Saturday 15 March 2008
The international music fair in Frankfurt is massive. Musical instrument manufacturers come from all over the world to present their wares. Several huge hanger-like halls are spread over Frankfurt's trade fair ('messe') grounds. Level two of one hall was dedicated solely to wind instruments. Each manufacturer presented their instruments and other products on seperate stands.
The fair had been open for business since Wednesday, but today it was open to the public. Despite the 29 Euro adult entrance ticket hordes of people flooded the site, confirming that music is one of the biggest draws there is.
The wind instrument hall was resounding with horns, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets and the steady buzz of voices. Players of all levels were welcome to try out any instrument on offer. The hall dedicated to strings was a little quieter and more civilized. Various classical dities faded into and out of earshot.
The rock music instruments were clearly the biggest attraction. Hundreds of groups of 'alternative' youth skulked around in drainpipes and assorted stripey/chequered garments. Well cool.
I have to admit, that I was here for the rock and guitars too.
Furch, a Czech guitar manufacturer, had a stand in the same place as last year. Again I was blown away by the quality of their beautifully crafted acoustics. But a lovely hollow-body pure cedar arch-top stole my jazzy heart.
A super-white pointy Les Paul-like Washburn guitar was simply awesome to play. My hopes were dashed though, when I found out it cost over 2,000 euros.
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