The Australian Music Association is thrilled to announce the 2018 return of the Melbourne Guitar Show, set to rock Caulfield Racecourse on August 4 and 5 – and this year, it’ll be bigger than ever. We’re catching up with some of this year’s guitar guests to talk about what they love the most: GUITARS. 
BEN KELLY
Fave guitar brand & why?
Definitely has to be COLE CLARK GUITARS.
For there playability, sensitivity and clarity.
The pick up system are the vest I have experienced in an in built system and allows for sculpting the true sounds of the instruments. I’m looking forward to trying out there new basses too. Most memorable music moment?
This is a hard one to answer. The journey of being a musician and making music for people has been so steeped in amazing moments shared with others. Actually my most memorable music experience is one of being an audience member at Byron Bay Blues Festival and watching THE WAILERS / JIMMY CLIFF / MICHAEL FRANTI one after the other at Bluesfest 2018 earlier this year. 
Playing wise, just the opportune to create music for people over the years and inspire others to fulfill and follow there passions has been one massive honor and humbling experience. Weather it has been on the streets busking or on the biggest stages or even just sitting around the fire with friends. Music is a heart felt passion and there is no one performance that over shadows the underlying privilege I feel it is to be a musician and inspire and uplift the hearts of others. 

Guitarist that inspired me to learn to play?
There was no one guitarist that inspired my musical journey. It was more the effect that music can have on opening hearts and inspiring the minds of people that lead me down the musical path. If I had to choose one guitarist, I would probably have to say David Gilmore. If I could choose 3, it would be David Gilmore, Paco De Lucia and John McLaughlin.

How many guitars I own & my personal fave?
I only own 3 guitars in which I’m currently using live at shows. They are:
Cole Clark Angel grand auditorium 
Alhambra Flamenco concerto
Fender Stratocaster (American original)

I cannot pick a favorite as they all create a different element that I love as muchas each. But I have built my sound and style predominantly on my Cole Clark Angel. The Cole Clark guitars have such great playability and true sound when plugged in. This is really important to me as I wish to be as truthful and honest as possible. So Cole Clark are a staple in my musical tool kit. 

Gibson vs Fender- which do you love? 
I love them both for different reasons.
FENDER for clean tones, clarity, weight and diversity.
GIBSON for grit, fatter tones, they can get a bit heavy on a full concert.

Most under rated guitarist in music & why? 
Haven’t heard of him or her but I’m sure they are amazing in there own creative way and I hope the world comes to know and love them for there natural and honest approach to music. 

Thanks again, see you at the show!
Grace & Gratitude, 
Ben
Www.benkellyaustralia.com
Www.facebook.com/benkellyaustralia
Www.youtube.com/benkellyaustralia
Www.instagram.com/benkellyaustralia

The Melbourne Guitar Show will be held at Caulfield Racecourse on August 4 and 5.

Tickets are on sale from June 5, 2018.

Online ticket prices when pre-ordered:: Adult day pass $20, adult weekend pass $30, family day pass $35, concession day pass $10, concession weekend pass $15, premium ticket** $40

You may also like