Welcome to Carter Vintage Guitars, your ultimate destination for vintage and pre-owned guitars. Our journey began in November 2012, when Walter and Christie Carter founded CVG with a vision to create a comfortable and welcoming space for fine fretted instruments and the people who appreciate them. Over the years, Carter Vintage Guitars has built a stellar reputation for honesty, full disclosure, and exceptional customer service.
Our Founders’ Story
Carter Vintage Guitars
Walter Carter brought 25 years of expertise in the vintage guitar world, including a decade as Gibson’s in-house historian and 12 years as a vintage dealer. He has authored a dozen books on vintage guitars and guitar companies. His notable works include “Gibson: 100 Years of an American Icon,” “Gruhn’s Guide to Vintage Guitars,” and the comprehensive coffee-table book “The Guitar Collection.” Christie Carter brought 25 years of experience in the vintage guitar business, specializing in high-end guitars. Her dedication to integrity and customer satisfaction quickly made her a trusted name in the industry.
Cotten Music
Founded in 1961 by Richard Cotton, Cotten Music Centre was one of the original music stores in Music City and Richard a much loved figure in the community until his death in 1996. Under the lead of highly respect guitar whisperer Kim Shermn, Cotton Music Centre continued serving their customers with their well know new and used guitars with impeccable customer service. In 2019, The North American Guitar acquired Cotten Music, and launched The North American Guitar Nashville with Kim serving as the companies managing parter, where she remains today.
The North American Guitar
Founded in 2010 by Ben Montague and his father Robert Montague, this family-founded business has modernized how buyers, sellers, and collectors interact with premium fretted instruments. Ben Montague, CEO of The North American Guitar Nashville LLC, is a distinguished leader renowned for his entrepreneurial prowess and strategic vision in the guitar industry. Montague’s leadership is characterized by an unwavering dedication to customer excellence and innovation, driving TNAG’s success while passionately supporting music education and emerging artists. His commitment to TNAG’s mission and entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire collaboration and celebrate the timeless artistry of guitars and music worldwide.