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Chicago Music Exchange
- Thread starter malthumb
- Start date
CME has really stepped up its game in a major way the past couple years on the bass front. Great store. Between them, Bass Club and the Lakland factory (all within a few miles of each other), we're truly spoiled for choice here.
Yes, I constantly see amazing basses on their website. Good to keep up the spirit to play/practice my bass etc (saving money so some day I can visit/buy nice bass there) but not good to keep saliva, heart pumping and blood pressure in control... Dangerous ...Not healthy
See?..
I grew up in Chicago. Back in the '60s-early '70s there was a music store downtown, I believe on State street. It was on the 2nd or 3rd floor and you had to take an elevator or stairs to get up to it. They had everything under the sun and all kinds of pictures taken in the shop with folks like the Beatles, Stones, Santana etc. I once observed Leslie West there trying out a Les Paul. The front of the shop was where all the guitars and basses were displayed and there was a sound proofed room in the back with all the amps. Does anyone know the shop I'm speaking of? Does it still exist?
If you're going there, bring your checkbook. They don't cheat themselves there. Pretty snooty too. And if you're bringing something in to have them appraise/trade? bring the lube...you'll start off in negative territory and stay there.
They have beautiful stuff though.
The Bass Club is small...but okay. But again, they tried to sell me a set of strings for $50.
They have beautiful stuff though.
The Bass Club is small...but okay. But again, they tried to sell me a set of strings for $50.
Went there (edit: Chicago) 3 years ago to visit family for the holidays and also happened to stop by CME. Never has one retail establishment given me so much gas... honestly, best selection of musical instruments I've ever seen, period... of course, I can't afford anything there.
Hmn...I lived in a western 'burb for most of '73. Yeah, I remember that store downtown. Kind of an old-school music store feel to it. Dang...can't recall the name of it...
Enjoy it, buddy!! I lived in Chicago for the past five years and loved having so many awesome stores with great bass selections and luthiers within city limits. It's definitely been quite a shock moving to Austin where there's, shall we say, less emphasis on marketing and catering to bassists (this is really just a guitar town).
Fun video! When I lived in Chicago I was in CME's Bassment probably way more than I should have been. Marc was always a pleasure to deal with and I'm sad that I couldn't have spent more money there. I'm 99% positive that was my old SWR Megoliath in that video (traded in towards a Gibson acoustic guitar for my father)!
Fair point. I usually forget about them as I've never contacted them and don't know where they're located.
I live pretty close to Chicago, Southwest burbs. I have been to CME a few times and I got my Electric there. I remember the first time I walked down into the basement, I felt a wave of euphoria come over me as I got more into the room. It really is an awesome sight. I took some pics too and sent them to my girl while I was there to show her the bassdom of that place. They have the coolest stuff there and I love the littel isolated rooms they have all the amps set up in. The pedal selection is AWESOME there as well. I could easily spend all day in there. Its cool to actually find a store that carries most of the stuff you want to try that you will never find at a GC or the like. Plus, the staff is super helpful and all around a bunch of good dudes. Marc helped me out when I was there. It is a great resource for any bassist let alone musician. Love CME.
Heres some shots from when I was there.
And the amp I bought.
And the amp I bought.
I only had about an hour to spend there when I went to around the Chicago airport area a few weeks ago to pick up an ampeg svt-CL I found on eBay for $800. I played a mustang bass that was super cool, and that blue bass (is that the Sandburg in your pic, the p/stingray pups?) overall, that was my favorite bass. Marc seemed to be pretty busy when I was there, but he obliged to a photo op with me.
I will be there Wednesday....weather permitting.
Travelling to Chicago and then up to Milwaukee on business.
Chicago is a great drum town also. Vic's, Andy's, Steve Maxwell's.
Only problem is finding a frickin' parking spot and navigating the one ways.
Travelling to Chicago and then up to Milwaukee on business.
Chicago is a great drum town also. Vic's, Andy's, Steve Maxwell's.
Only problem is finding a frickin' parking spot and navigating the one ways.
I grew up in Chicago and remember that place as well! Was it Chicago Guitar Gallery?
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You know, I think that may be it! I wonder if it's still around. I'll have to check it out on Google. Thanks!
The one time I was at CME there was no BASS-ment, but there was a nice BASS-cave off to the side of the main floor. Great place to window shop. Their prices seemed about the same as everyone else's at the time I was there although I never have bought anything from them so I can't say how good or bad they are to deal with. I was unemployed at the time so buying was not an option....
If you live in the 'burbs and don't like to go downtown you can make it somewhat easier by taking the train downtown and grabbing an L train to the north side. CME and Bass Club were only a couple of stops apart, although it was a bit more of a walk to the latter if I remember right. Riding the train is safe enough, not sure you would want to carry your new purchase on the train however, it might attract the wrong kind of attention. But again, I was unemployed so that was not a problem.
If you live in the 'burbs and don't like to go downtown you can make it somewhat easier by taking the train downtown and grabbing an L train to the north side. CME and Bass Club were only a couple of stops apart, although it was a bit more of a walk to the latter if I remember right. Riding the train is safe enough, not sure you would want to carry your new purchase on the train however, it might attract the wrong kind of attention. But again, I was unemployed so that was not a problem.
Believe it or not I remember that place, went there a couple times with my bass teacher around '72. Right downtown on State (or Wabash?). Cant recall the name of the joint. I remember taking the elevator up to the guitar dept.
I definitely remember a dude named Paul who worked in the guitar dept. He was THE guy who could locate any vintage guitar or bass, no matter how obscure. He also did custom mods and repairs on the side, often for famous players. He showed us some interesting stuff.
