Healdsburg Guitar Festival

[Coolius]

Is anyone thinking of going to this event, held in Santa Rosa, CA, in August 2007?

Will the Taylor folks be there? I sure would like to take my guitar for a clinical checkup and reset.....

Its in my neck of the woods.


C

[Livingston]

Ah, is it next summer??? So far, something has come up every other year keeping me from being able to attend. I'm hoping to make it there this year.

Thanks for the early heads up.

[fitness1]

Will the Taylor folks be there?


C

I don't think they are normally exhibiting....for a taste of the quality of builders you will find there, here's the 2005 exhibitors list...

http://www.lmii.com/Festival2005/Exhibitors.asp

[ljguitar]

Is anyone thinking of going to this event, held in Santa Rosa, CA, in August 2007?

Will the Taylor folks be there? I sure would like to take my guitar for a clinical checkup and reset.....

Its in my neck of the woods.
Hi Coolius...
Last time (2005) it consisted of a daily show by about 130 luthiers with over 600 hand built guitars to display plus inlay artists, etc who attended as sponsors, and a couple thousand (it seemed) viewers each day.

These guitars were played for 20 minutes at a time in a small auditorium (mini concerts), and I spent a few hours there listening to some fabulous players and guitars.

They also had 90 minute workshops by Paul Asbell, Muriel Anderson, Michael Chapdelaine etc for attendees. And in the evening they had larger concerts by some pretty impressive artists which were great as well.

Taylor, Gibson and Martin were not there as sponsors or displayers, and I'm not sure they were invited. Your guitar can get a really thorough and decent checkup from a local luthier or setup person in your area. No need to wait till next August.

Now to your question...I am planning on attending again. It was a hoot last time, and should be again.

[Thin Crust]

I'll be there. I'm taking delivery of my new Paragon OM at the festival. As for Taylor, best to check them out at NAMM. Healdsburg is more for the small builder.

[fitness1]

I don't think my bank account would let me go......

[Surreal McCoy]

Taylor, Gibson and Martin were not there as sponsors or displayers, and I'm not sure they were invited.


Not even smaller boutique builders like Collings, Santa Cruz, or Goodall are included. You will however be able to experience some of the most unique and amazing single luthier offerings available anywhere! I definitely will be there! Wouldn't miss this opportunity for anything! ;)

[Rejoice Music]

I believe that the criteria for the builders to have their displays at Healdsburg, includes having no more than 2 or 3 employees. This show is for the very small builders, and for handbuilt guitars only. No Collings, Goodall, Santa Cruz, who have more than this, and definitely not Taylor, Martin, etc., as they are all mcuh larger companies.

I have only attended once (in '03), and I have to say that it was an excellent experience, and one that I hope to have again in '07. Some of the most beautiful looking and sounding guitars I have ever imagined were there. Too many to play....it was like guitar heaven.

The guitarists who played these guitars were worth the trip alone just to listen to. :)

However, Bob Taylor was once very involved in this festival. Must have been in the early days of Taylor when there were only a small handful of builders. According to some of the builders there, he was very influential in the development of the festival and the craft itself, as we know it today.

[Thin Crust]

Hey Alan............you seemed to like my MJ. Wanna be the second person to play the OM? ;)

[Surreal McCoy]

Hey Alan............you seemed to like my MJ. Wanna be the second person to play the OM? ;)



You're on, John.......I'll gladly take you up on this great opportunity!

Where do I sign up..? :D

[Thin Crust]

No need to sign up Alan. As complimentary as you were at LB Jam, I put your name top on the list when I found out the guitar would be at Healdsburg. ;)

[Surreal McCoy]

No need to sign up Alan. As complimentary as you were at LB Jam, I put your name top on the list when I found out the guitar would be at Healdsburg. ;)

That's very cool, John! Thank you! I guess visiting Mr. Bustos will be taking first priority for me...... Can't wait.........:D

[wthurman]

I went in 2005. It's unlikely I'll make it for 2007. :(

[Guyute]

Too bad, Wade. I guess that's one of the advantages of living in NorCal. It's driving distance for me :)

If you can make it, consider yourself invited to crash at my place!

[Raystrack]

Are you able to buy guitars there or only place orders? I've seen it mentioned so much I'm seriously thinking of coming over.

[Surreal McCoy]

Are you able to buy guitars there or only place orders? I've seen it mentioned so much I'm seriously thinking of coming over.


You can most certainly purchase instruments there that aren't already sold.:)

[wthurman]

I'd like to go... by the time it happens I should have people I owe money to paid back (this has been the year of humility for me) and even have a possible guitar in the works. Who knows what the future holds.

No, Taylor will not be there. You want Taylor, go to a clinic or NAMM. You want amazing guitars and a mind expanding experience, go to Healdsburg.

[Rejoice Music]

No, Taylor will not be there. You want Taylor, go to a clinic or NAMM. You want amazing guitars and a mind expanding experience, go to Healdsburg.

Aw c'mon, Wade. Taylor makes some amazing guitars also, even though they are not at Healdsburg. If I didn't know you better, I might have thought this was a put down on Taylors and other fine factory guitars. ;)

[safricanplayer]

I plan on making the trip..

First on my "to do" list, will be meeting Tim Mcknight, the builder of my soon to be arriving Slope Dred. Meeting the "Mrs" should also be a treat, as I've thoroughly enjoyed my interaction with Mary over the last year.

Staking out Lance Kragenbrink will be item #2, as I'm scheduled to have Lance start me a build shortly after Healdsburg.

In addition, I'm looking forward to meeting many of the fine folks who frequent this and the APM forum, as well as enjoying listening to some truly talented players.

This will be my first festival, and I'm really looking forward to it.

Ray

[wthurman]

Aw c'mon, Wade. Taylor makes some amazing guitars also, even though they are not at Healdsburg. If I didn't know you better, I might have thought this was a put down on Taylors and other fine factory guitars. ;)It's not a put-down, but it's certainly different than going to a clinic or to NAMM... it's like the difference between going to see incredible street performers, many of whom (but not all of whom) have honed their craft and artistry, or "Holiday on Ice"... both can be amazing, but the street performers do things you'll never see at the Big Shew. ;)

[L Kragenbrink]

My wife Theresa and I will be going, we will be showing and delivering four guitars. This will be my first time out there and first time showing at this festival. I am very excited to both show my guitars as well as meet face to face a whole bunch of gals and guys that I have known via email and forums like this one for years!

I suspect it will be a blast!