Business Details
34 Years
experience
Vintage Guitars & Amplifiers for Sale in Nashville
Rumble Seat Music has been a trusted name in the vintage guitar industry for over 30 years. Founded in 1992 by Eliot Michael, our business began as a small showroom in Ithaca, New York, and has evolved into one of the world's premier destinations for vintage guitars and amplifiers. Our expertise stems from decades of hands-on experience, both as musicians and industry professionals, ensuring every instrument we sell meets rigorous standards for authenticity, playability, and tone. We maintain close relationships with major manufacturers like Gibson, contributing to their reissue programs through direct reference of vintage models in our inventory. Our team includes seasoned experts such as Doug Jarrell, a veteran guitar technician with over 30 years of experience, including work for Gibson.We pride ourselves on transparency, offering free appraisals and detailed evaluations to help clients understand their instruments' value. Our reputation has been built through consistent presence at vintage guitar shows, word-of-mouth referrals, and partnerships with legendary musicians who trust our inventory. We serve collectors, professional musicians, and enthusiasts seeking rare instruments, from iconic 1950s Les Pauls to player-grade guitars. Our commitment to quality ensures every instrument undergoes thorough inspection before reaching customers. With a global clientele and a physical location in Nashville, Tennessee, we continue to expand our reach while maintaining the personal service that defined our early years.
Services
Vintage Guitar Sales
Amplifier Sales
Guitar Repairs
Appraisals
Consignment Services
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in vintage guitar authentication and sales.
- Our team includes veteran technicians with manufacturer-level experience.
- We maintain direct partnerships with Gibson for reissue program references.
- We provide free, no-obligation appraisals with in-hand inspections.
- Our inventory has been trusted by legendary musicians like The Rolling Stones.
What people say
Straight and clear transactions
Rare sought after guitars
Great vibe
Trusted by legends
Expert team
Services
Vintage Guitar Sales
We specialize in premium American-made vintage guitars from iconic eras. Our inventory includes rare models like 1958-1960 Gibson Les Paul Standards, authenticated and graded for collectors and working musicians. Every instrument undergoes rigorous inspection for authenticity and playability.
Guitar Repairs
Our in-house technician offers comprehensive repair services for vintage and modern instruments. From basic setups to complex restorations, we use industry-standard techniques to preserve value while improving performance. Services include fretwork, electronics repair, and refinishing.
Appraisals
We provide expert evaluations for vintage instruments, combining 30+ years of market knowledge with hands-on inspection. Our free appraisals help clients determine fair market value for insurance, sales, or personal records, with optional detailed condition reports.
Consignment Services
We offer consignment programs for vintage guitar owners seeking premium exposure. Our services include professional photography, marketing through industry channels, and secure transaction handling, ensuring competitive pricing and global buyer access.
Amplifier Sales
Our amplifier inventory features classic models matching our guitar collection. We authenticate and test each unit for tonal integrity and operational safety. Selection includes rare tube amps and modern reissues, supported by technical expertise from our repair team.
People
Eliot Michael
Owner
Founder with 30+ years in vintage guitar industry. Former touring musician turned dealer. Built Rumble Seat from a home showroom to international destination. Maintains industry relationships with manufacturers and artists.
Doug Jarrell
Guitar Technician
Veteran technician with 30+ years experience, including work for Gibson. Specializes in vintage instrument restoration. Provides expert repairs, setups, and maintenance while preserving historical integrity.
Questions
How do I sell my vintage guitar to Rumble Seat Music?
Contact us via email or phone with instrument details. We'll evaluate based on photos and description, then schedule an in-person or mail-in inspection for final assessment.
Do you offer guitar repair services for non-vintage instruments?
Our repair services focus on vintage instruments but we assess modern guitars case-by-case. Our technician specializes in preserving historical integrity while improving playability.
What information affects my guitar's appraisal value?
Key factors include condition, originality, provenance, market demand, and rarity. We consider wear patterns, hardware authenticity, and historical documentation during evaluations.
Can I consign my instrument for sale?
Yes. We offer consignment programs with professional marketing and global exposure. Contact our team to discuss terms, commission structure, and listing duration.
How does your relationship with Gibson benefit customers?
We provide reference instruments for Gibson's reissue programs and receive priority access to Custom Shop models, offering curated selections of both vintage and new instruments.
Reviews (5)
David Eng
Jun 13, 2022
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Great selection of vintage guitars and amplifiers. A must visit Nashville guitar shop if you're a serious player.
Cindy B.
Jan 01, 2022
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I bought a Fender 1966 Telecaster that the salesperson told me was "all original". When I got home I noticed a 3-way switch in the guitar case pocket. I called the salesperson and was told a new switch had been installed, which means that the instrument is NOT all original. I asked my salesperson to talk with the owner and got no response. I wrote a letter to the owner expressing my concern about misrepresentation and asked to discuss.
No one ever responded. Very disappointing and surprising. I would expect a store like Rumble Seat to be more accurate about what they are selling and more responsive to their customers' concerns.
No one ever responded. Very disappointing and surprising. I would expect a store like Rumble Seat to be more accurate about what they are selling and more responsive to their customers' concerns.
D.
Dec 28, 2021
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Awesome store with vintage guitars and amps. The staff is pretty awesome, too. Only place during the trip so far where we bought souvenir tshirts.
Rachel Rice
Oct 29, 2021
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Such a cool guitar store! We didn't buy anything, but one of the guys working (maybe the owner) showed us all of the guitars played by different famous guitarists!
Karen Orlando
Sep 10, 2021
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My husband and I were visiting Nashville to see Eric Clapton in concert. While in town we stopped by Rumble Seat and Keith Gregory was so amazing to talk to. He really knew his stuff and had some great stories to tell about many of the guitars on display. It was a really great experience, especially after having stopped in at Carter Guitar earlier and receiving terrible customer service. Thank you Keith for all your help!