March 21, 2026
The global guitar market generated revenue of approximately $10.95 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $18.44 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2024 to 2030. Tennessee residents purchasing guitars for personal or commercial resale must register with the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point (TNTAP) at tntap.tn.gov and obtain a standard state business license for $15. Guitar sales across the state are subject to Tennessee’s 7% state sales tax, with applicable local option surcharges layered on top in most counties. The United States (U.S.) accounts for roughly 23.5% of the global guitar market, and domestic demand shows no signs of slowing as beginner enrollment and online tutorial platforms continue to attract new players of all ages.
No other state concentrates guitar manufacturing, retail, and performance culture in the way Tennessee does. Tennessee is arguably the guitar capital of the world. Gibson Guitar has operated its flagship manufacturing facility at 309 Plus Park Blvd in Nashville since the 1970s, producing Les Pauls, SGs, and custom-shop instruments that define American electric guitar culture. The legacy of Chet Atkins, Nashville’s “Mr. Guitar”, and the city’s enduring country and rock music heritage sustain extraordinary local demand for premium instruments. Music Row’s recording studios require session players to maintain diverse arsenals of acoustic and electric guitars, while Beale Street in Memphis and the Knoxville independent music scene collectively support a statewide retail market that spans vintage collectibles, student instruments, and boutique custom builds. Nashville’s Lower Broadway district, lined with honky-tonks that feature live music every day of the year, creates steady demand for performance-grade instruments among both resident musicians and touring players who pass through the city. The concentration of recording studios, songwriters, and music publishers in Nashville also sustains a secondary market for vintage and used guitars, with instruments frequently changing hands between industry professionals. Luthiers and independent guitar repair technicians operate throughout the state, particularly in Nashville and Knoxville, offering setup, fret work, and restoration services that support buyers who purchase vintage or secondhand instruments. Memphis also maintains an active guitar repair community tied to the city’s deep blues heritage, with several shops near Beale Street catering to working musicians who need reliable maintenance between performances.
Several federal agencies regulate guitars sold in the United States, and their rules apply fully in Tennessee. Federal and state regulations affect both guitar manufacturers and retailers in Tennessee. Electric guitars with active electronics, onboard preamps, piezo systems, and built-in effects, may qualify as digital devices subject to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule 47 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 15, which requires electromagnetic compatibility testing for products with clock frequencies above 9 kHz. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces 16 CFR Part 1303, which bans surface-coating materials containing 0.009% or more lead by weight on consumer products; guitar lacquers and finish coatings on instruments sold to consumers fall within this regulation’s scope. Retailers who sell guitars bearing non-compliant finishes may face product recalls and civil penalties under the Consumer Product Safety Act.
Action height, neck profile, and tonal response vary enough across guitar models within the same price range that hands-on playing at a Tennessee shop reveals differences specifications alone cannot convey. Tennessee guitars buyers benefit from comparing options along dimensions that affect long-term satisfaction. Inspecting instruments for finish quality, neck alignment, and hardware function before completing a purchase catches defects early. Requesting manufacturer warranty documentation in writing and retaining all receipts supports warranty claims and preserves resale value. The Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, codified at Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 47-18-104, bars dealers from misrepresenting a guitar’s condition, origin, or specifications, an important protection when purchasing vintage or used instruments. Obtaining independent appraisals and verifying authenticity before completing any high-value vintage guitar transaction provides important protection, a practice especially important in Tennessee’s active vintage market. For consumer complaints and additional purchasing guidance, visit tn.gov/consumer. Action height, neck profile, and tonal response vary significantly across guitar models within the same price range, and Tennessee guitar shops provide the hands-on playing experience that reveals these differences in ways that specifications alone cannot.
Top Guitars Providers in Tennessee
Guitar Center Nashville
- Address: 721 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204
- Phone: (615) 297-7770
- Website: https://guitarcenter.com
- Description: Guitar Center’s Nashville location on Thompson Lane is a full-service music retailer carrying acoustic, electric, and bass guitars from brands including Fender, Gibson, Taylor, and Martin. The store offers trade-in evaluations, financing, and a used gear section that reflects Nashville’s active musician community.
Carter Vintage Guitars
- Address: 606 8th Ave S, Suite 201, Nashville, TN 37203
- Phone: (615) 915-1851
- Website: https://cartervintage.com
- Description: Carter Vintage Guitars on 8th Avenue South in Nashville is a premier vintage guitar dealer known nationally for its curated inventory of pre-owned and vintage acoustic and electric guitars. The shop attracts professional musicians, collectors, and touring artists and offers consignment and appraisal services.
Open Chord Music Shop
- Address: 8426 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
- Phone: (865) 507-3857
- Website: https://openchordmusicshop.com
- Description: Open Chord Music Shop on Kingston Pike in Knoxville is an independently owned music store offering new and used guitars, lessons, and repair services. The shop serves East Tennessee musicians with a selection spanning beginner instruments to professional-grade guitars.
Guitar Center Memphis
- Address: 8000 US Hwy 64, Bartlett, TN 38133
- Phone: (901) 387-0600
- Website: https://guitarcenter.com
- Description: Guitar Center’s Bartlett location near Memphis carries a broad inventory of acoustic, electric, and bass guitars alongside amplifiers, effects, and accessories. The store offers trade-in credit, rentals, and lessons, serving the greater Memphis area’s musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gibson Guitar still manufacturing in Nashville, Tennessee?
Yes. Gibson Guitar’s Nashville facility at 309 Plus Park Blvd remains an active production site for iconic models including the Les Paul Standard and SG. The factory also houses a museum and retail showroom open to the public.
What sales tax will I pay on a guitar purchase in Tennessee?
Tennessee’s statewide sales tax rate of 7% applies to guitar purchases. County and municipal option taxes can raise the combined rate to between 9% and 9.75% depending on location. Shelby County (Memphis) and Davidson County (Nashville) both apply local surcharges.
Do electric guitars with active electronics need FCC certification?
Electric guitars equipped with active onboard electronics, such as preamps or built-in effects with digital circuitry, may be subject to 47 CFR Part 15 as unintentional radiators. Manufacturers and importers are responsible for testing compliance. Retailers who knowingly sell non-certified devices may face enforcement action.
Are lead-containing guitar finishes legal to sell in Tennessee?
No. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforces 16 CFR Part 1303, which bans surface coatings containing 0.009% or more lead by weight on consumer products. Guitar lacquers and paints fall within the definition of surface-coating materials under that rule.
What Tennessee law protects me if a dealer misrepresents a vintage guitar?
Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 47-18-104 prohibits unfair and deceptive trade practices, including false statements about a guitar’s authenticity, year of manufacture, or condition. Consumers who believe they have been misled may file a complaint with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, which can investigate and pursue remedies on the buyer’s behalf.
Where can I find a qualified guitar appraiser in Tennessee for a high-value instrument?
The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) maintains a searchable directory of credentialed personal property appraisers, many of whom specialize in musical instruments. Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville also employs an in-house authentication team experienced with vintage fretted instruments. Reach the American Society of Appraisers at appraisers.org.
What return and warranty policies apply to guitars purchased in Tennessee?
Guitars are generally returnable within 14 to 30 days at Tennessee music retailers if unplayed, in original condition with all case candy, tags, and packaging, and with the receipt. Once a guitar has been played, strung with different strings, adjusted, or shows pick marks or fret wear, most retailers classify it as used and may deny a return or apply a restocking fee of 10 to 20 percent. Custom-ordered and special-edition guitars are frequently marked as final sale. Manufacturer warranties on guitars typically cover structural defects such as neck warping, fret sprout, binding separation, and electronic component failure for one to five years depending on the brand, with some premium makers like Taylor and Martin offering limited lifetime warranties to the original owner. Warranties generally exclude damage from humidity extremes, temperature fluctuations, and improper storage, all of which are particularly relevant in Tennessee’s humid climate. Tennessee buyers should store guitars in a climate-controlled environment and maintain humidity levels between 45 and 55 percent to preserve warranty eligibility. Register the guitar with the manufacturer upon purchase.