Since 1957, the Old Town School Music Store has served Chicago’s acoustic music community as part of the renowned Old Town School of Folk Music nonprofit. Located in the historic Lincoln Square neighborhood, this respected institution combines retail excellence with skilled repair services that keep the city’s players performing at their best.

The store’s repair department handles everything from routine guitar setups and fretwork to specialized vintage guitar restoration. Their luthiers bring deep expertise to acoustic instruments, with particular strength in the banjos, mandolins, and acoustic guitars that fill the shop’s showroom. Players seeking custom boutique guitar builds will find knowledgeable techs who understand the unique requirements of handcrafted instruments from makers like Iris, Cirrus, and other specialty brands the store carries.

What distinguishes this guitar tech team is their connection to Chicago’s vibrant folk and acoustic music scene. Working within a nonprofit music school environment means the technicians understand instruments as teaching tools and performance partners, not just products. Every repair directly supports the Old Town School’s classes, concerts, and community programs, making each setup and restoration part of a larger mission to keep traditional music thriving in Chicago.