HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Your how-to for holiday happiness!

You’ve got enough on your plate. Let the Chicago Music Exchange help make your holidaze a little clearer with our Holiday Gift Guide! We’ve got the lowdown to keep you on the up-and-up with perfect presents for everyone on your list, including CME Exclusives you can’t get anywhere else, and our full-band breakdown makes it easy to get a jump on your shopping one category at a time. Get your gear in time for the holiday when you call, chat, email, or select from our expedited shipping options at checkout! Now what are you waiting for? Bundle up and get goin’! Happy Holidays from everyone at the Chicago Music Exchange!

SHOP CME EXCLUSIVE GEAR

SHOP MERCH!

CME
CME

CME "Acid" Dark Charcoal T-Shirt

$24.99
CME
CME

CME "Rock City" Vintage Black T-Shirt

$24.99
CME Black & White Tie-Dye T-Shirt
CME Black & White Tie-Dye T-Shirt

CME Black & White Tie-Dye T-Shirt

$24.99
CME
CME

CME "Sounds and Spells" Heather Concrete T-Shirt

$24.99
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Guitar Holiday gear guide

Hot Holiday Steals 

It’s a holiday heatwave at the Chicago Music Exchange! Don’t sweat it. Save your dosh on price dropped guitars and more. We have brand new signature models in stock from Fender, Chicago Music Exchange exclusives you can only find here, and more used and vintage gear for you to find the perfect gift for you or yours. Shop our selection of top brands and boutique models to get a jump on your shopping today! Please take advantage of our expedited shipping methods at checkout or chat, email, or give us a call to learn more!

SHOP PRICE DROP ELECTRIC GUITARS
Acoustic Bundles
Accessories Bundles
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s Transparent Cherry Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s Transparent Cherry Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s Transparent Cherry Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s Transparent Cherry Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s Transparent Cherry Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s Transparent Cherry Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s Transparent Cherry Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s Transparent Cherry Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s Transparent Cherry

$599.00
This Epiphone Les Paul Standard '50s comes in a CME Exclusive Transparent Cherry finish.


From Epiphone:

The Les Paul Standard 50s models are part of Epiphone’s new Inspired by Gibson Collection and recreate the sound of 1950s era Les Pauls. Featuring a classic Mahogany Body with a Maple cap and Mahogany neck with long neck tenon. Powered by ProBucker™ humbuckers with 50s style wiring and CTS electronics. Epiphone’s long friendship with Mr. Les Paul began in 1940 when Les built one of the world’s first solid body electric guitars while working nights at the original Epiphone factory in Manhattan. Les’ first solidbody guitar, nicknamed “the Log”, would go on to inspire the Les Paul Standard, what many consider the greatest electric guitar ever made.

Body Shape: Les Paul Standard
Material: Mahogany
Top: Maple Cap
Binding: Cream

Neck: Mahogany 
Profile: '59
Nut width: 1.693" / 43mm
Scale length: 24.75" / 628.65mm
Number of frets: 22
Nut: Graph Tech®
Fingerboard Material: Laurel

Bridge: LockTone™ ABR Tune-o-matic
Tailpiece: Stopbar
Tuners: Epiphone Vintage Deluxe
Plating: Nickel

Neck pickup: ProBucker-2™
Bridge pickup: ProBucker-3™
Controls: 2- Volume, 2- Tone CTS electronics 50s style wiring
View Detailssss

BASS Holiday gear guide

The BASSment is Bumping

Don’t get burned. Get what you want or shop for the bass player in your life and beat the rush when you shop great gear in-stock right now! Shop our price drop basses, bundle up with our guitar and hardshell case bundles or buy the new, used or vintage bass you have had your eye on today! Want your gear faster? Please take advantage of our expedited shipping methods at checkout or chat, email, or give us a call to learn more! 

SHOP PRICE DROP BASS GUITARS
Bass Under $1000
Bass Effects

SHOP BASS BUNDLES

Sire Marcus Miller M2 4-String LEFTY Transparent Black Satin (2nd Gen) and Sire Gig Bag Bundle Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sire Marcus Miller M2 4-String LEFTY Transparent Black Satin (2nd Gen) and Sire Gig Bag Bundle Bass Guitars / 4-String

Sire Marcus Miller M2 4-String LEFTY Transparent Black Satin (2nd Gen) and Sire Gig Bag Bundle

$549.00
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ PF Capri Orange and Gig Bag Bundle Bass Guitars / 4-String
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ PF Capri Orange and Gig Bag Bundle Bass Guitars / 4-String

Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ PF Capri Orange and Gig Bag Bundle

$934.99
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ MN Lake Placid Blue w/3-Ply Mint Pickguard and Gig Bag Bundle Bass Guitars / Short Scale
Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ MN Lake Placid Blue w/3-Ply Mint Pickguard and Gig Bag Bundle Bass Guitars / Short Scale

Fender Player Mustang Bass PJ MN Lake Placid Blue w/3-Ply Mint Pickguard and Gig Bag Bundle

$889.98
Sire Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash 5-String White Blonde (2nd Gen) and Sire Gig Bag Bundle Bass Guitars / 5-String or More
Sire Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash 5-String White Blonde (2nd Gen) and Sire Gig Bag Bundle Bass Guitars / 5-String or More

Sire Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash 5-String White Blonde (2nd Gen) and Sire Gig Bag Bundle

$943.00
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Drums HOLIDAY Gear Guide

Chicago Drum Exchange Drum & Percussion Bundles
Drum Kit Price Drop
Drumheads

A Worldwide Debut from Ludwig and

Chicago Drum Exchange



In its worldwide debut, meet Bamboo Strata, a rare, custom finish available only on our new CDE Exclusive Ludwig Classic Maple “Chicago Series” kits. For a CDE Exclusive in the truest sense of the word, order your Ludwig Classic Maple “Chicago Series” Bamboo Strata kit today in one four of Ludwig’s most popular configurations: Fab (13/16/22), Downbeat (12/14/20), Probeat (13/16/24), and the increasingly popular Jazzette (12/14/18).

Ludwig Classic Maple Chicago Series 13/16/22 3pc. Drum Kit Bamboo Strata Drums and Percussion / Acoustic Drums / Full Acoustic Kits
Ludwig Classic Maple Chicago Series 13/16/22 3pc. Drum Kit Bamboo Strata Drums and Percussion / Acoustic Drums / Full Acoustic Kits
Ludwig Classic Maple Chicago Series 13/16/22 3pc. Drum Kit Bamboo Strata Drums and Percussion / Acoustic Drums / Full Acoustic Kits
Ludwig Classic Maple Chicago Series 13/16/22 3pc. Drum Kit Bamboo Strata Drums and Percussion / Acoustic Drums / Full Acoustic Kits
Ludwig Classic Maple Chicago Series 13/16/22 3pc. Drum Kit Bamboo Strata Drums and Percussion / Acoustic Drums / Full Acoustic Kits
Ludwig Classic Maple Chicago Series 13/16/22 3pc. Drum Kit Bamboo Strata Drums and Percussion / Acoustic Drums / Full Acoustic Kits
Ludwig Classic Maple Chicago Series 13/16/22 3pc. Drum Kit Bamboo Strata Drums and Percussion / Acoustic Drums / Full Acoustic Kits
Ludwig Classic Maple Chicago Series 13/16/22 3pc. Drum Kit Bamboo Strata Drums and Percussion / Acoustic Drums / Full Acoustic Kits

Ludwig Classic Maple Chicago Series 13/16/22 3pc. Drum Kit Bamboo Strata

$2,699.00
Something wicked this way comes, and it’s a CDE first. Meet our newly-developed CDE Exclusive “Chicago Series,” Ludwig Classic Maple drum kits with all the Classic Maple specs and configurations you know and love, and one distinctive CDE twist. In its worldwide debut, our brand new Bamboo Strata finish.

This is the first time Bamboo Strata has appeared on any drum, by any manufacturer, and we couldn’t be more proud. This rare, custom finish is as exclusive as it gets, so it’s fitting that you can only get it here as part of our ongoing CDE/CME Exclusive series. 

Preferred by professionals for its tonal versatility, Classic Maple drums are the ideal choice for any performance application. Its high sensitivity, wide dynamic tuning range, and sharp attack make it the ideal choice for live performance. Yet Classic Maple's 7-ply shell is crafted to respond to the player and environment quickly, making it adaptable to any playing style or preference.
  • 9x13 Rack Tom
  • 16x16 Floor Tom
  • 14x22 Bass Drum
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EFFECTS HOLIDAY Gear Guide

Pedal Stocking Stuffings

Registers ring. Are you listening? That’s because the Chicago Music Exchange is heating up with effects pedals that are the perfect present for you and yours! Like this Elmore Hands Free Video controller, which allows learners to keep their hands on their instrument 100% of the time during their online lessons, speeding up time to success. Bundle up effects pedals with necessary patch cables and other great accessories when you shop Effects Bundles. Get what you want guilt-free and shop great gear in-stock right now at prices that are sure to make your holiday bright! Get yours in time for the holiday when you call, chat, email, or select from our expedited shipping options at checkout!

Elmore YouTube Hands Free Video Controller Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression
Elmore YouTube Hands Free Video Controller Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression
Elmore YouTube Hands Free Video Controller Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression
Elmore YouTube Hands Free Video Controller Effects and Pedals / Controllers, Volume and Expression

Elmore YouTube Hands Free Video Controller

$79.00
The actions of "pausing" and "rewinding" are musts during an online lesson. Unfortunately, taking your hands off the instrument reduces muscle memory learning, interferes with your concentration and ultimately, increases the chances of you losing your mind and windmill-slamming your guitar onto the floor.

Our foot pedal allows musical instrument learners (beginner, intermediate, advanced and professional), to keep their hands on their instrument 100% of the time during their online lessons, speeding up time to success. Our pedal is the fastest way to Free Bird. 

There is no need to download any additional software. Simply connect your Elmore Pedal via Bluetooth to your preferred smart device, visit your favorite online lessons website and get your practice on!

  • Connects wirelessly with bluetooth
  • Pause, Play, Fast Forward and Rewind, handsfree!
  • 4 hour battery life, full charge in 1 hour

Supported browsers:
  • Chrome: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
  • FireFox: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
  • Safari: Mac, iOS

Dimensions: 7” (L) x 2.8” (W) x 1.19” (H)
View Detailssss
$300 & Under Effects Pedals
Effects Bundles

SHOP FRESH GEAR

Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Fender Standard Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue 2015

$625.00
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019

Fender American QMT Stratocaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019

$2,295.00
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Fender American QMT Telecaster with Pale Moon Ebony Fretboard Transparent Black 2019

$2,295.00
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Fender Parallel Universe Volume II Stratocaster Jazzmaster Deluxe Sea Foam Green 2020

$1,850.00
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