Chicago Music Exchange

rtcook · Post by **rtcook** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 9:33 am

Anybody done business with these guys?

JD · Post by JD » Mon Sep 03, 2007 10:57 am

Once, back in the '90s. I traded a '70s ES-335 towards a Les Paul reissue (man do I regret that).

I think I wouldn't again though. Prices seem higher than avg. lately and getting straight answers isn't exactly easy.

rtcook · Post by **rtcook** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:05 pm

Interesting. I agree on the trade. I'd love to have a 335.

Reason I ask about the store is because I recently tried to buy a speaker cabinet advertised by them on their own website. I inquired about the item, asked for the price and made an offer. After some waiting around, I had to call back. I was told they would have to get it approved by the owner. Ok, that's fair. When I finally called back again because they did not return my call I was told it was a mistake. It was the owner's personal cab and was not supposed to be advertised, but he was willing to sell it to me for a higher price. They then took the cab off the site. They also offered two other exact cabs closer to my offer, but they were not in as nice of shape. I aske for pics, but never got them. So, I contemplated purchasing the owner's cab for the price he was asking. I ended up emailing him personally and asking him about it only to find out from him that it was not for sale and the other two were sold. This all took place in a week and I was told from the beginning I would have first shot at the cab. The owner also told me I did not put down a down payment on it to hold the cab. I told him I was never asked to do that. I was told in good faith I would get first crack at it. Now I am told they would let me know when they got another. I still would like to buy the owners that was offered to me, but now he won't sell.

All in all, I guess I can see how this could happen, but I have a feeling I got hooked and then let astray for some reason. Seems odd to me how likely this chain of events would happen. So, I am wondering if anyone else has had any weird experiences with Chicago Music Exchange or if you would just recommend I stay away from them. They have large and surely expensive ad in Vintage Guitar magazine. That's how I found them. Sure seemed like a legimate place.

Any comments or personal experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Roger

Mike Shaw · Post by **Mike Shaw** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 5:10 pm

CME should be avoided at all costs. A bunch of weasels.