The North American Guitar company, TNAG Global, has announced the acquisition of Norman’s Rare Guitars, the #1 vintage guitar shop in Los Angeles. CA, and among the most highly-recognized such outlets in the world.
Known colloquially as “Norm’s,” the shop was opened by Norman Harris in 1975, who built it into a highly successful business, catering to the needs of LA’s rock music scene for decades. While electric instruments are their bread and butter, Norm’s has consistently stocked fine acoustic instruments as well.
Many west coast vintage instrument aficionados have been concerned of late that with Harris’ failing health, the shop might not survive his ultimate retirement.
TNAG is owned and run by Ben Montague, who also runs Carter’s Vintage Guitars and Cotten Music Center in Nashville. He formed the business with his father, Robert, and the assistance of investment firm Magenta Partners, specifically to assure the continuation of high end guitar shops around the country. Ben has now assumed full ownership, and is quite proud to note that since taking over Carter’s in 2022, and maintaining the store’s vintage vibe and culture, sales have increased by more than 200%.
This new acquisition transfers ownership of Norman’s Rare Guitars and its inventory of more than 1,000 guitars, plus Harris’ personal and private collection, which he has acquired over 50 years of collecting. Local musicians and instrument lovers will be pleased to see the business survive and thrive.
Ben Montague, CEO of TNAG Global, says that they don’t intend to change anything about what makes people love Norm’s.
“Norman’s Rare Guitars is the most iconic guitar shop in the world, and we are honored to help extend its story into the future. Our responsibility with this acquisition is simple: Protect what makes the shop special, ensure the business thrives beyond its founder, and give Norman the freedom to step back whenever he chooses, knowing the legacy is secure.
California is one of the most important guitar markets in the world, and we believe there is enormous opportunity to bring a truly dialed-in, trusted consignment model to the west coast. At TNAG Global, customer obsession is the driving force behind everything we build. We create environments where guitar lovers, collectors, and musicians can walk into an iconic store — in Nashville or Los Angeles — and feel taken care of at the highest level, both in person and online.”
We’re sure that Norm is happy to have the strain of running a business off of his back while facing health problems. He says that it is a perfect pairing.
“I’ve always known there would come a time when I needed the right long-term partner to carry Norman’s Rare Guitars forward. I couldn’t imagine a better steward for the shop and its legacy than Ben Montague and TNAG Global. The goal has always been to share my love of great guitars with the community, and this partnership allows that community to grow, while protecting everything that makes the shop special. I feel a deep sense of comfort knowing the shop, its history, and its values will still be here for future generations of my family, and for guitar lovers around the world.”
Harris will remain active in the store for as long as he wishes, continuing to acquire instruments and serve as founding ambassador. The current team at Norm’s will also remain in place.
Like the stock at Carter’s, inventory at Norm’s will be integrated into TNAG Global’s proprietary instrument management system, which they call The Exchange. It offers buyers, sellers, and consigners a system to deal in vintage and contemporary legacy brands, both in-store and online.
Congratulations to the Montagues and Norman Harris for forming this new partnership.
