Chicago Music Exchange – Customer Experiences Matter

Chicago Music Exchange – Customer Experiences Matter

Chicago Music Exchange: A Must-Visit for Any Music Lover

I recently took a trip to Chicago Music Exchange (CME), and I have to say—it’s easily one of the best music shops in the country. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some legendary stores, including Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, the Gibson Garage in Nashville, Austin Vintage Guitars, South Austin Music, Real Guitars in San Fransisco and more. CME ranks right up there with the best of them.

First Impressions: A Guitarist’s Paradise
Walking through the doors of CME feels like stepping into a guitarist’s paradise. The store is beautifully laid out, with walls lined with vintage and modern guitars, amps, pedals, and drums. The bass section and repair shop are tucked downstairs, while the main floor offers plenty of space to explore. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with couches to chill on and quiet nooks where you can take your time with your favorite piece of gear.

A Gear Wonderland—With No Barriers
Unlike some high-end shops where pricey guitars are locked away behind glass, CME encourages you to play. You’ll find $12,000 Gibsons hanging on the walls, ready to be taken down and plugged in—no questions asked. Whether you’re after a brand-new Fender Stratocaster, a vintage Gibson Les Paul, or a boutique model from builders like Novo or Collings, CME has something for every player.

The Difference is in the Experience
One of the best things about CME? The staff. These aren’t just salespeople—they’re musicians and gear lovers who genuinely want to help you find what you need. They’re knowledgeable, approachable, and never pushy.
That’s the key difference between places like CME, Carter Vintage, and Gibson Garage versus music chain stores. Sure, chain stores might compete on price, but they can’t match the experience, vibe, and passion that specialty shops bring. CME isn’t just about selling instruments—it’s about creating a place where musicians feel at home.

A Personal Story: Why I’ll Always Choose CME Over Big-Box Stores
Back in 2017, I was searching for a Fender Stratocaster with a big ‘70s headstock and a dark burst finish. I stopped by Guitar Center during my lunch break, found a guitar I liked, and planned to come back later to buy it. Of course, when I returned, it was gone.

A salesperson offered to help and said, “I have just the guitar for you.” It was a used Mexican Strat in the exact finish I wanted. I played it for an hour and decided it was the one.
But when I took it to check out, they told me it had already been sold. Mistakes happen—I get it. But instead of trying to find me a similar guitar or offering alternatives, the salesperson just shrugged, said sorry and walked away. No effort. No care. Nothing.

Frustrated, I left. Sitting in my truck, I pulled up Guitar Center’s website and found 24 identical guitars in their inventory. But I wasn’t about to go back inside and do their job for them. That was the last time I ever bought anything from Guitar Center.

That night, I went home and searched online. Chicago Music Exchange had an even better version of the guitar I wanted—complete with a hard-shell case. I placed the order, and the very next day, CME called me.
They asked about my playing style, how I wanted the guitar set up, what strings I used. When the guitar arrived a few days later, it was perfectly set up and played like a dream. A few days after that, CME called again—just to check if I was happy with my purchase.

My Strat from CME is pictured above before a gig.

That level of customer care and attention to detail is something the big-box stores simply can’t match.

Final Thoughts: If You’re in Chicago, You Have to Go
If you ever find yourself in Chicago, do yourself a favor—stop by CME. Whether you’re shopping for a new guitar, looking for inspiration, or just want to be surrounded by incredible instruments, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Have you been to Chicago Music Exchange? Drop a comment and share your experience!