Stay in the know with the freshest updates and coolest releases that are thrilling gear enthusiasts. This is your go-to source for all the juicy details about guitar, pedal and amp news at this year’s NAMM show.
January can be a bleak time for people, particularly in dreary Scotland, however, a shining light for music gear aficionados is the biggest trade show of them all, NAMM.
Hosted in drastically sunnier California at the Anaheim convention centre, NAMM is a chance for brands both big and small to release exclusive products, new inventions and reworked series which will be available to the public for the year ahead. This year’s show runs from the 25th-28th of January and will feature stalwarts such as Gretsch, Martin and Korg to name a few.
Although NAMM is a key date in many people’s calendars, the last few years have seen the convention face hardships. The global pandemic has taken its toll on the instrument industry, resulting in sporadic dates and major brands scaling back their participation. Despite these hurdles, the resilience of the community shines through, and we’re hopeful for brighter days ahead reflecting on the success of January 2020, which marked the biggest NAMM show to date.
With the anticipation and excitement building up for this year’s NAMM show, let’s dive into some of the most intriguing, quirky, and innovative releases that have everyone buzzing.
Guitars
Gretsch
- Gretsch have a booth at NAMM and the Californian’s have already released some pretty additions to their Electromatic range in the run up to the show. The Electromatic Pristine LTD is equipped with two P-90E pickups, comes in two metallic top finishes and exudes understated luxury.
Gretsch Electromatic Pristine LTD, Dark Cherry Metallic
Fender
- While Fender won’t be present at the show, it’s still a significant year for the darlings of the guitar world. The timeless classic Stratocaster is marking its 70th birthday, and Fender has introduced several anniversary models leading up to NAMM. First on the list is the Mexican-made Player Stratocaster in the eye-catching Nebula Noir finish with a rosewood fingerboard.
Fender 70th Anniversary Player Stratocaster, Nebula Noir
- Additionally, there’s the American Professional II in Comet Burst, featuring a stunning flame maple top. Considering it’s a bumper year for the Strat, we’re expecting to see some more releases over the next few days, of which we’ll report as soon as anything drops so keep your eyes peeled.
Fender 70th Anniversary American Professional II Stratocaster, Comet Burst
Squier
- Fender’s sister brand Squier have also revamped their much admired Classic Vibe series. Offering vintage tones and styles on a very reasonable budget, the Classic Vibe series is popular for beginners and advanced players alike.
Image credit: Fender
- In the run-up to NAMM, Squier announced four limited edition ’60s models: the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster HSS, Classic Vibe ’60s Custom Telecaster, Classic Vibe ’60s Telecaster SH, and an Olympic White Classic Vibe Mid-’60s Jazz Bass. There’s a variety of finishes and Squier announced they will be availbe to purcashe in Spring.
Acoustic Guitars
Martin
- The heritage brand Martin has announced a revamp of their affordable X-Series range, introducing enhancements in both aesthetics and playability compared to previous iterations.
- In terms of appearance, the range will now feature new High-Pressure Laminate patterns made from exotic woods like Brazilian rosewood and Cocobolo. The aesthetic remastering is further complemented by thinner rosettes with abalone or herringbone patterns.
Image credit: Martin
- As for playability, Martin has implemented a few tweaks to enhance the playing experience. A slimmer, bevelled neck and refined string spacing should bring a subtle yet noticeable change suited to the modern player who is likely to be interested in the X-Series.
- Martin hasn’t been sitting on their hands, the Pennsylvanians have also released two new models to their modern electro-acoustic SC series. The SC-18E and SC-28E sport the lines’ unique asymmetrical body, super accessible cutaway, Sure Align neck system and High-Performance Taper neck.
Martin SC-18E and SC-28E
- The big difference between the new models and SC-13E is the tonewood options. Instead of a veneer, both the SC-18E and SC-28E are fully solid. The former has a solid mahogany back and sides whilst the latter takes it up a notch and is equipped with a rosewood back and sides. Of course this is reflected in the price, with the SC-18E retailing around £3,749.00 and the SC-28E costing £4,150.00.
Eastman
- Eastman has been excelling lately, providing customers with fantastic-quality guitars that, more often than not, boast a fully solid construction. So it’s always great to see some new models be added to its already impressive collection. The E1OM-Special is one of those fully-solid guitars that have caught our eyes. With a Solid Thermo-Cured Sitka Spruce top and Solid Quilted Sapele back and sides, this thing is likely to be a beautifully resonant strummer.
Eastman E1OM-Special
- The Bluesmaster range has introduced a charming parlor model, the E1P-LTD, seamlessly blending sophistication and tradition in a package that flat pickers are sure to adore. The solid Adirondack spruce top and solid sapele back and sides would command a much higher price if offered by any of Eastman’s competitors, yet this exceptional instrument comes with an expected retail price of £899.
Eastman ‘The Bluesmaster’ E1P-LTD
Amplifiers
Gibson
Gibson is making a return to amplification with their first venture since 2008. Following their acquisition of Mesa/Boogie in 2021, it’s perhaps unsurprising to witness the Nashville-based giants stepping into 2023 with fresh amplification options.
Image credit: Gibson
The cult classic 1961 Gibson Falcon amplifier has been slightly redesigned and released in a 5-watt and 20-watt variant. This reimagining of the classic small combo brings plenty of vintage flavour, coupled with a modern clarity that players should truly appreciate. The inclusion of power scaling makes it much easier to achieve those broken-up valve tones at home, and the aesthetics are filled with ’60s charm.
Blackstar
Blackstar is unveiling a fresh iteration of their popular ID:Core range, revamping the 10, 20, and 40 models with exciting new features on the Version 4 series. Noteworthy among these enhancements is the power reduction down to 1W, a game-changer for those seeking lower volume play without compromising tonal quality. Additionally, the live streaming capability to your smartphone, facilitated by a common TRRS cable, and the built-in USB-C connectivity for hassle-free computer recording, elevate the versatility of these models.
Image credit: Blackstar
Moreover, the inclusion of Free Architect software adds value by granting users access to the advanced CabRig Lite cabinet simulator. This feature provides a sturdy platform for in-depth editing and streamlined patch management which is included on every model of the ID:Core V4 series.