It's hard to quantify how many times I've driven past this place. The parking lot is annoying, but it's in a weird location, so there isn't much they can do. After a disappointing experience at the Guitar Center, I figured I'd support a local business instead. No amount of tuning was saving my guitar from sounding weird, so I figured it needed at least a restringing. It also needed, as it turned out, some work on the neck. At no point did it feel like they were upselling me or taking advantage of my comparative inexperience. They estimated $50-60 for restringing and neck repairs, but after only a few days, they called me to tell me it was ready, and it was about $40 for everything. I respect their honest work and would be glad to return here again. read more

I've been going to The Music Gallery since they were at their original location about where Buffo's is now along the main drag there in Highwood, way back in '76. I now reside all the way over in Palatine. In all my transactions I've always gone away from the place feeling pleasantly satisfied that I got value from either their service or merchandise. Yesterday I picked up a used acoustic guitar I'd purchased elsewhere and had the crew there sort out the neck requiring a new nut and bridge. Rings like a bell and all for a very reasonable price! read more

Amazing service and knowledge. They also have the best repair shop around. The team there is incredibly helpful.

Beautiful store with a wide selection and price range of guitars. Frank was very friendly and gave me a good deal. Thank you!

Music Gallery is a guitarist's pro shop. They have a huge selection of upper-level electric and acoustic guitars, and offer superior tech services, including PLEK. It is well worth your time to check them out. read more

Always gives great information and super helpful. My guitar sounds better than ever and the setup feels great! I'm terrible at guitar but I feel really inspired after getting my guitar back! read more

You can get a great selection of guitars in one small spot. Music Gallery has helpful staff and cool instruments. There is a wide range of choices from entry level to custom shop crafted. I personally do not see the rational for buying relic (pre-used?) guitars but someone must like them and MG has plenty. I've had repairs and tune ups on my Rickenbackers and MG does fine and reasonable cost work. Recommend! read more

Can't recommend this shop enough. In one week, two of my older guitars (1940s/1960s) had significant issues - a hard-to-find tuner was lost and huge cracks appeared in the body of the acoustic. The repair team at the Music Gallery fixed both, and at a reasonable price. In fact, they saved the beautiful old acoustic from certain decomposition. Now both sound great! read more

The finest guitar shop in Illinois. Boutique doesn't begin to describe the level of finery contained. Amazing, deeply knowledgeable staff that have been there forever, heard and seen everything, and will never lead you astray. They are fully capable of any and all guitar repairs/refinishing/assembly/etc. They carry the finest custom shop instruments as a standard, and have high end pedals, accessories, and all the minutiae associated with guitars. Very focused inventory, for the professional and hobbyist, you will find your dream guitar here. I have two Stratocasters from here, and can't imagine a better experience, they have a customer for life. read more

George Plek'd my guitar and set it up - and did an excellent job. Top notch, couldn't ask for better or friendlier service. He clearly loves what he does and spent plenty of time showing me the Plek machine and how it works. Very awesome! If you value your instrument - it's in good hands here. I highly recommend the Plek, great price and an immediately noticeable difference! My neck feels great and my guitar sounds awesome. Very happy! read more

Great selection of used Martin guitars. Have used them since 2003 for purchase and trade. Wonderfully helpful owner and staff!

Fantastic customer service and selection. I brought in two of my guitars to get set up, and they're playing better than ever. This is the nicest music shop I've ever been to in my life. read more

Really great spot for guitar repairs and setups. A little on the higher side though. I think a setup is $60. The place itself is relatively small but has an amazing collection of guitars. Not the kind of place though you go just to try guitars. Acoustic room is under lock and key. Overall not a bad place. read more

A couple months back I bought a used Martin from a collector up in Wisconsin. A nice older man who wanted to make room in his collection for a different guitar. I was happy to make the drive up and take a look at what I'd already seen pictures of. Upon arrival I wasn't disappointed- it was a gorgeous 10 year old HD-28 that had been played and loved. I looked it over, played on it, messed with the tuners, took the strings off, looked inside with a mirror and a flashlight for cleats or glue splatters and problems with bracings- tapped around the front and back. Inspected for cracks... I looked over every square inch of that guitar. My analysis- it needed some fret work, maybe some fills here and there on some very minor dings, basically the usual that you would find on a 10 year old guitar that was played and owned responsibly. It sounded great and I wanted that Martin, it was "calling to me..." My very next stop after buying that Martin was Guitar works, I had read about their plek machine and I wanted to get that guitar in playing shape as quickly as possible. My hope was that there was enough meat on the frets for a plek job and I wouldn't have to part with the guitar for a few weeks for a re-fret. I was helped by a very nice seasoned gent, very knowledgable. I asked him how much time it would take and he said not sure. The Martin had to be hydrated- that could take 3 days, or it could take 3 weeks. But the guitar was noticeably under hydrated and he could not do the plek job with the guitar in its present condition. It made complete sense- and it was clear that man knew his craft. I left the instrument there, he wrote me up a chit told me it would probably be 5 days- but it was up to the guitar... and I was on my way eager to get my Martin back and strum it till the cows came home. I called 3 days later- he said, "Nope, you gotta be patient. Its still getting hydrated..." I called back in on the 5th day and he said you can come get it after 6! Hallelujah!! I was so excited! I drove the hour out to Highland Park, got in after the sun had set and was so excited to see everybody in that beautiful shop! My guy came out with the Martin and allowed me to go in to the back with it and play it. I sat down and played up and down the fret board and it sounded amazing. The action was perfect, the frets were level and shiny looking, there were no divots or pits, that plek machine had done an amazing job. About a few weeks went by. And I was at a local music store picking up some new guitar wax and when I brought it home I thought you know I should polish my other guitars with this stuff it works amazing. I got to my Martin cleaned it off with a rag, and started applying the wax and when I got to the end pin I felt something off- two indents on either side of the end pin that shouldn't be there... "what's this?" Sure as hell it was a crack. On either side of the end pin. Upon inspection- it had taken a hit. The inlay was busted and there was an inch crack on either side of the pin. My heart sank. How the heck did this happen? I'm so careful with my guitars they lay on their sides in their cases. The cases don't even sit upright! There was one- and only one place it could have happened when that guitar was out of my sight. That was it... I got out a mirror and a light and took a peek at the tail block on the inside of the guitar and sure as heck when I pushed in the tail block the crack widened. So the block was split. This guitar took a hit. This is where things got weird. I sent an email to Guitar Works, and told him what was up and what had happened. He told me I'd have to talk to a different guy who did the work on my guitar. I called and left a message with him, he called back and we talked about "the problem with my guitar." He was sympathetic, but in no way made me feel comfortable. In fact, I felt like he was calling my integrity in to question. In the end he said he didn't do the work on my guitar- and I'd have to talk to yet again another person there who did do the work. At this point I was so irritated, saddened, disappointed, and really just shocked I put calling anybody else on hold because I didn't want to say anything I couldn't take back. So I thought about it, and thought about it and thought you know- I've been in sales for 15 plus years. When it comes to a customer service challenge like that the first thing you do is assure the person it's going to be okay. Especially when it comes to something as special as a mans guitar. A Martin HD-28 no less. The long and short of it- I wish that they would have handled the situation differently, and further I wish I wouldn't have gone there for the work. It would have cost me more for a re-fret than a plek, but I wouldn't be out the $500 it's going to cost to get the tail block and cracks repaired and cleated. read more

I made my first but not last purchase from the Music Gallery today and was very impressed with every aspect of my interactions ! They have a fantastic collection of quality instruments on hand but the service harkens back to the days of the guitar hero, a cut above the rest ! The owner introduced me to his staff and showed me around his store. They spent time talking w me although the sale was made prior to my arrival. After nearly 50 years in business this place is a gem that was hidden from me for too long. Even tho my travel time is a hour to location I will be back for sales and service. Their tech has been there over 3 decades and knows his craft like a scholar. I thank everyone at The Music Gallery for my outstanding experience today ! Top draw professionals read more

I bought a core PRS "Paul's Guitar" model at Music Gallery. The guys there are friendly and knowledgeable. They set it up well. They even took the time to put me in a separate room with the model of amp (Mesa) to allow me the opportunity to try it out! I can only recommend them unconditionally! read more

The Music Gallery - PRS "Paul's Guitar" purchased from Music Gallery - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

The staff is extremely knowledgable & their inventory is great, what more could you ask? I recently purchased a guitar from this shop, and spent three days trying out guitars until I decided on the right one. Along the way, my sales manager Dave helped me with suggestions & empathized with me on why I disliked certain guitars. The store sells it all, but I think their biggest selling point is the selection of Fender Custom Shop (Team & Masterbuilt) guitars. There is a bigger selection than I've seen at any other store, and they're not afraid to order guitars in colors other than black and blonde! read more

Amazing guitar store and repair shop. I have had three guitars worked on and Chip does an incredible job. He is a true craftsman. The people who run the store are lovely, the selection is great and I highly recommend you check it out. read more

After nearly 30 years of playing, this is the only place I trust with my guitars. I've tried other places in the Chicago area and nothing comes close. Chip and George have been doing superior work on my guitars since the early 90's, and the price is extremely reasonable. They do their best to fix any anomalies and don't ever try to up sell you on things you don't need. They will call you personally and talk you through any additional work that may need to get done and will do everything they can to keep the price down and assure your axe is in top shape. Their pricing on guitars and amps are also extremely reasonable (considering the high quality of their inventory) and their staff knows the gear they sell like the back of their hand. Their business model of high-end boutique guitars and amps has not caused them to steer away from second-to-none customer service. This is something almost impossible to find at any other store I've been to in the country. I also took lessons here way back in high school from some of the best teachers in the business. This too has not changed in the last 25 years. read more

George had done a fantastic job on my Strat. Plek and set up is perfect. Never had played this well. Had heard about his reputation, read all the reviews, and watched the stores video about the Plek machine which convinced me to drive the distance pay the price which I'm so happy I did. New nut cut and set up blew me away. When another tune up is needed or another guitar Plek'd or a fret job, I will surely make an appointment with George. Thanks again. read more

I always wanted to take guitar lessons. When I finally decided it was time, I was referred to Music Gallery... and I'm SO glad I was. I love my weekly lessons, the owners / staff are so friendly and helpful. It has a close knit friends feel to it. They have a ton of beautiful guitars and accessories. And what they don't have, they gladly order. I'd highly recommend! read more

I was looking for a custom shop 63 stratocaster and Frank hooked me up with an absolutely amazing sonic blue. It was strat set up perfectly out of case with a plek. Frank was very patient and was willing to go the extra mile in customer service. This is one of the best playing and sounding strats I've ever had. I won't hesitate to buy from them again. read more

Best guitar shop I've ever been too. I'm a Telecaster guy and Matt knows more about teles than anyone I've ever talked to in a guitar shop. Great selection, plenty of private spaces to try out guitars, and unmatched customer service. Frank, the owner, is friendly, knowledgeable, and knows his business. This is the kind of shop you feel lucky to be able to visit. read more

This shop has the nicest selection of guitars I have ever seen. It's like walking into a guitar museum! It makes sense because they have been open since the seventies. The staff is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I'm taking guitar lessons from Matt. It is pretty noticable how much the lessons are helping me. Matt shares the same enthusiasm that I do when it comes to playing. He makes the lessons interesting and fun. Mostly my wife is just excited that I don't play the same blues riffs over and over. Matt also has given me lessons on Pro Tools and recording techniques. I highly recommend you check this place out. read more

This place is amazing. From the school/academy and the programs they offer for kids and adults alike, to the variety of products in the store. They have an amazing selection of electric and acoustic guitars including some lefty's! Gibson, Epiphone, PRS, Fender (& Fender Custom), Rickenbacker, Taylor, etc. They are by far the best guitar setup and maintenance shop I've ever experienced. They even have a plek machine and someone that actually knows how to use it! The service from owner Frank and his top notch team including George and Chip make you feel part of the family whether you're in the store, on the phone or online. This place is highly recommended for all things guitar. read more

I've bought 10 guitars from The Music Gallery since I started playing about 15 years ago. The level of service and knowledge that you'll find here is absolutely second to none. It's a wonderful place to spend some time, they are very friendly and also have some of the most unique and incredible guitars you'll ever see. I could go and on, but do yourself a favor and go check them out for yourself! read more

They do ok repair work, but where I think they fall down is listening to what a player wants instead of assuming they know. A regular setup job might work for 80-90% of players out there, but not all. Now I'll be looking at another bill for rework at a different shop. read more

With today's business environment of consolidation of fragmented markets, a lot of smaller music stores are exiting the industry and giant retailers are entering the industry. There are some great merits these big players bring to the table but "personal services" area is obviously lacking. Therefore many experienced musicians have this nostalgia of their local music store where they know you and what gears you use etc.... Highland Park's Music Gallery is exactly this old school "local" music store and much much more!! I was introduced to this store from a friend who is walking the fine line betwen a guitar enthusiast and a madman a couple of years ago. I am not going into the history of the store or anything, but when you walk into the store, you know this store has been around for quite some time. If you are a Fender guy, your eye-balls would not move from the left side of the store. You will see all the high end custom shop models including much desired Masterbuilt Series (not one or two....but MANY) hanging on the wall for your viewing and playing pleasure. If you are a Gibson guy, head right. 59 Reissue Les Pauls, Murphy-aged...etc they are all there. After looking at all guitars on the wall, you probably would have a stiff neck by now... Now's the time to look below and you will notice that you just passed by all the fine amps such as Mesa Boogie, Matchless. You will not find $200 guitars at Music Gallery. They cater towards serious enthusiast who don't mind paying extra $ for good quality equipment. If you are looking for $99 electric guitar package, please visit your local Guitar Center/Best Buy. Last but not the least... Frank, the owner of Music Gallery, is the nicest person that I've met in the musical instruments industry. When you want a new piece of gear, that's all you can think of... I know, been there, done that... However, don't neglect the "buying experience." Once you deal with Frank once, you will be Music Gallery fan for life!!! read more

I had a need to try out some Blackbird carbon fiber guitars and looked up dealers on the Blackbird site. They listed The Music Gallery as a dealer. I thought I would drive out (almost an hour drive) and check them out as I had never heard of them. I talked my brother-in-law to go with me (not that hard....hey, wanna to a cool guitar shop you've never been to? Ah...yeah, lets go!). So we made the trek from Chicago to Highland Park and at first passed up the place because it kind of looks like a house. We walked in to a really cool shop with lots of high end instruments. We browsed around on the lower level and drooled over all the Fender, Gibson, and PRS beauts. We then headed up to the upper level where the acoustics are. Matt came up to help us, and boy did he know his stuff! I was able to try out the Blackbird and got the info I really came for, but also tried out some really nice Composite Acoustics and Rainsong guitars. My brother-in-law tried all manner of wood acoustics as well, I think some Taylor and Martin. We then went back downstairs as my brother-in-law wanted to try some of the Fenders. Matt spent so much time with us, educating us noobs on all things guitar and amp and being very patient with our questions. I also had a chance to talk to Dave, who was really up on carbon fiber acoustics and has a Rainsong as his main guitar. We also met George (the Plek guy, and yes....they have a Plek machine!). At that time, although I didn't know it, I met Frank the owner. All these guys were so gracious with their time and knowledge, they really made us feel comfortable even though we are more or less noobs and were there just looking. I mentioned the actual store resembled a house, and thats how the team there made us feel, like we were hanging at a buddies house....a house with a ton of awesome guitar eye candy! In working with Blackbird, they told me I should work with the local dealer and that I should talk to Frank the owner at The Music Gallery. So I gave Frank a call and we talked about several things including a potential trade-in on my Gibson EC-20 Floret to help get me in the new Blackbird. Frank was really great and very easy to work with, a very down to earth guy. Frank listens to what his customers are looking for, and then finds out how he can help. Not only that, but since there is currently a 3 month wait for a build on the model of Blackbird I was looking for, Frank offered me his spot! That's right, previously Frank had placed an order for the Music Gallery, and he allowed me to grab that spot which cut my wait time in half. Outstanding! That's the kind of guy Frank is, and definitely the kind of folks that I like to give my business to. You can see that same attitude in the guys he has working for him, most of those guys have been there 5-10 years. They love what they do, and through Franks leadership they are an excellent team! I went back in to bring my trade-in, and Frank introduced me to his wife as well some of the other guys. I ended up buying some picks, a guitar strap, and a capo. I have no problem giving my business to a guy like Frank and his team, they are an independent shop in a world of commercial giants. Like I said, they made me feel like an old friend and were truly interested in me, and what I was trying to accomplish. I'll probably be going back there for an amp. Great place, excellent equipment and service. Highest marks. I did see two reviews that were not so great. I find it hard to even imagine how those reviews could possibly happen in the store I was at with the people I met....seems impossible. read more

Have been going to this store since the 80's, always receive great service!! They have an amazing selection of Fender high end guitars. Not only do you get excellent prices if you bought your guitar here and want to trade it in, they give you a nice trade in value. In the music store business it is very rare to find people this honest. I play mostly guitar but one day decided to buy a bass. There were two basses I was going back and forth between one of the bases was $1000 more. The sales person who was an actual bass player agreed with me that the cheaper bass played and sounded better. How many people would be this honest? His comment "we want you to feel great about your purchase". If you live in the city it is definitely worth the drive to check out this store!!! read more

Just a great shop with awesome staff. Gave me a GREAT DEAL, and a very fair trade, on a beautiful LsL Bad Bone. The best first class selection of guitars in Chicagoland, without a doubt. read more

Just bought a Blackbird Nylon from Frank. I looked everywhere for one until I called The Music Gallery. I did everything over the phone because I'm in New York. This could not have been a better experience. From discussing the instrument to receiving it earlier than expected, everything was perfect. Even though I'm halfway across the country I can't imagine getting an instrument from anyone else in the future. read more

The best guitars in Chicagoland. Very high end, but you get what you pay for. I have purchased two guitars and an amp here - great stuff. Frank is such a pleasure to deal with - the friendliest music shop owner around (especially now that the Flynn brothers have moved on). read more

Great, great, great! The best music shop ever! I have purchased 2 guitars from here and plan on buying more in the future!

This review is a bit out of the ordinary for me but important. I purchased my first guitar here when I was in 6th grade. It was a very cheap electric guitar and I learned to play on it. That was in the late 80's, I'm in my 30's now. There are a few reasons to come here instead of somewhere like guitar center or some other wal mart type guitar superstore. The same people working there when I got my magnum no name guitar are still there to this very day. These people live for music gear. The guitar tech is possibly the best to ever touch my Les Paul or PRS. I will never bring them to the fly by night once a week show up tech for guitar center again. A guitar is an instrument which requires precise set up before being handed over to an owner. You will not get that at most music stores, definitely not guitar center. So the hundred bucks you save buying there will be spent twice over setting up the guitar properly. Prices are high here but they carry top shelf equipment. I just prefer to shop somewhere where the people actually know what they are talking about. When I was a kid I purchased a distortion pedal from them, I kept changing my mind and bringing it back to them after the grace period because I didn't like the sound. The dark haired man who still works there was getting annoyed and rightfully so, but he kept doing the exchange for me with no charge. I still feel bad about that. read more

Terrific place for music lessons. My son really is enjoying his guitar lessons here.

My teenage son takes relatively advanced lessons here. His teacher is very knowledgeable about more than just mechanics of playing and has introduced music theory and harmonization recently. He's getting the best $35 lessons I've ever paid for. read more

I am not one to typically write yelp reviews, but I wanted to inform readers of my most recent experience at the Music Gallery. I've visited the shop several times before, but this time, there were two employees that I had not recognized (neither of them were the managers). A few minutes after walking in, a customer in the demo room invited me to come in and try out some amps with him. As I was walking in to join him, I got rudely shouted at by an employee who said that the customer was already in there before I entered. The employee budged in my way and tried to get me to leave the area but instead the kind customer was willing to leave and allow me to have some time alone in the demo room. Once I had I had access to the practice room, I could hear through the walls that same employee shouting and arguing with the repairman in the back room. I won't go into details here, but it got very involved. After I finished trying out a guitar in the demo room I was looking at guitars around the store. As I went to pick up an accessible guitar to try from the bottom rack, I was caught off guard by another employee who stepped in my way and demanded to hand me the guitar.. FROM THE BOTTOM RACK!!!! He did the same thing as I attempted to return the guitar to the bottom rack!!! And even stalked me up to the acoustic room to do the same thing!!! I understand the employees concerns and care for their instruments, but sometimes they really go overboard in strange and rude ways. Honestly, they can't be doing this to every customer in the store. I understand the concept of The Music Gallery. A large part of their market is wealthy suburban hobbyists who are willing and able to pay for high priced instruments (regardless of their skill level). I am a skilled, young professional guitarist who felt incredibly unwelcome during my most recent visit. There is clear bias towards older, more affluent customers and unfair treatment towards some customers simply looking to browse and try instruments out. Overall, an unpleasant visit. read more

An easy review to write, the Music Gallery is the kind of place you love to give your business to. Very knowledgeable, friendly and happy to have you in the store. They only carry high end guitars here so keep that in mind. I love this place. read more

You cannot help but be impressed with the Highland Park's Music Gallery. They are focused, helpful, not pushy and want your buying experience to be a good one. I looked at all the other retail outlets and found the staff knowledgeable and interested in assisting me with the pros and cons of each of their extensive inventory options. They gave me time and space to evaluate the selection on my own, stopping occasionally to see if I had any question. If you want to have competitive prices, the top selection available to see and play to make an informed, comfortable decision...You will at the Music Gallery. read more