The Chicago Music Exchange sells guitars, and if you're living the life of the bluesman, with no money in your pockets and a traveling jones, they will buy your gear so you will have some cash to go down to Blues Fest. You can feel guitars older than you in your own two hands, and be overwhelmed by the sheer sprawl of instruments. They're an authorized Fender and Gibson dealer and offer a full service Fender Custom Shop. They also boast an amazing selection of vintage equipment. The stock turns over relatively quickly, so each foray offers the potential to unearth a treasure.

Out-of-towners who like to get down and dirty can find the gear their idols use, and for even the curious folks without a penny to spare, looking to pluck out "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" on a handful of amazing guitars, should make the voyage to Lakeview for a peek at this venerable establishment. Cost depends on how much guitar you're looking to buy.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jacob Knabb