The NAMM Show 2011 - A Musician's Mecca

While everyone went gaga over CES 2011, there was another huge convention that took place shortly afterwards; The NAMM Show 2011, which was held from January 13-16. The NAMM Show 2011 is one of the largest music product trade shows in the world, and certainly one of the oldest, as it was started in 1901. Whoa! That’s more than a century old! It’s also a very exclusive show, and is not open to the general public. You have to be a member of the music trade or have an invitation to be a part of this prestigious show. I’d give an arm and leg to be there myself. Well, someday I guess.

For now, here’s some stuff I found really interesting at this year’s NAMM Show in no particular order of preference.

Akai SynthStation 49
If there was ever a time to get an expensive, but super cool accessory for your iPad, this is it. Akai’s 49 key synthesizer is a great follow up to the SynthStation 25, which worked with the iPhone and iPod Touch. This device is perfect for those who want to simply make music on their iPads and works with Akai Professional’s SynthStation software to provide some pretty cool music creating capabilities. This includes direct in-app MIDI recording from its velocity-sensitive keyboard, nine MPC-style drum pads and a whole bunch of transport controls. The SynthStation49 is also completely iOS CoreMIDI compatible, so you can use it with the hundreds of music apps already available at the app store, as well as upcoming ones. This awesome controller will be available in June this year at the price of $199 (Rs. 9,040)

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An expensive, but super-cool accessory for your iPad

Spectrasonics/Bob Moog Foundation OMG-1
This one isn’t for sale, but that’s what makes it all the more awesome! A Moog Little Phatty analogue synthesizer, two iPod touches, two Apple iPads, an Akai LPK 25 (laptop performance keyboard), an Apple Mac mini, Spectrasonics Omnisphere (killer virtual instrument) and the brand new Spectrasonics TR app (touch remote app for the iPad) is what this mad contraption has integrated into it. The OMG-1 is definitely a drool-worthy gizmo that plenty of people would die for; I know I would.

Here’s one mother of a synthesizer!

Mackie MRmk2 Reference Monitors
This entry might not seem as interesting as the former two, but a lot of musicians, sound engineers, as well as music/movie lovers will love them, as they’re really affordable. I fell in love with Mackie’s products ever since I used their SRM-450 stage monitors around four years back. Two models have been launched; the MRmk2, which has a 5.25-inch driver and the MR5mk2, which has an 8-inch driver. Both these monitors will be available worldwide February, 2011. The MR5mk2 will have a MRP of $199.99 (Rs. 9,085) and MR8mk2 will have a MRP of $329.99 (Rs. 14,990). So here’s one more thing I have to start saving up for.

Good to know there’s something for everyone

Gretsch G6128T-GH George Harrison Tribute Duo Jet Guitar
Here’s something every Beatles fan would kill to have; literally, as there are only 60 pieces worldwide. This guitar is an actual replica of the all-black 6128 Duo Jet Harrison played with the Beatles from 1961 to 1963, which is when the Beatlemania actually occurred worldwide. George Harrison himself loved this model, and considered it to be his first truly good guitar.

Are you drooling yet?

Korg Kaoss Pad Quad
It’s been over a decade since the first Kaoss Pad was launched, and it was way ahead of its time. This touch screen interface has since evolved into a spectacular effects processor, which allows musicians to do so much more in real time. The Kaoss Pad Quad dishes out some crazy new effects, functions and features that lets users unleash their own combination of Kaoss effects. It also allows users to have simultaneous control of up to four effects in real-time. All this with the use of a single fingertip on its touchpad makes the Quad a winner in my eyes. Take a look at the video below and you’ll see what I’m talking about. In case you’re wondering, the Kaoss Pad Quad will be launched in the US in February and will cost $350 (Rs. 15,899).

These were just some of the exciting products unveiled at NAMM 2011, but there were plenty more. There were also some awesome performances by some really cool artists such as guitarist Andy McKee, super-band Kobra Kai, and more. I would really like to be at next year’s NAMM Show. Wishful thinking, you say? Well, maybe; but no one can stop me from dreaming, right?