Have now purchased two different guitars and I’m so satisfied with the guitars but also the great service. Kyle was very helpful and friendly. I’ve been to other GC’s but the Villa Park store is by far the best staffed.
Friendly staff. Gabriel (salesman) was great and took his time explaining the different brands/types.
They have what I needed.
Kyle is great and always has good recommendations on gear.
Good collection.. genuine checkout process
Bought Ernie Ball music man Albert Lee model with Rosewood Neck via the Internet. The instrument had a buzz in the low E and a string when it showed up. I didn’t have time to mess with it that day. Later on the week I made some adjustments to the saddles and the neck relief, and improved it a little bit but still did not eliminate the rattle at string heights that should not produce a rattle. Two, to 2 1/2 mm should be enough clearance for an open Estring to not rattle. I messed with the relief on the neck further, had several people look at it. Everyone determined that the frets below the 12th fret had been shaved down and leveled. The frets above the 12th fret Are untouched. This causes the frets to be higher, and the strings rattle against them when you cord something underneath the 12th fret. The guitar needs an entire foot leveling, or a re-fret. I contacted my salesman Ben Bollero. He told me that because I didn’t buy some sort of protection plan, and it was beyond 45 days of purchase, if they could do nothing to help me. I would not plan on doing business at any guitar center, or musicians friend online based off of the customer service I’ve experienced over the last 14 months with these two companies. They sold me a guitar over the Internet with flawed fret work That was not disclosed in the item description. Where I come from, this is called being dishonest.
My experience with the Villa Park guitar center was very bad. Dishonest sales tactics, again horrible customer service. Call Sweetwater instead
That old gay guy is rude
3. Uncle Jon’s Music
Address: 33 N Cass Ave, Westmont, IL 60559 , Oak Brook , Illinois , United States
Excellent store, excellent owner. Great to have a music store with such a selection in the neighborhood. Can’t wait to do business here again!
Friendly neighborhood music shop! Good selection of instruments.
Uncle Jon installed my new Zakk Wylde active pickup set for an amazing price. I am very pleased. Thank you Jon.
Good place to find your instrument and a reasonable deal!
small but decent selection of guitars. very friendly, very helpful service
Uncle John’s music is owned and operated by true music lovers. Their prices are fair and they bring enthusiasm to the town with their ukulele circles and other musical events.
I trust Uncle John’s Music to service my high-end guitars and use them regularly. They do a solid job, but sometimes they take longer than I think it should take to get some of the work done. They can be a tad slow sometimes, so they get 4 stars instead of the full 5 from me. Still good though and I recommend them for your musical needs.
Poor customer service, rude condescending employees, and mediocre prices. I would definitely recommend shopping elsewhere, as I will not be returning anytime soon.
Terrible store with employees who just don’t care about the customer. The prices are okay, but all things considered I’d rather go somewhere else.
4. Sam Ash Music Stores
Address: 1139 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148 , Oak Brook , Illinois , United States
Rick’s customer service in the guitar department exceeded my expectations. He was patient, took time to explain things, and was went above and beyond his required duties to help us out.
Best selection of ukuleles in the Chicago city and Chicagoland area!
Would fully recommend checking out their promotions as they occasionally have deep sales & the return process is simple if it doesn’t work out.
Meh…
I’d say my experience was very pleasant. I originally went in to get a quote of how much it would cost to get an old bass fixed, As a Valentines gift. It’s my Wife’s first bass, but I didn’t bring it with me. I only live around the corner so I wouldn’t have been an issue to get it & bring it back. I ended up purchasing a REALLY nice Fender for her. Everyone I talked to was very informal and helpful, all the way down to the end of the sale. All except one guy…. During my looking at the bass guitars he walked up and asked if needed help. I said not necessarily. I started to explain what I was doing there and when I turned around he was walking away from me. Awkward. Other than that great place, good atmosphere, and the employees are nice!
First time in the store and its huge on the inside. Looks like a smaller store from outside. My daughter wouldnt leave, as she played every instrument she could get her hands on…..3hours later we finally made our purchase, which was a guitar tuner and picks 🙂
will be back
Hi , I recently was able to trade in my Hartke bass amp for a more powerful amplifier and Jason was very helpful.
We went to trade in some wuhan China cymbals. We waited an hour before we walked out. The guy who helped us took a 20 min phone call while helping us. We pulled aside multiple people to try to help us while he was on the phone, not sure why they couldn’t. Claimed they couldn’t “complete the transaction” cuz the computers were down. I will NEVER buy or sell anything to Sam Ash again after this. This is ridiculous.
Bought a shure sm7b. Clerk went to rear to get it. Then the manager came up and sold me the open box display mic. All at closing time. Mic strand did not have the adapter to fit. All waste of gas to return
Was holding my breath but decided to buy the Oscar Schmidt 6 string banjo advertised online from Perry’s Music. It was listed as ‘open box’ and you know what that can mean! Still, the price was a bargain with professional set up included ( still holding my breath because I’m wondering ‘why’?) Well, today I am breathing easy. This item came packaged with extraordinary care. That alone speaks of serious customer care. Prompt delivery waay ahead of schedule and the instrument is flawless, not a scratch, nothing out of whack; set up was spot on from polish to playability. And get this, even a warranty card…ever try getting one of those from the big box guitar stores? I’m a first but not last time customer from Rochester, NY. Bottom line, I wish Perry’s Music would live here. Am one happy and impressed camper. Thank you Rob. I want to tell the world about you…but then delivery might be slower ;).
MHLubas
Rochester, NY
A note of thanks: Thank you to the helpful staff at Perry’s Music. Your place is old school where staff actually knows what they are doing and the prices are incredibly fair. Thanks Rob for letting me try out many different options. I’ve been to every guitar center and music store in Chicago, along with spending weeks of online shopping. It took one visit to Perry’s Music to know this was the place for me. They could advise, teach, repair, it’s like a home for guitars. I found my gem in the rough: 1990 GTX35. I would swear Dicky Betts actually played this guitar, that’s how good it feels. Thanks again, I look forward to my next visit.
Very friendly staff – not only changed strings for best price I’ve seen, but did it right away !!
Great shop for musical instruments and parts. Music lessons offered.
has new and use equipment also offers lessons. Great place to start
Very helpful and friendly guys here. Banjo setup took only a couple of days. Owner Rob Gurka and Jim Kraus gave me their undivided personal attention. I kinda wish I had more of an excuse to hang out and explore this place. I’ll be back.
Wish I could leave a lower rating. We brought a guitar here to have some minor repairs done. Right off the bat it was an uncomfortable experience. We asked if he knew anything about the brand, he said no. We asked if, in his opinion, it was a nicely made or cheaply made guitar.. he said both.?? Then proceeded to tell us it was defective, even though he knew nothing about it, but he was more than happy to still charge us to do the repairs. He told us it would be ready in a couple days. Never called us. We finally called and were told, again, couple days. We went to pick it up and they had broken one of the pegs. Rather than replacing the whole set, or finding a matching one – since THEY broke a perfectly good peg – they decided the better idea would be to drill a new hole and put a completely different peg there. Even a different color. AND THEN CHARGED US FOR IT!! I wish we never stepped foot in that store. I’m writing this to try and prevent this from happening to anyone else. Oh, and the guitar was 10x better before we brought it in! Stay away from these guys!! I will say though, the kid behind the counter was very nice.
Never open for business.
7. Tobias Music
Address: 5013 Fairview Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515 , Oak Brook , Illinois , United States
Quality instruments? 100%
Knowledgeable and helpful staff? 110%
I’m so impressed with this shop! I love acoustic guitars and clearly this family does too. Just purchased a beautiful new Martin at a very fair price. It is notable how well they take care of their instruments. There are hygrometers and humidifiers abound. Every guitar we took off the wall had fresh strings and was in tune (how often can you say that?).
The father and son owners were extremely well versed, informed, thorough, funny, and kind. It was fun just to hang out with them and talk guitars.
I’d never been to this shop before today, but if I’m in the market for any sort of guitar – this is absolutely my first stop.
They also have a really cool new venue adjacent to the shop where they plan to book concerts. If you live locally you owe it to yourself to stop by. I live about 30 miles away and I’ll be back for sure.
Thanks again for a great experience.
Just got a lefty Taylor 12 string from Paul via Reverb. Totally excellent experience. Great price and communication, as well as a willingness to work with me on a few small complications en route to the sale. Thanks!
Wow I love a family Guitar shop. Tobias is awesome. I love buying from small businesses rather than big box stores but I am picky about what a guitar looks and sounds like. I am a customer experience professional by trade and I will tell you that Paul Tobias took extra good care of me in my search for the perfect Taylor GS mini. He was so patient with me even though I was purchasing a lower priced guitar. I live across the country from Tobias it still felt local and personalized. They will be getting more of my business in the future. I also love the presentation of their inventory on line. It is well thought out and beautiful. I am a Taylor lover and Tobias is my choice. @Taylorguitars can be extra proud to have Tobias as a dealer. Well done.
***EDIT***
So, I am knocking down my review from five stars to three; due to my most recent experience a couple months after the first one. So I reached backout to buy another guitar (place order) as I really wanted an AD22e or another model I can’t remember, but after confirming they could place the order I let them know that I wanted the AD22e and to provide me the full price so we could close the deal and they went silent, mind you I didn’t even get a copy of the receipt from my AD27e that never came which I had also requested from the last conversation.
I did finally get my guitar ordered but I had a national retailer place the order. I was disappointed I didn’t hear back from Tobias Music about completing the purchase and obtaining a copy of the receipt for my AD27e that never came.
** original **
Just bought an AD27e (Taylor) from them after finding it for sale online. it was a great buying experience. I’m a lefty, buying guitars online is the norm, and most of the time guitars I buy take a day or two to pack and ship. we had a few emails back and forth and they were quick to respond and very professional. These guys had it packed and shipped the same day, and I didn’t place my order until after lunch; that’s service.
They also took the time to dial the guitar in; it came with the action set and was tuned ready to play out of the box. Paul did a great job and really made this buying experience easy, and hassle free. I’ll have to check back often to see what other lefty guitar they get in. If I have the chance, I will buy from them again.
They are more of a acoustic guitar place not really a place for bass players .
8. Luscombe Music Inc
Address: 122 W Vallette St, Elmhurst, IL 60126 , Oak Brook , Illinois , United States
My two boys have been learning piano at Luscombe over two years. The place is very clean, and the staffs are very friendly. Our boys love their teacher Miss Elizabeth. She is an amazing, incredibly knowledgeable teacher.
We are so lucky to have such a personable music store in our town. My daughter takes piano lessons here and we could not be happier. Everyone is always so friendly and if they don’t have exactly what you are looking for, they will order it for you!
Got my 45 year old trombone cleaned and checked over. The slide is working the best it ever has. Also, a great selection of music. So nice to be able to look at an entire book instead of a sample page or two.
Yearly music by the pound sale is AMAZING
The teachers are great but the instruments and rentals are not so great, since the recent downsize, you can’t find some things there.
way over priced
Extremely unprofessional. We got on the wait list, waited 2 months and got a call saying they had a spot for our day and time. We returned the call the next day saying we wanted to start as soon as possible. Office called us back saying the the instructor, Elizabeth Olson, should be calling us to make the final arrangements. She called the Sunday of MLK weekend, we were with family the next two days. We connected Tuesday and she wanted to do an assessment on the day we agreed on but a time that didn’t work and wasn’t agreed upon. She said she understood and arranged the following week on the original agreed upon time and day. We accepted, then she messages us and said she found another client that would use the extra day and bumped us out. When we questioned her motive, she said this is just business.
9. Spirito Singers
Address: 900 Jorie Blvd #102, Oak Brook, IL 60523 , Oak Brook , Illinois , United States
Super program! Wonderful way of keeping the singers performing throughout their lives.
Great choir. Amazing artistic director and wonderful, caring staff. A servant heart is taught and demonstrated for the girls. They learn music theory and become better artists and leaders.
I’ve been playing on Karl’s mouthpieces since I was in grad school at IU Jacobs School of Music around 2008. I still love his pieces and work and keep extras in my teaching studio for students to try and compare to other brands. Great attention to detail, excellent to work with, and make me sound better than I should! The few times I’ve wandered away to try something new I’ve come back pretty quickly. Every recording I have of myself that I still want to listen to was recorded on a Hammond. Give them a try and see for yourself!
Karl makes mouthpieces of top quality. He also will sit with you to make sure that the fit is right for you. There isn’t any reason you’ll need to spend close to $300 on the other brands because Hammond Design is just as good and cost less than half as much!
Great mouthpiece! Focus in the sound and clear! Wonderful!
11. Revolution Music Company
Address: 107 N Addison Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126 , Oak Brook , Illinois , United States
Friendly and knowledgeable. Solid repair work and cool selection of guitars. Will definitely be back.
Great shop good selection good variety
Carlo was incredibly helpful and fair. Great shop that I highly recommend checking out. They went above and beyond to help me make the right purchase, including meeting me on a Sunday as that was the only day I could make it.
Great prices, very knowledgeable staff that teach you and answer your questions well, and great service. A local business that provides for its community exceptionally!
Also, pretty sure Michael is a virtuoso.
Just had my first guitar lesson as an adult. Great experience! Brandon does a fantastic job of determining your skill and creating a plan. These folks are the real deal, musicians both by schooling and passion.
Studied here for two years. Michael is the best.
14. Sparky’s Guitars
Address: 910 S Riverside Dr Unit 8, Elmhurst, IL 60126 , Oak Brook , Illinois , United States
Best Guitar Repair Shop In The city! 100% recommended At repairs and really good customer service! They make sure you leave satisfied 🙂
No Need To Look For A Different Guitar Tech In The Chicago Area! My Friend Jim Is The Best In All Of Types Of Repairs! All My Guitars Have Been There With Him And I Can’t Get Enough In How Comfortable I Play Them For Hours! And You Can’t Go Wrong With Sparkys He Sells The Best Quality Guitars!
Jim Kraus is the real deal-hands down! And, his new shop Sparky’s Guitars in Elmhurst, is an absolute gem! Jim is a super nice man who is a talented multi instrumentalist and a world class tech. He cherry picked the best quality instruments in their class for his shop. I’ve known him for five years and bought my third instrument from him on Thursday, this sweet kickass Gretsch resonator. Isn’t she pretty? She’s taking a little nap after the workout I gave her this morning. Ha!
15. Mike’s Drum Shop
Address: 108 E St Charles Rd, Villa Park, IL 60181 , Oak Brook , Illinois , United States
This is a great little specialty drum shop run by some very helpful & knowledgeable guys. It’s quickly becoming my go-to place for all my percussive needs.
If you are a drummer this is where you should visit . Great guys and vast knowledge of drum tech
Went there for the first time last week and Mike was great. Amazing selection of drums and cymbals and he’s very knowledgeable.
16. AMI Entertainment Network, Inc.
Address: 1S450 Summit Ave, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 , Oak Brook , Illinois , United States
Holding an actual book in my hands is the best, and Barnes & Noble has a million of them. Along with a whole lot more. My husband and I got hardcovers, softcovers, and gift items, took a break for a beverage from Starbucks and conversation before checking out. And such a line, that the staff handled with speed and efficiency, we were out in no time.
Nice variety and one of the larger stores
I come here every other day to unwind and read. Huge selection and amazing service.
Nice
Books for the needy want to be book readers. If your into making a spectacle of what you are carrying around but not reading this is your place.
Largest Barns & Noble in Chicago. Great book selection!
I agree with some of the other reviews – some of the sales reps have a bit of an attitude… Overall, it is still a great place to wander around.
Also, you can ask for a price match (to their BN website only).
I’m happy it is still in business and will continue to support it for as long as I can.
They are still one of the best game in town but they have less of what I like. I used to love going to the DVD and CD sections but now they are a Skelton of what they were. I used to come every year to pick up some criterion DVDs every year during the sales but the selection has become appallingly small. Also the power selection (it is now combined with plays and miniscule.) When I complained the cashier said he understood but that is the way the store is going and I can still order anything online. But I go the store to see the merchandise before I choose it. If they stock so little I like I might as well use Amazon.
Me and my husband were reading books like we usually do on Saturday and TWO customer service representatives/service members approached me and my husband rudely asking were we done with our books, I was very disappointed because I spend so much money into this business, we weren’t disturbing anyone and we didn’t have that many books. This was our book date and it was ruined because of your members, you guys will not ever receive ANOTHER PENNY FROM ME!!!!! OR MY HUSBAND..
The customer service is atrocious. We waited patiently in line for over 10 minutes while the idiot cashier was failing miserably with the customer at the counter. NOT ONCE did she look up at us, or say she would be a few minutes, or even tell us of another register. The manager had to come over to fix her multiple mistakes and he didn’t even think to say hello to us or open another register so we could make our purchases. This store is a joke. I’m furious. Save yourself the headache and shop at borders. I will not be retuning! WAY TO FAIL at something that should be second nature. Children have better manners and more common sense.
20. A Sound Education
Address: 9433 Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 , Oak Brook , Illinois , United States
Just called this place wanting to know info about repairs, and pricing. Talked to Steven; he was super helpful, and friendly. I look forward to doing business with them.
Helpful staff and great service.
I brought in my solid state amp worried I would be out a few hundred dollars and it would take several weeks. They had it fixed the same day!
Great customer service! But they need a left handed guitar or two for us lefties!!!
All in all was a good experience. Came in to repair a much neglected guitar. Though the initial price was agreed to be under a certain amount, I went with the final amount that was given to me without much debate. The guitar came out great. Also got a keyboard at a great price. My only issue is that one bloated middle aged mummie that happened to be behind the counter, in the mornings. Does he work there? Is he a friend? The owner? Who knows! I say hi and no response? Why the long face??? Everyone else is friendly.
