Great place with a home vibe! John is fun and approachable. Comparable prices. Support this place! Shop Local!
Besides my daughter’s ukulele, I’ve only gotten minor stuff (strings, picks, sound hole pickup, etc.) here, but prices are good and the guy there is great, friendly and knowledgeable. I’ve recommended Full Staff to friends and will continue to do so.
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!
3. Music Group Fragile
Address: 911 Thornwood Ct, St. Charles, IL 60174 , Wasco , Illinois , United States
Excellent teaching and knowing how to move even an older student like myself ahead with enthusiasm!
A trip to Hix is always a joy. The employees are knowledgeable about every single square inch of the store and will ensure that you get exactly what you’re looking for at the end of the day at a reasonable price. There’s something to everyone there, although there’s a little more if you happen to be a guitarist. I’d recommend Hix to anyone on any instrument at any skill level. Definitely check it out.
Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming. My 5 and 7 year olds take piano lessons from Matt and it’s amazing how quickly they’re learning. They always look forward to their weekly lessons!
It was great. Love the horn sections. Do that again!!
Great place for beginners to get lessons, to shop for a “newbie” instrument, or for experienced players to pick up sticks, strings, and other accessories.
I went in to sell a guitar I’ve outgrown. The old grump that works there shuffles out in slow motion and bellows, “How much do ya want for it.” I told him I paid $450 and without having even glanced at the guitar he told me it wasn’t worth it, and that he could get a brand new one for $175. Keep in mind his cataracted old eyes hadn’t even glanced in the general direction of the guitar yet. I said, “did you even look at it?” His response was priceless, he had just told me how much his price was for a new one, but when I called him on it he said, “well, what is it.” He didn’t even know what he was looking at before trying to rip me off.
I glanced at some of the prices on the way out…as everyone else who’s reviewed the store has said, way over priced. So expect to be ripped off if you sell your gear, and ripped off again when you buy something.
One positive, the young guy that works there was friendly and polite…maybe he should run the store.
Terrible customer service, horribly overpriced
I have had multiple bad experiences here. I kept going back because I like Peter as a person, but the customer service and prices are crap. Absolute abysmal. Even Cremer, who is essentially a small one man shops prices are better than Hix. I’ve had a Hix setup on a guitar that was virtually unplayable. Their “luthier” told me “some guitars just don’t set up well”. Hmmm. Rick Cremer then made it play like a dream after I had to pay ANOTHER $45 for an additional setup.
Had a pricing dispute with Doug, the old curmudgeon who works in Batavia, who looked up my prior purchases while I was standing there arguing with him and basically told me I didn’t deserve customer service from him because I didn’t spend enough money in his store!!! I had to then remind him of the Mesa Boogie & Fender Amps I bought in the Aurora store. What a total A$$hole. He spent the next ten minutes back peddling and apologizing. That was my last trip there. Don’t waste your time with Hix.
I ordered a guitar from Rock City Sound. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the guitar but the ergonomics didn’t suit me. I asked if I could return it, and although they would have been within their rights to deny it since it was past the return period, Jim very graciously allowed it. This kind of exceptional customer service is rare. I give them my highest recommendation and look forward to being a repeat customer in the future.
I received a Gibson Les Paul R9 wrapped in bubble wrap and foam.I looked at it and played it and am so pleased with the look and sound.Rock City Sound was so kind to take my offer I will do business with them in the future.
9. Da Capo Music Studio
Address: 870 N Main St, Elburn, IL 60119 , Wasco , Illinois , United States
Da Capo offers conservatory trained teachers in flute, piano, and guitar. The level of professionalism here is seldom matched in the western suburbs.
Students are taught proper technique and musicianship in a fun and creative environment. (guitarists learn to read music, which is rare) Recital and other performance opportunities are available often.
My family has been attending Da Capo for more than 5 years and we are extremely pleased with our progress. Highly Recommended!
Eric Meuer is the best guitar teacher! Highly recommend.
My daughter has been taking piano at Da Capo for five years, and our experience with Da Capo could not be any better. Kristin is an excellent teacher, and my daughter loves taking lessons from her. She is very professional and caring. Highly recommend!
My son walked out and started crying never wanting to go back. 🙁 he said the teacher was mean and too strict. It was his first lesson ever. Loosen up lady he’s 10
I brought up the fact to a “manager” that I was charged a late fee for lessons that hadn’t happened yet. I was reasonable and calm in tone. Late fees should be charged if the bill isn’t paid after delivery of goods. That’s how a business works. I tried dropping the issue multiple times after he explained the late fee, but he kept on fighting me to the point where I was just trying to walk away and he was accosting me on the way out. It’s a shame because my instructor was really good. Great instructors and Kristin one of the admin is great, but otherwise hostile admin.
Abigail did amazing! I wouldn’t think my wedding would be what it was without her playing! she knows what she is doing and is so helpful with picking out music! she is simply the best!
11. StringWorks
Address: 327 Franklin St, Geneva, IL 60134 , Wasco , Illinois , United States
StringWorks is a gem. A great place to buy and repair string instruments. The sales staff is very knowledgeable, but not pushy. I am a professional cellist and cello teacher and I recommend this store to all of my students.
I’m very glad for the Maestro cello I bought from Stringworks. I had a lot of questions and Evan answered them by email, phone and skype. He knows so much and is patient, kind and professional, so I felt comfortable ordering through the internet and having the instrument shipped halfway around the world. It’s superb. Now I’m playing every day and am happy to recommend Stringworks.
The most professional, kind, patient, down to earth people that I think I’ve ever come across in a very long time. The prices they charge for rentals are such a blessing and they definately care about their future musicians and not about profit. Thank you a million times over!!!! You’ve made my little girls dreams come true for violin lessons!!!!
Nope! I am going to let the pictures speak for themselves. This was supposed to have been worked on by the head luthier, took 3 weeks to arrive, AND cost $1,500! looks like a junior high project that would have gotten a poor grade. I could not ship it back to them fast enough! Utter trash.
So very disappointed. I guess they are lucky that I am not reporting them to the BBB.
12. Bella Rose Music
Address: 328 9th Ct, St. Charles, IL 60174 , Wasco , Illinois , United States
Jared has been guiding and motivating me for close to 3 years. I look forward to my time with him as I always come away with new ideas on how to play better. He is encouraging by emphasizing the positives and enlightening me with methods to improve what I do. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher!
Jared has explained things that to me that I have learned about in the past but only now with him as a teacher have I actually been able to understand and apply the material to make my guitar playing much more advanced! I look forward to every lesson because of Jared’s upbeat attitude and his encouraging and motivating personality.
Jared is an incredibly knowledgeable and well versed guitar teacher. His empathic method of teaching helps musicians of any level feel important and confident in their instrument. I highly recommend his services to anyone who wants to learn guitar from the best in the business.
Absolutely gorgeous restoration. Great buying experience.
Very pleased with Ben’s work. Beautiful restoration! Highly recommend!
I was just looking for replacement knobs for my Zenith “Walton” radio and discovered that Ben at Big River Hardware also restores radios. He did a phenomenal job restoring it after years of it sitting in storage!! Aside from being able to get a lot of AM stations, he added an AUX connection so that I can play songs from my phone through the radio. He definitely exceeded my expectations! I’ve added a before and after picture.
18. Fat Cat Custom Guitars & Repair
Address: 57 Douglas Ave, Elgin, IL 60120 , Wasco , Illinois , United States
Scott is one of the most talented luthiers in the entire Chicago area. He is a great player himself, knows tone and knows how to get the result you are looking for. He is a genius at doing setups and repairs, and getting your guitar to deliver its full potential in general.
Absolutely recommend him for anything guitar, for advice regarding all things guitar tone and more. And he’s a great guy to boot!
Great for setups, repairs, and builds. And sometimes for used gear.
Can’t say enough good things about Scott, the quality of his work or his service: truly five stars. He performed a miracle cure that is virtually invisible on our Guild 12 string acoustic with a tricky lifting-off bridge problem, and sweetened the action and neck on my Taylor 6 string. I am very, very happy. Next up, my companion of 52 years, a Guild 6 string dreadnought with a cracked bridge; I wouldn’t go anywhere else!
New Vintage Strings helped to make my daughter’s wedding amazing! They were fantastic and so many of the wedding guests commented on them. They played for both the wedding and the cocktail hour. The variety of songs they have on their playlist covers so many different genres. They are a top notch group that I would highly recommend to anyone.
New Vintage Strings played at our wedding (4/25/21) and we couldn’t be happier. Jeremy, Emily & co. showed up early and were ready to play. We were running a little behind schedule (like most others do) and NVS were extremely accommodating. Every interaction from picking music to going over time lines was stress free. We danced our first dance to a song they played and it was perfect in so many ways. Our family and friends enjoyed listening to them work. We highly recommend reaching out to New Vintage Stings for your next event. You won’t be disappointed.
Wow! Wow! Wow! This quartet played for our wedding brunch reception during the pandemic. They were easy to work with and played the most beautiful music for our guests. I was not a picky bride, so I didn’t even give them any songs that needed to be played. They came up with the most perfect songs! I would highly recommend them for any event where you want happy musicians who love what they do while playing beautiful and fun music!
20. McDonald’s
Address: 40w225 IL-64, St. Charles, IL 60175 , Wasco , Illinois , United States
Son muy hermosos lugares, por su diseño contemporáneo,x su ciudades bellas por sus centros de Recreación,por su sencillez en muchos lugares,por sus flores hermosas,y por sus Oportunidades,y agriculturas productivas.ADIOS Aurora.asta pronto.
Very friendly staff at this McDonald’s.
Great customer service
Good food
IA
Typical McDonald’s
Was visiting family in the area and needed to pick up emergency Happy Meals and an extra meal for the kids and they eat plain cheeseburgers, specifically told the person needs to be plain cheeseburgers and he confirmed he understood, only to get the meals back to the house and all the cheeseburgers had condiments on them and one was not even a cheeseburger when all of them should have been. Been a customer of McDonald’s since I was a kid and this is the first time I encountered this mistake in the worst time. Never going back to this location ever again.
They messed up our order.
To difficult getting in and out of the parking lot. But service was good.
