There is no other way to say it; they pretended I wasn't there. I went in on a Thursday afternoon at 1:00, looking for a low-watt tube amp. There was absolutely ZERO acknowledgment of my existence, let alone any kind of welcome or greeting. I found a nice selection of low-wattage tube amps, all priced substantially above the market. I stood looking needy for a few minutes. crickets. I left without either of the two neo-hippies ever acknowledging me. Goodbye forever and no loss. read more

I love this store! As a beginner bass player, I'm a bit sheepish coming in with all my questions. But the staff puts me at ease and Tim is so knowledgeable, patient, and pleasant to work with that it feels like home. Erwin who works on the basses is awesome as well. Growing up in Evanston, I always knew this place rocked, but until I decided to switch from keys to a stringed instrument, I never had a reason to check it out. Now I see just how special it is for E-town to have a guitar store like Guitar Works. I highly recommend stopping in -- the selection, sales staff, service and ambiance is topnotch. Even if you're just window-shopping, they'll welcome you, allow you to try out the instruments, and answer all your questions. read more

They did a great job on repairing/tuning up my father's hundred year old banjo. And then it was a joy to find somebody who really appreciated it and is now learning how to play it. Thanks. read more

I want to thank Guitar Works for the repeatedly friendly and swift service from the repair shop. I have had 4 repairs done here over the years and it has always been prompt and cordial and usually the work was done much quicker than I expected. Connor was great, relaxed and open to working on all my instruments. Thanks again! read more

First time buying a guitar and everyone made me feel comfortable. They took the time to explain the differences between several different acoustic guitars, showed me a couple of chords so I could feel and hear the difference. There was no pressure to buy and even helped me pick out a beginner's lesson book and explained how their private in person lessons work. I bought a guitar and feel really good about it. The lesson book has been great and in less than 2 weeks I am getting pretty comfortable and will be signing up for a few lessons with them soon. read more

This place is usually pretty cool and I liked the vibe every time I've come in so I brought in a 7 string which is not a standard type of guitar and asked for a general set-up + to adjust the bridge. The employee looked at me with a condescending gaze and acted like he knows my skill level, so that gave me a sign that he probably has a poor understanding of music and instruments, but I came here to try the service out: I've never been charged $110 for a set-up and been so disappointed... When I picked it up 2 weeks later the intonation was way worse than when I dropped it off it was almost like they messed it up out of spite, although the bridge was adjusted. It was so bad I didn't even wanna return for repairs for fear they would charge more. For the price of $110 there would commonly be more care and love given to the instruments as a general set-up usually costs $40-70 via places like Guitar Center, or Sam ash or even Music Gallery in Highwood which has truly experienced experts who would not return an instrument in such a sad condition. The extended range of a 7-string is favorable in jazz and jazz fusion - Ron Eschete, Yamandu Costa, Howard Alden, Tosin Abasi, Fredrik Thordendal, Marten Hagstrom, the list goes on. Returning an instrument like this is dishonorable for a musician. I feel like that should be an unspoken given. read more

Guitar Works - Agile 7-string - Guitar Stores Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Stellar, stellar store. Our son took drum lessons, then guitar, and got his first part-time job there. Everyone is very warm and knowledgeable. Our son's teachers became more like friends and mentors than instructors. They have a wide selection of guitars and basses at very good prices (I cross-checked a few against other stores). It wasn't easy finding a left-handed acoustic guitar, but they were very helpful and patient in tracking one down for us. The repair shop is also superb; they seem capable of fixing just about anything. It's a great part of the community and one I find myself just popping into when I'm out and about. read more

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We've been here a few times when we were passing through the area. Playing a show somewhere near. We haven't bought much, but we like the store, and this is why. Great inventory, friendly, informative staff. There are always a couple of astonishingly cool instruments up on the wall. This is what a good guitar store should be. The perfect example this week. I'm playing an octave mandolin, and one of the guys there walks over to see if I need any help, and to chat. We talk about guitars, and he says I have to try one. He puts this amazing acoustic in my hands. First of all, it weighs a ton. And the sound. The lower register practically hits me in the chest. It was the most amazing instrument I have ever played. And a teensy bit out of my price range at 12k. Yeah, the guy put that in my hands, he knew I'd like it. He probably does that with a fair amount of people, most of us could never afford it. But that is the sort of place it is. Here, play this amazing instrument. That's a good store. read more

I stood by the cash register waiting for my turn to pay, and saw a man talking to one of the employees behind the register. The man seemed to have a mental handicap of some kind, and I don't know if he comes to the store often, but he was talking. The employee said "I think it would be best if you were quiet." The man got silent and his sadness was almost unbearable for me to watch. The other employees behind the counter did or said nothing. The man asked one of the other employees if he could try the ukuleles, and got a not so friendly answer like "yeah, but be careful." The mean-spirited atmosphere was really unpleasant. I've shopped there before, but I'll take my business somewhere else going forward. read more

They're okay as far as customer service is concerned. I think I got judged on the first instrument I brought them to mod. I brought them a cheap instrument to test the repair shop before trusting them with my more expensive instruments. I let them deal with two more of my lower priced instruments after that. I don't feel the need to put on a chops showcase or reel off my resume to impress people who work at music stores because I want an honest level of service. Each time, the instruments came back with unacceptable fret buzz (among other issues). Another customer pulled me aside randomly and told me to use a specific guy there because he's "the best". Well, I requested "the best" for this last service and I got a buzzy instrument back. I could be wrong but It feels like they slack on my instruments because they think I won't know the difference. I've seen this attitude in music stores towards certain types of customers plenty of times before. I think this is a case of "your experience may vary". I think the guys in the repair shop are are probably good at what they do, but I think you need to pass their vibe check to get the service that their reputation is based on. I just can't keep throwing money at them for mediocre work. read more

Coming from a guitarist/singer/songwriter of many years, and having owned more than 30 guitars (and counting!), I can confidently say that Guitar Works is my favorite all around guitar store. First and foremost - the location: Located in Evanston and on Main Street, Guitar Works couldn't be in a more "perfect" location. The area also offers street parking and - in the event you cannot find parking - there is a nice little parking lot around the corner (you have to pay, however). The guitars: The guitars - electric, acoustic, basses - are QUALITY. The guitars this shop possesses are not your usual Guitar Center guitars (I love Guitar Center by the way). The shop contains both vintage and new axes; it's literally a players dream to step foot into the store. The staff: The store is a family-owned business. With that being said, they care A LOT about service, customer satisfaction, and are just genuine about their work. Connor is the best guitar luthier (guitar doctor) there, and he always takes care of my guitars when they need fixing. He's the only luthier I go to, and I've been to tons and tons of shops! All in all, give the shop a try! You won't be disappointed!! read more

These guys are generally friendly, knowledgeable, honest and helpful. It's a locally owned and operated business, which is hard to come by nowadays. After a misunderstanding about a price quoted me over the phone, they honored it as soon as I explained what had happened. A quality place for beginners and experts alike! read more

I came in to get a quote for an acoustic guitar repair and the person working at the repair shop was super standoffish and pretty rude, no idea why. Seems others have had similar experiences with this. read more

Let me first say, I'm a noobie. However, I've definitely fallen in love with everything about guitars. When I first started my journey a little over a year ago, i picked up some fender to rent for 1$ a day. A couple hundred days past, i went and i was told I had already paid the guitar off. I have since upgraded to a Martin m series, but something about that rental deal will always mark the begging of my journey. I still go almost every week and jam on their awesome vintage acoustics, and designer brands like Collings. I used to play in their little acoustic room for about ten minutes, but as I've learned more things, I find myself playing in there for an hour+. And it is never an issue, ever. Awesome group of guys. Thanks for all the memories and more to come. read more

I sold two instruments through them recently. All I can say about the deal is that according to my calculus my cut was off considerably. I disputed their end of it and got a bit more. But it still wasn't the figure I expected. So uncharacteristically I just let it go. If you sell something through them make very sure you understand the terms and what you expect to get from them after the sale. In fact you should do your math at the time of consignment so there's no misunderstanding after the sale. Unfortunately because of this, I don't think I'm going to be dealing with them again. read more

Just picked up my Martin after some minor work. Expert, personable service and very reasonable pricing. These guys know and care about what they do! And they're great at it! Can't recommend them more! read more

This is the best guitar shop within twenty miles. Perfectionists when it comes to repairs.

Great local business. I needed a very specific type of case and Tim was very helpful, looking through a bunch of different cases and testing them with guitars similar to my own to find a suitably sized, affordable case that I had trouble finding elsewhere. Really appreciated it. read more

I realize it's a pandemic, but when I look inside and the place and it's completely empty accept for a couple of kids working behind the counter goofing off , and I'm wearing a mask and you you won't let me in to spend $2k on a bass because you wanna do business virtually. Just very disappointing. read more

I brought my old guitar in to be fixed (it has more sentimental value than real value) and they quickly identified the problem and since it was a simple fix they corrected it on the spot for free. With the good vibes from the free fix, I asked for some help with finding an electric guitar. I have dabbled with acoustic but never owned an electric before. The sales person proceeded to give me an overview of the different types and amps - a great history lesson of guitars and sounds. Dude obviously knew his stuff and could have answered any questions I could have had. I had given him a price range and he offered the benefits of those guitars for more money and the drawbacks of a more basic type. He did not push anything and encouraged me to play around with those he had talked about. No sales pressure at all. He even left me alone to play. All I tried were great and his background helped me make a confident choice. Place is great. People are nice and knowledgeable. Big selection. Would come back again and just sorry it took me so long to come here for the first time. I would bet that prices can be beat but I guarantee the quality, customer service and value are lowered to compensate. read more

Very helpful staff! They repaired my guitar quickly and inexpensive. Great staff and value.

I really don't like doing this to Mom & Pop shops, but my hope is that they will read this and make customers rather than turn them away... I purchased a Monster guitar cable some time ago with the understanding that if you walk into a Monster dealer, they will replace it, no questions asked---that is why I paid $40+ for a cable that I could buy for under $10 for another brand---and this is the way it is supposed to be. However, after doing my best to avoid going to Guitar Center, I found that Guitar Works carries these cables, so I went in thinking, great, this is close to my house that I just moved to, perfect. Instead, they gave me a song and dance to do anything they could not to simply take the return, Them, "Do you have a receipt?" Me "No. You don't have to have a receipt with these, that's the point, they are no questions asked replacements." Them, "Well, we get our Monster products through another vendor, we're not sure we would get our money back..." Yada, yada, yada "We carry these, but I'm not sure you could call us a Monster vendor..." WHAT!?!?!? are you talking about!?!?! So what does the receipt have to do with anything then? Either you can or cannot take a return on it? And I'm not even asking for a return, I only want a replacement. In the end, all they have done is sent me to Guitar Center---which I hate, but while I'm there, I'll go ahead and purchase my strings, picks, and next guitars and amps while I'm at it, because I know they will stand by the equipment and not give me a hassle if something goes wrong... Good luck guys, for no work you could have made a new lifetime customer. Customer service makes all the difference. I've worked retail, RTVs are handled by the vendors all the time, and no questions asked. read more

Music stores are going the way of the video store and Guitar Works is a great example of why. They cannot complete with the online music equipment retailers like musicians friend and sweetwater in price, so you would think that they would focus on having great service. Instead, they have a crew of people hanging out behind the counter refusing to welcome anyone to the store or even acknowledge them in any way. It is like you are interrupting their private party by coming in. Plenty of "don't touch" signs on the guitars. Poor selection of guitars/basses, effects, amps, and accessories. Mostly off-brand stuff and nothing exciting - certainly priced way over what you can find online. While it may be a decent place to grab an emergency set of strings and picks if you can't wait for shipping and don't mind paying way too much for them (OK, the picks are 4 for a buck, that's not bad), Guitar Works offers nothing more that is worth patronizing. read more

This place is Great. They have an amazing selection of guitars. If you are really into acoustic guitars, they have some brands that are impossible to find at the Mega Guitar Center stores (Collings, Larrivee, etc.). The people that work there have been helpful when asked questions about gear and have been very detailed when it comes to getting the right instructor for you. I took guitar lessons for 4-6 months with Jason and he was an amazing teacher. Very eager and passionate about teaching. It is a shame that he moved out of state. I am looking forward to going back and taking more lessons. Guitar Works is also great at bringing in talent to showcase the guitars. I have enjoyed seeing Doyle Dykes perform at the store two times in the few years. As for Joshua's comment about the "Do Not Touch" signs, the store is on a pretty busy street and Evanston can be a magnet for some off the beaten path characters. Believe me, I have lived in Evanston for 7 years and think it is one of the best places to live, but we all know that we have come across a wing nut or two. read more

I went there three times, for song books and picks. Because I want to support local business, I asked them to order a song book for me even though it was available at a big box store. They never followed up with me and when I checked with them and found that it had arrived, the guy behind the counter, James, acted like I was bothering him. I got this attitude each time I went. They have lost my business permanently (and I just picked up a $500 guitar). read more

The electric guitar player is my 'cooler than me' 11-year old daughter. She was ready to upgrade from a 3/4 to a full size guitar and did a lot of research online before we went out shopping. After testing out a number of guitars at some other stores, we ended up at Guitar Works where we intended to make our purchase. Shop local, peeps! We wandered around the shop undisturbed and looked at a great selection of guitars, amps, stands and other related equipment. When we were ready, we asked Larry for assistance and he jumped in to help. Once he heard that my daughter was buying her own guitar, Larry addressed her like an adult and gave her all of the information she needed to make a fully informed decision. Larry was decidedly non-pressure, very knowledgeable and extremely patient. He took the time to appreciate my daughter's needs and kept her budget in mind. She bought a beautiful Squire Strat Affinity, new bag and a stand - all for a very fair price. Thanks, Larry! Guitar Works is a great guitar store with an excellent selection and knowledgable staff. We have really appreciated the work the repair shop has done over the past few years - kids are tough on guitars! The vibe is chill, but the staff is more than happy to help when asked. read more

I walked in to purchase a speaker cable and left with a lovely LaPatrie, a case and 4 cables. Nice pricing, very knowledgeable, friendly and classy staff. A great place! Thanks read more

This place I hold near and dear to my heart. This is one of those guitar stores that has been around a long time that you trust. I just took an old Marshall amp there because the reverb wasn't working. They had it fixed in a matter of a few hours and it cost half what I expected it to. Then I noticed their guitar selection was so classy. Beautiful Gretch jazz guitars and amazing acoustic guitars. Make no mistake. Sure. You might be able to find the same guitar for fifty bucks less online or from guitar center. But trust me. Don't do it. If you buy from a place like this they'll take care of you for life. Love this place read more

They're plain helpful. When I started playing guitar and had no idea what anything was, they didn't give me any attitude. Most of the people there have been working there for a while and they know what they are doing. I took guitar lessons here too. He too was very patient. read more

I love this place and have been shopping here for over 20 years. They're reliable, trustworthy and reasonable. Great privately owned local shop. Great acoustic instruments room, lots of cool amps and electric guitars. New and used gear. Great skilled technicians whom I've used to repair my gear many times. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. The place has a great feel to it when you walk in. There's also a public parking lot half way down the block. Not giving 5 stars because they're always closed on Sunday which is usually the only time I have to shop. I'd much rather go to a privately owned local shop but usually I have to go to guitar canter because of their Sunday hours. I respect their decision to take the day off but it really sucks for me, the customer. read more

Staff is usually accommodating and nice. Recently got a price match on a Fender Super Champ X2 - and the amp is great! However, store clerk sold me the wrong switch: it was not fully functional, bypassing effects on the amp. Thus the 4 stars. Despite some minor things, I like this store for their competitive prices and great mechanic. I've bought amps, guitar humidifiers, music stands, and a classical guitar here and they've all served me well! read more

They have one of the best high-end guitars selection in Chicago. There is always something interesting to try, like a Goodall, Collings, H&D or a vintage Martin. Customer service is spotty. In 20 years I've been (occasionally) coming sometimes staff is friendly, some other times - ignorant. Their repair shop sucks. I used it twice and both time they screwed my guitars. So, in my opinion it's a good shop to check out and even buy something unique, like the guitars mentioned above. But for for anything else they are overpriced and their repair shop is no good for anything beyond basic set up. read more

I had a last minute emergency when the jack on my Ibanez guitar came loose and fell inside the guitar. I managed to fish it out and feed it through, but in the process damaged the wiring to the bridge pickup. I brought it in on Saturday and the repairman fixed it while I waited, even though he had a full plate of other guitars to work on. I was able to make my Sunday night gig. And while I waited, I got to play some amazing vintage jazz boxes. Perfect! read more

I have shopped here three times with each interaction worse than the one before. They are still only seeing you through the door (which I was prepared for) but not the rudeness. They sold me a guitar case that doesn't fit the guitar I purchased from them. They were so busy trying to get rid of me today, when I was asking for a return on it that they closed the door on me forgetting I was also there for a purchase. I have a store credit with them, which they denied my having today (a credit I opted for versus a store refund to support the small builsiness). They wouldn't even look at my credit paperwork--the kid just wanted me gone. It's really sad--we live close by and want to support them. I've never left a review before for any company. But this was so sad and bad-- read more

4/12/15 **Upgrading to A+. Not too long ago, I could have easily given up on my guitar playing quest and gave the four star rating because of Larry and Tim up front because they go out of their way to help me out which is why I kept taking lessons even though I wasn't enjoying it. I had a great teacher for about five months and he left the store. I had a five-week deviation with another teacher (that my previous teacher had referred me to) and it just wasn't a good fit for either of us, so I switched teachers. I now have the right teacher, for me. He is truly a teacher - in every sense of the word. He is polite, encouraging, and quick-witted, yet firm in the direction of the course plan. He knows I want to play certain songs but is able to convince me to learn the notes, too, - a huge step in achieving MY goals which include playing fun music. The fundamentals are the foundation of future success, as boring as they may be. I did everything I could to derail my teacher from working with me on the most dull-as-dishwater song imaginable. Yet, he kept throwing in compelling reasons as to why this is worth our time. "Watch the beat, stay close to the fret, embrace the metronome if you can tolerate it, go, go, go!!" It's finally all coming together. Keep up the great work, gentlemen! ____________________________________________________________________ 2-2015 I started playing the guitar last summer and a big reason that I purchased the guitar there was because they offer lessons. It's really convenient, for me, because I can walk to the store. The lessons are 30 minutes and are discounted if you purchase in advance, versus a la carte. I go once a week and consider it a great value. The rooms are small, but it works. The people who work there have always been very friendly and helpful. They will NOT hound you, which I consider a huge plus. LOW pressure. When I DO need something, they are very responsive. read more

Time to revise my review ... despite one less than great guitar maintenance experience, I love this place. Great selection of guitars and gear and a very knowledgeable staff. read more

These guys are the very best. I've dealt with music stores all over the country, and can honestly say, Guitar Works is second to none. I've bought guitars from them, and they keep my instruments in great shape. I recently had an issue with a new guitar, and Steve and Tim jumped in and dealt with the manufacturer to make things right, right away. It's nice to know that a guy as knowledgeable and talented as Conor Madigan is there to repair, set up and all around advise on what your guitar needs. Terry, the owner has built a beautiful business with great employees. Like I said before, these guys are THE BEST! read more

I haven't written a review for awhile but I had a great experience at Guitar Works today so now is as good a time as any to come back. At first I was unsure what to make of the store. I had read some negative reviews about it not feeling welcome and being looked down on by employees but I didn't have that experience at all. I browsed around the store for 30 minutes or so before leaping in to a conversation with Tim. Tim is awesome. Definitely look for him if you want someone who knows what he's talking about and doesn't make you feel out of place if you're a total beginner like me. He was friendly, knowledgable, and answered every question I had even if it was something simple. Long story short, I fell in love with a Taylor guitar while I was there. Definitely more than what I intended to spend but because I enjoyed Tim so much and the store has what I want in a comparable price range to all the other stores and websites I've checked out I will be going back to get my guitar at the Guitar Works. read more

Can't say anything bad about this shop. Nice mom & pop vibe. Recently went in for a repair and needed it turned around pretty quickly. I wasn't expecting it to be possible to be honest. That's a lot to ask of any busy shop. Erwin was gracious and turned around my repair same day. Not only that, a fantastic job. Good selection of all the good guitar related stuff. Nice Evanston location. No brainer. read more

The staffers here are super friendly. I went here on a whim to buy a guitar amp to replace my lame 10W amp that I got as part of a deal on Amazon. The salesman was really nice and didn't make me feel dumb like I usually do at other music stores. (Maybe that just speaks more to how I view myself. I got those low-esteem issues.) He answered all of my questions clearly and let me try out three different amps. I'm a slow purchaser, so I spent forever making my decision, but I decided upon a 20W Fender, and it's one of my favorite possessions. And believe you me, I don't enjoy owning things. Love this place; nearby to the Purple Line stop, and it seems like they carry a great selection of musical instruments and guitars and basses overall. Clean, chill, peaceful. Rock on, dudes. read more