Whenever we travel, I like to checkout guitar shops. We are currently in Porto, Portugal, and stopped into Casa da Guitarra. Aside from some really interesting stringed instruments, they have a display for how they build mandolins. They also have performances in the evening with Fado music that we hope to attend.
13 Likes
Hi Mark. Like you, I enjoy searching out guitar shops when travelling. We are currently in Lucca, Italy and I’ve found this great shop.
Unfortunately a guitar won’t fit into my budget airline luggage allowance. 
https://g.co/kgs/HsQQdX5
3 Likes
NIce, I do like seeing the traditional versions of the different stringed instruments.
1 Like
That looks really interesting, Mark! I wonder, how those variously stringed “guitars” might sound like. 
Hope you will make it to one of their performances!
As you and Gordon, I also like to check in guitar and music stores in general, when I come across one. Hardest part is - always - getting out without buying a new instrument. 
2 Likes
That is a really cool idea! Thanks for sharing these pictures and for the travel inspiration 
1 Like
Hey Gordon! My father lived in Lucca until he passed in 2022. Great town town with loads of history!! Hoping you are enjoying it!! 
1 Like
Traveling to Chicago Illinois ?
Well, I’m on my travels again, this time in Aix-en-Provence France. Came across a wonderful shop/luthier. Amongst his guitars for sale was used Murphy lab Gibson Les Paul Jimmy Page no.2. Reduced to 29500 euros! I spoke to the guy who said that in all honesty it didn’t play any better than a used LP Supreme he had at 3500 euros. The money was all in the effort the Gibson custom shop team had put into making it a perfect replica.
6 Likes
Errrr Gordon , nice story but which one are you going to buy 
Greetings and have a wonderfull time there together in France 
Greetings
1 Like
Haha yes Rogier. The same thing applies as when I was in Italy earlier this month. I really should travel with a better class of airline that allows a larger baggage allowance! 
Ryanair practically charges you to use the toilet. 
1 Like
Thats pretty typical I think , you are paying for the limited edition and the relic job etc for sure, these are made for investors not players
2 Likes
Yeah, that seems like a lot of money to beat up a guitar to look used. I do a pretty good job of it on my own for free. 
2 Likes
They tend to be higher spec and built differently to normal USA gibsons and fewer issues but yeah…
1 Like
So beautiful instruments…thanks a lot for sharing these pictures!
1 Like
So many nice guitars! The k24 or the L-5 ?? lol
1 Like
3500 euro’s for that seems pretty decent tbh? super 400 inlays etc looks a very nice guitar
The new Supreme isnt the same as this at all, a far more ‘reduced’ spec guitar
1 Like
Yes. The guy (who spoke v good English) said most of their guitars were sold on behalf of clients. They mainly do repairs and maintenance for professional musicians. Hence the number of top end used guitars for sale.