Business Details
18 Years
experience
Acoustic Guitar Experts & Music School in Frankfort, IL
At Down Home Guitars, we strive to provide the highest-quality acoustic instruments and music education in a welcoming, community-focused environment. Established in 2008, our expertise lies in handcrafted guitars, banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles from renowned builders like Bourgeois, Collings, Martin, and Santa Cruz. Unlike general music retailers, we specialize exclusively in acoustic instruments, allowing unparalleled depth of knowledge and curation. Our Frankfort, Illinois, store houses a meticulously maintained collection spanning vintage classics to modern masterpieces, with a separate upstairs music school offering private lessons for all skill levels.We host regular concerts, workshops, and bluegrass jams, fostering a vibrant local music scene while serving international customers through secure online sales and professional shipping. Our team combines decades of industry experience with a passion for helping musicians find their ideal instruments and develop their craft.
Services
Guitar Sales
Music Lessons
Instrument Repair
Banjo Sales
Mandolin Sales
Online Instrument Sales
Music School Programs
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Specialized expertise in acoustic instruments since 2008
- Curated selection from top global luthiers
- Full-service instrument repair center
- Experienced music educators for all ages
- Active community music events calendar
What people say
Amazing setup
Seamless transaction
Excellent packaging
World-class inventory
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Guitar Sales
Our curated collection features top-tier acoustic guitars from Bourgeois, Collings, Martin, and Santa Cruz. We offer vintage classics, limited editions, and custom builds in various tonewoods including Brazilian rosewood, Adirondack spruce, and cocobolo. All instruments undergo professional setup before delivery.
Music Lessons
Experienced instructors provide personalized lessons for all skill levels in guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, and more. Our Frankfort music school offers both in-person and virtual sessions with customized curriculums focusing on technique development and musical expression.
Instrument Repair
Professional repair services cover complete setups, neck resets, crack repairs, and electronics installations. Our technicians specialize in vintage instrument restoration while maintaining modern instruments' optimal playability and tonal quality.
Questions
What acoustic guitar brands do you carry?
We offer instruments from Bourgeois, Collings, Martin, Santa Cruz, Lowden, Eastman, and other premier luthiers, including limited editions and custom builds.
Do you provide music lessons for beginners?
Yes, our Frankfort music school offers beginner-friendly lessons for all ages with instructors specializing in acoustic instruments and personalized teaching approaches.
Can I purchase instruments online?
Most instruments listed online are available for secure purchase with professional packing and worldwide shipping options.
Are instrument repairs available for non-customers?
Our repair services are open to all customers, featuring expert technicians for both modern maintenance and vintage restoration work.
What music events do you host?
We regularly host bluegrass jams, open mic nights, and acoustic music workshops for local musicians and visiting artists.
Do you buy used instruments?
We accept select used instruments for trade or consignment, focusing on high-quality acoustic guitars, banjos, and mandolins matching our inventory standards.
Reviews (4)
Scott F.
Jun 14, 2022
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Down Home Guitars is fantastic. I have a vintage 1969 Gibson acoustic 12 string that was my fathers. It's also the guitar my brothers and I learned on as kids. It had some cracks and was coming apart. I trusted Steve with the guitar to repair it and make it solid again. What a fantastic job. Now I don't have to worry about losing my family treasure. Forever grateful. Thanks
Chris Campbell
Oct 24, 2021
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I am very impressed with this shop - both with the quality of their inventory as well as the responsiveness and professionalism of the staff. I brought in a guitar for potential trade, and Steve shot me straight with the value of it and what would be the best bang for my buck. I wound up getting a Collings from them and I will be back. Well worth the drive into Illinois despite the tolls.
Wayne H.
Jan 08, 2021
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Beautiful store with amazing instruments. Steve and Molly are great, and have a really interesting philosophy about trying to connect the person to the perfect guitar, and they understand what that journey looks like. Highly recommended for passionate musicians.
Jim M.
Aug 17, 2020
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I bought a guitar through Steve, the owner. His advise was invaluable and I got a fantastic guitar at a reasonable price!
