Gruhn Guitars Tour

www.premierguitar.com PG's Shawn Hammond is on location in Nashville, TN, where he visits Gruhn Guitars.
For more Tours or to watch one of Premier Guitar's 1800 other videos online, be sure to visit www.premierguitar.com/video

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Just before watching this, I watched a recent tour of Gruhn's from just one year ago, so in that one he is approximately ten years older than he appears here. You can absolutely see the ten years on him, as there's no escaping the ravages of time, especially when you're getting way up there... But the remarkable thing is that his enthusiasm is still just as strong; recall of details just as astute; he speaks a bit slower, and more softly, but he happily says he still comes in to the shop 6 days a week, mainly because it's still FUN! He was exceptionally gracious to the interviewer, letting him play more than a million dollars worth of instruments to his heart's delight. Here's to you George, we hope you're still coming in ten years from now!

[@bldallas]

Thanks for sharing that. Now I want to go find that other tour. He’s definitely good people and I love his passion for great guitars and his store and its approach to its customers. Greatness.

[@sharktroubles]

Mr. Gruhn is the kindest, wittiest and most knowledgeable guitar collector/seller around. His stock is eye-popping.

[@drj602]

George is very gracious guy.

[@shannonsmith1520]

Yeah Right

[@charlesmartel1785]

I was there last April. Great experience! I'd heard sooo many bad things about them and how stuck up they were. In my experience they were as cool as the bottom side of a pillow. I played a late 50's les paul jr. I was being helped by Lloyd. I was taking about 1957-60's les Paul bursts. He said hold on and busted a 60 out of the case right by the door! He let me play it for awhile. So cool. He knew I didn't have 135k, but he let me handle it anyway. Cool video and an amazing experience..

[@DICKSLEXIA]

I could listen to George all day, he's a human guitar encyclopaedia!!!

[@timothyflyte9443]

I have two of his books and have met him at a guitar show. He is a very nice guy. His books are just awesome.

[@bigbo1865]

Absolutely amazing I am completein awe..😮 The heritage & vintage of these instruments is beyond belief..!!! As a connoisseur I am speechless..!!!

[@bldallas]

Absolutely love this tour. I’ve seen it a couple times now. Mr Gruhn is such a mild mannered gentleman. I love his knowledge and passion for guitars. It’s been nearly 30 years since my last trip to Nashville (for work) and visit to Gruhn’s guitars, but I recall feeling welcome to visit his store and look at? even play, a number of guitars. The workers there were very polite and approachable. This is by far my favorite vintage guitar store. Great stuff, thanks.

[@StephenNaveed]

So awesome. I love how much time and love goes into keeping these babies playing. I would love to do that for a living.

[@chassisresearchkid]

I could listen to him talk all day, every day about every guitar in that shop!

[@timothyanthonysipwanji9639]

Absolutely agree 👍 I even put the video on pause to look up any term or reference he used that I wasn’t familiar with and watched all the way to the end. I am so very impressed.

[@Kblmquist]

Wow, thank you what an amazing man. I could listen to him talk all day.

[@scottyhughes9179]

A fantastic walk though interview, thanks Premier Guitar! What a great gentleman Mr. Gruhn is.

[@arumrunner]

That was quite simply - AMAZING I really appreciated George's open candor. Plus his knowledge is awe inspiring. TheRumRunner

[@CliffFigallo]

Gruhn the legend. Nice piece y'all.

[@bulkington3272]

Priceless stuff! Thanks

Great job, loved the interview.

[@tmitz73]

That video was awesome!! Thanks PG!! And What a cool guy... so many great stories!! Definitely going!

[@VinceHalvorson]

Great interview, thanks!

[@shango02005]

Excellent video! Thanks, PG!

[@arthurwilson1966]

George Gruhn is a fascinating guy. His obvious love for these guitars really comes across and his knowledge is encyclopaedic. One very lucky guy to have made such a career.

[@1960fusion]

Awesome tour and interview...Thanks!!!

[@midwestfisherman]

Awesome interview!

[@TheScaredofsilence]

Very cool. Enjoyed the guitar repair shop tour. Thanks.

[@MonstarMk3]

I've worked in the biz for years. I HATE when people say "piece". I totally get it. I own and sell GUITARS, not furniture or paintings. Guys like to say "piece", it makes them feel cool throwing buzz words around.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

They likely use that term as most of their inventory will end up behind glass. Who, other than rock-gods actually play a $50,000 / plus, instrument. I would imagine most of their customers are collectors that buy for collector's reasons, otherwise known as resale value.

[@rogersilcox524]

What about words like “ biz”.

[@ferraridinoman]

passionate guy!! Love him!!

[@Lydian7lc]

i could listen to him talk all day

[@JM-ep6lw]

Had a 56 Gretsch Chet Atkins that I had had since a teen that needed a neck reset and some other attention. Even though I live in So Cal and even with a number of top repair guys in the area, I sent it to Gruhn for the repairs just for the peace of mind in knowing that my guitar was being cared for by the best in the world. George was very nice and the technician gave me a detailed overview over phone of what they were going to do and how they were going to do it. Very impressed with their attention and kindness toward me. The Gretsch came back and sounded so sweet. Thanks George! Enjoyed the video.

[@TheOlmecindian]

I love guitars .and I love watching shows about guitars

[@paddysguitarshow2]

what a guy great knowledge too i wish him all the best

[@RogueAizenYubel]

MR. GRUHN IS THE NICEST GUY. He sold me a midnight blue with natural binding 1997 PRS Custom 24 in mint. I called the moment as the previous ower was trading it in. And held it for me as came and got it. It did not get self time. One of his quickest sales on a PRS, gone in seconds. They gave me a free t-shirt and picks because it was my first guitar. One of the days and deals of my life. I started in style.

[@ebay9302]

PRS sucks, they are girl guitars...

[@juanvaldez5422]

@@ebay9302 someone's jealous ...aww who's the girl after all?

[@rockabilly12]

great interview Shawn

[@CaptainCraigKWMRZ]

Thanks so much to everyone that made this video possible. That Penguin is my favorite, no matter how Dan "improved" it.

[@pigjubby1]

It's not about the money, just a passion for guitars. I like that.

[@NorthShoreMike]

One your best videos yet. You guys are quickly becoming my favorite channel on youtube. Kudos to Mr. Gruhn for taking the time to give us so much detail on these wonderful instruments.

[@Pepe00ad]

Really great episode, good work and thanks for not editing it shorter..........

[@alvis526]

Wow what a awesome video ! Iam glad I stubled across this !!!

[@duggananddhsmith]

cool looking tour!

[@RonRivet]

We were in Nashville last year and I was disappointed that the store had moved. Looking forward to checking it out next year.

[@thetreblerebel]

Beautiful

[@danielhendriksen9232]

Great video. Thanks.

[@mosesmoses2000]

I MISSED THIS PLACE...

[@madgeniusmusic]

Great video, thanks guys

[@pologama]

Great video! Really enjoyed

[@garryhudson6945]

A friend owned and played a1904 gibson kalamazoo mandalin made from blonde birdseye maple ,at one point it was in its case which got squashed under a farm truck (in 1974),he took it to the gibson facory and they fixed it up but it was not as sweet sounding after this unfortunate incident.this instrument was the most beautiful piece of art i have ever seen.

[@jlawrodgers]

Nice ,informative video .I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gruhn twice back in 2005 . we traded guitars , and he spent quite sometime talking , in the front room overlooking Broadway ,as we negeotiated a deal . the second time , I was lucky enough to go up to the high end room. for a musician , it was a unique experience and In all the excitement of my new guitar , I drove off and left one of my hardshell cases at the store ! he shipped it to me in New York, NO charge. Again, Nice Video !

[@henboyrules1]

Ive been there! Its AMAZING!

[@therealthomasbraam]

I love the look of old real relic goldtop's, best looking instrument ever !!!

[@AnthonySG0113]

Always a great review, would love to play some of those guitars through my Marshall, feneder, and Mesa amps..!!

[@ramonaHQ]

Great video and I'm loving the lav mic! I really want to go to Nashville...

[@Teachering]

Thank you for the response. Yes, I agree with you about preferring new guitars. Guitars are very personal; they call out to you even when you're not looking to buy. Each has its own personality. Out of the ten that I own, two of which are Martins, all are new except for two which were used but had been returned soon after purchase by the previous owner. I'm a die hard Fender tele and strat player, although I do own a Les Paul standard I bought new in 2001. I also prefer the Fender amplifier.

[@charleshuggins7072]

MR.GRUHN is the king he has more knowledge about antique and vintage guitars than anyone I've personally ever spoken to and you can bank on that.If you want to see the best there is go see MR.GRUHN in Nashville.We are still stuck with your old pal Randy Woods love him.C E Huggins

[@thefilmandmusic]

That was great.. ‘It is fun George’... it would have been fascinating just to hear a chord or two on those guitars.. Really enjoyed,, many thanks P.G..

[@jeff1586er]

Lots of comments about rings, I didn't see rings I saw guitars. I traded for a 1963 Stratocaster in 1969. I don't see Vintage guitars as old I see recent guitars as later. I have 15 electric guitars and can choose to play a 1974 Wilshire or a "new" 1995 Strat. Mostly I don't play because of having had strokes and at 68 the urgency has died off. At age 20 i had a Danelectro, Epiphone Olympia, Epiphone Wilshire, Fender Jazzmaster and Fender Stratocaster one after the other all in the space of 6 months at a time when I could barely afford food but I had my priorities. Now I have the ability to keep several guitars at a time and no matter how newer they seemed at the Pawn Shop the years fly by. Some of us are in love with performing, some love music, me i'm fascinated by the guitar as a machine. Either I leave them stock or switch out pickups, add switches, change pots or just delight in ownership. If you don't see the value in old guitars don't hang out looking at them on KZbin. If you're good a $100 guitar is all you need, go make your future.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Exactly, although for a few hundred more you could get better. $1,000 guitars are often as good as it gets...!

[@staffansvahn]

Very nice person. Great video. Thank you

[@48musicfan]

I would absolutely love to spend some time in there. I just need to get to Nashville.

[@Teachering]

This is a fine video produced by PG. Entertaining to watch and very informative. Mr. Gruhn is a gentleman who knows the heritage and value of all those fine instruments housed in his store; or, as Rob Maxwell called "...a showpiece museum." Those critical of Mr. Gruhn should not be too hard on him. He's a collector and has difficulty letting go of things that have become so personal. To people such as medstudent1980, my advice is, make an appointment and introduce yourself at the very least.

[@GuitarVee]

Really cool, enjoyed this vid much, thanks!

[@MarcosJ-mq4lk]

His rings are devaluing the guitars everytime he touches them!

[@pharmerdavid1432]

But he needs the "bling" cause he is so "bland"!!

[@fibson9775]

George's voice is pure ASMR

[@abornguitarist]

I appreciate the editing that was done on this, kind of like a documentary. It makes it more pro and interesting to watch. Thanks!

[@kengibbens5059]

Nice to hear price quotes on these instruments. It seems many vintage stores hide the prices from and videos or casual mention

[@OzziePete1]

The ashtray on the Esquire is meant to shield electrical interference from the pickup. And aesthetically I guess it makes the guitar look 'cleaner' in style with the pickup housed in a more formal way (no polepieces exposed).

[@coffeewaldo]

Thx for the info.

[@flamencoprof]

"I always take off all my rings before picking up my guitar." said nobody, ever. Nice doco, great to see the workings of a quality dealer. For those who say the stock is not worth it, look at the Mona Lisa. Because over the last 400 years there has never been a time when someone with the money to own something valued it, we are still able to see it today. I'd pay a $1000 for my first £6 guitar, but sadly the person I gave it to around 1976 smashed it within 6 months!

[@PassagesMusic_]

I need to go to Nashville..

[@ex-nflfan5023]

God bless America.

[@shannonsmith1520]

Soooooo Cool 🤘😎🤘

[@playmobilevanescenceAmyLee8843]

I've had wanted a 2 gold pickup les Paul custom!!

[@tedcondo9884]

Great vid. At the 38 min mark, Gruhn says "...still affordable for the mortal musician: $37,5"...Meaning $37, 500! Completely disconnected from reality. Yet can't wait to visit the shop. Haha!

[@107443838]

Well done with the microphone set up. Big improvement

[@ebay9302]

The '41 D45 is my old guitar. Bought it for 20k many moons ago...

[@annabatarowicz]

Good documentary

[@mgchevelle68]

id definitely go there if I ever wanted to have a conversation where someone tells me something then immediately tells me the same thing again.

[@jennipoysti976]

;o()!!! looool

[@dadasha]

hah, you can't get in there, they don't let any jerk in the store!

[@FarrahnsMom]

George is a smart man..

[@bobgaffneymusic]

On one of my first trips to Nashville.......I walked in looking for a alte 50's Tweed Bassman amp. Price was out of my budget but I saw an ald acoustic that just screamed mojo. I ended up buying a 1947 Kalamazoo KG-1......however it has a LG body....due to a Gibson screw up.......it's a one of a kind which Gruhn confirmed........for 1,000 I thought it was a great buy. Gruhn is one of the foremost authorities on guitars in the world and he deserves alot of respect

[@RevMishka]

I have done business with George since the early 70's...visited his early store's and was always treated well...I have not had a chance to go to the new store yet but I will...I have ended up with a collection of guitars culled and built from 45 years of playing music and my love for the instruments...it is possible to find great guitars in a variety of places...but you have to do your homework so you know you are not getting burned...George is one of the most knowledgable individuals in the industry...you cannot view this video without picking up on that...and yes, his guitars are expensive...but try to find some of these yourself...very difficult and if found, they will be expensive...I did like his mention of "pre" and "post" bubble pricing...the bubble burst in '06 and prices have fallen accordingly...great video and a cool view of the World of Gruhn Guitars...the best I have seen...I do agree that I also cringed every time I heard the knock from one of his rings hitting a multi thousand dollar instrument...I know of very few dealers who would allow that to happen...but then, he owns the place...there is only one George Gruhn and he is a legend in the business.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Many of them are fakes, and I know more about guitars than Gruhn does, and I don't consider myself an "expert".

[@Scrappalino]

30.00 I still think an old gold top looks cool as hell even with the green flaked finish...

[@stratorarious]

Shawn was in drool mode, I can't blame him for that. Great interview Shawn!

[@NonLocalYokel]

We also learn that George can talk a glass eye to sleep. Bless him.

[@claytonjohn6473]

What a interesting slueth of guitar history.

[@marknorris3769]

interesting to hear about the bubble

[@MaldisBarbecue]

Live in Nashville.. There isn't one person who works in this shop who isn't an A hole.. Went in to buy a really nice taylor and walked out.. They treat you like a piece of crap who can't afford their guitars.. I'll never go there again.

[@jeffreyschnoldt5388]

Cool video

[@Jasonweckard]

Great video, I do think it's the little things like a coil cord being burned into the body of the Esquire really makes these instruments unique. It's sad to think people want to removed bits of history like that.

[@McOuroborosBurger]

They moved off of broadway, George is a nice guy if you ever go to check his shop out.

[@adamxlr2010hotmail]

Was in thete other day the sales guy let me hold a 54 strat and pkay it...mind blowing met George too he was cool too

[@shucksful]

i'VE BEEN HERE!! lol. I bought a Howard Roberts Fusion... $1350 It was the lowest price guitar in the store! lol But the prettiest! I would have loved a tour through the whole place!

[@widowmakerheartattack5212]

While in Nashville I got the REAL tour upstairs in the elevator. Saw buddy holly strat and amp . played 4 59 les pauls and lost my record deal.This store is amazing.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

At least you "lost your record deal"...!

[@guppybill]

I got a parking ticket in 1992 because of a siren working at Gruhn Guitars. I had a scheduled day off during a business trip to Nashvegas. I popped quarters in the downtown meter next to the Ryman, and waddled in to 400 Broadway. The lady behind the front desk said the sexiest words I had ever heard a woman speak... "First time in? Leave your briefcase with me, dahlin'; you can play anything you can reach." So I played everything I could reach. I saw a prototype Flying V. (Could NOT reach that one). I played dozens of relics, stars guitars, museum pieces, etc... I lost track of time and lost my friggin' mind. Hence the ticket. I will never forget that woman's seductive words. Ever. Call me. Please.

[@blasterkid2014]

the Joe B ad before the video was great :)

[@humansteve7194]

+blasterkid 2014 haha! I've seen those, though I didn't get it on this video. I always wanted to comment on some of the ads I see before videos, but as I thought, we don't all see the ads! Funny

[@guitar5054]

I want to move into his store... LIVE there, until I die!

[@decidedfob]

agree

[@jensk4140]

28:53 my dream guitar.

[@acledfloyd]

Those old ones are like vintage pieces of art, so the price goes up the older they get.

[@ryanfulldark2775]

They let me play, in fact, insisted I play a 59 Strat, custom color Fiesta Red. I even told them I could never afford it, but they truly wanted to make my dream come true. They let me jam as long as I wanted. Amazing place! Side note: I offered them my truck for that Strat, they politely declined 😏😂

[@EbonyGibsonLP]

Been there, "played"a '56 Les Paul Junior and a Mcpherson acoustic.

[@crispee1978]

this guy really loves the sound of his own voice!!

[@getredytagetredy]

Some of the luthiers who repair are magicians .

[@Lorneplumber]

really interesting

[@bash5995]

I went there while on vacation in Nashville, it was full of awesome vintage guitars but I was too afraid to touch any of them. Plus I had a 3 year old daughter at the time and I had to carry her through the store so she would break anything and force us to mortgage our house.

[@chrisgarciaj16]

Does the ashtray in that vintage guitar change the tone? Since its covering the pickup?