Anybody got any money left to buy anything after paying the entrance fee ? Did you see anything you didn't see in the retail shops ? Sorry, my mistake the retail shops were there. Audiosure was selling at very good prices so took advantage of that. And to little bass for my liking. Don't think I will go to the next one. What did you guy's think ?

babbalute wrote: Anybody got any money left to buy anything after paying the entrance fee ? Did you see anything you didn't see in the retail shops ? Sorry, my mistake the retail shops were there. Audiosure was selling at very good prices so took advantage of that. And to little bass for my liking. Don't think I will go to the next one. What did you guy's think ?

I wonder how the show specials compared to TOMS braamfontein annual sale specials vs normal-if-you-know-the-shop-people-deals.

I'll be at the next one again.

It was enjoyable enough... It's not too frequent that you get to chat to so many fellow guitar enthusiasts and see so many good players.
I didn't buy anything, but I'm all set for now :?

Either way, I would go again!

Something jogged my memory regarding SAGE

A loonnggg time ago (2013) there was this thread : http://www.guitarforum.co.za/general-discussion/a-possible-south-african-guitar-expo-in-the-future/

Now I thought that the intent behind the the expo was to showcase local builders/luthiers? But checking out some clips and pics of the 2016 show all I see is retailers/distributors showcasing international brands. Always fun to see new gear, but -imho- missing the original intent entirely.

Am I mistaken? Were there a local builders/luthiers represented - if so, who?

Chocklit_Thunda wrote: As for local builders, there was Donmeister guitars in the little room, CraigAmps tucked in a little corner, JP Le Roux, and Luigi Marucci in the acoustic room....

The question is, is there just not enough local talent to expo or was this more a money situation where the local guys couldn't afford a spot? Because certain music stores had massive store areas.

Ahh, thanks for the feedback Chocklit - none of the coverage I saw gave any time to the local builders, it seemed like a NAMM-esque product showcase for commercial gear. And the guy I'd really want to see, Murray Kuhn, wasn't even there...boo!

I think there is enough talent, but perhaps the $/time of putting together a display was prohibitive. Which -imho- it shouldn't be.

When the junkies did a builders day last year and we all brought our amateur creations, much fun was had - Interestingly, the following week we heard from a bunch of local WC builders who asked why we hadn't informed/invited them - it was an omission I'm keen to rectify.

I don't mean to generalize but most expos suck. I have been to 3 expos of different interests in the last year and was disappointed each time, they are generally over priced flea markets. I have never walked away from an expo feeling like it was money well spent. I didn't attend this particular expo but it sounds all too familiar.

G-Man wrote: I don't mean to generalize but most expos suck. I have been to 3 expos of different interests in the last year and was disappointed each time, they are generally over priced flea markets. I have never walked away from an expo feeling like it was money well spent. I didn't attend this particular expo but it sounds all too familiar.

This. Me too.

All to often the big names in industry are present and the little guys get left out because of the insane prices to exhibit. Not for me.

Meron Rigas wrote:
...but -imho- missing the original intent entirely.

And this.

Joe Moore wrote:

G-Man wrote: I don't mean to generalize but most expos suck. I have been to 3 expos of different interests in the last year and was disappointed each time, they are generally over priced flea markets. I have never walked away from an expo feeling like it was money well spent. I didn't attend this particular expo but it sounds all too familiar.

Well , you have actually generalised. :-\
Many , many people were very impressed .
Also , since there hasn't been a recent opportunity in ZA to see all the music gear distributors wares in one place at the same time since the old Rand Show days of the 70's . ?

It was also a great opportunity to meet many friends and aquintences in the industry and also to meet and watch some of the best musicians in the country doing what they do best ....

I know what G-Man is saying, sometimes the media hype far out weighs the actual event! That being said I went last year and the Expo was great. It was wonderful to check out all the guitars and gear. I unfortunately missed out this year but definitely would of gone if I could have.

It wouldn't be possibly without the large retailers. Everyone was in good spirit and it was very enjoyable. Stop making such a faf and just admit you enjoyed it ?

Entrance fee was a bit high for the amount of exhibitors ,but was good none the less

Only problem I had was the lack of advertising
They have a facebook page that they updated like 4 times
Many people me included asked for a list of exhibitors but no reply

Also the venue could have been a bit bigger


But would go again next year