DANIEL Brauchli is the perfect representation of what Deloraine StringFest is all about.

Brauchli, originally from Alaska who now calls Lilydale home, not only plays the guitar, he also makes them.

He was showing both sides of himself at the event yesterday.

StringFest is a celebration of stringed instruments; those who build them (with a strong focus on those made in Tasmania) and the musicians who play them.

Displays of instruments and concerts have taken over the town.

"By coming here to play, I get to meet new people and it is a way to reconnect with people as I don't play professionally any more," Mr Brauchli said.

"Us instrument makers are pretty weird people, and meeting them is always quite interesting, as you can find out that you are not actually insane.

"Deloraine needs a festival or two and this is great for the town."

Deloraine StringFest artistic director Nick Weare said a family-friendly atmosphere had engulfed the town, with about 1000 people coming through it over the first two days.

He was confident the three-day event, which finishes today, could push close to last year's crowd figure of 2000.