Here’s What’s Trending From NAMM 2017
While attending the 2017 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show in Anaheim, California recently, I was overwhelmed by the amount of amazing guitars, amplifiers, effects and processors now available. What an exciting time it is for consumers! However, how does one go about choosing a guitar, an amplifier or effects pedals when there’s so much choice and so much marketing buzz competing for your hard earned dollars? This can make it difficult to navigate and equally challenging when trying to make an informed choice – one that works for your exact needs.
The trend is white!
Even Gibson, one of the biggest and most well-known guitar manufacturers now only has apparently one or two staff members that do white finishes. Only TWO people, because they’ve perfected the craft. This year’s NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) exhibited some amazing custom shop white guitars, namely the new Gibson Alex Lifeson ES Les Paul in addition to the existing custom shop signature Tamio Okuda ES-330. Epiphone revealed the new Brendon Small Flying V signature guitar titled the Snow Falcon, an all-white ’67-esque V with even an all-white fretboard!
Trending From NAMM 2017, In-Ear Monitors And White Guitars Are In!
Very reminiscent of the recently deceased Prince, and his signature Cloud guitar, of which Schecter this year at NAMM had the liberty of showcasing due to their ongoing collaboration with Paisley Park. Gretsch has put in their take of white guitars with an all-white acoustic, and an all-white signature electromatic with chrome hardware. Godin, Caparison, Ibanez are other well-known manufacturers that are now producing quite a few guitars finished in white this year.
Here’s What’s Trending From NAMM 2017
It doesn’t stop there! This year’s NAMM 2017 showcased Vox with their new line of innovative amps, as well as their revamped series of AC4 amplifiers, re-tolex’ed and refinished in – you guessed it – WHITE!
Vox Amps in White
In-Ear Companies Offer More Variety
In-ear monitors (IEMs) have always been a bit of a mystery for the non-pro touring musician, unless you were signed, had a record deal and were backed by a generous record label, no regular musician would have much of any knowledge or access to affordable In-ear systems.
This has changed as NAMM 2017 booths were dominated by an overabundance of in-ear companies offering more variety in in-ear monitoring systems. Fender started diving into IEMs the previous year, with improved and upgraded models for this year, as well as an upcoming packaged set of in-ears and Presonus headphone amp around the $200-$300 price range.
Here’s What’s Trending From NAMM 2017
MEE Audio is a prime example, showcasing their newest, M-7 model in-ear monitors of which are “universal fit” using memory foam earplugs to ensure fit and without needing a custom mold. These started at suggested retail – USD50.00! The Ultimate Ears Company revealed Sound Tap, a personal monitoring box of which one can source the mix from the soundman or front of house, and adjust levels to their own liking for their own monitor mix. The Sound Tap retails for $249.00.
So for 2017 be prepared for a flurry of much more interesting, new and affordable products this year!
Max –
