2013 RockyGrass instrument contests

[BluegrassBrian]

Who's planning to enter this year's instrument contests? 

We still have spots left in all 5 contests.  Thanks to our festival partners we have some fantastic prizes - including a gorgeous Rayco Resophonics dobro, a Gibson Sam Bush Signature F-5 Mandolin, a Deering Eagle II Banjo, and a Gibson Advanced Jumbo Guitar.

If you were hoping to enter the contest but can't because you don't have a festival ticket, give us a call at the Planet Bluegrass office (800-624-2422).  We've set aside some passes just for last-minute instrument contest entrants...

Check out the full contest rules at:
   http://bluegrass.com/rockygrass-contests

(Full disclosure: I entered the dobro contest 3 times before I started working here.  I had a blast each time once I got my hands to quick trembling... )



 Listening to: Deadly Gentlemen

[MikeyBoy]

Deering Eagle II Banjo $2549.00
Gibson Advanced Jumbo $2881.00
Sam Bush Signature F-5 Mandolion $8999.00
Rayco Resophonics Dobro $3749.00
Fiddle Winner Cash Prize $250.00

Why the lousy prize for fiddle players?  I will never be at risk of winning the fiddle contest, but doesn't seem right that everyone else gets a really nice instrument, and the fiddle winner gets enough cash to buy a really terrible instrument (or a mediocre bow).  I realize that corporate sponsorship/donations play a big part, but it is kind of a slap in the face for the fiddlers.  If it is impossible to secure a sponsorship to get a decent fiddle prize (and please no Zeta or electric violins - as a Bluegrass contest prize, really??), I would think getting something like a well set-up 100-year old German trade fiddle through a local dealer is the least that could be done.

[BluegrassBrian]

Mikey Boy: You're very right to point out the weakness of the fiddle prize.  We're not happy about the idea of a cash prize, either.  But this year's fiddle contest instrument sponsor pulled-out in the last month, so we've had to go with the cash for this year.  We're hoping to return with a strong fiddle prize for next year's contest...

[MikeyBoy]

Thanks for the reply Brian, I can understand the challenges in getting a fiddle donated; there are no Gibsons with large marketing budgets in the fiddle world. Sorry to sound so pi$$y, just seemed a little out of whack - especially since the fiddle is the most important instrument in any band.