Best Guitar Shops in Nashville

[h0ss66]

I'm planning a trip to Nashville over the winter break and will plan to check out some guitar shops/music stores. I'm sure there are a million opinions on this, but what are the must-see places?

Thanks!

[chequepoint]

Things people forget about Nashville:

Despite its "Fame", its a B market. Our Sam Ash and GC are accordingly small and shitty.

Most of the working pro's here in town are either endorsed, or play primarily vintage stuff.

SO it's not the guitar buying paradise that you might imagine. That said..

Gruhns has all the vintage high end stuff, expect to pay for it.
Rock Block has all the cool pedals, and Reeves Gabrels.
Corner Music has the bulk of the boutique amps.

That pretty much covers downtown. If you want to travel a bit, World Music has some interesting things sometimes, and Nashville Used Music is worthless 95% of the time.. but that 5% has resulted in some amazing gear scores for me.

In theory, the Gibson showcase might be open again when you get here, if they're opening it again, I'm not sure.

IMO the real gear action in Nashville is on our craigslist, which is pretty active and fun.

[motorcitychick]

I agree with that the music stores here in Nashville are not that great when it comes to looking for gear. I usually go out of state to make my purchases and the Fender Road Show doesn't even come to Nashville because there isn't a dealer here to invite the Road Show! Now does that make any sense, when this town coin's the phrase "Music City"? Nashville World Music is a good store to shop at and they are very friendly and you can take your time to shop without being pressured by a sales person. I've bought a few things from them and I was pleased with my experience. I haven't a clue what the must see places are here, because to me, this town is pretty boring. LA or New York is where the scene is for must see and excitement. Every winter in Anaheim is the Namm Show and that is so cool to attend.

[h0ss66]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll probably check out Corner Music and Rock Block since I'll be staying downtown. Otherwise, I'll be sure to check out some live music at some bars and such.

[tartanphantom]

Originally Posted by chequepoint

IMO the real gear action in Nashville is on our craigslist, which is pretty active and fun.

I agree. We have one of the BEST gear lockers in the country on the Nashville area Craigslist. I look at alot of other areas, and their musical instrument sections are miniscule. Nashville Craigslist is always loaded with gear, both good stuff and bargain stuff.

The retail stores, however, are indeed somewhat lackluster in their offerings. Gruhn's is nice if you like to dream, or if you have bottomless pockets of cash. Another good place for vintage gear is Cotten Music in Hillsboro Village, their prices are often much more reasonable than Gruhn's.

You used to be able to find some decent stuff in the area pawn shops, but most of that has been replaced by Craigslist over the last few years.

[K-Line]

Rock Block on Church, west of I-65.

[chequepoint]

Originally Posted by motorcitychick

I agree with that the music stores here in Nashville are not that great when it comes to looking for gear. I usually go out of state to make my purchases and the Fender Road Show doesn't even come to Nashville because there isn't a dealer here to invite the Road Show! Now does that make any sense, when this town coin's the phrase "Music City"? Nashville World Music is a good store to shop at and they are very friendly and you can take your time to shop without being pressured by a sales person. I've bought a few things from them and I was pleased with my experience. I haven't a clue what the must see places are here, because to me, this town is pretty boring. LA or New York is where the scene is for must see and excitement. Every winter in Anaheim is the Namm Show and that is so cool to attend.

Summer Namm here is fun. I always go to the Anaheim show and get bored halfway though, then wander over to Disneyland. I can only take so much douchebaggery and blue/black hair dye. I love Nashville vs. LA or NY. Nashville is "Music City", it's just not a major market. Most pro's buy from other pros, or direct from their artist reps. I'd say Pro's make up a very small percentage of the music gear sold in this country, with the bulk of sales being either beginners or lawyers.