Thread: Melbourne Guitar makers Festival

Not a single electric maker represented. Disappointing.

Originally Posted by rhoads56

Not a single electric maker represented. Disappointing.

There does seem to be a bit of "an electric isn't a guitar" type attitude amongst acoustic builders, I think.

Originally Posted by Blackstar1099

There does seem to be a bit of "an electric isn't a guitar" type attitude amongst acoustic builders, I think.

That seems to be an opinion amoungst players as well. I started out making elect. double basses and moved to acoustics for two reasons.

First, my modest playing ability doesn't justify buying a $3,000- $4,000 guitar, mando, fiddle and $10,000+ db. (swambo issues )

Second, to lift my luthier cred to sell my basses! I don't push the acoustics at all, they're just there on my site.

It's a silly way of thinking, much like hand tool v machine. I was showing my basses at a bluegrass fest and from behind I heard "...they're not real basses." just in case I didn't hear, the little tu*d said it again!

Originally Posted by Blackstar1099

There does seem to be a bit of "an electric isn't a guitar" type attitude amongst acoustic builders, I think.

Yep, and they are the first to question 'how can I sell guitars?!?!?' when I chat with them...

There is a MASSIVE cross over between the two instruments, and acoustic makers just dont seem to get that. If someone buys a custom made electric, he then gets interested in a handmade acoustic, and visa versa. We make totally different, non competitive products, that compliment each other. Limit your shows to 10-15 of the same style of instrument, and you all fight for the handful of sales.

I run my own shows with Andrew Ellis (acoustics). His clients flow through to me, and mine flow through to him. It's a wonderful relationship.

So true Perry,
If only everyone worked together after all luthiers are builders of stringed musical instruments be it acoustic or electric but a lot of acoustic builders not all thank god act as if they are in a secret society why can't they all be show cased together, it is good to see that you run shows with Andrew. Cheers Bob

Originally Posted by rhoads56

Yep, and they are the first to question 'how can I sell guitars?!?!?' when I chat with them...

There is a MASSIVE cross over between the two instruments, and acoustic makers just dont seem to get that. If someone buys a custom made electric, he then gets interested in a handmade acoustic, and visa versa. We make totally different, non competitive products, that compliment each other. Limit your shows to 10-15 of the same style of instrument, and you all fight for the handful of sales.

I run my own shows with Andrew Ellis (acoustics). His clients flow through to me, and mine flow through to him. It's a wonderful relationship.

Originally Posted by woodturner777

Any forum members going to the guitar makers festival in Melbourne.?

Hi Bob, I'm going to try and stick my head in the door and have a look around

To add my 2-cents worth to the acoustic/electric discussion, I've always thought of a guitar as a guitar, no matter if it's acoustic or electric. I don't really see any difference in any of the guitars - Bass, Acoustics, Electrics... they all play music and I agree with the general discussion in that - if it's not an acoustic, it's not real - is the wrong idea.
A similar comparison is made with the inlay work I do... Just because I use a CNC, it tends to get classed into the "it's not a real inlay because it's not hand cut" class. Well... yeah... whatever...
It would be nice to see some electrics at the festival too because there's some sensational instruments out there of ALL styles and they all deserve a showing.
(It would be nice to see some other stringed instruments as well (Harp, Banjo, Violin, etc.., but then again, it IS a guitar makers festival)

Perry, why not register as an exhibitor and bring over a few (electric and/or acoustic)?

Originally Posted by Malibu

Hi Bob, I'm going to try and stick my head in the door and have a look around

To add my 2-cents worth to the acoustic/electric discussion, I've always thought of a guitar as a guitar, no matter if it's acoustic or electric. I don't really see any difference in any of the guitars - Bass, Acoustics, Electrics... they all play music and I agree with the general discussion in that - if it's not an acoustic, it's not real - is the wrong idea.
A similar comparison is made with the inlay work I do... Just because I use a CNC, it tends to get classed into the "it's not a real inlay because it's not hand cut" class. Well... yeah... whatever...
It would be nice to see some electrics at the festival too because there's some sensational instruments out there of ALL styles and they all deserve a showing.
(It would be nice to see some other stringed instruments as well (Harp, Banjo, Violin, etc.., but then again, it IS a guitar makers festival)

Perry, why not register as an exhibitor and bring over a few (electric and/or acoustic)?

They dont accept electric makers as exhibitors.

CNC is an art in itself. CAD is an art in itself.

Originally Posted by rhoads56

They dont accept electric makers as exhibitors.

Hmmm.. sounds like a dumb attitude to me. I didn't realise it was only open to acoustics

There is a stringed musical instrument festival in Tasmanian next year open to all be it acoustic or electric.

Originally Posted by woodturner777

There is a stringed musical instrument festival in Tasmanian next year open to all be it acoustic or electric.

I'll save my cookies and maybe I can make it - you can shout down the pub

I will shout the beer John, No problems.
I will let you know the date's as soon as possible John. Cheers Bob.

Here we go Friday 21st march 2014 finish on the Sunday 23rd March Stringfest Festival Deloraine Tasmania all stringed instrument makers are welcome not just the acoustic guitar secret society and please note not all acoustic guitar luthiers are members of this secret society as I know many that help others and share there knowledge. Cheers Bob

The amount of info available today on building solid bodys, acoustics, pickups, wiring, fretting ect is really overwhelming. The real secret ( for me ) is sifting thru it all and finding out what works for me. A person doesn't even have to ask noob questions, just mine the archives of the many luthier sites.

Your right Bill, but i still reckon the underlying motive is one of help even if the outcome is the opposite and it sure is a shame when its us and them. Sometimes i get the feeling that all is not well even in the acoustic builders ranks, what with there's Dreadnought builders and then the rest and we better be on the lookout out for uke builders as well

Steve