Frankfurt Musikmesse 2007: Guitars, Amps and More

by Jorg Kliewe.

This year's Frankfurt Musikmesse (March 28-31) set new records for both visitors (79,739, an increase of 6.8%) and exhibitors (1,604, up from 1,580 in 2006), which in a way comes as no surprise for the world's largest musical instruments fair. According to Musikmesse officials:

"The slight increase in exhibitor numbers (plus 1.5%) and the increase of 6.8% in visitors from 120 countries underlines the importance of the Musikmesse in Frankfurt am Main for both sector and visitors in equal measure. The 23,922 foreign visitors from 106 countries came largely from Europe – with strong representation from the Benelux countries (4,565), France (1,705), Switzerland (1,645), Sweden (1,410), Great Britain (1,415), Italy (1,410) and Austria (1,272). Visitor numbers at the Musikmesse from Eastern European countries and Russia also grew. And with 852 people attending, the USA's visitor numbers also saw an increase. 2,494 people came from Asia, the largest proportion of those coming from Japan, followed by South Korea and Israel. Participation from Germany increased once again and also gave added impetus: 547 exhibitors and 55.817 visitors (+ 5,9 %) came to the Musikmesse."

The guitar and related industries were well represented at this year's show. Said Musikmesse officials, "In the field of guitars, alongside numerous new models, there are well-loved classics and appealing anniversary editions. Guitars in a traditional 'vintage' style continue to enjoy enormous popularity. As far as acoustic guitars are concerned, on the other hand, modelling pre-amps provide for new accents. The demand for valve amps continues unabated as far as guitar amplifiers are concerned and at the same time modelling amps offer flexibility of sound. For bass guitarists, five-strings have developed as the standard configuration. And, moreover, bass equipment is becoming ever more powerful and lighter in weight. As regards guitar effects the popular floor effect continues to enjoy favour among customers. Along with re-issues of vintage equipment and modelling effects there are lots of unusual new creations to be discovered in this area."

Exhibitors were well pleased by the turnout and the enthusiasm displayed by the visitors, as summed up by this remark from Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO Gibson Guitar, "This year’s Musikmesse was a tremendous success for Gibson Guitar. You could feel the excitement through the entire hall and we were very excited to be part of it all. We look forward to coming back next year.”

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