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Tobias Music They decided to take a modest bank loan to open a small, family run guitar store within a couple of blocks of their home. The original intent was to provide guitar-related activities for any of the interested Tobias children and in the future, possibly provide an income for some of the family members. Three of the Tobias children (total of 6) as well as Margaret Tobias, worked at the store in its early years. It was a cozy, little shop, about 400 sq ft. It was a neighborhood hang-out from the beginning.
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Tobias Music is proud of its 35 year partnership with Taylor guitars. That's a long time. We've always said that it's more of a family relationship rather than a business relationship. With many great friends, vast knowledge of Taylor Guitars and their product line-up, and a solid inventory, we are a good choice for helping with your next Taylor purchase.
A Martin isn't just a guitar. It's playable history; part of a long line of legendary instruments stretching back to the company's beginnings in 1833. Our guitars were strummed by Civil War soldiers around campfires, helped shape the sound of modern music at the turn of the 20th century, and were played by music's first superstars like Jimmie Rodgers and Gene Autry.
Tobias Music has had a close and personal relationship with Richard Hoover, Santa Cruz Guitars, and his companions for many years. We are the original dealer for the Santa Cruz Guitar Company here in Chicagoland, with a relationship going all the way back to 1999. We feel that our small mom and pop business model is a perfect match for experiencing his world class guitars.
At Eastman, the bar is high. Each handcrafted instrument represents a dedication to quality, a commitment to capturing an ideal sound, look, and feel. And getting it perfect means striking a balance - between vintage and vanguard, between tradition and forward thinking craftsmanship. That is how the coveted relics of the past are honored while new ones are forged - how we elevate the principles of the craft and push ahead.
Reviews (26)
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Henry Gonzalez
May 17, 2022
Paul and crew were fantastic and took great care of me. My guitar arrived safely and very stoutly packaged. Please go see them, and tell Paul "Go Cardinals!"
Randall Michaels
May 08, 2022
Recently had a wonderful experience (my first) with Tobias buying a Taylor T5 - won't be my last. Family businesses like this are more and more rare, and these guys rock! Terrific customer service, selection, knowledge. everything. Hard to overstate the positives. go there!
Mark G.
Apr 08, 2022
I had the good fortune to speak to Paul at Tobias Music about a guitar they had listed for sale. Paul took the time to walk me through the guitar in great detail, and described the instrument to me not as a salesman but as an enthusiast and as a player himself. I made the purchase and then Paul explained to me that his father is also a Certified Fender Tech and at no additional charge to me had his father set-up the guitar and check the intonation as well! That's huge and would cost an easy $60 plus anywhere else!

Then two hours later I get an email with the shipping details and tracking number! Same Day, Rocket Fast Shipping! Talk about under promise and over deliver! It just doesn't get any better than this! By the way, I got a great deal on the guitar!
Mark Boyington
Mar 13, 2022
I recently purchased a 2018 Custom Shop Taylor, and I couldn't be happier! Gorgeous guitar! The customer service is top-notch! Thank you Tobias family for a wonderful experience!
Jonah
Feb 23, 2022
Quality instruments? 100% Knowledgeable and helpful staff? 110% I'm so impressed with this shop! I love acoustic guitars and clearly this family does too. Just purchased a beautiful new Martin at a very fair price. It is notable how well they take care of their instruments. There are hygrometers and humidifiers abound. Every guitar we took off the wall had fresh strings and was in tune (how often can you say that?).

The father and son owners were extremely well versed, informed, thorough, funny, and kind. It was fun just to hang out with them and talk guitars. I'd never been to this shop before today, but if I'm in the market for any sort of guitar - this is absolutely my first stop. They also have a really cool new venue adjacent to the shop where they plan to book concerts. If you live locally you owe it to yourself to stop by. I live about 30 miles away and I'll be back for sure. Thanks again for a great experience.
Michael Caragher
Feb 15, 2022
I went in to get new strings and have my first guitar cleaned - It's a 20 year old Jay Turser. More sentimental value than anything. Right away they noticed that the bridge was in really bad shape. It was $175 to have their speciality guitar guy fix it and have it warrantied. The guitar itself was $180 brand new 20 years ago, so they could tell I was wasn't going to attempt that.

I believe it was the founder of their company that took a look and offered to try and fix it, with new strings, for $50. They had a used Fender, in wonderful shape, new strings, and a brand new hard case for $215. I gave my wife a call and these guys told me to grab it and play away and let them know which direction I was headed. I went with the Fender.

I felt absolutely zero pressure at their store; they were knowledgeable, friendly, and I will 100% be going back. They said the $50 offer to fix the Turser was available as long as I had that guitar as well. Great business and awesome people.
James B.
Jan 25, 2022
Had 3 of my guitars set up there. These guys are awesome! Had some repairs done too. Just outstanding. The owner, Paul Tobias is friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely going back!
Uten A.
Jan 22, 2022
I bought a new Taylor acoustic guitar online from Tobias music. It was a super rare left handed guitar. It came extremely early from across the country! Packaged and handled extremely nice and well taken care of. They even supplied me with a free humidifier to take care of my guitar. Friendly and fast service. Extremely satisfied with my purchase!
John Schwetje
Jan 10, 2022
Just got a lefty Taylor 12 string from Paul via Reverb. Totally excellent experience. Great price and communication, as well as a willingness to work with me on a few small complications en route to the sale. Thanks!
Jeff M.
Jan 03, 2022
Great guitar store. They took the time to explain the differences in guitars in the price range I wanted to shop in. And, let me take as much time as needed to play the various guitars and pick the right one.
Michael Y.
Dec 17, 2021
These folks rock! Ken and Paul not only have a great selection of guitars, but offer service that is way beyond any other shop. My '66 Fender Mustang has never sounded better! I could go on about the collective knowledge on instruments, the amazing business partnership with top line guitar makers, and repair and services offered.guess I just did. Do yourself a favor and check them out.
Susan C.
Nov 06, 2021
Great local guitar store. We are new to guitars. It's a process getting up to speed. They are our new go to. Great advice, helpful, and timely repairs.
Joe Svoboda
Oct 28, 2021
Just purchased my 3rd guitar from Tobias Music. They are great people to do business with. As an out of state customer, it is so reassuring to have such competent, trustworthy, and fun people to deal with. They helped me choose the right guitar, and then it arrived quickly and in perfect condition. Highly Recommend!
Jonathan R.
Oct 10, 2021
Well kept store. Got a bass set up done. The older gentleman explained the work that was done. Now it feels great, sounds great, and stays in pitch up and down the neck. I will return!
Scott Evans
May 23, 2021
I have lived in the Chicagoland area all my life and have played guitar for the last 31 years - and was not aware of this place - never set foot in there before. Really kicking myself for not finding these guys sooner. Small shop with an incredible selection, great prices, super people that know their stuff inside and out. I went in with a simple problem to solve, and Paul got me hooked up with a great solution. THIS is the prime reason we need to support mom and pop/family owned brick-and-mortar stores.

The big box stores just can't provide the level of service, the quality of instruments, and the knowledge that a family-run store of over 40 years can. Would give 6 or 7 stars if I could!
Adam T.
Apr 30, 2021
Such a great experience! Paul took great care of me. I'll be back here for sure. I've walked through the big chains and been ignored but here i received great customer service and he even threw in a little extra to help protect my purchase!
Thomas G.
Aug 13, 2019
Amazing selection of Taylor and Martin guitars as well as other brands. I just brought in an acoustic guitar to get a little bit of work done. It only took them a short amount of time to fix it up and I was shocked. It has never played better! Great family business and I will be coming back for all my other acoustic guitar needs.
Brad L.
Jul 31, 2019
Excellent guitar shop! I recently purchased an Eastman limited edition Adirondack top acoustic in a classic finish. Paul and his father Ken are simply the nicest, most knowledgeable, and helpful people you will find at a guitar shop. They have some of the nicest Taylors, Martins, Eastman's, Etc around. They have a selection of electrics as well. Paul was especially great in finding out if he could get a very hard to come by Eastman acoustic and he came through for me!

I could not be happier with my guitar. What an amazing sounding, playing, and looking instrument. If you have not had a chance to check out Tobias music or Eastman guitars I highly recommend heading over to Tobias music! Thanks TM!
Bill K.
Apr 12, 2019
I have had several of my basses worked on here and been very happy with the turnaround time, price and quality. They also partner with Third Coast repairs so there's nothing in my opinion they cannot solve in the realm of repairs. They have many beautiful acoustic guitars! I would like to see a few more basses. But I'm biased!
Eric H.
Mar 13, 2019
These guys are the absolute best. They know so much, will explain anything in ways that non-experts can understand and are incredibly kind and patient. Their guitars are the best around and their prices are fair. Couldn't recommend them more!
Ed D.
Dec 22, 2018
Epitome of a local business that makes you want to keep coming back. My kids have used them for years. I just took one of my sons guitars in for repairs. The seasoned gentleman (like me) tinkered with it while I waited, right in front of me, got it working, supplied a couple new knobs, and charged me peanuts. It was like watching a doctor work on a patient. Most people in there knew each other, and others were made to feel welcomed and appreciated. Great spot, great people, great work. All good. Rock on!
Kevin S.
Sep 07, 2018
Awesome local music shop. Stopped in for the first time to have the action adjusted on my guitar. They were able adjust the action while I looked around, and really reasonable. ****** Update. Was back in to have some guitars adjusted and bought a bass. Great selection of high end acoustics, great service. Love going in.
Derek P.
Aug 11, 2018
I don't have much to say about this. A while ago, I was invited to the backroom for a small and intimate show for a good southern rock band. The acoustics were good, it had good mood lighting for the concert, and I had a brief word with either the owner or at least someone that works them and they were nice. I can't comment on lessons, or buying an instrument, but I had a good time watching a concert here!
Joe B.
Dec 31, 2017
A HUGE thanks to Paul & Ken over at Tobias Music in Downers Grove IL! Tobias Music is a family owned/run store specializing in guitar sales, repairs, & lessons. In business for 40 years, their staff is HIGHLY knowledgeable, extremely easy-going, and 100% passionate towards their craft. I picked up a new Taylor acoustic and couldn't be more satisfied with the entire experience!

If you're looking for a new guitar, repair work, or just some valuable guitar-related advice, check out Tobias Music; a rare gem of a guitar shop run by true professionals! https://tobiasmusic.com
Jim O.
Jul 22, 2016
I was shopping for a Taylor guitar and stopped in at a music store in the town where I live. The service was okay but I got the feeling that they weren't very interested in dealing with a beginner. So I decided to take a drive to Tobias Music and I'm very happy that I did. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted warmly by Paul. He & his father are the nicest people that you could ever hope to meet.

I explained to Paul that I'm a beginner. He was extremely patient, answering all of my questions and explaining the differences in the various models. There was absolutely no pressure to quickly pick a guitar and leave with it. I finally settled on a 2016 Taylor Limited Edition 410e-R and I couldn't be happier. If you're ever in the market for a guitar or accessories, do yourself a favor and go to Tobias first. You won't be sorry that you did.
Kyle T.
Apr 20, 2016
I thought I had an expensive repair on my year old Martin. Guitar Center said it needed refretting, the tech there was stumped. My friend who repaired guitars thought it would be an expensive job to fix the neck, which he said was causing some intonation problems. The guys at Tobias looked at it right as I walked in and said they could fix it in an afternoon for $15!

And they did and it honestly plays better than when I purchased it. I wish I had more reasons to go to this store on a regular basis. Their inventory is definitely worth a look. Super helpful workers, I would go out of my way to support this establishment. Hope to be back soon.