Chicago Music Exchange
Chicago's premier vintage and boutique guitar destination
About Chicago Music Exchange
Chicago Music Exchange (CME) has been one of the most respected guitar shops in the country since 1995. Located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, CME stocks an enormous selection of new, used, and vintage guitars, basses, amps, and effects — with particular depth in high-end boutique and vintage American instruments.
CME is especially well known for its vintage Gibson and Fender inventory, boutique amplifiers, and a curated selection of effects pedals. Their buying team is one of the sharpest in the business — if a great vintage piece is available in the Midwest, CME usually gets first look.
The shop has a strong presence on Reverb, regularly listing hundreds of used and vintage instruments. Their listings are detailed, their photos are excellent, and their return policy is among the most buyer-friendly of any dealer on the platform. CME ships nationwide and internationally.
In addition to vintage and used gear, CME is an authorized dealer for most major boutique brands — Collings, Bourgeois, Eastman, Heritage, and many others. The Chicago store draws serious players from across the country who make it a destination stop.
Specialties
- Vintage Gibson electric guitars (Les Paul, ES-335, SG)
- Vintage Fender guitars and basses (pre-CBS and CBS era)
- Boutique acoustic guitars (Collings, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz)
- High-end boutique amplifiers
- Effects pedals — vintage and boutique
- Vintage and used basses
Known For
- One of the largest vintage Gibson inventories in the Midwest
- Extremely detailed listings with accurate condition grading
- Strong buyer protection and return policy
- Active Reverb store with hundreds of listings
- Deep knowledge of 1950s–1970s American guitars
Price Range
Mid-range to high-end ($400–$50,000+). CME stocks everything from well-priced player-grade instruments to investment-grade vintage pieces.
Buying Tips for Chicago Music Exchange
CME's condition grades are conservative — "Very Good" from CME is often cleaner than "Excellent" from a private seller.
Check their Reverb store frequently — desirable pieces move fast and they list new inventory daily.
CME offers a 48-hour approval period on most instruments. If you're buying vintage, ask about it.
If you're looking for a specific vintage model, contact CME directly — they often have unlisted inventory or can source it.
Their amplifier selection is strongest in small boutique combos and vintage American pieces (Fender, Vox, early Marshall).
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