NAMM 2024 - highlights, news and hottest releases!
Published on 29 January 2024
That’s a wrap! NAMM 2024 is behind us and it did not disappoint. With four action-packed days filled with anticipated releases from the heart of the guitar world, artists performances, product-testing booths and all things rock&roll sunny California can offer in between, we’re back to report to you all about it!
So without further ado, let’s dive straight into some of the most exciting guitar and gear releases and announcements that are on the horizon for us all!
Contents
Mayones
Hailing straight from the cold Baltic Sea are the Mayones team with brand new & refreshed Aquila models in Aged finish - something we haven’t seen from the brand ever before!
With a steadfast fanbase amongst prog metal guitarists, Mayones are ever evolving with new additions to their trusty line up in the form of their own pickup range called “Velvetrone” now available as a customisable option for both, guitars and basses.
Lowden
The Sheeran by Lowden Stadium Edition model was the main talking point at both the stall and on social media! We’re looking forward to it being out and available - check our upcoming stock here.
The exceptional craftsmanship of George Lowden and his luthiers saw a moment of acknowledgement: on the last day of NAMM they have collected an award of Excellent Service in the Music Products Industry, recognising 50 years of Lowden Guitars. Well done!
Martin
Martin really have knocked the NAMM 2024 show out of the park with what they brought along this year.
Stunning everyone with their new Robert Goetzel collaboration, the range dubbed “Playable Art” has some of the most enticing hand-painted tops we ever did see. Just look at the top of The Koi Dreadnought!
Now, who remembers that one Quentin Tarantino film which saw Kurt Russell infamously trash a 145-year old Martin on set?
This was nothing but an unlucky mix-up between a Museum Piece Martin parlour guitar on loan for the filming of “The Hateful Eight” and a copy made to be used as a prop. A history was made there (or rather destroyed) and Martin have since changed their loan policy…
Anyway, the remains of said parlour Martin guitar (made in 1870s) were brought out to the public for the first time since the incident and we just had to see it! *this is not for sale. Sorry!
In other news, a rather breathtaking piece of guitar luthiery was presented to us in the form of a Martin DCFM IV 50th Anniversary model! This 14-fret Dreadnought has some extraordinary appointments such as a highly ornamental floral motif fretboard inlay and headstock, Bearclaw Spruce top, Pommele Sapele back & sides and comes fitted with a special Artist neck profile. Who’s dreaming of it already?
ESP / LTD
Another treat for the metal fans, the crew at ESP/LTD brought out a whole new range of offerings and we feel it’s gonna be a popular choice for guitarists this year! Some highlights include: the return of LTD XJ-1 HT in Black Blast; a new addition to their mighty artist range with the charming Mille Petrozza Signature MK EC FR nicely packed with 85/81X EMG pickups and sporting an unusual 25.5 scale!
And one for the Mastodon fans: a Bill Kelliher signature, Royal Shiva, in the iconic Silver Sunburst finish and equipped with a hellish pair of MojoTone Hell Bender pickups.
DiMarzio
Another big 50 in this year's NAMM goes to Dimarzio and their Super Distortion pickup! It’s hard to believe this iconic tone has been with us for a half of a century now. To celebrate this milestone, any Super Distortion pickups released in 2024 will come in all-cream finish and in a limited edition black and gold packaging.
Ibanez
Aside from what we’ve already covered as released by Ibanez for 2024 we’ve now seen some extra additions made to their new lineup: players, meet the AUP10N piccolo guitar! Tuned A to A, this little guy is guaranteed to steal the hearts of travelling and gigging guitarists alike.
Not forgetting about our bassists, Ibanez has also come out with their first-ever mutli-scale 7-string bass! Behold, for the BTB7MS is about to take us all to the new levels of low frequencies.
The Gallery
We've seen some incredible things from unique looking guitars, through live music to pedal testing arenas and even a piano as used by Prince himself! Behold and feast your eyes with a selection in this little gallery below.
Final Thoughts
Not too shabby, right? If you missed out on our Part 1 coverage, check it out HERE. You can be sure there is a whole lotta more to cover but we’d bore you to death without having much to show for it in stock - so now’s the fun part where you get to browse through all the new and exciting NAMM products we have on order!
If there is something you can’t find but are interested in, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your enquiries as some products may take longer to get listed than others.
NAMM 2025 - we’ll be there again, 'til next time!
