Excellent business for buying, selling, repairing, and getting parts for guitars. I went in the other day looking to sell two guitars, fix one’s output jack, and then source parts such as a whammy bar, strap screws (as in the unit that’s screwed into the side that you hook a strap onto), straps, and pickup switch covers for two other guitars, and accomplished this with a bunch of great help (and a surprising amount of patience) from one of the guys working here. I got $40 for each of the entry level guitars I sold (and I’d only paid $50 for one and $60 for the other used in the first place!), the guy helping me fixed the output jack by reinstalling the washer and nut onto the receding line for free, and he showed me around the store to exactly where all the parts I wanted for my other guitars were located. I couldn’t ask for better service from any music store than what I received from these guys, and I’ll certainly be buying all my guitars and guitar equipment from them in the future.
Love this
Good place to get anything to do with music nice people!!!
Friendly,has most anything
My go-to music store. Good selection. Always helpful
Great music shoppe with a great and large selection of guitars!!!
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.
Ignored from the time I walked into the store until I left.Walked a circle throughout looking for help only to find employees chatting it up. Both looked up at me and quickly turned away and continued talking to each other. Will never get my business.
I am giving two stars because Matt Waldhoff took the time to speak with us in the store. Other than that, I’m not impressed. We were going to consign an expensive Clavinova with them. Upon looking at the contract emailed to us they wanted 40% of the price it sold for, which was satisfactory with us. What was not satisfactory was even thought they only charged $100 to pick-up the clavinova it appeared from the contract they wanted $100 to deliver it to the new owners. Also, they would take no responsibility for any damage that may occur to the unit while it was in their hands. As we had questions regarding that contract we contacted Matt Waldhoff two times via email, asking him to clarify certain aspects of the contract. He never responded back so I assumed they did not want our business. I ended up selling the clavinova on my own and kept the 40% they would otherwise have received. It is inexcusable to not return emails to clarify a contract and I can only assume he took offense that we had questions regarding a contract where they took the profit, but absolutely no responsibility for damage.
This place is great, I always get good service in a friendly atmosphere. Just wish they would be open on Sundays like I need guitar strings right now lol No biggy
5. Best Buy
Address: 1450 Koester Rd, Forsyth, IL 62535 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
Great service! Geek squad manager Mark went way out of his way to help me!
Excellent prices on appliances, mobile devices and more. Good knowledgeable, service folks.
Bought more than I expected to, but their prices were good and had a few sales
I got the third degree at the door about why I was there but once I was in the area I was interested in the staff was very helpful and gave me the information I needed.
Great!
They took great care of us on car radio. On
If you need a computer, these guys may not be the sharpest, I’m technically inclined so I always know more than they do, but for crying out loud, do not read from the box to me when I ask a question. If I ask, I’ve already read the box, and a few web articles. Why don’t you ask the customer if he has read the box yet?
Didn’t have a record player needle that I needed
This was the worse service I have ever had at any business…I will not be back
6. Old Book Barn
Address: 126 US-51, Forsyth, IL 62535 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
You know you’ve walked into a great used book store by the smell. Great place
I’ve been going here since it was actually in a barn. Love it! Huge selection and great prices!
SO MANY BOOKS! We had a great experience, the staff was very friendly and we found a few books too! I would say the majority of the books are fiction/mystery/fantasy. Very fair prices, $2-$15 I would say
I was really excited to see this place because I had read an article about it a while back. But sadly it was only meh.
My husband saw only one cat who did not want to be touched.
Books are a bit pricy for a used book store. But we knew that going in.
The store was very musty and it got hard to breathe. It was the first time I had ever wanted to leave a book store!
I kept hearing the smoke or carbon monoxide detector beeping signaling a battery change needed but no one was taking any actions to change the battery.
The staff is not knowledgable at all. I asked if they had any of Andrew Lang’s Color Fairy Books and she looked at me and asked if it was a new book. (It’s a classical book series of fairytales) Then my husband asked her if she had any Terry Pratchett books and she asked who Terry Pratchett was.
Also the organization was super confusing.
But we did get some books we wanted which was good. It was a meh place. If you live in town perhaps, but not something to drive an hour and a half for.
Great selection of books, I can always find something I want
A lot of books. A little high for used books.
Very disappointed in my trip in today. I don’t get the opportunity to get away from my kids often but love this shop and the selection they normally have. Took an hour drive to get there, started to look around and found the selection lacking today. After browsing a bit a CHILD came up to my friend and I to tell us that the store was closing, we made our way to the front to cash out-15 minutes from close-found bridgerton books, the younger girl behind the counter made gross comments about how much she dislikes the books-word of advice: don’t criticize other peoples interests in front of them, found an empty box for a set of books and grabbed it thinking that the books being as pricey as they were would be behind the counter only to find out after I checked out that it’s simply an empty box.
Please work on the customer service aspect of things. I’ve spent a bit of money every time I’ve come to the barn and planned on spending quite a bit today but didn’t get the opportunity which astounded me. Don’t send a child to tell your customers they need to leave and don’t for the love of god talk badly about something someone else is interested in when I would’ve spent over $50 for those books alone. We will not be back after today.
Been here a few times never been a big fan. The cats are a big turn off for me. Not much of a non fiction selection. Spending your credit is always a problem.
It was okay just to expensive. 4 paper back books $24.
7. House of Guitars
Address: 802 N Keller Dr, Effingham, IL 62401 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
Got to hear the best sounding Alverz in my life !!! So many kool Guitars it’s unbelievable. Can’t wait to go back
Great prices, cool shop, friendly and knowledgeable owner who took his time to help us get what we needed for our future rockstar. Would def shop here again
Awesome shop , if you need anything for a string instrument then house of guitars is the place to !
Have bought accessories and have had tech/set up work done here. Owner’s always been nice, and even cuts ya the occasional break on the price. Definitely recommend.
One of only two places that I know of in Effingham to purchase guitars and sound equipment. Even though the shop is small, they have a lot of quality guitars at reasonable prices. I was also impressed with the ukulele selection, an instrument that is becoming more and more popular. They also have some sound equipment and sound accessories at decent prices for performing musicians. If you are in need of anything for your guitar, this place is worth a visit.
Great little shop top notch ownership.
Have been coming here for five years and spent thousands of dollars in this store. The owner has never acted like he recognized me or knew my name. Today in the store he falsely accused me of scratching a guitar in the shop, and told me I was lucky he “didn’t shake me down for money.” The guitars in the shop are high quality, but I am never bringing my business back here.
8. Square Music Company
Address: 122 N Side Square, Macomb, IL 61455 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
Very friendly staff and a surprising variety of instruments and associated accoutrements, highly recommend.
Good prices and really nice quality music equipment and instruments. Would Reccomend.
I love this place. Adam, Cordell, and Noel are great! I’ve bought several guitars from this place and will likely purchase more. Solid inventory, reasonable prices. Knowledegable staff. Generally just an enjoyable place as a whole.
9. Walmart Supercenter
Address: 4224 Prospect Dr, Decatur, IL 62526 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
Very helpful service desk when the money center was closed already for the day.
Yes I always go often when I go store
This store is very clean. Nice people. Stocked shelves. Very nice.
There barely any help to find something they try n force you to wear a mask employees very rude
I have had bad experiences with the pharmacy.
They were out of alot of food items I was looking for.
ZachScroggins
Checkouts are to slow!!
Long lines not enough staff, hard to find managers, merchandise not always priced, do no always price match with other stores. Bathrooms a located up from and at the back of the store. Bought grapes last week and they were the worst grapes I have ever tasted. There is handicap restrooms and parking but it oats to go early.
10. Chesnut Family Music
Address: 110 S Front St, Effingham, IL 62401 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
This place have become a favorite of mine! I purchased my first acoustic guitar, guitar lessons with adam, and vocal lessons with michael. I am extremely happy so far over the last 6 weeks. Great people, honest advice, reasonable prices, and expert direction. You can’t go wrong starting here!
Just got my 33 year old guitar back from having the frets dressed and neck adjustment, and all I can say is WOW! It sounds like new.
Thank you Frank!!
Top notch, awesome guys to deal with. Nice layout in the store. Let me trade/appraised some items and figured out what I would owe in cash before I ever set foot in the place(under the understanding all items were in the condition stated). I’ve never had a better experience and I have been in a lot of music stores over the years. Above and beyond in my book. Cool vintage 80s stuff, new items and their own brand of Aurora guitars Frank builds. Lessons and repairs as well. DeKalb needed a good music store.
13. Byassee Music and Sound
Address: 521 W Main St, Marion, IL 62959 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
I absolutely love this store I have bought so many of my cds for church here these guys are very kind and definitely have the patience God gave Job ! We also bought a piano from them for our daughter to learn on. It is very nice and well worth the money!! God bless you all . If you need something they are right there to show you or order it for you. Thank you all
I absolutely love this place!! They set up my lefty Fender Telecaster and nailed it Great service and very nice people…also gave me a great deal on a hardshell case! Amazing prices, I’ll see you guys very soon.
Very friendly and helpful. Nice to still have a brick and mortar music store in the area.
Really nice people, just very overpriced
Best place ever to me
They sold me a violin for 2,000 and when I had it appraised the specialist said they cost $100 for a set of three. I will never do business with them again and I urge anyone to go elsewhere
14. Perks Music
Address: 502 E 13th St, Centralia, IL 62801 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
Great thrift store just the barn area is hot so go out there on cooler days.
TONS of goodies to look through and very friendly helpful service!
This is a great thrift store with people who put a lot of time and effort into their job. Very well organized. Great prices..employees always ready to help in any way…always offer to carry my purchased to my car. Plus Adele is awesome at her job. ✌
Love this place!! Dedicated customer always find something new here. Organization of items could be better but they are always improving.
I love this place the gentleman there is always so nice and helpful and prices are so awesome got my boys 4 pair of jeans and a laundry basket for under $5.00 that to me is amazing keep up the great work
The warehouse area is awesome for finding household and larger items. The staff is always polite and greet you when you walk in.
I went in a seen a necklace on the jewelry shelf I wanted to buy but when I tried to check out they told me they take jewelry to a jewelry store and sell it to them and would not sell it to me. I will never donate to them again or buy either. Donations should be sold back to the community not to jewelry stores. We donate stuff so other people can use it and you can make some money for your programs. Allowing items to have a chance to be purched by another shopper is what a thriftstore should do not take it to a diffremt place.
16. Front Row Center Music
Address: 1507 N Main St, Benton, IL 62812 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
This guy knows his stuff. Been going there for years for drum equip. Has used merchandise too. Lots of inventory.
Has what you need when it comes to musical instruments needs..friendly service and knowledgeable..
The little unknown place with hidden gems!..
They seam to have what you need. In music supplies.
Music store that appears to be run out of someone’s house. It smelled like stale cigarettes and was extremely disorganized. The guy running the place seemed to know his music but unfortunately I couldn’t handle the smell of smoke and was afraid that anything I purchased here would likely bring the smell home with me. Very friendly and helpful but this place desperately needs to be aired out.
Nothing in the store was priced. Took the time and found a stack of records I wanted to buy. He said he’d have to go on the internet and price each, one at a time. Gave him about 10 minutes to do that while I shopped. When I was ready to go, he only had one priced, and it was more than twice what it was worth on Discogs. The place was filthy and stinky. So, told him never mind on the records and I would buy the drumsticks and a kick plate. $16.09, fair price. Gave him a $20 and he didn’t have any change. Finally got so frustrated and just left. Don’t waste your time here.
Disorganized and everything is not priced with a tag, you have to ask him to look it up online in order to get a price. You may be there for an hour waiting for him to price each record or instrument you want. You will have better luck going to Guitar Center 20 miles away. Prices were not negotiable as well, just seems like a used music store should be more open minded to pricing and all.
17. Staples
Address: 900 Commerce Pl, Forsyth, IL 62535 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
We were in there on Sunday April 29th to have some old Navy photos scanned. The young man in the copy & scan department was very helpful, polite and funny. Great customer service!
Helpful without being pushy.
Friendly staff and clean store.
Knowledgeable staff.
Competitive pricing. Can find most needed items here.
Staff was very helpful and knowledgeable. Pleasant dealing with these people.
I now reside in Sullivan, Il. It is approximately 50 minutes drive, each way, to the closest Staples in Forsyth, Il. I needed ink cartages for 2 of my printers. One is a Epson, and the other is a Dell. To save me a trip, in case Staples didn’t have my cartages, I called the store to make sure they had what I needed. The salesman put me on hold for 6 minutes, then told me they had the ink cartages for both printers. So I drove there. I found the ones for the Epson, but I could not find Dell ones. I asked an associate where the Dell cartages were, he replied that they don’t stock Dell anymore, but I could order them online from Staples. The Dell was the one I really needed now, but was going to get the Epson since I would be there,anyway. Needless to I am really upset for the entire incident. At this point you just lost a customer of about 15 years. Most of my past purchases were at the Clearwater, Florida store on Sunset Point Rd.
Gary Meritt
Southern Projects, Inc.
They, like other stores, have started selling those worthless protection plans. This in it’s self wouldn’t bother me so much if they were not trying to cram the thing down your throat. Sales person was told no once after listening to his pitch but then after he rang up my order, by the way a measly 30 bucks, tried again by going back into his pitch. Its almost like they get into trouble if they dont sell a certain number of them. If thats the case shame on staples for pressuring sales associates into pressuring customers. They get much worse and i will switch to online shopping at amazon for what I need.
The print is not very helpful.
18. McDonald’s
Address: 109 Lucile Ave, Forsyth, IL 62535 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
Always there when I’m in the mood for a quick bite. Whatever management did to this place… it’s a huge improvement from what it was just a few years ago. I used to avoid this location like the plague and now it’s one of my favorite quick stops. I wish I could remember her name but the nice lady that works the drive through in the mornings has the best attitude and smile.
One of the best McDonald’s around. Great fast service..
It was really busy but the staff kept the drive thru flowing. They were polite and I had a huge order and everything was correct! Thanks!
Good food. Fast service. Meal delivered to table with mint.
One of the better ones.
Like all McDonald’s.
I got a big breakfast after working all night. I was very Hungry. Here are some pictures. Didn’t even get my pancakes! It was unfit to feed my dog.
This was about 2 weeks ago.
You think they would be extra careful with the Covid thing going on but I guess not.
Cold food. Surly attitudes. Nuff said.
They seid the inside was closed u can only come in to use the bathroom so use the drive thru no one was even at the speaker or anything they better fix
19. Mike’s Music
Address: 816 E Main St A, Carbondale, IL 62901 , Maroa , Illinois , United States
Great variety of guitars at very good prices. A few low end instruments for the beginners but very good quality. They even had a double neck Epiphone they let me play. First time in 42 years I have ever played a double neck let alone seen one in a store. Several Strats at good prices. Worth the drive.
Called to check on strings
The guy is really picky about what he will buy but they have really nice items and the guy will do trade on stuff
Nice little pocket shop to pick up some accessories and or a guitar you had no idea was there lol. Drum sticks are decently priced too although limited to two brands. I absolutely love the mascots too!
