If we are going to have a 2005 Collings Forum Gathering we need to start planning it now. David, are you going to head up the planning again? Anyone else want to be involved with the planning? Ed, are you going to make it to this one?

Last year we held it in October and that worked out pretty well weatherwise. I'd suggest the same for this year. Maybe September even. Anyway, now is the time to put in any ideas you have on what you'd like to do and such.

For those who haven't attended they are really informal gatherings centered around a factory tour. I'd like to see us do some more jamming together this year and perhaps have some sort of organized evening out one of the nights.

I thought I'd go ahead and make this post to get the planning kicked off.

Allen

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Ed,

A question and a comment: Question -- Would this be something a beginner guitar player would enjoy? Sometimes it's a bit daunting when so many awesome players are around. I would love to go on the tour and would love to meet the group, but would probably not be able to join in a jam simply because I'm not good enough. Comment -- If a beginner would be okay at the gathering, October would be great (only because I am already booked for the first couple of weeks in September). Thanks!

Absolutely, beginners are welcome at the gatherings and at any jam we do. Trust me, you'd be in good company. I've only been playing a few years myself and I still suck. Please don't feel the least bit intimidated by anybody on this forum. We've all been beginners before so we know how it feels.

Allen

Count me in. And Pat from Quincy's. Pat and I spoke recently, and we'd like to offer whatever help we can to make it something really fun. We're thinking that together, we can do more than either one of us could individually.

kdd

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Hill Country Guitars,

If we are to start planning earlier and confirm the date earlier.. I can plan ahead and make my holiday this year to Texas to join the gathering... probably can do some sight seeing and to visit a lot of guitar stores, attend as many guitar concerts and clinics as possible.. and to visit a lot of guitar factories as well!

I have been to US twice, once to L.A. when I am 12 and once to New York when I am 20... I really love the country and always wanted to visit again.

Even I played for approx. 5 years.. I am still pretty much a beginner.. but I am sure I'll enjoy the company and I am sure no one here will embarrass a beginner!

Billy does'nt understand. We don't actually PLAY our Collings. We just look at them and smile!

I also plan to attend, schedules permitting. I missed the last years and sorry I did. Sounds like a great time all around. A tour would definitely be a highlight.

I smile each time I walk by and see my Collings! The smile gets even bigger once I start playing it (and it stays even when I hit a wrong chord/note).

Ed, that would be great if you could make it. I'm sure you'd enjoy it.

Right now I'm thinking either Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 or Oct. 7 through Oct. 9 for the dates. I'm going to work with Kevin and Pat and the Collings folks to start setting things up. I'll post a very preliminary itinerary within the next few days and we'll go from there. If any of you have ideas on activities or inputs on the dates let me know by either posting here or sending me an email. I want to get this planned very early this year so people can start making plans and arrangements to be here. I'd really like to see more of you out-of-towners make it this year so if there's something we can do to make it more attractive for you let me know.

What we have done the past two gatherings is have a tour of the factory on Friday. That means out-of-towners will likely need to come into town on Thursday evening. I know that's kind of a pain, but the Friday tour works out really well for Collings and the tours the past two years have been fantastic! Last year Bill treated us to a bbq lunch after the tour.

Anyway, I'll get to work on it and keep everyone updated.

Allen

Well, I might come this year.

My "challenge" is a bit different than most. Being a lefty, it would be hard (and no fun) to attend unless I had something to play while I am there. Tryin' to play a righty guitar isn't my idea of fun!!! (You wouldn't have any fun either if you showed up without a guitar and all the guitars were left handed!!!)

I mean, I ain't comin' down there to watch right handed players play their guitars. I want to play and be part of the fun, even though I am not very good.....skill level doesn't matter.....it's the fun, meeting people and just hanging out together. Those will be good memories for the photo album.

I would most likely fly in and there is no way I am gonna try and get my guitar there in one piece through the airlines. The other option is for me to ship my guitar down there about a week in advance.

The last option is to have Collings rig up a lefty (from a righty - with a new saddle and nut) for me to play just for this occasion. I am working on that.

The other option is just to drive down and bring my own guitar.

It would be nice to meet some of you in person, but it would be really cool to meet Brian, Alex, Steve and some of the folks at Collings, maybe even shake Bill Collings hand. So, I am gonna see what I can do to make this trip.

We all should try and make this.

Rockerbob, I am calling you out. If you wanna go, I 'll pick you up in Denver and we can drive down there together.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: lefty,

Lefty, you can ship your guitar to me beforehand and I'll ship it back to you once you get back home. Actually, I'd be willing to do that for several people if that would help you decide to attend. Of course you'd have to pay the shipping but I can pack them back up for you and drop them off at Fedex or UPS.

One thing we're planning on this year is to have everyone stay at the same hotel/B&B. In the past we have left the lodging up to individuals. I think having a sort of headquarters for the gathering would be better than what we've done in the past. Heck, I'm local and I'll even stay there if we do it that way. However, this will require people to commit to attending earlier than was required at the previous gatherings. I'll get more info out as that firms up, but I welcome your thoughts on it. Right now I'm thinking a bed and breakfast type place in Wimberley, TX, since it is such a laid back small town. This would be a nice place for you fellows to bring your spouse for a vacation if you need to sell it that way.

Anyway, let's get fired up for this and make it happen and make it bigger than before. We've got two excellent local Collings dealers who are stepping up to help put this thing on and I think with their help and the help of Collings we can take this gathering to the next level.

Allen

B&B sounds nice.

Maybe I should invite my wife.

Thanks allen.. I really looking forward in meeting everyone of you there!! If I order a new Collings now... may be I can pick it up myself in October!?!?