Chicago Music Exchange Reviews

Another 5 Stars for CME. I've been on the hunt for a Heritage 535 or Gibson 335 for the last few months. With everything happening this year (2020 Covid) going out and playing a bunch of guitars just isn't something I can do. I decided to do something I've never done before, buy a guitar online.

I've literally purchased four (yes FOUR) Heritage guitars from different dealers and either picked them up (in one case) or had them shipped to me. There was one very specific issue I was looking to avoid sonically. I called each of the dealers I worked with and explained in great detail what I wanted to avoid. Alex C. At CME was the only person I dealt with to take this request seriously, almost personally, and really listen for the issue. He played multiple guitars for me and found the perfect one. It arrived yesterday and I can say definitively my search is over.

I've never had to search this hard for a guitar. If this were any other year I would have just made the drive to Chicago myself. Alex and the people at CME helped me make the best of it and I couldn't be happier.

P.S. Having also had multiple guitars shipped to me in the last couple of months I can say their shipping department has to be the best I've come across. Simply amazing. They really take great care of your new instruments.

Highest quality guitars, highest quality customer service, excellent value, I can't think of a negative thing to say about it.

Full service musical instrument shop. On the pricy side. Very knowledgeable employees. Go on a weekday, weekends are crowded.

Really really happy with the Taylor guitar I bought from you guys. Joel was really professional and prompt. The guitar delivered on time to me in Canada and it was packaged very well. I would not hesitate to recommend Chicago music exchange to my friends.

Chicago Music Exchange was AMAZING!!!! Parking can be a bit challenging , but well worth it.

Very very sweet showroom, professional and chill staff. Walked in on a random summer Friday on a visit from Boston. Had no intention of buying anything, but tried a couple of SGs out, when one of the guys handed me their CME exclusive SG w t-tops. Blown away. Dreamed of it for months until today, when I called and talked to Stephen. We chatted a bit about what i was looking for, how the shipping process worked, and then we talked brass tax about price -- even though he couldn't bend at all, he did everything he could to make sure the transaction went totally smoothly, and made some special exceptions for me, connecting me with their buyers to hook up a good trade for an older guitar of mine. Overall an A+ experience, in person, online and via phone. GIVE STEPHEN A RAISE. Thanks guys!

Fantastic selection of pedals, amps, and guitars. Great stuff, love coming up to the shop when I get the chance.

The guys are awesome. I don't have a reason to take my acoustic guitar service anywhere else. Always A+. One of the last holdouts for independently owned music shops.

One of the most amazing places I have ever been to in my life. There are walls upon walls of guitars. There are also separate areas for bass guitars and drums. There are displays of pictures of celebrities who have been at the CME.

I just moved here a month ago from Virginia and was looking for a nice music store to play around and potentially buy some new gear. This place beats the hell out of Guitar Center. The staff was helpful and the equipment was ready to play in tune and with various designs and options for musical gear it's going to be my next stop shop for musical gear.

The only bad thing about this place is I spend too much money here. Great selection of new and vintage guitars and amps. Don't forget to visit the bass department in the "bassment", drum shop next door too! Lots of hipsters and man buns on site so have your soy latte in hand to better blend in. Leave your credit cards at home, I should have. They always have something I want.

Just received a beautiful Gibson Memphis ES 339 studio in near mint condition, expertly set up and promptly shipped. They answered all my questions and even used my preferred brand and gauge of strings.
Great customer service!

I have purchased lots of guitar gear from this store. They have an amazing selection, the staff is really knowledgeable, and their trade in policy is very fair compared to other companies I have dealt with. I just recently bought a Friedman Runt 50 and hope to make additional purchases when things open back up. I always suggest going during the week and early during the day. It gets really busy on the weekends and it is hard to find an empty room to try out equipment. They also are willing to offer deals with certain products. I can't recommend this store enough.

I purchased a guitar case in August for my electric guitar, which was in Philadelphia. It is an older electric guitar so the style is a bit larger than newer guitars of the similar shape. When I got home, my guitar was too large for the case. Well, life happens and I finally contacted CME about 5 weeks after I got home. I emailed my situation and was told that I waited too long. The return period is 30 days.
I explained the situation that I live in Philadelphia, the case had never been used and I would like to exchange it for the proper case. Zach went above my expectations and took care of it. He sent me the return label and let me know when the case got to Chicago. I came to Chicago to spend the holidays with my daughter so I told Zach not to send the case, that I would pick it up when I came to town. I arrived in Chicago today and my first stop was CME. Zach had the replacement case set aside. I brought my electric guitar with me to make sure the case was the correct size. Like a glove.
CME was very accommodating and I really appreciate that.

this place is just out of this world. the staff is really helpful. massive choice of guitars, bass and even drums. Karl was really friendly and patient with me trying a few different models. they make you feel at home. you can try whichever guitar you d like! the vintage guitar range is incredible. no wonder why so many famous musicians go there! it s a must-see if you re a guitar lover!

Greatest music store around!! Great drum room and Guitars glore!!!

This is my third time making a purchase. Every item that I have purchased has been satisfactory, shipping is great, and always arrives ahead of estimated delivery time.

Wonderful staff It was a pleasure to make bussines with them

Great music store. If you have more than $1k+ to spend.

My second visit to CME, first was April 1, 2019 and I ended up coming home with a 2018 CME R9 Les Paul. This visit I wasn't on a mission to find a guitar or anything in particular. However, I was interested to try a pile of boutique amps that they had in stock. Where else can one do that across all these brands? Tried a Carr Mercury V, ToneKing Royalist, Bartel, Friedman Dirty Shirley. Incredible service and expertise from the staff. Didn't buy anything but learned a lot and look forward to future visits where I'm sure my wallet will come out. Only suggestion would be to have sound proof amp room that's a bit bigger to better hear the amps as the try-out rooms are a bit small for that. Love this place.

Amazing selection, fun atmosphere, and the staff are knowledgeable, patient, and polite. I will shop here whenever possible!

You should visit these place when you would like buy a guitar.

I actually had some money to spend and I looked around and was hoping someone would come speak to me and ask me if I needed any help. Unfortunately, I waited for an hour as everyone else who came in before and after me were asked if they needed anything and no one every came my way. Conversely, I still purchased a guitar from them but honestly I will and have never came back because after I decided to purchase still, the only statement uttered to me was that that the guitar was to be sold as is. Unfortunately, they lost what would have been an awesome customer for life, but I will never buy a guitar from this store ever again. Hello Reverb!!!!

Although I wasn't spending a huge amount I get treated with the same respect as someone buying the high end boutique stuff. When I had issues the staff was more then reasonable in helping me. I know that if I had any future problems they would continue to help me till I was happy with the result. To me that goes even further then their great collection of amps and guitars.

Knowledgeable staff, friendly management, great products. Will be back!

Was a great opportunity to see guitars that are not available at other major retail chains. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable and more than willing to ask and answer questions.

Their guitar pedal selection alone gets them 5 stars. Every boutique pedal company I d ever care to try all under one roof. Add on top of that their selection of amps and guitars, and knowledgeable employees. Solid place.

Cool place lot of expensive guitars but customer service and service there is quite rude it's worth it to check it out

I wasn't going to explain why I left a single star, but since you asked for an explanation I'll provide one.

Friday afternoon I stumbled on your website. I had been researching a guitar you have for sale, and I saw that you guys offered international shipping, but it states to call the store for more information. I then proceed to call. One of your employees picks up. I say "Hi, I saw a guitar on your website that I'm interested in, and it says that you offer international shipping..." . I don't even finish my sentence and he hangs up on me. Fine. I assume it's a mistake and I call back immediately. This time it rings 3 or 4 times and someone picks up again and immediately hangs up. I try one more time and this time no one bothers to pick up.
Nothing lead up to this, I didn't even have a chance to exchange words with the employee, so there is no rational explanation for his behavior.

I decide to check the chat option on your site. I inquire about international shipping and the employee eventually tells me that you can't ship that brand. This is perfectly acceptable. He gave me an explanation and I'm satisfied. This is how you conduct business in retail environment.

I think my biggest gripe here is that you advertise shipping, and you prompt the customer to call the store to inquire, and then they are treated in such a bizarre manner one can only assume this employee is either mentally ill or a xenophobe.

I've never been treated like this as a customer, not even in a convenience store or a fast food establishment.

Great selection. They had one of the guitars I was looking for when no one else in the area did. If you want to try an instrument, ask to go into a practice room. The main acoustic room is too loud. Not a lot of staff considering how busy it was. They do kind of just leave you to play. I knew what I was interested in, so did not need much help. I think it would be different if you did not have an idea of what you were looking for.

Really, really nice people. I don't know all that much about electric guitars(played acoustic for like, 8 years) so I enjoyed the proverbial hand-holding. Tossed out a genre and a few bands whose songs I wanted to be able to play & Jason had me up and running in no time.

The most incredible guitar selection I have seen... and don't forget to check out the bassment...

Drum shop was pretty average though... some good American brands and selection of snares and cymbals

Traded a Nash for a Nash. Jason helped me out over email and was beyond helpful. Process was very quick, payments went through easily, communication was great. Could not be more happier with my Nash JM-63. Thanks so much guys.

I just made my 1st guitar purchase from CME and it was great. I had the pleasure of working with Geoff Tinta as he was incredibly responsive and a real pro. I would never hesitate to buy a guitar sight unseen from Geoff as he had a great eye for detail and made me feel like I was just as important as if I was in the store. Thanks Geoff!

Thank you for the kind and friendly shop assistant! The guitars and amps purchased here are treasures

Part music shop, part museum in a gorgeous store front. You can spend hours in here. CME is always a great place to visit and salivate over some quality gear (especially the vintage stuff). I bought an Ampeg bass cab from here, and the staff was helpful. Prices are good and a little bit better than what you'd expect for a music store.

Great store, awesome support team. Strongly recommend them especially if you need any help making decisions about online purchases.

Magic place, must to see in Chicago for all 6 strings passionate players.

I loved it here, got a fab guitar and had the most wonderful time

When I die I'd rather haunt this guitar store than go to heaven

Super deep selection of instruments to choose from. Staff is very knowledgeable and does not pressure you to buy something. If you need a quality instrument check them out!

We ve been coming here every Christmas Eve for the last couple of years...found out that our regular salesman Carl Kammin left and we never received a notification. When we arrived we didn t receive the same customer service. Very disappointed!

Great selection , Scott in the Bass dept is really helpful .

Have had good experiences at this shop. Service is good. Special orders take a bit.

Chicago is fortunate to have such an exceptional music store. The staff is extraordinarily friendly, knowledgeable, and are there to help, not make a sale.

For all the expensive stuff you can't afford C.M.E. baby, they got it.

For a guitar or bass player, this place is like heaven on earth. This is what a Guitar Center wants to be when it grows up. Huge selection of new and used guitars, lots of Gibsons and Fenders, and Ido mean a lot, but also less common brands like Rivolta. They also had some of the best sounding acouustic guitars I've ever played, in all different price ranges.

Bass guitars are in the basement, where the repair shop is. And Chicago Drum Exchange is next door, there is a doorway connecting them. Prices range from Modest to holy cow. The staff is super friendly and helpful, but not annoying. For me, this is a bucket list place. I can't recommend it highly enough. It's in Roscoe, you want the Paulina station if taking the train.

Great guitar selection. Tons of vintage instruments. The staff was helpful, upbeat and down to earth.

Great service. Huge selection. Pricey, but very high standards. Bought second hand Les Paul standard, honey-burst with one of a kind book matching for my son's high school graduation present. The guys restrung, polished and threw in a bunch of swag. To save me Chicago sales tax they advised me to have it shipped back home to Michigan.

Spot on. Great place to browse and buy a nice guitar or just hang out.

Guitar porn of the first order
When I buy my next guitar it'll be here
Everyone was really happy to be at work when I've been there getting drool all over everything

I'm a few months into my guitar journey and came into the store looking to get nice and spendy on an acoustic that fits me. I actually ended up spending hundreds less than what I was planning to on a lovely Yamaha that is just a total delight to hold and play. I cannot thank Karl enough for the patience and education he provided. He wasn't a salesman in the slightest, more like a guide and they let you play anything for as long as you need to.... No pressure to buy, no feeling that you're wasting their time or taking too long. I will *definitely* be returning when I am ready to get spendy again!

The staff is extremely welcoming and particularly helpful. They greet you immediately upon entering and are willing to give you a hand. The selection of guitars is truly mind boggling.

I purchased a Jazzmaster through Chicago Music Exchange on Reverb recently. It shipped quickly and arrived in perfect condition. I couldn't be happier with my experience with Chicago Music Exchange. They have been so responsive and helpful. The customer service is outstanding. Most of my interaction has been with Carl K and he has been terrific. I recommend them without hesitation or equivocation.

Helpful staff. Awesome rooms w instruments and amps.

Best guitar store in the Midwest, extremely friendly and highly knowledgeable staff. Very fair prices, excellent repair staff, and a tidy showroom. Doesn t get better than this.

Picked up my first guitar here. Joel was super helpful in guiding my purchase and not pushy at all. Will return and recommend others.

Friendly salesperson. Crazy amount of guitars in stock..offered to let me play anything I wanted

Loved the atmosphere. And the fact that the basement was full of Basses! It was worth the drive!

Just bought an Acoustasonic Telecaster this past week and Geoff helped me out. Called ahead and they had the guitars ready to compare for a play test, exceptional customer service. Best experience you can have buying a guitar. I trust no one else with my setups.

Great selection. Smart staff. Comfortable surroundings.

This is the BEST / Honest place to buy gear !
A must for every musician visting Chicago .

I had seen it online so while I was in Chicago last weekend decided to check it out. Unfortunately I got there at 6:30, and only had a half-hour to look around. They ended up chasing me out at 7:00. They had a huge selection in all price ranges. I just wish I had more time to look.

An amazing selection of new and used instruments with an impressive number of vintage and high end pieces.

Nice place. Great selection. Friendly customer service. Helpful but not pushy. Gave me a decent price on a great guitar.

Best guitar store in the universe. The selection of new and used guitars will make your head swim. Prices are fair and so are trades. Get In Here.

Great even just to window shop, great selection, every color in the rainbow. Friendly staff, incredible selection and lots of room just to browse, or hang out. A definite stop when in the area. My buddy had great dealing both for selling and buying.