Visit to Gruhn's and Carter Vintage Nashville

[jaco1]

Nashville, Music City. Went to Carter's first, and was very impressed with the overall layout, ...some serious vintage guitars and amps on the floor. (Do not touch). And several listening rooms. Someone was recording a video in one. I picked up (after contacting a salesman) a beautiful 000-45 reproduction that totally blew me away. Tone was sublime but also the loudest acoustic I've ever played. Never heard of the luthier...price $25,000.00 In fairness I did hear from the luthier later after some research, who told me to " offer them a price, I'll probably take it".
Next to Gruhn's... apparently (so I've heard) the good stuff is upstairs, away from the Van Halen wannabes. I understand. A friend had just dropped off several vintage Martin acoustics for consignment. I was told they wouldn't be "ready" for sale for at least another month. My friend had advised "don't buy anything vintage, the market has gone nuts. I bought a pick and two hats....P.S. did have a nice chat with George G.

[shrews824]

Nashville, Music City. Went to Carter's first, and was very impressed with the overall layout, ...some serious vintage guitars and amps on the floor. (Do not touch). And several listening rooms. Someone was recording a video in one. I picked up (after contacting a salesman) a beautiful 000-45 reproduction that totally blew me away. Tone was sublime but also the loudest acoustic I've ever played. Never heard of the luthier...price $25,000.00 In fairness I did hear from the luthier later after some research, who told me to " offer them a price, I'll probably take it".
Next to Gruhn's... apparently (so I've heard) the good stuff is upstairs, away from the Van Halen wannabes. I understand. A friend had just dropped off several vintage Martin acoustics for consignment. I was told they wouldn't be "ready" for sale for at least another month. My friend had advised "don't buy anything vintage, the market has gone nuts. I bought a pick and two hats....P.S. did have a nice chat with George G.

Both are very cool stores and definitely have the eye candy to go with it. Nearly everything in the store is a quality piece and the vintage stuff is definitely out of my reach. I've had the good fortune to go to both many times. Easily worth the trip if you are close to Nashville and you want to see some rare pieces.

[Doctor Jeff]

Carter Vintage Guitars...if you can play like this, they let you touch their guitars.

BTW, saw Marcus King last year and Billy Strings this year at Hinterland Festival. Marcus King's new album is out, and on first listen is excellent. Super creamy guitar tone.

[deacon Mark]

I don't Carter's but George I know and he is fine. George is a character but at least he is stable and knows is business. Carter's has a D'angelico Style A-1 for sale and has been for a long time. Did you happen to play that guitar and is so your impressions? I am somewhat interested in the guitar although back refinished and the lowest model D'a. I have thought about entertaining an offer to them to buy this guitar. I think my offer would not be a low ball but not generous.

So if anyone on the Forum would like please go look up this D'angelico and give me you opinion on what you might think the guitar is worth? Since I am not strongly leaning toward doing this I thought I might throw out this question. I would love to hear from some of those who I know have insight in the archtop market.

D'Angelico A-1 1940 – Carter Vintage Guitars

[wintermoon]

I don't Carter's but George I know and he is fine. George is a character but at least he is stable and knows is business. Carter's has a D'angelico Style A-1 for sale and has been for a long time. Did you happen to play that guitar and is so your impressions? I am somewhat interested in the guitar although back refinished and the lowest model D'a. I have thought about entertaining an offer to them to buy this guitar. I think my offer would not be a low ball but not generous.

So if anyone on the Forum would like please go look up this D'angelico and give me you opinion on what you might think the guitar is worth? Since I am not strongly leaning toward doing this I thought I might throw out this question. I would love to hear from some of those who I know have insight in the archtop market.

D'Angelico A-1 1940 – Carter Vintage Guitars

I'd say stick w/your 2 NYers, this can only be a step down

[ArnoldSchoenberg]

I picked up (after contacting a salesman) a beautiful 000-45 reproduction that totally blew me away. Tone was sublime but also the loudest acoustic I've ever played. Never heard of the luthier...price $25,000.00 In fairness I did hear from the luthier later after some research, who told me to " offer them a price, I'll probably take it".

Who was the luthier?

[Steve Z]

Did you happen to play that guitar and is so your impressions?

D'Angelico A-1 1940 – Carter Vintage Guitars

I’m in the area and have played that guitar. I’ve had great interactions with the staff and play most of the archtops (below mega bucks) that come into Carter.

Based on my preferences in feel etc., Input it right back on the hook. To me, it was nothing special. Neck profile, tone etc was not for me. That stated, it could be perfect for someone else. I preferred the Gibson L7s and the Johnny Smiths played great. Could be that model D’Angelico isn’t my thing.

summary, I recommend playing a vintage guitar before buying unless you have a good idea what to expect.

[omphalopsychos]

I wouldn't buy a guitar from Carter without playing it in person first. I've found at least one of their sales people to be astonishingly dishonest. At least the management staff helped get me a refund, but this is like Guitar Center level of both ignorance and negligence.

Here's the thread if you're interested.
Side cracks on vintage instrument just arrived today - what to do?

I did go there in person. Unfortunately their acoustic archtops are all set up poorly (intonation off, strings rusting, truss rod needing adjustment). Complete amateur hour over there. One of the three dealers I've become extremely wary of lately.

[deacon Mark]

Many thanks for those so far who responded and my take entirely too.