I used to go to those shows quite regularly and have bought and sold thousands of guitars there and elsewhere. Since the 70’s.
It just doesn’t quite grab me the way it used to. Oh sure, the older ones I used to drool over, I still can drool over. But my reaction isn’t “I want that”. I’ve sold all but one of vintage collection. I hate to say it, but excluding the vibe and probably excluding some of the pickup character (for electrics) an electric guitar is largely a mechanical device and a new one will fret 100x better, stay in tune 100x better, and not give you a heart attack should you bring it out to play somewhere.
Agree... have numerous guitars including a couple of old Strats. But I also have a late model American made Strat Delux. Maple neck, sunburst. What an incredible instrument.
I sometimes go to the Cleveland Guitar Show, and have bought guitars there. But it ain’t what it used to be.
I have a couple dozen instruments, including a couple banjos; a Vega Tubaphone Tenor, and a circa 1895/1900 6-string banjo which is great for fingerpicking Ragtime. Gotta start thinning the herd, but will definitely keep my ‘57 LP Blue Strat!
” not give you a heart attack should you bring it out to play somewhere”. LOL! Yup. Last Wednesday I went to an open jam (which I do too frequently) and took my ‘82 Fullerton, big head, hardtail, blackout, maple fingerboard Strat which is an 8 out of 10 and failed to make sure the upper strap lock was fully engaged. I took my hand off the neck and it hit the floor quicker than I could say WHAT THE....... Lucky for me it only knocked it out of tune and no damage otherwise. WHEW! First time in 54 years I have ever dropped a guitar.
I used a stick on pickup for my Spanish Classic for years. Sounded good through a good amp. Don’t play for anyone but myself anymore, so I can’t even find that pickup. I think I gave it away a few years ago.