I don't often write reviews of places unless I really believe there's something to be said about the place. Such is Evolution Music in Logan Square where I decided to walk an hour on this fair day so that I could sell my keyboard. I came in, told them what I wanted to sell, and what I was looking to receive out of the exchange. Most people, like me, really try to haggle for the best price, and that's definitely what I did. Being that they were a store with financial margins, they realistically set my expectations closer to what was feasible for them. Fact of the matter is that they were respectful, realistic, and most importantly of all fair when it came to the exchange. I ultimately walked away satisfied, having met in the middle of our compromise, and sealed it with a good ol' honest handshake at that. I didn't have to write about this but I thought the person at the store today, Nathan, had good, decent integrity when it came to this transaction. It was a nice and sunny day and after walking back out of the store, the interaction left me feeling it all the more brighter... Nathan, you're fucking cool bro. I'll definitely be back in the future. read more

Their employees have no problem with hiding damage and defects, so that you don't find out about it until it's too late. It doesn't make you feel like a valued customer, it makes you feel more like some sucker they unloaded their junk on. Made a buck and got it out the door. Win, win. Especially when selling online. The lengths they'll go to hide stuff is impressive, when all they really had to do was be honest, adjust the price, and everything would be fine. But that's not what happens. read more

First of all every musician should support a local music retailer cause goodness gracious it's no easy feat and when was the last time you walked into Amazon to try out a guitar? More than that you get to talk shop with people who love music and instruments as much as you do so GO THERE!!! I just bought my second purchase there I got a slammin' good Epiphone acoustic guitar for a super fair price. When I called they were kind enough to put it off the website for 24 hours to give me a chance to come and check it out. They tend to have some very reasonable priced guitars that are good buys and good instruments so going there to check them out is a big plus. When I was there they had a bunch of hard to find things like a mint mint Fender Rhodes 73 that looked just like the one I had in 1980 and a used Sitar! I will definitely be back. read more

I purchased a guitar from evolution music online and payed right then with my paypal account. Even after I payed for the item they kept the guitar listed in hopes of getting someone to pay more? They would not reply to any of my messages ,and then 10 days later they issued a refund with no explanation. SCUMBAGS ! read more

"Apologies, looks like with the rate changes this is going to be significantly more expensive to ship. I'll issue a refund now and relist the item in case you're interested still." So you cancelled my order, made me wait extra days for money to be transfer back to my bank, and raised the price from $310 to $550, while they sell BRAND NEW CRS20W on Musician's Friends and Guitar Center for $399 with free shipping???? Man you guys are the fucking worst. 10/10 would NOT recommend this shop to others. read more

Evolution Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ordered a case from them on Reverb, but was sent one that did not match the description. I requested a refund and they dodged my calls and e-mails for 2 months. I would not recommend you buy from them online. Terrible customer service. read more

Located w hat I wanted walking thru the store. It was not in còmputerized iñventòry.

At the business level this place doesn't function well. I can caution anyone paying with credit card that your card may be charged 150% or more over what you agree to and after 5 days, emails and phone calls the business operator may not address your issue. The employees have no control over this process. The employees of the business are wonderful!! The experience justifies a one star rating however. If because of the wonderful employees I return, I'll be paying with cash! read more

I walked into Evolution last January, after moving here from California. As a musician, I was scouting out where to go for gear, and meet more people in the music community. The first thing I noticed, was the electronic drum practice stations set up. So basically people can go in and practice, which is great, when you live in an apartment...which most people do in a big city. I was told that this drum section was available for all Evolution students, even if the student is learning an instrument other than the drums. Nick and Dan were extremely helpful and informative. Nick does sound engineering and recording, also offered at Evolution. It was really clear that this place is dedicated to giving a leg up to local independent musicians by providing so much, so affordably. After more discussion, I decided to give guitar lessons a try, to push myself and take my playing to another level. Jonathan, an incredible musician and Evolution's owner, has been my teacher. The experience has been amazing! I have watched my skills greatly improve, and have taken my writing music to another level. Overall, it has been such a cool experience, meeting these guys and making these new friends who put so much care into the music community. read more

I really like the people here and was really excited about giving them my business! They are always much more friendly than Avenue N. Guitars. I had a special idea to fix my fiancés late aunts guitar for her for Christmas (The guitar had a broken bridge and needed new strings). We were going to be out of town so I dropped it off a week before Christmas and told them I didn't need it back until the Monday after (11 days). They told me that would be no problem and gave me an estimate of $80-$100 depending on if they needed to order parts or not but they thought they had the part they needed. I said ok and left really excited about seeing her reaction when she got her fixed guitar. I received a phone call the Monday after Christmas telling me that the guitar was ready and it was going to be $100 even. I assume hitting the full amount of the quote they had to order a new bridge and replace the broken one. When I showed up to pick up the guitar I had to come a day late because we got in town late Monday night. When he opened the case it looked exactly the same as when I dropped it off only with new strings. Turns out the were going to charge me $100 for glueing the old bridge back together and putting new nylon strings on it. They then began to explain that the project was a "pain in the ass" and that the time constraints were too short. Personally, I would have rather them take their the time to do a good job rather than over charge me for a crappy glue job that fortunately for me didn't hold the extra day it took me to pick it up. Granted I don't know anything about repairing guitars, I am just assuming that $100 for glueing a piece together and some nylon strings is too much. Mostly because they told me it might be that much if they had to order a part. Honestly I think the feeling of almost being grossly overcharged and then being told it was a "pain in the ass" and not offering some kind of options other than we can try again, are the real reasons that they get one star. The fact that it wasn't fixed just means they should ask for more time. read more

Hey folks, just want to say thank you so much for the first class job of packing you did for the long trip to Tampa. The drums are beautiful, the hardware and the stand are very clean and virtually rust free. I'll look forward to doing business with Evolution again. Keith read more

Went in to get my bass setup and restrung. It was a quick process and it really gave some new life to my bass guitar. Would gladly go back for any other setup/repair stuff. read more

Music has been a huge passion of mine for a very long time. Everytime I walked into their Orland park store they were nothing but friendly and inspiring towards me. Once the new location opened up it was my new place to be. Extremely friendly guys, love the environment, instruments are a ton of fun to play, and love their new lessons idea called the music gym. Going to have to sign up some of my family members right away. Great place, great people. read more

Visited Evolution Music today. Wasn't sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. I got to meet with the owner and he was very attentive and helpful. He did a good job with helping all the customers at once. At a lot of places I tend to have to wait to get what I need accomplished, but we were all taken care of efficiently. The energy was good and I am looking forward to my first guitar lesson! read more

This place is the best! I promise you will not find the same level of top-notch personal service and attention at any other music store in the city. I've visited many notable music stores in Chicago over the past 10 years and I've always felt out of place by the music snobs working there. As soon as I walked into Evolution, I could tell it was normal and chill. I went in to ask a few questions about my guitar and buy new strings and I ended up talking to Jonathan (the owner) for a while. He was super helpful and easy to talk to. If you are looking for new/used equipment, repair, or lessons, I would definitely check out Evolution in Wicker Park. You won't regret it. read more

Really cool place. I can't believe how great the service is. After they found what I was looking for while I was on the phone, They held it for me at the front counter until I got there. They couldn't be more helpful if they tried. I look forward to working with them on further purchases. read more

Great staff, quick and friendly service. I stopped in with a friend who was getting some strap locks and some stomp boxes. And I ended up leaving with not one, but two beautiful instruments, left handed at that! There was a issue with a bass I purchased, just a slight wiring issue. They had it ready to roll back out in no time flat at no additional cost to myself. 5/5 would highly recommend. read more

I was looking to buy a new guitar for my Bf for his bday and I kinda knew what he liked, but wasn't entirely sure. I explained to the guys working there about what kind of styles he liked and they helped me so much and helped narrow down my decisions. I also got a free guitar lesson right then and there haha. Loved the store and excited to take my bf there with me. I couldn't be happier about the way they helped me out. My boyfriend loved his new electric guitar!! read more

This is a poorly run store with no etiquette for selling instruments they say they sell something then sell to someone else do not shop here in Chicago so many better stores they do not keep there word on the guitar they say they are selling false advertising and no dignity in sales. read more

My 14 year old daughter and I visited Evolution Music yesterday in search of an acoustic guitar for my budding musician. We clearly had no idea of what to look for or even what she wanted. We could have easily been manipulated into buying something expensive but Nick found us the perfect guitar and spent 45 minutes with us discussing the differences in guitars and what might work for a beginner. He not only gave us a great deal on the guitar but helped us pick out a few accessories and threw in a backpack guitar case for $5. We walked out of there under budget and with some new information to help my girl get started with her musical career. Besides Nick being so patient and awesome I personally loved the whole experience of finding this gem of a music store in the basement of a Wicker Park building. Thanks for taking care of us and not taking advantage of us, Evolution Music! read more