First time to a guitar show. Any tips?

ktll4c91

Just found out that the Bristol guitar show is coming up in two weeks. I'm very interested in attending the event. Any tips and tricks for a first time visitor to events like this?

What to look out for regarding purchase and trade at the event? Is there any reason to bring a guitar? Earplugs? I don't have a car btw. Local specific tips, i.e. food/drink recommendation, transportations, etc. also welcome.

Thanks!

guitars4you

Food n drink on site based on last year was poor - I exhibit at many shows and it does vary from venue to venue but Bristol is poor - There is a cafe/shop next to the club shop but it doesn't tend to be open - But there is a Costa and I think a couple of other fast food options within a 5 min walk - Think the club bar area is/was open - I'll check with the show organisers and update - Update - Bar area is open and will sell sandwiches, pies/pasties, drinks + alcohol + tea/coffee

Can't help you on transport as I don't know but hopefully others will club in with comments

Most stores will take card payment and cash as suits you - be it strings or a Custom Shop LP

No need for ear plugs - there is some noise but not regular and excessive - By and late it is fairly well controlled at this show - Plus 2/3 rooms so you can nip out for a rest if required

No need to bring a guitar, unless you are on about selling or trading it 

There will be a demo room throughout the day with various clinics - I've not looked what is on yet as I barely ever see them - Think upstairs - But otherwise walk round and chat - Not heard anything ye but sometimes other FB members arrange to meet up every so often at a particular place to say hi etc 

Enjoy the day and ask if you have questions - There will be guitars, amps, pedals, spares accessories - New and used plus many UK custom luthiers etc - I dare say around a 1000 guitars on display in some guise or another 

Winny_Pooh

It's fun to look at things you'd never normally encounter. The environment might be too loud or different to you home amp/pedals setup to properly evaluate things tonally, so anything you buy be prepared to have it not be a forever purchase. 

NorthernStomps

I'd agree with everything Mark @guitars4you has said above. Only caveat is that if you're a lefty and want to try amps or pedals, yes you will need to bring a guitar!

Enjoy the day.

TDubs

ktll4c91 said:

Just found out that the Bristol guitar show is coming up in two weeks. I'm very interested in attending the event. Any tips and tricks for a first time visitor to events like this?

What to look out for regarding purchase and trade at the event? Is there any reason to bring a guitar? Earplugs? I don't have a car btw. Local specific tips, i.e. food/drink recommendation, transportations, etc. also welcome.

Thanks!

Leave your wallet, credit card, behind. Delete all banking apps off of your phone 

Devil#20

guitars4you said:

No need for ear plugs - there is some noise but not regular and excessive - By and late it is fairly well controlled at this show - Plus 2/3 rooms so you can nip out for a rest if required

No need to bring a guitar, unless you are on about selling or trading it 

There will be a demo room throughout the day with various clinics - I've not looked what is on yet as I barely ever see them - Think upstairs - But otherwise walk round and chat - Not heard anything ye but sometimes other FB members arrange to meet up every so often at a particular place to say hi etc 

Been to the Haydock one a couple of times. I thought they have a quiet half hour every so often. Few live bands on. Entrance fee puts you in the hat for a guitar raffle usually. It's quite good to meet the odd fretboarder. I've met your good self and @CountryDave and a few others by chance. 

Schnozz

When you start playing, don't be afraid to expose yourself - You've paid to be there.

NorthernStomps

Schnozz said:

When you start playing, don't be afraid to expose yourself - You've paid to be there.

I'd check with the organisers before exposing yourself.

Offset

Advice?  Leave your wallet at home and only take enough cash for a sarnie and a coffee.

BillDL

Offset said:

Advice?  Leave your wallet at home and only take enough cash for a sarnie and a coffee.

In some places that could actually be half the price of a new guitar, so I would say bring a flask of good wholesome soup for lunch and spend what you have saved buying accessories 

dazzajl

ktll4c91 said:

I don't have a car btw.

This could be your make to next month still afloat card. 

BillDL

Transport?  I would say if you all converge on @Offset 's house around 05:30 he will ferry you in groups to the show in shuttle runs for a moderate fee.

maltingsaudio

Ashton gate football stadium should  e on a bus route from the city centre. It's all fairly laid back at the show just pace yourself and don't buy the first guitar you see! 
Do check out the upstairs live demos and say hello to the sound engineer he's a nice bloke!

guitars4you

maltingsaudio said:

Ashton gate football stadium should  e on a bus route from the city centre. It's all fairly laid back at the show just pace yourself and don't buy the first guitar you see! 
Do check out the upstairs live demos and say hello to the sound engineer he's a nice bloke!

Are they not meant to buy the sound engineer a tea or coffee 

Sporky

Remember to dress up for the costume parade. 

InactiveX

Grab the free stuff.

maltingsaudio

guitars4you said:

maltingsaudio said:

Ashton gate football stadium should  e on a bus route from the city centre. It's all fairly laid back at the show just pace yourself and don't buy the first guitar you see! 
Do check out the upstairs live demos and say hello to the sound engineer he's a nice bloke!

Are they not meant to buy the sound engineer a tea or coffee 

That gets a wisdom!

guitars4you

maltingsaudio said:

guitars4you said:

maltingsaudio said:

Ashton gate football stadium should  e on a bus route from the city centre. It's all fairly laid back at the show just pace yourself and don't buy the first guitar you see! 
Do check out the upstairs live demos and say hello to the sound engineer he's a nice bloke!

Are they not meant to buy the sound engineer a tea or coffee 

That gets a wisdom!

would prefer a cup of tea - early afternoon

DesVegas

My only advice is to take three empty guitar cases and go fill them and enjoy yourself

Keefy

On site coffee is shite.

Have an idea of what you ‘d like, but be open to an ad hoc purchase if you can afford it.

hassleham

The one thing I would say is to not be afraid to haggle. 

I’ve done shows before as a visitor but i’ve also done a few where i’ve paid for a table to try and clear out some stuff, and i find it crazy how people will look intently at what you’re selling but so often seem put off at the price and won’t bother even attempting a haggle, like they’re too shy or embarrassed to ask if you can do better on the price.

I did a show a couple years ago where the only two things i sold were two items i haggled on. I bought more stuff than i sold on that day so the wife wasn’t very impressed.. fun day out though!

Oh and i’ve also bought a fair bit of stuff through haggling with people at shows, and some dealers have straight up offered to take a lower price for things even just after a short, friendly conversation about them, so they’re definitely keen to work with buyers.

Enjoy