Amigo Guitar Show This Weekend (and I'm bringing three guitars to sell)

[Dana_V]

Amigo Guitar Show - Mesquite (formerly Guitarlington), Saturday, October 18, Mesquite, Texas.

Anyone else going?

I'll be there with my daughter again. 

 

And this time I'm gonna be doing something I've never attempted before: bringing guitars to (try to) sell.

2013 Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro, Goldtop
2013 Ibanez S770PB, Poplar Burl Natural Flat
2013 ESP LTD EC1000 Deluxe, Goldburst

They're all in excellent condition with hardly any wear at all.

Here's my plan:

All three are in hard cases, so I'm going to put them on a small cart and attach a sign to the front of the cart with year, make/model and color.

I'm thinking I WON'T put prices on the sign, thereby leaving it open to negotiation.

I checked Reverb and eBay for SOLD prices (not asking prices) over the last twelve months and came up with asking prices I think are pretty reasonable:
Epi LP - $350
Ibanez S770PB - $500
ESP LTD EC1000 - $600

I'm not trying to get rich, but I also don't want to just give them away.

I'm still relatively new to going to guitar shows - and selling guitars is something I've NEVER done - so any advice is appreciated.

Full disclosure: other than new strings, my financial investment in these guitars is $0.00. In 2016, a friend/longtime follower of the band started having some serious health issues. Knowing he was going to be in long-term health care facilities for an indefinite amount of time, he distributed the majority of his music gear to one of my bandmates and me for safekeeping. As he went into further decline and it became clear he was never going to recover, he said, "After I'm gone y'all do whatever you want with that stuff: keep it, sell it, whatever. I can't use it anymore! <big hearty biker-dude laugh>"  He passed away on March 8, 2024. I spoke with his daughter and she reiterated the same thing: he wanted us to have that stuff so do whatever we wanted with it. There are several items I kept, of course, but there are a few - including these guitars - that are just gathering dust with me.

 

[RobB]

If I have multiple guitars, and I don’t have a booth, I’ll load them onto a horizontal dolly. I make signs for each out of manilla folders with the year, model and price in big letters (it’s important that prospective buyers can read the signs at a glance) and tape them to the cases.

You can also try your hand trading what you have for something that catches your eye at the show. This is the least desirable option because you won’t get as much money than if you were to sell them out right. If you don’t have any luck in sales at the show, you can always try craigslist locally.

Edited October 16, 2025 by RobB

[Dana_V]

53 minutes ago, RobB said:

If I have multiple guitars, and I don’t have a booth, I’ll load them onto a horizontal dolly. I make signs for each out of manilla folders with the year, model and price in big letters (it’s important that prospective buyers can read the signs at a glance) and tape them to the cases.

You can also try your hand trading what you have for something that catches your eye at the show. This is the least desirable option because you won’t get as much money than if you were to sell them out right. If you don’t have any luck in sales at the show, you can always try craigslist locally.

Yes, that's my plan - the cart and the large-print signs.

I HAD debated about whether or not to put prices on the signs, though, wondering if it's better to advertise the prices or let people ask me. But now that you mention it, it probably IS better to have prices in plain sight.

It also occurred to me that, since the guitars will be in cases, I can include a picture of the guitar on the sign.

And yeah, the trade thing crossed my mind, but anything I would be interested in (like, say, a '69-'71 Fender Mustang in competition red) would definitely involve me adding cash to the deal. So I probably won't be doing that.

 

[specialk]

That Ibby looks killer! GLWTS

[currypowder]

I’ll be there with a buddy. And I’m also bringing a couple to sell, something I’ve never done, a 79 Tokai Les Paul Reborn and a g7 Tele Custom. We’re just going to each carry one with a label taped to the case with basic description and price. It’s not a huge deal if they don’t sell, I’ll just cart them back home. 
 

@Dana_V, I’ll shoot you a PM with my number if you want to connect while there. 

[Bennyboy-UK]

Hello all,

Being in the UK under the rain, I’ll not be over there for the show(!), but I did have a quick thing to ask you guys if you can help. Do you know if the Texas based store Spacetone will have a stand there?
 

Reason being they have what looks like a promising Early 90s Sunburst in Salmon Blush advertised on Reverb. I’ve got a thing for this era of SBs with skinny necks and stadium logos  And it might be the guitar I’m after.

Here it is…

https://reverb.com/item/91525616-1991-hamer-sunburst-model-salmon-blush

 

The colour is obviously first class but their photos make the top look a bit lame but I wasn't sure whether in reality it’s actually it’s prettier.

 

If they happen to be there and have this guitar with them, would you guys mind eyeballing it first hand and see what you reckon?

Cheers all and have a great show today!

Ben.

[Dana_V]

4 hours ago, Bennyboy-UK said:

Hello all,

Being in the UK under the rain, I’ll not be over there for the show(!), but I did have a quick thing to ask you guys if you can help. Do you know if the Texas based store Spacetone will have a stand there?
 

Reason being they have what looks like a promising Early 90s Sunburst in Salmon Blush advertised on Reverb. I’ve got a thing for this era of SBs with skinny necks and stadium logos  And it might be the guitar I’m after.

Here it is…

https://reverb.com/item/91525616-1991-hamer-sunburst-model-salmon-blush

 

The colour is obviously first class but their photos make the top look a bit lame but I wasn't sure whether in reality it’s actually it’s prettier.

 

If they happen to be there and have this guitar with them, would you guys mind eyeballing it first hand and see what you reckon?

Cheers all and have a great show today!

Ben.

I’ll keep an eye out for it!

[currypowder]

8 hours ago, Bennyboy-UK said:

Hello all,

Being in the UK under the rain, I’ll not be over there for the show(!), but I did have a quick thing to ask you guys if you can help. Do you know if the Texas based store Spacetone will have a stand there?
 

Reason being they have what looks like a promising Early 90s Sunburst in Salmon Blush advertised on Reverb. I’ve got a thing for this era of SBs with skinny necks and stadium logos  And it might be the guitar I’m after.

Here it is…

https://reverb.com/item/91525616-1991-hamer-sunburst-model-salmon-blush

 

The colour is obviously first class but their photos make the top look a bit lame but I wasn't sure whether in reality it’s actually it’s prettier.

 

If they happen to be there and have this guitar with them, would you guys mind eyeballing it first hand and see what you reckon?

Cheers all and have a great show today!

Ben.

Spacetone was there, but did not bring the Hamer. 

[bubs_42]

On 10/16/2025 at 2:11 PM, Dana_V said:

Yes, that's my plan - the cart and the large-print signs.

I HAD debated about whether or not to put prices on the signs, though, wondering if it's better to advertise the prices or let people ask me. But now that you mention it, it probably IS better to have prices in plain sight.

It also occurred to me that, since the guitars will be in cases, I can include a picture of the guitar on the sign.

And yeah, the trade thing crossed my mind, but anything I would be interested in (like, say, a '69-'71 Fender Mustang in competition red) would definitely involve me adding cash to the deal. So I probably won't be doing that.

 

If you want to move them, put prices out on them. The only way you will sell them is if someone else is walking around and wants to purchase. Dealers are going to offer you maybe 60% of the going rate, if not 40%. So go with honest prices and get in and hopefully you’re out quick with money in your pocket. 

I could have sold everything out at the Indy show to dealers if I just wanted to break even. 

[Bennyboy-UK]

3 hours ago, currypowder said:

Spacetone was there, but did not bring the Hamer. 

Thanks Big G!

[Brooks]

I used to live next town over, Garland (or "Arlen", if you watch King Of The Hill).

"Shoe the children, with no shoes on their feet, house the people, living in Mesquite"...

[Dana_V]

It was a good show! I didn't buy any guitars (I didn't think I would), but I bought a copy of @Willie G. Moseley's Robin Guitars book and got to talk to him for a few minutes.

I also got to meet @currypowder which was cool. It's always great to meet fellow HFCers in person.

And not only did I meet up with @Hamerica at the show, I got to hang out with him and swap guitar stories for a little while on Sunday afternoon. Thanks, Brian!

When I asked the guy at Spacetone about the salmon blush Sunburst @Bennyboy-UK was asking about, he said, "Yeah, like three other people have asked me about that guitar today." But as reported by Greg, it wasn't there; it was back in Spacetone's shop in San Antonio. He did assure me though, that it looks better in person than the pictures on Reverb  show.

I only actually saw two Hamers, although I heard there were others there - I guess I just missed them.

 

I DID manage to sell one of the three guitars I brought with me: the Ibanez S770PB. 

As had been discussed here (I really appreciate the advice - thanks!), I made signs with descriptions, prices and pictures, taped them to cardboard and then attached them to my rolling cart (visible from every angle). Several passers-by asked about them, and I even had a bit of interest from a couple of booths. One dealer asked to see the Epi LP, gave it a thorough visual inspection, then said, "Eh, I don't like the color. Gonna have to pass." Another dealer asked if I wanted to trade the ESP for a Kramer Baretta.

But I wasn't really expecting much interest from dealers anyway - this show is much more about vintage guitars than Ibanez, ESP and import Epiphones.

Then, just when I was beginning to think none of them were going to sell, a guy passing by saw the sign and said, "Hey, can I see your Ibanez?" I said sure and got it out of the case. While he was looking it over and playing it (unplugged) a little bit, his wife was digging money out of her purse. He said, "$500?" I said, "Yep." She handed me five $100 bills and the deal was done. The whole thing probably took less than five minutes. So that was pretty exciting.

 

Speaking of the aforementioned Robin Guitars, talking to those guys reawakened that little voice inside my head that says "You need a Robin" - specifically a Ranger Slabtop Supreme, custom ordered with a skinny neck.  I used to have this thought all the time when I lived in Houston in the 80s but never did anything about it. I may have to investigate further.

James "Dusty" Gregg of Gregg Guitars (Fort Worth, TX) was there again, with his light-as-a-feather sparkly guitars. But I managed to resist. I was also intrigued by another Texas-based independent builder, 1836 Guitars. Some really interesting designs, but again I resisted.

 

Finally, the award for the most expensive guitar I saw that day is a tie between these two, both at the same booth:

Edited October 22, 2025 by Dana_V

[Bennyboy-UK]

Thank you matey!!

B

[Hamerica]

The Mesquite Amigos Guitar Show this year had our own @Willie G. Moseley, autographing his Robin Guitars book. It had been a moment since I was able to visit personally with Willie, so I was not going to pass up the opportunity to see him and have him sign a few books. 
 
@currypowder  and his friend Paul from Chicago were there.  It's always good to see the HFC in attendance at a show.  Greg also posses a unique insight to the Japanese guitar offerings and it's just a pleasure to speak with him.  Plus, I covet his Shishkov -  so there's that.

@Dana_V was there with Allie. On Sunday, Dana was able to swing by on his way out of town.  This is no small feat in itself as he is always rushing back to Austin to play at gig with his band SUIT or has other projects that require his attention.   Thanks again for the hang and my sense of awareness was not prevalent as I asked him if he happen to like Kings X...he stealthy pointed to his Kings X jacket....lmao.   Just a great visit, thank you sir!

I was hoping to see @shankyboy  however, he had other plans....  I gotta find a weekend where SUIT is playing one night, the Chuck Zigler Band is playing another and Van Wilks is playing the third so I can hit the trifecta in Austin.  It's just too hard to drive back at night after attending a concert and "getting your bar exam" in one day. Speaking of people, I also didn't hear from @greenfreak, pretty sure he told me he couldn't make this show. 

On the Hamers at the show, I actually saw quite a few there.  Tulsa House of Guitars had a 90's P90 Special that I think was $1,100 tagged and it was gone when I went back to show someone.  The Hamer Standard at Diablo Guitars was #0100 which I am personally familiar with.   A fine example of an early Bound & Crowned Standard.  The Four Digit Bass at Far West Guitars was on display.  I'm kinda surprised this one is still available.  There was a KK Downing Flying Vee  at Zoo Music from Garland asking 5K which had been significantly played and that explains that one.   

Also, in the carpeted room there was what I believe was a Hamer T62 in a nicely faded white towards cream.  I didn't pick it up as my doctor recently advised me it is in my health's best interest to cure my GAS.  My wife was not amused  the week before as I transported a Hamer BCR Junior in TV Yellow and Newport Birdseye 12'ver to the Greater Southwest Korina Forest.   That was the longest 22 hour drive with someone who said less than four words.....I'm pretty sure one word started with MF, and it wasn't Musician's Friend.  I'm okay, no Hamers were injured in the process.  She's almost back to calling me by my name...almost.

Hamerica           

[shankyboy]

Yeah, I was bummed that I couldn't make the show but my weekend in New Orleans for the NOLA Funkfest was amazing. Hopefully next year. 

[Jakeboy]

@Dana_V, did you get to play any of the new Robins? If so can you comment on the build quality?

[Willie G. Moseley]

At least one of the attendees brought in several instruments on what appeared to be a vintage red Radio Flyer wagon. I've seen such practical utilitarian efforts at other shows, and I always point to the rig and yell "How much for just the wagon?" For the record, IMO it was in Very Good Plus condition....

[bry4321]

On 10/22/2025 at 12:24 PM, Hamerica said:

I transported a Hamer BCR Junior in TV Yellow and Newport Birdseye 12'ver to the Greater Southwest Korina Forest.   

 

Pics?

[Dana_V]

9 hours ago, Jakeboy said:

@Dana_V, did you get to play any of the new Robins? If so can you comment on the build quality?

I just played one - the Ranger in the photo below - unplugged, but it felt great. The neck was ever so slightly fatter than my '99 American Strat, but still very Fender-like. No rough edges and the frets we nice and even.

Although it's basically Stratocaster-shaped, the body of a Ranger is thinner than a Strat, so it weighs a little less than your average Strat.

I thought the fit and finish looked great - but of course any builder is going to put their best-looking stuff on display at a show like this. But I didn't see any blemishes, uneven binding or any evidence of sloppy workmanship.

At the risk of sounding like a paid endorser (which I am definitely not), the guys there seemed truly interested in building Robin back up as a maker of high-quality guitars. 

I mentioned how I don't own one but I've kept Robin in the back of my mind since living in Houston in the 80s, and they said, "Just let us know when you're ready and we'll build you one" and gave me a blank build sheet. (I think that's called "being a salesman," but I guess it worked because I'm still thinking about it - and I know exactly what I would order. So we'll see.)

 

[Jakeboy]

Thanks @Dana_V!

[Hamerica]

On 10/30/2025 at 10:30 AM, bry4321 said:

Pics?

 

Per the request