I'm over 50 and have been hustling in this business a long time. I have to say that, with all…read morehonestly, Rick was the most professional recording human I've worked with. I was coming in for a session after a 15 year hiatus. I was terrified. The whole experience was so fun, welcoming and masterful that I had totally forgotten to be nervous! Rick is incredibly talented and patient and gives excellent and helpful notes/suggestions to make your piece as best as it can be. I will be back for sure and I've already recommended Handwritten Recording to everyone on my Friends List. LOL. If you've got it in ya - Rick can get it outta ya. LOL

He genuinely gives a shit…read more In all seriousness, this was one of the best recording experiences I've had in this city. Rick is interested, more than capable, friendly, professional, and has mastered the ability of constructive criticism -- and yet will be the first to admit that he can be wrong in his suggestions. His rates are reasonable, his space is warm and comfortable, his gear is top notch. Ive enjoyed every moment of recording, mixing, chatting about beer (even though he trends towards the obnoxiously hoppy), and simply sharing space with him. Go make a record with him! What are you waiting for?

I've known Matt since I was young. Around 8 years ago he gave me my first production lessons. Now…read moreI'm a billboard charting artist! Sonic Palace is top notch!

I recorded a few songs here with another band a few years ago, and I will not go anywhere else…read more Matt is a PRO, and is such a great engineer! He gave great suggestions and direction for each song. I loved working with him and am telling you to look no further. This is the place you want to record your music.

I've rented spaces all over the West Town area and Sound Space is by far the highest ranking option…read morein my experience. Spaces: Although my room is on the smaller side it's fairly priced. But the best part is the sound isolation. The rooms are very well insulated to reduce the bleed from neighboring bands. I record in my space all the time and rarely have issues. It's also eerily quiet much of the time. Security: It's the most secure place I've rented from. Both perimeter doors and individual space doors seem very secure (with a special type of key). Also camera coverage throughout the building adds another layer of security. At the last place I rented we found our door kicked in - you can't kick in the doors at Sound Space, they're fortified. Neighbors: The other Sound Space renters are generally cool, friendly, and best of all respectful of the building. The bathrooms are never trashed like other spaces I've rented. I never understood why someone would rip a sink off the wall or kick a hole in the door at the other spots that they were paying to rent... animals. Neighborhood: Plenty of free street parking and relatively easy load-in/out (though I'm on the first floor). There's a 24hr Mexican spot a 4 min walk away. Management: Sam is responsive and makes payment effortless with an online portal linked to your bank account. Temp control of the rooms is reasonably handled - at least in my experience/room. bottom line: If you're looking for a spot - and this location is convenient for you - I'm confident you'll be happy here.

This is the PERFECT space for musicians to practice! Easy to enter, well-insulated, safe!read more

Several month ago I had an Elektron Digitakt serviced at this store. There was a small mix up…read moreduring the repair, manager Andrew Marrah went above and beyond to ensure the device was returned to me in perfect working condition. I cannot overstate the professionalism of Andrew Marrah and everyone at Synth City. I would trust this store with anything regarding my gear, they will make sure to treat you well and with respect. 10 out of 10 hands down.

I went into this shop with a friend of mine. He tried out some Les Paul and other fender guitars…read more This place has a nice collection of vintage instruments and equipment.

Back in the day when I lived in Logan Square I was in a band and we practiced at a space in…read moreHumboldt Park. The space was pretty convenient and you always knew when the Chicago Puerto Rico parade is taking place. I actually had someone tag my backpack while I was waiting for the bus...while the backpack was still on my back. And I really didn't think I was that buzzed at the time but I completely didn't notice the handiwork. I have moved from Logan Square to Lincoln Square and have started practicing once again with the drummer from my previous band. The most convenient space is the Music Lab. I had seen their ads forever in the Chicago Reader and had passed by the space thousands of times but never really noticed the place. It really doesn't stand out, mainly because the first floor houses a doggie daycare. Evidently that ain't too rock and roll. The spaces are fairly small but that seemed to work out just fine. The sound bounced off the walls and worked out pretty well. The spaces also smelled of dog urine but overall it isn't a bad practice space. The location, the price and the acoustics all fall in the positive column, while the doggie daycare is a minor distraction. So in short the Music Lab is a hidden, urine scented gem.

This place is great for the sole purpose that it allows me to play music (especially drums!!) at…read morewhatever volume without anyone leaving me nasty anonymous notes on my door. So that's a plus. Additionally, the neighborhood is great. Super, super close to the brown line, plenty of street parking in the evenings and on weekends. And it's within walking distance to great bars and restaurants on Lincoln Ave. The guy who runs it is also a very nice guy. However, for what it is, the price is a bit much. The rooms are small and not nearly soundproofed enough. If the guys next door are playing, their bass causes me to have to play louder than I'd like. Additionally, since it's above a doggy day care place, every now and then the hallway reeks of dog urine. Oh, and you can't flush toilet paper down the toilet, not that you'd want to risk sitting on it anyway. Also unfortunate is the complete lack of temperature control--my space easily breaks 100 degrees in the summer months. It's not pleasant to have three sweaty dudes with a bunch of equipment in a 100+ degree glorified closet. Unfortunately this place seems to have a monopoly on music practice space in my neighborhood. It could definitely use some work, but for what it is it definitely gets the job done. My irritable neighbors and I greatly appreciate the service!

For years we have relied on Randy for the tuning and maintenance of our pianos (Steinway grand and…read moreYamaha upright). Knowledgeable and highly skilled, he has also shown himself to be flexible and unfailingly responsive throughout. Highly recommended.

Very straight forward experience. Easily scheduled online and got the heads up text day of. Randy…read morecame and did the thing perfectly. Easy payment options. Highly recommended!