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I just found out at the start of this week that I now have a spot to exhibit my guitars at Montreal. I put my name on a waiting list months ago and I had given up hope on getting in this year. So I'm super exited that I have got in, but I'm going to be scrambling to be ready. I have a room booked and now the big task is to quickly build some demo guitars so that I have something to show.

Does anyone who was there last year have some tips they would like to pass along. I often exhibited at smaller shows and music festivals but nothing this big. Any tips or suggestions in regards to the whole Montreal guitar show experience would be great.

Thanks, and I'm really looking forward to meeting all you OLFers who will be there.

Josh

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Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
https://www.facebook.com/canadianluthiersupply?ref=hl
House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

Hi Josh,

I have never exhibited at the Montreal show, but my experience at Healdsburg and Miami tells me that "Cutaways" are a good bet.

Also, since your guitars will be held up in the same light as some of the best in the business, make sure they are tight! Perfect fit and finish and playability are paramount.
The last thing you want to do is hand off a guitar to someone for a test run and feel like you need to make some excuse for a poorly fitting joint or finish blemish. Please know that I am not assuming your guitars are anything less than excellent, this is just an FYI.

Bring the standard stuff, business cards, maybe tee shirts to give to prospects. Those Hercules stands are just the best, they are safe and easy, great for shows. Plan to stand all day and wear comfortable shoes and drink plenty of water

One other thing that I have noticed, two gutars on a table looks a little empty, four fills a table to the point of not being able to put much promo material on it, so in my opinion three guitars are prob a good bet. This of course all depends on (what) type of tables are used.

Other than that, plan to have a super great time!
See you there!

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Hi Josh
Look forward to meeting you at the show.

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Hey Josh, great to hear you got in! See you there! Dea and I are staying for three days at the Marriot, taking in the guitars, workshops, et al.

Don't make a blue guitar - you risk getting slapped by the missus!

Lance,

Those tips are helpful. I'm heading out to my shop today to see what wood I have in stock and figure out what I am going to build. I'm going to try and get three new guitars done for the show. I'm not sure if it is possible as I have other customers guitars already on the go, but I'll do what I can. I'm going to keep these guitars simple do to the short amount of time I have to build them. I'll probably do a GA cutaway, as well as an OM and L00 non cutaways. My guess is that you are right about 3 guitars being the ideal number to show. I just received my contract this morning and it said that the tables are 6 ft long. That only leaves 2 ft per guitar. And I'll be sure to pick up some of the Hercules stands. I've been meaning to get some for a while anyway.

It will be good to see you again Warren. It has been a while. And I'm looking forward to meeting you Bob.

Josh

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Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
https://www.facebook.com/canadianluthiersupply?ref=hl
House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

I've done Healdsburg and Newport, and this one is the best run of them all. You're going to love it.

Last year not all of the booths had electricity, although most did. If you have some sort of slide show, as many do, consider transfering it off your laptop onto a digital picture frame. I got one last year for under $100. They run off a 'wall wart' or 12 volts, so you could work up a battery pack that would do the trick. It's also nice not to have to worry about your laptop being liberated.

The lighting was better then most shows, but if you wanted to bring a light it mightn't hurt, subject, of course, to having acces to the juice to feed it. I don't think they'd go for a kerosene lamp.

They had a break room, complete with munchies, and a crew of folks who came around with water bottles and as relief from time to time. The sound booths make it nice for folks trying out instruments, too.

Don't bother going out for dinner before the party: they put out a good spread.

See you there!

Hey Alan,

Great tip with the digital photo frames. I've alwyas had a few pictures to set on my table when at shows, but they take up room and I can only put out 3 or 4. This is a way better idea.

I also got someone lined up today to do my mini concert. So that is one more detail taken care of. All I need to do now is make a few guitars.

Josh

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Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
https://www.facebook.com/canadianluthiersupply?ref=hl
House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

Speaking of mini concerts
John Creech will be doing mine and Brocks and he is availiable for anyone else
in need. The guy is fantastic!
His email is pharmboycu@yahoo.com
Contact him in advance if you would like to have him be your player.

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Support the OLF! Bookmark our STEWMAC link Today!
Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Ken Bonfield, a really fine fingerstyle player, will be doing my concert, and is also available to do others.