Winter NAMM 2009

An evil alliance is formed, and this time, it has nothing to do with rings or Mordor. De la Mancha and runagate team up to form evil alliance and release their first free plugin as a tandem: combover. Free plugins? DELIGHTFULLY EVIL! NYA-HA-HA-HA-HA!  

We've got outtakes and boopers from Winter NAMM 2009. Wait a minute, did I just say boopers? Yes, I said. What I meant to say was -- screw it. Can I start this teaser text over?  

I feel like the fact that I had even heard the song "21st Century Schizoid Man" by King Crimson before I graduated high school is pretty rare. The musically gifted students at the Paul Green School of Rock are playing it, and that's completely mindblowing.  

The Yamaha LLX16 keeps it sound natural with the A.R.T. acoustic amplification system which places condenser transducers in strategic locations within the guitar's body to accurately reproduce the acoustic tone electronically.  

V-Picks has done it again, topping four millimeters with the all new V-Picks Snake. This thick pick also lets you hybridize round and pointed edges for a versatile playing experience.  

The Fender Band-Master Vintage Modified (or "VM" as they're calling it) was also introduced at NAMM, along with the Deluxe VM. The Band-Master is, in fact, the exact same amp as the Deluxe VM, but in head-form. Makes about as much nomenclature-sense as "Vintage Modified."  

Whether you're looking to find out more on the Yamaha DTXtreme II Special Kit or just want some soothing background jams for getting some house cleaning done, this is the video you've been searching for.  

Expanding their "Vintage Modified" line beyond practice amps and Squire-axes, the Fender introduced the new Hot Rod Deluxe Vintage Modified at this past Winter NAMM. Coincidentally, "Hot Rod Deluxe" is what I used to call the Governor of Illinois, and now I call the new one "Vintage Modified." No? Anybody?  

Ever want to see a Neutrik OpticlCON Transceiver Adapter in action? We won't judge. In fact, we'll even provide you with the footage. Fringe audiophiles unite!  

To celebrate two-score years of guitar distribution in North America, the Yamaha SBG-3000 is being reissued as a limited edition anniversary model. By the time you read this, it's likely that all forty will have been sold already, but don't worry; 2049 is right around the corner.  

Bling bling
Everytime I come around yo city
Bling bling
Pinky ring worth about fifty
Bling bling
Everytime I buy a new Neutrik CrystalCON Connector
Bling bling

 

The good folks at TC Group were very excited to show us their new bass amp, the TC Electronic RebelHead 450, and we were very excited to obligingly listen to them talk about it. Isn't it great when things work out like that? Who wants a hug?  

Given the excitement surrounding the Road Worn series and the metaphor that spawned the above headline, they should actually make pants that you wear on your hands. Those would sell like hot cakes -- especially in Winter.  

We attempt to get a good look at some ribald custom graphic work at the Jackson Winter NAMM booth, but it's like some greater force doesn't want us to share the gnarly Mike Learn Airbrush work with you (I blame the "Lust" guitar. . . jeez).  

Neutrik shows us the ConvertCon, an XLR connector that can switch from male to female, which we do in this video. So if you're under 18 or can't stomach graphic videos, please watch at your own risk.  

The new Yamaha LLX6A acoustic-electric guitar is just like my apartment, in that it's filled with strategically placed microphones. I tell ya, you yell "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar!!!" into the phone once as a joke and you're on General Hayden's permanent "To-Do" list.  

According to Fender, the only thing cooler than a Fender bass is an old Fender bass. Following this logic, I now understand why Warren Beatty swept the Teen Choice Awards this year.  

Say what you will about Fall Out Boy, the fact remains: Patrick Vaughn Stump is the band's lead singer, and the G5135-PS Patrick Stump Signature STUMP-O-MATIC Electromatic Corvette is his signature guitar.  

Saaaaaaay. Did someone lose a little weight recently. I think they did, SWR GoLight Bass Cabinet! What, did you think we wouldn't notice? Don't be shy, flaunt it!  

Maybe I'm A Leo, but the new Fender Ritchie Blackmore Stratocaster has been retooled, and is catching my eye like Never Before. I feel like When A Blind Man Cries when I hear this guitar's sweet wail, and you'd have to be Lazy not to realize how awesome it is.

Uhh. . . Smoke On The Water.  

We stumbled upon the Carvin / Steve Vai Press Conference ant Winter NAMM 2009, and decided to hit record to better share with you what Mr. Vai had to say about his new Carvin Steve Vai Legacy II all-tube guitar head. Enjoy!  

NAMM is a trade show, i.e., it's dedicated to the invigoration and lubrication of commerce, and as such, the focus of the show is typically on what's new. The Museum Of Making Music, in contrast, injects of bit historical perspective to the conference, setting up temporary installations on the exhibitor's floor.
We interviewed MMM's Executive Director Carolyn Grant and Marketing & Promotions Manager (and dress vest enthusiast) B.J. Morgan.  

We stopped by the discotheque-like Fender booth at Winter NAMM 2009 to -- among other things -- check out the Fender TB-Series bass amps and cabinets. According to Fender Bass Products Marketing Manager Jay Piccirillo, a TB-series bass stack is "great for feeling yourself on stage."  

From the Greek words "Sono" meaning sound and word "Lux" meaning light, Auralex shows us the Sonolux acoustic panels. They're fiberglass panels that add actual starlight* to your studio.

* Actual starlight is not actual starlight

 

Did you know that the English word "sinister" comes form the Latin word "sinestra" which meant "left"? What I'm saying is: the Gretsch G6118t will steal your family from you if you let it into your home.  

If I were to tell you that this Winter NAMM video was about one instrument with 12 amplifiers, maybe the image of some guitar virtuoso realizing the fruits of years and years of honing the art of overkill. Nope! It's a Grand Piano.  

As part of the effort to spread the good word about Waves GTR3, he stripped down version -- GTR Solo -- is being made available as a free download from the Waves website. Still to cheap to even spend the bandwidth and downloading time? Check out or Winter NAMM coverage of the amp sim.  

We check out the VOX Night Train at Winter NAMM 2009. It's a versatile tube amp that still maintains the tube sound VOX buyers are putting their money down to achieve.  

As Iron Maiden itself has three guitarists (if you consider Steve Harris's instrument to be a "guitar") so Winter NAMM 2009 saw the introduction of three Maiden-member inspired artist models, including this one, the Fender Dave Murray Stratocaster.  

We send shortest straw drawer Bill Holland through the rhythm section section of Winter NAMM 2009 to check out the SWR Marcus Miller preamp. It has so many features that can be bypassed, you'd think a preemptively concerned surgeon designed it.