My Love Letter to Carter Vintage Guitars

There are few things more magical than walking into a room full of guitars, all whispering their own stories through decades of music. Last week, while in Nashville, I finally made my pilgrimage to Carter Vintage Guitars—a place I’ve long heard about but had yet to experience in person. And let me tell you, I was not prepared for how much I would adore it.

As someone who has notably been a Taylor who plays Martin guitars (yes, the irony isn’t lost on me), I walked in already knowing that my heart belongs to Martin. However, the beauty of Carter Vintage is that it doesn’t matter what brand you favor—they have everything. Whether you're a Gibson purist, a Fender fanatic, or a boutique builder connoisseur, there’s something here for you.

Carter Vintage Guitars isn’t just another guitar shop—it’s a mecca for musicians, collectors, and anyone who appreciates a beautifully aged instrument. The store was founded by Walter and Christie Carter, two legends in the vintage guitar world. Walter brought 25 years of experience, including a decade as Gibson’s in-house historian and 12 years as a top-tier vintage dealer. Christie, on the other hand, carved out a name for herself as one of the most respected high-end vintage guitar dealers, known for her expertise. Together, they created Carter Vintage Guitars, a place built on integrity, passion, and an absolute love for guitars.

Walking through the store felt like stepping into a museum, but one where you're allowed to touch the exhibits. Sunburst Les Pauls, weathered Telecasters, and acoustics with the kind of aging you just can’t fake—it was all there. I spent way too long strumming different acoustics, testing out the feel of vintage Martins, old-school Taylors, and even some dreamy Gibsons that made me question everything I thought I knew about my guitar preferences.

The best part? The vibe. It’s not one of those intimidating guitar shops where you feel like you have to prove yourself before someone lets you try out an instrument. The staff was warm, welcoming, and just as excited about the guitars as the people walking in to play them.

Absolutely - and I purchased enough merch to prove it! No, really. Right now, as I’m writing this I’m sipping out of my Carter’s coffee mug. It’s the kind of place that reminds you to fall in love with music all over again. 

If you ever find yourself in Nashville, do yourself a favor—make the stop at Carter Vintage. And who knows? You might just walk out with your new favorite guitar. 

Morgan Wallen has remained loyal to his Tennessee roots throughout his career. Growing up in Sneedville, Tennesee, before moving to Knoxville as a teenager, Wallen's affinity for the University of Tennessee Vols has inspired hits such as "Tennessee Fan" and "Had Me By Halftime," while he continues to cheer on his favorite team between tour stops.

Much to Morgan's delight, his "One Night At A Time Tour" will headline Neyland Stadium on Sunday, September 22. He will be joined by special guests HARDY and fellow Tennessee native ERNEST.

Wallen said, "I've had the honor of playing in a lot of college, MLB, and NFL stadiums the past two years, but getting to play to my hometown at Neyland Stadium, nothing tops this for a boy from East Tennessee."

Morgan isn't the only country superstar with Tennessee roots; Kenny Chesney told us recently that the life that keeps him on the road can add layers to his personality, as complicated as that can make things. But he still frequently reverts to that kid from East Tennessee.

Chesney said, "I think that when you travel as much as we've traveled and you have all these life experiences on the road for all these years, you become more complicated because you see a lot of things…"

He added, "But then again, I think that for me and the way I grew up, I'm very simple all at the same time."

In October, in Knoxville, after 15 years of losing to No. 3 Alabama, the No. 6 Tennessee Vols football team won with a score of 52-49. The fans rushed to the field, and at the top of the stadium, there to witness the party, were Knoxville natives Chesney and Kelsea Ballerini.

Dressed in a Vols hat and polo, Kenny posted a photo on his Instagram, writing, "Great to be back in Rocky Top. What a game!!"

Kelsea reacted to his post, "THE HOMETOWN GOOD LUCK CHARM."

And then there's Dolly Parton, a country music matriarch and probably the most famous person from Tennessee next to Elvis Presley. She loves her home state so much that she is helping the East Tennessee economy single-handed with her Dollywood Theme park and resort/hotel chain, which is also soon opening a hotel in downtown Nashville.

As Wallen prepares to play his hometown stadium in Tennessee, we look at other country music superstars who have called Tennessee home since the beginning.

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