Today was another great day drilling down on some products that I found interesting over the previous two days. Saturday is always the most crowded because it is when most of the artists do signing appearances. The list of artists who are here is simply way to long, but the short answer is that just about every tier-1 and tier-2 guitarist you can think of is at the event.
Anyway, here are some highlights of the day.
The Gibson room definitely took on a different appearance this year. Dozens of computer stations with their new Dark Fire Les Paul. The computers were loaded up with Guitar Rig and Abelton Live, both of which ship with the Dark Fire. As the Gibson rep walked me through the features of the Dark Fire, I was excited about trying it. However, the guitar that was at the station I picked played very, very poorly with high action, badly filed frets, and uneven finish. I could be that they rushed a bunch out the door for the show.
PRS lauched a line of amplifiers which sound very, very good.
And check out that paisley tweed!
And check out Paul's matching jacket!!!! Where's that matching pants and hat Paul?
PRS also lauched a pair of acoustic guitars, which also sounded very good.
Gigliotti Guitars makes its debut at NAMM. They got a lot of attention, as you can imagine. I love these things. I also got a chance to chat with Joe Bonamassa at the Gigliotti booth (Joe uses a couple of Gigliotti guitars). I guess I may have spoken to soon yesterday when I said I wansn't really into all of the artists being there. Joe is definitely an exception.
This is one that really impressed me. Austin manufacturer Collings Guitars released a new 290 model. It plays and sounds spectacular.
And here's one that's kind of interesting. I've been following this one for a while, because the inventor is lives near me. This guy got a patent on a glass-based sound platform for the guitar. The nut, bridge, fretboard, and frets are all glass on this instrument. It has a very distinct sound and it sustains forever.
Tomorrow is the last day and I'm very glad. It's been an exhausting week.
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