Transistor

This place is the best! It’s like someone made a store of everything I like in one place. Records, art, SYNTHESIZERS, and more! They even have cool locally-​made electronic instruments.

This place is great! Awesome selection of records and art. The owner of this place is really knowledgable and friendly too. Fun tip: they have movie showings and a few performances for free and it’s byob. Even I you’re not into records stop by this place just to peek around.

Walked by hundred times and never went in. Finally stopped in last night to glance at their records. A great selection! Definitely going to keep going back, also really unique chicago art.

This interesting gallery /​music concept proves a welcome addition to the Lakeview community. Filled with local art and good music, you can catch a live band on certain nights and pick up a great housewarming gift for a friend at the same time. Great for the audiophile.
Some interesting items include:
Chicago-​based art in a variety of media
Records (yes, real vinyl)
Art /​Fashion /​Music books
Audio mixers (they sell a couple models)
Quirky cards
They also provide a listening station where you can hear a variety of music samples sold (and elsewhere).
The owner was really helpful, friendly and knew almost everything there was related to his product. (Well done, sir). Great concept. Check it soon!

This place is one of those places you go when you need to buy someone something really cool, buy yourself something you’d really be inspired by or even learn something new.
I remember when I was in high school I used to go to my local record shop and chat with the guys there about cool bands, listen to their recommendations for me, buy something new to challenge myself and then come back in a week and talk about it more. This place is my adult version of that store. It’s not just records, it’s not just books, it’s not just gifts… it’s got all kinds of cool and unexpected things that you maybe didn’t even know you wanted until you walked in the door. They have all kinds of artwork and products made my local artists, cool radios and gadgets, light fixtures… I feel like this review could just be a list and that’s boring so I’ll stop. It’s just nice that it’s not just a shop for «dude stuff»…there’s such a variety of things for everybody.
In general, I’m so pleased that this shop is here in the city and I’m so happy to see it still going strong. I think the movies are fun and the small shows with local bands are really awesome. What an intimate and fun environment to see some local music and meet new people.
The owner, Andy, is also super nice. If you mention something you’ve seen somewhere that you’re looking for he’ll even order it for you. He’s like those cool record store guys I liked chatting with in high school… he’s knowledgeable and has really cool stuff.

This was a very small store, but they have very cool things. CD’s, books, vinyl, and musical equipment. It’s not my scene, but there was at least a couple CD’s I added to the collection. Dude that was running it was also very nice.

Can’t believe it’s taken me so long to write a review for this place. two words: IT’S AMAZING. Great selection of records, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for Andy will order it for you!
This place also supports local artists which is awesome. Every time we stop in there are fantastic new products & art to choose from.
They also hold events such as movie nights, DJ sets, art shows, etc.
Transistor is definitely one of the best shops in the city of Chicago.
I definitely recommend stopping in and browsing. Also Andy, the owner, is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about all things music.

This is a great resource for Chicago themed and locally made gifts, like poster prints, photo art, drink coasters, magnets, etc. They sell the type of merchandise you see featured on websites like GapersBlock. Go here to find something tasteful for that blank wall space in your apartment, or to buy house warming gifts and apartment decorations when you know somebody who’s new to Chicago.
While we were browsing the shop on Saturday afternoon, they were broadcasting a radio show in the back area that was fun to hear and see first hand.

The free Monday night films here are accentuated by art and artifacts, much of it a celebration of the urban-​photography, tile, paintings, unique little lamps, music on new vinyl, and of course, the old electronics. Such an esoteric mix. And a perfect room for the 9 or 10 of us on folding chairs, staring at New Wave French cinema. Paris, the tin ceiling above lit with movie light. Even a trip to the the john in the back felt like a dim little room from the movie, in a grey corner of Paris. The room was loud with French dialogue. The film had sub-​titles, but those didn’t take away from the ambiance. I had flashbacks of being the high school kid, sneaking into the «Underground» films at the local college. My friends and I hoping to see some «skin.» Anyway, Transistor was a nice escape from reality this Monday night. I sipped on my BYO Bosnian beer and fled to Paris momentarily. The Paris I came to know as a college student. Make sure to find your way to this great little shop sometime. For the sake of art, or film, or the imagination. It’s one of the more unique places I’ve been to in awhile. Transistor is kinda Transcendental.

CLIFF NOTES REVIEW: Cute, quirky, and cool in a non-​obnoxious way.
UNABRIDGED REVIEW: Transistor is small enough that, if you aren’t paying attention, you may walk right by and miss it. It’s sandwiched in some other small businesses in the blocks north of the Trader Joe’s. If you leave the Trader Joe’s and head north, you probably won’t see Transistor at all.
Once you do slow down enough to find Transistor, you’ll enter into a world of unique, artistic goods, lighting, some books about music and film, LP’s, and some CDs. There are unique lamps, photo art available framed and unframed (mainly Chicago sights and musical artists featured), jewelry, audio equipment for performance, and more. Some items are pretty rare. For example, it’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen vinyl for sale. Even more rare, Transistor sells a vinyl cleaning kit! I can’t tell you the last time I saw one of those.
I found Transistor thanks to Groupon. I knew, come the summer, I’d need a few «cool» gifts for people, and after reading earlier reviews on Unilocal,I thought Transistor could provide unique gifts. And that’s exactly what happened.
I can’t talk to you about the movie nights, because I haven’t experienced those. All I can tell you is, the list of upcoming movies and documentaries was eclectic, focusing mainly on independents, but also including one or two Hollywood products.
Bottom line: if you crave unique items at a reasonable price, give Transistor a try.

Wait a second, have I really not reviewed this place yet? I’m almost certain I did after my first trip to their old location. Anyway…
This place is just great. Support local! What an eclectic collection. All kinds of local art and photography, local trinkets, arts supplies, books, CDs, vinyl, and very interesting selection of musical instruments and what I’ll call «noise toys».
The owners are awesome and they host all kinds of events here – book readings/​signings, film screenings, even concerts, and they host a podcast from the store. They also host tons of budget-​friendly classes on a wide array of arts/​photography and design.
Is there another place like this in the entire city? I can’t imagine. Check it out.

Best place in the city for about 95% of anything you’ll want to do. Incredibly vinyl and music selection for the best prices in town, free BYOB film screenings on Tuesdays, art, photography classes, music equipment, movies, books, BYOB Friday concerts with great local and national acts, and two of the most personable owners of any establishment in the whole city.
(Plus I heard that the local DJs they use for the streaming webcasts on their website are pretty good)

I have taken two classes at Transistor and would recommend it anyone who is looking for an encouraging teacher in a chilled out environment.
Rani and Andy are friendly and unpretentious owners that I am thrilled to have in my neighborhood. They have made such good choices of their collection of books, art and music in their small space.
Everytime I leave, I always feel more inspired!
Look forward to your movie night or some live music this summer.
Heidi

My creativity has lain dormant this entire, everlasting winter (if I’m being honest, longer) so when I saw the Groupon for art classes at Transistor, I signed up immediately.
A four week class for $ 60 was, for me, the right mix of budget-​friendly and minimal commitment. I’m the kind of girl who wakes up, tells myself «I really should get into ice carving,» and then blows $ 400 on an 8 week course that I will only attend twice.
I’m not a neophyte draughtswoman by any means, but I’m also seriously out of practice and so I was nervous going in. But Rani and her husband have created such a chill, inviting environment that any performance anxiety was quickly swept aside. I enjoyed the relaxed style of the classes and being surrounded by cool shiznit was inspirational.
These classes are designed for people of every age (in my class’s case, quite literally) and aptitude level. If you are looking to take «your art» to the next level, I suggest enrolling at the SAIC. However, if you are looking to learn new techniques or media in a low-​key environment, then I say you conté do better than Transistor!
(That was so lame on my part. Forgive me.)

Transistor is a great little shop and gallery! Awesome books and photography.
I also took a painting workshop at Transistor (a Groupon deal, 4 weeks for $ 60!) It is true that the space is tight, and I would have rather had a full-​sized easel than a table, but I think it went pretty smoothly considering those limitations. The class was probably more crowded than usual because of the recent Groupon deal. The students were a wide range of experience levels, and the instructor Rani made everyone feel comfortable and excited to paint. She took a genuine interest in everyone’s work. The class wasn’t extremely structured, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing; Rani was just very flexible to the requests and needs of the students.
In response to Samantha B.‘s review, Rani does offer her supplies for sale, but she makes it clear that you don’t have to purchase from her. It’s more for her students’ convenience than anything else. And as a former art student who is used to spending loads of cash on art supplies, I found her prices extremely inexpensive. I think most of the students were happy to have the option of buying the painting kit in class (and she was very open to lending her supplies too).
I wished the class was longer, since set-​up takes a decent chunk, and some sessions felt like not quite enough time to balance the lecture and the project. I also think it might have been nice to have a little group discussion/​critique at the end of the workshop. My only other complaint is that our model didn’t show up the last class, but I think that was a fluke. We painted album covers instead and still had a good time.
I’m super happy that Transistor is in my neighborhood, and there has been talk of drop-​in art nights where anyone can come and hang out and make art. Sounds pretty sweet!

Never mind the Apple store, Transistor is the community-​driven treasure trove for original gadgets with character.
I keep a brief but specific wish-​list of my most coveted toys & tools, and upon entering Transistor, I was overwhelmed to realize that they carry almost everything on that list. There are pristine record players, Tivoli table radios, art supplies, lomographic cameras, and gorgeous photography books. If only they carried typewriters, I would never have to leave my block to make all of my artsy/​music zealot material dreams come true.
Even though flipping through the wooden crates of new records is much like perusing the Pitchfork lineup, Transistor manages indie hipness without pretension. They keep their finger on the pulse of what’s cool in art and music, without the unfortunate air of preciousness that too often accompanies such a venture.

Great little shop.
Haven’t taken a class here, but this a great place to check out local artists, as well as shop for books, vintage games (SO FRIGGIN COOL), and did I see a radio show going on in the back? This place is awesome.
One of the highlights was the photography. There was some really cool photos of Chicago and places around the world. It’s nice to see other people’s perspective on places they go.
Super friendly guy manning the register.
We will have to check out their calendar and make an effort to get down here when there’s some events going on.

This review is more about the painting class and not about the shop at all.
I bought the Groupon for the painting class held at Transistor by one of the owners, Rani. Needless to say, I was a disappointment by the 3^rd class out of 4. I expected the class to have more structure and that we would learn more technique. I’m not an art teacher, but I’ve taken a lot of art classes and this teacher’s style did not jive with me. It seems more like an opportunity for her to sell art supplies and for student to practice painting than to learn. The shop is also not well equipped for art classes. It is very difficult to paint while working on a TV tray which was what was supplied. The still life that Rani created at the beginning of classes 1 and 3 where not inspiring. They were just stuff thrown together. I’ve had art teachers throw together a still life before an art class, but they put a lot more care into it.
I have to say that I also felt a little ripped off. During painting class 1 & 2, she told the class it was $ 15 to borrow her supplies for all 4 classes. I gave Rani a $ 20 at the beginning of the 3^rd class and she just took it, said thanks and stared at the floor. I was so shocked that she took the entire bill without giving me change and avoided eye contact with me because she apparently changed the prices as of then that I walked away. The art supplies that she supplied after class 1 were also her leftover paints. When I’m paying $ 15, sorry $ 20, for art supplies, I kind of expect to have access to all of the primary colors at least. I don’t feel like I was able to get the full experience with such limited supplies.
I’ll be more careful about the instructor and structure when taking art classes in the future.

«Be bo boop beep bop blip blip» didn’t understand that?! Well, at Transistor they do! They can handle just about anything else you can throw at them!
This music, no wait bookstore, uh gallery, maybe workshop (shrugs shoulders), well it’s just about everything and it ROCKS! The owners are super cool, knowledgeable, and extremely nice. They utilize their space very well, it’s jam packed full of items and yet they have managed for it to not look completely cluttered. They offer so many things here I don’t even know where to begin…
Music –Not a huge area for vinyl or cd’s but the selection they do have is very good (my opinion). They also have a selection of films of DVD, I think most were live shows of bands. They also sell some equipment, tuners, amps, a few funky devices for ipods and such.
Books –Need a copy of Keith Richard’s new book «Life» or Patty Smith’s «Kids». Great selection of artists that have written a book or two. They have books on Jazz (I want!) and few other genres, plus a whole bunch of books about art.
Gallery –They have art hanging everywhere, mostly done by local artists. Hand crafted items all around and a nice selection of local photographers as well.
Workshop –Transistor offers class in building electronics, painting/​drawing, graphic design, and even adobe lessons for photo shop.
Transistor always has something happening, their calendar is packed. Even if you don’t care for any of that, they also have bands/​DJ’s play live. If you have time check out their webcast, packed full of music and a round table discussion from author, artists, and performers.
I love this place, I picked up a book, The Pixies on vinyl, a button, and a photograph of Sia from a show I was at. I might take a class as well.

I want to thank Transistor for bringing even more cool points to Andersonville.
Records, art, books, radio station, cool-​ass owners and lot of other things I’m failing to mention.
Shows, workshops and PING PONG.
I’ve never been anywhere like it in the city.
I hear these types of shops are popular in Europe, but I’ve never been. So I’m grateful for a chance to experience it here.