Several years ago I went to Norm's store to window shop for awhile. Even though I was a nobody, Norm was incredibly gracious and showed me a lot of beautiful guitars and memorabilia from his storeroom, including the top hat given to him by Tom Petty. He is the kind of guy that is rarer than even his rarest guitars.
Norm. This is such a privilege to see you talking about the people who are movers and shakers. To see your guitars and to hear how they sound is just breathtaking. Your books show me what taste you have. Your archive of books and videos will be an everlasting archive. Thanks a million Norm. I'm hooked.
@@luismendo ...Sho'nuff that's Lemmo! ....(if ya watch everyday it's unmistakably Lemmow) Luis, I would put $ down that you watch everyday,am I right? Lol!
Norms a good guy,treats people the right way , my wife and kids visited the store few years ago and they enjoyed their time, Norms got some good stories in his book,I especially loved the George Harrison Les Paul story !
I follow Normans Rare Guitars along wit Jay Boone's Emerald City Guitars on YT for quite a while now. In this video they really nailed the sound! I love it! Why can't we hear that on "Guitar Of The Day" ... like every day?
I first met Norm in 1975. Playing the organ in a little club on Oxnard Street. Same height, same last name. Did some business with the stores, (the first two), over the years. I ran into him at a probate auction in Pico Rivera for Paul MacElewain, an old Jazz player. I was looking for a bass, needed one really and didn't have much money. Had just bought a home. They had one nice old Gibson bass, but bidding had been really strong on the spectacular old Gibsons there and I knew I was doomed. I had mentioned to Norm my situation. Did me a real solid that day. Whispered in a couple of ears, and I went home high bidder. I'll never forget that kindness.
I just happened to make it in the store the day they were filming this. Thats me at 5:14 :) Got to meet Norman shake his hand and got him to sign a copy of his book. Nice guy! Sure wish I could have walked away with a guitar but it was not in a position to do that while on this vacation. I told Norm I'd be back to buy a guitar from him. He said "I'll forgive you for it" I know Norm makes his living doing this, but thats a comment coming from a guy who really loves the instruments he sells. Can't wait to go back again with the intent to buy!
Bless you Norm, you're doing a huge service to musicians everywhere by having a huge collection to buy, research and enjoy of all these wonderful instruments. Kids these days don't even know, 25yrs playing and slowly but surely all my main go to guitars are 30+ yrs old...can't beat that quality and feeling the story of the instrument when you play it. Nothing like it✌🤘👊👍😀
Norm is a legend. Fantastic! Glad you guys are on the internet now, I cant afford any of these guitars,... But it warms my heart to see them and hear them. Thanks. 👍
I see the guitar, hanging on the wall behind Norm, that I purchased today, on Reverb.com. Very quick response through Reverb messaging. Thanks for adding a very personal touch to my transaction. Best wishes.
Norm, I’m sure there’s other videos of it but this is the first time I’ve seen you play. Really tasty especially the first little progression. Just a perfect thing to display that beautiful guitar
The SwitchMaster was Frank Zappas main guitar before he went to the SG for his main guitar while touring,i got to see Frank play his SwitchMaster with the Mothers.
God Bless Norman ! Love his passion and knowledge of these beautiful instruments and the history behind them. Next time I’m in California I’m going to come shopping...can’t wait🙏
Although other people have commentated before me, I must also say how beautiful that blonde Gibson ES-330 is. I have a (non vintage) lefty Sunburst Gibson ES-330 and I love it. The ES-330 is a very underrated guitar.
Norm comes to visit Guitar Maniacs in Tacoma fairly often (they also sell a lot of great vintage gear), I standing next to him and was completely nerding out that I'd met him.
I hope Lemmo reads comments. Mark A. did keep it fresh, and had historical references that were really helpful. Redundancy is the pitfall.; and with each instrument being unique, each story should be as well. Basic Research. Lemmo is a tremendous talent, and one very likable dude.
That Tom Petty's red SG is really gorgeous and well taken care of by the old owner himself (RIP, Tom). For sure it costs a lot of "bread". But for us ordinary guitar players and hobbyist, it's only in our dreams we can have a guitar like that...:)
Nah, it was just a production mass produced SG. People put too much stock in "vintage" or think that great players (writers in Tom's case) instruments are "special". All those old Gibson and Fenders, Rickenbackers etc were just guitars.....they were in some guitar store just like guitars today. I mean if you gave a guy like Eric Clapton a 300 Squier Strat and let his guitar tech do his thing to it, when Clapton played it it would sound just as good as a 1958 Strat but if you gave me a 1958 Strat it wouldn't sound any better than me playing a modern Squier....because I'm not that good. I just get tired of the reverence people have for vintage guitars. Almost everything else.....newer is better, functionality wise. New TVs are better than ones from the 50s, cars today are better than cars from the 50s, phones today are better than phones from the 50s but for some reason people still think guitars made decades ago are better than ones made today and I just don't get it.
It's neat to hear from Norm himself. Always came across as a cool guy, but he's much more genuine and sincere in this video. Makes my purchases from him that much better. Nice job.
I notice the pre-J200 Larson jumbo Euphenon acoustic guitar has the mustache/open book headstock. Very interesting. Yea, I think Norm's got a bit of a vintage guitar addiction to say the least. But it's so sweeeeet though. LOL
If you haven't been down to see Norm and you swing an axe....make sure you get there. It is a sonic museum. Oh and reverb sound guy. I hereby knight thee. Bravo on having a proper mic in front of the cabinet.
Michael Lemmo plays the electrics, Todd Wisenbaker plays the acoustics. Amp is usually a 66 Pro Reverb. Subscribe to the Normans Rare Guitars channel and download the All Guitar Network app for more.
Norm I live in the UK but it’s my dream to visit your store and buy a nice true historic 59 Gibson les paul or a fender custom shop telecaster you are the one and only MR GUITAR as far as I’m concerned you also have a very kind heart you seem the kind of guy who would give his last dime to help a guy out god bless you norm.
A format where Norm talks about the guitar and Lemmo plays them in front of a pro recording setup like that would get me into Gotd again. Very nice video. Norm needs to realize what a difference better sound recording technique (lav mics when speaking, dynamic mics on guitar amps) and a dedicated video editor would make.
Lemmo indeed! I’m going to The Whisky for a gig in January, coming all the way from the UK. Going to visit Norms Holy Grail of guitar shops (hopefully) when Lemmo’s doing a demo!!
Very satisfying video. I remember that scene in Back to the Future with the ES345 not being period correct. I'm glad to hear the explanation now. And the amps on stage in that same movie were Fender Silverface if my memory is not playing tricks! Not period correct either. I guess the director had a vision that noone could contradict.
I was in the store about three weeks ago. It's like a shrine. I even got to shake hands with Norman, who was very patient and good-natured about it. Could have sworn I saw Tommy Emmanuel just sitting on that couch Norman is on, but I now think it was just an old guy with gray hair. I'll kick myself if it somehow turns out that was Tommy after all. This place is well worth a visit if you're anywhere near Tarzana. Parking is good, BTW.
Love that Larson Bros guitar! I've got a Prairie State 425, a H.J. Flower Mayflower, and a Maurer Mandolin... would never part with any of my Larson Bros instruments. Every bit as good as Pre-War Martins.
Several years ago I went to Norm's store to window shop for awhile. Even though I was a nobody, Norm was incredibly gracious and showed me a lot of beautiful guitars and memorabilia from his storeroom, including the top hat given to him by Tom Petty. He is the kind of guy that is rarer than even his rarest guitars.
When Norm was talking about Tom Petty, it got me a little choked up. My God, the world misses Tom Petty!
Amen brother. Words can not articulate. I felt the same way. Such sentimental value and provenance
Gone too soon...
That’s a fact. I regret never seeing him play life.
The person playing the guitars is a monster player!!
Lemmo right?
The one and only Michael Lemmo
Don't forget about Todd, he is the one playing all the acoustic guitars. Lemmo plays the electrics. They are both great players.
Yes! Excellent player!
Diego Lópezlira that’s not Mark?
Wish they had this great sounding recordings on Norman's RUclips channel...
Dont get it either :/
I concur. Norm needs to pony up for a better recording system for jenn
i hear too bassy mix
Anything's better than the phone mic
Yeah,they really need too...they are just too good not to,ya know?!
Norm's Rare Guitars has become a tourist destination in LA.
Kind of like Pawn Stars in Las Vegas.
It has been for quite a while.
Lemmo needs a raise man
nice to catch that rare glimpse of Jenn shooting the videos with Lemmo and Todd!
Right? She's a curvy dark-haired girl, totally 180° from what I expected
Norm. This is such a privilege to see you talking about the people who are movers and shakers. To see your guitars and to hear how they sound is just breathtaking. Your books show me what taste you have. Your archive of books and videos will be an everlasting archive. Thanks a million Norm. I'm hooked.
More like this please, I love to listen to Norm.
A visit to Norman's Rare Guitars is on my bucket list.
redrock1963 mine too
Man I feel bad for you guys, I live 2 blocks away.
@@donsmith5385Same here. I stopped going years ago -- Agnesi was a jerkoff. I should pop in now that he's gone.
MuscleDad420 yup he was a tone snob
No one:
Norm: "-a buddy of mine"
😂
That 58 Strat is one of the finest sounding strats I have ever heard ...my dream guitar !
The riff played on the ES330 was fantastic.
Lenmo is a beast
Agreed. The guitar, and that music on it....tremendous.
Just perfect
He courts all those guitars like soul mates
Whoever is demoing these guitars is doing a fine job
Guy Lee sounds like Michael Lemmo
The shots showing a ring on the strumming hand are him if I'm not mistaken
Lemmo on electrics and Todd on acoustics
This part is unmistakably Lemmo: 1:59
@@luismendo ...Sho'nuff that's Lemmo! ....(if ya watch everyday it's unmistakably Lemmow) Luis, I would put $ down that you watch everyday,am I right? Lol!
Norms a good guy,treats people the right way , my wife and kids visited the store few years ago and they enjoyed their time, Norms got some good stories in his book,I especially loved the George Harrison Les Paul story !
Joe Masse always wondered if Norm ever did any kind of deal with EC, think he has a place in Venice
That '58 strat looks and sounds gorgeous. Beautiful clean tone
Davis Films hasn't seen much daylight with so much red still on it
That is some of the coolest guitar playing I’ve ever heard .!
An album of the guest playing the different guitars would be a great fundraiser and a must have for Norman's Rare Guitars fans. Please… ❤
I'll bet Norm is sorry he sold the Back to the Future guitar so cheap.
I follow Normans Rare Guitars along wit Jay Boone's Emerald City Guitars on YT for quite a while now.
In this video they really nailed the sound! I love it!
Why can't we hear that on "Guitar Of The Day" ... like every day?
Klaus J. Weyerhaeuser Norm's is for player grade, ECG is collector grade for rich big tech dudes
I first met Norm in 1975. Playing the organ in a little club on Oxnard Street. Same height, same last name. Did some business with the stores, (the first two), over the years. I ran into him at a probate auction in Pico Rivera for Paul MacElewain, an old Jazz player. I was looking for a bass, needed one really and didn't have much money. Had just bought a home. They had one nice old Gibson bass, but bidding had been really strong on the spectacular old Gibsons there and I knew I was doomed. I had mentioned to Norm my situation. Did me a real solid that day. Whispered in a couple of ears, and I went home high bidder. I'll never forget that kindness.
That ES-330 looks insanely clean! It looks newer than the VOS stuff from the Custom Shop.
I just happened to make it in the store the day they were filming this. Thats me at 5:14 :) Got to meet Norman shake his hand and got him to sign a copy of his book. Nice guy! Sure wish I could have walked away with a guitar but it was not in a position to do that while on this vacation. I told Norm I'd be back to buy a guitar from him. He said "I'll forgive you for it" I know Norm makes his living doing this, but thats a comment coming from a guy who really loves the instruments he sells. Can't wait to go back again with the intent to buy!
Great video! Love seeing Norm’s on Reverb
Visiting Norman's Rare Guitar store is definitely on my bucket list.
This is such a great format .. chat and playing mixed together... all of Norms videos should be like this .. especially the sound quality
Norm’s RUclips channel is one of my number ones ! Kindest regards from France
Bless you Norm, you're doing a huge service to musicians everywhere by having a huge collection to buy, research and enjoy of all these wonderful instruments. Kids these days don't even know, 25yrs playing and slowly but surely all my main go to guitars are 30+ yrs old...can't beat that quality and feeling the story of the instrument when you play it. Nothing like it✌🤘👊👍😀
Fascinating stories and super cool guitars! I could get lost in these videos for days.....
Norm is a legend.
Fantastic!
Glad you guys are on the internet now,
I cant afford any of these guitars,...
But it warms my heart to see them and hear them.
Thanks. 👍
man that Tom Petty guitar/hat was amazing! beyond cool
Norman’s rare guitars is the holy grail of guitar shops
I see the guitar, hanging on the wall behind Norm, that I purchased today, on Reverb.com. Very quick response through Reverb messaging. Thanks for adding a very personal touch to my transaction. Best wishes.
Cool story
That 58 strat is amazing sounding...OMG all these guitars are just the cream of the crop. The blonde es 330 is worth everything I own.
Norm, I’m sure there’s other videos of it but this is the first time I’ve seen you play. Really tasty especially the first little progression. Just a perfect thing to display that beautiful guitar
The SwitchMaster was Frank Zappas main guitar before he went to the SG for his main guitar while touring,i got to see Frank play his SwitchMaster with the Mothers.
Thank you or posting this Norm. Please do more of this
Norman you are a amazing player. This is the first podcast I’ve seen you play like are on this one.
The Kid, Michael Lemmo!!
You’re a legend, Norm 🙏🏻
God Bless Norman ! Love his passion and knowledge of these beautiful instruments and the history behind them. Next time I’m in California I’m going to come shopping...can’t wait🙏
Although other people have commentated before me, I must also say how beautiful that blonde Gibson ES-330 is. I have a (non vintage) lefty Sunburst Gibson ES-330 and I love it. The ES-330 is a very underrated guitar.
This is beautifully presented Norm and crew 👌
Norm comes to visit Guitar Maniacs in Tacoma fairly often (they also sell a lot of great vintage gear), I standing next to him and was completely nerding out that I'd met him.
Lol...I don't blame ya,I would be nerding out too! Awesome story man✌
The 1958 strat in the beginning is amazing. Sounds great clean. Whoever owned it loved that guitar dearly.
Emmanuel Alejandro or didn’t love it at all, never played it, and left it in its case in their closet for 50 years...
What joy to watch and listen to. Thank you for sharing!
Very enjoyable. Listing to the stories about the awesome guitars actually gave them life. Thanks, hope to see more.
I loved Norman's style of playing using a pick and his other three fingers.
I finally saw Jen! I can go to heaven happy!
I hope Lemmo reads comments. Mark A. did keep it fresh, and had historical references that were really helpful. Redundancy is the pitfall.; and with each instrument being unique, each story should be as well. Basic Research. Lemmo is a tremendous talent, and one very likable dude.
That Tom Petty's red SG is really gorgeous and well taken care of by the old owner himself (RIP, Tom). For sure it costs a lot of "bread". But for us ordinary guitar players and hobbyist, it's only in our dreams we can have a guitar like that...:)
Nah, it was just a production mass produced SG.
People put too much stock in "vintage" or think that great players (writers in Tom's case) instruments are "special". All those old Gibson and Fenders, Rickenbackers etc were just guitars.....they were in some guitar store just like guitars today.
I mean if you gave a guy like Eric Clapton a 300 Squier Strat and let his guitar tech do his thing to it, when Clapton played it it would sound just as good as a 1958 Strat but if you gave me a 1958 Strat it wouldn't sound any better than me playing a modern Squier....because I'm not that good.
I just get tired of the reverence people have for vintage guitars. Almost everything else.....newer is better, functionality wise. New TVs are better than ones from the 50s, cars today are better than cars from the 50s, phones today are better than phones from the 50s but for some reason people still think guitars made decades ago are better than ones made today and I just don't get it.
It's neat to hear from Norm himself. Always came across as a cool guy, but he's much more genuine and sincere in this video. Makes my purchases from him that much better. Nice job.
Yeah,hes a great guy...
Norm is such a chill guy! I’d love to have a drink with him and the gang!
I notice the pre-J200 Larson jumbo Euphenon acoustic guitar has the mustache/open book headstock. Very interesting. Yea, I think Norm's got a bit of a vintage guitar addiction to say the least. But it's so sweeeeet though. LOL
Really nice to hear Norm talk story. Thanks.
👍
Saw Tom Petty when he toured with Dylan... I miss Tom Petty... showing that guitar was very cool
You are the most inspiring person in the sales business ever thanks Norm for all you do and these amazing videos you have made. 😊👍
Your the best Norm! I miss browsing your collection at the shop.
If you haven't been down to see Norm and you swing an axe....make sure you get there. It is a sonic museum. Oh and reverb sound guy. I hereby knight thee. Bravo on having a proper mic in front of the cabinet.
So awesome! Awesome stories. And whoever was playing/demoing the guitars is amazing!
Norm is so cool....he has done a lot for the industry
Michael Lemmo plays the electrics, Todd Wisenbaker plays the acoustics. Amp is usually a 66 Pro Reverb. Subscribe to the Normans Rare Guitars channel and download the All Guitar Network app for more.
This was a really nice video. Norm seems like a class act.
It's like a guitar museum, but you can buy the peices, lol! I love this place,and can't wait to fly out just to visit! Thanks guys!
Good on ya Norm, enjoy your shop and the good work your crew does👍
Finally we got to see Jenn love you norm one day I'll make it out there one day
Is that Michael Lemmo playing? He showcases each piece masterfully! Great guitars great playing!✌️❤️
That blonde 330 and the Ric are 2 of my dream guitars ! Thanks Norm,Lemmo,and Jen !
Tom Petty was something else - So unique. Thank you for your awesome vids.
I’d love to check this place out. So cool to have a store like this today.
Vintage things are cool but a vintage guitar that you can play and feel and enjoy must be an amazing experience.
Great 🎵 Stuff Norm!!! This is why I love the guitar!!
Cool story on the 1960 ES-335 that got used in Back To The Future. And that early 3TS Stratocaster is spectacular looking and sounding
Love this...Norm is a great storyteller...more please!!
Love Norm and his stories
I love guitars so much that I could watch a 2 hour version of this video
Nice playing Norm!!
What an awesome player - Lemmo!
Norm I live in the UK but it’s my dream to visit your store and buy a nice true historic 59 Gibson les paul or a fender custom shop telecaster you are the one and only MR GUITAR as far as I’m concerned you also have a very kind heart you seem the kind of guy who would give his last dime to help a guy out god bless you norm.
His playing is so beautiful
Absolutely beautiful instruments!
A format where Norm talks about the guitar and Lemmo plays them in front of a pro recording setup like that would get me into Gotd again. Very nice video. Norm needs to realize what a difference better sound recording technique (lav mics when speaking, dynamic mics on guitar amps) and a dedicated video editor would make.
Norm.. a friend of mine used to see Jaco play a lot in south Florida before he was anyone..Greetings from Florida!!
Great interview! Great story!
Finally at 13:28, a good look at Jen, the director and cinematographer!
Great video. And wonderful playing examples for each guitar!
Lemmo indeed! I’m going to The Whisky for a gig in January, coming all the way from the UK. Going to visit Norms Holy Grail of guitar shops (hopefully) when Lemmo’s doing a demo!!
Very satisfying video. I remember that scene in Back to the Future with the ES345 not being period correct. I'm glad to hear the explanation now. And the amps on stage in that same movie were Fender Silverface if my memory is not playing tricks! Not period correct either. I guess the director had a vision that noone could contradict.
What amp was the 1958 strat being played through? Sounds amazing!
I'm guessing a Fender Deluxe Reverb, all EQ settings on noon, just a touch of reverb... you gotta watch their channel to get that joke. ;-)
@@OzziePete1 nice Mark Agnesi reference!
That strat sounds heavenly..
Please make more of these videos about rare guitars you guys have
This is so cool... guitar history is so amazing.
I was in the store about three weeks ago. It's like a shrine. I even got to shake hands with Norman, who was very patient and good-natured about it. Could have sworn I saw Tommy Emmanuel just sitting on that couch Norman is on, but I now think it was just an old guy with gray hair. I'll kick myself if it somehow turns out that was Tommy after all. This place is well worth a visit if you're anywhere near Tarzana. Parking is good, BTW.
I love Norm and the crew
Really neet guitars Norm thanks for sharing. Hundreds of thousands of dollars. Quite a beautiful occupation. please share some more
Finally -- a Jen sighting!
A great spokesperson .. nicely done...& some great playing..(I'm looking at you Lemmo!)..:)
You are the real deal Norm
What a lot of people also don't know is that The Larson Bros guitars had the open book headstock before Gibson did.
Love that Larson Bros guitar! I've got a Prairie State 425, a H.J. Flower Mayflower, and a Maurer Mandolin... would never part with any of my Larson Bros instruments. Every bit as good as Pre-War Martins.