Good Shops in Chicago?

[AngusHasMoxie]

Hey all,

I'm going to be in Chicago this weekend visiting some family, and I'm staying an extra day to check out some local shops. I've got Bass Club Chicago on my list and I'm looking for suggestions for other shops I should check out! I'm staying in the Oak Park area and I'd like to try out the kinda stuff you can't find in your local Guitar Center. I just got a bonus at work and I'm thinking about a P Bass, but I'm also in the market for a lightweight 212 or something similar for a show rig.

Or maybe both . Where should I go?

 

[MobileHolmes]

Chicago Music Exchange has an excellent bass department as well.

Rock n Roll vintage is a cool shop too, but I think their bass stuff is kind of hit or miss (though if you are looking for a P, you might be in luck). Last I was there, I think all their Fenders were used, but they had quite a few.

 

[lostreality]

If you don't mind the ride and uprights are your thing, there's a store in Frankfort called Down Home Guitars that specializes in acoustic instruments including DB and ABG

 

[Eilif]

I'd definitely include a trip to Chicago Music Exchange. A HUGE selection of basses. Though they tend to lean toward vintage and vintage styled boutique, there are also some modern offerings and likely some true oddities. It's the kind of place where you go and ask about a Rickenbacker expecting (like other stores) to see one or two and you turn around and see 10!

Guitar Works in Evanston is a nice shop also. Not huge bass selection, but they always seem to have a few interesting bases.

I visit to the Lakland factory might be in order too. I'm not sure what their avaialbility is like on the weekends, but it cant' hurt to give them a cal.