I am just leaving modern music and have to share my experience. I walked in and was immediately greeted by Zach. He asked how he could help me and I explained I had an older trumpet to sell. Zach called William over and William gave it a good inspection, call for second opinion and came back with a very fair offer. I am happy to be able to get a little bit of money for it and that someone else will have a chance to play it. I think it's a win for all. I would highly recommend modern music as I think they are a very reputable and honest business. read more

Zach's knowledge and helpfulness cannot be understated. Zappa poster in the back was great too.

I dropped off some guitars for repair. I thought it was odd they didn't show me their work in the store like most places do, but when I got home, I realized why. One of the guitars needed a jack repaired with a nut that had to be constantly tightened. I got back a guitar in the same state, only they had put a washer in there that didn't solve the problem at all. Not sure how one would conclude that fixed the problem. Then another guitar needed a set up. The action was crazy high and so I went to the manufacturer's setup specs, and realized they didn't follow it at all: there wasn't enough relief, the saddle heights were crazy high, and the nut had not been properly cut/adjusted. There's a certain amount of subjectivity to setups, but this is the worst one I have received in some 30 years. I did a better job on my own. Would not go there again. read more

We purchased a used tenor saxophone here that has served my kid very well. It's a vintage beauty with fantastic sound, my kid loves it. They did some maintenance and repair on it recently, great quality work for a good price and quickly done. They stock everything you might need. Reeds, greases, neckstraps, drumsticks, sheet music, music stands, the place is full of instruments and supplies. The staff is always super helpful and kind, and very knowledgeable. read more

I was in town for work and thought I'd drop by to check the place out. When I walked in I was surprised to see a robust collection of guitars, basses, keyboards, and pedals. There was a good variety of instruments and price ranges. I immediately picked up a bass and had a jam session with another customer who exchanged info with me after. I talked to the owner and he seemed like a really down to earth, nice guy who was genuinely passionate about music. He showed me the Hammond with the Leslie speaker and explained all the things about it. Even though I ended up not buying anything, I was given excellent service. This is one of the best experiences I've ever had at a music store! read more

This little music store offers something most don't (including big chain stores like Guitar Center and Sam Ashe). And that is - a nice rental department for gear (including recording mics). I wouldn't have known anything about that had I not popped in one day on a whim to have a little looksee. I personally have rented some of their mics for some recording projects, and their stuff is as good as what many recording studios have, at a far more affordable price. I think they also rent PAs, lighting, amps - good luck finding that service with other Chicagoland retail music stores. Yes, they also sell guitars, basses, amps, band gear, and have some small practise rooms for lessons too. Thanks guys! read more

Along with love, music is the universal language. A C# chord on a sheet of music in America is the same as it is in the Philippines or the Galapagos Islands or anyplace else on Earth. Because music is universal and important, it's important to have local businesses that support music. Modern Music does that well, at great prices and with a wide range of services. They offer lessons, music books, instruments, rentals, sale on consignment and all sorts of other things, such as renting sound boards, amps, etc. They have reasonable hours, good people working there and are local. Plus, they offer fair and competitive prices. So if you need something musical, give these guys a go. read more

I came here today to buy an acoustic guitar. I tried asking questions about the ones they had for sale, but the guy behind the counter was so disinterested that he barley even answered my questions. I felt like I was putting him out by just being there. Being it was the first time I would be purchasing a guitar, I was looking for some guidance. After my third question I realized I wasn't getting anywhere so out of frustration, I left. I ended up going to guitar center and bought my guitar from them. I am a firm believer in supporting small/local businesses but I also believe that good customer service is just as important as value and selection. read more

These guys are great! I go here to get my guitars serviced, and I have yet to be disappointed. They're basically in the same situation as me, young guys who tinker with guitars and play music. We get along just fine. So -- for $40 you can get a guitar or bass fully set up. That's about standard, but these guys will fix all kinds of stuff for that $40. One time, they glued some frets down on a bass, and then leveled those frets and didn't charge extra. That is pretty much unheard of! They also won't look at you funny if you bring your guitar back to them because you aren't 100% satisfied. Guitar setup can be pretty subjective, so you need a guy that will work with you and listen to you. Ask for Matt or Jason, they've always done a great job! ALSO -- sign up for their mailing list. They have a huge sale 4 times a year, where you get 40% - 60%. That's when I stock up anyway! Modern Music is a great place to go for anyone who is sick of the nonsense you have to deal with at Guitar Center. read more

They are very nice people. They are open on weekends, which is convenient for those that only have about two hours of personal time a week due to poor life decisions. read more

This is hands down, my favorite 'small' music shop. Ive owned a PA, 2 fender amps, and... 5? guitars from here. (I can think of 4, im sure there were more). The service is always friendly, and when I think of a local business that I love, this is one of my favs! read more

Great shop.....all the guys are great here. I have been going here for a while and they always help with whatever you need. They give a lot of great advice. I have bought some nice things here. The customer appreciation sale they have twice a year is awesome. I found some great deals at that as well. I get a lot of service done here and Jason is particularly great! Very good with setups on guitars etc...I have done consignments there and they are very helpful with that as well. Great local "small" shop. read more

The staff at Modern Music is small but mighty. They know their stuff...and they won't try to upsell you on things you don't really need. The guitar set ups/repairs are topnotch and they take time to listen to you and give you answers tailored to YOUR needs. I recommend them whenever possible. I will NOT go to the big box places. Modern Music has reasonable prices and they KNOW you when you become a customer. read more

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, this place!!! The owner is a one of a kind all around hard working man. The place is always in order and there is always a warm face to greet you. The sale 4 times a year rocks!! read more

I have been renting PA Systems from Modern Music for over 5 years for our annual Women's Conference. The quality and price of the equipment is excellent! The staff is very accommodating and answers all of my questions. I highly recommend using Modern Music for all of your rental needs. Also, they have excellent used gear for sale at a very good price. read more

Been shopping there since I was young. The owner is cool and the teachers they have there are very knowledgable, to say the least. I have mutilated many a guitar and they alway set them up better then any other tech I have gone to. If you or your kid need a place to get started in learning a instriment this is the best place to go by far. read more