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,” Montague continued. TNAG Global will integrate Norman’s Rare Guitars’ inventory into its propri- etary instrument management system, The Exchange, which offers a fully integrated environment to buy, sell and consign legacy instrument brands, in-store and online. “I’ve always known there would come a time when I needed the right long-term partner to carry Norman’s Rare Guitars forward,” said Norman Harris, founder of Norman’s Rare Guitars. “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 protect- ing 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.”
TNAG’s Ben Montague and Norman’s Rare Guitars’ Norman Harris.
TNAG GLOBAL ACQUIRES NORMAN’S RARE GUITARS
T NAG Global, the family-owned company behind Nashville,Tennessee-based Carter Vintage Guitars and Cotten Music Center, has announced its acquisition of Norman’s Rare Guitars, the Los Angeles-based vintage guitar shop founded by Norman Harris. The acquisition includes more than 1,000 guitars currently housed at Nor- man’s Rare Guitars, along with Harris’ personal and private collection assembled over more than 50 years. The store will continue to operate from its iconic San Fernando Valley location, with its team and culture remaining fully intact. Founded on a mission to preserve the world’s most beloved guitar shops long after their founders retire, TNAG Global
will continue the legacy built by Harris over the last 50 years, while guiding Nor- man’s Rare Guitars into its next chapter by expanding its reach to a global audi- ence of players and collectors. The shop’s legacy was the subject of the recent “Nor- man’s Rare Guitars Documentary” that premiered on Netflix. “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,” said Ben Montague, founder and CEO of TNAG Global. “Our responsibility with this acquisition is simple: Protect what makes the shop special, ensure the business thrives beyond its founder and give Nor- man the freedom to step back whenever
Harris will remain actively involved in the business as founding ambassador, continuing to source instruments and welcome visitors to the shop. The team at Norman’s Rare Guitars will remain in place, continuing to offer the same expertise, personality and community at- mosphere the store has been known for since its founding. For an in-depth interview with TNAG’s Montague on the acquisition, turn to page 28. {tnag.com, normansrareguitars.com} Sweetwater, Yamaha Launch $25K Giveaway to Support School Music Programs S weetwater has announced a partner- ship with Yamaha to transform one of providing the very best to the next generation of musicians.”
lucky school music program with a $25,000 giveaway. Music educators will have the opportunity to sign up at Sweetwater’s booth at more than 16 Music Education Association events around the country. As school budgets continue to tighten, Sweetwater’s partnership with Yamaha pro- vides an opportunity for students to have access to the very best Yamaha musical instruments, accessories, and technology curated specifically for the winning school. “For student musicians to succeed, they
Sweetwater kicked off entries for this giveaway on Feb. 11 at the Texas Educa- tors Clinic/Convention in San Antonio, Texas. It’ll be appearing at local MEA conferences across more than a dozen other states between now and Nov. 20, providing attendees with a chance to enter to win. Additionally, Sweetwater will be collecting entries at select Music for All and Bands of America events. A winner will be announced at the end of 2026. {sweetwater.com}
need access to the best instruments avail- able,” said Jennifer Witt, senior marketing manager for Sweetwater Band & Orches- tra. “Yamaha has been a great partner with Sweetwater and shares our vision
14 I MUSIC INC. I APRIL 2026
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