You’re driving down 8th Avenue South, looking for that familiar green awning and the promise of a 1954 Stratocaster. You pull up to the old spot. Something feels off. If you’re looking for Carter Vintage Guitars 625 8th Ave S Nashville TN, you’re actually looking at a piece of history—specifically, the old history.
As of early 2024, the most famous guitar shop in Music City packed up its multi-million dollar inventory and moved. Don’t panic. They didn't go far. In fact, they basically just hopped across the street.
The "old" address at 625 8th Ave S was where Walter and Christie Carter built an empire of mahogany and maple starting back in 2012. It was legendary. It was cramped. It was perfect. But Nashville grows fast, and the shop grew faster. Today, the action has shifted to 606 8th Ave S, Suite 201, inside the historic Antiques building at Paseo South Gulch.
Honestly, the move was a massive deal for the local gear community. You’ve got to understand the vibe of the original place to realize why people were nervous about a relocation. 625 was the kind of spot where you’d walk in and see Vince Gill just... hanging out. It felt like a living room that happened to have $100,000 Lloyd Loar mandolins on the wall.
The New Era at 606 8th Ave S
The new space is roughly 12,500 square feet. That’s nearly double what they had at the old 625 8th Ave S location.
Walking into the new spot feels a bit different. It’s polished. You take an elevator up to the second floor, which feels a little "high-end gallery" at first. But once those doors open and you see the "Hall of Fame" filled with photos of legends who’ve bought gear there, that old Carter magic kicks back in.
They kept the benches. That was a big thing for Walter and Christie. They wanted a place where you could actually play the instruments. Most high-end vintage shops treat guitars like Ming vases—look, don't touch. At the new 8th Ave location, if you’re serious, they’ll hand you a 1959 Les Paul and a pick.
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Why the address change happened
Basically, it came down to a merger and a need for breathing room. In 2022, Carter Vintage merged with The North American Guitar (TNAG). Ben Montague, the CEO of the merged group, realized they needed a "super-hub."
The new location at 606 8th Ave S now houses:
- Carter Vintage Guitars (The vintage powerhouse)
- The North American Guitar (High-end custom luthier builds)
- Cotten Music Centre (A Nashville staple for acoustic fingerstyle players)
- Carter Vintage Repair (Led by the wizard Greg Ellis)
It’s a lot of guitar history under one roof.
What Most People Get Wrong About Shopping at Carters
There’s this myth that you need to be a billionaire or a session pro to walk through the doors at 606 8th Ave S. Not true.
Sure, they have the "Vault" items. We're talking about guitars that cost more than a suburban house. But they also stock plenty of "player grade" gear. You’ll find used Fender American Standards and modern Martins mixed in with the museum pieces.
The staff doesn't hover. That’s the best part. You can spend an hour just looking at the grain on a pre-war Martin D-28 without anyone asking for your credit card.
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The Celebrity Factor
If you spend enough time at the new location, you’ll see someone famous. It’s almost a guarantee. Marcus King did the grand opening. Joe Bonamassa is a regular. You might see Post Malone browsing the acoustics or Jason Isbell checking out a vintage Telecaster.
But here’s the Nashville rule: Don’t be weird. People go to Carters to talk gear, not to sign autographs. The shop treats the stars like regular players, and that’s why they keep coming back.
The Logistics: Parking and Hours
If you’re still mentally stuck at 625 8th Ave S, the biggest upgrade you’ll appreciate at the new spot is the parking.
The old location was a nightmare. You’d have to circle the block or risk getting towed. The new Paseo South Gulch location has a dedicated parking garage with about 30 free spots for customers. In downtown Nashville, that’s basically a miracle.
Current Hours (Always check before you head out):
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The shop is closed on major holidays, so if you're planning a pilgrimage from out of state, give them a call first.
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Is It Still "Carter Vintage" Without the Carters?
Walter and Christie Carter are the heart of this place. While they sold the business and moved toward a more advisory role, the DNA is still there. Ben Montague has been vocal about "protecting the soul" of the shop.
They even brought in Vintage Verified, a high-tech authentication service. They use spectrometers and forensic-level imaging to make sure that "1957 Goldtop" isn't actually a 1970s reissue with a clever paint job. In an industry where fakes are getting scarily good, this level of nerdiness is exactly why people trust the name.
The move from 625 8th Ave S to 606 8th Ave S wasn't just about more square footage. It was about making sure the most important guitar shop in the world had a permanent home that wouldn't get swallowed up by the next condo development.
How to make the most of your visit
- Bring your own picks: They have them, but you’ll feel more at home with your own.
- Ask for a room: If you’re actually looking to buy, ask to go into one of the private glass rooms. The main floor gets loud with five people playing "Stairway to Heaven" at once.
- Check the repair shop: Even if you aren't buying, seeing the guys work on 100-year-old instruments is a masterclass in craftsmanship.
- Look up: Some of the coolest stuff is hanging high on the walls.
If you find yourself standing in front of the empty building at 625 8th Ave S, just look across the street toward the big "Antiques" sign. Your dream guitar is probably over there waiting for you.
To get the most out of your trip, check their online inventory at the official Carter Vintage website before you arrive. Most of the high-end pieces are listed with detailed photos, so you can do your homework before you ever pick up an instrument. If you're coming for a specific piece, call ahead to ensure it hasn't been sold or moved to the "Carter Studios" for a video shoot.