NAMM 2008 (part 1)

Well, another NAMM in the bucket. I will say that I was not overly impressed by what I saw there. We made the trip up in good time, and after we got our badges I immediately ran into a former employee of mine. A few minutes of chit chat, and I was off again.

Downstairs

First stop: the Kamakas. There Ukuleles are pretty much the standard by which all others are measured. They had a handful of Ukes out in a modest booth. We spent some time there talking about the old times, and what’s new. I figure that there is a job waiting there for me if I could survive island life.

Second Stop: Baden Guitars. Here I ran into a handful of old friends, Chris, Ed and Larry, The heart of Taylor guitars. Between these 3 guys everything is designed and built. I looked at them in a different light. Not as former co-workers but old friends. We lingered a while talking about what’s new with the industry and family. I told them that I’d catch up with them later, but it never happened.

Third Stop: Anderson Guitarworks. I played a few guitars, but for the most part his guitars seemed to remain unchanged. So we moved on.

 

 

a $21,000 guitar

Last stop: R. Taylor. The highest of high end guitars and Bob’s boutique line. Guitars start at $10,000 and with options the price elevates. This years top price $21,000 for a Brazilian G.A. Nice guitars.

We breezed by the Breedlove booth, and noticed that they too have come out with an electric guitar. I found that to be the new trend, Larivee also had a solid body to show off. In the

Upstair

This is where the hustle and bustle of the show takes place./ NAMM is more than guitars, there are drums, straps accessories, tubas…you name it. I wasn’t actually tuned into guitars on this trip. I was more drawn to some violins from Germany. We even ran into a duo that was trading metal riffs one on guitar the other on 6 string violin. The violin player had a great blues face as he was pretty good

 

I played a ton of guitars this year. more than I have in years past. my impression of the show as a whole was “What’s new?” Sure traditional acoustic manufacturers were maknig electrics, but I didn’t see that one thing that really hit me. there was no wow factor this year. I left a little disappointed, but willing to come back next year anyway

After perusing the floor a couple of times, it was time to head to the Taylor booth. This year it was impeccable, the best booth at the show. With a full stage, they hosted artist like Christopher cross, and six wire along with others. I spent a long time at the solid body wall. There were at least 30 guitars there. My first impression of them was that these things are Tanks, heavy, heavy guitars. Even with chambered bodies. They played well, and sounded great.

 

 

Here are some pics from this years show

Flying V” Ukulele

Intersting Violins

185 piece drum set that would have Niel Peart scratching his head

Very Serious Musicians

Daisy Rock booth. I promised my girls that I’d buy one of these for them one day

My vote for the ugliest guitar on display

Strat. Lamp. I was dissappointed that the 5 way switch was NOT the light switch.

For IG…A little Tal, although shew was not at the show.

Some Kamakas. Nice Ukes.

These youngladies were art the show on Saturday because I’m sure that they would be at church on Sunday.