Buying a Guitar in Guitar Town

Buying a Guitar in Guitar Town

Nashville was famously called “Guitar Town” in a Steve Earle song. And rightly so. You’ll find everything from beginner-level guitars to vintage collectibles. I talked to knowledgeable guitar-picking friends to get the lowdown on shops. (Photo: Mark Hollingsworth)

Gruhn Guitars

2120 8th Avenue S. Probably the best-known for its high-end instruments and high-profile clientele, George Gruhn has been in the instrument business for more than 50 years. It’s the kind of place Vince Gill goes when he’s in the market for a new instrument. In addition to guitars, they sell banjos, mandolins and ukuleles. Particularly known for their acoustic collection, Gruhn’s caters to serious customers and they aren’t fans of goobers who just wanna strum a $8,000 Martin D-28. If you’re a legitimate enthusiast with big bucks to spend, inquire about their private showroom. Closed Sundays.

Carter Vintage Exchange

606 8th Avenue S. The name hints at what to expect. My friend John appreciates the laidback attitude and knowledgeable staff. Fun little perk of visiting their website: they curate a calendar of music performances they consider noteworthy. A sort of shop within a shop is North American Guitar. FYI, it moved across the street from its former location March 1, 2024.

Rumble Seat Music

1805 8th Avenue S. Specializing in vintage and collectible guitars, you’ll want to check their inventory, especially if you’re looking for a prized electric or amp. In business for 30 years, it has a good reputation.

Gibson Garage

Gibson Custom Shop

Downtown. Walk into the shop and look up. A merry-go-round of musical instruments is passing by. With an inventory of approximately 300 acoustic and electric guitars, basses, amps and other gear, they welcome pickers to play with their “toys.” (Credit: IG/officialgibsongarage)

Guitar Center

100 Oaks, Rivergate and Cool Springs. Yes, three locations for this national chain and they seem to have a mixed-bag reputation regarding the knowledge of its staff. Still, it’s worth a visit. Some report finding great values.

Nashville New and Used

4876 Nolensville Road. In business since 1976, NN&U offers a wide variety of instruments including guitars, banjos and mandolins. The word on the street is that you’ll often find better deals here.

Fanny’s House of Music

East Nashville. Based in an old home at 1101 Holly Street, Fanny’s touts itself as “Nashville’s most comfortable store.” Owned and operated by two music-savvy ladies, they take special pleasure in accommodating women, children and beginners. A full-service shop for used and vintage instruments, they buy, sell, consign and repair.

Caldwell Guitars

East Nashville. This father-and-son operation at 933 Woodland Street specializes in small-batch and boutique products from around the world. Their name understates their inventory which includes amps, basses, keys, synthesizers and gear.

Eastside Music Supply

East Nashville. Specializing in electric guitars, basses and the gear that goes with them, Eastside also stocks breakable items for drummers. They operate a repair shop that includes keyboards and are worth a call or visit for a hard-to-find item.

Tone Central Station

East Nashville.  The store is relatively new but the owner is a veteran having worked for Sam Ash for years. Stop in to check out his guitars, basses, and gear. Props for being a native Nashvillian. While there, browse the music and books next door at Grimey’s.

Corner Music

North Nashville. It’s home to an assortment of instruments including guitars, basses, bluegrass instruments, keys, drums, recording equipment and the occasional other musicmaker. They’re a straight-shooting, no-hype purveyor in business for more than 45 years. Their inventory includes Gibson, Eastman, McPherson Carbon and Takamine, among others. A recent readers’ poll in the Nashville Scene listed it as “Best Place in Nashville to Buy a New Musical Instrument.” Located at 3048 Dickerson Pike.

Jack’s Guitarchaeology

Lebanon. I like his website copy so I’m just going to quote it: “Jack’s Picks, Playable Works of Art & Other Cool Stuff.” A one-stop shop operated by a musician and music lover. Acoustic, electric, gear, repairs, appraisals, brokering, cowbells.

Artisan Guitars

Franklin. The folks here specialize in Maton guitars, stocking a full line of instruments and gear.

Blues Vintage Guitars & More

Donelson New by comparison, the store stocks acoustic and electric guitars, basses and banjos. Open M-F 10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

Walt Grace Vintage

SoBro. More recently known as PieTown, this expansion of a Miami-based business sells high-end vintage cars and guitars. No opening date announced yet.

And for you drummers…
Fork’s Drum Closet

Wedgewood-Houston. Yes, it actually started in a 4×8′ closet in Corner Music before coming into its own. These days it’s nationally–even internationally–known for its vast inventory and world-class expertise. They even host free concerts and clinics which are announced on their website.


Pawn shops

You won’t find a long-lost Johnny Cash heirloom but might luck into a value-priced decent guitar. One savvy buyer recommends that you look from the 23rd to the end of the month; that’s when cash-strapped pickers are selling their instruments to make rent. The highest concentrations of pawn shops are on Main Street (which becomes Gallatin Pike) in East Nashville and along Nolensville Road south of the city.

One favorite spot for touring musicians is Paragon Mills Loan Company. Their music specialist, a no-hype 15-year veteran of the business, takes pride in matching buyers with the right instrument. (This recommendation comes from his daughter who works in my dentist’s office.)

Craig’s List, Facebook Marketplace, etc.

Yes, you’ll find a variety of instruments but let the buyer beware. If there’s anything fishy about the origin of the instrument, step back. Otherwise, you might find a real bargain.