but they’re a little on the high side.
I do appreciate that there is a music shop in the area, and it’s a great place to drop /older/ kids off for an hour or two to get them out of the house(or at least it was, i don’t assume this has changed). Get some lessons, buy some snacks at cox, browse their selection and get picked up.
All of the people working here do seem decently professional when you DO talk to them, but if you’re not there to get lessons or to drop money on the latest tech, you’re not gonna get much conversation out of them nor do many of them seem very conversational.
Great location. Friendly workers. But, there’s nothing better that not having to ride out to the East end. Just for a set of strings, speaker chords, cheater. It’s right there in Valley Station. Two doors down from Cox’s Pharmacy. Prices are comparable to other stores. Or, online. It’s great to see them. First Quality, had been gone along time before they finally ooen
Good music stores like this are a dying breed
Family music sure don’t feel like family to me! I go to spend $40 on xlr cables & I get No eye contact when I shop there no warm welcome no desire to have conversation related to music just what do you want when I walk on?? come on America when will we become united? Or maybe thy just don’t like business from local DJs?!?!
They have a large selection of goods but the service we recieved whike trying to get a guitar repaired was subpar and no one in the shop could give a straight honest answer to anything . so we went old school to Doo Wop shop and recieved excellant service like always.
I purchased 2 composite clarinets 225.00 an returned them both due to a manufactures defect. I then paid an additional 530.00 for a new wooden Yamaha. 225. + 530. They sent me to Miles Ahead to have a NEW instrument adjusted. It damaged & was used and the serial number confirmed it was manufactured in 1978 – 2001. I was told they will not refund my money. The only thing new was SOME OF THE PADS. #SMALL CLAIM COURT
13. Mom’s Music
Address: 1900 Mellwood Ave, Louisville, KY 40206 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
Been going to Mom’s for years. Always a great experience. Incredible selection and the people are always friendly.
Top Notch Music Store. Great staff, very helpful. Great prices and inventory for all your music needs. Highly recommend the music lessons and also the kids rock school and weekend warrior program.
Mom’s has the best service and professional individuals that stay with you until you have everything you need. I bought a guitar there and they must have brought me 10 guitars to play. They were not trying to sell me anything. Just wanted to help me find the guitar I wanted. Go there, you will not be disappointed.
Moms is a great place run by nice people.
Great in-store experience looking over the drums, although while the salesman played them, he wouldn’t let me. I had every intention of buying a Ludwig kit, but he changed my mind and now I am open to a Yamaha. Well, I was. I was told to call back on Monday (I visited last Saturday). I called yesterday and today (Tues.) twice each day in the middle of the day. No option to leave a message, no explanation as to why they weren’t able to answer the phone. I emailed the salesman (young guy, longish hair), no response. End of story. I will be buying at Fork’s Drum Closet in Nashville. Sorry, Mom’s.
UPDATE: Came back, bought the Yamaha kit, cymbals, and a Yamaha mixer. Owner was personally involved. Raised from 3 to 4 stars.
I like Mom’s a lot. Customer service is their Forte. Will update post after I get a Tele back they are doing a pickup swap on.
Customer service can be improved. I visited Mom’s world today, 7/13/2019 at around 12:20PM and Tommy was the front desk person. I inquired about piano lessons and I stated my goals clearly. Obviously, he did not listen to my piano goals because I had to say my goals again and my point was if it lessons can be customized. I was not finished yet with my inquiries and he went back to what he was doing. I asked his name because I was getting uncomfortable and his response was the piano teacher’s name (a feminine name). Talk about active listening. I hope it’s not because I don’t look like your typical “American” and/or my accent. Please be nice and attentive to all your customers. -Nico R
I called Moms Music to get some information on a product. The man who answered the phone wasn’t just rude, he was down right mean. I will never purchase anything from this store.
Terrible piano instructor. Instructor called in sick for one of my lessons, which is fine, but was not given a refund or rescheduled lesson time. The instructor barely paid attention to my playing and was on her phone. Waste of time and money.
14. Louisville
Address: Illinois 62858 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
15. Swing City Music Co
Address: 244 S Buchanan St, Edwardsville, IL 62025 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
Very good guitar store they got good guitars i had an good experience they guitar were clean and tuned would recommend
Staff was nice, they’ve got some good deals too!
Love this place. Really helped my son hone his guitar skills with weekly lessons. Very appreciative of their time and effort.
Probably my favorite guitar shop
Staff is nice. Small store, but if they don’t have it, they order it and get it to you within a couple days.
Two location. If they don’t have what you need here try the store in Collinsville.
Was at the Edwardsville store this afternoon and one of the employees was very unhelpful and rude. Instead of helping he just told me everything was out of my price range. He doesn’t know me or how much money I had in my pocket. Will never go back!.
I use to be an avid customer. But I am growing more and more frustrated with the management. I feel like I’m going into a sleazy used car dealership most the time and I am treated like a waking wallet. I’ve bought some guitars and amps there, so I am (or was) returning customer . The employees act fake and I feel like everyone is treated like they are a child. I was going in there to look around if there was any new stock, the employee kept on hovering and was forcing me to play the instrument I didn’t want to try.
Honestly, go to mojos. This place is as unpleasant as a guitar center
16. 3HD Recording
Address: 1503 Angling Rd, Clay City, IL 62824 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
Affordable without sacrificing quality. He was open to suggestions and quick to answer any questions i had. Genuinely stand-up guy with an obvious passion for what he is doing. Will be making repeat visits. Professional quality.
I am beyond thrilled that 3HD could covert my VHS memories to DVD! I had sent my tape to another company a few years ago and they said the tape was blank and kept my money. I appreciate the time 3HD took to go through the tape and and fulfill my order.
This recording studio located just outside Clay City in the country offers a top notch studio experience for musicians all over Southern Illinois. The owner/ engineer delivers excellent studio service with a superb studio setting with very affordable prices. The owner is a musician himself and is very knowledgeable about musical production. This is a true gem located in Southern Illinois for aspiring musicians.
17. Steilberg String Instruments, LLC
Address: 4029 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40218 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
I have purchased 3 guitars here and always get the best service. Best place to try an instrument before purchasing. Musical accessories available.
Great people Great experience…. daughter just started lessons……went to other establishments…that we’re farther away with higher recommendation so happy I am here.
Great place to find your next bluegrass instrument…or just pick a while.
Lessons are very reasonably priced
Knowledgeable and friendly people I’ve met two times I’ve been there now. Even after they were aware of my poverty. Hehe.
Neil is helpful and knowledgeable. Good instruments.
Strindberg had a new Korean-made Hofner ‘Beatle bass’ on the wall and I went to pick it up. I have been looking for a reproduction Hofner bass. The price was $900+ and most basses of that model sell for a little bit more than half that figure.
He nearly threw a fit when I picked the bass up from the wall hanger. He mentioned that he wanted to avoid getting any “goop” on the guitar. I think he was referring to the oil on my hands. He said if I wanted to pick the guitar up, I would have to wash my hands.
After I washed my hands I decided not to pick up the bass. I looked around the store and I won’t be going back.
Sometimes one must allow a potential customer to browse the instruments. There was not a hand washing sign that I could see. The owner is just a bit odd.
Welp! I went in to steilberg string instruments to get my guitar stringed and ive read alot of the review’s and i must say i don’t know what store they went to lol because my experience was anything but good first of the owner left me standing there for 30 mins when it should have been an in and out process the owner was very rude and arrogant he treated me like garbage and on top of that he swindled me out of 20 dollars plus another 7 dollars for the strings that’s double what anybody else charges and second off the guitars they stock are mainly over priced imitation guitars the only known brand they have is a couple of washburn guitars so if you want a guitar or bass etc that you can trust id look else where… if you want a over priced copy and or bad unprofessional service go to steilberg , NEVER AGAIN
Salesman was super nice… But instruments way to expensive.
18. Music & Arts
Address: 808 Lyndon Ln Suite 103, Louisville, KY 40222 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
Went in to look for a tuba mouthpiece. They have some there, but not one that I was looking for, so they ordered one and are shipping it to my house. The people there are very nice and helpful
Great local music shop. Lots of band and orchestra instruments, guitars and pianos, and a wide selection of sheet music. They also have a full service repair shop, and a lessons studio with great teachers.
The clerk was very helpful with getting new guitar strings and showinge how to restring my new guitar
This place has very bad advertising. My child wanted to get his own xylophone and someone told us to go here. We live in Indiana so we took an 30 minute drive here to find it closed on its opening hours. This is rediculous and they did not answer my calls. My child was crying on the way home as we were looking forward to this for three days prior.
I don’t practice very often, but I badly needed some repairs made to the crook key and gooseneck of my cherished alto sax… The shop changed names and the manager and head sax repairman were nice… the value of my instrument is about the same as the cost of the repairs that were performed $700… I had to take out a shark loan with 900% interest to pay for the repairs which I will be paying on for years to come… I wasn’t given detail on the replacement parts used just a sum total of the work… This was right before the Covid19 epidemic… I started playing again recently… I noticed leaks and problems… I called the shop and they won’t stand by their work!!!!!! THUS THE ONE STAR RATING AND AS I TOLD THE PERSON ON THE PHONE THE STORE’S REPUTATION IS SHOT IN MY VIEW
This place is the worst company I’ve ever dealt with!!!! They take money from your account whenever they feel like it. They won’t give you monthly statements without charging you for them. I’ve had to change card number numerous times because of this company. The people at the corporate office are rude and the store is better but not much better. DON’T DEAL WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! Go anywhere else
19. Guitar Center
Address: 4600 Shelbyville Rd #613, Louisville, KY 40207 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
Great place, good selection, and friendly sales people who are eager to help and answer questions.
Huge selection
Friendly, clean, and required masks. Overall a great place to shop.
I’ve been going to Guitar Center since I was a kid and we’ve always received pretty good service. They do a nice job stringing my guitars and a fairly personable. However, my last experience was kind of sad. This is not the place you want to go if you’re looking to sell/trade your guitar. I had a Martin DX1ae in near perfect condition and they only gave me $200. Also, I am always disappointed that they never seem to be able to hire women. It would help to keep the mansplaning to a minimum.
Good for guita enthusiasts. They have pre owned guitars for sale. This is good for beginners.
Covid stoppit!!!
Poor customer service. Was looking for microphone and a couple other items. One associate greeted me and said he was with another customer and his counterpart would be with me as soon as he finished ringing up the current customer. Then proceeded to put other customers who arrived after us in line before us. This is not the first time this has happened but it will be the last. I will either buy online from Sweetwater or another competitor rather than being considered second class.
Went in to drop 700 on a new Bass, did not have a case in stock for the instrument I wanted. Would not negotiate at all.
Walked away and went to moms music and found what I wanted for 400 and the gave me the hard she’ll case.
Practice rooms hot humid and monitors were off and unplugged sound was not set up or explained at all. When told to service he says mmm.
20. Guitar Emporium @ Maxwell’s House of Music
Address: 1710 E 10th St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 , Louisville , Illinois , United States
Re-opened in August 2013 under new ownership. Lot’s of new cool stuff!
Super friendly staff, and they let me buy a guitar on layaway today. Awesome guitars you don’t see too often. Rics, Les Pauls, everything you could want!
The store had a very nice atmosphere.
Need a good used electric guitar. Under. 1ööö. Dollars Tha8
*edit: Since I left this review the store has from its iconic location in the Highlands neighborhood to a store in Southern Indiana. I’m not sure about their new owner or the business at the time of this edit.
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This store sets a standard of quality for rare vintage guitars while also offering guitars for beginners and players at every level of expertise. The store previously sold guitars to Angus Young from AC-DC and so many other famous players. The employees will ‘talk shop’ if they aren’t busy and they are so knowledgeable. Steve Cooley, for example, has been working with stringed instruments for a long time and he is an expert when it comes to guitar history and technical specs.
There are some very rare guitars behind glass and many on the walls of the store, so I tend to ‘touch with my eyes’ and I respectfully read price on the tag before I pick up a guitar.
My purchases from the store include a 70’s Gibson SG that was modded, but it played great. I bought a Silvertone guitar that had a case with an amplifier built into it. The guitar was a gift to my dad-who had the same model when he was a kid.
In the 90’s I won an Ovation acoustic guitar in a raffle at the store, I mean-Emporium.
*the store has recently merged and moved to Indiana. I will review the new location soon.
The store has the vibe of a living room, but the store itself is like a museum- and the relics can be purchased.
If you are looking for a vintage, hard to find guitar, then you can play the guitar before you buy it. Their selection varies, so check in often. But like I said- don’t pick up everything and don’t add a ding to a guitar.
I take lessons here and love the instructors. My one complaint is that they can be pretentious towards customers.
Visited the shop while it was slow and noticed an amp priced decently AS IS. Asked questions about it, then asked for a business card as I’m from out of town and wanted to consider it and they mentioned shipping being available. The person working at the time let me know that the owner doesn’t come in much so I’d be best off not calling the number on the card. I alternatively texted a separate cell number on the card to inquire about the price so I wouldn’t bother anyone with a call. I shortly after got a call from the shop reprimanding me for reaching out to contact info ON THE BUSINESS CARD. Answered the phone and immediately started laying into me, “I told you not to call my boss and what do you do, you call him anyways”. I was considering going back to pay full pice anyways as it was still a decent deal but after that, I don’t trust that these people wouldn’t lie to me about what’s wrong with an amp being sold “as is”. Not sure why these guys stand on such high ground when the shop inventory was scarce at best and empty the entire time I was in there but I’d say your money and time are better spent pretty much anywhere else.
I bought an old guitar from these guys that they said they had fixed up. When the bridge started coming off I called and they said, “too bad that’s what happens to old guitars.” I took it to a luthier who said the work on the guitar was substandard at best and they charged me $1000 too much in the first place. The luthier said that the store must have gone downhill after the previous owner sold out. Thanks for ripping me off, Guitar Emporium! I’d advise everyone to STAY AWAY!!! These guys are only interested in turning a quick buck!
Called to see if they were open they explained they were there but not for the public. I explained i was from out of town and was sitting out in front of their business and would love to see what had. He told me sorry you cant come in and fondle our guitars today. I told them have a couple hundred guitars of my own to fondle if that is what I was looking to do. Whatever lol I wont be back.
