NAMM Show 2024

February 07, 2024

NAMM Show 2024

The theme "Innovate, Inspire, Ignite.", the NAMM show returned in full force. This was the first time back to its original Thursday to Sunday with Wednesday being the Media Day since pre pandemic January 2020. The anticipation was evident as the onslaught of musicians, engineers, influencers, producers, live event professionals, music educators, students, etc. made their way to the Anaheim Convention Center. It's a time of networking, makings connections and deals.

I had not attended since 2020 so I was thoroughly excited to be back checking out some new music technology, and especially networking with my peers and friends old and new. Yearly, give or take there are about 1,800 - 2,000 exhibitors. You will find any and everything being showcased. If it is music related, it is at the NAMM show. At the show you could find almost any type of guitar, from all over the world, equipment related to the guitar, any music service, and for that matter cutting-edge state of the art technology. While I am a guitar lover, there were some instruments I had never seen or heard of before. Also, you could find amazing lighting and sound technology that surrounded the attendee taking them along a magnificent journey. The sound and lighting booths are always standouts. Case in point the "SonicScape Theater" that provided the audience a stunning voyage of limitless multisensory proportions that created a spectacular display combining sound and light as one.: A drop in the bucket as there are so many amazing products.

A few Highlights

BLACK STAR AMPS - https://www.guitarworld.com/news/blackstar-idcore-v4-combo Their amps are well known to deliver, high tones that mesh with rock and metal. Blackstar has more than 100 years of experience in the area of production and amplification design.

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New Tweed Peavy Amp - https://peavey.com/product-category/amps/guitar-amps/guitar-combo-amps/ Introduced at this year's show was the 20-watt 112 combo proving that good things come in small packages. A new classic that is sure to leave a it's mark. The amp may be compact in size and weight, at the same time not lacking in sound quality and tone.

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Adrian Vandenberg Signature Guitar - The 1980's classic re-release due to drop in Feb/March 2024. They will be available in three finishes: matte black, purple and pink. https://peavey.com/product/adrian-vandenberg-signature-guitar-matte-black/

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Prince's purple Yamaha piano was on display at the Yamaha booth lobby Thurs-Sunday.

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Kayserburg Étoile Collection

In 2020 Kayserburg (a Pearl River brand/division) introduced its Étoile Collection of grand and upright pianos. These beautiful instruments are hand-built using exotic hardwood veneers such as East Indian Rosewood, Ziricote, Sapele Mahogany, Tiger Striped Sandalwood, Green Apple, Rose Gold Sandalwood, Straight Lined Ebony and Golden Silk Phoebe.

This, however, was the very first time that examples of the Kayserburg Étoile Collection had been shown at a NAMM Show.

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The Idea Center - Presentations on all things related to music, business, new innovations etc.

She Rocks Awards 2024 - The 12th annual awards were back at the NAMM show. https://sherocksawards.com/

The TEC Awards - https://www.tecawards.org/winners-2024

There was an abundance of musical talent including the concert on the Grand Yamaha Presents: an evening with Lindsey Stirling 1/26/2024.

Numerous artist signings and sightings and performances. Below are several.

* Mark Wood (Emmy award-winning composer, recording artist, performer,

producer).

* Jared James Nichols - The Seymour Duncan signature artist was at their

booth with his new JJN P90 Silencer Pickup.

* Stevie Wonder - A pop up Jam at the Ultimate Ear Pro booth.

* Gary Holt - Tonex liver performance + meet and greet.

* Phil Demmel - Tonex live performance + meet and greet.

* Lindsey Stirling - Appearing at both the Grand Stage and The Ernie Ball booth.

* Derek Day and Griffin Tucker (both of Classless Act) performing at the Vega-Trem booth.

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Always time for education and learning sessions, Here is a small taste of what was available.

All and all I would say that Namm 2024 was a fantastic event. While it may not have been quite as big as previous years, it was larger in many ways. Before it was borderline hectic. It's also about new connections, marking deals, and previous friendships. This year it felt like a reinvented trade show. It was special to see some many vendors from all over the world.

Hope you see you next January 21-25 | Exhibits - January 23–25, 2025 • Anaheim Convention Center

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