Welcome to the 2004 GAL Convention! Fred Carlson's fantastical lutherie alphabet menagerie art sets the tone.

We got right started with the info. There is so much good stuff to share that you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a famous luthier. Here's Frank Ford and Dan Erlewine showing advanced repair technique.

Inside this lovely room is an amazing display of guitars by major makers dating back to the 18th century. Jim Forderer and Jim Westbrook brought this impressive collection and presented a detailed explanation of the individual instruments.

GAL Conventions are tons of fun. Here's Harry Fleishman moderating the steel sting guitar listening session. Or is it right to use the word "moderate" in connection with Harry?

Here's the electric guitar listening session with Saul Koll and TV Jones.

OK, we must be fair to all. Here's the classical guitar listening session, moderated by Kenny Hill.

Ukes made a real strong showing this year. Here Mike DeSilva is giving one of his ukuleles a quick tune.

Man, look at all those uke makers!

Tom Ribbecke told us all about his new way of making archtop guitars - arched on the treble side, flat on the bass side.

Want music? We got music! Here's Julia and Tarik Banzi, direct from Morocco to entertain us on flamenco guitar and oud.

Paul Schmidt concertised on Klein guitars.

Bruce Harvie leads a chorus of wood dealers in a rousing rendition of "Floppy Tops."

The Guild Benefit Auction... now there's some fun! We start off with the "silent" auction (although it's pretty noisy).

Hungry for a bargain on wood.

Then it's the "live" auction.

They look friendly enough, but the competition is cutthroat.

Take a look. Is that you in the back row?

Ready to pounce.

These guys made brass planes under the tutelage of Ken Altman.

Jeff Elliott (left) restored these important guitars by Gonzalez and Torres. They are owned by Shel Urlik (center) and were played by Kenton Youngstrom (right.)

Gypsy jazzers Pearl Django warm up their Selmer-styles in the green room.

Luthiers love to listen.

Makin' new friends at the GAL Convention.

Tons of great stuff at the exhibition. Here we are at David Minnieweather's table.

Zoom in and see how many people you recognize.

See you next time!