Lovers of finely handcrafted guitars in all styles and genres descended on this year’s Melbourne Guitar Makers Festival. Held at the Abbotsleigh Convent from October 10–11, the main display by around 32 makers took up an L-shaped area that also had a stage at the far end.
The festival is organised by the Melbourne Guitar Makers Guild and a team of volunteers. It is funded by the makers and through admission fees. This is the 5th edition of the festival, the first being in 2009. The stated aims of the festival are to build a community, raise makers' profiles and provide a venue where makers, players and prospective buyers may meet to enjoy and learn more about the crafts of making and playing guitars. To this observer at least they well and truly succeeded in all counts.
When we visited it was packed with people, and apparently attendances were higher the day before! The exhibitors found themselves literally mobbed by slow moving hordes who seemed just as passionate and appreciative of finely handcrafted instruments as they were.
Also on offer at scheduled times on both days were performances, guitar players’ and guitar makers’ workshops. From heavy metal, to blues and roots, to lap slide, to classical and folk and more, a huge variety of classical and innovative instruments were on show for people to order off the floor or commission customised versions.
If you get a chance to visit next year take up the opportunity. More information at www.guitarmakers.com.au
Photos by Linda Nathan. Hover over the images to see some details and web contacts, or click on one to then arrow through.