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MH: Mark, give us a brief history of the Central
States Guitar Show and how it originated.
MB: Jim Colclasure, known in the vintage guitar world, and I
owner ofBentley Guitar Studios wanted to continue seeing a show
produced in the KC area. We realized that together we had the resources
to put one together. Previously a show was held in KC for the last
10 years but the producer retired.
MH: This years show is being moved to a larger location.
Tell us about the new facility and how this will benefit the show.
MB: Actually, the new facility is slightly smaller. The facility
is the American Legion Hall on Highway 40 in Independence. We moved
the venue to have better lighting and an indoor snack bar. The last
location could never resolve the problem of bad lighting and when
you are looking over vintage guitars etc. you want to be able to
see them well. We listened to several of the dealers and the publics'
ideas and the one thing they most requested was a nice bright hall
to view and look over the instruments.
MH: How many dealers do you anticipate exhibiting at this
years show? Tell us a bit about the products that will be offered
at the show?
MB: We have room for about 30-32 dealers. A few will be repair
specialists. A guitar repairman who also specializes in customization,
and a good amp repair shop, which is hard to find. We also have
a dealer who specializes in Hofner guitars and basses. A few dealers
will specialize in acoustic and folk instruments and most will have
a wide variety of pro quality electrics and amps.
MH: Any special attractions you have planned for this years
show?
MB: I believe this show will have a lot of good basic equipment
at good prices. The KC area has seen several music stores close
over the last year including Mars Music. The show should be exciting
and we really never know what some of the dealers will bring or
what may walk in the door for sale.
MH: Jim Colclasure will be displaying a few of the worlds
most sought after vintage pieces at the show. Tell us a bit about
that collection?
MB: He does have a few very unusual pieces, but this show will
have an emphasis on all the other dealers. Since we have a few less
booths available all the space will be devoted to the dealers and
their instruments. Also, a few dealers will be there only to buy.
There will be a few from Japan, two from Chicago and possibly a
few more. This will be a good show to get a good price for your
guitar and gear.
MH: What has the public attendance been for past shows? What
do you anticipate for attendance at this years show?
MB: We have done 3 shows in the last 2 1/2 years and attendance
has been from 800 to 650 for any one-day show. Since it has been
almost a year since our last show and also because of the store
closings I mentioned above, we expect closer to the 800 mark at
this show. The Internet and places like Ebay have an effect on show
attendance but guitarists' just love to see,
hear, play, and pet the real thing.
MH: What do you feel will be unique about this years show?
MB: I would say just on what the actual dealers bring to show/sell
and also buying and trading for what gear walks in the door. Since
it is a one-day show we feel most people will come ready to make
deals and bring their trades with them.
MH: What are your continued plans for the "Central States
Guitar Show" in the next few years?
MB: We are going to plan on one show a year for now. Also, as
owner of Bentley Guitar studios I plan on doing an annual summer
"Swap and Shop" starting this summer. I hope it will appeal
to a lot of the same people who go to guitar shows.
-Mark
Bentley Guitar Studios - Vintage Guitars, Use...
122 S. Main St.
Parkville, MO 64152
816-746-9772
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