Shop ’til you drop: a bluegrass postcard from Raleigh
Most of the musicians I know would rather browse a music store than do any other kind of shopping. Now, imagine a couple thousand musical thrill-seekers in this shopping mecca: The IBMA Trade Show. My words are inadequate without the pictures, so I’ll let them do most of the talking:
So many banjos! This is the Deering Banjo Company display at the Raleigh Convention Center, where the International Bluegrass Association is meeting all week.
Stelling Banjos, another pillar of the banjo community.
Instrument straps by the hundreds…
High tech flat picks….
-and high end guitars.
Accessories of every kind: capos, strings, tuners, straps, stands, and so much more.
Pick your case….
How about a dobro to go with that new case?
Fine mandolins by dozen here.
Beautiful banjos, hand-made in the Czech Republic.
-how about this electric double cutaway banjo? It’s also handmade in the Czech Republic – by this man.
Electric violins.
Martin guitars now offers artwork on their new instruments.
How about some high technology that fits in your ear? This is a demo for an ear monitor system – so musicians can hear themselves on stage, regardless of the level of background noise.
… and custom earplugs – for when you’ve heard enough.
Beautiful banjos….
-and gorgeous guitars.
Most musicians feel a special attachment to their instrument, and wouldn’t part with it for any price, but this show is an opportunity to browse the best bluegrass instruments in the world. A window-shopper’s paradise. Wish you were here!
