“EGB Luthier Collection” an exclusive exhibition at the Bologna Guitar Show

15-17 May 2026

The Background

A large proportion of EGB members have asked for greater visibility and a distinctive platform at major guitar shows, and many of us have voiced a common frustration: the difficulty of truly showcasing the depth and quality of our work within the constraints of a standard commercial show floor.

Today, we address that. This initiative is about serving the EGB community by securing a platform that genuinely honors the time, care, and artistry we pour into every instrument.

A strong partnership with the event organiser

We’ve found a partner who understands our needs. This initiative is the result of a sincere collaboration with Luca Friso, the organiser of the Bologna Guitar Show

Instead of just booking a spot, Luca has given the EGB ‘carte blanche‘ to design a space that reflects our values. Together, we’re creating a beautiful exhibition space where visitors can comfortably explore and experience our craft.

This is not intended as a one-off event, but the first iteration of many. A platform we can grow year on year, listening to members and customers’ feedback and gradually evolving the standards of a guitar show setup.

This genuine partnership is rooted in his deep respect for our work and a mutual desire to establish the show as a premier, high-quality event. In 2025 The Guitar Show had 8,400 visitors with a +20% year-on-year growth.

Beyond featuring very prominent international guests leading guitar clinics, the show gains a powerful advantage by running alongside Eufonica, the national event dedicated to musical education, instrument manufacturing, and production innovations. This synergy naturally draws in a vastly larger and more diverse audience.

A Quiet Space for Engagement

We know that a noisy, high-pressure environment works against the subtle beauty of a handcrafted instrument.

Over the past few weeks, the EGB Guitar Shows Workgroup has designed a communal, professional working space that is engineered for meaningful interaction and to stand out from the rest of the Guitar Show. We did this trying to remain within a reasonable budget.

Tranquility First: Our dedicated EGB area is positioned in a prime location by the main concourse but, crucially, will be housed within a silent pavilion and further enclosed by double-walled wood and textile panelling. We are creating a much-needed oasis of calm where serious conversations can happen.
Focus on Detail: We are moving past the standard table setup to show with a more original layout inspired by art exhibitions and high-end boutique shops.Our environment will use soft, diffused lighting that gently highlights the intricate details and finish of our work. The atmosphere will be warm and comfortable, inviting appreciation.
Communal Testing: A comfortable, central lounge will offer high-quality headphone amplification. This allows customers to try instruments respectfully, without disrupting conversations or feeling rushed. It’s a central space to sit, connect, and share insights as a community, easily adaptable for spontaneous talks or demos.
Exclusive Soundproof Cabin: Exclusive access to at least one soundproof cabin, reserved only for our exhibitors and their customers to fully appreciate the detail of acoustic instruments.
The Collective Statement: To reflect the collaborative spirit of the EGB, a central installation will feature a key instrument from every participating luthier. This acts as a unified statement of collective quality and artistry, showing the public the sheer breadth and calibre of work within our group. The implementation of this will depend on the number of instruments made available.

When visitors step into our dedicated area, we want them to feel the genuine passion and shared pursuit of excellence that defines us. By coming together, we can showcase the power of our community and give each luthier a premium opportunity to showcase their work.

The Practical Details

The price: €750 + VAT (if applicable)

The exhibitor fee is an investment in this collective platform. It is designed to cover the high-quality setup required to create this environment, so you can focus purely on your work. It includes:

Individual Space: Dedicated display area for your instruments (2 metre table), space on one pedestal (105 x 50 x 50 cm), plus inclusion on the central installation. We recommend a minimum of two and a maximum of six instruments: two to four instruments on the table, one on the pedestal and one in the central communal display.

Facilities: Carpeted area throughout, electricity, premium lighting, at least 4 shared headphone stations with professional amplification, dedicated soundproof cabins, communal seating, and secure storage.

Insurance: Public liability insurance included.

Professional Look: Cohesive, high-quality material and professional branding for a shared, unified aesthetic. All branding material will be provided by EGB, including each exhibitor’s table setup with labels and personalised branding.

Promotion: EGB-led efforts to promote the collective space and drive serious interest to our area. We’ll also be featuring each exhibitor in social media posts and on a dedicated page on the EGB website.

Register your interest!

Please complete the form below to register your initial interest.

As soon as the contract with the Bologna Guitar Show is finalised, we will share the official registration package. This will include all the logistical and promotional details needed to bring our concept to life.

The only criteria for participation is your EGB membership. Places will be capped to a maximum of 50 and will be granted on a first-come, first served basis, giving priority to Full Members.