Aaahh Chuck's - Yes you need patience at Chuck's, but then did you pick a 'busy' time? Try to get there early in the day. It's in a busy area, so most times it is packed. I usually allow for an hour inside even if it's just to buy a set of strings. Know exactly what you want when you go in, so they can breeze thru. Also, they are right up the hill from a Metro station as well. And Washington Music is down the hill, around the corner. My Elan is a Chuck's special I picked up at a pawn shop - I went in and was able to ask Chucks about it before I bought it from the pawn shop.
Thawnk!