I've brought them one of my basses that was so poorly kept over the years by the previous owner…read morethat I didn't think it was salvageable, but sure enough if plays better than I imagined it ever could. When I got the thing I was like "ok this will just be wall art" it was so bad. Twisted and warped neck, electronics they must have been previously repaired by a toddler. Now it sounds exactly like I wanted it too. The pricing for the repairs was also very reasonable, I almost feel like I didn't pay enough for how clapped out it was. That's also not the only one I've brought them. I fully trust using them for repairs. Also; I had originally called other shops that were saying 2 week minimums or longer, and they did this all in like 2 for the neck and had it overnight for the electronic when I came back for that.

I've gotten Gen X pedals and a used Fender Player Mustang here. The inventory is very interesting &…read morethe vibe is cool. I liked that used Mustang so much, I had them mod it with US parts. They did such a good job, I'm bringing my Tele there for the same reason. HF.

I've spent a significant portion of my short life looking back on great guitarists in reverent awe…read more Richards, Page, Hendrix, Townsend, Clapton, Allman and Young are among the masterful deities I continue to look towards for inspiration. My attempt to mimic their craft alone was met with frustration, despair and often failure before finally giving in, as so many aspirational musicians eventually do. It was not until a friend recommended I check out Guitar Chicago that I dusted off my cheap Epiphone to climb back on the Steel Horse (Bon Jovi, what a gifted poet). I met with Jason, who came highly recommended. Jason has the ability to help demystify the guitar with a strong background in Jazz and a firm grip on musical theory. He's equally skilled and comfortable going through chord patterns, technique and odd Jazz rhythms as he is deconstructing a Kiss song. My goal in taking lessons was to make myself comfortable enough to play a few songs without too much butchering. Jason has helped me reach a level of comfort where I can plug my crappy guitar into my less crappy computer and record myself playing. I feel much more comfortable with the instrument than I did only a year ago. The location is great, the scheduling is flexible, online payment takes no time at all and perhaps best of all, you don't need to bring your guitar. I often leave each half hour lesson feeling accomplished and hungry for more guitar. Jason and Guitar Chicago continues to contribute to my early onset of arthritis and I couldn't be happier.

So, I have now been taking lessons for more than 1 1/2 years at Guitar Cities (Chicago), and I love…read moreit more now than I did when I first started! My skill has progressed nicely, and I'm happy and pleasantly surprised at how much I have learned and continue to learn week after week. Jim is an outstanding instructor who offers top-notch skill, patience (much needed in my case), humor, and a lot of encouragement! I couldn't be happier. I love it so much, I am now also adding Ukelele to my repertoire, in addition to acoustic guitar. However, when I took a new job 40 miles away, the commute was literally inducing psychotic levels of road rage. So in an effort to save my sanity, I began to take my lessons over Skype more than a year ago and it has been great! There are absolutely NO issues with taking lessons online vs. in-person, and I have never felt like I wasn't getting as much out of the interaction. Now it doesn't matter where you live, because technology can bridge the gap and make it possible for everyone! I HIGHLY recommend lessons with Guitar Chicago for anyone and everyone...give them a try!!!

DELETED BY COMPANY. CUZ THEY KNOW IT'S TRUE…read more This used to be the gold standard for sheet music (I would know--I worked for Carl Fischer back in the day, on Wabash). They were always a bit on the snooty side, but at least they had the goods (such as they were), and a good crowd. Well, today, after years away from Chicago, I walked in to literal radio silence (they used to always have on classical/WFMT) and one girl sitting in the corner so far back I thought she was a disembodied voice. She was pleasant enough at first, but after I asked for 10% off of an anthology with a clearly damaged cover (both ends curled up straight into the air), it went downhill from there. I also had a number of used choral pieces, and when I asked what the price of some of the unmarked ones were, she pointed to the new price and told me, "I didn't understand what she was talking about." I said, "That's the new price," to which she testily told me, "You don't have to buy it." Huh??!! So, at her suggestion, I didn't. Saved me about $50, probably. But it also cost them the same. Not that this girl (who I tried with all my might to engage, with even more radio silence as the result) seemed to care. I was just short of boring her by saying that going through that music made me nostalgic for Fischer. The old days. But that store, like so many things of that nature, are long gone. And judging by their empty store, they soon will be, too. And in this particular case, I say Good Riddance

The practice rooms were good! Very convenient. A great selection of sheet music too! Helpful staff…read moretoo

Mr. Richard Schieler is very unprofessional, dismissive and attempted to blame a child about…read morescheduling. He was unable to provide me with the rescheduling policy and stuttered on the entire call where I asked for him to improve his methods and procedures. My son enjoyed his lessons and it is unfortunate to lose money for lessons paid. In the future to improve your business consider the following: 1. Schedule and payment inquiries should be discussed with parents. 2. Rescheduling should be allowed if students are in good standing. 3. Address children as children and adults as adults, this is not difficult. It is evident Mr. Schieler lacks skills in the areas listed above. If you would like to retain clients/students, then improve your approach and get organized. Chicago School of Music is not interested in maintaining good relationships with students and parents. It is VERY UNFORTUNATE because Mr. Jenks was an excellent vocal coach.

In short: unprofessional, dismissive, disorganized…read more I wanted a more structured way to learn piano. I'd taken lessons in the past and hoped that having a consistent lesson programmed by people with advanced skills would help me grow in a more steady and reliable way. That was not my experience. I was a student here for five weeks. My instructor was knowledgeable and kind but the lessons lacked continuity and the scheduling was disorganized. The school sent an excessive amount of communication leading up to my first lesson and when it was time to renew. My fifth and final lesson never happened due to a scheduling miscommunication. When I said I would not reschedule for what would have been the third time, the school refused to give me a refund, and implied I wasn't eligible for one because I hadn't responded to their excessive communications: "I had also emailed you previously and you told me you were planning on continuing. I followed up with you twice and even left you a voicemail but you didn't even respond to those inquiries after you told me you were continuing so naturally I'm surprised to be getting an email requesting a refund." I had a terrible experience with this school, please consider other options.

If you're looking to play a new instrument or take your playing to the next level, this is the…read moreplace. Not just a music school, but a true community of artists at all levels coming together with one common goal; to make awesome music. Guitar lessons here have greatly improved my playing and confidence, since joining I've been able to: finally play guitar and sing at the same time, perform live gigs with a band, partake in weekly jam sessions, meet other musicians to collaborate with, record music, and make new musician friends! I would be remiss if I didn't mention how incredible the instructors are, I've taken guitar with Justin for just a few months and can already hear the improvement in my playing. He's patient, knowledgeable, and tailors lessons to fit my playing aspirations-- seriously, can't say enough good things about him. I've also added on voice lessons with Bree and David, as a life long vocalist, I can honestly say learning from classically trained opera singers is a dream-- I can hear the difference from when I joined to now (2 years- just pre-pandemic). My only regret is not having joined AS sooner, I'm so thrilled to be making music here!

Why am I happy with Altered Stage? Many things, but mainly because it offers a path towards…read morebecoming a real musician. I started playing guitar 2 years ago, having graduated from Guitar Hero to Rocksmith. By using the in-game tutorial and Youtube video I was able to get the basics, however eventually I reached a plateau. Moreover I wasn't able to play a song from start to finish outside the game, and didn't have a consistent practice schedule. This changed once I joined Altered Stage. Jason Steele is an amazing instructor, combining experience, positive attitude and seemingly infinite amounts of patience. He is able to write the tabs of songs that I like, on the spot and from ear, and he helps me adjust it to match my skill level. He also has amazing techniques to teach how to do guitar solos, worth the price right there. Finally, he tailors the lessons to your needs, in my case we combine musical theory and guitar practice on each session. But the best thing are the gigs. By joining Altered Stage you will have the opportunity to play in a real stage in a real bar with other Altered Stage members. To be honest I was anxious the week before and all the way until I hit the first note, but with such a positive and supporting environment suddenly everything fell into place. As I write this review I am also getting ready for the next gig next Saturday, and now going on the stage is starting to feel like old hat. Guess I am becoming a rockstar! :-)

Update March 2025: It took about 7.5 months, but I have the…read moreinstrument back and in great shape (action and intonation all fixed). Although the experience was frustrating overall, manager Charlie and two sales associates whose names I didn't catch went FAR above and beyond to make this right. I appreciate their care and transparency.

Placed an order on reverb for a guitar. Next day seller cancelled due to the item already having…read morebeen sold. Meanwhile I already bought a hardshell case and accessories elsewhere.

When I stumbled upon this store while walking through Chinatown, I knew I had to come in. It was…read morealready busy when I came in, but after I walked in I found out why. There is so much to choose from, they have lots of accessories and headwear. It looks a little like they focus on a specific style, but there's no name that comes to my head. Fashion jewelry will always be a little upscale, so I am not complaining about prices. Actually, for what you get I think it is a good deal. I really wish I had purchased something instead of walk away. There were these incredibly cool bedazzled hats that looked sick. This place is really stylish, 100% would recommend for yourself or as a gift to others.

Stumbled upon this store in Chinatown as we were walking. It's full of fun stuff, mostly fashion…read more The prices are great and the owners are so sweet and helpful. I recommend for cute finds!

This place has some deep cuts and the folks behind the counter can tell you about them. Great…read moreneighborhood record store run by people who really care about music and are glad to talk about it. Definitely check this place out and grab something "new" for your collection. Even the dollar bin has some good finds.

Lots to dig through here. Like a lot. Records packed tighter than skinny jeans up in hereread more