In 1970 George Gruhn established Gruhn Guitars, which is one of the largest dealers of vintage and used instruments in the world. The "guitar guru" also plays with some curious new equipment as well. This shop is basically George. The first floor is available to everyone. If you ever get a chance to follow someone who invites you to the upper levels, go do it no matter how not into guitars you might be. Up there you will see the collection only extremely serious buyers and collectors are interested in. This also includes George's personal collection. (and most likely George himself) Beyond that there is also the shop where people with immeasurable talent turn broken guitars into back to life masterpieces. read more

Gruhn Guitars - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Gruhn's Guitars is one of my favorite guitar stores. I travel through Nashville yearly on vacation and have been spending an extra night in town just so I can visit Gruhn's. Their selection of new guitars is the best I've seen. Besides the normal Taylor and Martin standard models, they have some amazing "Gruhn Spec" Martin guitars. My personal favorite is the Custom 0 Kenneth Pattengale Special. A few years ago I was trying one out, and George Gruhn himself came up to me and we had a conversation about the guitar. They have a wide variety of instruments, from standard flat top acoustics, to resonators, electrics, classical guitars, and even ukuleles. The staff has always been excellent, encouraging me to try anything I wanted, and leaving me alone to do so. But being available when I had questions. They have a good selection of guitar accessories (strings, capos, etc.) and a wide selection of Gruhn Guitar swag. I've bought Gruhn t-shirts every time I've visited and now have a wide variety. Parking in Nashville can be an expensive nightmare, but Gruhn's has the luxury of a private parking lot! read more

Gruhn Guitars - Very early Martin guitar on display (not for sale). - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Gruhn has an enormous selection of instruments! I found anything from a beginner violin all the way to 6-figure Les Paul's. You can play most of the instruments and they have several practice rooms full of a variety of amps. I could easily spend hours (and tons of money) in this store. read more

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I've been here several times and have purchased multiple guitars, as have a couple of buddies. The staff is always fantastic -- knowledgeable, helpful, and never pushy. One of the things I love most is the freedom to pull almost any guitar off the wall and really spend time with it, which says a lot about the trust and culture of the shop. Prices are fair, the selection is outstanding, and the employees truly know their craft. Whether you're seriously buying or just soaking it all in, Gruhn Guitars is an excellent stop if you're anywhere near Nashville. read more

Might be the worst experience at a music shop I have had in a town where most are pretty bad sadly. This tops them all. just an acknowledgement of existence and not being treated like an idiot I would be happy. It could have been a bad morning for them but I fully intended buying a used 3k Martin and left buying a set of strings I needed. Too cool was the vibe. Might be the first review I have ever left I am pretty easy to please. read more

I stopped doing business with Gruhn's when Walter and Christine Carter left to open their own store. George had sold me a 30's Gibson L-00 that the shop had glued the bridge back on, without telling me. It came up a couple of weeks later, and Walter and Christine made him give me a refund. He only wanted to give me store credit and had no remorse for not disclosing what had been done to the guitar. Fast forward to today. I saw a cool 60s ES-330 on their website, and I've been looking for one. I drove down to play it with the intention of shelling out 6k for it, if it felt great. My experience with salesman Corey Terrell made me put it back on the wall and ask myself why I went back there. He was condescending and rude in only a way that a true guitar snob can be. I will never spend money at a business that talks down to me for asking a question about its product. I only asked if I could pay them to refret the instrument, and the guy scolded me. There are plenty of other vintage guitar stores in Nashville, Tennessee, that are kind to their customers. read more

Great customer service and sweet inventory of guitars. Had my new Taylor shipped home and it arrived very well pack and in perfect condition. read more

Great folks. They gave me a tuner that was a promotional item and they didn't have to do that.

I ordered a lot of guitar picks to replace My dwindling stock and was amazed with the speed and care of delivery by post as well as the high quality of these acrylic picks. Jam on Gruhn! read more

George Gruhn is the God Father of vintage stringed instruments. He was there before pretty much anyone else. The shop is full of great guitars and I have been guilty of buying more here than anywhere else. They aren't perfect as I bought a 1960 Martin D-28 that had to have the neck reset but they took care of me. Great staff that has been here years. If you want the good stuff all in one place this is probably it. read more

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I've been in Nashville numerous times, and this old-school guitar shop is hands-down one of my favorite spots in town. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Friendly staff, beautiful store. My son will probably ask me to take him back pretty soon. read more

Gruhn Guitars - He was excited to see all the guitars , We left with a much needed capo, Everyone was super nice - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Thank you so much for being so welcoming and kind to me. I came in as a stranger and I left as a friend. Mr. George is so kind and his team is amazing! A shout-out to Mr. George, Nectaria, Gary and Dalia. Thank you all for allowing me to just be there, show me around the place, tell me about the store, stare at your beautiful master pieces and take pictures. I was in awe in this store. read more

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Every time we come to Nashville Gruhn Guitars is our first stop. It's a guitar lovers dream. Great selection and very friendly staff. read more

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This is the place if you want to buy a Martin acoustic in nashville Tn. They only are sent the best from Martin.

Great selection of guitars from new to old. Look forward to going back and more lefties. read more

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We were in Nashville on vacation. Stopped to Look a Martins. G Helpful staff. Great selection read more

George Gruhn has been offering an amazing experience for decades for guitar enthusiasts at his store Gruhn Guitars. In high school, my grandparents somehow found out about his store and surprised me with a custom Les Paul for my thirteenth birthday. I've still got the original paperwork. A few years ago I got to finally visit the store. It's so cool! There's so many unique instruments there. Currently they are offering appointment only viewings of the showroom or appointment only repairs and curbside pickup. Worth a drive over Monteagle Mountain. read more

Gruhn Guitars - 1987 Custom Les Paul Studio Lite - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Gruhn Guitars is the preeminent stringed instrument source on the planet. I mean no disrespect to Norman's or Carter Vintage. They are very good. The Gruhn knowledge of the instruments construction and history is peerless. The quality of repair & resources are unmatched. What they do to move the entire industry forward is amazing. Oh, and the selection of amazing instruments is the magic. They go out of their way to gather and stimulate a community of stringed instrument lovers around the world. And George knows more about guitars than snakes...by just a little. read more

[I came in looking for a certifiable Fender Telecaster and that's exactly what I found. Corey seamlessly facilitated it for me and now I'm the happiest picker on the planet. Thank you to my wife, to Corey, and to Gruhn Guitars!] read more

Gruhn Guitars - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

They charged me $200 to ship me a guitar that I realised later only actually cost them $80 to ship. I really don't appreciate that kind of behaviour. It bothered me so much that I returned the guitar to them even though I actually liked it in large part because they treated me that way. Not good! read more

The epitome of knowledge, selection and the top of their profession! Stopped in their on vacation in 2021 and had the time of my life looking over and playing their extensive inventory. read more

Gruhn Guitars - Rare 1977 Alvarez Yairi DY 95N. A Martin D-45 killer!!! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I had an experience that began to go south, but most of the folks at Gruhn handled it in a professional and satisfactory manner and the end result is that I have a wonderful Gruhn Special Martin 0000, 28/45 and a good feeling towards Gruhn Guitars. I will spare you all the sorted details. Brian at Gruhn turned a negative situation into a positive one and his diplomacy and desire to satisfy his customer was refreshing. read more

This place really is what everyone says it is. What a fabulous selection of new Martins. I am a Martin fan and I have never seen a display like this. ALL the staff were simply just pleasant to be around. They told me to play anything I wanted. The guitars were all in tune and looked brand new I don't see how anyone could say a bad thing about this place or the staff This is a must place to visit They have vintage and used guitars as well Clean bathrooms too !!!!!! read more

Legendary. That is all. Walked where they walked, play where they played. George is the absolute best. Aces all day, every day. read more

Gruhn Guitars - The Grammer Guitar, Bradley Clark, Bradley Clark Band - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I love going into stores and checking out future guitars, and man this place was heaven. Everything you could imagine. The price tags are high, but incredibly worth it for the quality. Service is spectacular, the staff really knows what they're talking about. Many stores look down at you for picking up the more expensive guitars to try out, but this place treats everybody with respect and just wants you to have a good time. I will 10000% be back here with plenty to spend on my dream guitar. I loved this place and it truly made my trip to Nashville wonderful. New favorite store: Gruhn Guitars read more

Their customer service is the worst in town. I've showed this shop all to disappointment. You can't get a look at any of the good gear unless you're filthy rich. I went with a couple heavy players in Nashville And We have money but - not this time folks. It's a pretentious shop that gets way too much attention. Never bought anything here and Inever will. Rumble Seat music has better than gruhns and they are actually nice people there as well! DONT GO HERE! read more

I'll start by telling you that I am not a musician. I am the wife of a very talented musician. I like music and I think guitars are pretty. I love cats, too. We were greeted immediately and were able to walk around the spacious first floor and take in the view of all the amazing instruments. We had done an online appraisal a few weeks prior and got to meet Joe, a very knowledgable employee. He answered some questions we had and offered to take us up to the high-end room. When we walked in, there were a few guys sitting together, playing banjos. We found out later, if you know the song you can just sit in and play to try out an instrument. Joe continued to show my husband various banjos and guitars. I was walking around taking pictures of guitars, banjos, violins, basses, mandolins, etc. I recognized George Gruhn from his photo on the wall. He was walking around checking out the banjo players. I was very lucky to have met his cat, Titan. A very friendly tiger cat with a wrecking ball head. There is floor above where there is a dog that has the run of the whole place. I didn't get to meet the dog. My husband tried out an awesome electric guitar and I got a private concert in the little room. Pretty cool! Recommended for appraisals, consignments or purchase. Really nice, clean, organized atmosphere, and friendly people. read more

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George Gruhn is as important to the history of the guitar as the guitar itself. I met George for the first time around 1989. Upon arriving at the store yesterday I asked if he was in and the gentleman that greeted me beckoned George that he had a guest in the showroom. After explaining that we had met years earlier in Atlanta. George begins to reminisce like an old friend. He almost immediately invites my wife and I upstairs to the rarer of his offerings and begins to undergo this amazing guided tour thru what is easily recognized as George's life work and calling. He recalls details and offers knowledge and history in a savant-like cadence. His enthusiasm is infectious. He is most gracious and entertaining. An accomplished guitarist he plays various instruments for my wife and I. It is almost surreal. When asked about the acoustics of the upper showroom he whisks us to the stairwell between the second and third floor and proceeds to serenade us with bluegrass on a Custom Shop Martin 0000-28 made to his personal specifications. The sound and experience are no less than sublime. I try to fight the temptation of being a fan-boy with no success and reach for my iPhone to record a smidgeon of the performance, because no one is going to believe this story. George spent more than an hour of his precious time introducing guitars, reptiles and the shop cat. Afterward, walking to our car I state to my wife, "If you only knew how famous and important that man was to this industry you would die". Today was easily one of those days you cherish. She is glowing. She never glows when we leave a guitar shop! I have always felt that none of the people in my circle ever understand my obsession with guitars. All I can say is George Gruhn understands. read more

Gruhn Guitars - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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A pilgrimage along the lotus way, a trip to the Vatican, singing along with the Mormon tabernacle choir, praying along the wailing wall in Jerusalem, touring the Vatican. This all brings me to my pilgrimage to Gruhn's Guitars - my Mecca! Now a bit off the beaten path in Nashville, Gruhn's is the go to place for great people and amazing guitars! I was lucky enough to play a Martin signed by Gene Autry, a 1947 Roy Smek by Gibson, a 1915 Gibson '0' series guitar, to name a few. Their new location is bright and well laid out. The staff is friendly and very approachable, not making you feel like you are "beneath them". When I walked in they said "welcome" and "feel free to play any guitar you want"! Jesus take the wheel...... All the major brands are represented, Gibson, Martin, Taylor, MacPherson, to name a few. Guitars spanning ages from brand new to 120 years old (or so, I didn't get to go upstairs)! After my purchase (supposed to be a t-shirt, turned out to be a guitar - go figure), the staff accommodated me and made the experience truly worthy. Frankly, if you want a $30 guitar, don't come here except for inspiration. If you are coming to Nashville and enjoy string instruments - make the pilgrimage! read more

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I'm just someone that plays guitar at home for fun, but stopped in today wanting to make a choice between the Fender Ultra Luxe Strat or Tele. I wanted to play each through some of my gear to better understand how they'd sound at my he rather than through different gear. Everyone at the store was extremely accommodating and couldn't have been more helpful. Again, I'm no one special, just lucky enough to live in Nashville and have easy access to this wonderful, special place. All the staff seemed to genuinely want everyone there to have a good experience, regardless of whether they were buying a guitar or a t-shirt. I encourage everyone interested in the history of guitars in Nashville to check this special place out. That said, be respectful. This place is a mecca for guitar players and has some very special inventory (which you'll likely not see if you're not actually in the market for them). I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Brian and the amazing service he provided. He was attentive, but let me do my thing. There when I needed him, but didn't hover. Bottom line... great people, great service, great guitars, great place! read more

Gruhn Guitars - Fender Ultra Luxe Stratocaster - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Just an absolute wonderful experience. This is the place where dreams are held. Very friendly staff and very clean environment. I highly recommend this establishment. read more

Gruhn Guitars - Outside - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Excellent Guitar Store One of the Best in the Country I love the Vintage Strats , when they have them , they sell quick I hope they are sinks to get back to NO APPOINTMENT to visit like they used to be , turns a lot of people away , Hopefully with the pandemic situation getting better , they will be back to normal read more

Proceed with caution; I made arrangements to sell a one of a kind Gibson 7 string dobro 4 hole resonator with many pictures and supporting articles from 1983 Guitar Wired Magazine and the Gibson Archives of this lost and super unusual piece. George Gruhn wrote the article himself in 1983. He recalled the instrument vividly and went on putting it down that there is zero market for a one of a kind pre-war slide guitar. We came to terms on the instrument on the phone and he said "I will cut you a check as soon as I receive it". It was received by the Gruhn Team on 5-3-2024 at 11:00am. I was never contacted that they received my guitar. They did not cut the check for $6,000 plus $250 for shipping and insurance for a total of $6250. On 5-7-2024 I called up George to check the status of my check. At this time he went into flash backs and expected the guitar to be exactly how it was in 1983. He went on to state that the bottom string retainer was damaged requiring $2000 of repairs. If this was so, why did you not notice and catch this on the pics I sent you? I have over $10,000 in the instrument. Then George has the gall to re-negotiate after I paid to have the item shipped with a gentleman's agreement to pay me once he receives the guitar. Now I lost $1,000 that I needed and was counting on that I now feel hoodwinked and lied to. Walter Carter of Carter's Vintage Guitars never mentioned any defect when he looked at this guitar last year. I basically got scammed and con'd out of $1,000 because I made the mistake of trusting this man. He had me over a barrel and he knew it. Had my money and my guitar... Just received the check today for $5,250... 14 days after they received my pre-war 7 string Gibson 4 hole resonator dobro resonator. Walter Carter Guitars is the place to go. read more

Not a better to place to pick your next guitar. The Martin selection is top notch. Great customer service and very friendly! 10/10

Five stars. Especially if you are looking acoustic. I fell in love with a guitar here. Of course it was 6k so...ummm... but I'll be back to try again! read more

Cool place but so disappointed. We spent two hours in Gibson but wanted to go to the three stores recommended by my daughters guitar teacher. We were in the market for a new one for her (leaning toward a Les Paul) and her instructor thought a vintage might be the way to go. We were ignored from the moment we walked in. Even when she asked what the oldest guitar was, she was brushed off with a quick answer and no one bothered to show it to her. No one offered to help at all. They were too busy with a tour group, even though there were several employees there. Even in Carter Vintage, he took the time to talk to her and let her try a couple. Same for Rumble Seat. Friendly and helpful. We ended up getting one but thankfully not here. read more

Excellent experience! Staff was really friendly and helpful, especially Corey. Too many beautiful guitar's, even for a lefty like me... Best guitar shop experience ever! read more

I was on vacation and made a point to carve out some time to stop by. I'm in the market for a D-18 (or something along those lines), and they had at least 25 to choose from - standard models, customs, vintage, etc. As you know, they're all a little different, so if you're looking for options to audition, Gruhn is going to be pretty hard to beat; there were a LOT of guitars to try out, all grouped by type... The guys were friendly and accommodating as well. As a bonus, Tommy Emmanuel walked in at one point, and I got to say hello! He also sat down and played a couple of songs. read more

Guitars are expensive, arrogant attitude is free. Just got turned away from looking despite their sign saying walk-ins are permitted in the store. I was treated like I was going to rob the place. I'll gladly spend my money elsewhere. read more