Printable View
hi! I am trying to plan a trip for a friend and his 14 year old daughter. She's an incredible mandolin player and we are looking for suggestions on where to get a special mandolin in Nashville and other recommendations to make her trip special. Lessons, venue's etc. Thanks
Carter Vintage for sure. Plan on staying there about 6 hours. There's lots to try.
Gruhns
I prefer Carter's to Gruhn's especially for a younger player. Carter's staff was happy for my 9 year old to play anything we liked if I was supervising. They even suggested we bring several instruments into a playing room to test side by side. Gruhn's was far less welcoming and was not interested in letting my kid play anything at all. He's been playing since age 3 and knows how to handle and respect an instrument, but Gruhn's wasn't amenable even so.
thank you! any other trip highlights to share?
See a show at the Ryman. I think the Del McCoury band is playing there sometime soon. Also a couple of shows coming up with Ricky Scaggs, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn.
You can also do a backstage tour there. Make sure you get tickets in advance for either.
12 South district is good for shops and food
I haven't been to Carter's yet, though it looks like a wonderland. I had the opposite experience of Al at Gruhn's while shopping with my then-10-year-old. They let him try whatever he wanted, and put us in a room of our own to do that. It was a good experience. I've alway been fond of Cotten Music, too. They're good people and usually have some nice mandolins.
Oh, and have breakfast at Biscuit Love!
She might want to try the open mic at Bluebird Cafe
That's good to hear. Maybe whoever was at Gruhn's the day we were there was just having a bad day.Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric F.
Must catch a show at the Station Inn. That place is legendary for Bluegrass.