Business Details

We have been serving musicians since 2005, bringing nearly two decades of experience to the bluegrass and folk community. Our shop is located in New Athens, Illinois, near the Kaskaskia River, where we provide a welcoming space for players of all levels. We specialize in acoustic instruments and accessories, focusing on the unique needs of bluegrass and folk musicians. Our inventory includes both used and vintage instruments as well as new instruments, ensuring options for every budget and preference. We maintain a full-service workshop that offers on-site repair for most acoustic instruments, often completing work while you wait. We take time to properly set up each instrument before shipping, ensuring it arrives ready to play.

We provide personalized lessons and host workshops, jam sessions, group classes, and occasional house concerts to support musical growth. Our blog shares insights on instrument care, repair techniques, and bluegrass music, reflecting our commitment to education. We ship orders promptly using trusted carriers, providing tracking information and insuring instruments for secure delivery. Our sevenday, noquestionsasked return policy and 100% tradein offer on violins/fiddles demonstrate our dedication to customer satisfaction. We strive to solve any problem you encounter, whether it involves selecting an instrument, scheduling a repair, or answering a question about shipping.

Highlights and features

We have over 19 years of experience serving bluegrass musicians.
Our onsite workshop repairs most acoustic instruments while you wait.
We provide a sevenday, noquestionsasked return policy on all purchases.
Our violins/fiddles include a 100% tradein guarantee for upgrades.
We ship instock items same day with tracking and insurance.

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Services

Used and Vintage Instruments

We offer a curated selection of used and vintage acoustic instruments for bluegrass and folk musicians. Each instrument is inspected, set up, and ready to play upon arrival. This provides musicians with affordable access to quality gear while preserving the character of vintage pieces.

New Instruments

We stock a range of new acoustic instruments suited for bluegrass and folk players. Each new instrument receives a professional setup before shipping to ensure optimal playability. Customers benefit from reliable performance, manufacturer warranties, and the confidence of buying instrument ready to play.

Accessories

We provide a full line of accessories including strings, picks, cases, and straps for acoustic instruments. These accessories are chosen to match the needs of bluegrass and folk musicians. Players enjoy quick access to essential supplies that keep their instruments performing at their best.

Lessons

We offer personalized lessons for banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, and other acoustic instruments. Lessons are tailored to each students skill level and musical goals, whether beginner or advanced. Students gain technique, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for bluegrass and folk music through oneonone guidance.

on-site repair

Our fullservice workshop handles repairs on most acoustic instruments, including setups, fret work, and crack repairs. Musicians can schedule appointments and often receive sameday service for minor adjustments. Professional repairs restore playability, extend instrument life, and maintain value for performers and collectors.

Reviews (7)

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Gas Worker

Dec 15, 2021 Report

Bought a Kentucky KM250 mandolin from The Bluegrass Shack and I couldn't be happier! It was setup perfectly and plays great. I'm new to the mandolin and having a great time learning! At the time I really couldn't make it play that great and Chris took the time to play a few of them in the price range I was looking at so I could make a better decision. Thank you so much Chris! I've picked it up every day since I bought.

Tim Heck

May 06, 2021 Report

Thankful I purchased my banjo thru Chris at Bluegrass Shack. Chris is extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. I drove six hours round trip to purchase my banjo from Chris.and thankful I did. I appreciate all that Chris has done to make this a great experience. I highly recommend the Bluegrass Shack!

David Luthy

Apr 13, 2021 Report

We have been to the shop several times over the past several years. Our daughter started with an 1/8th size fiddle six years ago, and has now grown into a full size instrument. Customer service is great, and the prices are very reasonable.

Kristen Farley

Feb 27, 2021 Report

Chris is so patient and knowledgeable of all things bluegrass! I've been waiting for what feels like forever to find a fiddle that I love, and she helped me do exactly that! Will definitely go back for any fiddle needs!

Jake Faber

Oct 27, 2020 Report

I bought my very first fiddle from the Bluegrass Shack online this week, and had it at my door less than two days later-probably the speediest shipping I've ever seen! I was really excited to start playing, and as a beginner I was especially grateful that Chris had gotten it perfectly set up for me before sending it out. Would HIGHLY recommend ordering an instrument from here, thanks for a great experience!

Mieko G.

Mar 09, 2020 Report

Have not been to the store, but ordered two instruments through email. They shipped promptly after my order was placed and were carefully packed. Chris answered all my questions and offered helpful suggestions about my purchase. I had mentioned that we were beginners and Chris included a few pages of help tips!

Susan Collman

Dec 10, 2019 Report

Came to see if a precious old violin could be repaired and purchase a new one as well. Chris and Niki were so helpful. Can not wait to start playing. I could tell Christi was as passionate about music as I am. Truly made me feel happy with great service.