Heralded as “Nashville’s Friendliest Guitar Store,” Carter Vintage has certainly earned that reputation in spades.
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This 8,000-square-foot shop is not only incredibly inviting (with great benches andHeralded as “Nashville’s Friendliest Guitar Store,” Carter Vintage has certainly earned that reputation in spades.
This 8,000-square-foot shop is not only incredibly inviting (with great benches and private rooms) but the collection of guitars is downright jaw-dropping. During my last visit, I chatted with the staff while Pete Townshend strummed guitars only steps away. Yes, Carter’s is a must-visit.
NUMBER OF INSTRUMENTS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP
Walter Carter (Owner): Counting amps, around 1,600 pieces.
COOLEST INSTRUMENT CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP
A 1967 Martin 00-21 with Merle Haggard’s name inlaid on the fingerboard. It’s the guitar on the cover of his 1969 Jimmie Rodgers tribute album, Same Train, a Different Time.
FAVORITE INSTRUMENT YOU EVER SOLD
The very first cherry sunburst Les Paul Standard. We got it from the original owner and sold it to a collector.
MOST EXPENSIVE INSTRUMENT YOU EVER SOLD
We can’t tell you who we sold the first ’burst to, or for how much, but we listed it at $625,000.
MOST SOUGHT AFTER INSTRUMENT BY CUSTOMERS
Everyone has different tastes. We have customers looking for the holy grail in every genre—sunburst Les Paul, blackguard Telecaster, Loar-signed Gibson F-5 mandolin, pre-war Gibson flat-head banjo or pre-war Martin D-45. We’re always on the lookout for all of those models.
BIGGEST PET PEEVE AS A SHOP OWNER
We have the same issues with manufacturers, customers, employees, etc., that every other brick-and-mortar store has—but it’s really hard to complain. We still look forward to coming into the store every day.
FAVORITE CELEBRITY ENCOUNTER
Because of our location in Nashville, we have lots of celebrities in the store. Without exception, they have been normal people who wanted to check out some guitars, and that’s the way we treat them. Kevin Costner sat on a bench in the showroom and