TNAG Global, the family-owned company behind Nashville’s Carter Vintage Guitars and Cotten Music Center, announced its acquisition of Norman’s Rare Guitars, the world-renowned vintage guitar shop founded by industry legend Norman Harris. The acquisition includes more than 1,000 guitars currently housed at Norman’s Rare Guitars, along with Harris’ personal and private collection assembled over more than 50 years. The store will continue to operate from its iconic San Fernando Valley location, with its team and culture remaining fully intact at 18969 Ventura Blvd., in Los Angeles.
“I’ve always known there would come a time when I needed the right long-term partner to carry Norman’s Rare Guitars forward,” said Norman Harris, founder of Norman’s Rare Guitars. “I couldn’t imagine a better steward for the shop and its legacy than Ben Montague and TNAG Global. The goal has always been to share my love of great guitars with the community, and this partnership allows that community to grow, while protecting everything that makes the shop special. I feel a deep sense of comfort knowing the shop, its history and its values will still be here for future generations of my family and for guitar lovers around the world.”
Founded on a mission to preserve the world’s most beloved guitar shops long after their founders retire, TNAG Global will continue the legacy built by Harris over the last 50 years, while guiding Norman’s Rare Guitars into its next chapter by expanding its reach to a global audience of players and collectors. The shop’s legacy was the subject of the recent “Norman’s Rare Guitars Documentary” that premiered on Netflix.
“Norman’s Rare Guitars is the most iconic guitar shop in the world, and we are honored to help extend its story into the future,” says Ben Montague, founder and CEO of TNAG Global. “Our responsibility with this acquisition is simple: Protect what makes the shop special, ensure the business thrives beyond its founder and give Norman the freedom to step back whenever he chooses, knowing the legacy is secure.
TNAG Global will integrate Norman’s Rare Guitars’ inventory into its proprietary instrument management system, The Exchange. Managed with exceptional care, transparency and customer experience, The Exchange offers a fully integrated environment to buy, sell and consign legacy instrument brands, in-store and online.
Harris will remain actively involved in the business as founding ambassador, continuing to source instruments and welcome visitors to the shop for as long as he wishes. The team at Norman’s Rare Guitars will remain in place, continuing to offer the same expertise, personality and community atmosphere the store has been known for since its founding.
“I am extremely excited to see my Uncle Norm enter into this new chapter in his life and career,” said artist and friend of the shop, Joe Bonamassa. “We all know that he will still be around, being the master of ceremonies and dealing the coolest guitars in the world. Congratulations to my friend Ben and the entire team at TNAG Global on securing the legacy of the greatest guitar store in the world.”
Beginning in the second half of 2026, guitar owners will be able to consign instruments through Norman’s Rare Guitars using TNAG Global’s established consignment and authentication processes. Over time, select inventory will be made available online through Norman’s Rare Guitars’ digital platform, expanding global access while maintaining the brand’s distinct identity.
In 2022, TNAG Global acquired Carter Vintage Guitars, introducing the brand to a global online reach while preserving the integrity of one of Nashville’s most respected guitar institutions. Since the acquisition, Carter Vintage Guitars has seen a 233% sales increase. The vision for Norman’s Rare Guitars follows the same philosophy: maintain the soul of the brand locally, while thoughtfully expanding its reach worldwide.
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