I just had to post regarding my visit to the Chicago Music Exchange today. Totally a positive experience! I've seen threads which recommended the store, but said "prices are way too high, and the attitude sucks", etc... (I scratched my head in wonder, as I never got any of this when buying a vintage Rickenbacker a while back - I even walked out with a stand, strap, T shirt...). Today I was greeted by all three sales people on staff today at different times while making the rounds in the store. I was asked if I needed to plug anything in - they'd be glad to bring an amp into a room for me if need be. They knew what they were talking about when asking about a vintage Fender amp and several pedals that a friend and myself were drooling over - NO attitude whatsoever, and you know, a lot of the stuff was marked lower than a GC or Sam Ash would normally have them. I didn't look at much vintage stuff, but they were willing to talk about a possible purchase as opposed to "that's the price, there ya go" as I've seen at other Chicago stores. I did mention to them that they were known for being snobby ("hey, where's the attitude I heard so much about here!?" - in a joking kinda way) and they acknowledged that the reputation was known, and the offending salespeople are no longer there. If you are in the area - give em a (or another) try. I didn't mention that I'd be posting this, but I found myself wishing I had the funds to pick up a pedal while there, they were that helpful with everything. :BEER (I am posting this in hopes that this doesn't get ugly with the haters - trying to keep things positive this Sunday eve...)
A friend of mine works there. He's honestly one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I really like that place.
I've never seen any of the attitude and I have a well worn T-shirt that is one of my faves. They have a great selection and their acoustic room is amazing.
Years ago before they moved to their new location there was a fellow there that had a bit of an attitude but since the move I've had nothing but good experiences there. Definitely one of my favorite shops, love that I'm so close to it
Totally agree, I was there Saturday. I helped a buddy pick out a nice Seagull, he wanted to start playing and was looking for a decent accoustic. I was really impressed with their approach and they are NOT commision based. Will go back for sure!
I went there in 1997 and played a custard yellow 1971 tele which was $1100. I thought, now I want a tele but I can't afford this one. Visiting my parents over xmas I got a new tele plus for $750 at Bill's in Baltimore. (Which will be as good when it's 26 as this one was.) I love that guitar, but now I think.. while that 71 tele seemed expensive at the time (I had a MIM strat, a Peavey Classic 20, a Washburn Prairie Song, a P and a Tascam 424) it was a fair price for a super guitar. I still have the strat, tele, and P.
