How is Philadelphia Guitar Show These Days?

[Amp360]

I have sold about $8,000 worth of guitars I haven't been playing over the past few months and maybe $3000 more that I will be listing shortly. A couple of years ago, I did the same and flew down to Dallas and bought a beautiful ES-355 that had been repaired. I enjoyed the experience but didn't enjoy Dallas all that much.

I was looking for an ES-345 or 355 when I went to Dallas. This time I'm most likely looking for a nice Les Paul that I can bring out to play. Despite living in a decent area there aren't a ton of stores like there used to be. I know there are online stores but a lot of them seem overpriced, and I don't like haggling over the phone or via email. I enjoyed this aspect of the show, plus it was fun to see so many cool guitars in one place.

I remember hearing great things about Philadelphia and am considering heading to that show in November. I was wondering if anyone here goes or knows if it's worth checking out.

Thanks!

 

[gibson-r8]

Hope someone with a real knowledge steps in and helps. But from previous years discussion on this forum, the Philly show is the best of the rest (Arlington rules). In Fact, when is it? I need to spend a trip to Philadelphia….

 

[Amp360]

That’s how I remember it being years ago. It’s November 5 iirc

 

[Putty]

It's November 5 & 6. I haven't been to it in about 3-4 years, and it's the only guitar show I have been to so I'm not sure that my opinion matters, but I really love it. I have purchased a few guitars there and have always been able to find a good deal. Tons of inventory, in my humble opinion.

 

[uOpt]

The summer one was more like a flea market. Very few guitars with attractive pricing. Really lame food and drink.

 

[Amp360]

Ugh doesn’t sound good. Thanks!

 

[garywright]

I haven’t been to the Philly show for 20 years and haven’t missed it

 

[Amp360]

Decided to check it out. It will be my first long trip in a Tesla so it’s a good excuse. When the time comes I’ll post some pictures!

 

[8ohms]

Seems like everything is still way over priced these days. Good deals are few and far between. There are many guitars I’d like to own, but if it isn’t a necessity and let’s face it, it never really is. I’m keeping the GAS at bay. For now. 🧐

 

[Amp360]

Im going more for the experience. I don’t really go to a ton of guitar stores so it’s something fun to do.

 

[Steve Craw]

I've been going to Philly since 1995, and I've seen it shrink, then get big again, then shrink again. The summer show is usually less interesting than the fall show, and I'd go on a Saturday, as Sunday the dealers seem to just want to go home, and lots of them leave early. Not sure if I'll make it this November, we are looking after my mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer's, so don't stray far from home. I hope someone here will go and let us know if it would worth the 5 1/2 hour drive.
.

 

[Amp360]

Crazy man, I'm going to head out and I'll let you guys know how it goes!