Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee has become the one-stop-shop for all guitars vintage and pre-owned. Since its inception, CVG has become the number one vintage instrument consignment dealer in the world. The shop started off small in November 2012, founded by Walter and Christie Carter who had the vision of creating a comfortable and welcoming space for fretted instruments and those that love them. Most fretted instruments can be found at Carter’s including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, mandolins, banjos, basses, and more! While recently in Nashville, we had the privilege of getting a tour from Sales Manager, Noah Pelty who showed us the main showroom and acoustic room.
Walter Carter has 25 years of expertise in vintage guitars under his belt, including a decade as Gibson’s in-house historian and 12 years as a vintage dealer. He has written several books on vintage guitars and various guitar companies, proving his deep knowledge of guitars. His wife, Christie Carter, also carries along 25 years of experience in the vintage guitar business, specializing in some of the most high-end guitars.
The facility recently moved to a larger location where they now have a main showroom, an acoustic room, and another area called The Vault. This area holds dozens of guitars and can be rented out for receptions and parties. Over 3,000 guitars are on sale at CVG at all times, including some that cost over $100k. Some notable brands the shop often has on hand are Fender, Gibson, and Martin. Some of their oldest models are the 1939 Martin D-18 and D-45S and 1950’s Gibson Les Pauls.
Carter is also home to a new repair and restoration shop. Guests can bring in or ship in their guitars for regular maintenance or special configurations that the experts on site can bring to life. CVG allows guests to sell, trade, appraise, restore, and consign guitars of all types. One of the coolest services they offer is a personalized video recording of a team member playing any instrument of your choosing. This allows potential buyers who cannot come into the store to hear the smooth sounds of these top-shelf guitars before they make any decisions on a purchase.
Carter Vintage Guitar is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can check out their Instagram and Facebook page for updates on special closures and events. Personal appointments can be scheduled, but guests are welcome to browse the store and view any and all inventory at any time.