Electric Guitars' storefront.
Nestled somewhere between Ukrainian Village and Logan Square is Electric Guitars. A name I wish I could say was disingenuously made, but is just simplistic enough to be dead on. Run by eccentric owner and shopkeeper Fred Mangan, the store is a closet-sized space with a veritable mish-mosh of guitar bits and accessories.
Owner Mangan trying to find me a deal on a record player on Ebay.
The shop itself is a mess of bolts, amps, and wires. A paradise for anyone who walks in and knows exactly what piece their equipment is lacking. His is the perfect example of one’s passion for tinkering becoming a life’s work.
As you will undoubtedly learn, Mangan’s proudest sales moment was when the lead singer of the band Queens of the Stone Age, Josh Homme, bought one of his prized, hand-crafted guitars. He says that sale alone has allowed him to relax for a few months, not needing to stress about what his next sale will be.
I especially enjoyed how small talk of my need for an inexpensive record player progressed into Mangan searching for a cheap one to order for me on Ebay. What a guy! He is undoubtedly one of the nicest, most helpful store owners I have yet to meet.. as well one of the oddest. But hey, what’s bizarre about Ukie Village anyway?
Many of the guitars are hand-made by Mangan.
If you are in the area and are looking for some distortion pedals minus the sticker shock, consider stopping in.
2351 W. Augusta, Chicago.
-Ileana
The counter, aka: the workspace.
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