2017 Northwest Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit

[Jason Rodgers]

It's April, so the annual Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit is coming up on the last weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 29 and 30. Marylhurst University is easy to find, just south of Portland on Hwy 43 (or a quick jog off I-205 from Oregon City/West Linn). This show really is a gem, assembling some of the best builders in this corner of the States. See you there!

http://www.nwmusicalinstrumentshow.org/

[Gordon Bellerose]

Sounds like fun!
I am also attending two shows in western Canada. Regina Saskatchewan, and Saskatoon Saskatchewan ( say those names fast a few times) are both on the first weekend in May.
May 6 in Regina, and 7th in Saskatoon.
Have to get my driving music in the stereo! Regina is a 7 1/2 hour drive, and and Saskatoon is 3 hours from Regina.
The Edmonton, AB guitar show is in September.

[Jason Rodgers]

Good show this year, although there were several regulars who didn't make it. Alas, no pictures (aside from a couple room shots) as I was pretty much glued to my table. If you were able to attend, thanks!

[Gordon Bellerose]

Was it a financial success, or even an advertising success?

[David King]

I broke even selling a handful of knobs but wouldn't ever expect to sell a $4k bass in this particular venue. Portland has a chip on it's shoulder and we would much rather buy an expensive item that came out of New York or LA. How could a home grown instrument be any good?

[Gordon Bellerose]

It seems that Canadians are not so different. They would sooner buy a lower quality (in my opinion) more expensive Gibson or Fender, than a very high quality custom, hand made guitar.

I did however sell a guitar at the Regina show. YAY!!
It went into good hands, as the new owner is a professional travelling musician.
He plugged the guitar in and played for about a half hour. When he came up to me after playing it, he could not wipe the smile off his face, and took out his credit card and bought the guitar.
His statements on Facebook are like this:

"Completely stoked with my new Frozen Rose guitar.
My very expensive Gibson LP Custom is now my backup guitar."

[Pat Foster]

Sorry I had to miss it.

There's a regular there who builds violins and cellos, if I recall, who oftens sells an instrument or two in the 5-figure range at the show. Name escapes me. I'd be happy with that if it happened once a year.

Pat