Carter Vintage Guitars
A legendary Nashville destination housing an unparalleled collection of vintage guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Play history!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more playing time
Carter Vintage Guitars
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more playing time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Nashville destination housing an unparalleled collection of vintage guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Play history!
"Vintage Guitar paradise that is truly worth the trip."
🎸 Play 'Em All!
Don't be shy! Staff encourage you to play the guitars. It's part of the experience!
💰 Budget for Treasures
Prices range from $1,000 to $725,000+. Even if not buying, it's a visual feast.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Vault
Inside Carter Vintage Guitars
Discover rare, high-value vintage guitars and instruments. A must-see for serious collectors and curious minds alike.
Vast Guitar Collection
Main showroom
Hundreds of electric and acoustic guitars, from affordable gems to million-dollar masterpieces. Prepare to be amazed.
Vintage Mandolins & Banjos
Instrument displays
Explore a curated selection of vintage mandolins and banjos, adding another layer to this instrument paradise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Guitar Haven
Beyond the Guitars
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎸 Play 'Em All!
Don't be shy! Staff encourage you to play the guitars. It's part of the experience!
💰 Budget for Treasures
Prices range from $1,000 to $725,000+. Even if not buying, it's a visual feast.
✨ Explore 'The Vault'
See the rarest and most expensive instruments. It's a highlight for many visitors.
🚗 Parking Tips
Street parking can be tricky. Consider nearby garages if you're driving.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎸 Play 'Em All!
Don't be shy! Staff encourage you to play the guitars. It's part of the experience!
💰 Budget for Treasures
Prices range from $1,000 to $725,000+. Even if not buying, it's a visual feast.
✨ Explore 'The Vault'
See the rarest and most expensive instruments. It's a highlight for many visitors.
🚗 Parking Tips
Street parking can be tricky. Consider nearby garages if you're driving.
🎶 Live Music Vibes
You might catch impromptu performances or even famous musicians. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carter Vintage Guitars is widely celebrated as a 'vintage guitar paradise' with an incredible, vast collection and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors rave about the opportunity to play rare instruments and the knowledgeable, friendly staff. While the prices can be high, the experience is considered well worth the trip for any music enthusiast.
"Vintage Guitar paradise that is truly worth the trip. Beyond the incredible collection of vintage guitars, amps, mandolins, banjos, and more, the place has one of the best vibes of a guitar shop. Despite how much these guitars are worth they really want you to play and appreciate them while there. Ended up picking up a 2000s Mandolin at a great price and condition."
Evan Shively
"If you're into guitars, THIS is the place for you.
My husband wanted to check it out before we left town, and it is truly an impressive place. Large, clean, and bright, they have hundreds (at least) of guitars on display for sale. I can't pretend to know the first thing about guitars in general, but there were plenty of knowledgable staff members floating around.
There's also "The Vault" with the rare and expensive stuff that is interesting.
Overall, a cool experience."
Nicole Nittel
"I absolutely loved this place. Much more to see than in any other guitar shop. As a traveler from Brazil I wasn't particularly on the market in this trip, but I had to make a stop and buy a Nashville's iconic guitar at Carter's. The world of music is happier with Carter among us. If you're musician a music enthusiast, make time for a stop and go visit "The Vault" at Carters. You won't regret."
Danilo Rodrigues
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carter Vintage Guitars is located in Nashville, TN. Many visitors arrive by car and find street parking, though it can be competitive. Public transportation options are available, but driving or rideshares are often more convenient for reaching this music hub.
Street parking is available around Carter Vintage Guitars, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. Consider using a parking garage in the vicinity if you're having trouble finding a spot.
Absolutely! Carter Vintage Guitars is a major draw for tourists and music enthusiasts from all over the world. Travelers from Brazil have made it a must-visit stop.
For ease of access, driving or using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is recommended. This allows you to easily navigate Nashville's streets and find parking, though be prepared for potential traffic.
Yes, Nashville is a music city! While Carter Vintage is a standout, other music stores like Gruhn Guitars and Rumbleseat on 8th Ave S are also highly recommended by visitors for their vintage selections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to enter Carter Vintage Guitars. It's a retail store and showroom open to the public. Entry is free, allowing you to browse the incredible collection.
Carter Vintage Guitars typically operates during standard business hours, often from morning to late afternoon or early evening. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
There is no admission fee to enter Carter Vintage Guitars. You can freely explore the showroom and admire the vast collection of vintage instruments.
Yes, absolutely! The staff at Carter Vintage Guitars are very welcoming and encourage visitors to play the instruments. It's a key part of the experience for guitar enthusiasts.
Carter Vintage Guitars occasionally hosts events, such as their 'Sunday Market' featuring local vendors with apparel, jewelry, and more. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
🎫 🎸 Onsite Experience
Carter Vintage Guitars boasts an extensive collection of vintage guitars (electric and acoustic), mandolins, banjos, and amplifiers. They are known for their high-quality, rare, and iconic instruments. +1
Yes, all the instruments at Carter Vintage Guitars are for sale. Prices range significantly, from around $1,000 to upwards of $725,000 for exceptionally rare pieces.
'The Vault' is a special section within Carter Vintage Guitars that houses their most rare, valuable, and historically significant instruments. It's a must-see for serious collectors and enthusiasts.
The staff at Carter Vintage Guitars are knowledgeable and helpful. They are passionate about guitars and are happy to answer questions, provide information, and assist you in trying out instruments.
Carter Vintage Guitars is considered a paradise for musicians and music enthusiasts. The opportunity to play iconic vintage instruments and experience the atmosphere makes it a unique destination. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos at Carter Vintage Guitars to capture the incredible collection. It's a visually stunning place that many want to document. +1
While generally permitted, it's always polite to be mindful of other visitors and staff. Avoid intrusive photography, especially if someone is actively playing an instrument or if there are private events.
The entire showroom is a photographer's dream! Focus on the unique details of the vintage guitars, the impressive displays, and 'The Vault' for truly iconic shots.
Many visitors and musicians film videos at Carter Vintage Guitars, often showcasing their playing or the instruments themselves. Some artists even perform live sessions there. +2
You can find many photos of Carter Vintage Guitars on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram using hashtags like #cartervintageguitars and #nashvilleguitars. Their official website and YouTube channel also feature high-quality imagery. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to introduce younger generations to the history and artistry of musical instruments. Consider it a unique museum visit with the added bonus of being able to touch and play some of the exhibits. Just be mindful of the value of the items and supervise children closely to ensure they handle everything with care.
🎸 Guitar Enthusiasts & Collectors
The ability to play these instruments is a massive draw. It's a chance to experience the feel and sound of guitars that have shaped music history. The knowledgeable staff are a valuable resource for insights into specific models, their provenance, and their market value.
🎶 Musicians & Songwriters
+2Whether you're looking for a specific sound for your next recording or simply want to be surrounded by musical history, Carter Vintage offers a unique atmosphere. You might even find yourself jamming alongside a fellow musician or catching an impromptu performance that fuels your own passion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Vintage Instruments
The shop's atmosphere is often described as having a 'great vibe,' making it more than just a transaction. It's a place where passion for music is palpable. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, the experience of holding and playing a piece of musical history is unforgettable. The staff's encouragement to interact with the instruments is a key part of what makes Carter Vintage so special.
Beyond guitars, the vintage mandolins and banjos offer a deeper dive into American musical heritage. These instruments, often as rare and sought-after as their guitar counterparts, add another dimension to the store's appeal. For those seeking the absolute pinnacle of rarity, 'The Vault' houses some of the most valuable and historically significant pieces, offering a glimpse into the stratospheric world of high-end vintage instruments.
Celebrity Sightings and Live Performances
+3These visits often result in incredible live performance videos shared on social media, showcasing both the artists' talent and the exceptional acoustics and instruments within the store. Videos of musicians playing iconic guitars, like a 1959 Les Paul or a vintage Martin D-28, have gone viral, drawing even more attention to Carter Vintage.
+2The presence of these artists and the resulting content contribute to the shop's reputation as a vibrant hub for music culture in Nashville. It adds an element of excitement, as visitors might just find themselves sharing the space with a musical hero or witnessing a spontaneous jam session.
Navigating the Inventory and Pricing
While the high-end instruments are certainly a draw, visitors consistently praise the staff for their helpfulness and willingness to let people try out guitars, regardless of price. This hands-on approach is a significant differentiator and a major reason why enthusiasts love visiting.
For those looking to purchase, the online inventory is also available, with staff like Nick receiving commendations for their professionalism in handling sales and shipping, even for remote buyers. This accessibility ensures that the treasures of Carter Vintage can reach enthusiasts worldwide.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit