I was fortunate to attend the event with three different musicians; a harmonica player, drummer and electric guitarist. I was able to bounce my questions off of them as related to the different products that struck me as odd. Since NAMM is where manufacturers hock their wares to potential merchandisers I was surprised by just how many products I wouldn’t buy, and what ones I might consider.
The first of these product lines was Factory Metal’s iron cross cymbal line called Cross Benderz (about $80.) It would seem that these are more form over function. However, my drummer reported the cymbals provided a tin tone similar to sheet metal that could be an interesting addition to a kit. www.factorymetalpercussion.com
The second product I couldn’t get over was the weather-worn guitar look that is being carried by many guitar labels. Fender’s Road Worn line is costly at $1200 for guitars and $1600 plus for bass. Something like a torn designer jean, I personally found the look of a chipped guitar to be pretty silly with all the gorgeous Taylor and Gretsch guitars to slobber over. When I stated this opinion to my guitarist they explained that the chipped guitars are supposedly replicas of guitars used by famous musicians. Still, I feel if you are buying a new guitar this is an investment like a new car. You want a nice paint job. Otherwise you can go out and buy yourself a $120 dollar guitar down at your local pawnshop!
Speaking of the car/guitar comparison. The smarter choice for a guitarist would be the GuitarGaurd line with fun and functional styles like the Gibskin and StratJacket ($29.99 each.) Functioning much the same as a car bra this product is removeable, waterproof and a good way to keep those chips away. www.guitarguard.net
Also, another functional line that seemed a worthy investment were the customized ear plug style monitors by Microsonic Music. These come in different colors for various styles of music and instrument like EPIC JC and EPIC X ($249 each) so that you can hear your tunes but not damage your hearing. www.microsonicmusic.com
My harmonica player enjoyed all of the limited products available for his instrument at NAMM, but his favorite was Hohner’s new Hoodoo Hand line. This micro-lavalier microphone kit with a hand ring and receiver 
comes in at $280. The device is worn like a ring on two fingers for ease of movement. My harmonica player explained the typical harmonica bullet microphones are often clunky and cumbersome and this new mic line offers a lot of control. While not as retro in sound quality it does offer a clean sound. www.hoodoobyhohner.com
Okay, there were definitely some silly products available. I could not resist the functional fish-shaped tambourine. Nor could I forgive the outrageous Las Vegas designed piano with silver sparkle piano keys that I’m sure Liberace would have died for. Also the Dan Leap Guitar Lamp which has been featured on HGTV was straight out of Christmas Story. This will cost you about $500, which you could easily put down on a few hours of studio time… But hey! How can you not have one of these in your studio or practice room? http://www.guitarlamp.com/
Despite the frivolous products, there were definitely some savvy selections. I’m all for Gibson’s Limited Edition Robot Guitar! This SG (drool) features the Robot Tuning System and comes in at $3,600. www.gibson.com I would definitely pick up Styx for one of these guitars, domo arigato!
All told there is definitely something for everyone at NAMM, although some of the product design borders on squeamish! My first observation was how many products I had never seen carried in a music store before, and I am sure I will probably never will!
