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217-607-8132 | 723 S NEIL ST, CHAMPAIGN, IL 61820 | MON-SAT: 11A-6P

The Upper Bout


Welcome to The Upper Bout

Love the customer. Grow the community.

The Upper Bout is a retail music store with a different kind of attitude. It's a sophisticated retailscape combining the local flavor of brick and mortar with the accessibility of online shopping. The Upper Bout offers a human connection and personalized experience. We go the extra mile to ensure you have an excellent buying experience with us: from answering every last question and shining with our infinite wisdom to personally setting up your guitar exactly the way you want it. Although we do like paying our bills (and on good days our employees, too), we are not solely watching the dollar signs. Our customers have a voice outside of their wallets, and we want to get to know and build a relationship with you.
If you're in town, stop by to see what brick and mortar can be. Enjoy the space and a great conversation. Pick up that guitar you've always wanted, sign up for lessons, and be amazed by our in-store concerts.

Customer Service


We take great pride in our approach to customer service. At The Upper Bout, this is what we excel at and put above everything else. We don't consider customers as sales leads but as friends of the store. Through our experience and knowledge we offer personalized help with purchasing decisions and guidance for instrument maintenance. Of course, should you find yourself in an antisocial mood, you can also go to Direct Checkout. We'll silently compliment you on your extraordinary purchase and fantasize that you are in a famous band, and that is why you don't want to be bothered. Looking for the best repair work, restrings, and set-ups in town? You are in the right place! And you can count on the setups to be both professional and affordable.