Top-20 of music shops in Walnut

The owner is very friendly and helpful. Excellent, thorough and fast service.

This place is amazing..the history of the instrument is wonderful.

All I can say is wow !!! Brought my guitar in for new strings, he reworked the bridge, and now she sings again. Can’t say enough good things

Visiting the guitar junkyard is always fun new instruments talking with Terry getting my guitar sound awesome it’s a pleasure too.

This place is lined with guitar stuff from floor to ceiling. It has about everything you need for a guitar instrument. The guy was very helpful.

Not my favorite but only choice around

Due to health issues store is closed so I can’t read it

Great music store, great owner. Some live music, and an expert on strings, specifically Guitar and Ukelele, but know a little bit about most things. Cheap too.

One of my favorite spots. It’s a nice place to visit and get what you need. It’s a family business and I always feel welcome to stop on in.

I have purchased a beautiful Strat from Uncle Jon’s. First of all, Jon (the son) was very hospitable, professional, and a cool dude. He made me feel home. We discussed guitars and my preferences, So he recommended the Old Vibe Strat, he provided an amp, a cable, and a stool and excused him self cause he s teaching music downstairs. I felt home surounded with beautiful guitars, instruments and memorabilias. I enjoyed me playing the guitar he recommended, so i bought it. Price was reasonable, he knocked off couple bucks from the price of the cable and case…. Great experience, Great people! Family owned and community loved. I will definitely go back to Jon’s…. Thank you.

Came in today knowing exactly which ukulele I was going to buy. Store had a good selection considering guitar center only had maybe 10 to choose from. I asked (Jon?) a question and received helpful advice about the ukulele and help with a gig bag. I am upset that I purchased a brand new instrument that was not in tune and ready to play.

The lessons here are superb. As far as shopping goes, they sell more entry level instruments.

Friendly service and nice location.

Poor customer service, rude condescending employees, and mediocre prices. I would definitely recommend shopping elsewhere, as I will not be returning anytime soon.

Terrible store with employees who just don’t care about the customer. The prices are okay, but all things considered I’d rather go somewhere else.

One of the best, love this store

Tobias Music is a family owned run business, which is located in Downers Grove, Illinois. I would highly encourage anyone who is looking to purchase a great Acoustic Guitar to shop here!!!

I purchased a new 2021 Martin D-18 Ambertone Guitar from them over the phone ( a first for me) and I’ve never had a better experience ever! The Guitar was in MINT CONDITION when it arrived, not a scratch or nothing wrong just PERFECT! The Martin was still in perfect 440 HZ tune when I first played it after traveling amazing! They shipped it very professionally and secure and arrived very quickly to my Farm in KY.

Paul Tobias is a class act and very knowlegeable and super person to work with. I cant wait to buy my next Guitar from them in the future! I appreciate the Martin Guitar Shirts and the wonderful Guitar Humidifer that Paul added. The extra goodies were not expected. But were very much appreciated! And just goes to show you how they really care about there customers. That speaks volumes in these days and times.

I will certainly spread the word to my friends and musicians in my circle of peers to skip the Guitar Centers of the world and buy your next Guitar from Tobias Music. They are tops in my book and you cant beat them for pricing and service. Thanks for reading and thank you Tobias Music! I Love the D-18!

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).

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.

My daughter takes trombone lessons here and Mike is great with her

Great service from Mike and fair deals! He is very knowledgeable and helpful.

Best music store around. Lessons and quality instruments with tuning and repair services.

You would of thought they would be more customer oriented. They didn’t seem interested that we even came in.

Very helpful

Mike did an amazing job restoring my 20+ year old alto sax that I let sit idle for 10 years. Now it plays just like I remembered and it didn’t cost me a fortune to restore. Thanks Mike!

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!

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!

The ❤️ of Will County for all your music needs! Family owned & many memories from there as a child. They offer music lessons, singing lessons, sell beautiful instruments and even rent them!… & they can send your instrument for repair also! Friendly, clean and the perfect place to give someone the gift of music in their life!

Went in needing instrument supplies, but not really knowing specifics. The owner helped so much, we left more knowledgeable and with everything we needed.
Also, the store felt very welcoming inside!

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.

I didn’t wanna have to ask to play the guitars, but other than that, it was perfect

Very pricey and will give you outrageous quotes for repairs when you can get the work done much cheaper elsewhere

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.

Fantastic teachers, schooled in a variety of instruments.

I had my old guitar set up at Melody Mart after not having played it in over 5 years. They got it done in a few days (even with the holiday) and it has never played better! The cost was well below what guitar center charges for a setup and the staff was very friendly. I will be back!

Friendly people, very professional and very very great & fast service. My son trumpet fell and was so banged up I just knew it was a trash, took it in to Melody Mart and it was fixed in less than a day, turned out to look almost new, myself or my son couldn’t believe the great work that was done to bring his trumpet back to life. Melody Mart will always be our go to place.

It’s a good place to get your kids to start learning how to play an instrument.

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

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.

Walked into Naperville music for the first time and I was impressed with how the staff took care of my piano lesson inquiry along with adding my son too. They have like 15 lesson rooms with flexibility I was seeking. The place doesn’t seem so big from the outside! I can’t speak on the lessons yet until I get going with that. My gut instinct and overall feel of the place tells me this is the place to take my 30+ dream of playing a piano Into reality!!

This is a great place for all your musical needs. Been going a very long time.

Was in here a few months ago and love the atmosphere and staff. Great selection and quality instruments.

In these unprecedented times I recommend Sweetwater for all your musical needs. Impeccable customer service! Online service at your fingertips

Limited variety of student and mid-line guitars. They had a few higher end models, but the set up could stand improvement. Guitar Center has more guitars and lower prices, but NM is less crowded.

For higher end stuff I’d recommend trying Tobias in Downers Grove, or heading up to Evanston’s Guitar Works.

The owner Mark has been helpful in working out an issue with me on my guitar. To be continued.

Terrible service, they purchased an old guitar from me, and refused to let me take the case, we never arranged them getting the case, also the staff is not very enthusiastic. No one seemed like they wanted to be there including me.

I had a very negative experience with this company. This involved serious product misrepresentation in an online transaction (eBay) and major problems trying to resolve the issue. I do not recommend doing business with these people. A little internet research indicated that I am not the only one that has had trouble with Naperville Music.

As soon as the piano teacher looked at me and my daughter the energy was wrong. I maintained a positive attitude…she swung the room door open 5 mins before my daughter’s lesson ended and started talking to me LOUD saying “your daughter is not supposed to be using THIS BOOK”. I kept trying to explain (again) how my daughter had taken a break in her lessons. Ms Allison KEPT cutting me off everytime I tried to speak. She did this after the lesson was over as well. Then, she kept hammering at my daughter telling her how impossible close to difficult it would be to re learn the notes. This lady took 1 look at us and assumed we were ignorant. She chose to be antagonizing instead of being a teacher. I don’t think she’s like this with everyone, picks n chooses.The energy of this place was nothing like this when Tracy works.

What a great friendly place! There is always music floating through the air as you walk in. Sean Shiel is a great mandolin teacher. Always patient and looking for new ways for me to understand what we are studying. Travel from Harvard to Dr. Woods to learn those slides and hammers. Is well worth the trip!

This little place is a gem to any serious musician. Top of the line gear in stock, and inventory and prices you would never find at a large retail chain.

Service, excellent. These folks know their stuff and can be trusted.

A very helpful and knowledgeable staff. A relaxed atmosphere with some really great looking guitars.

Buddy is an expert musician. His advice, insights, and customer service are worth the visit. I support this local shop because they offer value that I can’t get from the web or a large chain.

Very friendly, asked for advice on a project gave great direction. I will definitly come back to give them my business.

I called 45 minutes before they closed and was there about 25 to 30 minutes before they closed to get a guitar pick the lady with a dog looked at me walking out locked the door and got into her car and left mind you there was still about like I said 25 to 30 minutes left so if you’re gonna close at 8:30 put it on your page on Google that closing is at 8:30 and I’m still gonna buy a pick tomorrow because you’re the closest but that will probably be the last time I’m there and I will be returning the saxophone either Friday or the third

I debated posting a review or not, but I think I should if it’ll keep someone from having a bad experience. First off, the employees are super kind people. Couldn’t be happier with the staff. But unfortunately the work I received on my guitar was really poor. Took a guitar there, first time bringing them one of my instruments. Was told I could expect a turnaround in under a week. Ended up waiting almost 2 months. Honestly not a big deal, happens a lot with instrument repair. Got the guitar back. Took it out to play it and the truss rod cover is missing. Find it in the case and put it on. Turn the volume knob, it falls off. Have to spread the top of the pot and reinstall it. Start playing and there’s a weird oscillating noise from the amp. Find the output jack totally loose, have to take off the cover and tighten it. Screws for the cover are stripped in the body. This is a new guitar by the way. Notice the G string sits higher off the neck than all the others, very noticeably. Figured they would fix this when doing a setup but I guess not. Had to file the saddles out myself. Should have just done the job myself at this point. Ended up taking the guitar apart to make sure the wiring wasn’t as bad as the assembly and setup. Got it playing good now, but after paying for someone else to do it and then having to do it myself, it wasn’t worth it. I figured the extra time taken would have meant it was 100% ready to go when they called but apparently not. This was a mid range guitar so I’m not terribly upset about it, but if it was something really nice I would have definitely been upset. Take this into consideration before dropping off your favorite axe. Hope they learn to slow down and do quality work.

Its a long story. In the end it was a bad experience.

I think if I didn’t check up with them things could have been much worst.

I’m not doing any business with them and advise the same.

Muy bueno, la tienda los Maestros y ver especialmente a muchos niños jóvenes con su instrumento musical, para aprender nos motiva como Papás que ellos logren mejores oportunidades y experiencias.

I came to PM Music Center with my daughter as a first year band student. Adam was incredibly patient and helpful in walking me through the instrument rental process. He answered all my questions, even the ones I didn’t realize I had! He spoke to my daughter with kindness and offered her some helpful tips, which we appreciated. A wonderful experience from start to finish.

One stop shop for all your music needs

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.

Very friendly and knowledgeable. They restrung my 6 string banjo to Nashville tuning while I waited.

Never write reviews but I had to give these guys props. Fantastic instruments and top notch customer service. Don’t bother going anywhere else, this place had it all. I drive for over an hour and a half every time to get there and it’s always worth it.

The Staff did a wonderful job repairing my 45 year old Guild guitar. Finished the repairs quickly, in a few days. Very efficient. Reasonable. Very helpful and friendly staff.

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.

I have taken vocal, cello, bass guitar, and guitar lessons through Midlothian Music. They are fairly priced, but I all depends on your own chemistry between you and your teacher. I think they do a great job helping you find a match with someone that works well with you. They owner and his son are super kind and also very helpful with lesson book recommendations, repairing guitars, etc. Would not recommend bringing band and orchestra instruments in here for repairs, they seem to be better with guitar and bass guitar repairs. That aside, they are a nice little business!

I bought my Taylor from here. Really knowledgeable and efficient. I would recommend this store to anyone who is looking for a reliable and trustworthy music store.

Wonderful Store. The prices and the products were Fantastic! This store actually has products and prices that make using internet purchases obsolete. You can shop here and find things that compete with internet prices. But here you can get your purchase immediately from helpful people that are well versed in their products. Way to Go!

I love all the products but at times the service was bad, other visits there were good service. Thanks!

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.

In defense of my friend Aidan, most things you are accusing of us aren’t true. Yes we took a bass and a guitar off without asking. We were not aware of that rule because this was our first time trying out guitars at this store. Your associates did everything with the amps. They are the ones who had the volume up high. Only 3 of the 4 of us played guitars, and only two amps were available. I was cut off in the middle of a solo by your employee so that someone else could use it. Every few minutes we were asked if we would buy the guitar. I’m aware as a small business you need people to buy but di you expect a few 17 year olds to drop $500-1000 within 30 min of finding a guitar? We need things like strings and picks and wanted to buy local. After the pressure we recieved, we left without buying anything. So yes, maybe guitar center is better fit for us.

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

Rossi Music is an excellent store. The quality of the store’s inventory is top tier. They have a wide variety of beautiful instruments to choose from. The instructors at Rossi Music are down to earth and really know how to teach. I’ve made so much progress in learning the guitar! Rossi Music is a definite 10/10.

Great prices and awesome people!

Amazing service, a great local store

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.

Bad customer service, dude with long hair gave me attitude and had a overall bad vibe

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.

Great staff!! They bring lots to the table for their students including writing goals for the semester, taking assessments, tracking practice time and assignments, and having fun!!

My son loves it! Thank you

My daughter will start band this fall and we wanted her to get some experience before school starts. We signed up for the six lessons and two lessons into it we cannot be more pleased. She knew nothing about playing her instrument and Adam has given her great direction. She is gaining much more confidence with each lesson.

Music lessons great

Awsome place to get your insterments at no matter what you play.

This is the place for everything instruments! I’m minutes from a Music Shoppe and made the drive over an hour to go to Chesnut Family Music.
I brought my daughter’s saxophone in for a “mysterious” repair issue and Jordan had it figured out instantly! Their team is knowledgeable and friendly… well worth the drive! Trust me, this is the place!

Jordan is great to work with you. He will find whatever you need.

They didn’t have what I wanted.

In my experience this place is great for repairs on amps and stringed instruments. However, I wouldn’t bring a valuable wind instrument to this store. They worked on my pro euphonium once and I was glad it was a simple repair. I’ll never let Jordon touch it again. I’ve also seen some questionable repairs on a friend’s saxophone. Jordon is very good with stringed instruments and amps but I’m not sure he knows about wind instruments beyond basic repairs. To my knowledge, the store does not employ a instrument repair technician with formal education. Nothing against the guy, but he should probably stick to the stringed instruments. It’s a great store, just something to keep in mind. I shop here, just don’t bring my wind instruments

Great little family shop very friendly and helpful

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

It was an email exchange from Japan by google translate, but it is a very wonderful musical instrument store because you responded politely.
I bought a guitar from Japan at this musical instrument store six years ago, and at that time, I received the same polite response as this time.

Probably the best high-end guitar store in the Midwest but it also has some entry-level guitars and amplifiers with excellent service and teachers for every instrument you can think of I give it 5 stars

High end amps, guitars and lessons.

check em out

Great service

Great store. Middle of nowhere. And definitely not the shop pictured. They had Les Pauls. But would not sell them. What’s up with that.? Very small selection in unless all you want is Airline guitars. No one said much. Just some people hanging out. Not clean and shiny like pictured. I believe they must have downsized big time. Not impressed. oh well. Ive been to the place pictured years ago. Impressive. What happened?

It is always closed. Make sure you check its web site to see if it is open.

THESE GUYS THINK THEY ARE SO SMART!!!!!!!!!

Store is really different from the earlier locations off Milwaukee Ave., Ohio St., and Artesian. Even the store off Hubbard – after the move from Artesian – had far more inventory.

Though I could be wrong, it seems as though the days of finding tons of high-end boutique, FCS, GCS and PRS guitars hanging on the walls is gone. Also gone are the days of 8-10 really cool high-end amp makers being represented, including several products on the floor from builders like Elmwood, Bogner, Matchless, Victoria, Fuchs and on and on. The effects offerings are also a small portion of what they used to be.

Not quite sure what happened to the store the past couple/few years. Used to be, far and away, the finest boutique shop in the country (used to get regular visits from cats like Billy Gibbons, Keith Richards and many others that would fly in just to buy gear).

I wish the current guys the best of luck. And hope they have a long and healthy ride. Would be cool to see the store return to its former glory years, when it was The Grand Daddy of cool gear.