This place has a great selection of gear with very good prices. The staff is always friendly and makes you feel welcome.
One of the coolest guitar stores in Chicago. Great staff and great selection of guitars,amps ,and pedals.
Wayne, Ritchie and the gang are great guys. They know their stuff and dont bs ya. Ine of the last real local guitar shops left. I hope they stay around for good. Been a customer for over 10 years and they still dont disapoint. Theres somethin for every muaician to be found there.
Drove over here for the shop to be closed on Wednesdays since nothing on their site or on maps has been updated. I’ll update this review if I’m able to go but please keep your stuff up to date so you don’t have people spending time only to have to turn around.
Wished they had a better selection of lefty guitars, which is to say, I wish they had ANY lefty guitars for sale. However, I can’t imagine they have a lot of demand for them so you can’t blame them and I haven’t found other stores being more accommodating so whatever. Very friendly and approachable people with no pressure to buy anything and they’ll give you great advice.
Friendly owners, able to talk and negotiate. Neighborhood music store, need more like it.
Disappointed that they closed earlier than what is writen on the door. Drove through traffic for nothing. Call first before coming if its 2 hours before closing. 2 stars because I wasted my time. Decent prices though. You’ll never know what you can find.
This used to be my favorite spot. I bought a Riviera there a few months ago, a G&L ASAT about a year before that and a 70’s Twin Reverb there a couple years ago. Loved the place, cool down to earth rock and roller types who don’t mind stopping in back for a smoke. They actually MOVE gear too, it won’t be the same pieces every time you drop in! Now, I’m the type of guy who almost has his mind made up before stepping in the door so I just stop by for a few minutes specifically to buy something with cash in hand, not a tire kickin small talker, perfect customer, right?
Well, not anymore, not after what happened today.
I went in two days ago and found a synthesizer (cz3000) and made up my mind to buy it. But, I figured I’d see what they’d give me on a trade in for a nice keyboard I don’t use (Roland D50) and asked. One of the fellas said “yeah, we used to sell those used for 4 to six hundred but you have to come back Monday when the owner is here”
Cool, so I extend my rental car one more day, grab a few hundred bucks out of the ATM so I can buy the Casio even if they don’t want the D50, and make the trek up from West Town. I walk in, the same fella points me towards the owner. He says “are you looking to sell? I don’t really do these keyboards anymore” …even though there’s about 10 in the store. I say “well maybe a trade in or cash” He instructs me to put the keyboard on an amp to show him then says, naturally, “How much you looking for” …well, it’s 2015 and the only way to gauge market value of synths is eBay so I casually said “um, they go for 4 to 600 on eBay” expecting to reply with the standard I can only sell it for such and such low ball offer, which would have been okay with me cause I liked the place.
His response: ” I don’t want to even look at it, get it out of here” walks away and yells “I won’t give you ten ****ing dollars” then continues “I’m ****ing sick of this eBay ****.”
I didn’t ask for that, didn’t even commit to selling, I really just wanted the Casio at the slightly high price they had on it so I wouldn’t have to risk craigslist or shipping damages from buying online. So I just picked up my heavy D50 and walked out without playing his juvenile “who’s the bigger man” type of game. I’m upset I always recommended this place all my musician buddies but oh well, it is what it is.
3. GTR music
Address: 4255 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
I would just like to say I had my 1st experience with GTR music and from the get go Roger was a great guy. I called him as I was going through town he was not open yet, and he said I will be there in 10 minutes. Lo and behold he was there in 10 minutes and I spent about 45 minutes in the store, what a great guy what a great company. Friendly personable knowledgeable very down-to-earth I would recommend anybody go here to get their guitars fixed, or just go hang out.
Very knowledgeable!
Top notch place for your guitar gurue
4. Tom Crown Mute Company
Address: 4110 N Nashville Ave, Chicago, IL 60634 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
Great selection of new and old vinyl. Prices are reasonable and staff is friendly and helpful. You can also get your old records cleaned here for cheap. Highly recommend.
I’m glad they opened up here in Jefferson Park.
Nice selection for a small store
Nice small vintage record store
S9w
7. Wayne Baker Brooks
Address: 4245 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
I recently sought out Augustino’s services for same day repair services on my violin. It was so grateful to find someone who was able to meet with me on such short notice. That alone would have been enough for me to be a satisfied client. However, in addition to efficiently and effectively resolving my issue, he was very personable, took the time to walk me through his approach: what he was checking for, why, details about my particular violin and bow, what to consider in the future. It was immediately clear to me that he is passionate about his craft and supporting people in their journey with music, no matter how novice they are. I not only had my violin repaired, I enjoyed an unexpectedly delightful interaction in an otherwise quotidian day. I look forward to the next time I seek out his expertise.
I’ve been to many, many violin repair shops in Chicago. Napoli is the best. Period. I’ve been going to this shop exclusively for the better part of 15 years and my violin sounds amazing because of Augustino.
I’ve recommended him to colleagues across the country and each of them have been utterly grateful for the quality of service and results.
One of the Best Luthier’s in the country!! Augustino as been my Luthier for over 30 years!! Phenomenal work!!
Carl Johnston violinist and member of Chicago Sinfonietta.
10. Rare Birds Music
Address: 3350 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
I have been meaning to stop at this shop since a previous coworker of mine runs it!
An amazing selection of both newer and vintage gear. The synthesizer wall was definitely my favorite with a handful of rarities waiting for new homes.
Had my eyes on a beautiful Univox bass in the back and really wanted to walk away with it. If only bills weren’t a thing.
Go check this place out. You will not regret it.
my new favorite shop in town! Brian’s a killer dude with the gear & the shop to match. a cool selection of unique vintage with some more common gear for all types of musicans. I’ll be back many more times. thanks bud.
Amazing experience. I found a 76 Les Paul Custom on Reverb that Rare Birds had listed. Called the shop and talked to Brian. He thoroughly explained how they ship and protect the guitars during shipping. I needed this guitar to get all the way to Phoenix AZ so I was definitely nervous. Needless to say the guitar was exactly as he stated it would be and set up the way I had requested. Thank you Brian and thank you Rare Birds!!! Amazing shop with great customer service.
11. Flatts and Sharpe Music Co.
Address: 6139 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
I am impressed with the quality of work done on a very neglected tenor sax. This instrument had rust and mold on it, the bell was flattened on one side and it needed full pads. The tech did a fantastic job in getting it cleaned up, reshaped and overhauled. Thank you!
Great music store with lessons, sheet music and instruments. My daughter has really bonded with her piano teacher
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.
12. Del Real Music Center
Address: 5710 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60639 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
Maybe the worst customer service of any business. I would rather have an hour long discussion with Comcast than work with Del Real again. Go elsewhere.
They don’t have no kool instrumen, like 1 of each but not worth it, it smells really bad like cigarettes. The smells is gross. Expensive stuff that is halfway broken. Awful place
13. Sound Vault Studios
Address: 4255 N Knox Ave #180, Chicago, IL 60641 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
Tracked my drums here with Packy. Really couldn’t be happier with how everything actually went. From the foamed room to isolate unnecessary overtones right to the progress of each song until it is mastered. It just gets better and better.
Also, Antonio, with every new person there’s always some hesitation but he tracked some great recordings. He is another reason why SoundVault continues to prove that it is a great place.
This is pretty much home now. I know what to expect here.
Estar ocasionalmente en un lugar de estos es muy emocionante, nos tocó ver como editan la música para videos.
We were lucky enough have our debut album mixed and mastered by Packy at Sound Vault Studios. He’s talented, communicative, and creative, and our album sounds better than we could have imagined.
I tracked cello here and paid to have some of my stuff left in storage. Antonio the engineer was great, but the equipment and software is old and patched up. Mark the owner constantly disrupted our sessions. He also made me feel uncomfortable with I thought were pretty racist statements about the hip-hop act in the next room. This place, by prior reviews is pretty sketchy about recording copyrighted work, and trademark infringement. Also notice the good reviews here are from the owner and employees of the studio. Also notice that 1 and 2 star reviews have been removed. Mystery Street Recording company in Lakeview is a MUCH better place. I won’t come back to Sound Vault Studios.
14. Private Stock Studios
Address: 4255 N Knox Ave Ste 155, Chicago, IL 60641 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
Paul handles his business very seriously but in a way that you are comfortable. He is a trusting human with an open mind that wants nothing but the best for all of his customers. He makes amazing healing music and shares his earthly medicines at a reasonable price.
Paul very naturally had us feeling comfortable in sharing this Ceremonial and communal experience. The cacao ceremony was very meditative in the moment and brought me peace throughout the coming days. Paul is an expert with sound journeys and sound meditation, holding skills in instruments that resonate straight to the soul.
Paul has a truly divine gift. When he play his music you can tell it is completely spirit driven – and his cocao ceremonies are like NO OTHER! He is mission driven to heal the world- and I am incredibly grateful to have experienced his talents ! I could not reccomend him more!
16. Beat Box Entertainment
Address: 4255 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
I was given a Wurlitzer Electric Piano as a gift and was afraid to trust just anyone to fix it up. After an extensive search and a recommendation from another specialty shop, I’m went with Max and his company and I am beyond thrilled. Max is truly a master of his craft. He was able to travel to my home (far outside the Chicagoland area) and get my piano playing as if it was fresh off the factory floor. He also replaced the amp and it now should be good to go for another 40 years! Max was very laid back, knowledgeable, and treated me like I had been a customer forever. We had some great conversations about electric pianos and I learned a lot about my instrument. His rates were also reasonable for the quality of work he did. Look no further if you happen to be searching for a Wurlitzer specialist that will take great care and pride in fixing your piano!
When it comes to vintage electric piano gear, no one in Chicago does it better than the Chicago Electric Piano Company. The instruments are exceptional, the atmosphere in the shop in warm and inviting and the rates for repairs and maintenance are very fair. Can’t recommend these guys highly enough!
Highly recommended!! Max and the guys always take care of my gear in timely fashion and it comes back playing better than ever!
Lack of communication and professionalism.
If are looking for a rip off and a waste of time/money CEPC is your place 😉
Not impressed with the assistance I received to a question yesterday. Asked if a part (pickup) was available for purchase or could be made and shipped. He asked my why I wanted this particular part made this way more than once after telling him that my idea was part of a larger wurli modification that I didn’t care to share the specifics of. He then followed up the conversation stating that I could just “…get some tin and dremel the footprint of the pickup.” I told him I didn’t trust myself with that level of precision. I assumed it was an insult. He said he didn’t have a CNC. It seemed kinda flippant when he said “well, if you’re not going to share with me any information, then I’m not going to either.” From the role as a provider of a product or a service, ‘why’ is kinda outside the realm of helpful and necessary questions. I don’t really care if people profit from my ideas. It’s happened before. Not a huge deal. But, not ideal either. From an engineering standpoint yes, but, as a manufacturer, no, the question of ‘why’ is not really effective. The questions of, ‘how’ and ‘what’ get a part made and shipped. Not ‘why’.
18. LowDown Music LLC
19. Dream Street Studios
Address: 4255 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
If I Could Give 10 Stars I Would. Best Audio & Video Production Studio I have ever worked with! All of their engineers are so passionate and friendly with their craft. They actually try to help you make better music rather than just “getting the job done”. On top of that, they are 24 hours so I can book whenever I want too! And ON TOP OF THAT, they have 2 Video Guys who constantly are in and out of the studio networking and giving some great prices for working with them through DreamStreet. Overall Dream Street Really Makes Your Dreams Come To Life
I’ve been bringing all my artists here for 3+ years, awesome studio space and extremely talented people
If you’re looking for professional industry level vocal recording, engineering, or mix and mastering you NEED to book at Dream Street Studios. Engineer George Buro will work with you to create a sound that is unique to your voice and style. Specializing in pop, hiphop, and rock vocal production; Buro employs his diverse musical and technical background to elevate the natural timbre and resonance of your voice. I can’t say more about the personal touch this studio offers to all its clients. If you want to be a recording artist, Dream Street Studios has to be your first stop on the road to creating something .
20. Drums & Piano Lessons by Sol Garnier
Address: 5056 N Tripp Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 , Portage Park , Illinois , United States
I didn’t know what to expect when heading to my first lesson. Sol not only made me feel comfortable but also accessed my drumming and made lesson plans accordingly. He is very passionate about music and it shows. I would recommend him for sure.
I can’t put into words the amount of progress I’ve made as a drummer these past few months, all thanks to Sol! He is an awesome teacher, as well as being an all around great guy. He really knows how to bring the best out of his students at each and every lesson. I personally leave every lesson ready to work my butt off for the next one!
10/10 Recommend Sol for anyone wanting to learn to play drums or piano or for anyone wanting to improve their current musical skills.
Sol is a truly wonderful teacher. I’ve been taking drum lessons for the better part of a year now, and it’s been exactly what I was looking for.
I’m a 40-something adult who studied music all my life, and was already fronting a local band. And though I love rhythm and have always thought playing drums looked like the most challenging kind of fun, I’d not yet ventured to really try it. Then I did a little google search and found Sol. He pushes me to keep improving and growing my knowledge, skills and confidence each week – and we always have a great time too.
Sol is incredibly professional – he has created a safe and comfortable environment that, as a female showing up at a male stranger’s home-studio for the first time, put me at ease right away.
Along with that – my lessons are always filled with fun and laughter – Sol has taken the time and care to get to know my personality so he can push me to improve each week, yet not let frustration sneak in the door, which is all too common when learning any new skill.
And we have a great time just talking music and bands. He’s just the best kind of teacher you could hope to find!
Sol is a wonderful instructor (and humorist)! I began taking lessons with him after my son began taking lessons before Covid. His passion for music and teaching shines through every time we meet, which has been more than inspirational. Me and many of his students travel long distances to take lessons from him…well worth the drive!
All I can speculate is he must be writing his own reviews. He hasn’t been in this new location very long yet suddenly positive Google+ reviews show up? Regardless, I’m sure he’s a good person but as a drum teacher I was underwhelmed. First, his thick accent made it difficult to understand him. He boasted about how he is very resourceful in finding ways to make money with his music. Perhaps it’s the whole European approach or maybe it’s his native culture but the instruction was sub-par. He also brags about how he can play piano and, look, I’ll prove it by playing for you now! I came for a drum lessons not to listen to someone tinkle the ivories. As I said before, I’m sure he’s a good person and this is not an attack on his character but as a drum teacher I’ll have to say, “No thanks.”
I am also baffled by the rave reviews. It started out well but when my active 14 year old didn’t do all the assignments, Sol asked him if he had a learning disability and if he was on meds. If I had not heard it myself, I wouldn’t have believed it. As an educator, I immediately addressed him. He plays drums well and my son was learning a lot, but he really needs to work on his approach in teaching.
