Chicago Music Exchange - reputation?

[farlow]

I am interested in a vintage Gibson archtop at the Chicago Music Exchange but have encountered mixed reviews about the store. Some forums suggest that in the past they have not accurately represented their vintage instruments, e.g. parts described as original were actually reproduction, difficulties in obtaining refunds, etc. These problems could be spurious or might have occurred under different management though. Have any of you dealt with CME? My limited interaction with their sales staff has been positive so far. However, would it be better to go with someone like Archtop.com or Gruhn if buying a vintage guitar online?

[NSJ]

Originally Posted by farlow

I interested in a vintage Gibson archtop at the Chicago Music Exchange but have encountered mixed reviews about the store. Some forums suggest that in the past they have not accurately represented their vintage instruments, e.g. parts described as original were actually reproduction, difficulties in obtaining refunds, etc. These problems could be spurious or might have occurred under different management though. Have any of you dealt with CME? My limited interaction with their sales staff has been positive so far. However, would it be better to go with someone like Archtop.com or Gruhn if buying a vintage guitar online?

I go in there to buy strings, as they are one of the few shops to carry TI-Bebop strings. I think it has improved, honestly, as they did try to seriously rip me off in the past on a guitar--which made me very mad, and their prices are generally inflated.

But I heard they got new management, too.

I would not buy a guitar there, as it is still overpriced, and, from a jazz point of view, the only thing they know is G-I-B-S-O-N. But maybe you can find a bargain, who knows? It is a huge place. I remember when it was much smaller, and on Clark Street.

I go to Guitar Works in Evanston, very knowledgeable place, the manager/owner is a vey honest and reputable guy, they do good repair work, and Terry, the owner, knows his jazz boxes.

[Patrick2]

It's like anything else. Let the buyer beware. If they have something you like . . . and you can negotiate the deal you are comfortable with, then ask the to document the sale, with all of the particulars about the guitar in a contract of sale. If they claim it is all original, then have them document as much in the contract of sale. Assure yourself recourse. Pay with a credit card . . . if possible AmEx. If any questions arise after you get the guitar at home, take it to a disinterested 3rd party for an appraisal and evaluation. If it appears they misled you . . . let AmEx have the documentation and they will fight your battles for you. "Don't leave home without it."

[bmikiten]

I've purchased several instruments (high-end) from them over the years and never had anything but good service and decent prices. I'm five states away and have conducted all business by phone and email. No issues. Just picked up a Grosh today.

Brian

[voxwerx]

Got to shop there last summer- about the nicest I've ever been treated in a music store. I got to play all those 50's era Epiphones- and all the store staff did was try to help me (want to try that on an amp?) I did, however, pay about $60 for a guitar strap my daughter just HAD to have. No, it wasn't made of gold. It looked like one of those straps you find tied to a guitar in a chipboard case- that someone wants $5 for at a yard sale...

My experience was very positive at CME. It was hard to leave the Tacoma Parlor they had....

[Timo]

I bought a tele from them a few years ago (not a vintage one) and the service was excellent. I did the whole thing by email and phone, and was pleased with the result.

[ChicagoMusicEx]

Thanks for all of the great comments! We appreciate it.

It's true we are under new management (2 years new) and satisfaction and service are our top priority.
We bend over backwards to make sure everyone is happy with every deal. Chicago Music Exchange is 100% dedicated to service/satisfaction. We will dismantle and photograph/video any piece, we will accurately describe fret/body/neck condition. We do a 40 point inspection on every guitar that we absolutely stand behind.

All that said, we all know that every guitar is unique and different as is every guitarist, so although we do take every precaution we do have a return policy in place that allows the buyer to do the same
inspection and let us know if they are happy. Our reputation is everything to us so we want every buyer to be completely satisfied.

We maintain 4-5 stars on Yelp, 99-100% on ebay and amazon and get letters from customers and fans daily telling us how happy they are with their purchase.

Thanks again for the positive comments and reach out to us with any question regarding Chicago Music Exchange, we appreciate an open dialogue whether it's about the past/present. We realize reputation is everything.

[El V.]

I've often visited their website and have been impressed with many of the guitars on offering, particularly in the area of vintage archtops. My only issue as a potential customer is that their prices seem high compared to other dealers of similar instruments.

I have not been close enough to want to purchase one of their instruments to look into their reputation, though some of the comments in this thread would give me pause. I would want to make sure that I could return the instrument for a full refund (less shipping cost, of course) if it was not as represented.

[jepa]

It's a nice store. Nice selection. The staff is generally ok and not too snobby. But----the prices are very inflated----you'll get ripped on trying to re-sell/swap items - so I would not waste your time. They have real expensive stuff - and then real garbage. Nothing really middle of the road. And they're real top heavy on Gibson and Fender.