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Vintage in Chicago

troyad

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Dec 26, 2007
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370
Going to spend a week in Chicago at the end of the month and would like to get some browsing done while I'm there. What shops generally have the best vintage inventories?
 

sonar

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Jan 10, 2003
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3,589
Chicago Music Exchange is a big impressive store with lots to look at, but you really need to know your sh*t and be on your game if you want to buy a vintage piece there. Also expect to pay top dollar.

Rock 'n Roll Vintage is a decent store with not as much inventory and maybe a little more open to negotiating.
 

troyad

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Dec 26, 2007
Messages
370
Yeah I plan on going to CME to look....their prices are WAY unrealistic though. It seems like they're the only shop that has much on hand in the way of old stuff. They have a '54 strat I want to play and would love to look at at least a couple more '54/'55 strats while I'm in town but I'm just not finding anything.
 

corpse

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Jun 9, 2007
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I got a very good price on an '86 prehistoric 59 from them over the phone.
 

troyad

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Dec 26, 2007
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I got a very good price on an '86 prehistoric 59 from them over the phone.

So are you implying that their advertised prices may not necessarily be the best price available?:hmm
 

corpse

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Jun 9, 2007
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4,876
Yes- and there is alot of product that doesn't last long past the manager's office. They had some old teles the last time I was there that they were getting calls on that they weren't circulating. A great stop. And if you are there don't be shy about spending some quality time in a test drive with a guitar- but know customers are listening to you....
 

bushburst

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Jun 22, 2008
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69
CME is a must. One of the most friendly shops I've been to - they encouraged me to play anything I wanted to while there.
 

jalevinemd

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May 7, 2007
Messages
916
CME is a must. One of the most friendly shops I've been to - they encouraged me to play anything I wanted to while there.

Agreed. With the new owner and guys they have working there, it's a VERY pleasant experience. And yes, from my experience, there is wiggle room on the prices. :salude
 

troyad

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Dec 26, 2007
Messages
370
Any thoughts on Make-n-Music or Rock-n-Roll Vintage?
 

Heritage 80

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Jan 10, 2002
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7,000
Any thoughts on Make-n-Music or Rock-n-Roll Vintage?

Never been to R&R Vintage but Make-n-Music is a great store although heavier on boutique gear than vintage (nice folks too). CME has the best vintage selection but like everyone says: very $$$$.
 

jalevinemd

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Joined
May 7, 2007
Messages
916
Any thoughts on Make-n-Music or Rock-n-Roll Vintage?

Make n' Music has a fantastic collection of boutique pedals, a lot of nice amps and new guitars. Teddy is great to deal with. I've bought several amps, guitars and pedals from them over the years. They don't deal in vintage, though they occasionally get a few nice used guitars in. The shop itself is beautiful...very open and airy with a couple of small demo rooms.

R n R Vintage is by far the smallest of these three shops. Mostly used/vintage from my few visits there. Not as extensive or high end a selection as CME but still worth checking out. Also a very nice selection of new/used pedals. Getting there is a bit tricky because North Lincoln Avenue is one way on that block. It's a quaint little street with nice shops and restaurants but confusing if you're not familiar with the area. You have to go one street over to go north and then come back down south.
 
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