The best guitar stores in Illinois
Ranked by the players who actually walk in and plug in — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 49,262 reviews of Illinois stores. Minimum 25 reviews to qualify, true guitar & music stores only, one location per chain, and nobody pays for a spot. Updated 2026.
#1 Sterling & Knight Jewelry & Pawn - Pawn Shop Bolingbrook IL
4.9 ★★★★★ 1,730 reviews · Bolingbrook, IL
“Fantastic Experience at Sterling & Knight Pawn Shop! Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) I recently had the pleasure of visiting Sterling & Knight Pawn Shop, and I must say it was an outstand…” — Bolo
#2 Chicago Music Exchange
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,067 reviews · Chicago, IL
Vintage, new & used guitars plus other instruments & gear in a polished space with an acoustic room.
“I recently traveled to Chicago from Italy with my family, and one of the very first places I wanted to visit was Chicago Music Exchange. From the moment we walked in, everyone was …” — Antonio
#3 King Music Inc
5 ★★★★★ 1,265 reviews · Bradley, IL
Musical instrument supplier, also providing lessons and repairs by a friendly staff.
“I brought in my Grandpa's guitar that was handed down to me after my Dad passed. It had been in the family over 70 years. It was so badly destroyed Kurt Cobain and Pete Townsend co…” — Frank
#4 Guitar Center
4.4 ★★★★☆ 1,562 reviews · Chicago, IL
“I had such a great buying experience today with Shaun in the keyboard department. I was looking to purchase a digital piano and called in about a week ago to inquire. I asked about…” — Kimi
#5 Old Town School Music Store
4.8 ★★★★★ 674 reviews · Chicago, IL
Music shop featuring classes, plus instruments & educational materials from around the globe.
“This is a great music store for which the proceeds support the school. I was looking for a new acoustic with pickups in late October. The staff at the store were helpful in narrowi…” — Travis
#6 Ellman's Music Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 381 reviews · Naperville, IL
Music store offering a selection of instruments, plus books, supplies, repairs, and lessons.
“There aren’t words to express how much I appreciate what Ellman’s Music Center staff did to overhaul my 55-year old clarinet that was way overdue for some TLC. A picture is worth 1…” — Kristina
#7 The Music Shoppe Inc.
4.8 ★★★★★ 314 reviews · Normal, IL
Music store offering lessons, rentals and repairs for various instruments.
“I've been there a couple times. First time I was there I bought a nice Les Paul. Price was reasonable and the guy who helped me was terrific. Next time I went I brought in my Fende…” — Honcho
#8 Naperville Music
4.8 ★★★★★ 305 reviews · Naperville, IL
Spacious music store featuring digital and acoustic pianos as well as lessons.
“My son has been taking piano lessons at Naperville Music since he was 5 years old. The teachers and staff are amazing — always supportive and encouraging. You can buy or rent instr…” — Vinita
#9 Third Coast Guitar and Amp Repair
4.8 ★★★★★ 283 reviews · Chicago, IL
Guitar shop specializing in repairs, customizations, and restorations of vintage gear.
“Ive been meaning to write this review for a while, but I just wanted to share my experience with third coast. I sent in my elitist Sheraton for a complete top refinish in august of…” — Perry
#10 Quinlan & Fabish Music Company
4.6 ★★★★★ 336 reviews · Burr Ridge, IL
Music store with a wide variety of instruments for purchase or rent, plus repairs are offered.
“First, I bought 2 trumpets there about 30 years ago, having had an excellent experience each time. I wanted my daughter to have the same experience, so we took her there to look at…” — Jay