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Pros

• The store is described as one of the most special little stores in Nashville.
• The staff are super nice, knowledgeable, and helpful.
• It offers a nice range of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and basses.
• The experience at Fanny's House of Music is amazing.
• The staff create a welcoming environment that makes customers feel comfortable trying instruments.
• The shop offers instruments across a wide range of price points, all sound great.
• The owner is awesome.
• The store blends vintage and modern gear with a unique vibe.
• The staff are friendly, patient, and attentive to customers' stories.
• The shop supports local small business and features a great selection of guitars, ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, and more.

Cons

• A reviewer felt deeply depressed after a guitar they had on hold was sold to another customer.
• A reviewer expressed frustration about affordability, noting that a rare Martin guitar would require winning the lottery to purchase.
• A reviewer described the hold process as stressful, recounting that they were told the guitar would be on hold but it was sold anyway.

Review

Fanny's House of Music in Nashville stands out as one of the most special little shops in the city, a charming and inviting anchor in East Nashville where guitars, vibes, and human connection come together in a way that makes every visit feel personal. Review after review paints a picture of a store that feels more like a community hub than a typical retail space. You'll unlikely stroll in and not hear a chorus of friendly greetings, knowledgeable pointers, and an atmosphere that makes you want to pick up an instrument and play. The shop is praised for its wide range of acoustic guitars, electrics, basses, and a thoughtful assortment of vintage pieces, all housed in a renovated older home that doubles as a small musical museum and a vintage clothing nook.

A defining strength of Fanny's is the experience it offers to players at every level. Shoppers consistently note that the staff are patient, personable, and genuinely helpful, never pressuring but always ready to guide. The store prides itself on offering instruments at multiple price points, from approachable $500 options to premium pieces in the $2,000 range and beyond, with the consensus that - even at those different budgets - the instruments sound and feel special. It's a place where a casual browser can leave with a sense of discovery and excitement, whether they're a beginner stocking their first setup or a more seasoned player chasing a particular tone or model.

The people who work at Fanny's are repeatedly highlighted as a defining feature of the experience. Messages recount conversations with kind and knowledgeable staff - people who listen, answer questions with depth, and encourage customers to explore freely. Names like Ellen, Charlie, Becca, Pam, and Hank surface across the reviews as embodiments of the shop's welcoming ethos. The owner is described as awesome, and staff members are praised for going the extra mile, whether it's helping a customer pair a pedal with the right cables, or patiently listening to a customer's musical stories while offering practical guidance. The sense of being in the care of real music lovers who care about your needs as an artist runs through every anecdote.

The store's inventory is celebrated for its eclectic blend of vintage and modern gear, with a notable presence of rare and beautifully kept instruments alongside reliable contemporary models. Reviewers mention exceptional finds among Martin and Gibson vintage pieces, a small but impactful selection of amps and accessories, and even unique items like a Takamine from 1976. The environment is described as a place where you never know what you'll discover next, from a beautiful double-checking moment with a vintage guitar to the chance to compare a D28 Martin side-by-side with a Takamine or another vintage marvel. The in-store vibe - described as "an absolute vibe" - is enhanced by the aesthetic of a renovated old home and the adjacent vintage clothing shop, creating a destination that appeals to guitarists and vintage enthusiasts alike.

Beyond gear, the shop nurtures a sense of community and personal connection that reviewers consistently note as transformative. They celebrate Fanny's as a space that welcomes families and kids to try instruments in an encouraging way, with a first-visit philosophy that invites customers to "play whatever you like." This approach - coupled with a calm, fun atmosphere and supportive staff - translates into encouraging experiences for beginners and seasoned players alike. Some reviewers even describe Fanny's as a space that inspires, with customers feeling the kind of positive energy that makes them want to return soon and bring friends along.

The shop isn't without its more complex moments, but even those stories are folded into a narrative of care, transparency, and customer-first thinking. One account describes a situation where a beloved guitar was put on hold and later sold to another customer after a tense moment of miscommunication; the reviewer frames it as a painful experience but also a reminder to value the hustle and humanity that makes the shop worth visiting. Another story describes a seamless, affordable repair experience for a family heirloom banjo: the team explains the options, provides quotes before committing to work, and delivers a repaired instrument that feels like it's been restored with care and pride. Taken together, these anecdotes illustrate a shop that is human, communicative, and committed to doing right by its customers, even when the process isn't perfect.

For many, Fanny's is not only a place to buy an instrument, but a destination that reflects and celebrates the broader culture of Nashville. Reviewers mention the store's role in supporting local music, praising its friendly, patient staff for offering a welcoming space that respects a musician's budget and aspirations. The blend of clothing, accessories, and a carefully curated instrument selection creates a multi-dimensional experience where a visit can become a slow, enjoyable afternoon of discovery. The store is repeatedly framed as a hub of good vibes, where the presence of women in music, the sense of community, and the thoughtful care given to every instrument all contribute to a sense of belonging.

In the end, the sentiment across the reviews is one of lasting affection and strong loyalty. People leave with new favorites on their lists, stories of encounters with exceptionally kind and knowledgeable staff, and a renewed sense of purpose to keep exploring, playing, and supporting a local business that feels like an extension of their own musical journey. Some leave with new instruments in hand - guitars that felt right in the moment - and others with plans to return for future adventures, repairs, or just more time in the shop's unique, house-like setting. What shines through most is a simple truth: Fanny's House of Music isn't just a store. It's a welcoming, inspiring, and thoughtfully curated space where music lovers of all stripes can belong, learn, and grow together.

Located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, this area offers a variety of amenities for senior living. With a range of restaurants including Five Points Pizza and Mas Tacos Por Favor, residents can enjoy diverse dining options just steps away. Nearby parks such as Shelby Park and Riverfront Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, several pharmacies are conveniently located within close proximity for easy access to healthcare needs. For those seeking spiritual fulfillment, Dalewood Baptist Church is also situated in this area. Access to quality healthcare services is readily available with Metropolitan Nashville General Hospital and Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital nearby. Overall, this area provides a vibrant community with ample resources to support a comfortable and fulfilling senior lifestyle.

Restaurants

• Five Points Pizza (0.1 miles)
• Cilantro Mexican Grill 5 Points (0.1 miles)
• Lipstick Lounge (0.2 miles)
• Donut Distillery (0.3 miles)
• Chopper (0.4 miles)
• Mas Tacos Por Favor (0.6 miles)
• The Pharmacy (0.6 miles)

Parks

• Shelby Walk Park (0.4 miles)
• Fred Douglas Park (0.6 miles)
• Shelby Park (0.9 miles)
• Riverfront Park (1.7 miles)
• Music City Walk of Fame Park (1.9 miles)
• Dog Park At The Fairgrounds (3.6 miles)
• Centennial Park (3.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Riverside Village Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (2.5 miles)

Cafes

• East Park Donuts & Coffee (0.6 miles)
• Ugly Mugs Coffee and Tea (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Cafe Roze (1.4 miles)
• Crema (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Parlor Doughnuts (3 miles)

Physicians

• RG Plastic Surgery - J Roberto Ramirez Gavidia MD (2.6 miles)
• Dialysis Clinic (2.9 miles)
• Breathe Easy Respiratory Solutions (3 miles)
• Nashville Cardiology (3.1 miles)
• Wang Vision Institute (3.1 miles)
• Smith & Nephew (3.2 miles)
• Allergy & Immunology (3.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Dalewood Baptist Church (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Metropolitan Nashville General Hospital (3.3 miles)
• Saint Thomas Heart - Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital (3.4 miles)
• Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Clinic, 3rd Floor (3.7 miles)
• VUMC 9 South (3.7 miles)
• 8S Quiet Room (3.8 miles)
• VA Hospital (3.8 miles)