Every time I have gone to Swing City, they have greeted me with a smile and ask me if they could help me. When I say I know what I’m looking for, they do the best thing a customer service employee could do: they trust me to look around by myself without them breathing down my neck. I’ve had that issue at many music stores over the years, but they respect personal space and allow me to look around as much I want.
In addition, their prices are on par with the lowest you’ll find online. In my experience, I’ve bought guitars, pedals, drum equipment, and lights from them and they always give me the correct price. No price match or anything, but everything is priced exactly how it should be.
The nicest and most considerate employees work at the Edwardsville location and I haven’t had a bad experience yet in the six years I’ve been going there.
Disclaimer: this review is for Edwardsville store. I haven’t had the same experience at the Collinsville location, but I am still giving them the benefit of the doubt before I write a review about them.
I love Swing City Edwardsville!
Staff was nice, they’ve got some good deals too!
Swing City Music in Collinsville is a local treasure!
I am ashamed to say that while I was once loyal to Drum Headquarters on the Missouri side, for the last several years my schedule has made it highly convenient for me to go online and order gear, sticks, what have you. Even though I work less than a block away from this location, I hadn’t dealt with Swing City in many years since it was at the old location.
I recently got into more of a recording project and I know nothing about home recording, mixing, monitors, etc. So I have visited with Art at this location now a couple of times. I want to stress here that after my recent experience of trying to learn about and purchase a wireless in ear monitor for studio and stage, I will no longer order ANYTHING from the big guys.
One look around this store and I realized how wrong it was of me to EVER give my money to the Sweetwaters of the world and why it is so important to shop local for music gear if you have the opportunity. At this location, people are taking lessons, kids are learning to play, local artists music and merchandise is available for purchase, local shows are promoted and on and on. There are so few opportunities left in our area for any sort of music “scene”- places to learn, play, hone your craft, etc. but this is one of them and it is important that we support it.
Art and Art Sr. and their team explained mixers, in ear monitors and different aspects of recording and sound to me, etc. clearly so that I could understand what was best in my situation and they didn’t treat me like a dummy for being a 44 year old musician who should already know this stuff by now. They didn’t try to sell me a bunch of stuff I didn’t need AND as an added bonus they beat SweetWater’s pricing on everything without me even bringing it up or asking ( I would have paid more for the free education that I got from these guys). Strongly recommending that everyone go here. They have an outstanding selection, great service (not a snobby guitar shop atmosphere), and they can get you what you need if they don’t have it. Thanks for reading. Hope this helps!
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.
Probably my favorite guitar shop
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
2. Halpin Music Company
Address: 88 Northport Dr, Alton, IL 62002 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
Wonderful recital and know it took a lot of preparation for a 20 minute show. We were so proud of our Cecilia and know you have a great influence on her. All the kids performed so well with their solos in front of a crowd. Thank you for the presentation and hope there will be more.
Great Store, Great Staff, Great Products, Great Prices. Thank you again, Halpin, for all of your help !!!!!!
Friendly, helpful staff with a surprising knowledge of the instruments. They really care, and it shows.
Nice place, friendly workers
Buy local when you can! Give these guys a chance, they have great service 🙂
Bad experience. Our band teacher left my daughters instrument there last Thursday. They never even touched it and her band recital is tomorrow. Their representative never bothered to contact the school or teacher. We drove all the way to Alton and took it to Miller’s Music on Swansea. He got it fixed enough to be ready for band recital that night! What a miracle worker. Halpins said it would take them weeks to get it fixed. OMG!
The clerk at Halpins offered an apology after I mentioned the situation. Nothing from the owners themselves. We don’t treat our own customers that way, speaking as a business owner. Sad to say, some businesses just don’t care.
It seems as though the technicians that repair instruments can’t repair the instruments correctly without having to send them out for repairs. The customer has to tell and show what exactly is broken or needs repairs. Th oo bad they are the only musical instrument repair shop in Alton
My son’s saxophone has been there a number of times. The last time he got it back the band director said that it wasn’t fixed. It went back and still hasn’t been fixed for 3 weeks! I have traveled down there in the past and had several words with them. This is the last time it goes back!
3. Alton Music Exchange
Address: 556 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
Took a guitar in here that I knew nothing about. They were able to help me figure out what I have, and are also repairing it for me at what I believe to be a fair price definitely recommend
Great Store!
Love to see a local music shop.
Great place! Very helpful & did a great job on my repair. Highly recommend,
NJ
4. Walmart Supercenter
Address: 18600 Shipman Blackt, Carlinville, IL 62626 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
This Walmart never really had anything before cov-19, now it’s even worse.
There is a woman there that gives me an attitude every. time. I want to return something. Like I’m (the customer) an inconvenience to hee. She is just downright rude! Not sure why I get the attitude, but it’s very unprofessional. I don’t recall her name but I do know she is a red head and slightly overweight.
They dont have a good selection of anything
5. Mojo’s Music
Address: 144 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
Great local spot for your musical needs. Sales staff was very helpful with instrument rental and other purchases for my elementary student orchestra checklist.
Absolutely love mojos, they’re great guys, I deal with Turk who is awesome to work with , and Bob the owner, just a great place with years of knowledge
I have been going to Mojo’s since literally the first day it opened. A lot has changed since then (for the better) and now they are one of the best guitar shops around anywhere. Bob is a great guy and his staff will always help you out with what you need.
Fun shop for sure! Eye candy hanging on all the surrounding walls. The shop’s main focus is guitars so it’s definitely the place to go if that’s your go to instrument. Workers are knowledgeable and always very helpful. It’s no breaking news that guitar shops tend to give off awkward, intimidating vibes (understandably so when you visit any shop with high pricetagged merch) and I do have to try and hide my feelings of squirminess while there, but I enjoy going and will continue to.
Lots of inventory and they are willing to deal
I went in to get my guitar repaired, the staff members sat at the counter and talked and ignored me for several minutes. Then after they finally looked at my guitar it turned out to be a very expensive repair so I decided to just buy a new guitar. One would think this would be cue to start selling a guitar, instead they ignored me some more and made me feel awkward for playing any guitar they had. So I went to swing city music right down the road and they instantly came to help and found a guitar that was right for me.
After years of taking time off from playing music, band break up really made me step away, I’ve decided to look around for a new guitar and rig, have gone to Mojo’s, have purchase three terrific instruments from them in the past 15 years, never had a bad experience, today, however, was not the same. I walked into a store deflated of its prior pulse, I was seen and ignored, walked around looking for what would be my next stage guitar. Two employees, yet no time to greet, or attempt to make a sale, to show products, I even made an attempt by asking what’s new, even then not a singular spark of interest in my affairs with them was of significance. I walked out of there for the last time, sad to see such a place become so cold and uninviting.
6. Fornaszewski Music Online
Address: 3009 Nameoki Rd, Granite City, IL 62040 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
Super cool store, family run, personal experience, would definitely recommend for all music enthusiast alike.
Amazing shop, lots of stuff for anyone into playing music. Stan is incredibly helpful and goes the extra mile (ten more miles, really). Highly recommend this shop to anyone.
Excellent people who above and beyond to help and answer all questions.
7. Omega Music
Address: 1371 Niedringhaus Ave, Granite City, IL 62040 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
Really helpful. Understands the goal that we are trying to accomplish and I had great suggestions on how to make it happen.
Great store. The owner came out and talked to me for quite a while and I was just there to look around while traveling for work.
Great service and awesome store! You have to check it out….lessons for kids too!
A good old school music store.
It’s a really good place. Sorry, we were the ones that crashed intk the building
This place is so bad I’d rather go to guitar center and I hate guitar center. They are fine if you’re just going for lesson but if you’re doing any type of business seriously save yourself the trouble and go to any other local store or guitar center.
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 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.
Dan is an excellent drummer. Even though he has not given me lessons personally, our band has hired him on numerous occasions for private and public gigs. Dan has always been professional, friendly, and accommodating. He shows up to gigs on time and is prepared to play the songs on our set list. He is an excellent drummer and has what we feel, is a natural ability to pick up on the rhythm of songs. We are a band at the place at least three times a month so we have a lot of experience with various drummers. Dan has always been one of the best and one of the first we call when we need someone.
If I ever did not understand a certain technique, Peterson would go out of his way to explain it multiple ways until I understood. He not only taught me how to read music, he taught me the fundamental basics of music so I could break down pieces on my and begin to write my own. We also had jam sessions at the end of each lesson so I could learn basic chords while having fun.
I’ve been attending keyboard lessons, at TR Music and Voice Lessons for the three months. I couldn’t be happier with the progress I’ve made! Thanks, to the guidance provided by Ms. Madison my skills have surpassed my expectations.
Our son had his first lesson with Caleb…he had so much fun. Caleb really catered piano lessons to Max’s personality, age, and interests. Great experience so far!
15. It Is What It Is Antiques & Furniture
Address: 190 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville, IL 62626 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
I have been shopping in this store since it opened and love all of the items that I have purchased. You will find very reasonably priced, excellent quality secondhand, one-of-a-kind, vintage and new items, with vendors adding new items almost daily to their booths. It is definitely worth many visits to check out all of the unique items that this store has to offer. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
Nice, clean, nice people.
I shop here often, there is a Forever Changing Inventory. I have bought things for my home, clothes, furniture, etc… If you are looking for something unusual there is something for everyone in all price ranges!! 🙂 Great Place to Find Treasures!!
Darling little antique store. Love this placenta filled with a variety of booths. Glass furniture tables wood crafts. Thet carry Miss Lillians chock paint. Which I love
Thete is a variety of stuff there the cost of items there are cheap to reasonable everthing from gi joes to dressers thereall used items are in good condition with a friendly clerk to help find what you are looking for
Okay so I’ve only shopped here one time although I shop locally most of the time I will no longer shop at this store they do not check the quality of their products an sell them at a rather high price I bought my wife some jewelry that she wanted which appeared to be fine at check out she wrapped them in a bubble wrap bag an we proceeded to our home my wife then took her jewelry out to discover it was broken never even got to put it on I called the store they didnt offer an exchange to replace the value of the item or to even simply give us our money back she instead said we should have looked at the item more carefully before purchasing an there is nothing they will do. Very sad to say this store will not receive a good review from me to anyone an will not recieve my business ever again.
16. Lighthouse Sounds
Address: 626 E Broadway, Alton, IL 62002 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
Great day of recording with Caleb! Thanks man, lot of fun and sounds great so far!
Great sounding acoustics, great vibe. Justin Is an excellent engineer, and talented session musician. He’s quick to set up and is always keeping the musician in mind. I highly recommend this studio, they have different recording packages and engineers based on your needs.
17. Mother Road Antique Mall
Address: 106 N Side Square, Carlinville, IL 62626 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
the staff was very nice and friendly. they had many unique items, and had health codes in place. there were decent prices on items as well.
Nice shop, densely packed. Employees happy to help you find what you want. Interesting stuff at very cheap prices.
Very clean well organized
Nice place to shop
Prices are good, and the staff is wonderful!
Neat things remind me of the good ol’days. Very rude, ignorant, sarcastic owner whom needs to learn how to talk to kids more proper when shopping. I wont be buying anything here!
18. The Gold Pan Records
Address: 309 S Main St, Hillsboro, IL 62049 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
Nice to see a record shop not full of the carpenter Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand. Enough said
This is a really cool store for a small town. I buy some new vinyl here and there but I’m mostly on the lookout for vintage rock/metal/blues LP’s. They seem to come up with new stuff each week, making it worthwhile to stop in regularly. There are good finds in the bargain bins as well. I’ve bought a lot of records here. Stop in and check them out.
Great little store
19. Catholic Charities Thrift Store
Address: 20 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville, IL 62626 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
I found alot of cool stuff here today they have alot of dishes, nice shirts and books. I even found an old antique clock for only $3.00 very happy about that!!
My fav thrift honey hole….always find treasures here!
The best place ever. It’s like a treasure chest. The value of what’s inside is different for everyone that opens the door.
Its not as organized as it use to be
Love this place but quality of donations have declined and very cluttered makes it hard to get around the store, also due to lack of volunteers not very much summer clothing has been put out
The person in line in front of me was told several of her items were “mark up” items. They were not stickered. sales clerk told her the tags must have fallen off. As I put my children s clothing items up the clerk began “this is a mark up” .”this is a mark up” .I intrerupted how do I know if I have a .75 cent clothing item or a “mark up items” .She replied all brand names are “mark up” I asked it there was a list of brands of if items were marked? Her reply was “we dont sticker children’s mark up. ” againathe customer behind me had the same
issue.
I felt as if the young lady at the counter was making up prices based on how customers were dressed. Not how clothing was actually marked or tagged.
The store floor was littered with “mark up” price stickers. Perhaps they need a better system of marking clothing.
Items might be cost more than posted prices depending upon the person at the register. Items added up to $24 per the signs (and I had a few marked up items), but I paid $40 because I was distracted with my kid. They don’t have itemized receipts, so it’s just hope the cashier can add. I guess mine couldn’t, but I can’t afford the mistake. That’s why I was shopping here, it’s just disappointing.
20. Capital City Music
Address: 3700 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL 62711 , Macoupin County , Illinois , United States
Bought my Taylor there last week . I love it! They were very helpful and answered all my questions I had.
Love this
Piano lessons are awesome here
Slightly expensive, but very helpful and knowledgeable staff.
My go-to music store. Good selection. Always helpful
Very limited selection of music, they have lots of guitars and pianos, though.
I’ve been to a lot of music stores, and let me tell ya, avoid the this at all costs. Prices are High, equipment is below average, and the customer service is a joke. If you don’t mind paying top prices for sub standard gear and having to staff look down at you like you owe them something well this is the place for you . Two thumbs down
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.
Took in a brand new bass to get a pickup replaced. Not a scratch on it, never played once. The supposedly simple pickup replacement took a week and a half only for them to give me back my new bass with the back of it covered in scratches and a huge glob of dried glue stuck to the fretboard that won’t come off. They absolutely wrecked my new bass before I even had a chance to play it. Worst possible experience. I am sick to my stomach about how poorly they treated my equipment and would recommend avoiding this place at all costs.
