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As I mentioned, I spent the weekend in Anaheim at the NAMM Show working the Source Audio booth and checking out the show floor. SA's Hot Hand really did seem to be one of the products with the biggest buzz at the show, especially for a company in Hall E (where they throw all the new kids). It even made it on the cover of the Orange County Register after the first day of the show. The only celeb demo (that we know of) was Reeves Gabrels, Bowie's old guitarist who is known for his effect use. Unfortunately, apart from the Hot Hand, I didn't find any really overwhelmingly great new products. That's not to say that there wasn't plenty there that I would like to add to my music room, but I didn't come across much new stuff that got me drooling. Here's a short recap of what I saw and thought of some booths of interest:
Rickenbacker - Nothing really new, but hey, it's Rickenbacker. Their R&D department can't really consist of much more than figuring whose signature is going to be on the next custom edition (I'll wait for Peter Buck) or which 1960s model to re-issue. I'm not complaining, they're still my favorite.
Vox - They were showing a new Brian May special-edition AC30 with just one knob (volume, natch) and a new edition of the AC15. I haven't heard much about the quality of these new Chinese-built amps vs. the British-made ones, so I'm holding off on finally getting my Vox for now.
Line 6 - I haven't been really excited about anything they've come out with since the first modeling pedals (not the newer stompbox ones). I mean, they've modeled amps, pedals, guitars, and basses, so what's next? Synthesizer modeling...umm...? Plus, their "booth" was just a meeting room. At least show some products.
Fender - Too crowded, so I didn't really get to see much of anything. I didn't even feel like waiting in the long line for the Gibson booth.
Electro-Harmonix - It looked like they had some cool new pedals, but all of their stuff was just sitting in a single glass display case. Dude, you need a demo setup.
EBow - These guys must be doing alright with what they have, becuase they sure don't seem to be in any hurry to bring out a new product. No, the EBow Plus doesn't count. I wanted to hear a demo from someone who (presumably) knows how to use the thing really well, but the demo chair was empty every time I walked by. Oh well.
Propellerhead Software - I got a free Reason 3.0 demo CD, so that's cool. I probably could've downloaded this from their website, but I'm lazy like that. Swag is always good.
ProCo - Props for being quite friendly when I was just browsing their booth. They were very nice and eager to show me their new Solo distortion pedal. I'm a big fan of my Vintage Rat, so I'll probably check out this new pedal when it's in stores in a few months.
Pigtronix - These guys had a small booth down the aisle from Source Audio. Their two pedals, an "Envelope Phaser" and "Disnortion" both sounded pretty good. They always had some good demo guitarists and bassist playing. It made the walk to the food stand or restroom much more enjoyable.
Orange - I don't really have much to say (I didn't play one), but these guys are cool. I mean, their amps are bright orange and they're from the UK. Maybe after my AC30.
Roland - Okay, your V-drums are cool, and you've got some really great effects pedals, but a V-Accordion? Really? Maybe they have a big market in Italy that I'm not familiar with.
Finally, a big "way to go" to the booth in the back of hall E with the sign that said "Made in China but Made by Korean People." I guess that might be a selling feature. Somewhere. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture. (Update: I found one here)
So, that was my weekend. I'm back at home now and I've spent the last two days sick on the couch. Things are about to get a whole lot better soon, though, because I'm about to go pick up my new Denon receiver. Does anybody want to buy a three-year old Denon AVR-3803 that's still in great condition?
Update: Here are my Source Audio booth photos.
Now retiring my 3803: The National - S/T
Jerad posted this in Nuttin Much | Comments (0)
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