European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - March 14, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse A multitude of percussion instruments fills the Sonor display area at the annual Frankfurt music fair. A musical Cornucopia the Frankfurt music fair features the latest equipment from acoustic guitars to xylophones la sax a saxophone maker la one of Many american companies with displays at the fair. A amps photos by Mike Abrams Page 14 b the stars and stripes saturday Arch 14, a visitor Center left experiments with a Bass guitar while Jim Marshall founder of Marshall amps signs Anita Gosch staff writer there a music in the air and its coming from thousands of different instruments. The cacophony emanates from the International music fair now under Way at the Fairgrounds in Frankfurt Germany. The promoters describe it As the largest event of its kind. It features the latest musical instruments and accessories displayed by More than 1,150 manufacturers from some 40 countries. Spread throughout three exhibition Halls and covering an area of 80,000 Square meters a about the size of 20 football Fields a the fair has a mind boggling array of instruments from traditional acoustic fare to the latest electronic developments. The five Day fair open to the Public today and sunday is primarily a Trade exhibition offering manufacturers the Chance to introduce new lines and models to dealers and distributors. It also gives musicians a Chance to try out new instruments. While businessmen from around the world discuss million Dollar deals professional and Amateur musicians test acoustic and electric guitars Drums pianos keyboards synthesizers music computers horns and string instruments As Well As studio equipment sound and Light systems and computer software and hardware. Jim Marshall whose Marshall amplifiers have been used by some of the biggest names in Rock n1 roil knows the importance of the music fair this year is his 27th time in Frankfurt. Marshall who spent most of the first Day of the fair signing autographs is touting his newest line the 30th anniversary series. The fair also Quot lets the average person get a feel of where the music Industry is going Quot said Rudy Schlacher president of Washburn guitars. The trend these Days he says is toward acoustic guitars sparked by the performance of acoustic ballads by hard Rock and heavy Metal bands. Another hot item for Washburn he says is a new line of electric guitars the Nuno Bettencourt Model. Custom made for Bettencourt guitarist for the Rock band extreme the Model offers Quot unlimited playability All the Way up to the last additionally the music fair offers daily workshops at which seasoned musicians from Rock and jazz demonstrate their skills. Some of the performers this year include guitarist Larry Coryell drummer will Calhoun of living Colour guitarist Reb Beach of rockers Winger Bass player Alphonso Johnsen of Santana and guitarist Kee Marcello of the swedish Rock band Europe. Others artists have been known to show up at the fair for Impromptu demonstrations. Expected this year Are Bass player John Entwistle of the who Traci gun of the Rock band . Guns and guitarist Steve Stevens formerly with Billy idol. The Frankfurt Fairgrounds or Messe also the site of the fest Halle concert Hallis Down the Street from the main train station across from the Marriott hotel. If going by car take the Frankfurt West exit off autobahn 5. The fair is open 9 . To 6 . Admission is 23 Marks about $14 per Day. Tickets Are available at the door. There s something for everyone traditional harps electronic violins below and professional mixing gear left. 1992 the stars and stripes b Page 15
