Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Musical Instruments & Lessons in Highland Park
Music Gallery has served guitar players and musicians since 1974, offering a curated selection of guitars, basses, amplifiers, and accessories. Our commitment to personalized service ensures every customer receives expert guidance, whether purchasing their first instrument or a custom shop masterpiece. With decades of combined experience, our repair technicians provide meticulous guitar maintenance, including setups, refrets, and relic services. Our music academy employs seasoned instructors who foster musical growth through guitar, piano, voice, and drum lessons.Located in Highland Park, Illinois, we prioritize customer satisfaction through knowledgeable staff, transparent communication, and a passion for music. Our inventory includes Fender, Gibson, Martin, and boutique brands, catering to both beginners and professional musicians. We maintain a legacy of trust by aligning our expertise with the unique needs of every client.
Services
Guitar Sales
Music Lessons
Guitar Repairs
Amplifier Sales
Instrument Accessories
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- 48 years of dedicated service to Chicago's music community
- Expert repair team with over 100 years of combined experience
- Exclusive retailer of LiquiSlide guitar slides in the US
- Comprehensive music academy with professional instructors
- Extensive inventory of vintage, new, and custom shop instruments
What people say
Expert guitar repairs
Knowledgeable staff
Patient instructors
Great instrument selection
Plek machine precision
Services
Guitar Sales
We offer an extensive selection of electric, acoustic, and bass guitars from premier brands including Fender, Gibson, Martin, and boutique manufacturers. Our inventory features vintage collectibles, custom shop models, and entry-level instruments for beginners. Every purchase includes personalized setup assistance and expert advice to ensure optimal playability and satisfaction for musicians at all skill levels.
Guitar Repairs
Our experienced luthiers provide comprehensive repair services including setups, refrets, crack repairs, and electronics installations. Utilizing a Plek machine for precision fretwork, we restore instruments to peak performance. With over 100 years of combined expertise, our technicians handle warranty work, structural repairs, and custom modifications for both vintage and modern instruments.
Music Lessons
We offer personalized instruction for guitar, bass, piano, voice, and drums with professional educators. Our curriculum caters to all skill levels, from beginner fundamentals to advanced techniques. Students gain performance experience through band classes and recitals, supported by a methodical approach to music theory, sight-reading, and genre-specific styles.
Amplifier Sales
We carry a diverse range of guitar and bass amplifiers from renowned brands like Fender, Carr, and Victoria. Our selection includes vintage reissues, modern designs, and boutique models suited for practice, recording, or stage performance. Technicians provide expert recommendations to match amplifiers with players' tonal preferences and performance requirements.
Instrument Accessories
We stock essential accessories including strings, pedals, cases, straps, and tuning devices. Our curated selection features premium products like D'Addario strings, LiquiSlide guitar slides, and protective cases. Customers receive guidance on choosing the right accessories to enhance their playing experience and instrument maintenance.
People
Bill Uhler
Guitar Instructor
With over 45 years of performance experience and 25 years teaching, Bill Uhler specializes in blues and rock guitar instruction. He leads adult rock bands and tailors lessons to individual learning styles while emphasizing proper technique and musical growth.
George MacPhail
Master Guitar Technician
Known as 'The Doctor,' George has repaired over 20,000 instruments since 1975. He specializes in Plek machine precision fretwork and provides expert diagnostics, combining encyclopedic knowledge with meticulous craftsmanship for both vintage and modern guitar restorations.
Chip Jurkovac
Senior Repair Technician
With 27 years of service and expertise in guitar construction, Chip excels at setups, refinishing, and complex repairs. His background at Dean and Hamer Guitars informs his precise craftsmanship, making him a trusted technician for professional musicians in the Chicago area.
Questions
What types of guitars do you carry?
We offer electric, acoustic, and bass guitars from Fender, Gibson, Martin, PRS, and boutique brands, including vintage, new, and custom shop models.
Do you provide guitar repair services?
Yes, our expert technicians offer setups, refrets, crack repairs, and electronics installations using traditional methods and the Plek machine for precision work.
Are music lessons available for all skill levels?
Our instructors provide lessons for beginners to advanced musicians, covering guitar, bass, piano, voice, and drums with personalized curricula.
What payment options exist?
We offer Shop Pay financing during checkout for flexible payment options on instrument purchases and accessories.
Do you sell amplifier equipment?
Yes, we carry Fender, Carr, Victoria, and other premium amplifier brands for guitar and bass, including vintage reissues and modern designs.
Is there a warranty on repairs?
All repairs come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, reflecting our commitment to quality craftsmanship and long-term customer trust.
Reviews (7)
Joe R.
Mar 31, 2022
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Can't recommend this shop enough. In one week, two of my older guitars (1940s/1960s) had significant issues - a hard-to-find tuner was lost and huge cracks appeared in the body of the acoustic. The repair team at the Music Gallery fixed both, and at a reasonable price. In fact, they saved the beautiful old acoustic from certain decomposition. Now both sound great!
Richard Kaempflein
Mar 13, 2022
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Excellent experience, I Picked up a Custom shop telecaster at the Music Gallery. The set up on the guitar was perfect right off the rack. The staff was very professional. Thank you Frank and staff!
Mark Latta
Mar 10, 2022
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As far as Luthiers. George is incredible. Any issues that you may have with guitars. He will make sure it's 100 percent!.Also the whole crew that works there are extremely friendly. No wannabe rock stars here. Only pros that really know what they're doing!
Matt O.
Dec 17, 2021
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Great selection of used Martin guitars. Have used them since 2003 for purchase and trade. Wonderfully helpful owner and staff!
Ray M.
Jun 12, 2021
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Amazing guitar store and repair shop. I have had three guitars worked on and Chip does an incredible job. He is a true craftsman. The people who run the store are lovely, the selection is great and I highly recommend you check it out.
Jeremy B.
Apr 22, 2021
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Really great spot for guitar repairs and setups. A little on the higher side though. I think a setup is $60. The place itself is relatively small but has an amazing collection of guitars. Not the kind of place though you go just to try guitars. Acoustic room is under lock and key. Overall not a bad place.
Jonathan Barker
Apr 20, 2021
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Over the past 15 years I have purchased 8 guitars from Frank at the MG. Some purchases have involved trades back of previously purchased guitars. Every transaction has been a great pleasure. I have always been treated fairly know the prices are better than I could have gotten anywhere. Service is superb. Guitars are returned playing like new at a fair price. Instrument selection is outstanding, each piece something you would actually want to play not just obscure stuff taking up wall space. If you are beginner looking for a quality intro instrument to an enthusiast looking for something high end, the Music Gallery is the place to go.
