The 2023 edition of the Guitar Show marked a historic moment with the introduction of a rich vintage area, thanks to the collaboration with Vintage Authority, Rock and Vintage and Made in Rock. This partnership gave rise to a unique experience, which brought into the spotlight the most important Italian collectors and experts in the sector such as Flavio Camorani, Johannes Schwienbacher, Vincenzo Atzori, Max Pontrelli, Donato Brienza, Alberto Venturini, Stefano Ballardini, Furio Pozzi, Roberto Cola and Tony Furini.
With their expertise and knowledge, Vintage Authority contributed to the creation of an exhibition area that resonated with the nostalgic vibes of the past. Roberto Gandolfi, the president of Vintage Authority, showcased his collection of Fender Stratocaster Custom Color guitars and other Gibson guitars from the 1960s, including an extraordinary 1958 Les Paul Standard Gold, which was the highlight of the collection.
Vintage Authority, together with Rock and Vintage, managed by Simone Falavigna on the commercial side, presented a selection of over 60 string instruments and around forty amplifiers never before seen at a trade show.
A unique and comprehensive atmosphere brought the golden era of rock back to life with the contribution of Made in Rock. Thanks to Mariano Freschi‘s immense collection, Made in Rock managed the section dedicated to memorabilia, including a splendid collection of posters spanning from the mid-1960s to the 1990s.
Together, these three associations created a unique experience, a journey through time that allowed visitors to get hands-on with the history of rock and vintage.
The vintage area of the Guitar Show 2023 was a resounding success among the public, surpassing all expectations. Stefano Prinzivalli, the Communication and Marketing Manager of the three aforementioned associations, expressed his satisfaction with the audience’s response: “We engaged with a curious, attentive audience full of questions and curiosity, more interested in the details and assessments of the objects themselves, and above all, in the stories behind them.”
Despite the complexity of the setup, due to the large number of exhibited items, the vintage area created a particularly scenic display, enhancing Pavilion 5 and warmly welcoming visitors at the entrance.
One element that captured the audience’s attention and imagination was the airstreams. These iconic American trailers, with their retro style and cozy atmosphere, offered a unique experience to visitors. Stefano Prinzivalli stated, “The airstreams were a fantastic idea and were very well received.” Transformed into small soundproof stages, these vehicles allowed visitors to try out the instruments in an environment that perfectly reflected the aesthetics and atmosphere of the vintage world, providing a dive into the past and an authentic and engaging musical experience.
“In a few words, this is a summary of what it was, or at least we hope it conveyed the idea,” said the Vintage Authority team. “A special thanks to everyone who collaborated: all the members, Ivan Torelli, Italo Iovane, Antonella Sorrentino, without forgetting anyone, and a special mention to our friends from Romagna who, due to the flood that hit those areas, were unable to participate. We’ll see you again in 2024!”
The vintage area of the Guitar Show represented a true journey through time. The extraordinary collection of original instruments and vintage memorabilia allowed visitors to experience the history of the guitar and rock music firsthand, immersing themselves in the origins of their musical passion. It was a resounding success that highlights how the music, culture, and energy of a bygone era continue to serve as the fundamental iconography and cultural context surrounding the world of guitars and musical instruments in general. The Guitar Show is eagerly looking forward to renewing its partnership with Vintage Authority, Made in Rock, and Rock ‘n’ Vintage for an even richer and more content-packed 2024 edition.