It was a beautiful, cool sunny day at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California. The center was abuzz with members of the media, exhibitors, attendees checking into their hotels, sound checks at the many stages throughout the center, and people just eager to get a glimpse behind-the-scenes at The NAMM Show 2015.
It was Media Day at the National Association of Music Merchants Winter 2015 show where a select few music manufacturers were showcasing their new and innovative products for 2015.
Our day began with a tour of the John Lennon Tour Bus where a live recording session was being conducted by George Clinton and students of Berklee College of Music.
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Off we went to see some new products. Just to mention a few that we found to be of interest to guitarists are:
IK Multilmedia’s iRig Mic Field – the first pocketable and adjustable stereo digital microphone as well as their new iRig for Android devices. Now Android musicians can finally enjoy AmpliTube real time guitar amp and effects thanks to IK Multimedia’s new digital effects processor and interface.
Line 6 Variax Standard guitar – this is the first product Line 6 had designed and built in partnership with Yamaha and contains Line 6’s Variax HG technology.
Rock and Roll High Guitars Volt model – new to the market with a recent successful Kickstarter campaign, this new company has a lightweight, high-quality guitar designed with a smaller, lightweight body.
Cordoba Guitars’ Mini guitar which is a small nylon string “travel” guitar. It’s based on the body size of a baritone uke, but unlike any other small guitar on the market, it has the playability of a full size guitar.
Taylor Guitars introduced their Taylor 600 series which is they claim is the first truly sustainable world wood guitar from responsibly sourced wood from their own mills.
GTC Sound Innovations’s GTC REVPAD which is an add-on 3D wireless touchpad effects controller and dynamic sound processer. It attaches easily (think of a thick sticker) to any amplified guitar or bass (acoustic or electric).
Blackbird Guitars Ekoa El Capitan composite guitar which is made of flax linen which they believe is a solution to the wood-sourcing issue.
This is just a sampling of the companies at Media Day, but just a drop in the bucket of what was to come.
Joe Lamond speaking with members of the Media
Later in the day, Roland Guitars held a special press conference by President and discussed their commitment to excellence and customer service. Their room was full of new products including electronic drum kits, effects pedals, and their new tube bass – their Blues Cube Series.
Then it was off to see the first performance of the evening at the Hilton Lobby lounge – Dani Poppitt. A young rising star from Southern California performed some covers and originals. The evening was full of all types of music around the Convention Center with Judas Priestess (the-all girl Judas Priest tribute band) closing for the night, and made for a great beginning to what we expect to be a GREAT NAMM 2015!
Stay tuned for more updates!
