Awesome people to do business with. No B.S., Wayne is very dry and straight to the point. I walked in there off the street over 20yrs ago and instantly knew I had stumbled onto a secret Goldmine of guitars and amps. I've bought many many guitars from them over the years at extremely fair prices. Wayne is very fair and doesn't try to compete with CME, or GC, he tells it exactly like it is. It's like walking into an old hardware store or Auto shop. If you come in looking for something or for advice , they'll take care of you and you are welcome to hang out. If you come in with an entitled, woke attitude, go back to GC or BK and have it your way, nobody needs you there to ruin our vibe. Wayne, Tom, and even Rich when he's around have always been nothing but professional to the customers. The instrument selection is exactly as advertised. The best used, affordable instruments around. Dent, dings, yes. Great guitars and amps, absolutely. I currently own 4 Gibson Les Pauls and 2 ES-335's that I got great deals on from Wayne and that I never could afford new or from GC. Check it out for yourself. Ignore the 1 star-3 star crybabies. Actual working musicians, some famous , some not, go there repeatedly. Rant Over! Wayne's the best. read more

I have known Wayne for over 25 years and he is an absolute gem of a human being. I have bought and sold gear here and now that my son has taken up music, this is where he bought his first electric guitar (J. Mascis Jazzmaster that he adores). There are a few places you will find in life that are magical and special and Midwest is one of them, Wayne's patience, generosity, knowledge and kindness are second to none. Go check it out, you will be glad you did, You may see us there, my son will be trying every single distortion pedal in turn and I will digging through the odds and ends that no one else is interested in, the weirder the better. I absolutely love this place. PS: out of curiosity I read some of the negative reviews. In you younger days (when I had copious free time) I used to hang around the place. The people who were unhappy he would haggle or buy x or y, are being overly sensitive. It is a finite amount of space, he needs to move product, he is alway candid, I bought a drum kit there to sell a few months ago, he was upfront and said he didn't handle them unless they were certain brands or vintage, no hard feelings. I have made him offers on items to have him turn them down, again, never mean or insulting. I have never seen him be anything other than a class act. He isn't going to buy things he can't sell, he isn't a charity, nor is he going to give things away. I have had dozens of friends and family buy instruments and equipment here and all of them left very happy. read more

Great place to find musical hidden treasures and have great conversations. Fair prices, good information, and great people. I've been visiting this location for 20 years. They have never let me down. read more

Great store with lots of cool instruments! I didn't make a purchase, but I'm sure I will in the future. These guys really know what they're doing and have some fantastic instruments. read more

I can't believe what I experienced today at this business. I walked into this store to look at the selections of acoustic guitars, and I can't believe what the male said. He automatically looked at me and said "we don't have any guitars under $100. I did not tell him my price range, but he assumed what I could afford based on his perception. He didn't allow me to browse through their selection of guitars. I asked the guy how did he determine the best value for my price range when I did not tell you my price range? He proceeded to say " we're just out of guitars that are under $100." Meanwhile, there was another customer that was sitting down testing the selection of guitars. Apparently, I cannot afford to shop here. So, I'll be sure to continue doing business elsewhere. Hopefully your establishment continue to attract people that "look" like they can afford your selection of instruments. read more

Wayne is great and works with musicians. Great selection of gear, and he is willing to work with you.

Bare bones store, and a great place to go if you are looking for used musical equipment: electric bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, stand up base, banjos, mandolins, violins etc. Also amps/heads. Place lets you browse and touch, and won't drive you crazy asking if they can help you. If you want help, ask and they help. Staff are friendly, and are willing to chat and share what they know, and don't know. They took the time to look thru books and ID the bass my son was hot on. Don't expect details on obscure items - they get in what they get in, and won't know the history, or even much about the item in general if it's something a bit off the beaten track. Another reviewer noted you need to go in armed with some knowledge - I do agree with that. Does sound like they are willing to hold instruments for a short period of time - so you could go home or to the library and search for reviews online before purchasing (or bring internet browsing phone, and look up what you need at the store). We found what we needed - because it was refinished (but very playable) it was a great price (1/3 of an original finish for same) - we walked out happy. Note: Make sure you are happy before you buy - no return policy, unless something is actually wrong with the item. You buy it, you keep it. (I suspect there may be some flexibility on it.) Also - had more used pedals than I've seen elsewhere, at better prices than I've seen elsewhere. Some new stuff - clips, slides, cables - all priced right. Worth the 45 minute drive for us to go there a couple of times a year. Marking this review as "inexpensive" - but it's all relative - saw a bass in there priced at $2000 and the one beside it for $200... both were potentially good deals for the right buyer. :-) Would I recommend: yes. Would I return: yes read more

A friend brought me to Midwest Buy and Sell in search of a cheap used bass since I'm just starting to learn to play. We were warmly greeted when we walked in and when I articulated my VERY low budget for a decent bass, the owner didn't blink an eye. Instead, he found me four great options in my price range. Then, we were given plenty of space and time to play around with them and settle on one. When I did make a selection, the owner have it a quick tune-up and threw in a bag for free!! In addition to the fantastic service, they had a wide range of rock and roll instruments and amps...and the owner is willing to make you a deal. Great place...I will definitely be back and recommend it to musical friends. read more

Midwest Buy & Sell - Great selection - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great place! The "buy" prices are fair and reasonable and the "sell" prices are the same as well. Wayne is great to deal with. Total blast going on and just seeing what's in stock on a given day. If you're always going to CME and the like (I love that store as well), MB&S is a nice alternative and there are options there you won't get in the other large stores - smaller stores too. read more

After reading some reviews I felt I needed to add my two cent. I first heard of MidWest when I was in high school in the mid 90's. Back then the place was amazing. It had this junk shop vibe but everything they had was vintage and awesome. I was young and they treated my friends and I like annoying teenagers, which we were, so I didn't think much of it. I talked to my older brother, who is a professional pianist and guitarist, about the place. He said those guys are kind of infamous for being a pain in the ass. I was so enamored by the cool guitars I saw there I wanted to defend them but could totally see that was true just off my first impression going there. It's close to home so I would always stop and look around whenever I was near by over the years. I never bought anything from them though. Now recently I stopped in because I had just bought a new to me Gretsch Jet Club and it needed a set up bad. I'm not about to go to Guitar Center for that or Chicago Music Exchange so I thought I'd ask MidWest how much for a set up. I stopped in, looked around then struck up a conversation. I asked about getting my guitar set up and I mainly wanted to know how long I would have to leave it there because I just got the guitar and wanted to get down to playing ASAP. I told them it might need some electrical work because the pickup switch was kinda janky but the big issue were the fret rattles. I said fret rattles instead of fret buzz. They had no idea what I was talking about. I said fret rattles because one, I've heard that phrase used before and two, I felt it better describes the issue than fret buzz. The guy had no clue. He said, talk to my tech guy who does the work, explain it to him. He comes out from the back and I'm now explaining what fret rattles are. I hadn't used the word buzz yet. I'm like, Rattles, fret rattles, you know, when the strings to low and it rattles against the frets. Then I finally said fret buzz and they still seemed confused. I stopped explaining and talking about having a set up done because in my mind I decided I'm not bring it here to get the work done. I started asking if they can help me find a pick guard for the guitar, changing the subject. I'm just thinking the whole time, they've been in the business how long and never heard the phrase fret rattles? Or worse, couldn't just put two and two together and figure out what I meant? Were they just screwing with me? I look around a little and started to head out and the guy says, So you going to bring the guitar in this weekend? The guitar was in my car, I could have dropped it off then but wasn't going to. I just said Yeah, yeah, I'll bring it by. I told my brother the story and he said he and everyone he knows whose been there has had an experience that just left a bad taste in their mouths. He said they're that special combination of stupid and arrogant and couldn't agree more. If you read this whole story, thanks. I'm now wondering if I'm being too generous by giving them three stars. They have great stuff but there's just always going to be something they do that will spoil your experience whenever you go in there. read more

Awesome place! Great knowledgeable staff, vintage gear at reasonable prices. These guys aren't going to try and rip you off. Good people.

The best music store I have ever visited. And I travel nationally (because of work) so I've seen a ton of 'em. While planning a vacation in the Chicagoland area, I first learned about Midwest Buy & Sell. I found an newspaper article online listing the best music stores in the Chicagoland area and they were in there. I visited and ended up buying a guitar and having it shipped home. Wayne (owner) is a great guy and exactly the type of person you want to encounter in music stores, especially if you're not too familiar with musical instruments. He is more than willing to answer any questions you may have about instruments, music or whatever. Midwest is a great place to go if you're not sure what to buy (i.e., Christmas presents) and/or want to get your money's worth. Don't waste your time with the clowns at Sam Ash and Guitar Center. Go here. read more

Wayne and his crew have been my all time favorite music store of all time, you will always be surprised in what you find in his store. I no longer live in the area, and miss the store greatly. read more

I don't know what happened, but the last time I was here, the dudes who were working were down right personable and awesome. I own a late 70's Marshall and my band is starting to tour a little bit more, so I wanted to get an amp that would be less likely to "grow legs" at a show in the middle of nowhere. I found a used Marshall JCM 2000, an amp that sounds great but has little worth on the resale market. The guy who helped me gave me the ins and outs of the amp, pointed out all the work done on it and even told me to "make an offer" since their prices allow for wiggle room. I went in with a price in my head, offered it and got it. Haven't been disappointed in the amp or my most recent MBS experience. I'll definitely be back again when I'm ready to buy another guitar. read more

I bought a Les Paul Studio here about 6 years ago. I couldn't afford the Standard. At the time, I was so sick of my crappy Squier Strat (1st guitar) & I wanted to rock out like Jimmy Page and I was not into getting an Epi. I paid cash and the owner was flexible with the price and threw in a cheap case, too. I couldn't be happier with the service or my guitar. I've only avoided the place because I know when I go back, I won't be able to walk out empty-handed. This place is awesome! read more

Wayne is very knowledgeable & friendly. I was able to get the equipment I needed for my concert and it worked out perfectly! I wish I would've found this place sooner. Highly recommended!! read more

My wife wanted to get me a Fender Stratocaster for my birthday, bless her heart! I've always played a Gibson but wanted a Strat to enhance my tone arsenal. The staff was extremely helpful and very courteous to my wife who negotiated the purchase while I played the guitar for an hour! I found a natural blond wood with maple neck, American made Strat that is now one of my favorite guitars. I highly recommend Midwest Buy and Sell, the place is amazing and stuffed full of great gear!! You will not be disappointed. They will treat you fight! Billyd Know Problem blues band read more

This place is incredible. I've bought and sold quite a few guitars in my lifetime (some new, some old, some from big chain stores, and some from independent stores) and I can say that the complete experience at Midwest Buy and Sell is the absolute best. These guys are welcoming from the minute you walk in the door. They often say "welcome - if you see anything you like, go ahead and pull it down and give it a try." I've had other shops (either new or used) that follow you around and hover over you when you're playing a guitar to make sure you don't breathe on it funny. Or, even worse, you have to ask permission to play a guitar. In my opinion, a guitar shop should be like a petting zoo - be respectful and careful but if you see something that you want to "touch," go ahead and do it. Also, there's none of the snobbery here that you get with other shops either (I'm looking at you, Arlington Heights Guitar Center). With all that being said, their selection is always top-notch. They have everything from the more expensive high-end vintage gear to very reasonably priced newer stuff. I've both bought and traded here and there's a very no BS approach to the whole process. The first time I came in, I traded a MIM Telecaster for a 2000 Martin acoustic. They were extremely fair with the trade and I ended up scoring what has become the best guitar I've ever owned. Most recently, I traded a different acoustic and an old amp for a 2007 Lake Placid blue Mexican Strat that I just can't seem to put down (this may be working its way toward being my favorite electric). So, if you're looking for new gear, stop in at Midwest Buy and Sell - I'd be surprised if you didn't find something interesting. read more

I broke the pick up selector switch on an Gibson R-6 trying to straighten it. The guys at Midwest replaced the switch. Inspected and set up the guitar with new strings for me. And un-believably got it back next day. Couldn't be happier with Midwest. Thanks guys. read more

I read other Yelp reviews of this place and knew I needed to go here for my first guitar buy (I've never actually bought a guitar before, just somehow found myself in possession of them). I've been "on a mission" to a lot of guitar stores in the past, and I knew generally what I wanted, but have never felt good enough about what I was looking at to buy. After an hour and a half in and around Midwest Buy and Sell, I walked out the door ecstatic with the deal I got on my gorgeous "new-to-me" Epiphone Sheraton II. For me guitar shops have always been intimidating due to the ubiquitous 10-year-old fingerstyle genius who hangs around and makes me shy about pulling an instrument off the wall and plugging it in to plunk around. Part of this is confidence: I am totally comfortable in piano stores playing $100,000 instruments -- I absentmindedly rested a cup of coffee on a $70,000 concert grand in a piano shop once (once!). So I was shy going in here, looked at a couple guitars and nearly left, but pulled down a guitar I liked, plugged in (turned the amp way down low) and played a little chord progression. To my surprise, the 10-year-old virtuoso in the corner and another guy who was appraising an accordion both jumped in on my progression and started riffing out. The stars aligned: that little 30-second experience got me over my nerves and led me to pull out my wallet. I wish there was a clear sign at the front that said something to the effect of "This is a used guitar store. Feel free to pull an instrument down and plug it in; we will not judge you if you don't know what you're doing. However if you break something, you will buy it." People who love making music will find something to buy at this place. Whether they're looking to drop $10 or $10,000. It can be rough around the edges, but is a great shop. read more

As a female musician I really appreciate that these guys don't give me a second glance when I walk in. They assume correctly that I'm a musician there to buy instruments (and not to follow my boyfriend around), which is drastically different from the way I'm treated at CME and more so at Guitar Center. That aside, the shop and it's owner are really and truly great. My first big purchase there was a Fender Deville which they gave me for a ridiculously good price (I love that beast of an amp!!!). I've since gone back for an Fender Esquire with an added Glendale pick-up (crunches like a Tele), some pedals, and a bare-bones drum set. Every time I go in that place I find a sweet gem!!! In addition, their customer service is beyond compare! I'm trying to find a specific used guitar and they've offered to keep an eye out for it at trade shows to snag it for me. Plainly: These guys are down-to-earth, honest, and genuine guys who love music and instruments, support musicians and really want to give you a good deal. The store offers unique finds and if they don't have what you're looking for they will offer to hunt it down for you. What more could you ask for in a music shop??? Just a note: They are not open on Sundays and have slightly odd operating hours during the rest of the week--make sure you check before you head that far out west! read more

Don't let the front of MBS mislead you - it's not a pawn shop - it's an amazing store full of used/vintage/new equipment. There's a huge selection of amps, guitars, basses in that small space, along with things that you can't find at the big box music stores - old lap steels, dobros, etc. Great prices on used equipment. Best of all is the staff - great guys, very helpful and friendly. I went in looking for a bass cabinet to hook up to my guitar amplifier, and they were willing to move, rearrange, and connect anything that I wanted to test out. Other places that I'd gone into flatly told me, "that won't work". At MBS, I told them what I was trying to do, they said, "yeah, that should work - let's give it a try". Made me a great deal on the used cabinet - sounds fantastic! read more

Definitely check this place out if your looking to repair your guitar. Very reasonable prices and excellent work. Over all very pleased with my experience l! read more

I went to Midwest on recommendation of a friend of mine who had bought a second hand amp head and a couple cabinets there for a great price. At the time I had been toying with the idea of getting a nice Fender tube combo amp (just a nice all-around amplifier) but I had some other priorities that I had to take care of. About a year later, I started looking again on a Saturday afternoon with nothing else to do. I found the exact amp that I was looking for at Midwest with a price tag that was a little bit steep. I asked for some help from the salesman about what was possible to do about the price. I told him that I knew about what these things got new and on used markets. He nearly immediately knocked 25% off the price and calculated tax for me. I went home, made sure it was a good deal and then returned two days later to buy the amp. That's about the one bit of advice I would have about shopping here or at any other used music store for that matter. Go and look at what they have, then look around and tell the guys there what kind of prices you found. They are honest enough to help work on a deal with you. I have a hard time imagining going anywhere else for a guitar or an amp now. read more

Their focus is on used electric guitars and amps. They buy and sell to the public. They have some acoustics and of course accessories. Worth checking out. read more

Midwest Buy & Sell - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Awesome selection of vintage guitars and amps at very reasonable prices. I got a great out-of-production amp here and was even able to haggle them down a little. A word of advice: only shop here if you know your stuff. You can get a great deal if you know what you're doing, but you can also get burned if you don't have a clue. My friend bought an amp here, and was upset when he later found out it had been heavily modified by the previous owner. This information was not volunteered to him by the staff. Maybe they deliberately didn't tell them, or maybe they didn't even know. The staff is pretty hands-off, but have been friendly when I approached them. read more

This place is amazing. There's a huge selection of instruments at every price point. I've bought (or brought a friend to buy) a great acoustic, a solid electric, a cheap yet very workable bass, an amazing 70s bass amp, a few mics, guitar pedals, little tube guitar amps... The staff is friendly and knowledgeable without trying to upsell you. They are my first stop for any guitar/bass purchase! read more

Sorry, long review, TL;DR Got cussed out big time just for bringing in a possible trade on a purchase I was going to make. ................................ This used to be my favorite spot. I bought a Riviera there a few months ago, a G&L ASAT about a year before that and a 70's Twin Reverb there a couple years ago. Loved the place, cool down to earth rock and roller types who don't mind stopping in back for a smoke. They actually MOVE gear too, it won't be the same pieces every time you drop in! Now, I'm the type of guy who almost has his mind made up before stepping in the door so I just stop by for a few minutes specifically to buy something with cash in hand, not a tire kickin' small talker, perfect customer right? Well, not anymore, not after what happened today. I went in two days ago and found a synthesizer (CZ3000) and made my mind up to buy it. But, I figured I'd see what they'd give me on a trade in for a nice synth that I never use (Roland D50) and asked. One of the fellas said "Yeah, we used to sell those used for around 4 to 6 hundred but you have to come back Monday when the owner is here." Cool, so I extend my rental car one more day, grab a few hundred bucks out of the ATM so I can buy the Casio even if they don't want the D50, and make the trek up from West Town. I walk in, the same fella points me towards the owner. He says "Are you looking to sell? I don't really do these keyboards anymore" ..Even though there's about 10 in the store, one of which I'm going to buy. I say, in haggling fashion, "Well, maybe a trade in or cash." ..He instructs me to put the keyboard on top of an amp to show him and replies "How much you looking for." ..Well, it's 2015 and the only way to gauge market value of old synths is ebay so I casually said "Um, they go for 4 to 6 hundred on ebay" expecting him to reply with the usual 'I can only sell it for such and such' low ball offer, which I would have been okay with because I liked the place. HIS RESPONSE: "I don't even want to look at it, get it out of here" as he walks away then yells "I won't give you ten ****ing dollars" then continues "I'm ****ing sick of this ebay ****" "These people and their ****ing keyboards." I didn't ask for that, didn't even commit to selling. I really just wanted the Casio at the slightly high price they were asking so I wouldn't have to deal with craigslist or ebay myself. I just picked up the heavy D50 and walked out without playing his game. I'm upset I recommended this place to all my musician buddies in retrospect, obviously I won't affect their bottom line in any way but oh well, it is what it is. Can't go back after that. read more

We live in the area, I had no idea what this store was about until driving down Irving. I saw the lights on and a ton of guitars in the window. Knowing my husband has been wanting a guitar for awhile I told him to check this place out. Glad I did, he left with a guitar and said the guy gave him great feedback on his existing guitar. In fact he's heading back right now to buy more stuff. The prices are better than guitar center, and everyone should support a small shop over a large chain like guitar center. I also texted my brother about this place who also lives in the area and plays. Our only regret about Midwest buy and sell is that we didn't know about these guys sooner. read more

Love this place! I am a new wannabe guitar player, and went in there based on the comments from yelpers. They were very helpful and acknowledged me right away, let me browse (although I must have had my deer-in-headlights look) and talked to me about acoustic vs electric and what to invest in as am absolute beginner. Hooked me up with the whole package for a damn reasonable price, told me to come back with any problems or questions, just good people all around. Dave you rock! ... and now I am at home going G chord, D chord, C chord. Great experience for noob like me! read more

These guys have a very unique place in the Chicago used/vintage gear market. They know the fair market value of the things they have, and they sell them slightly above that price. It is a business after all. All prices are negotiable - in my experience about 10-15%. They give a fair price if you're selling too, typically about half of what they'll put on the tag when they hang it on the wall. If you think that doesn't sound good, try some of the other shops in town and see how they value your used "player quality" gear . If you're looking to upgrade, a decent price on items for sale plus decent trade in value on your used stuff equals a good deal. Furthermore, they won't screw around with your trade in like a used car salesmen. The value of what you're selling doesn't fluctuate based on if/what you're buying, and the price of what you're buying doesn't fluctuate based on how much you're getting for your trade in. I agree with the advice of other reviewers in that 1) it's best to know your stuff. this way, the incredible deals will jump off the wall at you, and you'll be able to avoid the lemons and 2) if you buy an amp from them, especially of the vintage tube variety, head straight to your tech to have it checked out and don't be disappointed if it needs work. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly enough, although they will stay behind the counter and let you engage them if you want to. Their inventory tends to rotate fairly quickly, so I would recommend being ready to buy if you're after something specific. This is the place where "I saw a ______ for $___ and should have bought it" stories are born. read more

Wayne looks out for his customers and knows guitars. Pricing is always fair, and almost always negotiable (the limited new selection isn't always negotiable, and I assume this is due to manufacturer related pricing issues). Selection is always good, but always call ahead if you're looking for something specific. I've bought 7 guitars from MBS in the last 9 years. Cost has always been below market value. The best guitar shop in Chicago for a vintage Marshall or Gibson. read more

I had a simliar experience as someone else below... The employees were extremely cocky and rude and instantly low balled me on my amp I was looking to trade in. A mint marshall, at that. Also, the amp I wanted to buy, they asked $800 for. This was just a ridiculous price for this old amp I wanted. I had done my research in advance so I knew... They wouldn't budge. To sum it up, I just bought the same exact amp, in better shape mind you, for only $385 on ebay. More than 50% difference!!!! It instantly inspired me to create a yelp account, just to post my one review of this place. Do not buy from these guys, they don't give two shits if you do or don't. read more

Been going here for years, this is probably one of the best music shops I know of. Down to earth honest dudes with a wide selection of used equipment, only place I buy from read more

So these guys don't have a gorgeous shop like CME, but Wayne the owner is a nice guy to talk to unlike the former owner at CME. They are straight up and honest. Prices are ok, but they are reasonable and I have gotten some gear at reasonable prices there. They have mainly player guitars, but generally a nice selection of Strats, LP, Marshalls etc., with several "one of" different models. Not as overpriced as CME. I would buy there again. read more

This is my favorite music store in all of Chicago. These guys are the best employees, they always let me come in and ravage through all of the coolest gear without any hesitation. They give you great deals, and always have incredible stuff in for sale, especially if you like old / weird / 'vintage' equipment. The only thing that sucks is that it is hard to get to if you don't have a car, and if you do, and you're coming from Logan Square, you have to come up with crafty ways to avoid the Milwaukee / Irving / Cicero intersection on your way. But, whatever. Going to Midwest Buy & Sell for me is like a kid going to Toys 'R' Us. read more

Very cool little shop stuffed with all sorts of new and used equipment. And I mean stuffed. Nice knowledgeable folks running the place including the owner. Tired of the mega center guitar shops? Then stop in here and check it out. It's time well spent and you might just find that old amp or guitar you've been looking for. read more

What a cool place. This place is a gem! The owner, Wayne is so knowledgeable, helpful and fair. They have great used instrument inventory.

Anyone who has never been here will NEVER know what they're missing until they make an effort to get to Midwest Buy And Sell. Once you enter their shop, there is always a lot to see, so try not to blink. For nearly 20 years, there was never a time that it seemed like nobody on staff wanted to help me out or at least acknowledge me...very different from walking into a larger music store where everyone seems "too busy", while staring at their computer screens or cel phones. The prices that they offer at times, does not leave any room for negotiation...they start low, so I don't bargain and I don't mind supporting independent shops like this. read more

0% pretentious. This store always has an amazing selection of vintage gear at honest prices. There's always a few interesting/rare items in the shop to check out. Not a huge selection of pedals - but they always have have a stellar collection of electric guitars, amps, and basses. read more