I can’t go to Winter NAMM.  But each year I do attend the Orlando International Guitar Convention, and it’s always a blast.

Here are some general observations from this year’s conference:

  1. There are a lot of used MIM Strats on the market, and they’re selling in the $350-$375 range.  I think the used MIM Strat remains the best deal in the $300 range.
  2. The used Epiphone Les Paul market is similar – they ranged from $250 to about $650.
  3. There are also plenty of used Gibson Les Paul Tributes and Studios, and they ranged from $500 to $800.  If you want a Gibson Les Paul, you can get one in that price range.
  4. The used pedal market has seen a massive price surge since 4 years ago.  All the pedals I saw were marked relatively high, meaning they were about as high as what you’d find in the used section of your local Guitar Center.
  5. There were more guitar builders this year than in the past two years.
  6. The attendees of the show were probably 90% male.
  7. There were more acoustic guitars this year than last.
  8. I got the italian sausage at the food truck, and it was awful.
  9. I saw a bizzaro Gibson SG that was super, super budget.  I think it was some special thing made for Sweetwater.  The guy selling it wanted $399, making it the cheapest Gibson in the building.  It sold pretty quickly.
  10. Guitar Center showed up but their cheapest guitar was I think around $2,500, and they were all brand new.  I don’t think GC really understood the type of people going to the conference.
  11. Most of the participants were just like me – over 40, white, and looking to score a really great deal for not a lot of money.

To the left is an example of the various MIM Strats you might find.  As I said above, the MIM Strat is the king of the used $300 guitar market.  They’re easy to find, easy to mod, good enough to play on any stage or in any studio (if you swap the pickups) and they feel pretty good to play.

My score was a used PRS S2 Standard 24 Satin for around $500.  About half of what they go for new (in some places.  It’s possible to get these brand new for $799 if you really shop around.)  I also considered a Gibson Les Paul 60’s Tribute for around $550 and a Gibson SG with binding for $799.  Both good deals, but I’m not a big fan of the SG, and I already have two GLP Tributes.  There was also a used Line 6 M5 pedal for $79, which I should have bought.

The Amp Shop was there, as they are every year, and because I’m the Budget Guitarist, I have to keep on walking when I hit his booth – the cheapest amp he has was a little tweed Champ clone with 8 inch speaker for $700.  I don’t play 8 inch speakers.  I don’t even like 10 inch speakers.  Unfortunately for my close-minded bias (no pun intended) I happened to walk by when some dude was playing through the little Champ clone and it sounded AMAZING.  John Schuske is the man behind The Amp Shop and I’ve talked to him before.  He’s the real deal.  Great guy, repairs and builds amps, and knows tone.  His amp prices are higher than their brand new Fender counterparts, but I’m here to tell you that they’re way, way better than the actual Fenders.  Check him out at: https://www.theampshop.com/custom-built-amps

 

I had a nice little talk with Michael Anderberg of Anderberg Guitars.  Mostly it consisted of me trying not to drool on his guitars and him being cool.  Again, way out of my budget, but Michael’s guitars are insanely well made and beautiful.  You have to see them in person because pics don’t do them justice.  Michael is a really nice guy and he knows his stuff.  As far as I can tell, Michael doesn’t have a website – just a Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/anderberguitars/

Hey Michael, if you’re reading this, and you want a kick ass website, email me!

Here’s a weird one from Gibson – an SG made in 1972.  What the fuck was Gibson thinking?  It’s like the unwanted child of a SG and a Tele.

The convention is always a lot of fun.  Now I need to start saving money to bring with me next year…