Prompt, professional, and superior quality work. I have had a French horn overhauled by them, and a large crack in an alphorn bell repaired by Carl’s Pro Band, and in both instances the attention to detail, finished product, and service were beyond compare.
We found Carl’s Pro Band, based on the recommendation of my daughter’s flute teacher who uses Carl’s for her own instruments. Shannon is very professional and communicative and Carl does amazing work. For our flutes, he has fixed dents, changed pads and has done exceptional work to make our instruments look and sound new again. Would highly recommend!
I took a Willson euphonium that I was able to get for my school to Travis at Carl’s Pro Band and he did an amazing job! Other shops were not able to get the parts, but the thorough work that was done has taken this 30 year old horn and put it back into fantastic condition. The valve guides, sonic cleaning, and pressure tests for leaks were all crucial to this repair. Thanks for taking such good care of the instrument!
Super helpful and upfront with tactful explanation of options for the work needing done
Very knowledgeable very friendly. They treat us beginners with the same respect concert veterans
3. Guitar Junkyard
Address: 1049 8th St, La Salle, IL 61301 , Toluca , Illinois , United States
Iconic central Illinois staple. The fried chicken family style with their signature tortellini can’t be beat. Loads of other Italian favorites. Friendly atmosphere. A must stop if you’re near Toluca!
Well worth the trek from wherever you live, because you likely don’t live in Toluca. Chicken Family style is the way to go!
Bread was delicious food was delicious number one on our list
Food is delicious a little on the pricey side but well worth it
Pricy but delicious
The food was good, service was really good and price was right.
Food was not great like it usually is. French fries were Luke warm. Both of are alcoholic drinks were poor. It will be quite a while before we go back. It was not that busy.
The food was overcooked
Place looks nice, just not a fan of their food. Would 100% rather go to olive garden for pasta. Their chicken is just greasy and not good. Fast food and chain chicken is way better and surprisingly less greasy at times.
5. Toluca
Address: Illinois 61369 , Toluca , Illinois , United States
I spent more than I expected (my choice) but Don made so many points in customer service I felt more than compensated. Bought a Roland keyboard Bluetooth connectivity ☺️
Don is an amazing man. He took in my brother in law’s beat up Yamaha and made it beautiful again. Don told us about his history with Yamaha. If anyone knows more about the story of Yamaha from a dealer’s and repair perspective in Peoria, I honestly don’t know who it would be.
Shop local folks. They care.
Gd selection
7. Jake’s Music Services
Address: 11624 S Pulaski Rd, Alsip, IL 60803 , Toluca , Illinois , United States
Jake is the Best in the Business. Highly recommended. Service is A+
Very helpful with my flute. He is a great guy overall. Very friendly environment and feels very welcoming!
It is a nice local place the owner is gentleman and is very informative about gear and repair needs.
Was and wasn’t very helpful. But I did receive the necessary information that I needed to move forward.
Very nice, good pricing and repairs done in a very timely fashion.
Great neighborhood repair shop.
I’M ADDING THIS FOR THE STORE TO RESPOND: THERE’S NO INDICATION THAT HOURS ARE “BY APPOINTMENT ONLY” UNTIL YOU DRIVE ACROSS TOWN. PLEASE FIX THIS. THANK YOU
Never got a call back. Guess they don’t want my money for repairing a clarinet v
8. Midlothian Music
Address: 15645 S 94th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462 , Toluca , Illinois , United States
John is a hero amongst mere mortals, and a true credit to the music gear industry.
Went there to donate some unneeded guitars to guitars4vets program. Great organization.
As it is not uncommon for me to find different ways of doing something everyone else has done, I managed to break my tuner peg on my bass in a way most players have never before encountered.
While initially worried about labor costs, I took my instrument to Midlothian Music and it turned out an upgrade on all of the pegs would be in my best investment, especially in the pocket-book. Turn-around time was perfect for my needs and the cost came in less than what I had initially set aside to get 4 strings back on my bass.
This wasn’t my first time turning to Midlothian Music in the past 15+ years and love having two stores to choose from!
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
Stopped in to inquire about purchasing a used guitar and was treated rudely. I won’t be returning.
I wasn’t going to post these details but since they replied with incorrect information, perhaps confusing me with another customer.
When I responded that I wanted to spend $100 (not $75) the person behind the counter told me I needed to go to Toys R Us, did not offer me options or ask me any questions. THAT is why I walked out. I gave my $200 to Evolution Music. Their customer service is outstanding.
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
9. Tobias Music
Address: 5013 Fairview Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515 , Toluca , Illinois , United States
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.
This spot has been my go-to for 10 years, and I am always pleased with the quality of professional service and extensive knowledge of the guitar industry–particularly Taylors and Martins. I appreciate that Paul and Ken relentlessly do their best to ensure customer satisfaction, upkeep the place, and have a well-stocked inventory. (They sell used gear, too!) I could easily go to any other music store chain, but Tobias Music is where it’s at for all-things acoustic guitar.
Mr Paul Tobias is wonderful to work with. They really care about their customers , at Tobias Music .I purchased a Martin 000-15 SM…fantastic guitar..just love it. In this high tech impersonal world of today it is very nice to do business with a company that takes pride in their offerings.I look forward to doing more business with these nice folks.
***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 .
10. Melody Mart USA
Address: 18062 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL 60430 , Toluca , Illinois , United States
Knowledgeable staff who don’t try to price gouge, a pleasure to do business with. We will definitely be back!
Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Great selection of instruments. The instructors are the best and great for beginners or if you have been playing for years. Very affordable lessons and conveniently located in downtown Homewood with plenty of parking around.
Staff is so, so friendly and welcoming, and they offer wonderful music lessons personalized for what I want/need!
It’s a good place to get your kids to start learning how to play an instrument.
Very rude staff. I approached the counter and asked if I could complete the online registration for music lessons in person. The staff member spoke very rudely to me. When I notified this person of his unprofessional attitude, he told me I had “interrupted [him] while he was doing something important for a customer”. I told him he was so rude that I probably wouldn’t even sign up for the lessons. He responded “fine” and took the paper with my information on it, balled it up and threw it down onto the floor directly in front of me before turning his back to me while I was speaking. Meanwhile, a second staff member stood by watching and smiling. If you enjoy being disrespected, this place will be perfect for you.
** Thank you for your response, Melody Mart. There is no misunderstanding. Don’t backpedal now, keep your same energy as you displayed in person. There were NO customers at the counter and you asked “How may I help you?”. Your unprofessional behavior from that moment forward was totally inappropriate and out of proportion for the situation. Not sure how you can justify throwing a customer’s information onto the floor. Keep your services. I’ll take my business elsewhere.
Parking is terrible. Some of the instructors are not very good, but a few are..kinds a gamble for your money..no refunds on missed lessons…instructors and staff will tell you anything to get your money oh did o mention terrible parking …make sure you have your walking shoes on
11. Mojo’s Music
Address: 144 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025 , Toluca , Illinois , United States
Mojo’s Music is the best. They are welcoming and super helpful to everyone that walks in. They have great inventory. The owner, Tom, went out of his way to track down a particular limited edition Breedlove acoustic for me. I’ve done a number of trade-ins with Mojo’s, and they are always fair and honest when assessing the gear I bring in and beyond reasonable with the deals they offer. I can’t say enough good things about this place. I live in the city, and it’s worth the 35 minute drive to get over to Edwardsville. I can’t recommend Mojo’s enough. Whether you’re buying your first starter guitar or buying an heirloom quality instrument, Mojo’s is the place.
Great looking staff. Especially the viking looking guy.
Fantastic help, got me started with my violin and tuning.
Lots of inventory and they are willing to deal
Fun shop for sure! Eye candy hanging on all the surrounding walls. The shop’s main focus is guitars so it’s definitely the place to go if that’s your go to instrument. Workers are knowledgeable and always very helpful. It’s no breaking news that guitar shops tend to give off awkward, intimidating vibes (understandably so when you visit any shop with high pricetagged merch) and I do have to try and hide my feelings of squirminess while there, but I enjoy going and will continue to.
After years of taking time off from playing music, band break up really made me step away, I’ve decided to look around for a new guitar and rig, have gone to Mojo’s, have purchase three terrific instruments from them in the past 15 years, never had a bad experience, today, however, was not the same. I walked into a store deflated of its prior pulse, I was seen and ignored, walked around looking for what would be my next stage guitar. Two employees, yet no time to greet, or attempt to make a sale, to show products, I even made an attempt by asking what’s new, even then not a singular spark of interest in my affairs with them was of significance. I walked out of there for the last time, sad to see such a place become so cold and uninviting.
I went in to get my guitar repaired, the staff members sat at the counter and talked and ignored me for several minutes. Then after they finally looked at my guitar it turned out to be a very expensive repair so I decided to just buy a new guitar. One would think this would be cue to start selling a guitar, instead they ignored me some more and made me feel awkward for playing any guitar they had. So I went to swing city music right down the road and they instantly came to help and found a guitar that was right for me.
12. Libertyville Music
Address: 401 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048 , Toluca , Illinois , United States
Mark has been doing work on my guitars for 12 years and I wouldn’t take them to anyone else!
Great music store right in Libertyville! Perfect!
Awesome staff! Matt does a killer guitar setup, and everyone their is so kind and accommodating. Thanks guys!
If they do not have it in stock, they will order it for you. Helpful staff.
Nice staff, low selection.
Small shop with friendly, expert staff
Prices are extremely unreasonable not to mention the skinny kid behind the counter called me man so many times I thought I was in a Cheech and Chong movie.
I’ve lived in Libertyville for fifteen years and I have really tried to support them. I teach band locally and have a busy professional performing schedule and would love to have a local business that I and my students could use for guitar and band instrument repair, and to buy supplies and equipment. My experience with them has been the worst every time I’ve been in. Their store stock is woeful. Twice I have left nice guitars with them to be set up. The first time I couldn’t tell that any work had been done, but there were little dents on the back of the neck. The next time (Iknow: why?) they just sat in the store for three weeks while I waited. Then when I picked them up (no work was ever done) there were marks all over the cases, as if they had been tossed around. They are rude, unprofessional and totally disorganized. Students I’ve taught who took lessons there (not at my suggestion) learned nothing. Just another jive guitar store run by morons.
