Chicago trip

[p0werslav3]

I'm thinking of heading to Chicago in May to see if I can temporarily fix my GAS.

The basses I'm heading up to try out are:

Lakland
MTD
G&L
anything else that catches my eye

My question is, does anyone know if there are 1 or 2 stores that carry those 3 brands in house? I don't mind hitting a few stores but I'm trying to avoid spending the whole day driving aroud Chicagoland.

And if anyone suggests GC, could you let me know which location you're refering to since there are a few of them up there.

Any input is much appreicated

[DudeWheresMy182]

the GC on Halsted is great from what I hear, i know theres a vintage store somewhere in chi-town if youre interested, im sure there are some other great places around too!

[Spinal Tapper]

I know the Lakland factory is here in Chicago: 2044 N Dominick St - I haven't been there myself, but I think if you call ahead, you can come in and tour or something? I dunno for sure, but I know a couple guys here have done this.

There's a Guitar Center @ 2633 N. Halsted in Lincoln Park. If you're South near Cicero or Midway Airport, there's one around 73rd & Cicero Ave (you'd have to google it me thinks)

Make'n Music at 1455 W. Hubbard is cool - I haven't been there in years, but it's still there. Last time I was there I noticed brands like Modulus and other higher end botique stuff.

I don't know if ur into Fenders and vintage stuff, but there's a great place called "Rock & Roll Vintage" at 4740 N. Lincoln that has almost entirely vintage gear run by a guy named Heith. It's a really cool shop and the guys are laid back and will let u try anything. I was there Thursday for a setup, and they have a ton of old P-basses and some cool beat up guitars and basses.

That's about all I can think of for now...

[koricancowboy]

Support small local business!!
http://www.bassclubchicago.com/

[Johnius]

to all the other joints listed, stop by Bass Club: 1455 W. Hubbard. It's just outside of the Loop and since you have to pass through the city anyway you might as well stop at a specialty store. You can look them up on line for the hours and such.

[lopxtc]

Man perfect timing on this thread ... Im coming back home (originally from Chicago) next week with the wife for the Grateful Dead concert and was looking for some good stores to hit while up there

Aaron

[bgartist]

BassClub is the place! They carry all the brands you mentioned. +1 on calling ahead to Lakland for the tour. They will let you try whatever is there. Its interesting to see the basses in various stages of completion.

[LuvMusic]

Originally Posted by bgartist

BassClub is the place! They carry all the brands you mentioned. +1 on calling ahead to Lakland for the tour. They will let you try whatever is there. Its interesting to see the basses in various stages of completion.

+1 for the Bass Club. Mark is a great guy and supporter of TB. He just installed a Fralin pup and setup my P bass. Mention that you are a TB'er for "extra special pricing consideration!"

[p0werslav3]

Awesome, thanks for all the replies.

I like to support the small stores, so I will make my first stop at Bass Club

[RAM]

A few come to mind as good places to stop by:
1. Bass Club, as mentioned several times above. It's actually inside Make'n Music, as Make'n Music is no longer ITSELF in the bass-business...they only sell guitars.
2. Music Exchange on Lincoln: largely a vintage shop, and their selection of vintage basses (and guitars) is the largest I've ever seen...SERIOUSLY worth the visit if you're into vintage!
3. Luthiers Access Group: a bit of a drive, as it's southwest of the city, but will seriously screw with your mind, in terms of the inventory...and, Dan Lenard is a great guy.

[Eminor3rd]

Bass Club Chicago! Mark is a great man.

[GregC]

Originally Posted by RAM

A few come to mind as good places to stop by:
1. Bass Club, as mentioned several times above. It's actually inside Make'n Music, as Make'n Music is no longer ITSELF in the bass-business...they only sell guitars.
2. Music Exchange on Lincoln: largely a vintage shop, and their selection of vintage basses (and guitars) is the largest I've ever seen...SERIOUSLY worth the visit if you're into vintage.

Another vote for Bass Club and Lakland! Super-cool people at both locations. I know Mark carries all three brands. And a visit to Lakland is not only interesting, you'll have a chance to try just about anything they make! Call them first to arrange something. Also, Lakland and Bass Club are probably less than two miles apart.

Chicago Music Exchange is great just to gawk at the vintage Fenders. They have Rics, too.

[g4string]

Bass Club is inside Makin Music.....they are the same............+1 on the Lakland factory, very nice guys!!