Norman's Rare Guitars

If you ain't famous or joe bonermaster don't even bother. they don't care.the guy with a british accent who looks like guy fieri on crack is a jack ass overpriced stuff. a lot of better stores around LA. imperial vintage or LA vintage gear. or

I called and the person that answered the phone was very very nice. They didn't have what I need, but said that I could get help at guitar center or that I could buy the parts and very easily learn to do what I need on YouTube and never have to pay somebody to do it for me. I really liked being given both options and that the gentleman took the time to help me. That's how I do business and appreciate others who are generous as well.

It's becoming a tradition now. My family and I take a yearly trip to Disneyland and drive down from the Bay Area. On the drive back up, we stop by Norman's and I buy a guitar. The Staff is always friendly and helpful and Norman has always been super friendly and knows how to make every customer feel special. He even took a photo with me both times I've purchased a guitar. I will try and buy every guitar from Norman.

I've been remiss in not editing this sooner, but in the last five years I've bought three guitars from Norman's Rare Guitars, one online and two in store, and could not be happier. The friendliness on the YouTube channel does come through in real life and while there are pricey museum quality pieces on site, you also get the same excellent treatment buying more affordable player grade instruments.the most famous professional musicians shop at Norman's and it is obvious why.

If you're coming from out of town, an AirBnB in Topanga Canyon sets you up about fifteen minutes from the shop, from Malibu and some of the most beautiful hiking trails / scenic drives in the county.only wish I'd started going out there sooner.

How do they stay in business? Nasty employees/owner. I'll never give them my business. Apparently they don't want it anyway so it's wash.

I am in California from North Carolina taking care of a sick family member. Being a guitarist of 50 years, I could not resist visiting the famous Norman's Rare Guitars. The sign on the door said proof of vaccination and masks required, I had both. Norman was sitting in the middle of the store chatting - no mask or social distance. He looked at me and asked if I had an appointment.

I explained my situation. He begrudgingly said you can take a quick spin through the store. The inventory is very nice. I was going to buy something, but because of the unwelcome feeling I had from the moment I entered the store, I left. There are plenty of other places where I can satisfy my need for guitars! I won't be back either in person or online.

I bought a Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Strat at Norman's. I am extremely happy with it and the price I paid, when compared to others I've seen on Reverb. And, the service was tops.

I recently went to this place after a lifetime of wondering what it is like. (I'm a professional guitar player). From the moment I walked in, I quickly encountered a staff of rude, condescending, and arrogant employees that acted like they were doing me a favor by allowing me to come in. I will never step foot in that place again. It was actually a relief to exit that environment.

Best spot for guitar repairs. Good service, knowledgeable staff and I am glad they are around!

After watching Guitar of the Day for a while, I decided to swing by the shop. Absolutely blown away by the high quality guitars that surround the room, felt like a kid in a candy store. Left with a super sick T-shirt and was stoked to see Norm and Lemmo doing their thang. Hands down the best shop in California that values quality over quantity and has an impressive vintage collection of guitars and amps. Great shop filled with even greater people!

I only give one star for Norman's Rare Guitars, as I didn't appreciate their impolite attitude and their non existent customer service (which isn't really shocking news when you look at many other negative reviews they're getting). During these so called "extraordinary circumstances", I criticized another business on here for their shortcomings far as treating prospective customers and in that case the owner apologized. Some businesses look at negative Yelp reviews to better their business. Not in this case. In this case Yelp took down my review. Pretty sad!

Talk about a great way to lose business folks requiring an appointment when you've got 6 Guitar Centers in the area! what are you doing LOL In addition to that you are requiring your customers that you turn away cause I don't have an appointment mind you to wear a mask when you got homeless people outside your front door face palm. Then again most of LA has this situation.

In full transparency they have a nice selection of guitars that I could see from the distance because I couldn't go see them due to not having an appointment! All good though I'll go spend $15,000 at the guitar center today thanks for the heads up about the appointment

So many places that sell "boutique" musical equipment are full of arrogant, indifferent staff who could care less about "average" customers. Things could not be further from that truth than Norman's. I noticed on web that they had a guitar that was really hard to find in stock ANYWHERE. I called from my car and Norman himself picked up the phone and told me the guitar was still in stock.

I then said I will buy it. He then handed the phone to one of his assistants who took my info and he could not have been more cordial and appreciative of my business. When I went to pick up the guitar the next day, they treated me like they have known me for 20 years. I felt comfortable immediately. When I am back in the market, Norman will have my business.

I have mixed feelings about Norm's guitars. First of all, it is absolutely a cult classic. They have all the crazy stuff to the high end staples. We recently sold some guitars to them. For most of the pieces, the prices offered were real lowball offers. They would barely budge on the offers, citing pandemic business and such. They turned around and are listing them online at normal prices.

I mean, I know business is business, but we're talking a 100% profit margin on the cash they were offering us. Left a bad taste in my mouth. By the way, Michael L, who does the guitar of the day videos, is a real asset to the outfit. Straight shooter and great guy.

I live in Las Vegas and was visiting California and planned to be there on a Tuesday so I could visit Norman's Rare Guitars. I didn't know I needed an appointment but Norm greeted me and I explained I had traveled a long way and he was kind enough to let me in. I was treated with kindness and respect and very much enjoyed my visit to this amazing place.

I bought a classical guitar and Norm gave me a case for it. I also got a shirt and his book. It's very rare that I would buy a guitar from a store as selling guitars is my business since I retired but I just had to get one for my personal collection. Jen rang me up and was very kind. I wish for all of you good health and success for many years to come and will be back to visit. I mostly sell student guitars and tell all the young people I meet to watch your YouTube channel.

Have bought and sold at Norm's and he's always been a gentleman with fair deals and a mouthwatering selection of guitars. I have to say I'm a little intimidated sometimes by the players and gear I run into there. But MAN do I dig it. So sad for (us) because he's only open two days and it feels like he might be looking to retire.

Say it ain't so Norm, say it ain't so! I'm making this post now because of the auction for the midnight mission children. Even tho I'm laid up in the hospital and can't bid on a mobile device I wanted to shout out for Norm and his and J Bonamassa's efforts to help those kids. Now-GET OUT YOUR WALLET AND BID BY TUES 2020!

I just called in asking a question about a specific guitar and the gentleman on the phone was very helpful and although they didn't have the guitar I want he took down my information and said he will keep an eye out and if they come across it will give me a call. I have called a few other shops and he was the first person who offered this! I appreciate this and look forward to them finding it and buying from them. Thank you

I understand the situation with COVID, ,h owever, it's not an excuse. At least let the phone-in customer finish his question, instead of leaving them on hold forever. All of us are dealing with the Covid pandemic. It's not a valid reason for treating people rude. Customers willing and able to buy an expensive vintage instrument are probably not that common these days.

We made the drive from Rancho Cucamonga to Norm's Rare Guitars and gave Norm a call to see if we could look and buy a guitar. Norm was at home, but was kind enough to make the trip to the store so we could buy a couple of guitars. During these trouble times, it was great of Norm to be so gracious and safe. There are still many guitars at his shop like no where else and I would love to own them.

So future trips will be conducted once this pandemic is over. The vintage Gibson's, Martins, Guilds, Fenders, National and more. Along with new Fenders, Gibson's, etc. are well worth the trip to this great place. When you first enter the store it is a bit overwhelming to see so many great guitars in one place. Many of the vintage guitars have their own story, like the Taylor liberty guitar once owned by Dan Crary the great bluegrass guitarist along with his vintage Gibson mandolin. Norm and his team of enthusiastic people make you feel comfortable and like to share the treasures the store has. Highly recommended!

This place is a museum, you can smell the history as you enter. I have been here a couple of times to look. I recently bought a rare custom Martin Jumbo made for his store and i love it. A bit nervous as this was my first really nice guitar. He gave me a good price and threw in a free shirt and strings. Norm was more than helpful, not pushy and provided so much information that i didn't have many questions. Was neat that he showed me a old Martin catalog book to show me why he chose the pre-war OM-45 design on the pick guard. I don't expect to buy another guitar any time soon but if i do it will be Norman's.

Such a great experience. Staff are super welcoming, they let you try the guitars, encourage taking pics, etc. The absolute opposite of an intimidating guitar shop environment, despite the stock being a wealth of incredible classics. Also, cool t-shirts!

This might be the best guitar store in the US. Sure, the brand are not that exotic but is chock full of what most people want which is Fender, Gibson and Ricks. They have more 70s guitars than just about any place I have ever been. The staff, cmon Lemmo, is about as good as it gets.

Lots of guitars, really one for everyone. Kind employees that make sure often that your needs and questions are met as soon as you have them. I love the feel of it, playing a bass in the corner and hearing two people jam out on the couches in the center and then turning my amp up to play along. It's a nice feel and a nice atmosphere in there. Can't wait for my next visit!

My GF and I walked there while waiting for a table at a restaurant across the street. I thought, based on its reputation, it would be a fun way to burn time while dreaming about our pending pancakes and french press. I was happy with the experience from the moment I walked in the door. It didn't have a chaotic feel as I experienced in another guitar shop.

It was homey but uncluttered. The staff offered to help but left us appropriately alone. They have a terrific inventory, a comfortable couch, and friendly people. If I'm looking for another guitar, I'd come here for something special.

I stopped in to inquire about a quality vintage instrument that belonged to my grandfather. They specialize in guitars and from my conversation and look over their shop, I would say they are market makers who are passionate about their trade and merchandise. I have not bought or sold with them as of this time but my first pass instinct combined with my knowledge and awareness of their being established and longstanding within this community leads me to believe they are reputable and trustworthy.

I just returned home from my first and last visit to Norman's Rare Guitars. I recently acquired a vintage guitar (elsewhere) for which I needed a part that hadn't come with it. After doing some Google searching I found Norman's Rare Guitars and began reading the reviews. Many were quite positive, but a considerable number were negative.

Among the negative there seemed to be a common thread about the staff being rude. Setting that aside, I went to the shop to see if they had the part I was looking for. As soon as I entered the shop I was rapidly approached by an older gentleman who resembled the photo of Norm on the shop's web site. He came up to me with a smile and asked how he could help me.

When I got halfway through describing what I was looking for he cut me off and said that they didn't have it. Then he started telling me where I might be able to find it, but after about one or two sentences he noticed another party entering the shop through the front door and immediately abandoned me without so much as an "excuse me" and quickly strode up to the new party and greeted them with a smile and his "how can I help you" greeting.

I was stunned that he would break off his conversation with me so abruptly without even a word, a wink, or a smile to signal politely that he needed to move on. While I was there I thought that I would look around the shop to see what was being offered for sale and what the prices were. I was there for about another 20 minutes. During that time the guy who had first approached me when I had first arrived became free from customers several times but he totally ignored me.

Our aborted conversation about the part that I needed and where I might find it was never resumed. In almost any other shop or store that I've gone to where the salesperson was already busy with someone else, the salesperson typically finishes talking with the person with whom he/she is already engaged, while newly arriving customers usually patiently wait their turn in line.

The salesperson sometimes says something to the newly arriving customer with something like "I'll be with you in a moment" so that that customer's arrival is acknowledged and he/she does not feel ignored. But not at Norman's Rare Guitars. I can now relate to the negative reviews that describe rudeness of the staff. I felt as though when the salesperson (Norm?) had determined that he would not be making a sale with me that he then just wrote me off and at his first chance to focus his attention on the new prospects that had just arrived did so without even so much as a thank you to me for coming by. I actually did need to get a case for my new vintage guitar but after how I'd been so rudely abandoned in mid-sentence decided to shop elsewhere for it.

Extremely disappointed. brought my acoustic guitar in because i was getting a nasty buzz and had some fret wear i wanted to get looked at. it probably needs a neck reset and maybe a recrowning on some of the frets. that's what i thought i would be getting. i come back and pick it up and all he did was change the strings and put a bunch of oil on the fret board. he also scrubbed each fret once down the very middle with steel wool maybe? not sure what is even going on here. see pic of his hard work. he said he couldnt get to the truss rod because there was a plastic d'addario o ring in the sound hole he was afraid to move. why not mention this when you called me on the phone and said the guitar was ready? what was it ready for? nothing i asked for. when i picked it up i pointed out the buzz issue and he did a last minute truss rod adjustment. sat down and played the guitar for 5 minutes and i am experiencing all the same problems. same buzz. frets have been untouched. not sure this guy could have cared less about my guitar. i don't know if he thought i was broke or something but i just wanted the things i asked for to be fixed i would have paid any amount for good honest work. he gave me a discount at $50 and still feel really ripped off. i could have done all of the things he did better at home, without leaving oil all over the guitar. for a place with 10k guitars on walls i expected a pro set up but i got the kind of set up you would expect from a new employee doing training at guitar center.

I just recently visited this location looking for a Les Paul. My experience in the store from Norman was great but the rest of the sales staff (Nick, Mark and Michael - I think that's his name) were awful and not very accommodating. It was as if they were preoccupied or couldn't care less about someone being there and only cared about the sale.

Let me state that I DID buy a guitar from them because I found what I wanted but I WILL NOT ever go back or buy from again and am making a point to let people know (who ask) about my experience there. Many times, the staff seemed more interested in recording their videos for Instagram than to actually answer questions. Furthermore, when I did ask a question the answers were short and with a lack of enthusiasm for someone who is NOT a professional touring musician.

Do yourself a favor and check out Carter Vintage in Nashville or The Music Zoo in NYC for a better selection and MUCH, MUCH, MUCH better customer service. Unless, you are a rock star or someone who can benefit their Instagram page go somewhere else and get a great guitar and even better service. That is all. Carry on!

Mark, we'll miss you buddy! You're my guy! This place won't be the same without you but it will still be great! IMHO this is the best guitar store in the state. People there is so kind you could spend all day trying guitars. And of course, they have great vintage stuff. You could probably find some vintage guitars for a good amount of money, but they also have other options for less money. They also have a YouTube channel where best guitars are presented and demoed. Its very interesting.

By far the BEST GUITAR Store i've ever been to, Norm is a great guy, so is his staff, Turned out i've never played on the GIBSON guitars, Instruments they made back in the day were out of this world! If you are around LA, Don't miss this store and come by.