The Norton Music Factory Story
Home » Norton Music Factory StoryNorton Music Factory started out as a custom guitar workshop, because we love our guitars! As time went on things have changed in a big, big way. Now we are home to an amazing live music venue, that is both intimate and incredibly thrilling!
from the love of
guitars and music
Music is the common denominator
The first time I thought about building my own guitar was in 2010. I used to be the drummer in an old band and I fell in love with our guitarist’s triple humbucker 1970s Custom. The day I saw it I knew; I wanted my own. Apart from the nostalgia of a really old guitar I loved the feel of the neck, the super low frets, the tones…everything. I wanted one bad!
I spent countless hours at the music shops and online and couldn’t find exactly what I wanted. There was always something that turned me away. Perhaps the 8 grand price tags had something to do with it. Eventually it got to the stage where I just couldn’t take it anymore and said to myself “F%#K it, I’ll just build my own”. I have built things all my life so, why not? It can’t be that hard… Man was I wrong.
It can’t be that hard to build your own guitar….
The first time I thought about building my own guitar was in 2010. I used to be the drummer in an old band and I fell in love with our guitarist’s triple humbucker 1970s Custom. The day I saw it I knew; I wanted my own. Apart from the nostalgia of a really old guitar I loved the feel of the neck, the super low frets, the tones…everything. I wanted one bad!
I spent countless hours at the music shops and online and couldn’t find exactly what I wanted. There was always something that turned me away. Perhaps the 8 grand price tags had something to do with it. Eventually it got to the stage where I just couldn’t take it anymore and said to myself “F%#K it, I’ll just build my own”. I have built things all my life so, why not? It can’t be that hard… Man was I wrong.
After a few false starts, piles of ruined timber, and around 8 grand later, I had my very first custom guitar. Yes, it was a copy but man oh man I thought it was wicked. It was a bit heavy, but nevertheless, definitely wicked. Soon after, a long-time friend came around and had a go. I was a bit shy for my guitar and was waiting for the “nice try mate” comments. By the end of that session I had my first order for a Norton custom.
2 obsessive years later – in 2012, Norton Music Factory was born.
From here, things had to become even more serious. I was not content with just copying someone else’s guitar. I knew we had to make this thing our own.
A Norton custom.
After a few false starts, piles of ruined timber, and around 8 grand later, I had my very first custom guitar. Yes, it was a copy but man oh man I thought it was wicked. It was a bit heavy, but nevertheless, definitely wicked. Soon after, a long-time friend came around and had a go. I was a bit shy for my guitar and was waiting for the “nice try mate” comments. By the end of that session I had my first order for a Norton custom.
2 obsessive years later – in 2012, Norton Music Factory was born.
From here, things had to become even more serious. I was not content with just copying someone else’s guitar. I knew we had to make this thing our own.
As time went on, things changed in a big, big way!
After throwing a few private parties and shooting a film clip for local Sunny Coast band, Von Hazeler, the people started demanding more shows.
All of a sudden, local bands contacted us wanting to play here and the general public kept asking us when the next show was.
We never planned on becoming a music venue, it just kind of happened by accident.
The only thing holding us back was ourselves! Slowly, our visions started to evolve as we put on a couple of shows here and there to support our local charity The Dunga Derby.
When’s the next show?
As time went on, things changed in a big, big way!
After throwing a few private parties and shooting a film clip for local Sunny Coast band, Von Hazeler, the people started demanding more shows.
All of a sudden, local bands contacted us wanting to play here and the general public kept asking us when the next show was.
We never planned on becoming a music venue, it just kind of happened by accident.
The only thing holding us back was ourselves! Slowly, our visions started to evolve as we put on a couple of shows here and there to support our local charity The Dunga Derby.
Fast forward two years, we have created a place that has become known as A Paradise for Music Lovers. That term was coined by Kei Cee from the super cool band Death by Carrot during a live performance and it struck a chord with all that were here that night. Now we have an amazing venue that is both intimate and incredibly thrilling when you experience live music here. There is nothing like it!
We are truly grateful and honoured to share our space with you and there is no better feeling than the joy we find in all the music lovers who come to NMF.
A paradise for music lovers!
Fast forward two years, we have created a place that has become known as A Paradise for Music Lovers. That term was coined by Kei Cee from the super cool band Death by Carrot during a live performance and it struck a chord with all that were here that night. Now we have an amazing venue that is both intimate and incredibly thrilling when you experience live music here. There is nothing like it!
We are truly grateful and honoured to share our space with you and there is no better feeling than the joy we find in all the music lovers who come to NMF.
Live music in your own backyard
GREAT MUSIC AND
AMAZING ATMOSPHERE
What our music lovers say
Amazing atmosphere and great range of food and drinks. If you love live music, this is where you’ll find it!
Sarah Seaward
Who knew such a cool place existed. Now we do great night of live music ..food was good ..staff were friendly and fast. Totally recommend checking out this venue A+
Keta Franks
Great people, great music, great food….. another great night
Terry Donaldson