Melbourne Guitar Makers Festival

[auscab]

I went to the Melbourne Guitar Makers Festival Saturday afternoon and took some pictures, should have got there earlier, so I could photograph and see more, we ran out of time.

It was the first time I have ever seen such an exhibition, the guitars were great, the makers , to talk to even better, here are some pictures. Rob

[auscab]

And more

[auscab]

more

[needsmorecowbel]

$1600 a set...the Bugati of timbers

[edrobins]

Hi, all.
I also dropped into the Festival yesterday for a couple of enjoyable hours. Took a mate with me who is not a muso, but a keen wood-worker. He was amazed that there were so many independent luthiers working (I told him that was just a tiny sample - he should see the number on the forum!), and the quality (generally) and demanding detail of the work. He also made an interesting observation - that these guitars are such a great way to preserve beautiful and rare timbers for the future. I hadn't quite looked at it that way before!
I also found the makers really generous with their time, talk and willingness to let an amateur like me play those beautiful instruments. Some real contrasts there in style and approach, in guitar tones and timbers. Some of the most beautifully figured Tas Blackwood I have seen - lovely stuff!
Gerard Gilet was saying that his health is forcing him to slow down (too many woodworkers seem to suffer from their trade) , and he is wondering where his business and love of the guitars will end up. I got the feeling that if he could find a willing apprentice, he would love to see the business in the hands of the next generation. Anyone looking to become the master's apprentice?
I didn't see too many Forum members represented there. Maybe next year? Still, a very informative day!

Regards, Ed Robins

[kiwigeo]

I didn't see too many Forum members represented there. Maybe next year? Still, a very informative day!

Regards, Ed Robins

If Id known that Brazilian RW was going to be there...I would have been there!

[auscab]

The Images from the top are

IMG 6959 Tone wood,
first chance I have had to pick up Brazilian Rosewood and tap it, closest Ive ever heard wood sounding like glass.
There is also Blackwood and Sasafras.
Your right about the Bugati of timbers there Stu.

IMG 6956
Allan Bull of Bull Guitars,
I had a brief chat, his Classical guitars were interesting in that they were constructed with 3 piece laminated back and sides
solid tops, nice veneers, I am told they have a good reputation and following.

IMG 6955
Gary Rizzolo, Did not get the time to meet him

IMG
6954 the events and makers

IMG 6963
Phillip Carson Crickmore,
Had a chat but not long enough, it was closing time

IMG 6961 and 6961
Gerard Gilet, I had a long talk with him as he sketched his idea's down on paper, [the last image ] what a store of knowledge he is , every few minutes was like another chapter of a build book the likes of which has not been written yet, incredible !

IMG 6957
Barry Kerr of Woodtone guitars, I had a good talk and heard the sound of Brazilian Rosewood for the first time,another store of knowledge and impressive guitars.

We ran out of time, but walked out shaking my head at what I had seen and heard,got to get to more of these type of gatherings for sure .

Rob

[liam_fnq]

I didn't see too many Forum members represented there. Maybe next year? Still, a very informative day!

Regards, Ed Robins

If Id known that Brazilian RW was going to be there...I would have been there!

Looks like it might have been part of the Woodtone Guitars display

http://www.woodtoneguitars.com.au/

[needsmorecowbel]

Is that at the Abbotsford convent?

[auscab]

Is that at the Abbotsford convent?

Yes, Nice spot by the Yarra
Rob

[needsmorecowbel]

This is just a short bike ride from mine. I managed to miss the Uke fest and that was at the end of my street hahaha. I didn't see it advertised on the forum much