Staff Picks: Andrew Yonke
Yonke Knows
Now, these are some serious picks! Would you expect anything less from the CEO of the world's greatest guitar store? With access to the most sought-after gear on earth, Andrew gets his hands on and creates – with the CME buying team – the coolest darn guitars we've ever seen. Enjoy Andrew's Staff Picks!
Fender Custom Shop 1957 Stratocaster "Chicago Special" Heavy Relic Aged Blue Sparkle
It is no secret that the Fender Custom Shop has been creating the best instruments since 1987. Here at Chicago Music Exchange, we have collaborated with the best minds at Fender to build the best instruments from top to bottom, tirelessly going over each spec to ensure that we offer you the best of what Fender has to offer.
We take customization a step further with rift sawn necks for added resonance and expanded control sets for tonal versatility, and every “Chicago Special” Fender Custom Shop guitar features our own custom Chicago Special pickups, designed in conjunction with Fender Custom Shop Vice President of Product Development Mike Lewis.
ProCo Fat RAT Distortion
The new Fat Rat allows you to choose between the original and new MOSFET clipping circuit that delivers smooth upper-mids and a more natural, amp-driven tone. The bass enhancement switch allows you to bump up your low-end response with a simple flick, which is ideal for bassists or guitarists that want a little more "oomph."
1964 Gretsch 6122 Country Gentleman Black
"I chose this because it is literally the only Gretsch of that vintage year in that color of black that I have ever seen, and on top of that, it’s a killer guitar!! WAY cool look and vibe. Cannot get enough of this guitar!"
A&F Drum Co. Maple Club Drum Kit Antique White 1901 Limited Edition
The 1901 Limited Edition Antique White Maple Club Kits is an easy pick! Made with exclusive 7-ply maple/poplar shells and patented untreated raw lugs, this kit comes fitted with nickel-over-brass hoops on the toms and maple hoops on the bass drum, which is a killer look.
9x14 Rack Tom
16x18 Floor Tom
14x26 Bass Drum
Craviotto Burned Grain Ash Snare Drum Black Cherry Stain
"One word: craftsmanship. We love when we get Craviotto in-store. Big fan of what they have been doing. Plus, the color of this burned grain snare drum is SICK."
Martin D-28 Authentic 1931 Natural 2013
"I challenge you to come by, strum an E-chord on this baby, and not buy it. Seriously, come by and play it and try not to leave with it."
Gibson Custom 1964 SG Standard "CME Spec" True Historic Red Aniline Dye VOS
1960 Gibson ES-335 Natural
The Gibson Custom Shop takes pride in knowing they provide discerning players and collectors some of the most refined Historic Reissue, archtop, and custom guitars available today. Their achievements reflect decades of a passionate commitment to their position as the World's Finest Guitar Maker.
"This guitar checks off all the boxes for me. GRADE-A collectible with 100% ownership provenance, known and documented. Gorgeous natural wood, perfectly matched PAF set, and a Bigsby to boot!"
1959 Fender Twin-Amp 80w 2x12 Combo Tweed (Serial #A00569)
"Simple and easy in the amp department. This is the Fender amp to own. HUGE power and clarity."
SHOP FENDER AMPLIFIERS
Fender Custom Shop Korina Telecaster Master Built by Ron Thorn
"I designed this guitar in person at the Fender factory in Corona, California. I carefully hand-selected the Korina body and Brazilian rosewood fingerboard alongside Fender's Director of Wood Technology, Mike Born. It features our brand new "Chicago Special" Telecaster bridge pickup, paired perfectly with a Seymour Duncan SH-55 Seth Lover model humbucker in the neck position."
Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer Workstation
The answer for portable synthesizers. The ability to create on this thing knows no bounds. If you want an all-in-one synthesizer, this is the pick.
PRS Silver Sky John Mayer Model Tungsten
The PRS Silver Sky is an idealized version of a vintage single-coil guitar where every detail adds up to set it apart from the pack—and the past.
Related Posts
Fender | American Professional Classic Series
The all-new Fender American Professional Classic Series redefines the balance between vintage soul and modern performance. Built for gigging musicians and tone purists alike, these guitars and basses deliver the classic Fender feel with modern upgrades like Coastline vintage-voiced pickups, the Greasebucket tone circuit, sleek Modern “C” necks, and custom-color finishes. From Stratocaster and Telecaster to Jazzmaster, Precision, and Jazz Bass, every model blends heritage tone, comfort, and craftsmanship—reborn for today’s stage and studio. Shop the full Fender American Professional Classic Series at Chicago Music Exchange, online or in-store today!
View Details
PRS Guitars | Fall 2025 PRS SE New Models
Experience world-class playability at an accessible price point with the newest PRS Guitars SE models, now available at Chicago Music Exchange! For over 25 years, the PRS SE line has redefined value, offering legendary design, tone, and craftsmanship to players of all levels. This Fall, PRS expands the SE family with exciting new additions—from the high-octane SE Chleo, developed with Dragonforce’s Herman Li, to the expressive SE Hollowbody II Piezo, blending acoustic and electric tones with PRS precision. Shop the latest PRS SE arrivals and experience why PRS continues to set the standard in playability, versatility, and style. Call, chat, or visit our showroom to get your hands on these brand-new arrivals today!
View Details
Boutique Guitar Showcase | enTour 2025
Boutique Guitar Showcase enTour 2025 at Chicago Music Exchange! Join us Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, to experience over 50 hand-curated boutique instruments from world-class builders around the globe. Shop the full collection online or join us in-store for the Boutique Guitar Showcase enTour in The Vault at Chicago Music Exchange!
View Details