Old Town School Music Store

Great selection of both resonator and open drum banjos. Can get some higher end banjos - ones that you would have to go the manufacturer to get, or order from. Bought a Deering White Lotus banjo here some months ago. Great banjo with a unique sound. They are really chill at the store and will let you play and and try out banjos, even though the store does not have a dedicated room for playing. Great store!

UPDATE MARCH 2025: It took about 7.5 months, but I have the instrument back and in great shape (action and intonation all fixed). Although the experience was frustrating overall, manager Charlie and two sales associates whose names I didn't catch went FAR above and beyond to make this right. I appreciate their care and transparency. ORIGINAL REVIEW: I brought in a used mandolin for a setup in July 2024. Old Town Store estimated two weeks' turnaround. Two months later, in September, I was notified the setup was done; however, when I came in, the instrument still had notable fret buzz; the employee at the store encouraged me to send it back for adjustment and said they would expedite the process; however, it is now the end of November 2024. It should not take 4+ months to complete a basic setup on an instrument. This is deeply frustrating.

This is great, quirky music store. I'm interested in mandolins, and they have the best selection I've seen outside Nashville. They have entry level instruments, right up to high end like Northfield. They probably had a dozen mandolins on display. If you are in Chicago, check it out. It's part of the Old Town Music School, so you can get lessons or maybe even see a concert while you're at it.

Wonderful place that continues to bring great music to Chicago. I try to visit whenever I am in town. Recently caught a fine performance by Bruce Cockburn in November.

I tried to remember names but … the person who sold me my 1st ukulele yesterday was patient, kind, and very helpful. I’ve already learned a tune. I love OTS and the store. I have been so fortunate to have grown up in the warm embrace of Old Town, since the 70s. Lucky me, lucky us.