Chicago music exchange featured VIDEOS

From Gear Demos to Full Band Jams, our videos cover 'em all!

Chicago Music Exchange is not just a guitar store. We're a valuable resource for musicians. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and enjoy new guitar demo videos every week! Chicago Music Exchange specializes in musical instruments – from rare vintage guitars and new and used gear, to the latest in effect pedals. With a staff that is highly entertaining and extremely knowledgeable, and a talented in-house film team, we are able to provide you with excellent video demos, in-store artist performances, brand documentaries, and sharp short films every week, featuring the best in new, used and vintage gear.

All of our videos feature our employees and are created here, in-house at the Chicago Music Exchange, so if you're looking for guitar demo videos, 100 Bass Riffs, or featured drum kit demos, we've got your gear cinema covered.

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR LATEST VIDEOS!

"AFFORDABLE" Vintage Guitars?!

Can you buy an "Affordable" Vintage Guitar? What qualifies as a vintage guitar these days? We find out on this episode of Plugged In!Back with another episode of Plugged In! In this episode, we look at some vintage guitars on the cheaper side of things to find out how they sound! Nathaniel Murphy and our Vintage Buying Manager, Daniel Escauriza, pick 5 guitars from the floor that don't break the bank. Obviousl,y "affordable" is subjective, and honestly so is the word vintage but we basically just want to highlight some guitars that are old and all less than $2200.

CHICAGO MUSIC EXCHANGE FEATURED VIDEO

The John Oates Collection At Chicago Music Exchange!

John Oates isn’t parting with his past—he’s investing in the future. The John Oates Collection has arrived at Chicago Music Exchange—an extraordinary lineup of loved acoustics, stage-used amplifiers, and choice collector’s guitars from one of the most iconic songwriters and performers in American music history.

Whether you’re a serious collector, a lifelong fan, or a player chasing authentic inspiration, this part of his collection delivers rare energy, legacy craftsmanship, and true provenance. The John Oates Collection is available now at Chicago Music Exchange. It’s about real gear, real history, and real connection to the music that shaped generations, and now will continue to shape the next generation!

FULL BAND FRIDAY FRENZY!

Every Friday, the CME House Band does what they do best: play hooky. The only difference? We get it all on film. Sit in on some of CME’s most memorable jams, and check back in each week for a new groove.

Thin Lizzy "Cold Sweat" | CME Full Band Fridays!

Full Band Friday is back with a THIN LIZZY BANGER! Chicago Music Exchange love to jam at work even more so when it's Thin Lizzy! This episode the CME Band picks some gear and plays "Cold Sweat." Tanner and Nathaniel play Gibson Les Pauls, Nathaniel plugs straight into a 1977 Marshall combo and Tanner opts for a Neural DSP Nano Cortex and Fender Tone Master Cab. Huge shout out to Laurel holding down the vocals and Joseph on bass and Zach on Drums!

CME VIDEO PLAYLISTS: 

Vintage Gear Demos

Whether you’re looking to trade in your vintage gear or expand your collection, we’ve got the goods, and we’ve got ‘em on film. Check out our vintage gear demos for the lowdown on legendary vintage guitars, basses, and more by brands like Gibson, Fender, Rickenbacker, and Gretsch.

Exclusive Gear

CME Exclusives are only available at the Chicago Music Exchange, and we love to show them off. We demo all our favorite models to illustrate what sets them apart and ensure that even the smallest details are never out of reach. Learn more about CME Exclusive guitarsdrums, and more by brands like Fender, Gibson, Ludwig, and La Bella.

AMP DEMOS

Dime that sucker! Dig our amp demos and check out models by Fender, Tone King, Marshall, and more and get the ten you want to turn to 11.

CME Vault

Take a look inside the CME Vault. Scope our rarest and most coveted vintage Gibsons, Fenders, Martins, and more, and don’t let the door close behind you.

DRUM EXCHANGE DEMOS

If you guessed that the Chicago Drum Exchange is where we keep the beat, you hit it on the head. Watch drum demos on new gear from today’s top brands like Ludwig, Tama, DW, A&F, and more.

PEDAL DEMOS

Put the pedal to the metal and cruise through our huge playlist of effect demos, complete with detailed run-throughs of new builds by manufacturers like Earthquaker Devices, Fuzzrocious, Electro-Harmonix, and JHS.

LIVE IN-STORE PERFORMANCES

At the Chicago Music Exchange, the music never stops, unless you hit pause. Check out live performances by some of our favorite artists on some of our favorite gear, and see if you can’t spot the Les Paul Wall, the Chicago Drum Exchange, and other CME landmarks.

ACOUSTIC DEMOS

We’re always down to keep it au naturel. Enjoy demos of amazing acoustic guitars by brands like Santa Cruz Guitar Company, Taylor, Collings, and Gibson, a lot, lot more. And if you don’t see your favorite brand right away, dread not! There is plenty to peruse.

SELL & TRADE AT CME!

Is your used music gear getting stale? Looking to take your playing to another level? At Chicago Music Exchange every trade is an upgrade to your instrument arsenal! Not only that, it can be an avenue that leads your playing in new musical directions—even, to some of the most extreme ends of the creative spectrum!

Here at CME, Your Old Guitars Will Never Go Out of Style!

Now, trading or selling your musical instruments is easier than ever with the CME Mobile App, or, you can click the “Trade Now” button on our listings to get started, today!

LEARN MORE!

Related Posts

Taylor Guitars | Next Generation Grand Auditorium

The Next Generation of Taylor Grand Auditorium guitars has arrived at Chicago Music Exchange. Featuring Scalloped V-Class bracing for richer harmonic response, the innovative Action Control Neck for effortless setup adjustments, and the all-new Claria pickup system for consistent amplified tone, these guitars represent Taylor’s most refined acoustic design yet.

Read more

The John Oates Collection at CME!

John Oates isn’t parting with his past—he’s investing in the future. The John Oates Collection has arrived at Chicago Music Exchange—an extraordinary lineup of loved acoustics, stage-used amplifiers, and choice collector’s guitars from one of the most iconic songwriters and performers in American music history. These aren’t just instruments—they’re pieces of living music history, shaped by decades of recording, touring, and performance. From road-worn character to studio-crafted tone, every piece tells a story, and now, those stories are available to you!

Read more

Suhr Custom | 2026 New Gear Arrivals

Fresh from NAMM 2026, the newest Suhr guitars, basses, and amps have officially landed at Chicago Music Exchange. From Limited Edition Classics to the all-new Oso Short Scale and elite artist signatures, this lineup blends vintage soul with modern muscle. Built in Lake Elsinore, California—crafted to perform everywhere you play. Shop Suhr now.

Read more