The North American Guitar — Local services in Nashville-Davidson

This wonderful little shop is in Nashville, and I live in New York. I found Cotten Music Center through a guitar shop friend in my hometown, in 1996, and have been a customer and friend of the shop ever since. I have purchased a vintage ukulele and three guitars from them over those years—one just last week!—as well as accessories, picks, etc., and each transaction was smooth, friendly, cordial, and fair.

I have been to Nashville twice over the last nine years, and was able to meet the folks in the shop, as well as see the old Hillsboro Village location and the newer, boutique-like location. Very nice, with a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. And reserved parking right outside for Cotten customers.

If you have never been to the shop, I would recommend you pop in when you're in Nashville, or if you live there. The inventory is not vast, but it's choice, and you never know who might be sitting there pickin'... I was able to sample guitars from some builders who just have not made it this far east, like JC Baxendale and Leo Posch, whose guitars were very impressive.

Cotten has built its reputation on its mission to match players up with the right guitar for them, and two out of the three I purchased have been right! And oddly, both have maple backs and sides. Hmm. Thanks to Kim Sherman for expert advice, guidance, and patience through the years, and for making me feel welcome when I did have the chance to be...

Absolutely fantastic store! I bought a very special guitar from TNAG (major purchase, almost $20k), and their team made me feel very comfortable and confident through the entire buying process. Generally I’d be hesitant to make such a large purchase online, but their operation is top notch and inspires quite a bit of confidence when spending big bucks on a guitar sight-unseen (of course their generous approval period helps as well). Their team was incredibly responsive, especially Kim Sherman, and we got the deal done swiftly and enjoyably. Payment terms were excellent, and they were more than understanding when we encountered a slight delay with my bank. The guitar arrived well-packed and in perfect condition, and is a truly extraordinary instrument! Can’t say enough good things about TNAG, and based on my wonderful experience with them during this first transaction, they’ve created a lifelong customer! Their inventory is remarkable, almost everything they sell is something special, and I'm already looking forward to my next purchase from them (although my fiancé has requested I wait a little while to allow my bank account to replenish itself). Next time I'm in Nashville, their showroom will be...

I have been a customer of Cotten Music since 1996. In that near quarter century I have been overwhelmed by the genuine warmth, graciousness, honesty, and painstaking attention to the needs of customers. This customer has become much more than a customer. The homespun charm and outgoing magnetism Kim Sherman and her crew are the genuine core of what makes Cotten Music the iconic shop that it is. My fervent wish and greatest hope is that this new merger will not diminish this shop's greatest asset, it's humanity. So often, financially powerful entities merge with little jewels and infect them with a dollar driven philosophy. I am confident that Kim we will keep Cotten Music's focus on the working musician who cannot afford an expensive guitar, but deserves the same friendly, open, kind attention as an investing collector. Richard established that philosophy. And, Kim has furthered it and perpetuated it. I am confident that even with this new affiliation, Kim will maintain the goodness and charm of Richard's little Hillsboro Village dream shop where a visit was not just an exercise in commerce, but a chance to drop in and chat...