Navigating a new city can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to combine travel with your passion for music. For guitar players visiting Los Angeles, the quest to find the perfect guitar store can be just as exciting as seeing the Hollywood sign or walking along Venice Beach. Beyond the iconic Guitar Center Hollywood, LA is a treasure trove of unique guitar shops, each with its own character and specialty. Whether you’re hunting for a rare vintage piece, a modern boutique build, or just want to soak in the vibe of the local guitar scene, Los Angeles has something for every guitarist. We’ve explored beyond the tourist hotspots to bring you a guide to some of the must-visit guitar stores in Los Angeles, ensuring your musical pilgrimage is as rewarding as your vacation.
Norman’s Rare Guitars: A Hollywood Legend in Tarzana
Norman Harris standing in his guitar store, surrounded by guitars
For over three decades, Norman’s Rare Guitars has ascended to global fame, partly thanks to its subtle nod in This Is Spinal Tap and shout-outs in various films, solidifying its place in pop culture. But beyond its cinematic connections, this guitar store has cultivated a genuine reputation as a haven for guitar aficionados worldwide. Through savvy use of social media, particularly their engaging “Guitar Of The Day” posts on Instagram and YouTube, Norman’s has extended its reach, becoming a must-visit destination for everyone from A-list movie stars and emerging rock musicians to passionate guitar lovers from every corner of the globe.
The man behind the legend, Norm Harris, began his journey of collecting vintage guitars in the 1960s, long before the vintage guitar market became the established industry it is today. Norm’s deep expertise in guitars of all kinds allowed him to amass an impressive collection, anticipating the future boom in vintage instruments. His foresight has undoubtedly paid off, making Norman’s Rare Guitars a household name among guitar enthusiasts.
Norman Harris, owner of Norman's Rare Guitars, a renowned guitar store in Los Angeles, posing with a vintage guitar
Norman’s Rare Guitars boasts an eclectic inventory ranging from incredibly rare, one-of-a-kind finds to reliable vintage classics, and even contemporary models. A walk through their expansive showroom immediately confirms that the love for the guitar is thriving here. During our visit, Todd Wisenbacker, a knowledgeable salesman, showcased a series of guitars while Norm himself shared fascinating insights into each instrument’s history and unique qualities.
The first gem presented was a stunning 1955 Les Paul Goldtop. Uniquely, this model featured a rare all-gold finish extending to the back and neck. The guitar’s aged finish told a story of its past, with each crack in the lacquer adding character. The yellowed binding complemented the smooth Brazilian rosewood fretboard and understated cream plastics. True to its golden era craftsmanship, the guitar resonated with a powerful, sustained sound.
A 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop guitar showcasing its rare all-gold finish at Norman's Rare Guitars in Los Angeles
Close-up of the headstock of a vintage Gibson Les Paul Goldtop guitar highlighting its aged details and classic design, available at a guitar store in Los Angeles
The body of a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop guitar, emphasizing the gold finish extending to the sides and back, presented at Norman's Rare Guitars, a guitar store in Los Angeles
The neck joint and body of a vintage Gibson Les Paul Goldtop guitar, illustrating the seamless all-gold finish and craftsmanship at Norman's Rare Guitars, a Los Angeles guitar store
A full view of the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop guitar, displayed vertically to show its overall condition and all-gold finish at Norman's Rare Guitars, a guitar store in Los Angeles
Next, Norm introduced a remarkable 1951 Stromberg 400, a guitar that visibly excited him as he recounted the brand’s rich history. He explained Stromberg’s prestigious position alongside D’Angelico as a top-tier builder for leading musicians like Irving Ashby and Oscar Moore. Norm highlighted the unique character of Stromberg guitars, noting the slight variations in inlays, tailored to individual specifications.
A 1951 Stromberg 400 guitar with a natural finish, displayed at Norman's Rare Guitars, showcasing its unique design and vintage appeal in a Los Angeles guitar store
Close-up of the body of a 1951 Stromberg 400 guitar, focusing on the natural finish and elegant curves at Norman's Rare Guitars, a guitar store in Los Angeles
Detail of the headstock and neck of a 1951 Stromberg 400 guitar, emphasizing the vintage craftsmanship and unique features available at Norman's Rare Guitars in Los Angeles
The Stromberg 400’s natural finish remained vibrant, and its 19-inch body was even larger than a Super 400. Its sound was resonant and powerful. The only non-original component was a replaced pickguard, a common issue with plastics from that era. Norm’s technicians had meticulously crafted a hand-cut replica, maintaining the guitar’s distinguished appearance. A unique feature was the strap button on the back of the headstock.
Moving on, Norm presented an extraordinary Mauer model 595 from the 1930s, adorned with lavish abalone inlays, immediately captivating everyone. This rare instrument highlighted the craftsmanship of the Larson Brothers, midwest builders from the 1920s to 1940s, who produced guitars under various names like Mauer, Euphonon, and Prairie State. Each guitar was uniquely made, avoiding mass production.
A 1930s Mauer 595 guitar, richly decorated with abalone inlays, presented at Norman's Rare Guitars, highlighting its ornate vintage design in a Los Angeles guitar store
Detailed view of the abalone inlay work on the body of a 1930s Mauer 595 guitar at Norman's Rare Guitars, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of this Los Angeles guitar store
Close-up of the bridge and body inlay of a 1930s Mauer 595 guitar, emphasizing the star inlays and extensive abalone detailing at Norman's Rare Guitars, a Los Angeles guitar store
Detail of the headstock and neck of a 1930s Mauer 595 guitar, showing the abalone inlays and craftsmanship at Norman's Rare Guitars, a guitar store in Los Angeles
Full view of the 1930s Mauer 595 guitar, displayed to highlight its overall design and extensive abalone inlays at Norman's Rare Guitars, a vintage guitar store in Los Angeles
The side profile of a 1930s Mauer 595 guitar, showing the depth and abalone inlay work along the body at Norman's Rare Guitars, a guitar store in Los Angeles
The Mauer 595’s pearl inlays across its body, headstock, and ebony fingerboard were stunning. Despite its visual beauty, its sound was even more impressive – full, rich, and surprisingly loud.
The penultimate highlight was a 1963 Fender Jaguar, featuring rare gold hardware against a custom Candy Apple Red finish. This guitar was completely original, including the gold truss rod nut, and available for purchase.
A 1963 Fender Jaguar in Candy Apple Red with rare gold hardware, showcased at Norman's Rare Guitars, a premier guitar store in Los Angeles
Close-up of the body and gold hardware of a 1963 Fender Jaguar, highlighting the Candy Apple Red finish at Norman's Rare Guitars, a guitar store in Los Angeles
Detail of the gold hardware and controls on a 1963 Fender Jaguar, showcasing the unique features of this guitar at Norman's Rare Guitars, a Los Angeles guitar store
The neck and headstock of a 1963 Fender Jaguar with gold hardware, emphasizing the vintage details and condition at Norman's Rare Guitars, a guitar store in Los Angeles
A side view of the 1963 Fender Jaguar showing the body contours and Candy Apple Red finish at Norman's Rare Guitars, a guitar store in Los Angeles
Full vertical display of the 1963 Fender Jaguar, showing the complete guitar with Candy Apple Red finish and gold hardware at Norman's Rare Guitars, a guitar store in Los Angeles
Finally, we were shown a 1964-65 Gibson SG Standard, once owned by the late Tom Petty, a close friend and regular at Norman’s. This SG was used by Petty during his 1987 tour with Bob Dylan and is signed by Dylan himself. The case included a photo of Petty with Dylan and the SG, with Petty wearing a top hat that Norm humorously modeled for us.
A 1964-65 Gibson SG Standard guitar, formerly owned by Tom Petty and signed by Bob Dylan, at Norman's Rare Guitars, a notable guitar store in Los Angeles
Close-up of the body of Tom Petty's 1964-65 Gibson SG Standard guitar, highlighting its history and celebrity ownership at Norman's Rare Guitars in Los Angeles
Visiting Norman’s Rare Guitars is an experience in itself. On any given day, you might encounter high-end guitars and their equally notable clientele. During our visit, several well-known singer-songwriters were also present, further cementing Norman’s status as a hub for the music elite.
Old Style Guitar Shop: Quirky Charm in Silver Lake
The exterior of Old Style Guitar Shop, a cozy guitar store in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles
Located on the edge of Silver Lake and East Hollywood, Old Style Guitar Shop offers a different vibe. Set in a converted mid-century house, it’s a down-to-earth, welcoming space that shuns the pretentiousness sometimes found in the guitar world. Old Style prioritizes a comfortable, homey atmosphere with a friendly, laid-back staff.
The shop is celebrated among guitar enthusiasts for its collection of unique, often quirky guitars from the 1960s. A visit here is likely to reveal instruments from Asian, European, and American manufacturers, as well as custom-built guitars that are truly unique. Approaching its 10th anniversary, owner Reuben Cox still expresses surprise at the shop’s success.
Reuben Cox, owner of Old Style Guitar Shop in Los Angeles, pictured inside his store surrounded by a variety of guitars
Old Style Guitar Shop was born from a cross-country move from New York City to Los Angeles. Cox’s wife was tasked with opening a West Coast office for Beggars Group, and the idea for the shop emerged somewhat spontaneously.
A wall display of guitars inside Old Style Guitar Shop in Los Angeles, showing a diverse collection of vintage and unique instruments
Various guitars hanging and displayed in Old Style Guitar Shop, showcasing the shop's eclectic and vintage-focused inventory in Los Angeles
Close-up of a selection of guitars in Old Style Guitar Shop, highlighting the unique and vintage guitars available at this Los Angeles store
Guitars leaning against the wall inside Old Style Guitar Shop, presenting a casual and accessible display of instruments in Los Angeles
A collection of guitars hanging on the wall at Old Style Guitar Shop, showing the variety and character of instruments in this Los Angeles guitar store
The exterior of Old Style Guitar Shop, a cozy guitar store in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles
Close-up of vintage guitars hanging in Old Style Guitar Shop, emphasizing the shop's focus on used and vintage instruments in Los Angeles
“It wasn’t a long-planned venture,” Cox admits. “I had no prior experience owning or working in a guitar shop, minimal musical talent, and had never been in a band. It really came out of nowhere.”
Cox launched Old Style in a true DIY spirit, finding a space and opening without loans or a financial safety net. “If it failed, I figured I could look for work at LA art schools… I wouldn’t recommend this approach to anyone else.”
Despite its unconventional beginnings, Old Style has built a loyal customer base thanks to its inventory of “mainly used and vintage” guitars, reflecting Cox’s own preferences. He often repairs instruments at his workbench, bringing them back to life.
During our visit, we spotted a modified Harmony-made Stella parlor acoustic. It featured a modern dual-blade pickup in the soundhole and dual outputs for both the pickup and a piezo element. Initially appearing as a simple vintage instrument, closer inspection revealed Cox’s innovative modifications, including a rubber bridge, which produces a warm, sustain-free tone favored by LA musicians and songwriters. Jeff Tweedy of Wilco uses a similar guitar on their album Ode To Joy.
This Stella is just one example of how Old Style influences the city’s music scene, a claim few guitar stores can make. They don’t just sell instruments; they foster shared sonic experiences.
Old Style also produces its own guitars, typically hollowbody electrics with bookmatched tops and “bandsaw-cut sides.” Cox’s designs are inspired by classic shapes but respectfully reimagined. For example, his T-style “Coodercaster” features a gold foil neck pickup and a horseshoe bridge pickup.
Reuben Cox holding a T-style 'Coodercaster' guitar in Old Style Guitar Shop, showcasing his custom-built instruments in Los Angeles
“The Telecaster shape is an incredibly effective industrial design, and I often return to it,” Cox explains. Other custom models include a blacked-out hollowbody with a Bigsby-like cutaway and a blonde Jaguar-style guitar with Johnny Marr-style controls and an f-hole.
Old Style also houses rare, lesser-known vintage guitars, such as a sunburst Magnatone Mark V designed by Paul Bigsby, and a 1937 Gibson HG-00 with a beautiful sunburst finish and dual pickguards.
A modified Harmony-made Stella parlor acoustic guitar with a rubber bridge, displayed at Old Style Guitar Shop in Los Angeles
Detail of the body and hardware of the modified Harmony Stella guitar, showing the dual outputs and unique features at Old Style Guitar Shop in Los Angeles
The headstock of the modified Harmony Stella guitar, emphasizing the vintage aesthetic and modern modifications at Old Style Guitar Shop in Los Angeles
A full view of the modified Harmony Stella guitar, showcasing its parlor size and unique modifications at Old Style Guitar Shop, a guitar store in Los Angeles
Various vintage guitars and instruments in Old Style Guitar Shop, highlighting the shop's diverse collection in Los Angeles
A 1937 Gibson HG-00 guitar with a double pickguard, displayed at Old Style Guitar Shop, showcasing its vintage charm in Los Angeles
Detail of the headstock and neck of a 1937 Gibson HG-00 guitar, showing the vintage craftsmanship and condition at Old Style Guitar Shop in Los Angeles
Full vertical view of the 1937 Gibson HG-00 guitar, showing its parlor size and double pickguard at Old Style Guitar Shop, a vintage guitar store in Los Angeles
A closer look at the 1937 Gibson HG-00 guitar, highlighting the double pickguard and sunburst finish at Old Style Guitar Shop in Los Angeles
A Magnatone Mark V guitar, designed by Paul Bigsby, displayed at Old Style Guitar Shop, showcasing its elegant vintage design in Los Angeles
Detail of the body and controls of a Magnatone Mark V guitar, emphasizing the vintage hardware and condition at Old Style Guitar Shop in Los Angeles
The headstock of a Magnatone Mark V guitar, highlighting the vintage logo and tuners at Old Style Guitar Shop, a guitar store in Los Angeles
While some stores aim to impress with rare Bursts and celebrity associations, Old Style offers a deeper connection to music itself, emphasizing community and the joy of playing.
Imperial Vintage: Honest Expertise in Burbank
The exterior of Imperial Vintage guitar store in Burbank, Los Angeles, showcasing a welcoming storefront
Located conveniently near “the 5” freeway and Central Casting in Burbank, Imperial Vintage is a refreshing alternative to large retail chains. This compact, well-organized shop provides a no-frills environment ideal for those seeking genuine advice, expert knowledge, and quality repairs.
Owner Shai Ashkenazi runs Imperial Vintage with integrity, rapidly buying and selling guitars while prioritizing customer satisfaction. During our visit, we witnessed him assist two customers ready to purchase, yet in both cases, he honestly guided them away from instruments that weren’t quite right for their needs.
Shai Ashkenazi, owner of Imperial Vintage guitar store in Los Angeles, pictured inside his shop with guitars in the background
One customer, a self-described beginner, mentioned her brother’s advice to avoid guitars under $2,000. Shai recommended a far less expensive option, assuring her that price shouldn’t be a barrier to learning music. “He told her to get a Taylor, which is great, but unnecessary for a beginner. I suggested a more suitable guitar to learn on, promising to help her upgrade when she progresses.”
Another customer was interested in two 90s Stratocasters, neither of which perfectly suited him. One, a Clapton signature with Lace Sensors, felt great but lacked the classic Strat sound. The other, a Hendrix Strat with a reverse headstock, had the sound but not the preferred feel. Shai advised against settling, suggesting they find a guitar that met all his criteria.
A selection of guitars hanging on the wall at Imperial Vintage in Los Angeles, showcasing the variety of instruments available at this guitar store
Close-up of various guitars hanging in Imperial Vintage, highlighting the store's collection of vintage and quality instruments in Los Angeles
Both customers were surprised and grateful for Shai’s honesty. For Ashkenazi, selling guitars is about building relationships, not just making sales. “We care for our customers because we want them to return. It’s all about relationships.”
With over 30 years of industry experience, Shai and his team excel at understanding players’ needs. Imperial Vintage stocks “bread and butter guitars,” including used Les Pauls and Stratocasters, alongside new Fender models. Manson guitars, favored by Muse, are also prominently featured. “I like Muse,” Shai jokes, “Whenever Muse is popular, we stock Mansons.”
A 1967 Fender Antigua Coronado II guitar displayed at Imperial Vintage, a guitar store in Los Angeles, highlighting its unique finish
Upon entering, a 1967 Fender Antigua Coronado II immediately caught our eye. Designed by Roger Rossmeisl, this hollowbody guitar represented Fender’s initial venture into this style. This Coronado, in excellent original condition, featured the signature grey-to-cream Antigua finish, ‘Antigua’ pickguard, rare pearloid button Fender-Grover tuners, and an optional Mustang-style vibrato.
A 1960s Silvertone 1429 guitar with triple pickups, showcased at Imperial Vintage, a vintage guitar store in Los Angeles
Close-up of the triple pickups and controls of a 1960s Silvertone 1429 guitar at Imperial Vintage, highlighting its unique features in Los Angeles
Detail of the headstock and body of a 1960s Silvertone 1429 guitar, showing the vintage design and condition at Imperial Vintage in Los Angeles
Full vertical view of a 1960s Silvertone 1429 guitar, displaying its overall design and sunburst finish at Imperial Vintage, a vintage guitar store in Los Angeles
Another standout was a sunburst 1960s Silvertone model 1429, featuring a flamed maple top, unique triple on-off switching, tortoiseshell accents, and DeArmond Rowe Gold Foil pickups.
A 1966 Epiphone Casino guitar in cherry sunburst, displayed at Imperial Vintage, a guitar store in Los Angeles, highlighting its excellent condition
A ’66 Epiphone Casino in cherry sunburst was another highlight, in excellent condition with only a bridge replacement noted.
A refurbished 1930s Lyon & Healey parlor guitar at Imperial Vintage, showcasing vintage acoustic instruments in Los Angeles
Close-up of the body and soundhole of a 1930s Lyon & Healey parlor guitar at Imperial Vintage, emphasizing the vintage details in Los Angeles
Detail of the headstock and tuners of a 1930s Lyon & Healey parlor guitar, showing the vintage craftsmanship at Imperial Vintage in Los Angeles
The neck joint and body of a 1930s Lyon & Healey parlor guitar, highlighting the refurbished condition at Imperial Vintage, a guitar store in Los Angeles
A side view of the 1930s Lyon & Healey parlor guitar, showing the body depth and rope-style binding at Imperial Vintage in Los Angeles
Full vertical view of the 1930s Lyon & Healey parlor guitar, displaying its overall design and condition at Imperial Vintage, a vintage guitar store in Los Angeles
Rounding out their selection was a restored 1930s Lyon & Healey parlor acoustic, with a neck reset and refret, and a ’74 Fender Telecaster with a factory Bigsby.
A 1974 Fender Telecaster with an original 'F' Bigsby tremolo, featured at Imperial Vintage, a guitar store in Los Angeles
Truetone Music: Modern Excellence in Santa Monica
The interior of Truetone Music store in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, showcasing a wide selection of guitars and gear
For those interested in the latest guitar models, Truetone Music in downtown Santa Monica is the place to go. This comprehensive store carries top brands like Fender, Gretsch, Danelectro, Orange, Ernie Ball, Supro, Rickenbacker, and PRS. Truetone also offers a vast selection of pedals, in-house lessons, and repair services.
The store is spacious, with guitars displayed on every wall, several rows high. The checkout counter is on the left, leading to the section featuring high-end US brands like Fender Custom Shop and Gretsch. To the right, a wood-paneled area houses used and more affordable guitars, along with new and used amplifiers.
A shimmering Fano RB6 Standard in Candy Apple Red immediately caught our attention. Fano describes this model as “part British Invasion and part carve-top.” The guitar features a tastefully aged metallic finish and hardware, German-style body carves, two P-90 pickups, a hardtail bridge, and simple controls.
A Fano RB6 Standard guitar in Candy Apple Red, displayed at Truetone Music in Los Angeles, highlighting its modern boutique design
Truetone’s Custom Shop selection includes a stunning Gretsch White Penguin. This guitar features a gently aged white finish, gold-sparkle binding, Filter’Tron pickups, a Gretsch Bigsby, and an aged gold Rocking Bar bridge.
However, Truetone also offers great value options, such as a black Fender Road Worn 50s Stratocaster. This factory-aged guitar is setup beautifully and remains a popular choice. The Road Worn series features an alder body with a relic’d nitrocellulose finish, Tex-Mex pickups, and a vintage-style maple neck.
Truetone’s vintage collection includes a circa 1964 Supro White Holiday from the Res-O-Glas era. This model has its original vibrato and a ‘Clear Tone’ pickup with Deco accents. The three-way preset tone circuit complements the unique hollow sound of the fiberglass body.
A Fano RB6 guitar with P-90 pickups, showcased at Truetone Music, a modern guitar store in Los Angeles
A Gretsch White Penguin guitar on display at Truetone Music, highlighting its luxury features and design in Los Angeles
A Fender Road Worn 50s Stratocaster guitar at Truetone Music, showcasing its vintage-style and aged finish in Los Angeles
A seafoam green Jerry Jones Guitarlin guitar displayed at Truetone Music, showcasing unique and modern guitars in Los Angeles
Also notable is a seafoam green Jerry Jones Guitarlin. Jerry Jones guitars, built in the style of Danelectros but with enhanced quality, have become increasingly sought after since the company closed in 2011. The Guitarlin model features a 25.25-inch scale, 31 frets, and dual lipstick pickups, offering a unique and versatile sound.
No matter your preference, Los Angeles offers a diverse range of guitar stores to explore. Next time you’re in town, dedicate a day to visiting these exceptional shops.
Los Angeles truly is a guitar player’s paradise, offering a spectrum of stores from legendary vintage shops to modern retailers. Each store provides a unique experience, catering to different tastes and needs. Whether you’re a serious collector, a gigging musician, or a beginner, exploring the Guitar Store Los Angeles scene is an essential part of any visit for music enthusiasts.
