GMC:er Posts: 25.297
Joined: 23-December 09
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
There are a lot of folks saying that NAMM is going away. After covid, it seems that many vendors have switched their budgets towards alternate methods of promotion like tik tok, paid youtube reviews, etc. Ramping up social media spending and ramping down their plans for big NAMM booths. Time will tell. For now, let’s see what went down at NAMM 2022.
This past NAMM was a bit smaller than it had been, which is understandable. It’s been a rough year. So what was the big news?
1.)TOSIN ABASI DESIGN - KAIZEN 7/6 STRING & ABASI EMI For folks who were not that into his previous single cutaway 8 string design, now he is offering a 7/6 string, fanned fret design, with trem system. This is a very aggressive looking axe and just one of the new guitars he showed at NAMM. This is a fanned fret, shredding monster with a dive bomb ready trem. It’s done in partnership with Music Man instruments, so hopefully quality will be high.
In addition, he is also offering 8 string double cutaway versions of his previous single cutaway design under his own Abasi Concepts label. This new design, called the Emi, in 8/7/6 string, features several new bits including an asymmetrical neck, and is offered in various configs with HSS, HH, and single coil strat looking version. He also showed a nylon string version of his single cutaway design. All of these feature Fishman fluence pups and can be had with standard and fanned frets.
2.)ESP LTD KH-V Kirk Hammett Signature LTD KH-V guitar is set to arrive in 2023. This latest collab with ESP comes in 3 finishes. A black sparkle, red sparkle and metallic gold. It’s an offset V much akin to the Alexi model and features a pair of EMGs (81-85) and a tunomatic bridge. Hardware is gold and it features a pick guard.
3.)STEVE VAI HYDRA GUITAR Steve didn’t make it this year, but his new crazy triple neck axe was there in his stead. It’s that crazy steam punk looking this we saw in his music video from a bit ago. Folks had the chance to examine it up close. It’s a 12 string, 6 string, and a bass. He also debuted a new swirl paint job for the 35th anniversary of his collaboration history with Ibanez, of his PIA guitar.
4.)CREAM GUITARS Somewhat new on the scene is cream guitars. These guys take a futuristic retro approach and it shows in their designs. The guitars have a very funky shape and some very flash finishes as well. They look almost like surf rock guitars from the future. The founder of the company says he wants the guitar to make you feel like the karate kid. Not sure if that is gonna work, but certainly, one would feel something when just looking at these. These are very interesting looking boutique guitars. I hope to try one.
This is just a smattering of what was on show at NAMM. There is a LOT more to come in PART 2 including wireless midi controller shoe inserts. Yup. You read that correctly. The pandemic gave the boffins plenty of time to make up some very inventive products and we are going to dive in to them. If you have any NAMM bits to share, please do!!!
