DavidE Posted January 13, 2008 Posted January 13, 2008 No Alpep, so nobody thought about the 2pm photo!A great day of socializing. I apparently didn't have g.a.s. today because I found nothing of any interest. I just didn't care. Maybe I'm just happy with my rig.The January show is the better of the two shows here. Normally, the floor in the center of the room is full of dealers. This time, there were no tables at all in the center of the floor. Extremely disappointing. The stage in the room (quite large) used to have twice as many dealers on it too. The show is a shadow of what it once was.Not a lot of Hamers. An old special, a mahogany vector for $600 that was light weight and played nice, but the serial number was obliterated. Stolen at one time? I had my beat up Phantom A-7 out for $500 and only had a couple of questions about it. I really don't follow a lot of guitar prices, so I don't know if there were any bargains to be had. I didn't see anything I'd consider "cheap." A lot of things seemed very expensive. I usually buy up things like p.a. speaker cables, unusual straps or other small items, but there was very little of that stuff to be had. The only buying I did was from guys at our shared table (a GT direct box and a nice heavy duty Washburn dread hardshell case). Hopefully the others will chime in. Great seeing everyone today!
tomteriffic Posted January 13, 2008 Posted January 13, 2008 I shared the table with Dave and Mr. Dreamy, and I have to second Dave, at least to some extent. No Aplpep so no 2 PM photo shoot or mooching off of his pizza He was missed. The last show I was at was a summer show a year and a half ago, and it was considerably sparser, especially with respect to the attendance, the dealer count was about the same. It was fairly crowded today, attendance-wise. Like Dave, I didn't see much that flipped my switch except some stuff at our table and a nice R7 that was fairly priced. A couple of otherwise interesting pieces were beyond my range or beyond talking-down range. But we had fun swapping gear, swapping lies and swatting flies, so to speak. I sold a lot of small stuff but would really have liked to move a couple of larger things I brought. Oh well, back to Craigslist, I guess. I have to give a shout out to Hamerican Gigolo, who made the trip to see us. It was great to meet you!
MrGuitarguy Posted January 13, 2008 Posted January 13, 2008 Couldn't make it out. In fact I'm still in a recording session. Back to work...
Steve Haynie Posted January 13, 2008 Posted January 13, 2008 Did anyone ask the dealer about the missing serial number? Used gear is sometimes an odd business, but it would be best to avoid guitars with missing serial numbers. Refins are sort of an exception.
Kramer_nut Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 I had my beat up Phantom A-7 out for $500 and only had a couple of questions about it. I'm new to the Hamer scene but was at the Columbus show today, I saw that Phantom A-7, that's a cool guitar!! Too many people around to get really close to it or ask about it. Wish I would have waited a little longer now! I too was disapointed in the dealer turnout, I'll bet there were at least 50 dealer tables less than normal. Whats funny is I see the same guitars there year after year, I am always looking for 80's Floyd rose equipped guitars and there is a dealer that has had a Sparkle custom paint Jackson there every year since I've been going. Never drops his price $1,250. Keep dreaming! He had a few Robin guitars at $850 that are twice the guitar the Jackson is! The only Hamer I found interesting was a Centaura, I've already got one of those. Oh well next year.Todd
DavidE Posted January 14, 2008 Author Posted January 14, 2008 I had my beat up Phantom A-7 out for $500 and only had a couple of questions about it. I'm new to the Hamer scene but was at the Columbus show today, I saw that Phantom A-7, that's a cool guitar!! Too many people around to get really close to it or ask about it. Wish I would have waited a little longer now! I too was disapointed in the dealer turnout, I'll bet there were at least 50 dealer tables less than normal. Whats funny is I see the same guitars there year after year, I am always looking for 80's Floyd rose equipped guitars and there is a dealer that has had a Sparkle custom paint Jackson there every year since I've been going. Never drops his price $1,250. Keep dreaming! He had a few Robin guitars at $850 that are twice the guitar the Jackson is! The only Hamer I found interesting was a Centaura, I've already got one of those. Oh well next year.ToddI know exactly which Jackson you're referring to and I saw it again this time!
Jorge Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 The US are almost in recession, guys. My guess is, it will soon be. It will show in the numbers later.Expect sales of gear, especially high ticket items, to tank heavily. Wonder why even "Virtuosos" are coming out for sale? Hum......when your 401K, and your home value tank, you really want to sell some stuff. My guess is, you are going to see LOTS of valuable stuff at incredible prices in the coming months.That may be a reason why you see less activity from dealers, such as in guitar shows.
DavidE Posted January 14, 2008 Author Posted January 14, 2008 The US are almost in recession, guys. My guess is, it will soon be. It will show in the numbers later.Expect sales of gear, especially high ticket items, to tank heavily. Wonder why even "Virtuosos" are coming out for sale? Hum......when your 401K, and your home value tank, you really want to sell some stuff. My guess is, you are going to see LOTS of valuable stuff at incredible prices in the coming months.That may be a reason why you see less activity from dealers, such as in guitar shows.I think there's been a steady decline at this guitar show over the last 10 years. It was just really evident this year. It was as slow as the typical summer show. The January show used to really be hopping.
Craig S Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 I made the rounds in about 15 minutes and with the exception of talking with the HFC folks it was pretty much a non-event for me... Like David E my gas is pretty much cured for the time being.
hamerjunkie Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 I used to live for the Philly Guitar Show, went a couple of years ago and it was like........what a waste........
Thundernotes Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 I've actually never been to a guitar show; strange as that may be. If I had to guess, I'd say that Ebay and Craigslist are effectively killing off such events. There's the nationwide/worldwide customer base, no travel and parking hassles, and ebay/paypal fees are probably cheaper than having a big table at a conventional guitar show. Plus, online shopping can be done nekkid. That's the clincher for me......
cmatthes Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 I have little to no interest in going to any guitar shows anymore. I used to hit every single one within reasonable driving distance back in the 80s and early 90s, but honestly, eBay and the internet killed them years ago. Why go to deal with the A-holes, shark lines and douchebags when you can find pretty much anything you want within a few clicks of a mouse?I was kind of sad to see them decline as much as they had by the late '90s/early 00s, but a lot of the people who turned me off to them in the first place didn't help their own case. Honest and up front dealers will always maintain a following and get repeat business. Karma gets the others in the end!
Hamerica Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 I agree with almost everything said here. The economy.The lack of quality dealers selling items that are above suspect.The sharks trolling.Price Gouging.Ebay, TGP, Craigslist, Some vintage gear has already seen a slight decline. I expect the trend to continue with a few exceptions. Hamerica
Willie G. Moseley Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 It's been promulgated that eventually the only two shows left will be Dallas in the spring and Arlington in the fall, and the notion seems somewhat valid, as they're somewhat centrally-located in the lower 48. I call 'em the Super Bowl and the World Series of guitar shows on accounta they're the biggest but still distinctive (Arlington's got an older---therefore theoretically more-mature---age demographic, and it's also quieter). Arlington instituted some anti-sharking policies this year that supposedly worked well. Some promoters are still doing things right for certain regional shows, however. I think central Florida's promoter's been doing his thing (as well as a couple of shows in the Carolinas) for a number of years, and the Amigos have diversified to the point where the California shows are still valid, and I understand they're gonna try Nashville.On the other hand, since I first started going to shows in 1989, the nearest one on a fairly regular basis was Atlanta...but "regular basis" is a relative term, because a total of FIVE different promoters couldn't make a go of it; the "regular" term reflects when somebody gave up, somebody else would try.The magazine for which I write doesn't have a presence at as many shows as we used to; we get more subscriptions on the internet. I personally like going to and working at shows for the social contact (I schmooze real good), chances to find something to write about, and the fact that I get to check out instruments before purchasing is a plus.
DavidE Posted January 14, 2008 Author Posted January 14, 2008 "I personally like going to and working at shows for the social contact (I schmooze real good), "That's very much what it has become for me as well; a social event. It was great seeing so many players hanging out and talking. Just a great chance for friends to catch up. There was someone with a '59 Burst. I didn't see it, but the case said something about it being cheap or reasonable or something. I saw George Gruhn sitting down with the guy to check out the guitar and another. Rumor was that the cheap asking price was $200k and the guitar was not in very good condition. Considering a friend recently turned down over $300k for his (and the buyer was paying a broker fee on top of that), it would seem that 200k would be on the low side. But if George passed, maybe there were issues or that price isn't that good after all.
Cary Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 That was the first show I have been to in more than five years, and it was definitely a disappointment. About halfway through it, I realized I have all the stuff I need - and cooler stuff at that - waiting at home. It would have been nice to find a minty P-Bass, but there weren't even many of those (at least that weren't imports). I saw four USA Hamers, and none of them tripped my trigger (the Vector, a Scarab, a shredder (can't remember which model) and an early Special. No Hamer basses.The bootleg video guy wasn't even there - and that's half the reason I went. When did they stop attending?
LostArt Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 nice to hear I was missed!I started back in 84 or 5 with the first New York show and have done a ton of them and even ran my own show for 10 years. Yes e bay has put a damper on them but it is sure a hell of a lot nice to physically touch an instrument before you buy it. Pretty soon, the show will be havens for heavy stuff that no one likes to or can afford to ship or large bulky items like drums that ship for high dollars. with all that said I still like to go, at every show I see different people, I have made many lifelong friends in columbus (Kim Keller being one of them, I think we met in 89 or something like that) everthing evolves, that one constant is that there will be change.
DavidE Posted January 14, 2008 Author Posted January 14, 2008 That was the first show I have been to in more than five years, and it was definitely a disappointment. About halfway through it, I realized I have all the stuff I need - and cooler stuff at that - waiting at home. It would have been nice to find a minty P-Bass, but there weren't even many of those (at least that weren't imports). I saw four USA Hamers, and none of them tripped my trigger (the Vector, a Scarab, a shredder (can't remember which model) and an early Special. No Hamer basses.The bootleg video guy wasn't even there - and that's half the reason I went. When did they stop attending?Rick Calura (sp?) was there selling videos. Not sure if any were bootlegs though. He was on the wall to the right."Yes e bay has put a damper on them but it is sure a hell of a lot nice to physically touch an instrument before you buy it. "I agree. I was much happier selling my P90 Special to someone before the show (pre-arranged through this board) after he had the opportunity to see it and touch it and make sure it was something he wanted. I'll bet he preferred that situation as well since he said he drove his son to New York to buy a Special FM!
frank_c Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 I agree with almost everything said here. so do i, except for the foreigner making his "The US are almost in recession, guys" comment.
paults Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 It was great to see everyone there- Al, it wasn't the same without you! That Jackson has been coming to the show for years. It was $1100 a few years ago, and was tagged at $1295 this year One thing that still DOES happen at guitar shows is the "killer deal". A buddy of mine bought a pre-serial number Klon yesterday. For $150.
DavidE Posted January 14, 2008 Author Posted January 14, 2008 It was great to see everyone there- Al, it wasn't the same without you! That Jackson has been coming to the show for years. It was $1100 a few years ago, and was tagged at $1295 this year One thing that still DOES happen at guitar shows is the "killer deal". A buddy of mine bought a pre-serial number Klon yesterday. For $150. Well Paul, it DID have velcro on it..... ;-) He also scored a vintage Fender for cheap and on my way out he was showing me a '64 BF Super Reverb that he said could be had for $1300. I told him to leave me alone because I had done well not buying anything!
hamerican gigolo Posted January 14, 2008 Posted January 14, 2008 I shared the table with Dave and Mr. Dreamy, and I have to second Dave, at least to some extent. No Aplpep so no 2 PM photo shoot or mooching off of his pizza He was missed. The last show I was at was a summer show a year and a half ago, and it was considerably sparser, especially with respect to the attendance, the dealer count was about the same. It was fairly crowded today, attendance-wise. Like Dave, I didn't see much that flipped my switch except some stuff at our table and a nice R7 that was fairly priced. A couple of otherwise interesting pieces were beyond my range or beyond talking-down range. But we had fun swapping gear, swapping lies and swatting flies, so to speak. I sold a lot of small stuff but would really have liked to move a couple of larger things I brought. Oh well, back to Craigslist, I guess. I have to give a shout out to Hamerican Gigolo, who made the trip to see us. It was great to meet you! Nice to meet you also,Tom. Also to Paul,who was ever so kind. Super shout out to DaveE. I made the trip to see Super Dave's band,Mothertrucker. Dave played great,but i was very impressed with his rhythm section. It is rare to see players so young who understand that the rhythm section is the most important part of the band. About the show,i didn't see much that i was interested in. Except a gentleman who had a brown Prince- ton behind his table. I asked about the price. No sale. Oh,well. Columbus is a long drive from me,but i still had a good time.
DavidE Posted January 14, 2008 Author Posted January 14, 2008 Thanks for coming out to the show (our first one there.... and it did pick up after you left. I swear!)! And thanks for not laughing at me. ;-) Of course that place is packed wall to wall when Paul plays there. Oh well. I think we'll have more people there next time based on the comments of people who were there, MySpace comments and utter conjecture on my part. That place is really in the middle of nowhere so I'm really impressed that you found it! And I would have put you on the guest list if I knew you were coming. I just realized you probably had to waste $5 to get in. Had I been thinking, I would have bought you a beer. I owe ya one!(Oh, and you missed Marti from Saving Jane sitting in for a couple of tunes.)
hamerican gigolo Posted January 15, 2008 Posted January 15, 2008 It was out in the middle of nowhere. But,no biggie. I called ahead & the bartender gave me excellent directions. I didn't leave early because of you,# 1 i was slightly overdressed. Plus, i didn't really know anybody. Everybody looked at me like i was a cop. I get that everywhere. Oh,well.
DavidE Posted January 15, 2008 Author Posted January 15, 2008 Since it was our first time there, I didn't know anybody either (except the band and Marti of Saving Jane and her husband). We had to make friends in the new to us bar. Based on the comments left on our myspace page, I think they liked us.
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