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Post by Joe Potts on Jan 2, 2020 8:07:12 GMT -5
With the winter NAMM show not too far away, I thought I’d mark this quiet little corner with the lava lamps as the place to talk about what new gear we hear about from the show.
Yes, leaks or rumors you’ve come across elsewhere are welcome. At least by me.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jan 2, 2020 9:13:51 GMT -5
Thus far I'm hearing no news that will shake the business to its foundations. The odd thing though is, more and more, some of the usual heavy hitters are simply not participating. I think there are a few reasons for this, including the original reason for NAMM, which was for manufacturers to bring dealers together and get orders from them. The Internet has changed this process quite a bit; NAMM these days seems to be less about dealers and more about creating media buzz with the consumer base.
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Post by SteveM on Jan 2, 2020 10:04:25 GMT -5
Peegoo, Great point. The Internet and development of immediate communication across media platforms had changed the dealer role significantly. Remember the days when Fender published Frontline and that's how we learned about one stuff? Attachments:
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Post by Joe Potts on Jan 2, 2020 10:31:56 GMT -5
Ah! Makes sense - the dreaded internet! Yes, I imagine you’re right that the whole vibe around the NAMM shows has changed.
I remember when Frontline was kind of a big deal (at least to me). I also have some old catalogs that I treasure. I suppose today’s younger players won’t have memorabilia like that.
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Post by SteveM on Jan 2, 2020 10:44:44 GMT -5
Frontline was to my 30's as the Sears Christmas Wishbook was to my childhood!
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Post by budg on Jan 2, 2020 10:50:45 GMT -5
I still have back issues of Frontline and the old Martin Sounding Board News.
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Post by squarewave on Jan 2, 2020 12:17:51 GMT -5
I'm not hearing about anything that would be considered groundbreaking. However, as a Kemper user, I'm interested to know if the new editor will be released from its current "beta" status and into an official version. In any case, I'll enjoy being there and talking to the builders and makers of the gear I currently use.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jan 2, 2020 13:07:15 GMT -5
Absolutely it is cool to be there. You get to meet lots of famous people if that's your thing, and get a bit of a head start on the latest tricks builders are incorporating into their wares. I've learned a few new ideas about building guitars from looking at some of the new stuff, and the makers themselves (especially the small-volume guys) are usually happy to discuss in great detail their techniques and procedures.
Not that long ago (up until about 100 years or so) instrument making was shrouded in secrecy and most makers, especially of classical guitars and arch-top instruments like violins and violas, didn't share their procedures with anyone. The reason was a few had discovered ways to age and finish wood so it was very dry and very stable, giving great tone and resisting cracks over time. The real masters all knew each other and were members of a luthiers' guild that maintained their clandestine practices not unlike the Masons. It sounds goofy, but it's true. Builders sharing info is a relatively new thing.
I haven't been to a NAMM in six years...I should go.
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Post by Joe Potts on Jan 3, 2020 19:31:21 GMT -5
I'm hoping for more painted headstocks from Fender.
And maybe the revised Epi headstocks hinted at by Gibson a while back.
Not that it's all about the headstocks...
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Post by Goodyear57 on Jan 3, 2020 20:42:25 GMT -5
I'm hoping for more painted headstocks from Fender. And maybe the revised Epi headstocks hinted at by Gibson a while back. Not that it's all about the headstocks... I was hoping for a return to rosewood fingerboards on some models (Vintera, Roadworn, etc.) In response to an inquiry I made, I received an email today from Fender advising that is not going to happen. MIA models will continue to have rosewood. I'm just not a fan of the appearance of Pau Ferro. I know others seem to like it.
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Post by Taildragger on Jan 4, 2020 23:05:32 GMT -5
A burst or trans red Guild M85-II bass would be swell, but I don't see it happening.
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Post by Lefty Rev on Jan 5, 2020 16:59:03 GMT -5
Yeah...the NAMM "Buzz" has been more like a quiet hum. I'm not hearing much of anything.
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Post by Joe Potts on Jan 5, 2020 17:02:29 GMT -5
goodyear57, in my experience, pau ferro boards are all over the map. Some I think look pretty nice, others I don't like at all. It seems like they vary much more than rosewood.
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Post by squarewave on Jan 10, 2020 19:20:37 GMT -5
One thing that I am looking forward to learning more about is the new Quad Cortex from Neural DSP. I am looking to build a smaller, fly-able, direct-to-FOH solution because my current rig is too big to fly on a regular basis. I currently use a Kemper profiler so I am very comfortable with the "mic'd cab in another room" paradigm. Neural DSP Quad Cortex
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Peppy
Wholenote
Guitar gear guru at Milano Music Center
Posts: 180
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Post by Peppy on Jan 11, 2020 0:45:12 GMT -5
Dr Z Z Wreck Jr. 18 watts.
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Post by BobbyMac on Jan 11, 2020 10:44:43 GMT -5
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Post by Joe Potts on Jan 11, 2020 13:43:43 GMT -5
That Mary Kaye looks pretty cool!
Not exactly in the market for a $2K guitar, though.
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Peppy
Wholenote
Guitar gear guru at Milano Music Center
Posts: 180
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NAMM Buzz?
Jan 11, 2020 18:41:05 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Peppy on Jan 11, 2020 18:41:05 GMT -5
Fender Lead IIs and Lead IIIs are coming back. It's Is though that I would like to see brought back.
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Post by archiestone on Jan 11, 2020 19:54:16 GMT -5
Danelectro is reissuing 3 of it's 'almost vintage' pedals --
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Post by Lefty Rev on Jan 13, 2020 13:34:03 GMT -5
Did Mary Kaye ever play a Telecaster regularly? I'm truly clueless, so that's an honest question.
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Post by BobbyMac on Jan 13, 2020 16:09:45 GMT -5
No, she never did play a Telecaster that I am aware of. And I don't think she did much else with the Stratocaster other than pose with it. Nowadays, a Mary Kaye strictly refers to the cosmetics (i.e. white blonde finish, white pickguard, and gold hardware).
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Post by archiestone on Jan 15, 2020 13:34:28 GMT -5
I am shocked (!) that MXR has announced a partnership with Paul Cochran to mass produce new 'Timmy' pedals. The whole mystique of earlier Timmys had a lot to do with their being handmade & kind of rare, not available except through boutique retailers -- no longer! Funny thing is, price is the same as the V2 Timmy ($129) and only $20 less than the V3 Anniv model.
Link to NAMM announcement: MXR Timmy
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NAMM Buzz?
Jan 15, 2020 20:28:36 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Joe Potts on Jan 15, 2020 20:28:36 GMT -5
PRS now has an S2 (American made) version of the McCarty 594. (At least, I think that’s new.) More affordable isn’t a bad thing.
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RogerD
Wholenote
Fraternity, Dedication, & Passion
Posts: 180
Formerly Known As: Roger D
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Post by RogerD on Jan 16, 2020 13:24:19 GMT -5
Just an FYI; PRS just recently posted a YouTube video with their 2020 offerings.
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NAMM Buzz?
Jan 16, 2020 13:35:38 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Joe Potts on Jan 16, 2020 13:35:38 GMT -5
RogerD, thanks for the tip on the PRS video!
I received an email from Fender, which I imagine many of you also received, with some NAMM info. Some info on the Lead II & Lead III, and the new Parallel Universe offerings.
The PU (!) offerings are, IMHO, not very tempting for the most part. A couple of them might be worth a look - but not at $2K - $2.5K. For that kind of money, I think most people aren’t looking for an odd duck guitar.
I think Fender made a mistake in not keeping them in the MIM corral, with pricing to suit.
On the plus side, the Lead III comes in PURPLE!
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Post by windmill on Jan 16, 2020 18:38:51 GMT -5
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jan 16, 2020 23:46:14 GMT -5
Oooo looks SURFY!
Me likey!
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NAMM Buzz?
Jan 17, 2020 12:54:36 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Joe Potts on Jan 17, 2020 12:54:36 GMT -5
windmill, that Jazzmaster is one that also appealed to me. Not as “quirky” as some of the other new models.
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Post by LTB on Jan 24, 2020 22:23:32 GMT -5
I have long wondered where the name No Caster came from. Interesting
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Post by tiedyeddevil on Jan 28, 2020 20:43:57 GMT -5
I always look forward to hearing about new pedals from Electro-Harmonix.
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