The Holy Grail Guitar Show in Berlin is the premiere guitar luthier exhibition in the world. This year’s event was held on October 8-9 at the Estrel Hotel in Berlin. In its third year, it symbolises artisanal guitar making and luthiery at its finest.
With over 135 exhibitors spanning the globe, it is impossible to showcase the sheer talent of all these wonderful luthiers, so here’s a sample of some of the amazing guitars I saw at the show.
For more in-depth photos and videos, etc. see: https://www.facebook.com/holygrailguitarshow/
Close to the Estrel, and epitomizing the weather in Berlin
The Estrel, Berlin
The entrance to the HGGS Exhibition, 30 minutes before the show opening
Peter Malinoski and his funky, colorful guitars
JJ Guitars
Jokerguitars
Baccus Guitars
Helliver Guitars
Hans Guitars
Kostal Guitars
Jeffrey Yong Guitars. Top, back and sides are Mango!
Isaac Jang Guitars. Isaac is a really cool cat and his guitars had great clarity.
Maestro Guitars from Singapore.
Southwell Guitars. The back and sides are several thousands year old English Bog Oak.
Benoit Lavoie Guitars. Benoit is a really nice fellow, and his guitars are phenomenal.
O3 Guitars and Basses
OD Guitars. I played the blue guitar in a demo booth and it was a sweet 7-string. Great for shredding.
Sankey Guitars. Mike makes great, avant garde, innovative guitars. I especially like his headless guitars.
Michael Sankey’s guitar made for the Local Woods Challenge — Nightflight. The guitar has no bracing as the neck is connected to a block and also a piece that extends to the tailpiece. It’s really light and has incredible clarity.
Stratmann originals
Claudio Pagelli. These are known as functional art — and it shows in the pricing!
Michael Spalt. Functional art!
Zerberus Guitars. These guitars feature thin stone tops!
Negrini Guitars. For the metal-minded.
Chris Larkin