I lived about a mile from there and every time it came around I would be there.Spend hours there drinkin high price beer and man what a time. Love lookin in the candy store and talking to people.Amps too,so many amps.
Hi Norm. Regarding the 55 Fender Strat, single owner.............I recognize the story and the guitar. I met the owner at the Guitar Show in San Rafael a few months ago. She was super interested in selling it, (Unfortunately I wasn't in the market for it at the time.) I recommended she contact you at your shop in So Cal. So glad she contacted you and you made the deal. Excellent purchase!
The guitars are nice but man it would be an experience to walk along with you and hear your thoughts on everything you are looking at. What is going through your mind, why do you choose some things to buy and not other. Like why did you go for that SG? What caught your eye about it? Of course you can't do a video on that but getting your expertise on what you see would be so interesting.
It’s not as easy as Norm makes it look. Guitar sellers aren’t giving them away to him, or giving massive discounts. They want a good price. Often very close to retail. So how do guys like Norm make money? Well, they use their expert knowledge to pick up undervalued guitars. Guitars being sold too cheaply, because the seller doesn’t know enough about it to understand it’s real value. And he’ll obviously buy other guitars that he thinks will appreciate in value. Guitars he can just put in his warehouse for 3-5 years, and then sell at a profit. And the 3rd category is just really rare guitars, that he knows he can flip to his wealthy customers. He’ll see something he knows his wealthy customers will really want, pay retail for it, then flip it to them for a 15% profit - ie. if you’re a wealthy buyer you don’t mind paying guys like Norm a 15% finders-fee on guitars you really want. It’s not easy, I promise you. But the big advantage guys like Norm have is their millions of dollars in capital. He can pick up things, and not need to see an immediate return on them. He can just put them in his warehouse and sell them in 5 years time. Whereas, normal people can’t afford to sit on investments for 5 years. They need a return on the investment relatively quickly.
I've been lucky to meet Norm at the Dallas and Arlington guitar shows. The man knows more about guitars than anyone. He's also very humble and took time to talk to me. His prices are very competitive contrary to belief and you're getting the cream of the crop guitars. No, I don't work for Norm but wish I did.
Does it occur to you that 50 years from now, guitars like the ESP Alexi Laiho model would make it on shows like these? Or even the Misha Mansoor's Jackson.
1:15 That is the nicest Fender Stratocaster guitar I have ever seen , it looks like they barely touched it with the nitro clear spray , wow now I'd love that guitar , would love to hear it played through a Fender Twin Reverb , Beautiful. The condition is unbelievable it doesn't look like it's been played since it left the factory .
Love those shows...only hit the LA show twice so far. The ultimate is the Arlington Texas show, pretty much beyond description for size and quality of instruments...it is massive!! OK, looks like Norm bought at least 40 or 50 guitars. Maybe average price 2-3 thousand each ? That's about 150-200 thousand dollars spent at the show. they must light up at the show when Norm walks in. Love this stuff!!
Norm you are such a cool dude, love the videos. If I find myself back in the states and even remotely near I will be paying you a visit with a big smile on my dial...... And hopefully enough cash on me to leave with an even bigger one
I can understand buying an electric guitar that someone else of importance owned - I guess. But an old electric guitar is not good simply because it is old. On the other hand, a guitar seller or manufacture could actually provide useful information for people to make decisions on buying a quality guitar. For example, you compare the pickup specs with vintage specs. You could show the action height without buzzing. How long the neck wood was aged. That would make that a truly 'great' guitar. There's really not much else about an electric guitar that makes it 'good'. Good frets, fret board. Don't get cheap on the pickup windings or electronics.
Why is that bass called a McCartney model as it was for a right-handed player and McCartney plays left-handed. It was interesting at around 3:38 to hear there was a country fan nearby as you could hear the intro to The Fightin' Side Of Me by Merle Haggard.
Certainly not an “early” sixties model, the Deluxe with the mini humbuckers was not introduced until ‘68. Norm would know that, I guess he’s been working too hard!
Am I the only person sketched out by hundreds of vintage guitars on stands sitting on top of some crappy, plastic folding tables? Where's Chris Farley when you need him?
You guys shouldn't judge people so much on what others tell you... Sounds like some hippy bullshit but really damn, all this negativity, I love these guys for making such cool video's.
Love to [have been] a handler for this inventory of newly-acquired guitars. Such a drag that I am a legally blind klutz that has no business touching a vintage guitar, even if I was going to get one which I would never.
I would love to find a rare vintage gem one of these days. These shows are pretty sweet, but all abt the big, big money. There are so many guitars around, hopefully I will find one at a yard sale or something one of these days. Even if it's just a 70's, ie, not that desirable, Fender or Gibson, or Guild acoustic or something. I am always looking.
+john jones That would be great but I think those days are pretty much behind us. Those sweet pockets of undiscovered guitars are pretty much dried up.
+Xcorgi Me and my friend recently found a 1959 Selmer TV amp at some random guitar shop, listed for £350. Plugged it in and it sounded stunning so he bought it. Later did some research and found it was worth over £2000. These things still happen its just very rare.
It's seems weird that the 55 Strat was "hardly played" but has body wear. Maybe the previous owners just liked to put it on their lap and rub it rather than play it?
I have a 79 or 80 Hamer standard serial number 0800 I'll sell you for 3500. The neck was lightly played. I used 009 gauge strings. The normal little dings and a little laquer bubbles.Rare..not going to find another like it for sale.
Gnaus76 probably some people from the store or friends of norms that tag along to the shows he goes to. I don't ever expect Mark Agnesi, who's likely the biggest tool in person, to go along and watch the wares
I feel like buying a guitar from norm and you're under 35 would just be the worst as well as buying one in general if you know fuck all about a "vintage" guitar...
I am a guitar collector. There's no way I am bringing in any of my guitars and having that nut you have working in repair working on my guitars. When you spend tens of thousands on vintage you only want the best touching what you have.
A bunch of over priced guitars for no reason... Wish sellers cared more about getting guitars in the hands of players who will actually enjoy them more then they care about just making money off these amazing instruments.
I lived about a mile from there and every time it came around I would be there.Spend hours there drinkin high price beer and man what a time. Love lookin in the candy store and talking to people.Amps too,so many amps.
Hi Norm. Regarding the 55 Fender Strat, single owner.............I recognize the story and the guitar. I met the owner at the Guitar Show in San Rafael a few months ago. She was super interested in selling it, (Unfortunately I wasn't in the market for it at the time.) I recommended she contact you at your shop in So Cal. So glad she contacted you and you made the deal. Excellent purchase!
+Paul Subar ...........stop lying so much.
+Ronald Williams Very curious comment????
Damn! That 55:er Is in better condition than my well kept 2010 strat! :P
It's like a vicarious trip through a candy store... Thanks Norm!
2:04 a peter frampton les paul is most definitely not an "affordable" guitar lol
I really enjoy watching Norm's videos. So many fantastic guitars!!!
The guitars are nice but man it would be an experience to walk along with you and hear your thoughts on everything you are looking at. What is going through your mind, why do you choose some things to buy and not other. Like why did you go for that SG? What caught your eye about it? Of course you can't do a video on that but getting your expertise on what you see would be so interesting.
i would guess that the people who pay the most at a store want the cleanest guitars and maybe arnt the real players, ocd collectors etc
He probably has a list, at least a mental list, of what he wants. And I’m sure he grabs stuff he knows he can make money on
It’s not as easy as Norm makes it look. Guitar sellers aren’t giving them away to him, or giving massive discounts. They want a good price. Often very close to retail.
So how do guys like Norm make money?
Well, they use their expert knowledge to pick up undervalued guitars. Guitars being sold too cheaply, because the seller doesn’t know enough about it to understand it’s real value.
And he’ll obviously buy other guitars that he thinks will appreciate in value. Guitars he can just put in his warehouse for 3-5 years, and then sell at a profit.
And the 3rd category is just really rare guitars, that he knows he can flip to his wealthy customers. He’ll see something he knows his wealthy customers will really want, pay retail for it, then flip it to them for a 15% profit - ie. if you’re a wealthy buyer you don’t mind paying guys like Norm a 15% finders-fee on guitars you really want.
It’s not easy, I promise you. But the big advantage guys like Norm have is their millions of dollars in capital. He can pick up things, and not need to see an immediate return on them. He can just put them in his warehouse and sell them in 5 years time. Whereas, normal people can’t afford to sit on investments for 5 years. They need a return on the investment relatively quickly.
That 59 Les Paul Jr was the Bomb !! I think i see Leslie West sneaking around the corner right now.
A the insanely crazy world of the vintage guitar market, full of characters and that's a good thing!
I wish I could take a look at the 355 and 330. Damn I would love to play those and record with them. My heart skipped a beat.
I've been lucky to meet Norm at the Dallas and Arlington guitar shows. The man knows more about guitars than anyone. He's also very humble and took time to talk to me. His prices are very competitive contrary to belief and you're getting the cream of the crop guitars. No, I don't work for Norm but wish I did.
Im freaking out man haha, thats like my biggest dream to just go and buy a whole wagon full of old and original guitars haha
1950's Ash body Strat!!! Great find!!!!!!
I would work for FREE to do that, and load up the guitars!!!! That show is a candy shop!!!
M.F.! I'll take a job scrubbing up the shitter a Norms rare guitars....arrrrh!
M.F.! I'll take a job scrubbing up the shitter a Norms rare guitars....arrrrh!
Norman is such a nice guy,would love to visit his store,
I want every guitar and bass I saw.
Norm, I love your videos - and love seeing how much you enjoy your work. Thanks!
That ‘55 ash Strat..... dream guitar!
If I were there I must have buy this vintage guitar ,thank you for branded show,
That '55 was incredible. Neck plate is on upside down though.
Does it occur to you that 50 years from now, guitars like the ESP Alexi Laiho model would make it on shows like these? Or even the Misha Mansoor's Jackson.
+Mohamad Hanif Not!
Sure , now you can see some shitty guitars from 70's and 80's that are at those shows only for the fact that where produced 4 decades ago.
In 50 years the electric guitar is going to be like the harpsichord. Even today, the kids din't care anything about guitar.
Loving the Macca Ric 4001c64 fireglo bass!
Hopefully you'll be there this year 2022!!!!
I Love Guitars 🎸
1:15 That is the nicest Fender Stratocaster guitar I have ever seen , it looks like they barely touched it with the nitro clear spray , wow now I'd love that guitar , would love to hear it played through a Fender Twin Reverb , Beautiful. The condition is unbelievable it doesn't look like it's been played since it left the factory .
Hey Mr. Norman, sign says "Do not touch", lol
Love those shows...only hit the LA show twice so far. The ultimate is the Arlington Texas show, pretty much beyond description for size and quality of instruments...it is massive!! OK, looks like Norm bought at least 40 or 50 guitars. Maybe average price 2-3 thousand each
? That's about 150-200 thousand dollars spent at the show. they must light up at the show when Norm walks in. Love this stuff!!
Norm you are such a cool dude, love the videos. If I find myself back in the states and even remotely near I will be paying you a visit with a big smile on my dial...... And hopefully enough cash on me to leave with an even bigger one
Tech helper, creeps me out,
Hahhahahha
What was your biggest bust in terms of you thought it was something legit but it wasn't?
That casino was beautiful.
10:16 ME going out from the Norm shop... but then the morning bell always ring
10:20 2 dollars worth of bungee cords would be a good investment here...
Daniel H I was thinking the same thing
thinking the exact same
He has a great music store
Joel is definitely the " jerry lewis" of normans guitars everyone...!!!!!!!!!
I can understand buying an electric guitar that someone else of importance owned - I guess. But an old electric guitar is not good simply because it is old.
On the other hand, a guitar seller or manufacture could actually provide useful information for people to make decisions on buying a quality guitar. For example, you compare the pickup specs with vintage specs. You could show the action height without buzzing. How long the neck wood was aged. That would make that a truly 'great' guitar.
There's really not much else about an electric guitar that makes it 'good'. Good frets, fret board. Don't get cheap on the pickup windings or electronics.
Why is that bass called a McCartney model as it was for a right-handed player and McCartney plays left-handed. It was interesting at around 3:38 to hear there was a country fan nearby as you could hear the intro to The Fightin' Side Of Me by Merle Haggard.
Norms a cool guy very down to earth and humble
Early 60s Les Paul Deluxe?
Fumble 😂
Certainly not an “early” sixties model, the Deluxe with the mini humbuckers was not introduced until ‘68. Norm would know that, I guess he’s been working too hard!
Probably means early 70's
Beautiful stuff!
wow sylvester & Dewey haven't seen those guys in a million years, use to deal with them back in the day in san diego.
Am I the only person sketched out by hundreds of vintage guitars on stands sitting on top of some crappy, plastic folding tables? Where's Chris Farley when you need him?
How come your son never goes to these shows with you? He needs to learn how to wheel and deal like you do.
capnrob97 because he's a prick. Norm may be nice but the rest of the workers are horrible UNLY you're famous. Too bad.
Is he? Or does he simply have the art of "public face" down?
Then why do some people say norm is a prick then? He doesn't come off as nice in these videos ever
You guys shouldn't judge people so much on what others tell you... Sounds like some hippy bullshit but really damn, all this negativity, I love these guys for making such cool video's.
@@theplourde probably jealous
Nice, cube van full of guitars.
Love to [have been] a handler for this inventory of newly-acquired guitars. Such a drag that I am a legally blind klutz that has no business touching a vintage guitar, even if I was going to get one which I would never.
Nice Junior. drool drool drool...
Norm's Awesom ness knows no bound's 🎸🎸
I would love to find a rare vintage gem one of these days. These shows are pretty sweet, but all abt the big, big money. There are so many guitars around, hopefully I will find one at a yard sale or something one of these days. Even if it's just a 70's, ie, not that desirable, Fender or Gibson, or Guild acoustic or something. I am always looking.
+john jones That would be great but I think those days are pretty much behind us. Those sweet pockets of undiscovered guitars are pretty much dried up.
+Xcorgi Me and my friend recently found a 1959 Selmer TV amp at some random guitar shop, listed for £350. Plugged it in and it sounded stunning so he bought it. Later did some research and found it was worth over £2000. These things still happen its just very rare.
Hey Norm, What's that hanging across your shoulder? Is it European?
Say”s please do not touch norm goes ahead and rubs his hands all over it
FIFA dudes Rule I think in fairness to him he had bought the guitar?
That gold top deluxe Les Paul is not from the early sixties, seventies had the small hum buckers & at the time they were not popular at all.
It's seems weird that the 55 Strat was "hardly played" but has body wear. Maybe the previous owners just liked to put it on their lap and rub it rather than play it?
I thought fender didn't use maple necks till the 60s
Great job norm
yer tech guy ..."dreknkin a cep of cawwfee" lol
was that merle haggard's fighting side of me I heard in the background?
Holy sheep shit guitar heaven.
Early 60s Les Paul Deluxe? Don't you mean 70s?
love ya norm
I thought he was shopping, not selling
how much cash you think he got in that man purse tho lol bet that shit loaded
That is one nice piece of ash
how about mentioning the price???
Ever find a Vega Cylinder guitar?
how the hell can he afford to fork out cash for sometimes 80 vintage guitars!? it's like 10 millions bucks or something, crazy
he's a frighteningly wealthy man.
nodnarb Yeah, but buying them at first is fucking expensive
Clip the man bun
Or...to each his own?!?!? We’ve all gotta stop trying to be the big boss man.
Joel whitehead is funnier than hell everyone!!? Just look at his face!!!!!!!! ..man what a laugh. And one half!!!!!!!!!!
I have a 79 or 80 Hamer standard serial number 0800 I'll sell you for 3500. The neck was lightly played. I used 009 gauge strings. The normal little dings and a little laquer bubbles.Rare..not going to find another like it for sale.
7:00 someone playing sugar magnolia in the background
This Norman guy...😑...Such a nice fellow 😅
Wait is this in Bakersfield
are these tarz really that rare anymore or duz h make them :D
hal looks like russ ballard from argent...right
Just what I thought when I saw him.
8:50 woah
ever see any fakes at those shows?
Affordable haaaaaahhaa
Joel looks like he works for pablo Escobar
seems Norm's guitar tech is a bit drunk, hope he isn't driving the truck
If norms there...whos watching hell then??
Gnaus76 wat
Gnaus76 probably some people from the store or friends of norms that tag along to the shows he goes to. I don't ever expect Mark Agnesi, who's likely the biggest tool in person, to go along and watch the wares
I feel like buying a guitar from norm and you're under 35 would just be the worst as well as buying one in general if you know fuck all about a "vintage" guitar...
Joel sportin a man bun, I hate those things
I got a 1952 stratocaster
A ZN No such thing.
youre lying... the first strats came out in 54 not '52
NiagaraTim he's not I have a 1857 fender stratocaster
No you don't.
I am a guitar collector. There's no way I am bringing in any of my guitars and having that nut you have working in repair working on my guitars. When you spend tens of thousands on vintage you only want the best touching what you have.
I didnt really mean that. I was in a weird mood that day. I hope your feeling better, heard you had health issues.
Charles Moser lmao bi polar are we???
Norm must be so rich
hey yall get yourself one of those chinese guitar
It would be cool if you spent a little more time on bass guitars....
A bunch of over priced guitars for no reason... Wish sellers cared more about getting guitars in the hands of players who will actually enjoy them more then they care about just making money off these amazing instruments.
All those crappy players in the background lol
Whitehead?????LOL