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I'm planning to show at Healdsburg in 2007. Looking at my current build list, I will be hard pressed to get more than 2 (additional) guitars done before then. So it makes me wonder what the possibilities of taking a clients guitar to the show are?

Is this common?
Is it safe?
Is it a reasonable request to ask a client if you could show there guitar?
Are there (SOLD) tags hanging on guitars that are then deemed untouchable?

What are some of the pitfalls that im not seeing?
What are the ethics involved here?

Thanks
LanceK

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Lance, I think it's pretty common. There are a lot of 'Sold' tags on guitars before the show even opens so I know they haven't sold at the show. I wouldn't bother bringing them if you intend on them being untouchable. If they are marked as sold and please don't play, well, it will only make you distant from the buyers and you'll look like a snob. We've had this discussion before and you know my feelings about the builder that did just that.
I don't think there are any ethical issues at all. You built the guitar, you are showing your work.
If you get permission from your client, make sure he/she knows that they will be played and that you will take every measure to insure its safety. But, yes, there is the slight chance that something will happen to it. That's what insurance is for.

Lance the risk is yours to take. You have to make that call.I would defantly put do not touch signs up. I don't think I would freight a clients guitar to a show if I could help it, but I doubt you plan to drive to Healdsburg

not much help.. ha?

Lance...

I think it's fine as long as they are OK with it, I took snakehead last year and it was sold. However don't let ANYONE play it, Russel James in the booth next to me had a brand new classical top get damaged by a player and he was just about to deliver it to the client. I really felt for him, it was a wonderful guitar that got wrecked.

I have time to build for next year so I'm gearing up now for it and taking all new stuff with the exception of the flag guitar..

Good luck

-Paul-

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-Paul-

Patriot Guitars

Lance, bring Tony and a portable spray booth with ya!

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

Hey Lance,

Will be great to see you in Healdsburg next year. That's close enough for me to make. If I were a customer and my luthier wanted to show our commission, I wouldn't have a problem with it as long as there was no damage incurred.

BUT, I do have to say I was pretty suprised at this year's Healdsburg show about how TIGHT it was. Between people stacked up in the aisles and guitars crammed on the tables, dings and dents were inevitable.

I took one of my clients guitar and decided I would never do it again. I wanted people to play it because it was the nicest one I had on the table, but at the same time I was scared to death that it would get damaged. It did come back with a few little dings and I touched them up before sending it back, but decided I would not do that again.

We were displaying in a building that open to the outside at this show last year in August. The humidity was super high which also scared me. The guy across from me brought a beautiful coco guitar that was already sold . The back developed a crack after the first day. I also noticed a little swelling on some of my guitars but they were fine once I brought them home.

I think it depends on the type of show as well. If it is an outdoor folk festival something is more likely to happen. Some guy with bug spray on may play your guitar and take the finish off. If it is an indoor trade show you are probably a lot safer.

I have decided that from now on I am going to probably only take 3 demos to the shows I do, plus my personal instruments which I am happy to let anyone play. Not as much risk, yet I think I am still representing myself well.

Hope that helps.

Josh

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Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
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Lance,

If I were a happy and proud owner of a Kragenbrink, I wouldn't let you take it. I think you have to assume that some damage will occur; the question is how much? Even if they're not available for playing, the guitars will be sitting up on a table in a crowded room--an accident waiting to happen.

I'd suggest going with the two unsold instruments you expect to have finished, and some 8" X 10" color glossies of your previous work. Arrange the photos as attractively as possible on a display that raises them up from the table surface, so people standing behind the front row of visitors can see them. Now, I know a photo isn't as good as a guitar-in-hand, but if you've got a couple "in the flesh," that should be enough to let prospective buyers know what you can deliver.

I would be hesitant to take a guitar that was sold to a guitar show unless I was delivering it or had a very good relationship with the buyer. I caught a couple of dings last year and I had very easy access to a demo room. A lot of people didn't and were carrying guitars thru crowds to the quiet zone if they could find one. It was a fairly crowded scene. Can't wait till next year. Lance, just start now and squeeze a couple more in. Success sucks sometimes huh.John How38819.0493402778

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

Or you could ask the owner to come with you and show it off. His expense of course. (Hey you never now, it could happen)

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