Homepage

1 1/2 minute read👇🏽👇🏽 Today (05/05/26), ahead of the invitation extended (to me) by esteemed colleague- Greg Sinclair, Administrator of a FACEBOOK renowned Surf Group “TUBES”, today I went on a scouting mission. Relying on GOOGLE’S Siri, I arrived around 09:15 hrs m, to find business hours had been slightly rearranged at Norman’s Rare Guitar Shop. Not being one to waste time, in the same little strip mall (TOPEKA VENTURA PLAZA) I saw a coffee shop (PEET’S) and decided to treat myself to some (coffee), and I did. I went in, got hot black coffee & a Blueberry Muffin. Before realizing it, it was 11 am. So I mozied’on’over to NORMAN’s. The video I took, as I approached the guitar shop main door, will tell you more than words could ever say. Once I was in the guitar shop, I felt a nostalgic Deja-Vu pinching me. The same atmosphere, feel, sounds surrounded me like when I used to go to Sam Ash and other, now gone, guitar & Pawn shops. Be that as it may, I hope my photography will satisfy your curiosity of this scouting mission I went on today and as always … … thank you for stopping by! 05/06/26 … UPDATE👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 As promised, Greg Sinclair drove from Redondo Beach (I think) up to my place in North Hollywood, and picked me up. AS YOU RECALL. Greg has been inviting me to accompany him to go to NORMAN’S RARE GUITAR SHOP. We first had lunch on Venture Blvd at BLU JAM. It was very trendy for me, at least. Then we got to the guitar shop and Greg introduced me to Michael, whom you will see a short clip playing one of their guitars. Greg and I had a very satisfying visit at NORMAN’S, as we strolled around inside. We also met another guitarist who works there-Joey, I believe and if I’m wrong, I will correct my error. They have live music on certain days and as soon as I can get their schedule, I’ll share it! All in all, THANK YOU, GREG, for your considerate invitation, picking me up at home, treating me to a fabulous lunch at BLU JAM restaurant, a fun time at NORMAN’S RARE GUITARS, and best of all … your companionship.

After long many years watching the videos and reading about Norm’s Rare Guitar, i was lucky to finally visit the store on my first trip to LA. Mike and the whole team were fantastic. They welcomed me warmly and made my dream come true. This place is a must for every guitar and music lover. Much appreciated for the work of the entire team!

The MECCA for musician around the world. If you dont know Norman's then you have been under rock. Amazing staff, amazing stories and history when you see the guitars they have available. If you are looking for a vintage guitar they are the authority to call first. Im very happy I got the opportunity to see the place in person.

Rob Bolger at Norman’s Rare Guitars was absolutely incredible. From the beginning, Rob seemed to understand exactly what I was looking for—even better than I could articulate it myself. He quickly dialed in my taste, put the right guitars in my hands, and was incredibly patient and knowledgeable throughout the entire experience. There was never any pressure. It genuinely felt like he cared about finding my guitar, not just selling me a guitar. And Rob is a BIG personality in the best possible way. By the end, it felt less like I had spent the day with a salesperson and more like I had made a friend. We talked about everything from guitars and music to life and, somehow, even jeans recommendations. 😂 I ended up leaving with an absolutely incredible 1959 ES-355 Murphy Lab pre-production prototype… Wall Prototype #14. It’s a very special guitar and exactly the kind of thing a “corksniffer” like me (you’ll have to ask rob about that one) I was hoping to find. Norman’s obviously has an incredible reputation and inventory, but people like Rob are what turn buying a great guitar into an experience you’ll remember. If you’re going to Norman’s, ask for Rob Bolger. Give him some time to figure out what makes you tick and let him start putting guitars in your hands. The guy knows guitars, knows people, and made the whole experience unforgettable.

It’s been a dream of mine to visit Norman’s for a few years now. I’ve watched the YouTube channel and nerded out on their guitar of the day videos for a while. I finally got the chance to visit, and was not disappointed. Norm was awesome and great to chat with. Lemmo is a guitar legend in his own right, incredibly nice as well. The rest of the staff were super knowledgeable and an absolute pleasure to hang with, giving recommendations and steering me in a direction I wouldn’t have thought of, but was ultimately the right choice. Just an overall great experience. The last truly old school guitar shop in LA, and I recommend it to anyone to try to make a trip down… and buy a guitar! They even let us stick around to watch them film a Guitar of the Day episode. Get ready to open your wallet, it’s going to be very hard to walk away empty handed. Great staff, amazing gear, steeped in history… it checks all the boxes of an amazing guitar store.