Kim V. - 2/2/23

"Such a great place! Daniel and Dan were so wonderful explaining the process of selling my guitar thoroughly. They handled an emotional sale with grace and compassion. I also observed the other interactions between staff and customers and was impressed with their friendliness and knowledge. I would recommend the store and the entire staff for all your music needs." 

Greg E. - 9/2/23

"I worked with Mike L. and Wrenn to trade in three bases and get one in return + cash. Both were fantastic and the process was super smooth, especially considering the complexity of the deal. This was my second time dealing with CME and I am now officially going to use them for everything I need. Can’t say enough about this shop and I have dealt with hundreds of guitar stores - CME really is the best." 

Dominic D. - 5/15/23

"They helped to make it a really easy and enjoyable experience. It was my first time at the shop and in Chicago and everything was great. I was really blown away by the service and selection and ended up getting two guitars that I had been eyeing for a while. I’ll definitely be back soon with some more gear." 

Tom W. - 2/22/20

"I have purchased lots of guitar gear from this store. They have an amazing selection, the staff is really knowledgeable, and their trade in policy is very fair compared to other companies I have dealt with. I just recently bought a Friedman Runt 50 and hope to make additional purchases when things open back up. I always suggest going during the week and early during the day. It gets really busy on the weekends and it is hard to find an empty room to try out equipment. They also are willing to offer deals with certain products. I can't recommend this store enough."

Josh R. - 3/26/24

"It was a pleasure working with CME, the experience was friendly and professional." 

Alison A. - 4/01/24

"Thanks for making it so painless!" 

Randy H. - 4/27/23

"That was the best trade-in deal I've ever had. Makes it worth not messing around with selling online." 

H. R. - 2/4/14

"I was heading up to Chicago for various reasons, and I was looking to sell/trade a few guitars I had. I emailed them ahead of time and had it somewhat worked out.I probably could have made more money by selling them on Craigslist or ebay, but I honestly tried for a long time, and I had no buyers. So after some thought, these guys were willing to step up and make the trade for an item I wanted, so I went for it. 

So when I arrived they checked out the items I brought and all was well. It took awhile because it was on Saturday and they were busy. I got my paper work and they shipped me the item (It was out of stock everywhere). They also shipped me a gig bag for free. Zero money was exchanged. 

I was very happy with the deal, I initially felt like I could be getting ripped off, but no one was making me do the deal. I could have said no, and again I tried to sell the items but they were just not selling. So I felt I got a good deal, because I wanted the item, and they made it happen. The next time you want something there, try doing a trade? They maybe able to help you.

Also, just a word on the store. WOW. I mean WOW. You do not see collections like this anywhere. It is really unbelievable and overwhelming. Everyone I dealt with or spoke to was nice and polite. I didn't like how you would have to go in a little room to plug in the electrics to play them, but I get it.

If you are a fan of music and guitars, go to this place, it is like a dream come true!

Eddie C. - 1/27/23

Josh D. - 2/27/21

"Traded in for a Custom Shop Duotone strat 2012. I have never been this impressed with a guitar within a few hours of playing it. Guitar was packaged and shipped with extra care. Scott, Jason, Karl, and Jon were a huge help throughout the trade process. You definitely get the best trade in value for your used instruments here. Kind, caring, and helpful staff. Willing to go the extra mile for the customer if you need it. Highly recommend Chicago Music Exchange."

Nick “Nicko” J. - 2/17/22

"One of (if not) the best guitar stores I’ve ever been too. Great customer service. Great selection. Great prices. Great trade in values. And you can play any guitar here from the 100 dollar to 30000 dollar range. Simply do yourself a favor and stop on in!"

Aaron L. - 3/11/18

"Unreal selection of guitars new, used, and vintage, as well as a large inventory of effects pedals. And a separate space for percussion.

Staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. I brought in some used gear to sell and they were honest about what they could offer, and what they would sell it for. Even recommended I just list a few things myself on reverb.com to get a better price.

The acoustic room here is unlike any I've seen. HUGE inventory of vintage Gibson's and Martin's, plus pretty much everything else. If you are looking for a cheap starter guitar, CME is NOT the place for you. But if you are looking for an awesome vintage guitar and are willing to pay a bit for it, spend and hour here and find one that sings to you.

Pierre W. - 4/2/24

"I told all my friends to come to you guys if theyre selling or buying. You guys are excellent!"