Nashville guitar shops

DrewJD82 said:
Carter’s really is a treat. It’s been 5 years and I’m still dumbfounded they had an Ibanez JS10th (chromeboy) just chilling on the racks anyone could pick up. Gruhn’s just as well, while they’ve got far less guitars, you can sit down with a ‘54 Strat and no one is going to come busting your balls about it.

Definitely worth the trip to anyone who has an interest in vintage guitars and wants the chance to actually play one!
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You mean they allow anyone, including me - wearing a cheap t shirt and a bad haircut to play these expensive guitars?

I am always scared of playing such guitars and visiting "please ask for assistance" sections in stores, for the fear of being driven out.
 
newpedals said:
You mean they allow anyone, including me - wearing a cheap t shirt and a bad haircut to play these expensive guitars?

I am always scared of playing such guitars and visiting "please ask for assistance" sections in stores, for the fear of being driven out.
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Well, I looked 3/4’s homeless when I walked in and they let me play whatever I wanted! :rofl
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I think in general, these particular shops don’t attract the same high school age crowd as an average Guitar Center and the majority of people going in there are respectful of what they’re picking up.
 
newpedals said:
I am always scared of playing such guitars and visiting "please ask for assistance" sections in stores, for the fear of being driven out.
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My rule is: Don't play something unless there's at least an outside possibility I might buy it.

A $2K- $5K guitar is, "I'm pretty certain I don't need that; but by all means, change my mind" territory. A $10K+ guitar is, "I'm never buying that no matter how much I like it; no use wasting everyone's time."
 
newpedals said:
You mean they allow anyone, including me - wearing a cheap t shirt and a bad haircut to play these expensive guitars?

I am always scared of playing such guitars and visiting "please ask for assistance" sections in stores, for the fear of being driven out.
Click to expand...

Carter's seemed chill when I was there, there were a few items like some of John Mayer's amp collection, an original Trainwreck and the Strat from Sweet Home Alabama that I doubt just anyone gets to touch, but on the whole they seemed ok with things being grabbed off the rack and played. Gruhn's might make you give them a credit card if you want to check out certain pieces.

There used to be a shop down the street from Exit/In and Basement East that I tried to stop in at every time I was in town playing one of those places, but I think they closed up. They probably weren't as notable as Carter's or Gruhn's, just a working-class music store, but I liked the vibe and the staff was always really nice to me. I think I saw a sign on the door once that Reeves Gabrels was teaching there at the time.
 
DrewJD82 said:
I hadn’t hit my Les Paul phase yet, but if I went now, that’d most certainly be any old Les Paul Custom. I’m itching to play any older LP right now, but particularly the Customs because blocks & ebony are the shit.
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All Les pauls which I have tried to play have been heavier for me, weight wise. I prefer SGs, strats and teles. So its ok not to like Les Pauls for some other unspecified reason too.
 
Sleezy E said:
I'm heading to Nashville for the first time in a couple weeks!

My uncle lives in Chattanooga and is in the bluegrass scene.. spending 2 nights in Nashville so he can give me the "locals" tour.

So excited! Too bad @JiveTurkey is already there.. I could've had a rare turkey encounter on my trip
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It's our first journey as well! Enjoy some Uncle time, Sleezy!
 
Woot! Just got back from Nashville!

So. Many. Beautiful. Women.

I mean like 10 to 1 female/male ratio, holy crap... anyway... GUITARS!!

Went to a few of the local shops.. played my first Aristides and can confirm, the hype is real.. such a comfortable guitar. (although the finish was a bit gaudy for my taste)

20250517_130728.jpg


Went to Carter's, as one does, and holy crap..

20250517_125439.jpg


You could take this lady home for the low low price of $725k!

20250517_132554.jpg


Also stopped by 3rd Man Records and jammed on Jack's toys for a bit..

20250517_144741.jpg


All in all a GREAT trip! I'm not much for country music, but the history and talent in this town is undeniable.
 
Sleezy E said:
Woot! Just got back from Nashville!

So. Many. Beautiful. Women.

I mean like 10 to 1 female/male ratio, holy crap... anyway... GUITARS!!

Went to a few of the local shops.. played my first Aristides and can confirm, the hype is real.. such a comfortable guitar. (although the finish was a bit gaudy for my taste)

View attachment 44088

Went to Carter's, as one does, and holy crap..

View attachment 44089

You could take this lady home for the low low price of $725k!

View attachment 44091

Also stopped by 3rd Man Records and jammed on Jack's toys for a bit..

View attachment 44092

All in all a GREAT trip! I'm not much for country music, but the history and talent in this town is undeniable.
Click to expand...
Told yall on that Aristides! Finish looked like that spray can faux granite wtf finish but it played great! Sounds like a great trip!
 
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