I bought a trumpet from PJLA Music a PHAETON Trumpet PHT-2040 Black Chrome Onyx plated finish with 24 K Gold Plated finger buttons, top/bottom caps & water keys. I have been playing trumpet for 40 years and I have never had a better horn then this. I got it and starting playing and it played freely and was open and the horn allowed me to do as i wished with it and truly went over the top with its performance.. Thank you for my Horn!
2. Don’s Music Land
Address: 7717 N University St STE A, Peoria, IL 61614 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
Not generic definitely old school and they pretty much have everything that you ever need. They have modern tablet stands and all that but they have the old-school touch which is rare.
It’s always fun going into this place. Not only they are knowledgeable but they treat you like family and not only a customer. And has the most talented teachers. I’ve been playing for years and every time I go for a lesson I learn alot more. Very talented and knowledgeable teachers about music theory equipment and instruments. Dont pass up a chance to go
Gd selection
3. The Music Room
Address: 26 N Brockway St, Palatine, IL 60067 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
The Music Room in Palatine has been a part of my son Gabriel’s routine. His guitar teacher Bob has been very patient and kind. Bob has been Gabriel’s music teacher for about 5 years now and he has been learning so much from Bob. I am beyond grateful. Thank you to all the Music Room teachers and Employees. They are all wonderdul.
My 5 year old just started piano classes in summer this year and is making good progress learning and familiarizing the notes and how to play. We look forward to him learning more in future years and maybe even other instruments!
The decision to enroll our son in ukulele lessons at the Music Room has been a game changer for our family! Thank you for bringing a love of music into our child’s life!
Walked in this place for the first time being a non musician. Looks like a great selection of instruments and several training rooms. They have two floors of products and friendly and knowledgeable staff who can help you purchase. This is on the corner of brockway and slade.
If you want to learn how to play an instrument, don’t take lessons here. It may be good for children, but for the adult, not so much. Lots of theory, folk songs out of a book. A year or so of lessons, and I couldn’t play a thing, 4wks of lessons elsewhere and I can play 5 rock songs, this sums up the wasted money. Also instruments and gear over priced, and not gig quality.
4. North Shore Music
Address: 405 1/2 Linden Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
This is an awesome place to improve your skills in music. The owner really knows his stuff and the staff is always helpful when it comes to rescheduling lessons. Can’t recommend enough.
Highly recommend! Alejandro went out of his way to accommodate us and it is much appreciated. So nice to deal with a music shop that is not corporate, wonderful to have someone who is proud of his craft and supportive of the community as well as their love of music!!!
Great place to take guitar, drums or bass lessons! My Son’s been in 3 sessions here and has progressed immensely.
5. Capital City Music
Address: 3700 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL 62711 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
Everyone there was great, they’ve got a good selection and a fair price for my guitar. Thank you!
Great selection of instruments
Friendly staff. Great guitar selection without being overwhelming
Great music shoppe with a great and large selection of guitars!!!
Good store for all your music needs. Good selection and prices.
Nice store plenty of gear in stock , staff was pleasant , prices were reasonable and they even had some used instruments for cheapskate s like me hahaa I will go back and give them some business, even though online shopping may save you a few nickel s or couple bucks shopping local and having our local business s right down the street is well worth it to me .
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.
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.
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
6. Midlothian Music
Address: 15645 S 94th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
I stopped by this place before the holidays. Very knowledgeable, welcoming, engaging, and courteous staff. So many “corporate” choices out there, but they’ll never match the level of service you will receive at Midlothian Music.
This was a couple years ago from today, but i had an awesome experience. I had an issue with my guitar, so i brought it into their shop. It was way out of tune and the set up needed to be completely re-adjusted. These guys called me the next day and had it completely fixed up and ready to go. The guitar sounded 100 times better. I will definitely be back!
I love all the products but at times the service was bad, other visits there were good service. Thanks!
The owner of the shop spoke to me very rudely and insisted that I was trying to sell my instrument at “retail” price, even though I obviously researched beforehand… why would I try to sell a used instrument at retail price? He refused to give me his best offer or even look at my instrument. Wouldn’t recommend this place at all. Save your time
i swear i think the owner is bipolar. One day hes a total jerk to people and doesn’t let them touch any instruments without basically gloves and a background check, the next day he could be warm and welcoming and say make yourself at home…. Feel uncomfortable when i’m there
I would give no stars. I bought a clarinet for my grandson, and a banjo another time for my husband. The son of the owner took care of my husband and me. I went in at Christmas time to buy reeds and the store did not carry what my grandson needed. A 3 1/2 plus Van Doren reed. The man said they don’t make those. So, I bought a 3 1/2. I had to return the box of reeds, as there IS a 3 1/2 plus reed made. I had my 16 year old grandson with me. This man proceeded to berate us as the group Chicago doesn’t use those and if what they use are good enough for them, we should tell the teacher this is not needed. We were verbally lashed IN FRONT OF OTHER CUSTOMERS. I didn’t have the receipt, but remember the discount. This sarcastic man was so intimidating, we felt lousy. I should have been rude, but, as a 16 years old, accomplished clarinetist was with me, I did not, nor am I confrontational. We left, and went to QUINLAN AND FABISH in Burr Ridge, which I strongly recommend to anyone, it is worth the ride. They had, ON A RACK, the EXACT reeds my grandson needed. So, stay away from Midlothian Music.
7. PM Music Center
Address: 4411 Fox Valley Center Dr, Aurora, IL 60504 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
Great customer service, very patient and informative.
Mike & Don are so helpful, really go above and beyond. They’re the only 2 we’ve worked with so far but so patient and informative in helping with our rentals, repairs, and our recent purchase of a trumpet. Don helped us greatly through that process. Really recommend!
There staff is so friendly and helpful and full of information. One of my favorite stores. I love coming here just to browse sometimes. They also have a great team to do repairs on instruments. Highly recommend this store.
Great place with very friendly staff members. They’re always willing to help. I used them for instrument rental for a couple of my kids.
Good
Very friendly and welcoming place. Had an issue with a repair but they corrected the problem. Took more than stop to resolve the issue, so 4 out 5 stars. Would still recommend and will continue to shop here.
8. Flores Music
Address: 3831 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL 61614 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
My son is getting guitar lessons from Danny. Danny is great. He’s kind, patient, and encouraging. He’s everything you’d want from a guitar teacher. Looks like Petty plays like Slash.
Great Selection! Great Staff! Very helpful when needed! 5 Stars!
Fantastic people!!!
Pros: I just moved here and was told by a guitar center employee that Flores music down the road has the best guy around to diagnose a problem I have with my very expensive guitar. Three shops had tried and failed at this point. I wish I could remember the technicians name; it started with a “j” I know, he takes one look at the guitar and checks a couple things. He then tells me that the problem is easily fixed. I tell him I’ve heard that before. But while I waited he fixed the buzzing problem and even corrected a couple other things that were bad. I’ve never had a guitar play this well ever! The con is when I was done thanking the savior of my taylor guitar a man from the store got mad at me for peeking my head in the shop to talk to the technician who I am trusting with my guitar. Sorry Flores music for bothering you with my business. Great repairs and lousy customer relations.
It was awesome na Kevin Gray Is such a good drum teacher
Nice music store.
When I was unhappy with the 5th string banjo capo they sold me, they didn’t offer any kind of refund or even a discount on a new installation. Instead, they reacted in what I thought was a rude and unhelpful manner. Come on people… this is customer service 101!
Don’t buy anything from them, nobody there competent enough to know what they are selling
I have bought $1,000’s worth of stuff from this place. I always have felt like I had been treated fairly and given a good deal. I have even taken some of my stuff in to have it repaired and cleaned. I bought a fantastic pair of speakers no one has heard of and that have a goofy connection on the back. I went in and spoke with them about it and decided to try banana plugs. I was under the impression that if it didn’t work I could bring it back in and return it. So my wife stops in with the original receipt and in the original packaging (unopened) and they refuse to give our money back. In store credit is all I can get. It’s terrible business practice and I should have been told up front that they would not except the return, especially since I had been talking to them about what I was doing. I will from now on do my business elsewhere.
9. Brandolino’s Encore Music Center
Address: 700 W Jefferson St Suite 3, Shorewood, IL 60404 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
This store is amazing! not only did they everything I needed for my new drum set but they let bang away on their showroom drum set for hours like Lars Ulrich from Metallica. Im new to drumming so I’m sure it sounded like I was beating a baby with a cat. but after countless hours and many annoyed customers later I was surprised that Bobby and his team hadn’t kicked me out. Thanks again Bobby and the team I’ll definitely be back!
Very helpful and friendly staff
would recommend always friendly and willing to help out
I didn’t wanna have to ask to play the guitars, but other than that, it was perfect
This place does not do instrument repair, and has not every time I call for the past 6 months. I finally took my Electric Guitar to West Side Music Center. I haven’t actually been able to go inside for some time because they leave their neon “OPEN” sign on even if they are closed.
They gave me a quote on fixing my guitar that was out of this world. They said it would cost more to fix it than the guitar was actually worth. Whoever I talked to said they would have to send it out to a different tech. Long story short I got a second opinion and it only cost me $15 to get it fixed…… Good place to take lessons but don’t take your instruments here to get fixed.
Very pricey and will give you outrageous quotes for repairs when you can get the work done much cheaper elsewhere
10. Luscombe Music Inc
Address: 122 W Vallette St, Elmhurst, IL 60126 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
We have been happy long time customers of Luscombe. The music selection is amazing. Additionally they have ordered special pieces for us over the years. Many years of music lessons and supplies. I love going to Luscombe. Thank you!!
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!
The teachers are great but the instruments and rentals are not so great, since the recent downsize, you can’t find some things there.
Yearly music by the pound sale is AMAZING
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.
11. Tobias Music
Address: 5013 Fairview Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
Tobias Music…. AWESOME!!!! I recently bought a pre-owned Eastman MD515 Mandolin from Tobias Music using Reverb. The mandolin is fantastic, was priced fairly, and came EXACTLY as described. Communications with Paul Tobias were prompt and extremely courteous. Shipping was great with excellent packaging to protect my purchase. I would 100% buy from Tobias again – even sight unseen. (Note: On Reverb I gave my 5-star rating, but clicked away before adding my supporting comments. D’oh. So I’m using other platforms now to get the word out about Tobias Music).
If you’re looking for a smaller, family owned place to get good help on purchasing guitars and/or accessories this is the shop!
Excellent family business with an amazing selection. The father and son team that run the place are both friendly and knowledgeable. As a beginner guitarist I was a bit lost on what guitar would be best for me, and I couldn’t be happier with the guitar that I purchased based upon their recommendation. Thanks again!
They are more of a acoustic guitar place not really a place for bass players .
***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.
12. Down Home Guitars
Address: 11 S White St, Frankfort, IL 60423 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
I have been looking for a certain guitar and found it at Down Home Guitars. I sent an email inquiry and Steve got back to me the next day. I live in Hawaii so I needed it shipped safe and quick. The guitar showed up just as promised. This was a seamless transaction. I would recommend Down Home to anyone interested in a great guitar, great service, and fast response.
Thanks again, Steve.
Down Home Guitars is a Gem!
In the style of the Old Town School of Folk Music, Down Home Guitars offers a wide selection of wooden instruments as well as lessons, concerts, and a place to jam with others.
I have purchased three instruments there and have been very pleased with the quality of the instruments and the competitive pricing.
Where do I start??? I cannot say enough about Steve and Molly. While deployed to Afghanistan, I saw they had a Lowden Richard Thompson Signature model at a substantially lower cost than other retailers. We went back and forth with correspondence; I phoned in my deposit and a couple days later the rest of the payment. Steve’s and Molly’s customer service was wonderful. Down Home Guitars is going to make my homecoming that much more special!! I cannot thank them enough… I look forward to do more business with them in the future!
The store carries beautiful high-end acoustic instruments. They also hold some impressive seminars and concerts. If you want the very best and can spend 6K on a guitar then this store may be for you. With a larger wallet, perhaps you will receive better treatment than I did. The red-haired owner of this store is probably the rudest retail store owner I have ever experienced. Of course, I wasn’t there to spend thousands of dollars. I simply went there to buy picks, strings, tab books, and to explore and discuss instruments with other music lovers. My initial visits were often greeted by cold, stiff, and awkward personalities. After multiple visits, I expected things would warm up, and while some staff were friendly, it was never a comfortable experience. This was especially true whenever the owner was present. Pompous and arrogant seem apt descriptions, and small talk and small wallets are beneath him.
13. Perks Music
Address: 502 E 13th St, Centralia, IL 62801 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
The Chesnut family has been a pleasure to work with over the years! Jordan’s builds the best custom amps ever. Great luthier, too.
Fantastic people. Extremely knowledgeable. I had a complicated neck reset done on my acoustic guitar and it turned out perfect.
The staff is always friendly and helpful! We have 4 kiddos in band and we can find everything we need here or they can get it quickly! They are quick with repairs (if needed) hands down the best place for your music needs!
We have gotten 2 french horns, a clarinet, and just today an alto sax! They offer the top rated brands very affordably!
Really nice people, family owned and operated.
Great little family shop very friendly and helpful
Helped us get what we needed
I like Jordon but hes always to busy to get to my stuff needs to hire help
I brought a saxophone in to have cork replaced on the neck. The job was mediocre at best. I redid it myself
15. American Music World
Address: 605 N York St, Elmhurst, IL 60126 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
I haven’t purchased a piano here…yet. But Judy was a wonderful host and guide as I explored options for the future. She really took time with me to explain options and pricing, and to let me and my preferences truly guide the search. I will be back when I’m ready to buy! Thank you so much for the wonderful, personal, and honest hospitality and customer service. 🙂
Mr. Rick at American Music World was very patient and attentive when I called to get a price and set up the pick up and deliver of piano for our church. There was no problem as I called back and forth setting up the day and time of the pick up from one location to our church. His team arrived early at the pickup location and arrived soon after at the church – no problem. I truly recommend American Music World to anyone needing to move their piano. They were excellent.
A great place for all your piano needs.
GREAT selection of Yamaha , electric and mahogany pianos and , Miss Morgan spoke to…
They moved my piano. Got the job done but I am not totally happy about the move. They are not professional enough. They don’t have anything to cover the hard wood floor and carpet like the professional movers. In addition, the guy Rick talks too much. Will not recommend their moving piano service to my friends.
Horrible experience trying to sell them our grand piano. Rick was to come get the piano. He cancelled 5 times. Each excuse was more pathetic than the last. The final excuse was such a lie.
16. Third Coast Guitar and Amp Repair
Address: 159 N Racine Ave #1, Chicago, IL 60607 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
Benny and Zach were the two techs that brought my Martin acoustic guitar back to life. The two, along with everyone else i spoke to in their absence, were so courteous, well informed and very patient when they explained to me how the repairs my guitar needed were going to be performed and why. I’ve had my guitar since the late 90s and i use it all the time. They immediately related how they understood the importance and relationship i had with my musical instrument. I felt very safe leaving my guitar with them, i knew from the very start it was in good hands. Benny and Zach were on top of keeping me updated on the progress and assured me that all was going well. It takes a while for repairs to be made at Third Coast but this is a result of them being busy because people know they do good work and to me personally it is worth the wait knowing that in the end I will get the quality repair done which my guitar deserves. I had a big crack in the body of my guitar. They fixed it so good and matched the coating so perfect. They also did a complete refret and a neck and bridge adjust. Upon picking it up, the instrument sounds and feels like new. I played a gig two days later and i was able to tell right away how much easier the guitar was to play and how beautiful it resonated. I will not take it anywhere else from now on except at Third Coast. Thank you Benny and Zach and the rest of the crew at Third Coast – you guys are so in tune !
Very unruly fender Jaguar I bought off Reverb. Attempted to have it set up 5 times. Spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Tried to set it up myself. Gave up. These guys felt bad for me and cut me a deal. The guitar feels so stable now, the tone is excellent. I’ll definitely be back. Not only are they passionate, genuine experts, but it’s also fun to go to a back alley room in a warehouse district and be buzzed into a workroom full of nice guitars. It’s like going to visit the arms dealer in a movie. Definitely recommend.
THIS place was AWESOME. A small lil while in the wall WITH CHARACTER! My service was quick and they took EXCELLENT CARE of my guitar.Kingston is super cool and very knowledgeable and honest. I will be back to buy soon! Great place for guitar and bass players#! 🙂
Nice place for amp or guitar repairs.
Great repair shop. Easy people to talk with. Made my 23 yr. old ESP like new and this 1st time customer very happy. You won’t go wrong bringing your gear to these guys.
I brought my Martin in to find out why it was buzzing, and it was handled expertly and sent back repaired, completely to my satisfaction
thanks 3rd coast
They sound expensive
They are smug and judging. They weren’t always this way, but something has changed in the last year. It’s also hard to find parking.
Had two of guitars worked on both came back with same problems. I’m out with you guys don’t spend all the money I gave you in one place .I got burned.
17. Pacetti’s Maestro of Music
Address: 5905 6th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
We had a great experience with the owner, Kevin. He was helpful, friendly and very accommodating. He had everything ready for us when we arrived. It was quick and easy!! Highly recommend supporting this business!! Best Christmas Surprise present!!
Pacetti’s is HANDS DOWN the best music store in all of Southeastern Wisconsin. It is the ONLY store that caters to Band & Orchestra students. When you visit Pacetti’s you will be greeted by friendly, kind, HONEST staff. I have had only positive experiences with this store in the 35 years I have been their customer.
Very friendly people! The repair service was quick and very reasonable. Will be returning for any other issues.
Very kind and fair priced
Very helpful. Seems to be going through some renovation
We rented an instrument from this store and I also paid for a music stand. Never got the stand even though I was assured by the school that everything would be dropped off at school. Teacher at the school said the store never dropped it off. I requested my money back after this went on for a few months but money wasn’t refunded and we didn’t receive stand. Finally, when I was at the store I asked for the refund and the guy there was completely rude about the whole thing. He was sarcastic and nasty and tried to make it my problem that they had not delivered the stand as promised. He was very unprofessional, very defensive and kept making excuses all the while insisting that “we are the best”. Yeah right, I’d hate to encounter the worst! Would never step foot in here again. We were referred to Kenosha Conservatory of Music instead of this place.
18. Bristol Grove Music
Address: 7160 Caton Farm Rd, Plainfield, IL 60586 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
My son has three clarinets and a saxophone and we take all of them to Puzon’s to be cleaned and fixed. My son’s original clarinet broke and when we were looking for a replacement we went to Puzon’s and purchased a used clarinet at a reasonable price and it had already been cleaned and fixed so we just took it home. I recommend Puzon’s to everyone.
Great community music store. Excellent music teachers and top-notch instrument repairs.
Small but very good service
Though quite expensive service, but he still fix/repair my faulty saxophones right!
Awesome. Had everything that I needed for my trombone
Very small, hard to find
20. Evolution Music
Address: 1191 Elmhurst Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016 , Platonești , Illinois , United States
Thanks Jon you have a great outfit lots of options
friendly easy to deal with lighting fast shipping do t hesitate these guys our top rate 5 stars ⭐️ to you for all the efforts and answering all my questions and not getting upset //// very hard to find this service
Will buy from you again thanks very much
Walked into the shop and Nick was able to answer all my questions and give me a rundown with efficient service and a nice chat. Definitely recommend stopping by !
