STRAIGHT TALK

A: It depends on the quality of materials and complexity of the build. Depending on the type of instrument, price can range from $1,000 for a soprano ukulele to several thousand dollars for a highly-customized guitar. You can find a detailed process for custom instrument builds here.

A: Currently, you should allow 10-12 months. This includes our discussion time, materials sourcing, inlay process (if applicable), and finish curing. You can find a detailed process for custom instrument builds here.

A: Absolutely! You can contact us here to schedule a time to come by the studio. In addition, we have a number of instruments and accessories available for sale at FRET12 inside The Salt Shed. If you’re in the Chicago area, the MachMachines workshop and studio is easily accessible by CTA (Green and Blue Lines) and the Eisenhower Expressway.

A: Every MachMachines musical instrument comes with a hardshell case. It’s possible that we may design an instrument that won’t fit a standard size, in which case we will discuss this as part of the design process.

A: Setups and fret levels can be done in a couple of days assuming we have the parts in stock, but more involved repairs and restorations can take quite a bit longer - especially if finish curing is involved or parts are on backorder. Most repairs are turned around within a week. Please note that there is a rush fee if you need it within 48 hours since we will have to push back other work in process to turn it around that quickly.

A: It’s okay. We don’t mind storing your instrument for a bit. However, if it’s more than a month since we told you it’s ready for pickup, we will charge a storage fee of $25 per week. We will give you a heads up before that happens.

A: We revere instruments and handle any that come our way with the utmost care, whether we made it or not. However, if the unforeseen does happen and we can’t fix it, we are fully insured.

A: No, but we got a guy. We highly recommend Brian at Vintage Tube Amplifiers down the street in Berwyn. Don’t let the name fool you; he can handle any amp whether vintage or modern.

A: We’re proudly located in Oak Park, IL. While our instruments and accessories are commissioned by musicians all over the country, if you’re in need of repairs, we are within a 30 min drive or quick El ride from most Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs.

We operate by appointment from our location just off the CTA Green Line Ridgeland stop and about 5 minutes from the I-290/Eisenhower Expressway Austin exit. When the weather is nice, we’re also a very pleasant walk (about a mile) from the CTA Blue Line Austin stop and the Metra UP-W Oak Park stop.

Our primary service area is most convenient if you’re coming from:

Western suburbs: Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, Berwyn, Cicero, Riverside, Maywood, Bellwood, Elmwood Park, Brookfield, LaGrange, Melrose Park, Elmhurst, and Oak Brook.

Western Chicago neighborhoods: Galewood, Austin, Garfield Park, Portage Park, and Old Irving Park

Green Line neighborhoods: Ukrainian Village, West Town, West Loop, the Loop, River North, Tri-Taylor, Chinatown, Bridgeport, Bronzeville, and Pilsen

Blue line neighborhoods: Wicker Park, Bucktown, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, and Avondale

A: Yes. As musicians ourselves, we feel strongly about the value of music education, and we know that students are a lot more likely to practice when their instruments are in good shape.

We have a repair partnership with School of Rock Oak Park for current students and staff members. You will need to mention School of Rock Oak Park when you book an appointment.

Please note that high-intensity structural work like refrets, refinishing, and restorations are excluded.

This is non-transferable; so if you’re a parent with your own instrument needing repairs, we are happy to help—but those services won’t be eligible for this specific program.

A: Access to music education is vital. It provides benefits well beyond the act of playing itself. Every year, MachMachines donates a handmade ukulele to the Merit School of Music in Chicago to aid in their fundraising efforts. Our co-founder, Jennifer Vianello, also proudly serves on Merit's Board of Trustees. It is a wonderful organization. If you’re curious about how you can support Merit yourself, please reach out to Jen via our contact page.