Norman's Rare Guitars
Hollywood's legendary vintage guitar shop since 1975
About Norman's Rare Guitars
Norman's Rare Guitars in Tarzana, California, has been one of the world's most famous vintage guitar shops since Norman Harris opened it in 1975. What started as a small vintage shop in the San Fernando Valley grew into a pilgrimage destination for guitar collectors, professional musicians, and serious enthusiasts from around the world.
Norman's is best known for its extraordinarily deep inventory of vintage American guitars — pre-CBS Fenders, original-era Gibsons, rare Gretsches, and other collectible American instruments from the 1950s through the 1970s. The shop also carries a wide range of vintage amps, effects, and accessories from the same era.
In recent years, Norman's has built a large following on YouTube through their documentary-style videos featuring rare instruments and celebrity guitarist visits — if you've ever watched a video of a celebrity musician playing a famous guitar, there's a good chance Norman's was involved. The channel has millions of subscribers and has introduced the shop to a new generation of guitar enthusiasts.
Norman's maintains an active online presence and sells through Reverb and their own website. High-value pieces come with documentation, condition notes, and the credibility of Norman's expertise. The shop has sold instruments to major recording artists, museums, and top collectors over its 50-year history.
Specialties
- Pre-CBS Fender guitars and basses (1950–1965)
- Original-era Gibson electric guitars (Les Paul, ES series, SG)
- Rare and collectible Gretsch guitars
- Vintage American amplifiers (Fender tweed and blackface)
- High-value vintage instruments with collector provenance
- Celebrity-owned and historically significant instruments
Known For
- One of the world's deepest inventories of pre-CBS Fender instruments
- Deep expertise in vintage Gibson identification and dating
- Millions of YouTube subscribers — the world's most-watched vintage guitar channel
- Celebrity and collector clientele spanning 50 years
- Accurate, detailed condition assessments on high-value vintage pieces
Price Range
High-end to museum-quality ($1,500–$500,000+). Norman's specializes in investment-grade vintage guitars, though they do carry more accessible vintage and used pieces alongside their flagship inventory.
Buying Tips for Norman's Rare Guitars
Norman's is the definitive source for pre-CBS Fender instruments. If that's your target, their expertise and authentication is unmatched.
For high-value pieces, Norman's provides detailed condition reports and documentation. Don't hesitate to ask for additional photos or information.
Norman's Reverb store is an excellent place to monitor if you're watching the market for specific vintage models — they list regularly and prices reflect fair market value from recognized experts.
If you're watching their YouTube channel, pay attention when they feature instruments for sale — those pieces tend to be exceptional and move quickly.
Be prepared for investment-level prices. Norman's does not underprice their inventory. What you're paying for is accuracy, authentication, and the backing of one of the world's most respected vintage guitar authorities.
Search Norman's Rare Guitars's Inventory on Treblemakers
Treblemakers indexes Norman's Rare Guitars's Reverb listings alongside inventory from thousands of other dealers and private sellers. One search. Every platform.