A Kid in a Candy (Guitar) Store!

In this episode, Nathaniel Murphy guides me through one of the worlds coolest music stores, The Chicago Music Exchange, showing off their insane collection of vintage instruments.
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[@taccamine8312]

I really hope Nathaniel (corrected😁) gets a raise. He definitely deserves it. Amazing musician. Knowledgeable, honest, helpful and extremely personable. Just the kind of guy you want to meet in a music store. And what a shop!!! Makes you feel like a 6 year old in Wonka's Chocolate Factory 🎉

[@roughcutguitars]

So, how long have you had this taccamine YT account Nathaniel? 😀

[@dbcanada]

His name is Nathaniel, not Daniel.

[@rickbeato2]

Nathaniel not Daniel! Haha!!!

[@taccamine8312]

@@rickbeato2 I'll blame my phone. Cause I actually wrote Nathaniel 😂. Hope it's forgiven

[@riklionheart23]

Country Kashmir… love it!

[@ilyedtou]

Rick you’d be crazy not to do a complete episode on Nathaniel. That kid has more talent than some of the celebrity musicians you bring on!!

[@TrashWerewolf]

Nathaniel: "I like to dabble...", then proceeds to burn down an epic acoustic cover of Kashmir! Amazing!

[@robertwiles8106]

as good as the song can be played

[@alansouthall8221]

ah he played it on rhetts channel too. it's unreal ❤❤

[@BunyanaRed1958]

How good was that. Mint.

[@mikesed860]

Would love to see Marcin visit this store.

[@StreetPreacherr]

I thought the 'Guitar Smacking' was an interesting gimmick the first few times I saw people do it. Though now I usually just think they should hire a drummer.

[@SidViscious]

I traveled from San Diego to Chicago just to go there. Nathaniel took a pic of my wife and I there. We spent hours there. Totally worth the trip.

[@leifhoffman6533]

Now that's a salesman. He knows his instruments and he definitely knows how to use them. His use of the "B bender" was amazing.

[@robertschryver2948]

I just learned about Nathaniel yesterday, what a great dude!! He makes me smile and laugh when I watch him play. He is truly awesome.

[@metashrew]

Nathaniel seems like the most qualified person you could get to work in a guitar store. He can seemingly do everything that you'd want from someone doing that job _and_ do it really well too.

[@tonkaGuy888]

Kudos, Nathaniel. Rubber Soul is a bona fide work of art that any schlub with $4 could buy in 1965. The songs, the performances, the production, the photography, cover art, and the title. It is, imo, their masterpiece, and its influence through to today cannot be overstated.

[@Guitarjosii]

I visited CME back in 2013 and bought a '68 SG Special and took it with me to my home in Germany. Great memories, great store!

[@ericreganiguess1703]

That Kashmir cover was absolutely ri-donk-ulous. Amazing playing. Great video. Loved finally seeing Chicago Music Exchange.

[@questfortruth665]

Rick - the store has almost as many guitars as you do! 😁

[@andypan79]

It’s true

[@MatzaFTW]

Man i live only 3 miles down the road from this store but i'll still never turn down any sort of video here. Myself and a friend bumped into Nathaniel during one of my visits recently and he stuck around and chatted with us for a while, he was so gracious with his time.

[@bgbreslin4596]

I lived walking distance for 11 years. Addison and Damen. God I miss it. I bought enough there, so they weren’t annoyed when I’d go in and noodle. 😂

[@OWPhD]

Nathaniel might not be trying, but he "sold" me a guitar more times during this episode than I can count. Subtle but effective.

[@JonathanOnDrums]

I don’t even play guitar and I want all of them. Except the flying Vs, maybe. Even I (a drummer) have some standards.

[@Skwid-Lives]

Which ones did you buy Skooter

[@colinmaynard2879]

Playing Angie at Rick is cheating though🤗

[@5skov]

What a guy!

[@donsimons9810]

ohhhh my 🤭

[@michaeltorres3231]

Nathaniel is incredibly talented. Enjoyed listening to him play and the interaction between you and him.

[@jeffwolinski2659]

That version of Kashmir was awesome!!!

[@johnvrabec9747]

I would love to have Jimmy Page see this and spur him to fly to CME and reimagine Kashmir with that B Bender guitar.

[@stefanconradsson]

Ben Lacy has been doing almost exactly that same arrangement for years. He calls it Cashmere, it's on KZbin, search for it. The oldest version I've found was posted 18 years ago. So this is NOT new, I'm sorry to say. He didn't do it with a b-bender, though. Cheers 🍺

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Interesting. My favorite version of Kashmir is the brilliant take on it by the late great Kevin Gilbert.

[@KiloMintoni-kg4kn]

​@@stefanconradssonbooooooo 😅

[@tylerthompson1842]

@@stefanconradssonit’s not the same. The only thing that makes it sound similar is that it’s the same song

[@JohnA000]

Fabulous store. Fantastic arrangement and playing on Kashmir Nathaniel. I know I am watching something great when I can't stop smiling. I get that kind of reaction to certain players, like Matteo Mancuso, when I hear him play, I can't stop smiling.

[@chicagomusicexchange]

♥ thank you!

[@rufus_mcdufus]

Nathaniel is not only amazing. but you can tell he really enjoys playing and working out the arrangements. It's totally infectious.

[@garywoit7300]

CME knows customer service. Also when they send out a guitar ( ship ) it’s packed the best I’ve ever seen. Great people!

[@JamesPRoachJr]

Nathaniel is a jedi, his effortless mind tricks got me! All aboard, next stop, Chicago!

[@jrobi0304]

@JamesPRoachJr, these all are the guitars you been looking for!

[@worldprog]

I started playing at 8 years old. I'm now 65. I have always loved the blue guitars that I have seen over the years. Even bought a couple. Such a great tour. You are a lucky man, Rick.

[@matt-lang]

It would be so cool to do a few episodes with you, Nathaniel, and a guest guitarist going through some of their vintage guitar collections and comparing their sound.

[@alisondailey3834]

Kashmir by Nathaniel ~ I was hooked the first time I heard and watched him play acoustic. One of the best versions but I could listen to Nathaniel for hours. Too bad I am not his neighbor living above or below him!!

[@petebrown3715]

It's so awesome to see you Rick in person at CME. Still my favorite guitar shop. From the vibe, to the set ups, to the very knowledgeable sales team, to the selection you cannot beat them in Chicago.

[@guaranaibiza6310]

Nathaniel is a genuine salesman 🤓👌 Very funny visit to the shop We all love a bunch of great guitars gathered all together 🔝

[@lonewolf1053]

"You're kind of interested in this aren't you? 😂😂

[@pauljones9467]

This was previously owned by a little old lady who only played power chords

[@markdipaolo71]

😅😂

[@sunnyseacat6857]

Wonderful host, Nathaniel, has the gentle innocence and glee of youth. Rubber Soul and Revolver, absolutely. Could have listened to more acoustics with both of you taking turns. Thank you Rick. This was great.

[@geoffcline9593]

Never has a b-bender done more good for an arrangement...and ON AN ACOUSTIC. Freaking AMAZING!!

[@NJSonye]

My Grandma and I would love a Lavender Strat or Tele. Grandma would come to my gigs and set as close to the stage as possible. She’s still an inspiration to me.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

Once a year we make the pilgrimage from Indy to Chicago. We take the Amtrak and go to see a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Then we do the little burger place across the street, then Chicago Music Exchange, then the Science Museum, blues on Rush street, then home. Friday night to Sunday. No cars, just trains, cabs and hoofin' it. I could spend the whole weekend just at CME. Just the vibe in there is so mellow and so laid back. And I ALWAYS buy something. Be it a pedal, strings, picks, something. It's not a non-profit like many treat it like. If you do go, and I recommend it highly, spend a few dollars.

[@wildmovement777]

That’s a perfect curated trip!

[@ronj9448]

Try Rosa's Lounge next time or the early acoustic set at Legend's.

[@tedfarmer8510]

It’s absolutely the right thing to do and I’m sure Jimmy would love it!

[@davidsparks6146]

When you wonder just how long you can be a FAN BOY of certain guitars and the musicians that made them famous... this video answers that question. I'm 66 and still collect guitars and love my Mesa Boogie and Peavey tube amps. I play in a cover band as justification to buy gear I could most likely live without... which fuels the industry I'm sure. Support live music and that supports my addiction which supports the Guitar industrial Complex!

[@djwarren5081]

For someone like me who's not musical at all, to see such a talented person takes my breath away.

[@liamolowend]

Love that store. Visiting my sister in Chicago end of May (from Ireland where I live) so I'll be making a pilgrimage to the Basement and the entire store. Left with a fancy pedal last time 😎

[@chicagomusicexchange]

🤘🤘 Can't wait to see you!

[@dragonflygs]

Thank you for the virtual tour of Chicago Music Exchange & Nathaniel being part of this. I really enjoy his playing!!! Awesome content!!!

[@markmosher8778]

Me and my nephew are blown away by this segment. He's never seen all of these types of instruments in a single place; in volume!!! So proud of this young man and his passion to learn guitar and beyond...SUPER MOTIVATING, RICK!!!

[@monmixer]

Christ ,I am mesmerized with his right and hear fills but he isn't picking them. Had to go back watch as am sure many of you did. He is pulling off in the chord shape. That's some serious coordination Nathanial. Great player.

[@johngallagher7884]

Nathaniel, kashmir love your interpretation. You own it 🎉

[@SniffingGlue]

Nathaniel is a legend!! Please get him on and do a full interview with him. Genuinely one of the best players I’ve ever heard and a properly lovely lad as well! Absolutely loved this.

[@DavidSGrop]

There's an interview with him on Rick's main channel

[@Iancale]

All I'm going say is I think Nathaniel is one of the best all around players on the planet . His sense of and ability to play seperate rhythm and melody lines are insane . That combined with his very unique playing styles and arrangements make him a force that not many at all , if any , can reckon with.

[@reverb508]

I've been to CME twice on work trips to Chicago and it's such an awe inspiring experience walking through that door. Gorgeous showroom and the staff is consistently amazing (and very patient). Hoping to bump into Nathaniel one of these trips so he can talk me into buying a guitar (though I'd be embarrassed to play it in front of him haha).

[@ajs423]

That guy is a goood salesman. I can’t tell if he is a total pro or a natural. Either way he always asks the right question. “If you were to own a Gretsch which one one would it be?” I love it.

[@joeblough261]

The ole "either-or" close..I wondering same thing too...is that his natural personality of discovery or he's doing his ABCs. Always Be Closing. LOL..prob a little of both and now it's just second nature

[@jasonvaralta5221]

Your content never disappointed anyone Rick, ever! Lots of love, hope you gave Nathaniel a high five when the shoot was over!

[@seanwillis1822]

Nathan is one amazing guitar player!

[@robertwiles8106]

and perhaps an EVEN BETTER salesman. I wish we could get his inner dialogue here as voiceover narration. If we could get this we would have a Citizen Kane level short film.

[@michaelstaines5962]

Base room only next time

[@miller8084]

What a store! That SG was amazing looking, not into the lavender... Kashmir segment was outstanding. Sneak attack.

[@stjimirock]

I live near Chicago(suburbs), and have been to the store, and purchased several instruments from them. My favorite so far is the Kramer Gunstar. One of the best music stores I've been to!

[@TheA1carpetman]

Your such a great Musician Rick over the years you go deep on songs and how it's played🙏. Greg 60 years old Coolangatta Australia 🇦🇺

[@lxngshot]

Rubber Soul my fav Beatles album also... Front to back stacked with tunes. Cheers for this Rick Nathaniel is the man!

[@ResistTheNonsense]

I think that Chicago Music Exchange should bonus Nathaniel a nice vintage acoustic in appreciation for what is doing for them. Great combo ... Rick and Nathaniel. Great chemistry for info and entertainment with these two.

[@MrSphandor]

Reckon sales are going to take a big uptick in the next few weeks

[@SombaSkol]

They have gifted him a limited edition Noel Gallagher Gibson acoustic, awesome video and dam nice bonus if you ask me.. well deserved of course.

[@ResistTheNonsense]

@@SombaSkol You bet.!! Nice.

[@neilashton9459]

Nathaniel channeling his inner Mike Dawes there! Great visit and interview. Really turned my desire for a Hummingbird up to 10.

[@kristopherguilbault5428]

This interview could go on another few hours!!! Too short! Lol Thank you Rick and Nathaniel!

[@michaelarcebuche8018]

Now people will probably start bidding at that j160 that Rick played. In fact the whole store boosted its cred with this visit/interview. Good job Nathaniel as well!

[@The-Real-MrCap]

The added guitar percussion is great when the listener doesn’t focus on it by itself. Certain uses of it sound like an interruption or distraction to the flow. Nathaniel’s technique is superb and adds to the flow rather than interrupts it. The right volume, intensity, and timing makes me listen to the overall sounds together as one, instead of separately. I just enjoyed the total sum of the music rather than the parts. Immediately drawn in and moved, only wanting more!

[@billcoonley319]

And he gets the 4/4 percussion over the 3/4 melody! Awesome!

[@gilamueller7081]

Rick and Nathaniel: hello from Germany, Black Forest. Thank you for taking us on this sparkling guided journey. The deep dive into the world of guitars: each moment was so unique, leaving footprints in our hearts.🎸 Never stop.

[@Buc27blount]

Nathaniel is a great guitarist. Rubber Soul is my favorite Beatles album also.Rick I enjoy both of your channels and interviews you have with musicians and other people in the music industry. I wish had plugged in the John Lennon Gibson 😊

[@LesWG5]

Loved Nathaniel's acoustic version of Kashmir. One of my favourite songs. Well played

[@daviddegagatem]

His take on Kashmir is stunning. Love it.

[@damiendelvallee7256]

Loved the tour of the shop. Beautiful place! I've never seen a guitar shop that big where I live (Paris). Here, shops are small and all clumped together in the same neighborhood. I stayed to the end to watch the Kashmir cover at the end. What a great moment. Shout out to Nathaniel's guitar, people and sales skills, and to Rick's team for this perfectly shot, timed and edited video. I wasn't subscribed to this secondary channel, now it's done.

[@allstopblue5717]

Nathaniel deserves to own his first vintage guitar. Good luck in that endeavor

[@DevonVanNote]

Dangerously, I live right down the road from CME. Best music store I've been to. I've sold them many guitars over the years and it's always a blast hanging out in there. Everyone is super nice and helpful.

[@jimcoppa6946]

I absolutely love the way in Nathaniel plays so I think I'm going to have to take a trip to Chicago and buy a guitar and talk to him

[@amziadi]

That’s sound thinking, my man.

[@janatherton9194]

I hope you get a chance to visit one day. I bought my gorgeous Stratocaster from them a few years ago. I love that they had some soundproofed booths that you could sit in and try out the various guitars and they were so kind and helpful.

[@AkashiXI]

As a Chicago native (and customer), this store is a gem. Prices can be a little high, but they'll work with you if you're serious on buying. Plus some of the coolest workers you'll meet.

[@roughcutguitars]

I can't be the only one who was shouting at the screen "Plug it IN!" when Rick was checking out the J-160.

[@bobparsonsartist564]

Exactly!

[@ScabibbleWilly]

Ha yes, I was saying the same thing. Lol

[@doncroghan3783]

I enjoyed the video up to 18:40 but then you gut hooked me with a parsons bender on a vintage gibson acoustic... Great video Rick. So many times I walk into a store overwhelmed, I don't belong... but now I know... just enjoy & play or walk out. Cool store ill be sure to stop by next time I'm in Chicago

[@jessepennington338]

At the age of five, I used to take Rubber Soul album from my father's collection and play it repeatedly in my room. I agree with Rick that it's one of the greatest albums ever released.

[@Lilrumbles]

Same I used to sit in front of my parents stereo with the headphones on and just listen to it over and over again

[@guyguyguyjean]

Rick's channel is putting out such great great content and interviews ,we are lucky he puts so much effort into these!!!

[@arned2493]

Imagine Robert Plant just stopping by and singing to Nathaniel's playing of Kashmir, how good a version that would sound like. Oooh baby!

[@mikeg3754]

Rick, As great as some of the guests you have had on your channel have been Nathaniel is an amazing guest. A truly amazing guitar player but seems to be incredibly humble and honest. I've looked at several guitars at CME but have never been. Maybe a road trip in my future.

[@dogwigglemusic]

My son and I made a pilgrimage while we we in town to see the Remain in Light tour with Adrian Belew and Jerry Harrison with Cool Cool Cool last year. Iain played so many guitars! He was in heaven. I ended up being an ad hoc salesman, helping several people find guitars. 😄 We had so much fun!

[@k.ekkonen4688]

Absolutely awesome dynamic between two gentlemen! Great watch!

[@Bokooda]

Cool, clever and very talented bloke. More stuff like this please. 🙏

[@krisc6633]

Echo the sentiment on Rubber Soul. Norwegian Wood, no words… And the Kashmir arrangement. So good.

[@bartonone2005]

I agree with you, Rick, and Nathaniel. Many hold up "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" as the greatest Beatles' album. And as much as I love "Abbey Road," nothing prepared me for "Rubber Soul" and "Revolver." There was definitely something afoot with those two albums. They are the best!! You guys are right!! Chuck in Northern New England

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

Those two mark the transition from Rock’s nascent stage and mature stage. The last song on Revolver, Tomorrow Never Knows, completes the transition. Listen to the two in order back to back. It’s fascinating.

[@robertwiles8106]

there isn't enough guitar on Sgt Pepper!

[@shelleyking8450]

That blue SG is a knockout. Yup, Nathaniel "dabbles". That arraingment is amazing.

[@LevinLg17]

The playing of Kashmir was fantastic! Brilliant

[@WolfCat5102]

Nothing will ever match the creativity, variety, and musicianship AND power of 60', 70's and 80's rock.

[@DannyOklamchak-nn8rj]

So many questions rattling thru my head. Love this video! Could watch this content all day long.

[@findJLF]

Rubber Soul is an epic masterpiece - great choice for best Beatles album.

[@bartdisalvo610]

Nathaniel is so humble… just an all around killer player.

[@radoslavpenov]

Nathaniel and CME is the only reason why I will go to Chicago (hopefully till the end of the year).

[@chicagomusicexchange]

We'd love to have you! Anytime! 🤘🤘

[@garyz0611]

I will be stopping by there in about 2 weeks to check this place out 👍

[@dps8te]

it's ridiculous. Give yourself at least an hour to process and take it in before you can actually take it in!

[@garyz0611]

@@dps8tethanks for the heads up……I know about great music stores as I live 20 minutes away from Sweetwater.

[@BudSchnelker]

Right after the "Angie" lick, Nathaniel played a quick snatch of "Laid" by James. Great tastes on this guy.

[@sumed]

CME is always a must when in the Windy City! Whoa...and Nathanial's playing!!!

[@chicagomusicexchange]

🤘🤘

[@georgemoore7231]

Nathaniel really knows his stuff, and I’m sure it comes from being a monster on guitar. I’ve heard him play in some other videos from Chicago Music Exchange, and he is amazing.

[@gd1294]

His version of Kashmir is the most incredible thing I have heard in 52 yrs of life omg

[@mlitt27]

Nathaniel was amazing. I loved his version of Kashmir. I am sure most of us would love to hear more of his playing.

[@CyclopsGuitars8642]

Nathaniel is a beast on guitar

[@agtrst]

Rick - not that you need another guitar but get a Country Gentleman already! LOL. Great video as usual. That's a great looking shop. Will have to visit when we're in the area. Nathaniel just killed Kashmir...after saying "We'll give it a shot". How humble. Loved it.

[@Redswipe]

05:00 The lavender looks great with the white guard but not so good with the brown

[@bldallas]

Said the Easter Bunny.

[@HereComeMrCee-Jay]

Interesting, I thought the opposite!

[@Funkybassplayer]

That lavender one has PRINCE written all over it. Too bad he isn’t around anymore 😢

[@kitano0]

I think the lavender would look great with a metallic/flake finish.

[@robertwiles8106]

And it will fade into a color that doesn't look as sharp.

[@paultorbert6929]

That B Bender in the second chorus was similar in feel to the Tangerine feel on pedal steel !!!!!!! Man, Mr. White(RIP) and Mr Stuart can make a B Bender talk on a Tele !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@timmaertens1583]

I had never heard of a B bender guitar until 2 days ago when I watched an interview with Waddy Wachtel talking about how he and Keith Richards messed around with them once. He finally took it off and told Keith he couldn’t play it.

[@robertwiles8106]

The B bender was invented (and patented i believe) by Clarence White and Gene Parsons of the Byrds. White's early mastery of the style can be found all over the Byrds' Untitled album and live recordings from that era. White's original B bender Tele is now in the hands of Marty Stuart, who has mastered it as well and made it a major part of his artistry ever since Clarence White's widow gifted it to him. Fender was selling one as recently as last year, a relic'd beat up old Tele model. It's a trip for sure. There are also G bender guitars. Those 2 strings are PERFECT for it.

[@pandasarevicious]

My favorite guitar shop ever!! It’s one of the things I miss most about not living in Chicago anymore.

[@charlescdt6509]

This dude is a beast. Rodrigo Y Gabriela would be proud. Why did yall skip the bass room lol.

[@mitchfrank48]

I think Rick said he started out playing bass, you’d think he would give us some respect 😂

[@charlescdt6509]

@@mitchfrank48 I know right lol I NEED that Beato Bass book.

[@BassDawStew]

That bass room downstairs is its own kind of religious experience. I definitely tithed when I was there back in November!!

[@williams.1130]

Keep that Bass crap in the Basement where it belongs. That's why they call it a Bassment. Lol I'm jk

[@ronj9448]

@@BassDawStew It has really shrunk in size. They put the synths down there as well now.

[@A4aviator]

fantastic store , 2 pleasant personalities … what a great little production- made my day joyful!

[@ronlee2611]

Give Nathaniel a raise! 🎸⚡🎶🔊

[@AJHillis]

Pro tip - if you want a vintage hummingbird but can't afford it, seek out a late 60's early 70's MIJ Yamaha FG300. Love mine and picked it at the shop over the new collings and gibsons I compared it to.

[@belwynne1386]

Rick…check out the shout out in the Mary Spender song! Love the kiwis!

[@michael1]

Got to shout out those big channels. My next song is called 'Mr Beast and Pewdie what ya going to doodie?" and I'm dressed like Tom Scott

[@joelewis7072]

The great Chicago Music Exchange...ky favorite shop ever....its like Angels sing when you first walk in...

[@reverb.deluxe]

Nathaniel's B-Bender Kashmir really does a great job of emulating Robert Plant's vocal glissando. Vera nahs.

[@steelhead197]

Well done Rick! Nathaniel is a wealth of knowledge! Cheers gentlemen! 🇨🇦👍🏻