I was very impressed with the attentiveness afforded to me. Several issues I was having with my fairly new guitar were evaluated carefully and solutions were provided. I look forward to a long relationship with A-MAJOR
The staff are awesome and very helpful
I get my flute done here
Good store for beginners and amateurs. They will get you into a payment plan for many instruments…this store is big on ordering.
Quick service on my acoustic. Price for strings & service reasonable. Lady Jo was cool. Brian wasn’t very social.
They do not have much of a guitar selection, but they do have other things.
Not answering your phones while your shop should be open is a horrible way to run a business. There’s no option to leave a message either.
They told me that the item I wanted was in stock. When I got there it was gone. In stock doesn’t mean 1.
Almost no instruments in store. Some guitars and some harmonicas. Nice workers due
Very affordable prices, comfortable and quiet ride love it
Very cheap transportation. Nice stop.
First time riding the Metra. And I enjoyed it. if you need in person help probably wouldn’t be the best but I’m more of a research and find my own way type of person so I found all I needed online. I highly suggest getting the Ventra app
$3 Parking till 11pm.
Use lake bluff or great lakes as options
Fair station not always open
Lo único malo que nunca está abierto para esperar el tren ni en el invierno lo abren
6. Deerpath Music
Address: 165 Margate Ct, Lake Bluff, IL 60044 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
Welcoming and friendly! Yasmine is always available to answer any questions you may have. Lots of options for musical instruction. Ms. Melanie has been an amazing teacher to both of my boys in piano and the drums.
Highly recommend this piano shop. The owner and her son Brendan went above and beyond to help me!
Rick was extremely helpful. We learned a lot from his demo and his patient explanations. I highly recommend talking with him.
The service is amazing.
If you want a wide selection of brand new Kawai pianos and a great deal this is NOT the place to go. I repeat…. This is NOT the place to go. Brendan tried to take advantage of me when I was in search of a brand new Kawai GL10 or K500. I had a few pianos I could trade in. One of them being a hand built Charles R Walter in pristine condition. He thought I did not know how much trade in value my hand built in U.S.A Charles R Walter had so tried to low ball me. I talked to other dealers (non local) and they all offered well over double what Brendan offered for my Charles R Walter as trade in credit for a new Kawai piano. I already knew the value of my Charles R Walter and showed Brendan how two other Kawai dealers had offered more than double what he offered so he magically added one grand trade in offer to the Charles R Walter which was still much less than what two other dealers offered.
I wanted to support their local Kawai dealer since they are nearby and but I got a bad feeling when talking with him. He is a very shady salesman. On the day we had scheduled to go buy a brand new KAWAI K500 he messaged me cancelling since he got covid. I emailed him wishing him a speedy recovery and he simply ignored. Extremely unprofessional. I then decided to drive out to Cordogan’s PianoLand in Geneva (much further) and they matched what other dealers had offered for my trade in and gave me a much better deal on a brand new Kawai grand piano. Glad brendan cancelled since I was able to find a much better dealer that provided a more pleasant and transparent experience. If you want a great experience go to Cordogan’s PianoLand.
Terrible lugar!!! No tienen repeto por el tiempo de la gente y son poco profesionales NO LO RECOMIENDO
I’m Sofia Gorodetskaya director program Fun w music June 10 my students had a concert, Family piano is a wonderful place , great people help a lot and make video for every students. Thank you very much Family Piano Alice,Brandon,Tony and Drew. Some students buy a very good piano w so good price . Thank you very much.
9. BakYard Studios
Address: Belvidere Rd #2835, Waukegan, IL 60085 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
I used Alden’s to move an upright piano 5 years ago, then again recently to move an upright and a baby grand piano. Both experiences were good. The teams each time knew exactly what they were doing to make sure the piano legs were supported properly when transported and the pianos were not harmed during transport either. The people that worked there were helpful and very professional. Also after calling for quotes, Alden’s pricing was good. Scheduling was also fast. Overall I was very please with my experiences.
Alden’s service was efficient and reliable. The moving team was knowledgeable and cordial. I am happy to recommend their services.
Alden provided expert piano moving services to me, very professional!
These guys are phenomenal! I wouldn’t use anyone else! So efficient & professional
Guys did a good job were quick and respectful.
They moved a piano for me. Unfortunately we could not get in the new place yet and the piano had to be delivered to the garage where it still sits.
11. Chicago Music Exchange
Address: 3316 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
Awesome, massive store with super helpful staff! I bought my first guitar ever, and Nick was patience and very informative.
I barely ever feel the need to write reviews on any company and even more rarely give a five star review. I’ve also purchased alot of music gear over the years previously through Musicians Friend so I feel that I have a pretty good frame of reference to give this review. So far I’ve purchased 2 guitars and 1 bass from CME with many accessories. Every purchase I’ve made so far has been flawless. Fair prices and well set up instruments along with a lot of interesting one offs and really cool collaborations . CME is the best company out there and deserves the support. Now don’t change and disappoint me!!!
David A. was INCREDIBLY HELPFUL with the buying process every single step of the way. I live in California, and so we only communicated via email, but he was super patient with all my questions and concerns. He sent pictures of the guitar I wanted to buy, on a Sunday!
They packaged the guitar extremely well, and it survived the long journey in a week in perfect condition.
All-in-all, this was by far my best music purchase experience ever, and this is now going to be my most prized guitar (it’s a Taylor!). Super excited, and super grateful for the amazing customer service that Chicago Music Exchange did… I’m a fan for life!
It’s good for guitar players
It’s a big, beautiful store with multiple levels and rooms of instruments. I do wish there were more amp rooms, and that there was a more established queuing protocol for the rooms that are presently there.
Friendly staff
Thieves! Do not use them. 6 month ordeal. Took 5 months to receive item. And it was canceled months prior. Tried to return item since I bought from a better source and after 20 emails and multiple phone calls they accept it. One problem, they never refunded the money. $136 wasted on these clowns. Worst place I have ever dealt with, musical or otherwise. Stay clear of David Azizinamini. The biggest jerk.
basic crooks
i’m sure the’ll be “super bummed” about my review
but, get over it
sucked bad never again will i go to this shop.
12. Old Town School Music Store
Address: 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
Es una, escuela muy profecional. Me gusta la atención que dan a los niños, existen muchas actividades para cada persona!
Amazing venue!! Intimate and beautiful Auditorium!
A small music store with an amazing variety of instruments and accessories! Very clean, bright and organized.
Beautiful place with the exception of the tables in front of the seats. The people at the tables block the view of others.
Great place with VERY helpful, experienced music loving volunteers, and great talent! This is the third time I have seen Peter and Jeremy, the second time here. I sat with a friend and his friend upstairs in the upper balcony, which did still have good views and sound. Unfortunately, though, there is a metal ‘fence’ at each end of the balcony, and it should be a little wider, since it makes it harder to get to the seats, if you’re ‘well endowed’, as I am.
Great place to learn music. I like the jam sessions
After being told I could have my 45 year old dulcimer restrung same day, I arrived, instrument in hand, to find out that it could only happen the following day. So again on day 2, I spent an hour on local Chicago transit – $10 – and returned to have the counter person tell me that they would not be able to do the work. He claimed he’d called me.
Turns out he called (leaving no message) minutes before I arrived at the store.
If you plan on doing anything more than buying an instrument, make sure you are dealing with an adult who has a grip on customer service.
13. The Music Gallery
Address: 2558 Green Bay Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
Need your guitar set up? You owe it to yourself to see George. Lots of experience, great workmanship and love of guitars.
I have known Frank at MG for too many years to count…that being said I have purchased guitars, amps, speakers, pedals, wireless units, repair/installations and on & on. His CS skills & networking are at the top of the scale. That’s the reason he’s been in the biz for so many years (and why his tutelage has rubbed off on his former employees. A hard act to follow indeed.
Exceptional in every possible way. An extremely upscale brick and mortar shop with some of the friendliest staff. Being new to the guitar world, these people who sell guitars that cost more than most cars on a day to day, made me feel welcome and treated me with the up most respect. Although I’m a ways away from the level of most of the guitars there, they have a great selection of entry level guitars from top brands and accessories with prices that rival if not beat online. Definitely a wonderful business. I look forward to being a customer for years to come.
Got a few of my guitar frets plekked. Great job. My only complaint is they only offer that with their setup and they dont know how to setup a guitar the correct way. Action way off the fretboard. The trussrod is way off with way too much bow. I rather just pay for the plek and not the setup. I have to spend an hour setting it up after paying $285. Which is very high. I found some of the employees to have egos and arrogant.
staff is helpful… but had a guitar fixed a couple months ago and had to bring it back for the same issue…. I thought they fixed it, but guess not. we will try again and see…..
I’m an advanced drummer and had a good experience working with the drum teacher (M.S.) that I met with at the Music Gallery. However, the shop owners were less than professional. The equipment was unsatisfactory to take lessons on. I had to start bringing my own drum thrown. Along with that the bass drum pedals along with the hi hat mechanism were in poor condition. When I confronted the owner he got angry at me for bringing it and said it was my teachers problem. In a community such as Highland Park it’s embarrassing. I would not recommend this location to work with. With all this being said they have ended the relationship with who I feel is one of the best drum teachers in the area. It’s very much their loss! I continue to work with him at another location.
Dumped an unsellable $1900 Chicago blues box on me after my gear had been stolen.
I took the amp back the next day and they told me I’d take a $600 loss.
They knew why I brought it back and they stuck me with it. Didn’t even offer an alternate!
Not interested in artist or musicians only in it for the $
Pompous, elite and unprofessional!
Beware, once they got your money you are SOL.
14. McDonald’s
Address: 2211 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
I had to give a great review of my service here tonight… The young men were kind, fast, efficient, and thorough. I appreciate that, and the food tasted fresh and good. So to the crew working around 1am Monday morning (Sunday night), thank you! Keep up the good work!
Features: Large hot coffee, sausage biscuit and hash browns. Yummy!
Good place to eat
Fast going through drive through, at busy time of day.
I enjoy their salad.
Store was closed but the only signs saying so were on the drive thru speakers while every worker was standing a round chatting
Stupid prices for a burger
The food is too expensive for the amount of health you gain.
15. Make’n Music
Address: 780 W Frontage Rd, Northfield, IL 60093 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
I saw on another website that they were selling one of my dream guitars, so I called them up and asked them a few questions and a few minutes later I was the proud owner of said guitar. They had shipped it within the next couple of hours and it was at my door 24 hours later. After owning this guitar for a week I saw that the manufacturer had a black Friday Sale for the exact model I purchased. I contacted Make’N Music and a week later they were able to refund me money for the sale price. The manufacturer is in Israel by the way. This place knows and understands customer service to the tee! I hope I am able to purchase many more products through them. They went above and beyond for me! Truly an awesome business!
My father made me a Fender custom shop Strat from parts several years ago. He recently passed away, so it’s no surprise that it’s become my main guitar lately. What my father made was lovely, but Make’n Music took this Strat to the next level. For a reasonable price they fixed some wiring issues, leveled and crowned the frets, set up intonation and action, and did a full cleaning and polishing. I typically do most of the setup myself, but I will now be going to Make’n Music. This thing plays like an absolute dream. These guys are the real deal.
I am a first-time Make ‘n Music customer. Teddy provided excellent one-on-one customer service and addressed my needs perfectly. I made a guitar amp purchase and will be throwing all of my business their way. You can’t go wrong with Make ‘n Music.
check em out
Great service
Great store. Middle of nowhere. And definitely not the shop pictured. They had Les Pauls. But would not sell them. What’s up with that.? Very small selection in unless all you want is Airline guitars. No one said much. Just some people hanging out. Not clean and shiny like pictured. I believe they must have downsized big time. Not impressed. oh well. Ive been to the place pictured years ago. Impressive. What happened?
It is always closed. Make sure you check its web site to see if it is open.
Store is really different from the earlier locations off Milwaukee Ave., Ohio St., and Artesian. Even the store off Hubbard – after the move from Artesian – had far more inventory.
Though I could be wrong, it seems as though the days of finding tons of high-end boutique, FCS, GCS and PRS guitars hanging on the walls is gone. Also gone are the days of 8-10 really cool high-end amp makers being represented, including several products on the floor from builders like Elmwood, Bogner, Matchless, Victoria, Fuchs and on and on. The effects offerings are also a small portion of what they used to be.
Not quite sure what happened to the store the past couple/few years. Used to be, far and away, the finest boutique shop in the country (used to get regular visits from cats like Billy Gibbons, Keith Richards and many others that would fly in just to buy gear).
I wish the current guys the best of luck. And hope they have a long and healthy ride. Would be cool to see the store return to its former glory years, when it was The Grand Daddy of cool gear.
THESE GUYS THINK THEY ARE SO SMART!!!!!!!!!
16. Flatts and Sharpe Music Co.
Address: 6139 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
Great music store with lessons, sheet music and instruments. My daughter has really bonded with her piano teacher
Awesome shop.
I am so impressed with my sons very talented guitar instructor Ian Walsh. Ian completely encourages and nurtures my son excitement. I just went to my sons first recital and I could see such a genuine connection between Ian and all his students. My son has learned so much from Ian in such a short amount of time and has really fallen in love with playing the guitar which is what I had hoped for. I thank Ian for that. I love and feel so fortunate that my son is learning to play the guitar from such a polite and gentle person. Ian is just so incredibly POSITIVE ENCOURAGING and KIND towards my son and we are lucky to have found him.
17. Frank’s Lounge
Address: 2234 Green Bay Rd Suite C, North Chicago, IL 60064 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
Assessment: ★★★★☆
4.1/5 based on 147 evaluations.
Business hours:
Reviews
Very good food
Great place and the people who work there
Great atmosphere! Pool and darts!
When I’m home gotta visit Frank’s…
Clean bathrooms with running hot water for hand washing.
The drinks are on point
I don’t know who this new girl in the grill but ugh. The hash browns be mushy. The eggs still raw. Big big chunks of sausage. Next Chef please
The atmosphere was nice, the drinks were horrible
If you want to drink
18. RND Studios
Address: 2835 Belvidere Rd Suite 114B, Waukegan, IL 60085 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
Engineer at RnD studios is professional and knows the ins and outs to make the perfect hit fit to your style. Only studio I go to in Lake County area
My experience here is nothing less than excellency.. this man can listen to a bar.. and listen to your beat and know the bpm.
He is a surge when it comes to mix and master.. very impressed.. he was patient and had the energy going.
My second time going and I’m going back again.
19. DF Music Inc
Address: 6417 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60645 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
Rich was a pleasure to work with.. Very good customer service and mouthpiece trial program. Would highly recommend.
Great experience overall! Fair prices, owner is very polite and professional, instruments are great, and the packaging was fantastic. Highly recommend this store.
20. Flatts and Sharpe Music Co.
Address: 6749 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626 , North Chicago , Illinois , United States
Friendly staff and affordable gear and instruments.
I took in a new electric guitar for a setup as it had a few issues from the factory. Justin had it back to me in one day and now it feels amazing. The action is killer low now and plays like a pro quality instrument-very impressed with the quality of the work. Cost was super reasonable. Real asset to the area.
My son took drum lessons for over a decade with the incomparable Joe St. Charles there. An invaluable asset to the Rogers Park neighborhood, enriching literally hundreds if not thousands of lives over the years.
Friendly staff. Fun little old school music shop. Sheet music selection kinda light. Look forward to going back, though. They offer music lessons, too.
My daughter says her Violin instructor is very nice:)
It’s better to walk there, if you’re local; no parking 4 to 6pm….
There’s a pleasant, vintage vibe.
I bought a couple things and had a setup done here last year. Their selection isn’t great and I needed to re-do the setup after I got it home. It wasn’t *bad*, but nothing was really done. Also, one of my strings broke in the process and they only replaced that one string.
When I called to ask about it because it had a different tone than the rest, they assured me it was just because it was new and that they used the exact same strings. (The bass was also brand new so that didn’t make a lot of sense, but I also didn’t know much about strings at the time so I took their word for it.
I just took my strings off for the first time since then and noticed the string that was replaced had a different color end than it should. (My bass has a string-thru body so it wasn’t apparent before.)
I don’t know why they lied to me about it, but definitely not ever going to go back there or recommend the place to anyone. Sad.
Took my les paul in for a set-up, and it was no longer playable when they were finished. Would not recommend.
i couldn’t believe how nasty to me one of the women at this shop was. feel terrible for anyone that has to work around her cause wow! i would’ve come here again as well if not for her!
