If you’re tired of going to Guitar Center for everything, Nashville has plenty of independent music shops. These places stock an impressive amount of instruments and gear, and many of them have been in business for decades. Here are Nashville Guru’s top picks for local music stores.
Corner Music
In 1976, Larry Garris opened the Corner Music store. Over 45 years later, it is still one of the most popular music shops in Nashville. You can buy pretty much anything music-related here, this is a gearhead’s independent go-to.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
Fork’s Drum Closet
Fork’s Drum Closet has been providing Nashvillians with drums and gear ever since 1982. The Wedgewood-Houston location is a frequent destination for both local and visiting musicians.
- Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston
Fanny’s House of Music
You’ll feel right at home at Fanny’s House of Music: a fun, friendly combination of music and fashion. Fanny’s focuses on vintage instruments and stagewear, so if you like one-of-a-kind finds, check out this eclectic shop in the Five Points neighborhood.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
Gruhn Guitars
Since 1970, Gruhn Guitars has shuffled around to four different locations, with its current—and most expansive—digs on 8th Avenue South. Owner George Gruhn needed all that space for his collection of vintage, new, and used guitars, basses, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, and amps.
- Neighborhood: 8th Avenue South
Carter Vintage
You’re in great hands at Carter Vintage, considering its owners have a combined 50+ years’ worth of experience working with vintage guitars. Christie and Walter Carter also boast a dreamy 8,000-square-foot showroom to test-drive all their fretted instruments.
- Neighborhood: Gulch
Eastside Music Supply
Eastside Music Supply is East Nashville’s premier shop for new and used pedals, guitars, synths, and select pro audio gear. If you can’t make it to the store, shop online. EMS offers free shipping on all pedals new and used.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
Artisan Guitars
Artisan Guitars is home to Maton Guitars Nashville—the largest authorized Maton dealer in North America. Customers can expect top-notch and informative customer service. This guitar shop is situated not too far outside of Nashville and is open by appointment.
- Neighborhood: Franklin
Rumble Seat Music
When Rumble Seat Music moved to Nashville 7 years ago, it joined Carter Vintage and Gruhn Guitars to complete the vintage-guitar trifecta along 8th Avenue South. Owner Eliot Michael, who folded Rumble Seat’s California and New York locations into the Music City shop, curates sought-after premium instruments.
- Neighborhood: 8th Avenue South
Nashville New & Used Music
Another old-school offering, Nashville New & Used Music has been slinging six-strings and more since 1976. Known for its wide selection of gear as well as its knowledgeable staff, this place is one of the best and most trustworthy in town.
- Neighborhood: South Nashville
Did we leave off your favorite local music store? Let us know in the comments.
Shiloh Music Center in Mt Juliet. Family owned 3rd generation luthier for repairs. Great place seriously knowledge and not overpriced like most small music stores.
Sam Ash Music (Rivergate). Family owned and operated for over 90 years. Largest musical instrument showrooms and three performance stages. Full line music gear retailer with all of the biggest brand names.