Upon entering into the colossal Anaheim Convention Center for the winter NAMM Show, there are a few realities one must face. You’ll need a trusty pair of walking shoes – yes, the trek is a mighty one. Earplugs no longer seem like such a wussy thing to have when you enter into the Pearl Drums section. And those Saturday crowds? Let’s just say you’ll be lucky to move a few inches at a time. But for hordes of music lovers, a few minor inconveniences can’t overshadow all of the plusses to visiting what could easily be described as the musical Mecca of the West.
For retailers, gigging professionals, and a bevy of music lovers lucky enough to have industry connections, the winter
NAMM convention was a somewhat religious – albeit physically draining – experience. As one of the largest music product trade shows in the world,
NAMM (originally an acronym for the National Association of Music Merchants and now signifying the International Music Products Association) is dedicated to gearheads far and wide looking to find the latest advancements in the music world. It was yet another feast for the eyes and ears at the Anaheim Convention Center on Jan. 14-17, with a reported 87,569 registrants getting a glimpse at everything from
Dave Mustaine’s new
Marshall Megastack to
Fender’s seemingly endless guitar collection.
Now in its 108th year, NAMM appeared to be stronger than ever, just by the mere fact that careful maneuvers must be made in order not to get stampeded by the mass of music lovers. Of course, personal experience is one thing and mathematical statistics is another ball game. So what did the numbers say? Although there was some concern that the current state of the economy may keep exhibitors and attendees from making their way to Anaheim, the stats told a different story: The total number of registrants actually saw a 2 percent increase from last year. With 1,373 exhibitors (including 250 new additions), a new historical record was achieved at NAMM.
The biggest caveat to attending NAMM might just be that you often need a doppelgänger or two to truly cover the territory. Inevitably there will be a few different sessions, demos, or signings all scheduled at the same time. It’s safe to say that boredom is never an issue. In the end, it comes down to strategy. Will you take in an acoustic solo performance by Devin Townsend at Loud Technologies or obtain that coveted Weird Al Yankovic autograph at a signing session? Choose your own adventure.
From day one, NAMM was jam-packed with a variety of industry-related seminars and conferences. The fifth annual NAMM University forum, a breakfast session that brings in some of the industry’s most influential figures, set the bar high. The kick-off NAMM U was a must-see event with special guests Quincy Jones and Yoko Ono, and bassist Victor Wooten made an appearance the following morning. The final breakfast session focused on those who earned the title of Best In Show – figures easily memorable in their own right. Among the recipients were Daisy Rock Guitars for their Classic Candy Guitars, LAG Guitars for the Tramontane, and JS Technologies/Suhr Guitars for the Custom Modern Carve Top. In the Companies To Watch Category, Keith McMillan Instruments earned accolades for its Batt-O-Meter, while Peavey was recognized for its IRS Power Amp and Vyper Amp.
On Friday evening, Dean Guitars held an all-star after-party that was a veritable who’s who of the guitar world. After a 10-minute performance by Carmine Appice’s new percussion group SLAMM, guitar virtuoso Michael Angelo Batio gave a fiery solo performance that featured his famous over-under technique on the Double-Guitar. Former Scorpions’ member Uli Jon Roth took the stage following Batio, with a revolving door of celebrity guitarists joining him for the next hour, including the likes of Paul Gilbert, Doug Aldrich, Michael Amott, and Gus G.
Whether there doing business or simply taking in the atmosphere, it was safe to assume that everyone shared a passion for playing music – a sentiment that NAMM CEO Joe Lamond had relayed earlier in the week during a press conference. While it doesn’t hurt to make out a schedule for yourself while at NAMM, one of the best aspects about the event is that at least 50 percent of the highlights do tend to happen spontaneously. So if you happen to be a NAMM virgin and find yourself attending in the near future, don’t be surprised if Billy Corgan unexpectedly stops by the Fender booth or if Jermaine Jackson is roaming the halls of the Pro Audio section.
Other highlights included:
Lemmy (Motorhead) signed autographs at the Marshall booth
Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Quiet Riot) appeared at the Sony Creative Software booth in correlation with a Virtual Rock Experience contest
Adrian Vandenberg (Whitesnake) appeared at the Aristides booth to promote a new guitar, which features the sonic characteristics of a Stradivarius
Michael Amott (Arch Enemy) and Vinnie Paul (Pantera, Hellyeah) signed autographs at the Dean booth
Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) signed autographs and introduced his new Megastack at the Marshall booth
Mark Wood (original member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra) demonstrated a violin that sounds like an electric guitar
Jason Mraz played at the Taylor booth
Corey Taylor (Slipknot) performed at the Korg booth
Rancid performed at the Gretsch booth
Slash signed autographs at both the Marshall and Seymour Duncan booths
Other stars seen at the event: Gene Simmons, Eddie Van Halen, Jerry Cantrell, Billy Corgan, Nikki Sixx, Chad Smith, Jerry Only, Nuno Bettencourt, and Michael Anthony
Check out the exclusive UG photos from NAMM below:
5150 EVH Amp In Fender Room
Artsprojekt Case @ TKL
Dave Mustaine
Dean Mustaine VMNT End Game
DJ Ashba Ovation
Double Neck Xiphos Ibanez
Gus G
Ibanez Vai Shrine
Jackson Skull Statue
Jean Baudin
Kiss Case And Bass
Lemmy
Mark Wood Violin
Martin 000ce
Michael Angelo Batio
Michael Anthony
New Dean Dimebag Series
Nuno
Paul Gilbert
Schecter Guitars
Slash
Stanley Clark Playboy Colle
Vinnie Paul
Vox Night Train
Weird Al
Report & Photos by Amy Kelly
