Acoustic Shoppe at MerleFest: Highlights and Favorite Gear from Our Crew

Springtime in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, brings a special kind of magic to the air, and this year was certainly no exception. Having The Acoustic Shoppe at MerleFest was an absolute dream come true for our entire team! We packed up our best gear, set up our booth, and proudly sponsored the Expo Tent at one of the greatest celebrations of traditional plus music in the world. Being surrounded by that level of talent, community, and pure love for acoustic instruments is an experience we will not soon forget. Overall, we had an unbelievable time connecting with fans, sharing our passion for high-end instruments, and soaking in the incredible live performances. We genuinely cannot wait to be back next year!

To give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our time in Wilkesboro, we asked our incredible crew—Trent, Jason, Jeremy, John, and Jonas—to answer a few questions about their weekend. Grab a cup of coffee (or your favorite picking beverage), settle in, and read on to hear about the professional musicians who stopped by, the guitars that stole the show, and our top recommendations for your next festival trip.

What Were Our Favorite Experiences Sponsoring the Expo Tent?

For many of us, the highlight was visiting with old friends and musical heroes. Trent, Jeremy, and Jonas were thrilled to have members of Alison Krauss & Union Station (AKUS) hang out with us in the booth. Getting to spend time with the legendary Ron Block was a surreal moment for the guys. Jeremy also noted how special it was to catch up with industry friends and world-class pickers like Russell Moore, Stephen Mougin, Andy Falco, and Jeremy Garrett. When you have The Acoustic Shoppe at MerleFest, the line between customer, friend, and idol completely disappears—everyone is just there because they love the music and the instruments that make it.

Which Instruments Did Folks Keep Picking Up at the Booth?

We brought an absolute arsenal of top-tier acoustic instruments to the festival, but a few specific pieces kept drawing crowds. The undeniable showstopper of the weekend was the Martin Double Neck Grand J-28E DN. Trent and Jason both noted how much attention it received, especially after the incredible Molly Tuttle was seen playing one on stage. It is a visually striking and sonically massive instrument that naturally commands attention.

John and Jonas noticed that attendees were heavily gravitating toward the vintage-inspired builds. The Martin D-28 Authentic Aged series saw a ton of playtime, as folks loved the broken-in feel and robust, pre-war tone right off the wall.

In the mandolin world, Jeremy, Jonas, and John all highlighted the massive interest in the Rychlik mandolins and the Lewandowski Octave mandolin. The craftsmanship on these instruments is impeccable, drawing in players looking for nuanced, complex tones. Jeremy also pointed out that the new Gold Tone Grand Master mandolins were a huge hit for players seeking incredible value and projection. And according to John, the "light up Ukes" brought a ton of fun and smiles to the tent!

Which Professional Players Were Drawn to Our Acoustic Guitars?

One of the greatest validations for our curated inventory is when touring professionals find an instrument in our booth that they simply cannot put down. This year, the boutique dreadnoughts were calling to the pros.

Both Jason and Jonas noted the incredible reception of the new Boucher Guitars. The renowned Uwe Kruger of The Kruger Brothers spent time at the booth and was a massive fan of the Boucher BG52, admiring their incredible dynamic range and volume. Interestingly, Jeremy reported that while Uwe loved the Boucher Guitars, he actually ended up going home with a stunning Eastman E20D-TC LSH! The thermo-cured top on that Eastman delivers a vintage bark that clearly spoke to him.

Meanwhile, Andy Falco found himself drawn to the Bourgeois Heirloom Series T-Bar and Fabric Brace Country Boy, a guitar celebrated for its traditional voicing and modern playability. 

Check out our full review of that model on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/8PHQ0RpTH0s

MerleFest Standout Instruments Breakdown

To make it easy to explore the gear that dominated the festival, here is a quick breakdown of the most talked-about instruments from our booth:

Who Were Our Favorite Artists of the Weekend?

When we asked the crew who their favorite artist of the weekend was, the answer was virtually unanimous: Alison Krauss & Union Station (AKUS). Trent, Jason, Jeremy, John, and Jonas all listed AKUS as the absolute pinnacle of their MerleFest experience. Getting to see them perform live, especially after hanging out with some of the band members at the booth, was a masterclass in tone, precision, and emotive bluegrass music. Their set was a poignant reminder of why we dedicate our lives to acoustic instruments.

Who Were the Most Underrated Artists at the Festival?

MerleFest is famous for its massive headliners, but it is also the premier discovery ground for rising stars and unique acts. Trent and Jason both emphatically named A.J. Lee and Blue Summit as the breakout, underrated artists of the weekend. A.J.'s vocal control and the band's tight, inventive arrangements are pushing the boundaries of the genre in exciting ways.

John gave a huge shoutout to ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro, whose mind-bending mastery of the instrument left audiences completely speechless. Jonas highlighted the soulful, captivating sounds of Lamont Landers, proving that the festival's diverse lineup always has hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.

What Instrument Should You Bring to a Bluegrass Festival?

If you are planning to attend a massive outdoor event like MerleFest, choosing the right instrument to bring along for campground jams is crucial. You need something that cuts through the mix but can also handle the unpredictable spring weather.

Trent highly recommended bringing a KLOS Carbon Fiber Mandolin or an Atkin Dreadnought. The carbon fiber build is virtually indestructible and impervious to humidity changes, making it the ultimate festival companion.

Jonas agreed with the need for power, suggesting "something loud, a big dreadnought, specifically the D-28 Authentic Aged." John also recommended a big strummer, pointing to the Eastman E1SS-DLX for its robust sound and affordability.

But perhaps Jason gave the best advice of all for anyone packing their car for a festival: "Bring them all, and JAM!"

Frequently Asked Questions about The Acoustic Shoppe at MerleFest

Q: Will The Acoustic Shoppe be returning to MerleFest next year?

A: Absolutely! We had such an incredible time sponsoring the Expo Tent, meeting our customers in person, and sharing our gear that we are already making plans for next year's festival. Keep an eye on our website for updates on where you can find our booth!

Q: Can I purchase the exact models featured at your MerleFest booth?

A: Yes! While some specific instruments (like the Eastman Uwe Kruger took home) sold at the festival, we carry the exact models, brands, and custom builds discussed in this post. You can browse our extensive inventory online or visit our showroom to play them yourself.

Q: Do you sell the carbon fiber instruments recommended for outdoor festivals?

A: We certainly do. We carry premium carbon fiber options, including KLOS guitars and mandolins, which are perfect for outdoor jams, camping, and unpredictable weather due to their incredible durability and climate resistance.

Learn more about the NEW KLOS F-Style Mandolin right here! - https://theacousticshoppe.com/a/blog/klos-f-style-mandolin-vs-a-style 

Ready to Find Your Next Festival Guitar?

Having The Acoustic Shoppe at MerleFest reaffirmed everything we love about the acoustic music community. If the stories from our crew have inspired you to upgrade your tone for the next big jam session, we are here to help. Ready to experience the difference for yourself? Explore our full collection of the instruments that stole the show at the festival, and find the one that will inspire your music for years to come.

Shop our Festival Favorites Collection Now - https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/guitars