Hi "Cumbrian" - must agree some of the shows tend to be over the top with electric cacophony, but there's usually a corner to try out the acoustics, especially at Manchester.

As a bit of a guitar hoarder (111 at the last count)I was pleased to see a few new "faces" and had fun with the Sagitarius(sic) guitars (and found that the stall holder was from up the road in Fleetwood) I'm sure one will be added to the collection, once I see what else they have to offer (being my birth sign as well might have influenced me).

Certainly the two I played were well made, and excellent value for the money asked!

Roger's stall (Fylde) as usual had a nice display (which was yours?), but having seen him at Fylde Folk Festival it was the 8 string that really stood out.

Had a look at a couple of Martins, but nothing took me by surprise, most of the rest was pretty standard, except for the "dobros" which although not my style of playing, impressed me on design, originality and quality, very little else inspired me.

With a larger venue and kept to acoustic instruments, it could progress to being a good show, but as it was I would find it hard to recommend to friends for a good day out.

PB