Got a Fender rumble 800 combo. That thing really rocks!! Thanks Dave.
Personal attention from people who know what they’re doing. Was recommended a guitar that was everything I wanted four a great price. Excellent selection of a wide range of gear.
Super nice store and very helpful always
Great
It’s ok. Nothing special in regard to service
Last five years I have purchased several guitars several by I’m talking around 10 I walked in to this music store a lady did not even ask me how they can help me all she said was what are you looking for looked around for awhile noticed that the pricing was a little bit outrageous. But the main thing was the woman that put the sour taste in my mouth by acting like it was a bother for us to even walk in the store. Oh well their loss my game I’ll continue purchasing equipment from American music supply Sweetwater. Won’t go back
Got a “better than” feeling in there. Short, unhelpful answers for my 14 year old grandson.
unfortunate, but i’d had a guitar in storage for a year and the fret board was a disaster.they did an excellent job cleaning that, however, they took it upon themselves to badly alter the guitar without asking us despite us being there and only explained what they’d done after it was too late. another thing about these “fixes” was that they didn’t address the problem at all! they said the action was too high the lower you got on the neck so they shaved the frets?? they also took some off the bridge, though only to the top, not where the strings rest in it. i’m a novice so i didn’t catch this in store, just paid for strings and cleaning and alterations for $40. value of guitar negatively impacted & i paid for it! nice and nice sounding 20yr old, semi acoustic fender. such a shame, and as i said before i was in store and they didn’t ask! i would get my strings changed there again, though stressing that nothing else be done without consulting me
3. Capital City Music
Address: 3700 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL 62711 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
Went for a Bow, was greeted promptly with great respect. They know how to treat their customers.
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.
Great store !
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 .
Friendly,has most anything
I primarily look in the guitar/bass section, but good selection of instruments and helpful staff.
The guest experience was alright, but after going in, and returning my item the staff took my return and assured me it was completed, I left and enjoyed the day, more than a week later and I have discovered the staff I talked to must have processed my return improperly since I have never received my refund on my bank statement and when I tried to call in to get the situation corrected I was told they could not find my transaction. Edit… The owner has personally reached out to me and has worked to correct the situation.
went to get my guitar set up and it came back out of tune, disappointed to say the least, reading other reviews it appears the staff might need more technical experience or organization
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
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.
4. Rossi Music Store & Lessons
Address: 4901 95th St, Oak Lawn, IL 60453 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
I’ve shopped at Rossi for sheet music to use with music students from elementary level through college. I always find the staff to be pleasant and helpful.
I have my 11 year old daughter taking lessons and the staff is laid back and family friendly. I have played guitar for years and her teacher has made much progress over 6 months. My daughter enjoys learning here more than listening to her dad.
Rossi is a local business that services many instruments and from what I see you could take advanced lessons as an adult as well. Next time my daughter cant make her lesson I will take the spot and learn some actual music theory.
Just purchased my daughters first violin. The staff was very helpful on making sure she was fitted with the correct violin size and I can’t wait to get her started with lessons. I would also like to add John the drum instructor, had time to show my son what a drum lesson would involve and was able to even give him a quick lesson. I plan to sign my son up for drum lessons. Thank you so much for the help and great service!
I visited this place for sheet music. The songs I wanted were found online and promptly printed for my purchase.
SUZAN M.O’Rourke wrote on 1/19/2019 I visited Rossi’s in the Fall of 2018 and looked at a variety of instruments but seems to have a shared phone number with Little Company of Mary Hospital aproximately 1 or 1.5 miles east on 95th street. Unfortunate use of a beautifil web site The store offers sheet music and new snd used rental /purchase of instruments.
This place claims to offer guitar repairs. So i brought in a Gibson LP Custom that simply needed to be re-wired. The pickups were already installed all that was needed was to wire it up and solder it all together. A nice clean pallet to work with.
3 weeks in, I call and was told, We are waiting on parts! Ok? So i decided to buy a wiring kit offline for 100.00 and drop it off. Took me 1 day to get the parts, Took them 3 weeks and they were still waiting for wires and volume pots? Really?
So they had all brand new parts, wires, etc that i purchased myself. Once again, A nice clean slate to work with, Everything was brand new and clean, So wiring and soldering should have went smooth and looked good.
Another week later, I call and ask if its ready, Yeah! Come get it! So i guess they dont call people when instruments are ready for pickup?
I pick it up and bring it home, Plug it in and hear the worst noise ever.. The output of the pickups was all wrong. I have never heard a guitar sound this bad. I look inside and was shocked at the job!! Wires twisted together just hanging there. Soldering burnt thru the brand new pots! This was HORRIBLE!
I call him about it and he said, Oh well i plugged it in and the pickups had sound? Your kidding me right?
I could have brought it back for him to “fix” but after looking at what he did to a brand new wiring kit, Its best to keep guitars far far away from this guy. PLEASE if you have a guitar that is halfway decent and needs a setup, pickup swap or anything that requires a brain, Please take it elsewhere! This place is far from professional.
My son was taking lessons and love it! I paid for his classes in advance and was told that I didn’t and was expected to repay for my son to continue lessons. Advice if you decide to use their service take your own calender and make sure a teacher sign off the day he gave lessons. This will help you keep up for when the teacher cancels for the days you paid for.
Bad customer service, dude with long hair gave me attitude and had a overall bad vibe
5. Mike’s Brass & Woodwind
Address: 3607 N Chapel Hill Rd, Johnsburg, IL 60051 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
I went in to Mike’s Woodwind & Brass to have a couple of basses adjusted restrung. I was incredibly pleased with level of service provided. The owner and gentleman that worked on the guitars were incredibly courteous, knowledgeable, patient, and payed close attention to detail. I was incredibly thankful for the overall level of service this shop provides; and would definitely recommend them for future shoppers.
Both gentlemen were helpful and courteous while getting my daughter her instrument.
I cannot begin to explain how helpful Mike and his crew are. There was an issue with the transaction, and just under an hour I got a call from Mike and we got it fixed. He not only made sure everything went through, but he also did a setup on the guitar with brand new strings with the gauge to fit the tuning of my liking. Amazing store, amazing employees, amazing service. It’s about as Grade A as anybody could ask for. I am so fortunate I stumbled upon their easy-to-use and easy-to-navigate website and found one of my favorite guitars that aren’t manufactured anymore-Ibanez Talman 6-string. 10/10 would recommend this store to any musician or anybody looking to get into playing music.
Very helpful
You would of thought they would be more customer oriented. They didn’t seem interested that we even came in.
From the moment I stepped foot into the store, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff at Mike’s Brass and Woodwind were not only knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about music. Their dedication and expertise were evident in every interaction, making my experience truly memorable.
What sets Mike’s Brass and Woodwind apart from other stores is their commitment to personalized service. The staff took the time to understand my specific requirements and guided me in choosing the perfect instrument that matched my skill level and musical preferences. Their attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile made a world of difference in my decision-making process.
Furthermore, I was pleasantly surprised by the store’s dedication to ensuring the instruments are in top-notch condition. Each instrument was meticulously maintained and showcased its true potential. The store also provides a wide range of accessories and spare parts, ensuring that musicians have everything they need to enhance their playing experience.
The combination of a welcoming ambiance, a vast array of instruments, knowledgeable staff, and a commitment to excellence makes this store a treasure trove for music enthusiasts.
We went to fix, my trumpet, they didnt, they actually made it lead to a broken trumpet, now we need a new trumpet, and we dont know where to go!
6. Cochran Guitars
Address: 8893 E 1200th Rd, Martinsville, IL 62442 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
Great prices, lathe selection for a local privately owned business
Great service and great prices
Great service very nice
Nice selection of beginner to intermediate guitars. Very personable owner with a lot of knowledge. Great to have in a small town.
What a wonderful great place. Great selection guitars. Courteous, kind, great prices. This is a place where someone really only cares about the musician and guitarist themselves. This establishment understands what it means to be a musician in the guitarist and work with anyone the best they can. I would give this business more stars but there’s only so many stars to give on this review I Give It 2 Thumbs Up and I mean way up!
7. Front Row Center Music
Address: 1507 N Main St, Benton, IL 62812 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
Kell knows his stuff and has been in the business for a lot of years.
Nice cozy little place and the employees seem nice.
Helpful staff, and a lot of great stuff in store. I highly recommend this place!
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.
8. Hidden Music
Address: 7925 W 103rd St #2, Palos Hills, IL 60465 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
John is a hero amongst mere mortals, and a true credit to the music gear industry.
Came in here after randomly finding it after being in the area . The guys were unreal nice and we talked shop forever. Being a Lakland guy I was in heaven with how many they had, it’s unreal. From the sales guy to the owner they couldn’t have been nicer to me. I definitely will be coming back to get some strings or a Lakland! GO HERE!
Another flawless purchase. The atmosphere at this shop is just amazing. Had to come in and grab one of the new esp ltd. Supporting local businesses that support law enforcement and military is amazing. This is a one stop shop for all your musical needs. Can’t wait to see what I end up buying from them next.
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 asked for an estimate to repair a leak on my daughter’s flute. With no parts needed, they wanted $40. I declined their service and the man on the phone hung up on me. When I picked up the flute, somehow additional keys were bent and leaking. Ridiculous!
Went to purchase a Swart amp. Was told I could not use the washroom after driving for 1hr. Needless to say I didn’t buy anything. NOT CUSTOMER FRIENDLY!
10. Miller Music Inc
Address: 4510 N Illinois St #3, Swansea, IL 62226 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
This place is very reasonably priced with the option to rent instruments, take lessons, and have instruments repaired. And if it is a service they don’t provide or something they do not carry the owner is very knowledgeable on other reputable store owners that can help you. Very quick and satisfactory repair to my violin and guitar today.
Miller Music is the only place I would go for my musical needs. Steve is very knowledgeable and professional. His prices are the best in town and he helped my daughter pick out the perfect sax. I will recommended Miller Music to any parent looking to rent or purchase an instrument for the child.
The best place to get instruments fixed and a very nice guy. Would recommend and he fixed it in 5 minutes.
They appear to no longer be in business.
I took my niece to Miller Music to see about having an issue fixed with her flute. The guy working looked at it for a few seconds and said he didn’t notice any issues (leaks) visible to the eye. I then asked if it would be okay for her to play the instrument for him so that he could listen, and hopefully make a diagnosis that way. He responded with, “Yeah, hurry up.” Needless to say, the instrument is still having an issue. When we purchased the couple of instruments we have, he was polite. Now that there’s an issue, “Mr. Nice Guy” left the building. I’d never recommend anyone to buy anything else from them again.
The owners were rude and condescending. I got the impression that not EVERYONE was welcome in their store. They may have a large selection of music, but I’ll take my money and my dignity to other music stores.
Do not put an item on consignment with this business. You will never hear from them again. Disgraceful business tactics + no communication regarding the issue. I will do everything possible to discredit this business.
11. Full Staff Music
Address: 614 W Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
Awesome place for guitar lessons and buying a guitar and other instruments great service kind and respectful great people.
Stopped into on a hope and a pray that I could get immediate help (I knew a full repair was out of the question) for two saxophones with bent upper octive keys. Both were put in a usable condition within minutes. I will be back for a full repair soon!
Edited because I am dumb and hit the wrong button
First off I wanted to say I LOVE this store. I knew of this store for a while, and went there for a pack of strings back during my first year of high-school. I remember every single detail about me wanting a gig bag for my Lauren LA 125 Acoustic, and asking Jon to play me something on it. I had gotten that guitar at Kidder Music with my Grandmother as my first acoustic of my very own. Back then Ken used to work there as well. Now Jon owns the store. Both of those wonderful people have helped me out with Countless things, from guitar repairs, simple life lessons about waiting and being patient for repairs to be done, Saving money for thing that I really want. They both are amazing people, and Jon and Ken are both my best friends. Also, So is Bloo (Jon’s beautiful puppy)
I have taken so many photos that if I uploaded them all they would take years and years to process and stuff.
Over all 10000/10 would (and will still) recommend
Best music store in my area!
12. North Shore Music
Address: 405 1/2 Linden Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
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.
My 13 year-old son has been taking drum lessons at North Shore Music for 2 years. He’s also in the studio’s band camp which places him with other students to form a rock band. They perform in public around Wilmette. He absolutely loves it and so do we parents. Alejandro and his staff are terrific!
13. Axes Music Group
Address: 19715 South La Grange Road Suite 3, Mokena, IL 60448 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
Words cannot describe the incredible service Axes Music has provided me for years. Not only have the incredible talented staff taught me how to play many instruments, they have carefully guided me into a career in music which I absolutely love. This business is absolutely incredible and each and every member of their staff is extremely talented, and very friendly. Overall Axes Music is the place to go for music lessons, instrument service, and professional recording.
Great experience there. Friendly staff and more importantly were very motivated to get me anything I needed. I will definitely be back!
The best. Whatever you need, just go talk to them…
14. Music Source
Address: 33113 US-45, Grayslake, IL 60030 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
Great teachers and staff! Great collection of guitars and all musical needs! Their Facebook page is so much fun too!
Great service great equipment great music lessons
This is my neighborhood music store. I’ve never been disappointed with products or services from Music Source. The owner and staff are helpful, knowledgeable and friendly.
A week and a half later, I’m waiting on a repair that was supposed to take two days. They called on the day it was supposed to be done to say they just started working on it. Two days after that they called again to say it will be done in a week (or maybe less) due to a problem with the instrument that requires additional work. Today (a week later) they said it will be ready two weeks from the day I brought it in. While I can’t comment on the quality of the work because I still haven’t received it yet, I am disappointed with the service so far. I dislike dishonesty, excuses, and false promises. I can only hope that my instrument isn’t being butchered. I hope I’ll get it back and be able to add a positive update to this review. Unfortunately since they lied to me, I can’t trust them, so I’ll have to take it somewhere else to get it checked out after I get it back.
Update: I got the guitar back and had it checked out by a friend’s technician. He said it was in good shape, so I’ve decided to raise my rating by two stars. I won’t forget the bad communication and lack of transparency, so I don’t think I would bring an instrument here for repair a second time.
sad to have to change my review but after having dealt with this store more it seemed necessary
Why would I come here to buy $21 Elixir Strings when I can get them for $10 on Amazon? Are these even elixirs? I am 2nd guessing because the seal was ripped and the bags are crinkled inside. I feel like I was ripped off here, do not come here for your strings maybe they are knowledgable, but definatley sketchy.
Was looking for a specific pair of drumsticks that I needed. I walked in and took a look at the selection they had, and they didn’t have what I needed. I asked a staff member if they could help me out and he helped me figure out what pair I needed. He happened to be the drum instructor. While trying to find the specific pair, my mother who was with me told me that he made her feel uncomfortable because of the way he acted towards her. When they “ordered” it for me and they said it’ll be here in a week.
One week later, I called to see if it had arrived. They said no. I stopped by the next day to see if it arrived and the same instructor said they’ll stop by tomorrow and pick it up for me. (From whatever warehouse they get their stuff from). The next day, guess what? THEY DIDN’T HAVE IT.
Unbelievable service. Waste of time and effort. I ended up going to A-Major Music in Gurnee. Trust me, it is worth the drive and they are MUCH more friendlier and helpful there.
I bought two sets of acoustic guitar strings for around a $20 total and later received a $140 charge from the business. Bob said he would reach out to resolve the issue but has not yet after two weeks.
Store staff are incompetent. Ordered books and instruments accessories for me but instead of holding behind the counter they just put them on the shelf for others to buy. Waited two weeks and when I got there only one of the three things I ordered was available. There is a reason mom-and-pop shops like this are going out of business. They have no customer service. Added to which the staff were rude and had a lack of knowledge that was sad.
15. Halpin Music Company
Address: 139 S Locust St, Centralia, IL 62801 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
Neil’s a great guy,Specially when it comes to tube amps!.He can fix you right up!..
Great local music store. Neil Miller always gives you the best deal possible. And I don’t have to drive over an hour to guitar center anymore or buy online and not know what I’m getting.
Great place to shop or take a variety of music lessons! Knowledgeable employees and good selection of products!
Average music store
The website says its open till 5 on Saturday not 3
Good prices
I had to have my horn sent to Alton because this tech in Centralia is discriminatory against people with disabilities. Had to drive two and a half hours 200 plus miles and no discount for a simple repair I will never use them again thinking about taking legal action.
Good stuff just could be better with details and price
16. Square Music Company
Address: 729 Hampshire St, Quincy, IL 62301 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
The best violin shop that meets all your expectations. Amazing personal who serves you with big open hearts and beautiful vibes. It is a great joy to get experience in this shop! Wonderful energies inside and out!
Best place in the area to meet your stringed instrument needs.
18. Perks Music
Address: 502 E 13th St, Centralia, IL 62801 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
Down Home Guitars is fantastic. I have a vintage 1969 Gibson acoustic 12 string that was my fathers. It’s also the guitar my brothers and I learned on as kids. It had some cracks and was coming apart. I trusted Steve with the guitar to repair it and make it solid again. What a fantastic job. Now I don’t have to worry about losing my family treasure. Forever grateful. Thanks
Wonderful to have a store of this quality close to home. They offer so much more than a great selection of acoustic stringed instruments; including lessons, workshops, jams, and of course the annual bluegrass festival in the summer. Especially like their great concerts by local and nationally known musicians in a small setting with no bad seats.
the place to go to get a superb acoustic instrument, purchased an amazing Bourgeois guitar featuring Panamanian Rosewood. This is the best guitar I’ve ever played, it immediately makes everything sound unbelievable. Big thanks to Steve, Charles and staff what an awesome experience
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.
20. Aloha City Ukes
Address: 4338 Regency Dr, Glenview, IL 60025 , Roanoke , Illinois , United States
The most amazing ukulele selection I’ve seen in the continental US! Owner is very knowledgeable and sets up every uke for a great playing experience.
Awesome! They had the Flight uke I wanted in stock when no one else did. I got it on time. It is absolutely gorgeous!!! They had one other that I wanted that no one else had in stock, so, of course, I had to order that one next! It also came on time, safe and sound, and it, too, is absolutely gorgeous! I will definately order from Aloha City Ukes again… and again… and again…
Extremely happy with purchase.
They made me smile smile smile
Bought my first uke here. The customer service was excellent and equaled the quality of my beautiful sounding new uke. Will be buying from Aloha City Ukes again. They also set it up.
This is an update add-on. Took my Lanikai Flame Maple baritone uke to an acoustic jam session last night (no amps allowed)and was floored when my uke could be heard over 5 other acoustic guitar players, Cajon and violin. Excellent instrument for accompaniment for my song choices. “ABSOLUTELY MAKE SURE you are aware of their small timeline for returns. My second uke same brand but tenor turned out to be a bummer of an experience, plus I had to beg for a refund after 7 days. The uke looked like it had been strung with thick cables and looked as if it was strung by a child. I have NEVER had problems barre ing but it was IMPOSSIBLE on this uke. It was touch and go as to whether Id get a refund plus I had to pay $45 to send it back. Wont be shopping Aloha City ukes again. First time was a charm. Second purchase was a nightmare.
Got there 10 minutes to 4 but they closed early. I gave 2 stars for the online store.
Would give zero stars if I could. I’m very disappointed with how they treated my father. He bought a ukulele here to increase his skills & knowledge after a long & hard battle with cancer. The owner was kind during the sale, but his demeanor rapidly changed after it. My father tried asking questions afterward, such as how he could get the most out of his instrument.. to which the owner replies with “just don’t play it.” I’m genuinely disgusted to know that this is how the owner treats their customers after a sale. I’m in such disbelief by how manipulative and unprofessional this business is. I will be letting everyone we know in our music/ukulele community that they should never come here. I hope the owner learns to be kind to all after this.
