About a week ago I was at the Montreal Guitar Festival (my first time at this festival). This showcase for small shop builders like myself is held in conjunction with the Montreal Jazz Festival (the largest jazz festival in the world.) This was a wonderful show. It was in a beautiful city, extraordinarily well organized, and very well attended. There was a very wide variety of builders – some “old-timers”, some at the beginning of their career, some from the USA, some from Canada and a sizable contingent from France. Some very interesting and beautiful guitars.
I had a lovely time talking to many of the visitors – all of whom were very complimentary of my work (these shows are good for your ego) and very interested in what I do. Since I spend a lot of time fairly isolated at my bench it is a delight to get out and talk to “real people.” the other advantage of these shows is the opportunity to visit with my friends in the business – this is a fairly tight-knit community and we often don’t see each other except at these shows.
The economy is not all that good for folks selling items that are paid for from discretionary income and this was a common topic of discussion among the builders. I do not know how many guitars were sold at the show but I suspect that it was not many. I was very lucky and sold a very nice Koa OO which I brought with. Thanks are due to Paul Asbell who did my demo concert with this guitar and got the ear of the eventual buyer.
My wife and grandson came with (we drove from Minneapolis with 5 guitars) and they had a lot of fun in the city.
I repeat myself: Kudos to the organizers of this event. It was as lovely as my fellow builders had said.
May 21, 2011 at 3:33 pm |
Charlie,
With apologies for some blabbing yet again, I want to tell you how much my SJ Madagascar guitar has influenced my yearn for playing/practicing/learning some fingerstyle blues music.
This instrument #1 is set up SO NICELY for ease of playing, she’s just wonderful.
#2 the beauty of this piece is stunning. Every time I take her out I’m impressed. I look her over and smile. Really!
#3 She simply sings… That added sound port has an amazing influence on the manner in which the most gentle touch brings out the full richness of the notes. Man, you made a beauty here!
And #4 ….the fragrance (ss opposed to just plain ‘smell’!) is just terribly appreciated. Each time I open the case, there it is.
Please let Michelle know she did a fine job per my last request. You have a good talent in that gal!
Back to some “Bookbinder” learning now, on this rainy day and some fresh coffee.
Hopefully one day I”ll get another of your instruments and when I do I doubt if you could top this one!
Thanks Charlie. You should be damn proud!
Jeremy.