The Chicago Music Exchange is unique in the music gear world. It chooses instruments unlike those found at big stores like Guitar Center and Sweetwater. This choice helps it serve its unique customers better1. It’s known for a range that includes high-end vintage guitars and newer models inspired by classic designs.
More than a guitar shop, the Chicago Music Exchange is a place where musicians meet. Here, they can buy, sell, and swap their instruments. This store cares more about meeting customers’ needs than selling the priciest items1. This approach has built a loyal following. Both regular folks and famous musicians love the friendly, expert vibe they find.
Key Takeaways
- The Chicago Music Exchange uniquely caters to musicians by offering a distinct selection of instruments.
- Initial focus on high-end vintage guitars, later diversified to newer, vintage-inspired models.
- Emphasis on customer needs over sales goals creates a loyal customer base.
- Exclusive collaborations with brands like Fender, providing custom colors only available here.
- Acts as a hub for musicians to buy, sell, and trade their gear with a community-centric approach.
Your One-Stop Shop for Musical Instruments in Chicago
Looking for the top musical instrument shop near me in Chicago? Stop your search at the Chicago Music Exchange. It started as a boutique focusing on vintage guitars. Now, it also offers a vast collection of new and unique instruments. It’s the perfect place to buy musical instruments Chicago.
A Brief History of the Store
The Chicago Music Exchange began in the 1990s. It bought new, used, and vintage guitars from across the U.S2. Initially, it was all about vintage guitars. Over time, it expanded to include drums, synths, and more2. Through the years, it’s known for top-notch instruments and happy customers.
Why Musicians Love It
This Chicago music store draws musicians for its vast selection and great service. The Vault offers rare finds, with updates on new items for fans3. It boasts treasures like the 1958 Gibson ES-355 and the 1959 Les Paul Standard. These attract famous musicians and fans3. The Chicago Drum Exchange also has lots of drum sets, cymbals, and gear for all drummers4.
Check out Chicago Music Exchange and see why it’s loved. It suits seasoned musicians wanting unique gear or beginners needing their first instrument. This musical instrument shop near me aims to fulfill your musical desires and go beyond your expectations.
Iconic Vintage Guitars and More
Are you a fan of vintage musical instruments? Then, Chicago Music Exchange is your go-to spot. It’s famed for its collection of iconic guitars that have left a mark on music history.
Unique Vintage Offerings
In the store’s Vault, you’ll find some of the rarest guitars. They’re not even listed online. Among them is the 1958 prototype ES-355, with only three known in existence, and the 1960 Burst, notable for its fade-resistant finish. These pieces make Chicago Music Exchange a standout in the world of vintage guitars5.
The 1960 Natural Gibson ES-335 is also a gem, sought after for its rarity and originality5. Then, there’s Josh Klinghoffer’s Pre CBS vintage Fender Jaguars in custom colors, highlighting the store’s diverse and unique collection5.
Quality Certification Process
Chicago Music Exchange puts every instrument through a detailed certification process. This checks for authenticity and condition. It builds trust in every purchase. Iconic guitars like the 1959 Burst, 1960 Burst, and 1960 “Scarface” Burst go through this. Each showcases unique aspects of the Les Paul model’s evolution5.
This thorough attention ensures that, whether you’re investing as a collector or a musician, your choice is validated. It’s about securing a piece of musical history.
Why Choose Chicago Music Exchange?
Finding the right music store can be tough, but Chicago Music Exchange makes the choice easy. It’s known as the top music store in Chicago, serving musicians since 19906. Here’s why it’s the favorite for many in the local music scene:
Community and Customer Rapport
Chicago Music Exchange is great at building relationships with its customers. The store invites musicians to try instruments freely, making everyone feel welcome. It’s a spot where beginners and pros mix, creating a strong community feel.
The staff truly wants to help you pick the best gear. Famous customers like Carlos Santana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are a testament to its reputation6.
Customer-Centric Approach
What makes Chicago Music Exchange stand out is its focus on the community’s needs. It’s more than just selling instruments; it’s about offering a memorable experience. Through personalized help and gear demos on YouTube, the store goes above and beyond for its customers6.
David Kalt bought the store in 2010 for $7.5 million, aiming to create a musician’s hub6. This dream became real with “The Bassment” in 20136, proving Chicago Music Exchange is the top music store in town.
Exclusive Gear You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
The Chicago Music Exchange is a top stop for one-of-a-kind music gear, serving musicians who seek rare instruments7. Their unmatched collection reflects CME’s commitment to the diverse needs of musicians.
Collaborations with Big Brands
CME partners with top names like Gibson and Fender to create special items. Take the exclusive Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1960 Les Paul Standard “CME Spec.” Priced at $8,399.00, it’s a standout piece8. They also offer custom SG Standards and Les Pauls with Gibson USA. For example, the 1961 ES-335 Reissue “CME Spec” Antique Green Burst VOS with Bigsby costs $7,799.008.
These partnerships showcase CME’s pull with leading brands. It also highlights their focus on exclusive, hard-to-find music gear.
Custom Colors from Fender
CME boasts unique custom Fender guitars, meeting personal styles of musicians. These guitars come in rare colors, making them desirable to collectors and players. Additionally, their BASSment is a paradise for bassists, featuring exclusive custom Fender basses7.
With these collaborations, CME ensures a collection filled with unmatched music gear. You’re bound to discover something special.
The Store’s Unique Return Policy
The Chicago Music Exchange has a return policy that’s friendly to customers. They have designed their rules to make sure you’re happy with what you buy. Whether you love brand-new sounds or old classics, their return policy gets you.
Return Terms for New Items
You can return most new items within 30 days if you need a refund or exchange, thanks to Chicago Music Exchange9. They also offer Synchrony financing for buying online, by phone, or in the store. This means you have many ways to pay10. However, please remember items like guitar strings and amp tubes can’t be returned for certain reasons9.
Return Terms for Vintage and Used Items
Got a vintage or used item? You have 3 days to return it if you want a full refund, exchange, or credit9. But, returning these items might mean a 5% restocking fee and paying back shipping costs if sent back on time11. Items marked as Final Sale are deeply discounted and cannot be returned9. Talk to a sales rep if you’re worried about any small scratches, so you know what to expect on returns.
| Item Type | Return Policy | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| New Items | 30 Days | Consumable/Sanitary items not returnable9 |
| Vintage & Used Items | 3 Days | 5% restocking fee may apply11 |
| Final Sale Items | Non-returnable | Heavily discounted9 |
Meet the Team Behind the Store
The Chicago Music Exchange has an experienced music staff who truly love music. This team is made up of passionate people. They all have special skills and a combined love for melodies.
Daniel, the head buyer, adores the 1932 Gibson L-0012. Tanner is known for his skills on the guitar and as an audio engineer. This makes him very respected12. Mike loves learning about Fender & Gibson’s past, especially the 61 Stack Knob Jazz Bass12.
The Chicago music store team has members who all love different types of music. Sylvia and Will, for example, have their favorite instruments like the ’66 Jag and a Marshall Super Lead12. Their love for music makes the store a special place with great service.
This team also works together to make weekly guitar videos13. These videos show off both new and old gear. They share their expertise and passion with musicians worldwide. This dedication plays a big part in the store’s reputation as a top spot for musicians13.
Everyone at Chicago Music Exchange helps make shopping there unique and fun. They offer the best advice and help customers find the perfect instrument. Their knowledge and passion are what make the store stand out.
The Fame Factor: Celebrities Who Shop Here
Chicago Music Exchange draws in star musicians. It’s a top spot in Chicago for music legends and rising stars.
High-Profile Visitors
Many famous musicians have visited Chicago Music Exchange. Stars like Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam and Jim James from My Morning Jacket are regulars. This store attracts leading guitarists with its huge collection of 2000 instruments14.
It’s common to see a celebrity checking out guitars or talking about their tours here.
Personal Stories from Staff
The team at the store has had unforgettable moments with celebrities. Once, a well-known musician spent four hours chatting about guitars and having dinner with the staff15. Another time, George Takei made an unexpected visit and signed an autograph for the store15.
These visits thrill the staff and boost the store’s fame. They show why Chicago Music Exchange stands out to celebrities. These moments are treasured by everyone involved15, making the store exceptional and memorable.
An Online Music Shop with a Physical Presence
Chicago Music Exchange bridges the gap between an engaging online music shop and a rewarding physical store experience. They offer a wide range of musical instruments and gear. Music lovers worldwide can find top-quality products without missing the feel of shopping in-store.
Over time, Chicago Music Exchange has built a large inventory. It includes well-known brands and unique instruments for all musicians. This mix of online shopping and store visits offers customers the best of both worlds. They can easily browse online and still get the immersive experience of visiting a store.
The physical music store experience is better with services like professional repairs, rentals, and great customer support. This perfect mix reaches local musicians and a global community online. They offer exclusive gear and famous brands like Paul Reed Smith, Yamaha, and Suhr16.
The store also has a strong online presence. Musicians can find and buy a variety of instruments, including vintage guitars, online. Reverb.com, an affiliate, gets over 10 million visitors a month. Etsy bought it for $275 million in 201917. This online platform adds to the in-store experience, offering even more resources for musicians.
This dual approach makes Chicago Music Exchange a go-to place for musicians. It combines an online music shop and a physical store perfectly. They’re a trusted source for quality instruments and gear.
Building a Musical Community
Chicago Music Exchange is not just a store; it’s a key part of Chicago’s music scene. It hosts many musical events, drawing musicians and fans alike. It’s a place where people with a passion for music can gather and share their love.
Events and Gatherings
Chicago Music Exchange holds events all year to boost community spirit. They started the Youth Music Exchange (YME) Project with the City of Chicago’s help. It’s for young musicians to learn from each other and share music tips18.
When COVID-19 hit, these events moved online. This allowed young musicians from different areas and schools to connect18. Social media also celebrated students and teachers, making the events feel welcoming for everyone18.
Collaborations and Band Formations
One of the coolest things about Chicago Music Exchange is how it helps bands form. In the Year of Chicago Music, over 200 individuals and 150 organizations came together through the store19. This led to new bands, blending different talents into unique music.
The city supported these efforts with funding like the $1.2 million for 97 organizations19. Chicago Presents also gave over $700,000 to musicians for neighborhood events, showing strong support for music collaborations19.
Why It’s the Best Music Store in Chicago
Chicago Music Exchange is known as the top music store in Chicago. This is because of its wide range of musical instruments and outstanding customer service. For over 25 years, this family-run store has been all about quality in both products and services20.
User Reviews and Ratings
Customers always talk up Chicago Music Exchange for its personal touch, cool vibe, and huge stock. They love finding rare vintage items, like the 1959 Burst and custom CME Spec builds21. The store’s Acoustic Room, filled with big names like Martin and Gibson, also earns high praise21.
Competitive Edge Over Big Chains
Chicago Music Exchange stands out from large chain stores with its special collaborations. They’ve worked with Sandberg Guitars and Reverend Guitars to make unique models like the Forty Eight bass and Great Lakes Blue Charger 290 LE22. Their showroom spoils shoppers with a hand-picked selection of vintage and rare models21.
The store made it onto the Inc. 5000 list in 2015 and won a spot in Music Inc. magazine’s Excellence Awards in 201622. It’s clear why Chicago Music Exchange is seen as Chicago’s finest music shop. Its enthusiastic team and vast selection truly make it stand out2220.
How to Buy Musical Instruments in Chicago
When you’re looking to buy guitars in Chicago, having a detailed guide is key. Chicago Music Exchange makes shopping easy for both beginners and experienced musicians.
At Chicago Music Exchange, you can use Shop Pay Installments. This lets you make smaller, manageable payments on purchases from 50 USD to 17,500 USD23. For purchases between 50 USD and 999.99 USD, you get to pay in four bi-weekly installments. These payments are interest-free and have no extra charges23. For bigger buys, from 150 USD to 17,500 USD, you can pay monthly. But these plans might include interest fees23. With these options, buying the right instrument becomes easier.
Chicago Music Exchange is known for its rich history. Since the 1990s, they’ve bought new and vintage guitars from all over the USA24. They’re experts at evaluating instruments. They offer fair resale prices too, paying around 60%-70% for most guitars and basses, and 50%-60% for other gear24.
The Shop Pay Installments at Chicago Music Exchange helps keep you on track. They send emails and texts before each payment23. But, you can’t change the payment schedule23.
Looking to sell? Chicago Music Exchange is always buying. They receive 20-60 boxes daily for review24. Payment for in-store sales is immediate. If you ship your item, they pay one or two days after checking your item24. Their efficient service is great for sellers too.
So, for buying guitars in Chicago, Chicago Music Exchange is a top choice. With their knowledge and options, every musician can find what they need.
A Closer Look at the Vintage Guitar Shop
The Chicago Music Exchange is known for its top-notch vintage guitars. They pick each guitar carefully, focusing on quality and being true to the original.
Selection Process
Their selection method makes sure every guitar is of the highest quality. Take the 1958 Gibson ES-355, for example. It’s very rare, with only three known to exist5. Every guitar is checked closely. Things like neck thickness and finishes that don’t fade, seen in the 1960 Les Paul Standard, are examined5.
Quality and Authenticity
For Chicago Music Exchange, the real deal is everything. The 1959 Les Paul Standard shined with rock stars like Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor5. Then there’s the 1960 Natural Gibson ES-335. It was famed for its look and sound, coming from the Chinery collection5. Their commitment to genuine pieces means rare finds like the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard #9 0830 don’t stay long enough to be listed online5.
The Store’s Unique Atmosphere
The Chicago Music Exchange has a friendly and relaxed vibe, making it a top spot for musicians to hang out. When you enter, you’re drawn into a cozy music store atmosphere. It’s more than a store; it’s where Chicago musicians love to gather.
A Hangout Spot for Musicians
This place is not just about selling stuff; it’s a sanctuary for musicians to meet, exchange ideas, and create together. They host live shows and small gatherings, letting music fans dive deep into their passion. This makes it a vibrant and lively spot that Chicago locals adore.
Behind the Scenes
What really makes Chicago Music Exchange stand out are its special behind-the-scenes events. You get a sneak peek into the music world with live demos, meeting artists, and more. This cozy atmosphere makes you feel part of the music community.
They also have exclusive gear like the Fender Player Jazzmaster Pacific Peach for $949.99 and the Fender Player Stratocaster Pacific Peach for $849.9925. These unique items add to the store’s charm.
If you’re into custom guitars, they have them from Gibson’s Custom Shop. It takes about six weeks to make one, ensuring it stays in perfect 45% humidity26. Their dedication to quality makes the experience even more special and ensures you’ll always find something one-of-a-kind.
Discover more about exclusive offers and guitar options.
Customer Experiences and Testimonials
Chicago Music Exchange has many happy customers who love the store. One person from Milwaukee has been coming for years and always leaves happy27. Another, from Atlanta, made their second big buy, showing how much they trust the store27.
Some customers travel far for the store’s great service. One Atlanta shopper drove 75 miles for a special item, trusting the store fully27. From Edmonton, AB, a customer bought a rare Yairi DY100, showing the store’s worldwide fame27.
People also love the unique instruments they buy. A customer from Ashville, NC, got a Gretsch Airliner and was very pleased27. In Northern WI, a customer traveled 75 miles for their purchase, happy with the selection and service27.
A shopper from Andover, MN, thanked the team for helping with two purchases27. Many positive Google Reviews show how much customers like the store27.
These testimonials show how Chicago Music Exchange connects with and satisfies its community and loyal buyers.
Conclusion
Chicago Music Exchange is not just any music store in Chicago. It ranks as the top choice for musicians. With 95% of its customers happy, the store knows how to please, even if they sometimes make mistakes in product descriptions28. You can find rare instruments here, like the ones from Jackson Guitars and unique boutique builders29.
The store isn’t only about selling. It builds strong bonds in the music world too. Events like the Boutique Guitar Showcase enTour 2023 prove its dedication to offering new, exciting instruments29. And with guitars often costing over $2,000, the quality is clearly top-notch. This is why 85% of people trust CME for genuine musical finds28.
CME is a big part of Chicago’s music vibe, but it’s not just a local gem. Thanks to partnering with Reverb, it reaches folks everywhere online30. Whether you’re at their physical store or online, Chicago Music Exchange stands out as a hub for high-quality instruments and a friendly, energetic community.
