Question 1

What is High Voltage Guitars?

Accepted Answer

High Voltage Guitars is a boutique guitar shop located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, about 15 minutes north of downtown Nashville. We specialize in hand-selected electric guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals from the builders we genuinely believe make the best gear available. We don't stock everything. We stock the right things. The shop was founded by Zach Broyles, builder behind Mythos Pedals, alongside Matthew Timmons, former General Manager of Novo Guitars and current GM of Mythos Pedals. Between the two of them, HVG has more inside knowledge of how boutique gear is built than any shop in the country.

Question 2

Where is High Voltage Guitars located?

Accepted Answer

We're at 210 Space Park N., Goodlettsville, TN 37072, roughly 20 minutes north of downtown Nashville off I-65. If you're coming from Music City, we're an easy drive. If you're flying in, Nashville International Airport (BNA) is about 35 minutes away. We're open Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM CST, and Saturdays 10 AM to 4 PM CST. No appointment necessary.

Question 3

Who founded High Voltage Guitars, and what's the background?

Accepted Answer

Zach Broyles founded High Voltage Guitars. Zach spent years on the floor at Carter Vintage Guitars, one of the most respected vintage instrument dealers in the country, before building Mythos Pedals into one of the most recognized boutique effects brands in the world. That combination of vintage and high-end guitar expertise, manufacturing knowledge, and genuine player perspective is what drives every buying and inventory decision at HVG. Matthew Timmons co-runs the shop. Matthew was the General Manager at Novo Guitars and has been deeply embedded in the guitar world for years. When you ask either of them about a guitar or amp, you're getting an answer from someone who has been inside the buildings where that gear is made.

Question 4

What is Mythos Pedals, and how does it connect to HVG?

Accepted Answer

Mythos Pedals is Zach Broyles' boutique effects pedal company, based outside Nashville. Mythos has earned a strong following among serious players and has been featured on That Pedal Show, Andertons, Rhett Shull's channel, Corey Congilio, Robert Baker, and more. Zach and Rhett Shull co-host the Dipped in Tone podcast. High Voltage Guitars is the brick-and-mortar retail extension of that same philosophy, a shop built around gear the team has actually played, studied, and in many cases helped design. HVG is also the authorized retail home for Mythos Pedals.

Question 5

What brands does High Voltage Guitars carry?

Accepted Answer

Guitars: Novo Guitars, Castedosa Guitars, Frank Brothers Guitars, Mario Martin Guitars, PRS Guitars. Amplifiers: Two-Rock Amps, Dr. Z Amplifiers, Divided by 13, PRS Amps, AmpRx. Effects Pedals: Mythos Pedals, Vemuram Pedals, Dunlop Pedals. Pickups and Electronics: ThroBak Electronics, Seymour Duncan. Accessories: Divine Noise Cables, Dunlop picks, D'Addario guitar strings, straps, and a curated selection of vintage-replica hardware parts. We also carry a rotating selection of quality used and consignment instruments and amplifiers.

Question 6

What do you NOT carry at HVG?

Accepted Answer

We do not offer tubes, speakers, or amplifier parts. We do not sell bass guitars or amplifiers or any other instruments. We do not carry acoustic guitars or other folk instruments, nor do we carry any keyboards. What we have on our website is our full inventory.

Question 7

Why did you open a boutique guitar shop in Nashville specifically?

Accepted Answer

Nashville is arguably the most guitar-literate city in the world. The players here are discerning, the standards are high, and the culture around instruments is unlike anywhere else. But even here, there was a gap. Big-box stores are built for volume. Vintage shops serve a specific and increasingly expensive corner of the market. Neither is built for the player who wants to walk into a room full of new boutique instruments and amplifiers, try them without pressure, and talk to someone who actually understands what they're holding. That's what we built.

Question 8

Is High Voltage Guitars an authorized dealer for the brands it carries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, without exception. HVG is an authorized dealer for every brand in our inventory. That means every purchase comes with full manufacturer warranty coverage and you're buying a genuine, factory-backed instrument or amplifier, not gray market, not import, not a floor demo from a closing store. Our authorized dealer status also means we have direct relationships with the people who build this gear, which helps us navigate custom orders, answer technical questions accurately, and get you support if something goes wrong after the sale.

Question 9

I've seen HVG mentioned on YouTube. Where can I find that content?

Accepted Answer

Zach Broyles has appeared on a wide range of guitar YouTube channels including That Pedal Show, Andertons, Rhett Shull, Corey Congilio, and Robert Baker, among others. He and Rhett Shull co-host the Dipped in Tone podcast. Matthew Timmons is a co-host of the Mythos Pedals livestream and was deeply involved in Novo Guitars content during the brand's rise. High Voltage Guitars has its own YouTube channel as well. Subscribe at youtube.com/@highvoltageguitars for gear demos, arrivals, and more.

Question 10

Do I need an appointment to visit High Voltage Guitars?

Accepted Answer

No. Walk-ins are welcome during our regular business hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM CST, and Saturdays, 10 AM to 4 PM CST. We are closed Sundays and Mondays. That said, if you're planning to drive a significant distance specifically to play a particular guitar or amplifier, giving us a call ahead of your visit is a smart idea. We can confirm the item is in stock, have it ready for you, and make sure someone's available to spend real time with you. You can reach us at (615) 931-6913 or sales@highvoltageguitars.com.

Question 11

Is everything on the website available to try in the showroom?

Accepted Answer

Most of it, yes. The website reflects our live inventory, and the vast majority of what's listed is physically in the shop. Occasionally an item will sell while it's still showing on the site, or something may be in transit. If you're making a trip specifically to play something you saw online, contact us first and we'll confirm it's here and waiting for you.

Question 12

What's the in-store experience like?

Accepted Answer

Smaller and more personal than what you'd find at a big retailer. We're not a warehouse with a hundred guitars on the wall. We're a curated room where everything has earned its place. You can sit down, plug in, and play without someone breathing down your neck or steering you toward whatever needs to move this month. Our staff will spend real time with you, not to close a sale, but to make sure whatever you leave with is actually the right piece of gear for you. Sometimes that means you leave without buying anything, and that's fine too.

Question 13

Can I try amplifiers in the showroom?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have amplifiers set up and available to play in the shop. We can also set up a guitar and amp pairing so you can hear how a particular instrument responds through a specific amplifier, which is often the most useful way to make a buying decision. You are welcome to bring in your own guitar or pedalboard as well. Please note: we are in an industrial park with neighbors and because of that we try to be respectful with volume during the week. On Saturdays however we tend to turn up a lot more.

Question 14

Can I shop online and have gear shipped to me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our full inventory is listed at highvoltageguitars.com and we ship throughout the United States. International shipping is available to most countries. Contact us for a quote before placing an international order. If you have questions about a specific instrument or amplifier before buying online, call or email us. We're happy to send additional photos, describe the instrument in detail, or answer any questions. You should feel as confident buying from us online as you would walking out of the shop in person.

Question 15

Is the item shown on the website the actual item I'll receive?

Accepted Answer

For guitars, yes. Every guitar listing on our site represents the actual, specific piece of inventory you are buying, not a stock photo or representative sample. The photos are of that instrument, in its current condition. If you want additional angles, natural light shots, or photos of any specific detail, just ask. We'll send them. Note that colors and finishes can appear differently depending on your screen calibration. We often reuse images of amplifiers if the aesthetic is the same as previous inventory.

Question 16

What payment methods does High Voltage Guitars accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Shop Pay, Affirm, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Diners Club. All major payment methods are supported for both online and in-store purchases.

Question 17

Do you offer financing or payment plans?

Accepted Answer

Shop Pay Installments and Affirm are available at checkout for qualified orders, which allows you to split your purchase into installment payments. Contact us if you have questions about financing options before completing your order.

Question 18

How does shipping work for guitars and amplifiers?

Accepted Answer

All guitars and amplifiers are shipped via UPS to the United States. Every shipment is fully insured and sent with signature required, no exceptions. We take significant care when packing instruments and amplifiers for transit. If you won't be available to sign for a delivery, we recommend requesting a UPS Access Point pickup location when you receive your tracking notification. Orders over $100 ship free. If you require another carrier please reach out and we can try to accommodate.

Question 19

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, to most countries. International orders ship via UPS International. Contact us before placing an international order for a shipping quote. International freight on a guitar or amplifier can be substantial, and we want to make sure you have accurate cost information upfront. You may be responsible for duties, taxes, and customs fees upon arrival in your country. These are determined by your local customs authority and are outside our control. Note that some guitars are constructed from wood species that have export restrictions from the United States; we'll flag any restrictions when you reach out.

Question 20

How quickly do orders ship?

Accepted Answer

Most guitars, amplifiers, and pedals ship the following business day. Aged parts or kits can take longer depending on current inventory. When your order ships, you'll receive a UPS tracking number. If you have a time-sensitive need, reach out to us directly before ordering and we'll give you an honest estimate.

Question 21

What happens if my instrument arrives damaged?

Accepted Answer

Contact us immediately. Do not discard any packaging. Take clear photographs of the shipping box (exterior), the internal packaging, the instrument or amplifier, and any specific damage before moving or unpacking the item further. Email those photos to sales@highvoltageguitars.com. We'll provide a return shipping label and, where possible, replace the item or issue a full refund. All our shipments are fully insured specifically to cover this situation, so you will be taken care of. Just make sure you document the damage before anything else.

Question 22

What is the return policy at High Voltage Guitars?

Accepted Answer

You have 48 hours from the time you receive your order to decide if you want to return it. Contact us within that window for a Return Authorization (RA). Do not ship anything back without one. Items must be returned in original condition with all original paperwork and packaging. You are responsible for return shipping costs. We strongly recommend shipping your return fully insured, as we cannot issue a refund for an item that arrives back to us damaged. Once we receive and inspect the return, we process refunds within 3 to 4 business days. A 10% restocking fee applies to all returns.

Question 23

What items are not eligible for return?

Accepted Answer

Custom-ordered instruments and amplifiers are not eligible for return under any circumstances. Once you've taken receipt of a custom-ordered piece, the sale is final. Pickups, wiring kits, and loose electronic parts that have been installed in an instrument are also not eligible for return.

Question 24

Can I cancel an order after it's placed?

Accepted Answer

If an order has been authorized and payment captured but the item has not yet shipped, cancellation is possible but subject to a 5% restocking fee. Once an item has been picked up by UPS, we cannot stop the shipment. At that point, you would need to receive the item and initiate a standard return within the 48-hour window.

Question 25

Can I custom order a guitar or amplifier through High Voltage Guitars?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Custom ordering is one of the things we do particularly well, and it's an area where our team's relationships with builders genuinely matter. For guitars, Novo Guitars, Frank Brothers, and Castedosa Guitars offer extensive custom specifications through their authorized dealers. Body wood, top wood, neck profile, fretboard material, hardware, finish, and pickup configuration can all be dialed in. The process starts with a conversation. Use the contact form at highvoltageguitars.com/pages/custom-ordering to get started.

Question 26

What are the requirements and terms for a custom order?

Accepted Answer

All custom orders require a non-refundable 25% deposit of the total cost, due at the time the order is placed. Once a piece is in production, no changes can be made to the specifications. Custom-ordered pieces are not eligible for returns once received. Lead times vary by builder and current production queue; all quoted lead times are approximate. We'll keep you updated as your build progresses.

Question 27

How long does a custom order take?

Accepted Answer

Lead times depend entirely on the builder, their current production schedule, and the complexity of your specification. Some boutique builders have lead times of a few months; others can run six months to a year or more during busy periods. We'll give you the most accurate estimate we have when your order is placed, and we'll communicate with you if anything changes on the builder's end.

Question 28

I don't know exactly what I want. Can you help me spec a custom build?

Accepted Answer

That's exactly what we're here for. If you know the sound and feel you're after but aren't sure how to translate that into specifications, our team can walk you through it. Matthew Timmons spent years as General Manager at Novo Guitars and has been inside the process of how these instruments are spec'd and built. Contact us and let's start a conversation.

Question 29

What is Novo Guitars, and who are they for?

Accepted Answer

Novo Guitars was founded by Dennis Fano, the designer behind some of the most sought-after offset-style guitars ever made. Novo builds in Nashville and occupies a unique space: guitars with genuine vintage inspiration, modern playability, and a level of craftsmanship that holds its own against anything being made today. The Serus J is an offset-influenced instrument with a carved top and a neck that feels like it's been played for years from the moment you pick it up. The Solus is a single-cut. The Miris offers a broader tonal range with a different body architecture.

Question 30

What is Castedosa Guitars?

Accepted Answer

Castedosa is a California-built boutique guitar brand that has quietly become one of the most talked-about names among serious players who've discovered it. Started by Carlos Lopez, a former Fender Custom Shop Master Builder, their instruments combine serious attention to detail with a voice that's distinctly their own, not trying to be a Fender, not trying to be anything vintage. We carry Castedosa because we believe in them, and because Nashville-area players should know this brand exists.

Question 31

What is Frank Brothers Guitars?

Accepted Answer

Frank Brothers builds hand-crafted guitars with a double-cut silhouette and an emphasis on tone-forward construction. They're a boutique builder in the truest sense: small production numbers, serious materials, instruments that reward players who pay attention to how a guitar actually responds rather than what it looks like on paper.

Question 32

What is Mario Martin Guitars?

Accepted Answer

Mario Martin is a highly regarded boutique luthier whose instruments have earned serious respect among working professionals and collectors. Like everything we carry, Mario Martin guitars are here because we believe in them and would play them ourselves. Contact us for current availability.

Question 33

Do you carry PRS Guitars? Isn't PRS a big company?

Accepted Answer

We carry a curated selection of PRS, including models that represent genuine value in the boutique tier. PRS is a larger manufacturer than most of what we stock, but they build instruments that compete seriously with anything in the boutique world. We carry PRS because their models genuinely deserve a place on our floor, and because players who are considering a step up into higher-end instruments deserve to compare them side by side with the boutique builders we carry.

Question 34

Do you carry used guitars? What condition are they in?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We maintain a rotating selection of used electric guitars at highvoltageguitars.com/collections/used-electric-guitars. Every used instrument we list has been personally evaluated by our team. Condition is described accurately in each listing. We don't dress up wear or hide issues. If you want more detail on a specific used piece, contact us and we'll give you a thorough rundown or send additional photos.

Question 35

Why does High Voltage Guitars focus on boutique amplifiers?

Accepted Answer

Because amplifier choice matters more than almost any other variable in your signal chain, and boutique amplifiers do things that mass-produced amps simply cannot. The difference between a Two-Rock or a Dr. Z and a comparably priced production amplifier isn't just build quality. It's the way they compress, breathe, and respond to your playing dynamics. We carry boutique amps because we believe they're worth what they cost, and we can explain exactly why.

Question 36

What Two-Rock amplifier models does HVG typically carry?

Accepted Answer

We regularly stock a selection from Two-Rock's current lineup, including amps like the TS1, Studio Signature, Vintage Deluxe, and more. Two-Rock inventory moves quickly. The best way to confirm what's in stock is to check the site or contact us directly. We can also help you determine which Two-Rock model makes the most sense for your playing style, your primary guitar, and the contexts you play in most.

Question 37

What Dr. Z amplifiers does HVG carry?

Accepted Answer

We carry a broad range of Dr. Z models including the Carmen Ghia, Maz 18 MK.II, Z Wreck Jr., Z-28 MK.II, Z-40, X-Ray, and Octal Six, among others. Dr. Z builds in Cleveland, Ohio and has one of the most respected lineups in boutique amplification. Their amplifiers cover a wide range of tonal territory, from the stripped-down simplicity of the Carmen Ghia to the more complex headroom and character of the Z-40.

Question 38

What is Divided by 13, and why is it on your floor?

Accepted Answer

Divided by 13 is the work of Fred Taccone, who has built a devoted following among discerning players for decades. Now owned and built by the team at Two-Rock, D13 amplifiers are known for their touch sensitivity, harmonic richness, and a musical response to playing dynamics that most amplifiers, boutique or otherwise, simply don't achieve.

Question 39

What is AmpRx?

Accepted Answer

AmpRx makes voltage attenuators and power-conditioning products for guitar amplifiers. Their BrownBox and other tools allow you to safely reduce the voltage going into your amplifier, which affects how the amp responds, compresses, and breaks up. For players who want a different character from an existing amp without modifying it, AmpRx offers a unique and effective solution.

Question 40

What effects pedals does High Voltage Guitars carry?

Accepted Answer

Our pedal selection is anchored by Mythos Pedals, the brand built by our own founder, Zach Broyles. We also carry Vemuram Pedals, a Japanese boutique brand with a devoted following among players who prioritize touch sensitivity and tonal complexity in their drive sounds. For utility and value, we stock a selection of Dunlop Pedals. If you're building a pedalboard or looking for a specific type of effect, contact us and we can help you find the right fit.

Question 41

What are Mythos Pedals, and what makes them special?

Accepted Answer

Mythos Pedals is Zach Broyles' boutique effects company, built on the belief that pedals should respond to the player the way a great amplifier does: dynamically, musically, with personality. Mythos has released a range of drives, fuzzes, boosters, and effects over the years, each developed with serious attention to circuit design, component quality, and real-world playability. They've been featured on That Pedal Show, Andertons, and dozens of other respected gear platforms. HVG carries the full current Mythos lineup and, from time to time, HVG-exclusive Mythos releases that aren't available anywhere else.

Question 42

What are Vemuram Pedals?

Accepted Answer

Vemuram is a Japanese boutique effects builder whose pedals have developed a serious reputation among players who care about nuance in their drive sounds. Their Jan Ray, Shanks, and other designs are known for their transparency, touch sensitivity, and the way they respond to the guitar's volume control. If you've tried every popular overdrive and found most of them lacking in some way, Vemuram is often the answer to questions you didn't know how to ask.

Question 43

What pickup brands does High Voltage Guitars carry?

Accepted Answer

We carry ThroBak Electronics and Seymour Duncan, as well as wiring components, pots, capacitors, and setup tools for players who want to work on their own instruments. We also maintain a selection of vintage-replica hardware parts including pickup rings, knobs, switch tips, and other components that are difficult to source correctly elsewhere.

Question 44

What are ThroBak pickups, and why should I care?

Accepted Answer

ThroBak Electronics makes what many players and historians consider the most accurate reproduction of original late-1950s PAF humbucking pickups available today. PAFs, or Patent Applied For humbuckers, are the original Gibson humbuckers from 1957 through the early 1960s, and they remain the tonal benchmark for virtually every humbucker made since. ThroBak reverse-engineers original examples using period-correct materials: Alnico magnets sourced to vintage specifications, correct winding techniques, period-accurate wire gauges, and aged components where appropriate. If you play a Les Paul, ES-335, SG, or any humbucker-equipped instrument and you're not satisfied with what's in it, ThroBak is where that conversation ends.

Question 45

Do you carry parts for older or vintage-style guitars?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We carry a curated selection of vintage-replica guitar hardware and parts including pickup rings (including M69 rings), knobs, switch tips, control plates, and other components that are difficult to find in correct vintage-accurate form. Browse our Replica Guitar Parts collection at highvoltageguitars.com/collections/replica-guitar-parts.

Question 46

Does High Voltage Guitars offer guitar repairs or setups?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time. We are a retail shop, not a repair facility. If you need your guitar worked on, we recommend Dave Johnson at Scale Model Guitars (scalemodelguitars.com). For amplifier service and repair, we recommend HIME Amplification (himeamplification.com). For pedal repairs, Eastside Music Supply (eastsidemusicsupply.com/pages/repairs) is our recommendation.

Question 47

Will High Voltage Guitars buy my used gear?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on a selective basis. We typically purchase used gear at 60% of current street value. We're selectively interested in boutique electric guitars, boutique amplifiers, and quality effects pedals that fit our focus. Use the contact form at highvoltageguitars.com/pages/used-and-consignment to tell us what you have, and we'll let you know if it's something we'd be interested in.

Question 48

Do you accept trade-ins?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it is rare. Contact us with a description and photos of what you'd like to trade, and we'll start a conversation. We'll give you an honest assessment of what the trade would look like rather than stringing you along.

Question 49

Can I consign a guitar or amplifier at High Voltage Guitars?

Accepted Answer

Consignment is available on a selective basis. We're particularly interested in boutique pieces that fit our aesthetic: Novo, Castedosa, Two-Rock, Dr. Z, and similar quality instruments and amplifiers that belong on our floor. Reach out via the contact form at highvoltageguitars.com/pages/used-and-consignment with details and photos.

Question 50

Why do boutique guitars cost so much more than production guitars?

Accepted Answer

Because they're made differently, from better materials, by fewer people, with more attention per instrument. A boutique guitar from Novo or Castedosa involves a small team, or single builder, selecting tonewoods by hand, doing final finishing by hand, setting up each instrument individually, and taking responsibility for every detail of that specific guitar's construction. The price reflects real labor, real materials, and real accountability.

Question 51

Why do boutique amplifiers cost significantly more than production amplifiers?

Accepted Answer

A Two-Rock or Dr. Z amplifier is hand-wired by a small team with premium components, point-to-point, turret-board, or eyelet construction in many cases, and a level of attention to the electrical design that a production amplifier built at scale simply cannot match. The tonal character of a boutique amplifier, the way it compresses, how it responds to picking dynamics, how it breathes when you play softly and push harder, is a direct result of those design decisions and build methods. You're not paying for a name. You're paying for a specific electrical experience that took years to develop.

Question 52

I'm used to buying guitars from Guitar Center or Sweetwater. What should I expect to be different at HVG?

Accepted Answer

Less volume, more depth. At a large retailer, you're choosing from a broad catalog and getting standard retail service. At HVG, you're choosing from a narrow, intentional selection and getting advice from people who have been inside the factories where this gear is made, who have played thousands of instruments, and who have no incentive to push you toward anything specific because nobody on our team is on commission. The experience is slower, more personal, and more likely to end with you leaving with something that's exactly right, or being told honestly that we don't have what you need right now. Both outcomes are fine with us.

Question 53

How do I know if a boutique guitar or amp is actually better, or if I'm just paying for hype?

Accepted Answer

Come play one. That's the only honest answer. We can explain wood selection, circuit design, winding specifications, and build philosophy all day, but ultimately the difference between boutique gear and production gear is something you feel when you pick it up and plug it in. If you're in the Nashville area, come to the showroom. If you're buying online, call us first and have a real conversation. We'd rather spend 30 minutes on the phone making sure something is right for you than have you spend thousands on something you're not sure about.

Question 54

What's the difference between a boutique guitar and a custom shop guitar from a major manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

A custom shop instrument from a major manufacturer, such as Gibson Custom Shop, Fender Custom Shop, or PRS Private Stock, offers meaningfully higher quality and more specification options than a standard production guitar from the same company. But they're still built within the constraints of large organizations with large overhead. A boutique builder like Novo, Castedosa, or Frank Brothers operates with fewer institutional constraints. The builder makes every design decision based on what they believe produces the best instrument, not what's most efficient to manufacture at scale. The result is often a guitar that does something tonally and physically that the custom shop equivalent cannot.

Question 55

How can I contact High Voltage Guitars?

Accepted Answer

Phone and text: (615) 931-6913. Email: sales@highvoltageguitars.com. We're reachable Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM CST, and Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM CST. For custom order inquiries, use the form at highvoltageguitars.com/pages/custom-ordering. For used gear and consignment, use the form at highvoltageguitars.com/pages/used-and-consignment.

Question 56

How do I stay updated on new inventory?

Accepted Answer

The best way is our email newsletter. Sign up at highvoltageguitars.com. Boutique guitars and amplifiers move quickly, and newsletter subscribers are typically the first to know when new pieces land. We also post new arrivals and gear content regularly on Instagram (@highvoltageguitars), Facebook, and YouTube (@highvoltageguitars).

Question 57

Does High Voltage Guitars manufacture guitars or amps?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not build guitars or amps. We represent many fantastic builders as a dealer for those brands but we do not build instruments or amps.

Stay Connected