Summer NAMM, Day 2: Photos

Days two and three of Summer NAMM at the Nashville Convention Center had bigger crowds than the first day, but some exhibitors seemed to be disappointed in the turnout, often comparing it to the gargantuan NAMM show in L.A. But the pickers and gearheads of Music City seemed to have a good time, while artists like guitar legend Dean Parks (Steely Dan, Paul Simon) and drummer/producer Craig Krampf (Steve Perry, Melissa Etheridge) hung out mostly unnoticed.

A lot of cool new gear from all over the world was on display, and the musical equipment business seems to be doing better overall than a lot of other businesses, with many new business owners taking the plunge and paying for a NAMM booth. Ukuleles are more popular than ever, perhaps because of their relatively low price, and a surprisingly large number of uke manufacturers had their wares on display. Overall it was another successful show and something that the musicians of Nashville put on their calendars months in advance.

Click here to view photos from Day 1 of NAMM.

The future is definitely now, with these electric guitars designed and built by German luthier Ulrich Teuffel.

Southern California-based Cordoba Music Group’s Jon Bingham plays the Guilele CE, a ukulele-like six-string acoustic/electric guitar with six strings tuned up a fourth.

The Four Force EM-1 amplifier, built in Yuba City, California, is a lightweight (about 12 pounds) 6-watt amp with overdrive and an output that can drive a 4 x 12 cabinet.

In addition to its normal line of product, Virginia’s Cedar Creek Cases brought patriotic and wildlife cases to Summer NAMM.

Mosrite Guitars is building 60 of its 60th Anniversary 6/12 String Doubleneck guitars, a limited-edition replica of the Mosrite that Jimi Hendrix used on the Axis: Bold As Love album.

The Warrior Instrument company of Chattanooga brought a selection of its unique handmade guitars and basses to Summer NAMM. Note the newly-carved body on the left of a work in progress.

Audrey Smith displays some plectrums by V-Picks, a Nashville company whose acrylic picks are said to be slip resistant and difficult to drop.

Ohana Music’s Stephanie Turkal of Long Beach, California demonstrates a prototype of a soon-to-be-released ukulele.

Tony Sims of North Carolina’s Welch Guitars plays a gold sparkle TS Classic from the company’s upcoming True Vintage line.

Lanikai Ukuleles’ “Big Kahuna” Drew Lewis demonstrates a uke made by the company that’s a division of Hohner.

Legendary favorite Martin Guitars’ booth featured dozens of instruments, including the company’s HD-28E Retro, with a Fishman pickup that models the sound of guitars played through vintage microphones.

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