What are the Best Home Grown Instrument Stores You Have Ever Been To?
 

Nothing beats the value of a Franchise Like Sam Ash and Guitar Center. But nothing beats the Customer Service of a Home Grown Instrument Store.

My favorite is Roll Over Beethoven in Hesperia California. Willie and Tom are the best. Knowledgeable and all instruments are priced competitively. Of course there is not the warranty plans of a Sam Ash or Guitar Center but nothing can match their customer service.

I'm not in any way affiliated to this store but I'm not certain if this is the right place to start this thread.

So what is your favorite Home Grown Instrument Store?

Flatts & Sharpe in Chicago. I haven't been there in years now, but it has a great selection, boatloads of character and an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff.

i have a friend whose father is a luthier

i ain't buying from him, though, he charges a nailbomb

Honestly, most of the instrument stores around me suck. They're all either overexpensive, or lacking anything worth buying. Sometimes both.

Cool, gotta get there sometime.

R.T. Guitars is one of the first shops I visited, and this was when he was out of his basement. He's moved to a couple different store fronts since then, but the man is a guru with a stringed instrument. He's also a friend of mine.

Sadly this is all I could find for him:

Rt Guitars in Oak Forest | Rt Guitars (708) 535-3878 & 15738 Laramie Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452 | <Entertainment & Arts/Music/Music Stores> - Yahoo! US Local


Discover Music is another good spot. Bought my Washburn Nylon there back in '99. Jack (owner) is also a good friend, had many a drink with that dude.

Again, this is all I could find on it:

Discover Music - Tinley Park, IL