At Carter Vintage, we’re passionate about fine instruments — and we’re always looking for exceptional guitars to add to our collection. From rare vintage collectibles to select modern electrics, acoustics, and basses, our experienced team makes competitive offers backed by decades of expertise.
When you sell directly to Carter Vintage, you get a trusted buyer, a straightforward process, and payment without the wait.
At Carter Vintage, we’re passionate about fine instruments — and we’re always looking for exceptional guitars to add to our collection. From rare vintage collectibles to select modern electrics, acoustics, and basses, our experienced team makes competitive offers backed by decades of expertise.
When you sell directly to Carter Vintage, you get a trusted buyer, a straightforward process, and payment without the wait.
How It Works
Selling your guitar outright to Carter Vintage is fast, simple, and secure — and you’ll always get a fair offer from our expert team.
Submit Your Guitar
Fill out our quick online form with details and photos of your instrument.
Get a Free Valuation
Our experts evaluate your guitar and send you a fair, no-obligation offer.
Drop Off or Ship
Bring it to our Nashville showroom, or use Carter Care Shipping for fully insured, hassle-free delivery.
Get Paid
Once we inspect and approve your guitar, payment is sent right away.
Why Sell to Carter Vintage?
When you sell your guitar outright, you want more than just a fast transaction, you want confidence you’re getting a fair deal from someone who values your instrument as much as you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying, Selling & Trading Instruments
Although the majority of our instruments are sold on consignment, we do buy guitars outright every day.
Our policy is 65% of the estimate sale price. For example, if we value your guitar at $1,000, we will buy your guitar for $650 cash. Selling on consignment will make you more money (our average consignment rate is only 15%), consignments are only paid after the instrument is sold.
When buying instruments, we always provide a quote on the price we would list it at under consignment, so you can guarantee that you are getting a fair valuation and the most money for your instrument.
Yes, you can trade in your guitar at our shop and use the credit towards purchasing another guitar. We offer fair evaluations for trade-ins, making it convenient for you to upgrade or change your instrument while reducing the overall cost.
As a bonus, traded instruments will offset the taxable value of the sale. For example, if we offer you $1,000 for your guitar on trade towards a new one selling for $1,500, you would only owe tax on the remaining $500 balance.
We accept all stringed instruments:
- Guitars (Acoustic / Electric)
- Bass Guitars (Acoustic / Electric)
- Mandolins
- Banjos
- Ukulele
- Lap and Pedal Steel
We also accept instrument amplifiers, although certain amps are not eligible for shipping due to size.
Yes, we do! If you’re interested in consigning a collection, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (615)-915-1851.
We’d be happy to discuss the details and walk you through the process.
Shipping & Returns
If you’re located in the Nashville area, you’re welcome to drop off your guitar at our store during business hours.
If you’re not local, we offer two convenient shipping options:
- Carter Care Kit – $275 per instrument: This includes a shipping box, packing materials, a prepaid return ground label, and full insurance coverage. Once you receive the kit, simply pack up your guitar and drop it off at any UPS location.
- Label-Only Option – $125 per instrument: We’ll send you a prepaid return ground label, but this option does not include shipping materials or insurance coverage.
We also offer expedited shipping labels at an additional cost.
Whichever option you choose, we’re here to help make the process as easy and safe as possible
Consign Your CollectionWe offer shipping for guitar purchases to your specified address. Once you’ve selected your guitar and completed the transaction, we’ll arrange for safe packaging and reliable delivery through trusted shipping carriers. You can also inquire about expedited shipping options for faster delivery.
Returns for online purchases must be requested by filling out our form https://cartervintage.com/returns within 48 hours of receipt of instrument. All refunds are subject to a 3.5% credit card processing fee. In-store purchases, international orders, merch, and accessories are not eligible for returns. International orders are subject to duties and taxes at time of delivery.
Repairs
Our world class repair team can help with any issues with your instrument to get it to be the best sounding and playing instrument it can be before it hits our floor. Basic setup and fresh strings are included as part of our $85 authentication/listing fee, but additional repairs can be completed by our team in house with no up-front cost to the consignor. Repair fees will be subtracted from the payout only after the instrument sells.
Demos & In-Store Experience
A custom demo at our guitar shop is a personalized showcase of a specific guitar’s features, tone, and playability.
To get one, simply visit the product page of the item you’re interested in, click the Request a Demo Video button, and our expert staff will tailor a demo to your preferences, helping you make an informed decision.
Yes! What fun would a guitar shop be if you couldn’t play the guitars?!
Visiting the Store
We are open to the public 7 days a week! Although we can schedule appointments, it is not necessary, as you are welcome to come browse our store and see any of the inventory available at any time. Our staff is always on hand to help and welcome you in!
We are open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. We are closed on certain holidays, so check out our Instagram and Facebook page for updates on special closures.
We offer validated parking in the Prima South Gulch Garage through Metropolis.
When you enter the garage, register your vehicle with Metropolis Parking by following the signs in the garage. When entering Carter Vintage, you will be able to scan a QR code to validate your free parking. The staff at the front desk can help you with the process.
You can find a detailed video with directions from Eighth Avenue here.
About Carter Vintage
“The Vault” by day is the home for all our premium & vintage electric guitars; and by night, turns into Nashville’s coolest mixed-use event venue. Need a space to host your album release party? How about a rehearsal dinner? From networking events to holiday parties and everything in between – we’ve got you covered.
Email our Head of Events and Partnerships to learn more:
Lianne Montague
lianne@cartervintage.com
At Carter Vintage, we welcome everyone to visit our showroom and experience Nashville’s rich music history first-hand. We’ve been lucky enough to see some iconic folks walk through our doors. Come see our gallery wall to peek at the legends we’ve hosted, and check out our YouTube channel to see some great performances from artists over the years.