| Contest | Place | Year |
|---|---|---|
| National Flat Pick Guitar Championship | First | 1999 |
| National Flat Pick Guitar Championship | Second | 2007 |
| National Flat Pick Guitar Championship | Second | 1998 |
Second place in the 2007 flatpick competition went to an individual who placed second in 1998 and first in 1999. This was the sixth time Carl Miner of Austin, TX has entered this contest. He also enters the mandolin, and finger style guitar contests here at the Festival. He has been playing the guitar for the past 17 years and also plays the mandolin and bass. This 25-year old considers his occupation as advertising and design and recently moved from Portland, OR to Austin, TX. His first guitar was given him by his step-dad who also taught him the basics. When not playing his guitar he enjoys graphic design and owns his own graphic design company. His efforts netted him a Martin D-18 Golden Era Guitar by C.F. Martin and Company/The Martin Guitar Company of Nazareth, PA and also the 2nd place trophy.