Awhile ago, Guitar World traveled the country in search of some of the coolest brick-and-mortar guitar stores every player should visit at least once.
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Below, weAwhile ago, Guitar World traveled the country in search of some of the coolest brick-and-mortar guitar stores every player should visit at least once.
Below, we pick the guitar-obsessed brains of some of the primary figures behind these landmark establishments.
18969 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356
Established: 1975
No visit to Southern California would be complete without a visit to Norman’s. This shop is a guitar lover’s dream—if you’re looking for it, you’ll find it here. And not only does it boast an amazing guitar collection, it is also the final resting place of the 18-inch Stonehenge stage prop from Spinal Tap.
Instruments currently in stock
Norman Harris, Owner: Approximately 2000, both in the shop and in our warehouse.
Coolest instrument currently in the shop
I’d say either a mint 1960 Les Paul Standard, a beautiful 1955 Stratocaster, a 1929 Martin 000-45 or a Stromberg Master 400.
Favorite instrument you ever sold
We recently sold Joe Bonamassa a 1958 Korina Flying V and that’s just one of the favorites. We have dot neck ES-335s including a blonde one, and three pre-war Gibson Rosewood J-200s.
Highest price paid for a guitar in the shop
All I will say is that it was well in the six figures.
Biggest pet peeve as a shop owner
Not knowing whether I am happier buying a guitar or selling one.
Favorite celebrity encounter
I helped George Harrison get back his cherished red Les Paul known as “Lucy.” The whole story is in my new book, Confessions of a Vintage Guitar Dealer.
One fact everyone should know about Norman’s
That we are happy to let people play our guitars. Some stores don’t let customers try out instruments, but we do.
Best advice for a customer
Don’t ever buy a guitar that is