Guitar show in Philly - should I go?

[DeArmond Hammer]

I see there's a guitar show in Philadelphia next weekend, July 23-24. Has anyone been to one of these shows? What are they like? I've been to computer shows (back in the day) and fountain pen shows (yes I'm a nerd) but never a guitar show.

I have a couple interesting guitars that need some restoration, so I'd prefer to find a knowledgeable buyer instead of a Reverb rando who will return the instrument to me. Would the show be a good place to sell or trade away these fixer-uppers, or are the dealers looking for closet queens? Or are they mainly just interested in selling, not buying?

 

[fronobulax]

Several LTG folks met at one, maybe a decade ago or more. What I remember is that everything seemed to be all about exhibitors selling to attendees. I'm sure there were some deals made but it just wasn't obvious to me. There weren't many Guilds and no one bought any guitars. As a bass player who doesn't play guitar I reached my boredom threshold after a couple of hours but being there with friends was still fun. I seem to recall a Les Paul on display with a price tag of $145,000. Most expensive instrument I've been around that was for sale but I think I've been in the room with violins that would sell for more.

I did buy two cords because the price was good and the insulation was cloth. Seems to me that was where Mrs. Fro. got her Snark.

https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/philadelphia-guitar-show-november-12-13-2016.190271/#post-1737659

https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/philly-guitar-show-23-24-june-sign-up.170187/

If this is to be believed all the fun was in the hotel lobby.



@Default @twocorgis @The Guilds of Grot may have additional or different recollections.

 

[davismanLV]

Jamie, thanks for that video. Haven't seen that in a long time. Good to see all my LTG friends having fun together. This past week Don and I were able to meet up with Amy, Kurt's lovely and beautiful wife as she was in town for a convention. We had such a great time and fun was had by all. I also got to sign Kurt's "Guilds of Grot" book that's photographed in the video!! What a time I had flipping through that fun collection!! Saw all of y'all's signatures and messages and got to leave my own. Fun times!!!

 

[wileypickett]

Guitar shows are always a crapshoot and they vary from city to city.

Though I haven't attended a Boston guitar show in more than a decade, the ones I did attend were -- at least -- worth the price of admission anyway, even if it was just to see cool and rare guitars. (I've also attended shows in Rhode Island, New Hampshire and New Jersey.) These shows can be fun -- you may find cheap strings, music books, effects pedals, etc.

The Boston shows heavily favored electric guitars and amps, though there were always two or three sellers of just acoustic guitars.

In terms of selling guitars, IMO you'd be better off renting a table (maybe go in with a friend or two?) and selling that way rather than carrying guitars from table to table hoping to interest one of the sellers.

I doubt you'll find takers at a decent price point. Vendors are there to sell instruments, not buy, so unless you've got something with a lot of appeal that someone can turn around and sell for a profit, you'll either get low-ball offers or no offers.

 

[dreadnut]

AS for the two guitars, you might want to look at getting them fixed prior to selling.

 

[Stagefright]

I don't get a chance to play many off brand acoustics and might go to a show just to play a Furch, Collings, or something along that line. Other than than, I am normally opposed to paying admission to make myself available to Salespeople.

 

[twocorgis]

Several LTG folks met at one, maybe a decade ago or more. What I remember is that everything seemed to be all about exhibitors selling to attendees. I'm sure there were some deals made but it just wasn't obvious to me. There weren't many Guilds and no one bought any guitars. As a bass player who doesn't play guitar I reached my boredom threshold after a couple of hours but being there with friends was still fun. I seem to recall a Les Paul on display with a price tag of $145,000. Most expensive instrument I've been around that was for sale but I think I've been in the room with violins that would sell for more.

I did buy two cords because the price was good and the insulation was cloth. Seems to me that was where Mrs. Fro. got her Snark.

https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/philadelphia-guitar-show-november-12-13-2016.190271/#post-1737659

https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/philly-guitar-show-23-24-june-sign-up.170187/

If this is to be believed all the fun was in the hotel lobby.



@Default @twocorgis @The Guilds of Grot may have additional or different recollections.

I remember the guitar show not being much, but the company sure was great! It was great seeing @alpep at his booth, and I think that's the last time I've seen him in person.

I agree that a guitar show is a better place to buy than to sell, unless you rent a table and sell yourself. I remember seeing no real bargains at any that I've gone to. But it is a lot of fun looking.

We're way overdue for another meetup, and it's too bad I wasn't able to make the last couple in NJ.

 

[davismanLV]

So easy for you to say, you guys on the left coast!! <3

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Most dealer buying/trading is dealer to dealer before the show opens to the public.

The rest is a dealer hoping someone walks in with something they don't know the value of and/or seeing something they want to trade up to.

The likelihood of finding a buyer for an instrument needing work/restoration isn't great unless you've got something rare and very valuable.

They're mainly interested only in something they can flip quickly for a profit.

You could always bring some photos and cards with your contact info.

 

[davismanLV]

And there you have it.....

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

AS for the two guitars, you might want to look at getting them fixed prior to selling.

Yup!

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

At another guitar forum, I once asked what folks like about guitar shows. One guy said, "It's the only place I can buy a Flying V without a background check."

 

[Default]

Iirc, the only people buying were the Japanese shops.

 

[gjmalcyon]

I've been to this show several times (bought my departed DeArmond M-75 at one) - most of the action happens on Saturday. I recall seeing many people walking around with guitars for sale, stopping at various booths to show their goods. Don't know if any of it translated into sales.

For 15 bucks it might be worth a shot.

 

[HeyMikey]

Tape a sheet of paper to your case with a big:

4 SALE
model

Might attract some interest as you walk around.

 

[jp]

I love guitar shows. It gives you a chance to see and play a ton of different guitars and amps you never would have a chance to play.
If you really are interested in buying or selling, then sellers will wheel and deal. I've both bought and sold at them successfully.