Carter Vintage Guitars — Local services in Nashville-Davidson

Great guitar store. There is an amazing selection of guitars that range in all prices imaginable. Overall I would recommend this place on the instrument shopping loop. I always seem to find a one of a kind guitar that just speaks to me and I most likely make a purchase. The staff is very helpful and the overall atmosphere is great. - This was my old review 5 years ago!

Another great gem in Nashville, but not just guitars. The overall selection of amps are amazing and they have the perfect setup to sample guitars and amp combinations.

I would recommend stopping in for accessories, pedals, guitars, and amps. - This was my old review 5 years ago!

Here's my new one:

I’ve been a longtime supporter of Carter Vintage, but my recent experience has been frustrating. I consigned a guitar with them over two months ago, sold it about a month ago, and I’m still waiting to receive my payment. The lack of communication has been disappointing, and at this point, I have no idea when—or if—my check will actually arrive. To make matters worse, they still have another one of my guitars, which only adds to the frustration.

Beyond the slow payments and poor responsiveness, Carter Vintage has changed significantly over the past year. The brand has become more corporate, losing the local charm that once made it a beloved part of the Nashville music community. Instead of feeling like a gathering place for musicians, it now caters more to out-of-town tourists. Adding to this shift, they’ve started selling all kinds of unrelated items—jewelry, coffee, and other trinkets—rather than focusing solely on guitars. It feels like the store has moved away from its roots, and the atmosphere just isn’t the same.

Given the delays, lack of transparency, and overall changes to the store, I’d strongly recommend using Reverb instead—lower fees and a smoother process. If you prefer consignment, you might want to explore other shops in the Nashville area. Unfortunately, Carter Vintage just isn’t what...

A review from someone not caught up in the hype. I went into this store because I drove past not because I recognize any legacy it has. I walked in and thought what anyone would: kid in a candy store. I love vintage guitars and I am a collector. As we walked down to the crowded guitar pit on the display at the end of the ramp my wife stopped me to take a look at something I had just walked past and some rude older man who worked there and gave an exasperated sigh like it was a giant inconvenience like we were holding him up from something important by looking at merchandise THEY PLACED THERE! I was high enough up the food chain there to warrant having a desk to himself so Ill assume he is owner or manager and should know better. I love that the guitars are very accessable. One very nice guy was very welcoming to us and I appreciated him and one nice woman as we were leaving were the stars here. I dont know what was going on that day but they had some kid walking around recording video of the place and he repeatedly got in the way of people shopping like he had zero sense or manners. Then you get to the pricetag and I understand running a brick in mortar in a town where skyscraper cranes are starting to outnumber native residents but almost any guitar with a G on the headstock was close to $1000 over an actual wiggle room. I get inflating price for negotiation room and covering overhead and convenience but its a bit overkill. The amount of guitars were impressive Ill never take that from them.

If you want and destination shopping tourist or fanboi review theres a ton of them. Im just a guy who has bought and plenty of vintage guitars and have been in every type of guitar store you can think of coast to coast. Maybe I caught the place on a bad day but Ill never go back but I will thank the two people in there who were nice. You were the saving grace...

I called Carter’s the afternoon before I was driving up to look at two Les Paul’s that I was interested in. Henry Conlon from sales answered and was super friendly. Since they were getting close to closing the shop. He went ahead and offered to put them both on hold until I could get there shortly after they opened the next morning. My son and I made the 3 hour drive and it was well worth it. When we got there, Henry was just as much a class act as the shop and the inventory they keep. The shop was busy, but Henry kept coming back and checking in with me in between other customers that were needing help. I’m pretty particular and detail oriented when purchasing items and I take my time on making decisions, so we ended up being in the shop 3 hours. Henry was patient with me and dealt with my OCD better than I could have if I were him. Greg Ellis (Head of repair and authentication) was very accommodating with doing an authentication and a string height adjustment for me. He even cleaned the frets, oiled the fretboard and put a new set of strings on it even though I didn’t ask him to. Greg seemed to be a real source of knowledge on guitars/amps and as friendly as you could ask for. Henry and Greg are the kind of folks I like to do business with and just be around in general. Cool store, very high end guitars and amps! I bought a mint 2005 Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop R8 cherry sunburst and drove back to Alabama happy. I will buy...