Reviews of Guitar Works, Ltd.. (Musical Store) in Chicago (Illinois).

Guitar Works, Ltd.

160 Reviews

106 Comments

Musical store

Music store

709 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202, United States

Description

Information of Guitar Works, Ltd., Musical store in Chicago (Illinois)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

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Open hours of Guitar Works, Ltd.

Reviews of Guitar Works, Ltd.

J Shepherd

I can’t believe stores a place like guitar works still exists but what a gem! Although I am in a different state and called to inquire about a guitar, I am still over the moon with the level of customer service i received. Dealing with Larry and the crew was so effortless and genuine, I felt like everything was a throwback to a much better time. Such great people and I feel really lucky for the entire experience. And get this, the guitar I purchased? Was even better than they described. This won’t be the last time I purchase through this business.

Brian Russell

Went in looking to trade in a guitar, and although it was found to be in need of some repairs, thanks to Tim and crew, a very pleasant outcome was made possible. Tim made a suggestion for a strat type guitar that would fit my trade value, and I made the purchase then. Brought it home and did a little practice with it and it seems to play very well. Plan on being a regular visitor and customer as well. Nice to find a place who cares about the customer still.

Kevin Clay-El

Bill and Conner do excellent repairs and modifications on Amps and Guitars. All of the staff there are friendly, courteous and helpful. Nice selection of instruments, amps and accessories that you can try before you buy. Great store, cool people.

Brandon Budd

Great experience, unbelievably fast repair service, great staff. I'm blown away. I'm not from the area, was traveling through town and needed guitar repair for my bridge pickup. In my experience, repairs can sometimes take a while and I was concerned as I'm never in any place for very long. I explained my problem to Connor, he listened to the issue and assured me he could most likely finish repair quickly. When he actually got into the repair, it ended up being a bit more complicated than anticipated, but Connor successfully diagnosed the issue, rewired, changed out my pot, and changed out my jack plate-- everything fixed in under 24 hours. Unbelievable. Above and beyond my expectations. This place is the best.

David C

Friendly staff, solid repair shop. Quoted a week and a half for a guitar repair and had it done the next day. Good people to do business with, guitar looked brand new after the repairs. 5/5

Ben Rios

I've been coming here for 15 years for a reason. They Price things fairly, Very knowledgeable employees. I've had tons of Guitars worked on here with no issues at all. They are a Fender dealer but have some good used guitars from other brands. Friendly place .

Jon Shay

Stellar, stellar store. Our son took drum lessons, then guitar, and got his first part-time job there. Everyone is very warm and knowledgeable. Our son's teachers became more like friends and mentors than instructors. They have a wide selection of guitars and basses at very good prices (I cross-checked a few against other stores). It wasn't easy finding a left-handed acoustic guitar, but they were very helpful and patient in tracking one down for us. The repair shop is also superb; they seem capable of fixing just about anything. It's a great part of the community and one I find myself just popping into when I'm out and about.

Nicholas

Amazing little guitar store for most of your guitar/bass/uke, and sometimes other instrument needs! Overall the shop is pretty small, but for the space they have, there is a decent selection. Prices are fair and is probably a much better option than guitar center. Support the little guys! As for the repair shop, they are good; the luthiers are knowledgeable and have a good standing policy if they accidently miss something. From my experience, after I got my guitar back it still had buzz. They took back my guitar right quick, and corrected it free of charge. This is the kind of stuff that makes Guitar Works a great place, I'll be coming again.

James Eidson

Took a very fussy fender jaguar in for a set-up and re-fret. The tech was very helpful, and the guitar sounds great!

David Williams

Connor the luthier did a beautiful job replacing the pick guard and tuning pegs on my vintage Gibson. I was very trepidatious handing my guitar over to anyone, but was beyond pleased with his work. The guitar is better than ever, and I'd recommend Connor's work to anyone.

Michael McArthur

After having my pickups changed at another shop, my bass had a horrible electronic hum! I refused to take it back to the shop that did the work so I looked for a local shop, that is when I realized the answer I needed was 10 minutes from my home! I took my bass to Guitar Works expecting to drop it off, Conor Madigan had an idea what the problem was, within 10 minutes, he corrected the wiring problem! Connor, thanks for the great service, expertise and customer service.

Dandy Lionheart

These guys have great customer service, limited selection but Great quality in variety. Rad gear, and amazing staff! I go there regularly at this point for all my musical needs.

Matthew Kaplan

I brought my precious old wrecked guitar (a 1910's Larson Bros) to them after a number of other shops told me they couldn't fix it. Connor at Guitar Works found a way. The work he did was stellar and the guitar is great. Highly recommended.

Matt Geier

Best guitar store in Chicagoland area!! Terry's staff is amazing. Guitar repairman( Conor ) can handle anything you need. Prices are always fair and customer service is outstanding.

Patrick McHaffie

i've been in music all my life and playing stringed instruments for over 50 years. this shop is without question the best experience(s) i've had with any stringed instrument shop in that time. the maintenance/repair shop is the finest i've seen, staff treat your instruments with loving care, as if they are working on their own instruments and their communication about options/techniques for the work they are doing is first-rate. i will take my instruments (fender/ gibson/ martin/ ibanez) nowhere else.

Matthew Hunt

I am not a guitarist, yet. I have had a few stop-and-go attempts at it and I'm trying again. I bought my guitar a long while ago and I've never had it serviced before. I took it to Guitar Works this week to get the strings replaced and they told me there was some other work needing to be done with the guitar. Evidently it was due to my not knowing about how to take care of my guitar. They were very professional and kind in making sure that explained exactly what was wrong and what I need to do in the future to prevent it from happening again. The even through in a freebie that will help. Highly recommend going to see them.

Skip Burrows

The best guitar store in the entire Chicagoland area hands down! You'll get much better service from this local, privately owned (no big box store here) business. Their prices are more than fair and their expertise with repairs in second to none! Honest, friendly staff that know their stuff. They sell guitars, amps and many accessories. They will even let you bring your dog inside (so long as your pup is well behaved).

John King

I have been buying guitars and equipment from Terry at Guitar Works for almost 25 years. Terry has a great shop!! They are very nice people who don't hover over you just to make a sale. They are patient, courteous and very knowledgeable about guitars and gear. Terry has become a friend of mine as well as a business owner and guitar lover. Terry is just about the most honest, hard working and helpful person I have met in the guitar selling business. They have good prices, very fair trade values and do excellent repair services!! I couldn't recommend a guitar shop more favorably than I do for Guitar Works!!! Just to show you how much I like them, I drive three hours just to deal with them!!!!!

Tom Waterloo

Excellent repair shop. I had a fret job done on my high end classical guitar that turned out beautifully. Additionally I had the back side of my two guitar necks shaved down to make them easier to play. Collin in the repair shop did the work which was superb. He finished the necks with french polish. Turned out great. Terry, the owner is also the lead repair man and really knows his stuff. I've known Terry for over 20 years and he's the real deal. If you are looking for service, this is the place to go.

Bob Ryan

I brought in my 20+ year old Epiphone Les Paul for some electrical and set up work and the shop treated it and me like I was handing over a vintage Gibson. The technician mentioned that to his customers their guitar is the only guitar that matters and he treats them all the same. Great shop, great repair work.

Richard Hartman

Guitar Works can take care of all your guitar needs. Very pleasant staff to deal with. Cannot wait to be able to walk the creaky floors of the store again.

Kei Bevido

Yrs ago, bought my 1st/fave electric guitar-- from Owner, Terry; still there. He still gives personal help/advice. NOW-Diff location,I play Classical, needed to replace one. Terry isn't there as often now, but u will see Experience- he shares its; Steve (Mgr), Dan, Larry, Tim and many other musicians are always around to advise, help w/anything from questions to repairs. I replaced my guitar, am happy. GREAT PLACE to get personal attention from knowledgeable musicians who work here or just hang/help out. Prices are fair for buying, repair, string replacement, etc. Just convo w Dan who restrung my guitar (while I waited), enlightened me. Go here if u prefer a more personal, knowledgeable n friendly laid back staff.

Ardis Berghoff

I bought a beautiful guitar here, have had other guitars repaired here (Colin does high quality work), have bought many accessories and an amp here, and have also taken lessons here from an excellent instructor (Jason). Everyone has been very helpful and knowledgeable. It is so nice to have such a great resource for guitar-related things in Evanston.

Nicholas Mergner

AMAZING STORE! The staff are so friendly and informative. They don't try to upsell you, just help you find a guitar that is the right fit. Good prices and super knowlegable.

Robert Feldman

A small shop but bigger then it looks from outside. Good selection of new and used instruments at fair prices, including consignment items. Good selection of vintage travel guitars. Luthiers are terrific. Another local guitar store had worked on my first guitar, a 1982 Washburn acoustic. I didn't enjoy playing it and was going to get rid of it. A friend recommended Guitar Works. They did a custom, fully intonated saddle and a bone nut, and now it's a wonderful sounding and easy to play instrument. Be sure to bring a case for your guitar when you bring it for service, or they can't be responsible for dings. Staff can seem a little reserved, but they know their stuff. I've bought a guitar and an amp here, a friend has bought a dozen guitars here, and we'll keep going back. Be sure to check hours, they are closed Sunday and open at noon some days.

Stephen Littell

Have tried hundreds of wonderful guitars over the years, had several of my classics repaired, bought a few new ones. Terry is always helpful, knowledgeable. Great store.

Dan Giarraputo

The best place to take your guitar or guitars if they need any kind of work, or even if you need to have it set up due to different gauge strings. They are very professional and know what they are doing and take great care in doing the job correctly and professionally. I recommend them to anyone who needs work of any kind on their guitar.

Laura Caragher

I bought my first guitar at a chain store where folks work on commission and tell you what you want to hear to make a sale. It was crap and they likely laughed as I walked out the door. I've since purchased 4 guitars from Guitar Works since 1988, with a different sales person each time. No commission. If you're up front about your guitar knowledge, these folks will speak to your skill level - RESPECTFULLY. They don't oversell. This is how you stay in business for SO LONG. I've also traded in one Taylor for another and Terry was more than fair on the price. These guys & gals are dedicated. The repair staff is fantastic (talented & knowledgable with instruments and amps alike) and they do not over-promise. Lessons are priced fairly and there's a teacher for every type/level/age of student. To the reviewer who mentioned the "heavy-set guy." NOT the owner. That person no longer works there - and he was a cashier, not a sales person. I can't say enough good things as a fan of this store. For newbies and the folks looking for super-rare gems. Support local business. Support good work ethics and fair business models. Support musicians trying to make a living for the love of music.

Nathanael Jones

Friendly neighborhood guitar shop. I have a friend that works there, and I wish I could maybe work there some day too. Guitar Center is too fake, big and overwhelming. Chicago Music Exchange has more selection of guitars, but Guitar Works is more convenient to me and is a comfortable old standby. Guitar Works and CME are my 1st and 2nd favorite music stores.

Gary Robinson

I ordered an item during the pandemic (as I am out of state, in Indiana). I found Terry to be patient and go the extra mile to help me; those in the store were very helpful and thorough assisting me. I highly recommend Guitar Works, LTD, in Evanston.

JDT

I've done business with Guitar Works, Ltd. a number of times over the years. There is no one I trust more than Terry (and his staff) when it comes to my guitars! Always professional, very skilled and knowledgeable, they get the job done. I never hesitate to refer other guitarists to them–although it's rare that they aren't already using them!

Otto Rascon

I visited this shop for the first time and loved my experience. Tim was very helpful and allowed me to play without selling or being pushy. The guitars are quality and I'd definitely go back.

Lori Lippitz

A long-time small guitar dealer where they believe in acoustic instruments and try to find a good match to the customer's needs and budget. We just bought our 4th instrument today (averaging two per decade). No pressure, good values.

Tom W.

Have known owner Terry 'bout 27 years now, my late father in law (60 years jazzman in Evanston) trusted Guitar Works LTD since Terry opened in 1979. He has sold to longtime associate but is staying on part time, limited hours a few days a week. Steve, Larry, and support staff are all on board, trying on "old man ownership shoes which are probably a bit too tight and have holy soles, but will soon stretch out". I have looked to Terry thes past 17 years to maintain my father in law's hollow body Gibson L4 & L5, 2 mandolin's, my 60 year old Gibson 4 string tenor, 1976 Yamaha FG-170 6- String FG-312 and purchased my son's Taylor Guitar. No value in my Yamahas but the 12 string always had beautiful tonal quality to my ear and the neck separated from body. Summer 2019 Terry agreed to repair it. Came out great, needs minor bridge adjust, but I have an old friend back. Some folks have had different experience, and I won't try and make excuses. I have played folk, jazz, R&B and R&R. Am a musician: drummer, acoustic guitar, flute, harmonica. And 50 years a computer systems engineer and airborne radio/navigation technician. Responsibility to see that aircrews could communicate, and get back frrom missions. This is where I learned, there is no room to fail, no re-tries, fix it right the first time, or find a different field of work. I also ran my own consulting business, so I understand that there may challenges the new owners must address to find their own NEW Stride in old man's Shoes, and figure out how to uphold a reputation that Terry established. Everyone communicate with courtesy and clarity and make this work. Thanks for all your service to our musical family. TomW - Glenview

Nathan Powell

I absolutely love this shop. Great prices and even better service. Went in and talked with Larry about getting a new amp. I started with saying I didn't have a big budget and he didn't try to sell me on anything. I don't know why I would ever go to a different guitar shop .

Laura Khachaturian

We had to fix a string on the used guitar we bought. We called and came 15 minutes before closing. The guy was very polite, helpful, fixed the string and gave us some advice on maintaining the guitar.

John Sklar

This the real deal they know guitars and have a killer repair shop. They can fix, finish and adjust your guitar. Did a little job for me and I can hardly see where they fixed the finish. Beautiful guitars too.

Greg Witt

Great selection of new and used guitars, amps and accessories. Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff. The repairs department is probably the best in the Chicagoland area.

Del Harvey

Friendly people, very knowledgeable and helpful. They do fantastic repair work. If you're looking for a new or used guitar or instrument for aunt then I highly recommend them.

bill dehn

locally owned music store. Lots of really great guitars. Most of the staff are musicians. Terrific repair shop. Long-time Evanston store.

Lori L

The guitar works remains an anomaly: a small, independent guitar shop that remains personal and popular. For instruments, repairs or lessons, this is the place to go for all things guitar in Evanston.

Ric Sutherland

Wonderful Evanston guitar shop fixture. Been here forever. Great inventory and really good repair shop for guitars and amps.

Aaron Burke

Had a wonderful time. Bought an amazing guitar. Assistance was perfect.

yehuda cohen

Nice selection of guitars and accessories. Friendly service and a great place to hang out and play amazing guitars

Alan Golden

Great place to shop for guitars. Nice people and good selection without the warehouse feel of chain stores.

Thomas Rodgers

I have been going to Guitar Works since 1998 for instruments, maintenance and lessons. I have nothing but the highest praise for the staff, their dedication and quality of service.

justinsmuse

The best guitar shop in Chicagoland! Been a loyal customer for 35 years and counting!

Michael Topel

I LOVE these guys. Very knowledgeable. Easy going and soft sell. Excellent repair. Beyond fair and reasonable.

Rifkie Muskat

Need your guitar tuned looking for some instroments to buy or rent.. need cool picks then this is the place!!!

Arun Ramachandran

Got an old electric guitar fixed. Very good work on the repair, was also fixed well before the deadline as initially promised.

Sue Oldenburg

Extremely helpful staff and a wide variety of acoustic, electric and all the accessories. Fantastic repair and service folk.

Paige Dyer

Very knowledgeable...was in and out in 30 mins with a great used guitar for a great price!

Mahesh Alur

Very friendly and knowledgeable for novices like me and my son. Easy rentals that can be turned into purchases!

John Sellers

Great selection of stringed instruments. Good prices. Great repairs. Check this place out.

Roland Mueller

Neighborhood music store that also has music instruction available for a variety of instruments. Always super friendly and helpful

Don Cue

Nice shop. Super helpful staff!

Mike Tetzlaff

They have always treated me fairly. Love to be able to support local businesses when they treat you right.

Tamara Simovic

Came in for the first time for a bass setup: no charge! Knowledgable and friendly staff eager to help out

Chris Gillett

I've been in a few guitar shops and this ranks pretty high. The ding was for lowballing me.

Drew Kelly

The guitar repair guys are so knowledgeable, worth the price

Andres Beltrami

I visit it any time I come to Chicago, great place always.

John Mohr

I’ve been gong there for more than 30 years. Terry and team are The BEST!!

john oconnor

Guitar novice here very helpful getting me setup...

Lori Lippitz

Honest, fair, reliable people who love guitars and the people who play them.

Christopher Birnbaum

Been coming here for years. Great repairs.

Obsidian Snow (Obsidian Snow)

Stopped by for the first time today. They have the friendliest and most helpful staff you could possibly find.

Patrick Anderson

Great selection, location, and helpful staff. They've got some great stuff!

Mr. jv

In the voice of Tony the Tiger... they're great!

Glenn Engstrom

This is the place to go to find your next instrument. The staff are down to earth and very helpful.

Steve Stell

Good store. Have found a few cool things over the years.

Ellyot

They do not always have the instruments they say they do!

Clif Bassclif S.

Knowledgeable & Friendly Staff, Great Variety of Gear & Accessories,Convenient Parking.

Bridget Duggan

Nice selection, good prices, knowledgeable, friendly & helpful staff. Love this place.

Kit Martin

Best guitar store repair center in the city

Benjamin Sherer

Two hour turnaround to install a passive pickup - same half day service!

Peter Seman

I love my new Collings guitar! Thanks Terry!!!

Juli Bell

Great store and place to take music lessons

Thomas Weber

You get reliable advice here, both sales and repairs.

mark buczko

Great store, well stocked, friendly helpful staff.

Kevin Drew

Very nice and reasonably priced services.

Trevor Olsen

Well done setups on instruments for a reasonable price

David Gracey

Cool place lots of guitars good teachers

Senya Rogers-Kaufman

Unique guitars and good deals.

Jeremy DuBrul

Great LOCAL guitar shop.

luis colmenares

nice place to get strings :D

Christos Alexakos

Great service and helpful during covid

dov gurewicz

Great local place with friendly staff!

Batra Batra

Loved place. Found my little grace

Rachel Taiwo

Curbside service order ahead or at the door

Mark Lynch

Love this place !! It rocks !! 😎🌵👀 …

Gary Scott Petersen

Good prices and quality

graciela lopez

Nice and helpful people

Chris Lowery

Great friendly place.

Seth Watson

Always great. Phenomenal!!!!

Renee Lee Irons

Good service

Alex Sukstansky

Simply the best.

Danny Takushi

Friendly staff.

peabodytiger

Great shop! Had my acoustic guitar setup here recently. They said it would take a week to a week-and-a-half and it was done early. Action lowered, nut filed down, new strings, and it plays great. Thx!!

Steve Knight

An old school, the way it should be kind of music store with a good selection of models at all price points, knowledgeable and courteous staff, and a killer repair department. Larry up front will make you feel at home as he talks you into a cheaper guitar than you came in for because it's actually better for you and Connor in the back sets your mind at ease, approaching every repair with insight and integrity, from Squier to Stradivarius. Unlike so many bigger stores, this is a place to hang, to jaw about gear, to earnestly debate the merits of locking tuners - an Evanston (Algonquin) Roundtable of Fretted Instruments. Music stores like this make the entire music scene (and its musicians, from beginners to grizzled veterans) better.

Bill robinson

Matthew P

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Tammy Reed

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