Guitar Works, Ltd. — Attraction in Evanston Township

Have known owner Terry 'bout 27 years now, my late father in law (60 years jazzman in Evanston) trusted Guitar Works LTD since Terry opened in 1979. He has sold to longtime associate but is staying on part time, limited hours a few days a week. Steve, Larry, and support staff are all on board, trying on "old man ownership shoes which are probably a bit too tight and have holy soles, but will soon stretch out". I have looked to Terry thes past 17 years to maintain my father in law's hollow body Gibson L4 & L5, 2 mandolin's, my 60 year old Gibson 4 string tenor, 1976 Yamaha FG-170 6- String FG-312 and purchased my son's Taylor Guitar. No value in my Yamahas but the 12 string always had beautiful tonal quality to my ear and the neck separated from body. Summer 2019 Terry agreed to repair it. Came out great, needs minor bridge adjust, but I have an old friend back. Some folks have had different experience, and I won't try and make excuses. I have played folk, jazz, R&B and R&R. Am a musician: drummer, acoustic guitar, flute, harmonica.

And 50 years a computer systems engineer and airborne radio/navigation technician. Responsibility to see that aircrews could communicate, and get back frrom missions. This is where I learned, there is no room to fail, no re-tries, fix it right the first time, or find a different field of work. I also ran my own consulting business, so I understand that there may challenges the new owners must address to find their own NEW Stride in old man's Shoes, and figure out how to uphold a reputation that Terry established. Everyone communicate with courtesy and clarity and make this work. Thanks for all your service to our musical...

I bought my first guitar at a chain store where folks work on commission and tell you what you want to hear to make a sale. It was crap and they likely laughed as I walked out the door.

I've since purchased 4 guitars from Guitar Works since 1988, with a different sales person each time. No commission. If you're up front about your guitar knowledge, these folks will speak to your skill level - RESPECTFULLY. They don't oversell. This is how you stay in business for SO LONG.

I've also traded in one Taylor for another and Terry was more than fair on the price.

These guys & gals are dedicated. The repair staff is fantastic (talented & knowledgable with instruments and amps alike) and they do not over-promise. Lessons are priced fairly and there's a teacher for every type/level/age of student.

To the reviewer who mentioned the "heavy-set guy." NOT the owner. That person no longer works there - and he was a cashier, not a sales person.

I can't say enough good things as a fan of this store. For newbies and the folks looking for super-rare gems. Support local business. Support good work ethics and fair business models. Support musicians trying to make a living for the...

A small shop but bigger then it looks from outside. Good selection of new and used instruments at fair prices, including consignment items. Good selection of vintage travel guitars.

Luthiers are terrific. Another local guitar store had worked on my first guitar, a 1982 Washburn acoustic. I didn't enjoy playing it and was going to get rid of it. A friend recommended Guitar Works. They did a custom, fully intonated saddle and a bone nut, and now it's a wonderful sounding and easy to play instrument. Be sure to bring a case for your guitar when you bring it for service, or they can't be responsible for dings.

Staff can seem a little reserved, but they know their stuff. I've bought a guitar and an amp here, a friend has bought a dozen guitars here, and we'll keep going back.

Be sure to check hours, they are closed Sunday and open at...