Tell us about the motivation behind setting up the Melbourne Guitar Show.
The guitar is the world’s most popular instrument and we want to celebrate it. The members of the Australian Music Association want to inspire and excite the public about playing music, by presenting the best products, the biggest brands and the best players all under one roof. I have organised seven guitar shows over the last couple of decades and I know the vibe that is created by getting the Melbourne Guitar Community together.
What is your history with the instrument?
I got my first guitar as a teenager and I still love playing it, but the bass has been my lifetime (so far) passion. I still play professionally and regularly. The 1973 Fender Jazz is my favourite, but I love a 1980 P Bass Special, a Noyce Dolphin 5-string, a Music Man Stingray and a Taylor AB1 acoustic as well.
Who is the event aimed at?
Our show is aimed at guitar (and ukulele) enthusiasts who want to see, try and buy the latest guitar products as well as some interesting vintage items. It will be the biggest pop-up guitar store in the southern hemisphere – open for business for one weekend only this year – for anyone who’s into guitars, this is the event for them. Music lovers will also love the Melbourne Guitar Show with a killer lineup of players performing all weekend on two stages, in many different guitar styles and genres. There will also be two workshop stages, free lessons, tips and tricks from the professionals. From beginners to professionals – there will be something for everyone.
How many exhibitors will be there?
We’ll have about 50 exhibitors among them, the major suppliers and brands, local and interstate retailers, local guitar and ukulele makers, local custom amp makers and a decent collection of vintage to see and buy. All our major players in the Australian guitar industry will be represented at the show.
What sort of performances and special guests can we look forward to?
The Melbourne Guitar Show will host the best of the local guitar scene. There are multi-award winners and superb up-and-comers in our lineup of artists. There’s something for all guitar and traditional music lovers. From Jeff Lang, Lloyd Spiegel and Fiona Boyes, to Racer Axe, Nat Allison and King of the North, Wayne Jones, The Davidson Brothers, Geoff Achison and Jimi Hocking – a lineup of performances and clinicians not seen at a Melbourne guitar show before.
What educational workshops and seminars are available?
There is a great opportunity to learn stuff from our clinicians – all weekend there’ll be product clinics and workshops featuring the likes of Steve Mackay, Brett Kingman, Phil Ceberano, Jimi Hocking, Marcel Yammouni, Shannon Bourne, Lloyd Spiegel, James Ryan, Simon Hosford and many more. You can get a free lesson, tip or trick from Professor Guitar at regular sessions over the weekend.
What can prospective players expect to learn over the weekend?
They can see first-hand how the professionals do it – both in performance and in clinics and seminars – they have the opportunity to learn from the best. There’ll be several guitar technology sessions, how to get great tone, cutting edge amp technology and talking boutique pedals. They might see what goes into building a guitar or learn about how to play a style like metal or bluegrass.
What type of products will be available and can punters expect a good deal?
There will be guitars at the event that punters might have only seen online, or who knows, maybe even the world. The exhibitors will be dealing on the weekend. There will be amps, FX and accessories, print and learning resources. There’ll be a group of Australian makers of fine instruments and custom amplifiers. And there’ll be a fine collection of vintage instruments and amps, including a 65 Hofner Beatle Bass Signed by Sir Paul, a rare Rose Morris 12 string Rickenbacker used by George Harrison on the 64 Beatles tour and a rare 1952 Fender Telecaster to name just a few.
What are the dates and times?
Saturday and Sunday August 8 & 9 – 10am to 6pm both days.
Where is the venue?
Caulfield Racecourse, located 13kms from Melbourne’s CBD – parking at the racecourse is free and public transport will be running on the day. We’ll be using two levels for exhibition and performances and clinics.
How much are the tickets?
$20 on the door (or cheaper via our website) with concessions and family prices available. If you come on Saturday, your wristband is good for a Sunday visit also. Once you’re in, all activities are free, so you won’t get better value for $20 anywhere.
