The folks at Guild guitars have been busy. They displayed a nice assortment of re-issues of their vintage instruments…The Guild M-75 Aristocrat…
The Guild Starfire Bass.
Guild also displayed some new resonator guitars including this sweet-looking biscuit-type round neck.
Fender re-issued their ultra-cool electric mandolin under the new moniker the Mando-Strat.
Among new acoustics from Fender is this Ron Emory Loyalty Parlor model (the sloped-shoulder version is partially visible on the right).
Close up of the 12th fret detail.
Schecter Guitar Research, a company usually known for their pointy heavy metal guitars, showed this stunning vintage-style semi-hollow body (TSH-1 Classic) with lipstick tube humbuckers. It is also available as a 12-string model (TSH-12 Classic).
In addition to the larger and mid-sized companies, smaller independent builders also show their wares at NAMM. Fano Guitars displayed this new offset semi-hollow that is slightly reminiscent of the old Fender Starcaster, and is relec’d to appear to be from about the same vintage.
Carr Amplifier’s Impala has a hip two-tone look that brings to mind mid-50’s Gibson amps, but the shark fin grill leaves no doubt this is something else.
This guitar by Saul Koll features one of his trademark body silhouettes that is a refreshing breath. The top on this guitar has an oyster pearl as more commonly found on drum sets.
The D’Angelico name is once again being applied to a guitar that is made in the U.S.A.
This Excel model is hand-crafted in California and the price is yet to be determined, but the company fills out its line of instruments with affordable imported instruments (including a new bass shown next).
Headstock detail of the D’Angelico Excell Bass.
Tone King Amplifiers always had a flair for style; one of their first amp resembled an early 60’s TV set more than a guitar amp. This nifty Falcon model continues the vintage TV vibe with its vertical control panel, and looks hip with the two-toned turquoise and white tolex.
Digital mixing console for the big stage have gone into the stratosphere, and the same thing has happened or the club band PA as well, as exhibited by these two models: The Line 6 StageScape has far too many features to list here, but a few of them are a touch screen that allows you to mimic your stage setup up and present settings for each instrument and the ability to record from the board.
The Mackie DL1608 is another digital board with a focus on the gigging musician, but this unit uses the power processor of the iPad which docks into this unit.
Other highlights include: An eye-catching limeburst Gibson SG.
A Ludwig kit fit for a king.
A Japanese inspired inlay on a Taylor acoustic 12-string.
A Turner ukulele.
A James Trussart Steelphonic.
And a non-playable sculpture by Dale Evers, who’s perfectly proportion works of art fit in seamlessly with all the functional one exhibited at NAMM this year.
NAMM 2013 wraps up today and signs of that are everywhere. At the Hilton that adjoins the convention center the stage was torn down at breakfast time. Some of the vendors have begun packing up to make a quick getaway at closing time. And blurry eyes are everywhere after a tiring non-stop dealing and late-night extra-circular activities.
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