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One visitor to the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, seems surrounded by a forest of clarinets as he contemplates which one to try. With about 1,500 exhibitors, the fair is advertised as the largest of its kind in the world.

One visitor to the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, seems surrounded by a forest of clarinets as he contemplates which one to try. With about 1,500 exhibitors, the fair is advertised as the largest of its kind in the world. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

One visitor to the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, seems surrounded by a forest of clarinets as he contemplates which one to try. With about 1,500 exhibitors, the fair is advertised as the largest of its kind in the world.

One visitor to the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, seems surrounded by a forest of clarinets as he contemplates which one to try. With about 1,500 exhibitors, the fair is advertised as the largest of its kind in the world. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

A couple of musicians try out some Gibson guitars March 21, 2012, at the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany. The fair is open to the general public at the fairgrounds (Messe) in Frankfurt on March 24, 2012. Admission is 20 euros, and tickets can be bought online.

A couple of musicians try out some Gibson guitars March 21, 2012, at the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany. The fair is open to the general public at the fairgrounds (Messe) in Frankfurt on March 24, 2012. Admission is 20 euros, and tickets can be bought online. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

This 1953 Gibson Les Paul guitar can be bought for 19,750 euros (about $26,665). It is on display at the International Vintage Show in hall 4.1 at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany. The hall is showcasing some of the rarest guitars of the rock era.

This 1953 Gibson Les Paul guitar can be bought for 19,750 euros (about $26,665). It is on display at the International Vintage Show in hall 4.1 at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany. The hall is showcasing some of the rarest guitars of the rock era. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

A member of the Casio staff demonstrates the features of an electronic keyboard during the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, on March 21, 2012. About 1,500 exhibitors are spotlighting their wares at the fair, which opens its doors to the general public March 24, 2012, at the city's fairgrounds (Messe).

A member of the Casio staff demonstrates the features of an electronic keyboard during the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, on March 21, 2012. About 1,500 exhibitors are spotlighting their wares at the fair, which opens its doors to the general public March 24, 2012, at the city's fairgrounds (Messe). (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

American folk and blues singer Diane Ponzio performs at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany. The international music fair opens its doors to the general public at Frankfurt's fairgrounds (Messe) on March 24, 2012. Concerts are held throughout the day in the exhibition area. Admission is 20 euros, and tickets can be bought online.

American folk and blues singer Diane Ponzio performs at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany. The international music fair opens its doors to the general public at Frankfurt's fairgrounds (Messe) on March 24, 2012. Concerts are held throughout the day in the exhibition area. Admission is 20 euros, and tickets can be bought online. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

A selection of cellos sits on display at the Musikmesse. About 1,500 exhibitors are on hand at the music fair, which features everything from traditional musical instruments to modern digital electronics.

A selection of cellos sits on display at the Musikmesse. About 1,500 exhibitors are on hand at the music fair, which features everything from traditional musical instruments to modern digital electronics. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

A visitor to the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, tests a cymbal at the Sabian stand. The event, held at the city's fairgrounds, opens to the general public on March 24, 2012. Admission is 20 euros, and tickets can be bought online.

A visitor to the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, tests a cymbal at the Sabian stand. The event, held at the city's fairgrounds, opens to the general public on March 24, 2012. Admission is 20 euros, and tickets can be bought online. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

A grand piano gets tested March 21, 2012, by a visitor to Frankfurt's Musikmesse international music fair. With about 1,500 exhibitors, the fair is advertised as the largest of its kind in the world. It is open to the general public at Frankfurt's fairgrounds (Messe) on March 24, 2012. Admission is 20 euros, and tickets can be bought online.

A grand piano gets tested March 21, 2012, by a visitor to Frankfurt's Musikmesse international music fair. With about 1,500 exhibitors, the fair is advertised as the largest of its kind in the world. It is open to the general public at Frankfurt's fairgrounds (Messe) on March 24, 2012. Admission is 20 euros, and tickets can be bought online. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

Visitors to the Musikmesse, the international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, test a variety of brass instruments. Admission to the fair, which opens to the public March 24, 2012, is 20 euros, and tickets can be bought online.

Visitors to the Musikmesse, the international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, test a variety of brass instruments. Admission to the fair, which opens to the public March 24, 2012, is 20 euros, and tickets can be bought online. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

One man at the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt tries a drum set that can be played in an almost-silent mode, but can be heard through earphones and fed directly into a recording device.

One man at the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt tries a drum set that can be played in an almost-silent mode, but can be heard through earphones and fed directly into a recording device. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

Custom Fender guitars are on display at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt. The international trade show for music instruments opens its doors to the public on March 24, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m at the city's fairgrounds (Messe). Admission is 20 euros.

Custom Fender guitars are on display at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt. The international trade show for music instruments opens its doors to the public on March 24, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m at the city's fairgrounds (Messe). Admission is 20 euros. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

A visitor to the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, tests the sound of a violin at the Wieczorek & Kühne stand. About 1,500 exhibitors are on hand for the fair, which is advertised as the largest of its kind in the world. It opens its doors to the general public at the fairgrounds (Messe) in Frankfurt on March 24, 2012.

A visitor to the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, tests the sound of a violin at the Wieczorek & Kühne stand. About 1,500 exhibitors are on hand for the fair, which is advertised as the largest of its kind in the world. It opens its doors to the general public at the fairgrounds (Messe) in Frankfurt on March 24, 2012. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

A visitor to the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, tries out a disk jockey mixing board at the Pioneer stand. About 1,500 exhibitors are offering all things musical, from traditional instruments to modern digital electronics.

A visitor to the Musikmesse international music fair in Frankfurt, Germany, tries out a disk jockey mixing board at the Pioneer stand. About 1,500 exhibitors are offering all things musical, from traditional instruments to modern digital electronics. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

A selection of Gretsch hollow-bodied guitars stands on display at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt. The international trade show for music instruments opens its doors to the public on March 24, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 20 euros. One of these guitars would cost you about 4,000 euros (about $5,400).

A selection of Gretsch hollow-bodied guitars stands on display at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt. The international trade show for music instruments opens its doors to the public on March 24, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 20 euros. One of these guitars would cost you about 4,000 euros (about $5,400). (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

FRANKFURT, Germany — So, you want to be a rock ’n’ roll star? Or an American idol? Perhaps the next David Guetta, disc-jockeying at the hottest clubs?

Aspiring music super stars can find everything they need to get their careers moving at the Musikmesse, the international music trade fair in Frankfurt.

Guitars, amps, microphones, keyboards, digital turntables and mixing boards are among the many items on display.

If playing in a symphony orchestra or being a piano maestro is moreappealing, the instruments you need can be found there, too.

The Musikmesse is advertised as the largest fair of its kind in the world, with about 1,500 exhibitors presenting their goods.

On Saturday it is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds (Messe) in Frankfurt. Admission is 20 euros (about $27). To avoid standing in line for tickets, buy them online at musik.messefrankfurt.com.

For those 20 euros, check out what is new in the music world, hear concerts, and, with a little luck, see a star or two.

There are two stages, the Agora Stage in a tent between the exhibit halls, and the Acoustic Stage in hall 3.1. Many exhibitors also have artists performing at their stands.

Those who have an interest in rock ’n’ roll history, should be sure to check out the International Vintage Show in hall 4.1. Here visitors can see some of the rarest guitars of the era, including a 1952 Fender Telecaster Blackguard, a 1953 Gibson Les Paul, or a 1962 Fender Stratocaster. More than 200 of the world’s rarest instruments are on display.

You can buy the Les Paul, if you have 19,750 euros (about $26,665) to fork over.

If not, you can always dream.

abramsm@estripes.osd.mil

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