Is NAMM dead in 2024? Personal highlights from the show
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- Опубліковано 29 січ 2024
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From the videos, it seems like NAMM is now more a real trade convention rather than the musicians version of comicon that it used to be. Really nice seeing vendors from all over the world participate.
Thats actually a GREAT way of looking and thinking of it
as an exhibiting vendor, i disagree. I've been exhibiting with various companies since 2008, and my own company (Vanguard) since 2016. there's a significant difference in the number of true buyers/sellers. My business card stack is roughly 1/5th of what it was at the end of 2020, and less of my distributors/dealers show up every year. Yeah, there's a lot of true pro musicians/engineers/etc. that attend…but plenty of tire-kickers too. And LOTS of people promising me "exposure" if i give them a free mic.
we're distributed in nearly 80 countries. I had 6 of my international distributors (representing, by quick finger math, 10 countries) come to NAMM 2024. My appointment book was very wide-open.
I still enjoyed it, but it's not worth the cash to exhibitors anymore. NAMM needs to decide whether it's a public show or a true trade show. If it's a public show, let us sell to the public. if it's a trade show, then reduce the cost to exhibitors and attendees and figure out how to re-attract the "magnet" exhibitors like Fender, Gibson, Universal Audio, etc.
Was great to meet you man :) keep killing it 🙏❤️
Thanks for opening up this discussion, Steve! It felt like a real trade show, not a party, and I'm glad about that! Sorry I missed you... not sure you made it by the Mogabi travel guitar booth. I was out and about doing recon for much of the show.
Steve this is truly the first realistic view of what NAMM has become. Though I didn't go this year, your description isn't the overblown crazy versions I've read about recently. Some people posted about how NAMM is a ghost town these days. Haha! That's also the complete other end of the spectrum.
One friend told me that it was nice to be able to walk around without being stuck in an endless crowd.
I'm looking forward to getting back there next year! 🤘🤘
I've worked at NAMM a few times in the booths for certain companies.
NAMM has turned into a UA-cam/Influencers gathering looking for free stuff just wanting to brand themselves.
I would not say NAMM is "dead", but the essence of NAMM is to showcase product, vendors meet with new clientele, make sales and relationships. Which has steered off these last few years.
Truthfully, I would only have social media personalities allowed in for just 1 day.
Let the brands/dealers/buyers have the 1st few days to work on their meetings/deals then worry about influencers/general public.
Right. The only reason I went was for free stuff and selfishly brand myself 🙄. What a close minded take. Brands like it this way because they wind up with millions of eyes on their booth by having creators there. Instead of it being a mystery to those not there, they get to see it from their favorite trusted opinions perspective. As a consumer, this is valuable, no? I think a big problem, or at least point to be made, is the lack of shops nowadays. There are way less buyers after covid and without as many buyers, what value does namm have for the vendors?
@@SteveSterlacci I mean no disrespect Steve, I am coming from a position where I worked for brands and distributors.
My position where I am working for a company is going to be different than that of a social media influencer.
When mine, and my co-workers job is to sell and strike deals to new/existing clientele and to hit a specific quota, it can be a bit frustrating to see content creators storming our booths asking for incentives/product.
Yes, social media exposure to a brand/company can definitely play a massive role to people online. But at the end of the day, most companies working NAMM booths have mega business to deal with (were talking millions of dollars worth depending on the buyer).
Hopefully you can see it from that POV.
@Varone26 I get the POV. I just don't agree with lumping anyone with a camera into the same group as begging for free stuff (although I know there are tons of those that give us a bad name). Its like saying the vendors don't care about customers, they just want to make as much money off the suckers. I take no disrespect! I am always open for discussion. Especially about NAMM strategy
@@SteveSterlacci That was bad wording on my end. I agree not everyone with a camera is doing that.
I guess what it comes down to is one’s position at a NAMM show and what the objective is.
Obviously having worked for a company my business is going to be way different than others there from the entrepreneurial side which I agree is just as hard if not harder than working for a vendor/distributor/company.
Thank you for all the info you share Steve , im from a small town in SC With one guitar center for many miles so without guys like you and mr Johnny Lee who we can trust for honest reviews and info its like shooting in the dark on equipment and Helix tech info and so on , its really nice not only having people who will respond and help but ones you can trust and vandenberg was my 1st decent guitar in 89 and im waiting for release impatiently , i hope i see you at namm next year
Did you go try the BluGuitar Tone X? I’m curious to know about that.
Always a pleasure doing NAMM with you mate ! , I agree the level of people was way better and so much easier to talk and connect with dealers .
I am looking forward to the (very long waiting for this) BluGuitar AmpX to be released. Looks like it was working 100% at the show.
A detailed video on the Yamaha Pacifica would be awesome.
Would LOVE to get one here
Hi Steve.... I am surprised to see Enya electric guitar with built in amp/fx..... do you have any idea when they will release it? since I havent found any info about the electric guitar in their website
Hey Steve - was great seeing you! Stay in touch!
Great meeting you Keith. Hope to do it again soon
Went to my first NAMM shows in 2018 and 2019 and you're right it was definitely more crazy and crowded...rock stars everywhere. So much fun! One of the first bands I ran into there were these crazy kids from the Jessica Lynn Band. Wonder whatever happened to them...
😂😂😂😂❤
That new Bad Cat lunchbox with Two Notes built in it is the piece of gear for me that I saw being released. As a recent convert to modeling, but missing my tube amps, this thing solves a lot of problems. For silent stage (of for easy to carry), play directly off the two-notes to the PA. For some sound on stage, throw in a cab, but still send to FOH with two-notes for stable clear sound without microphone bleed. Playing at home, toss in some headphones. Playing at a small gig without a PA, just add a cab. I think for those of us who want the tone and feel of an amp and being able to move air when it's allowed, these are the future. The Victory Amp pedal series with Two-notes are cool too and I was bummed the new small amp they released didn't have two-notes built in, think that is a big miss. As a reference, I only own combos currently, so for me to be silent I have to lug a big combo with a captor-X. This is why I switched to HX stomp, just less to carry if the rig needs to be silent.
Might be a blessing in disguise for me. I noticed all these videos on UA-cam come out after the fact. Yes, you can't share your experiences until AFTER, but I see zero promotion of these events before they start. What if I had known about NAMM 2024 say in the first week of January? Would I have booked a flight too? Well, I would have at least considered it. Now, looking at the videos and pictures online after the event, it looks more like a merchant selling point rather than music bands sharing their music/techniques/tips etc... Was it worth the trip to all those who attended or do you regret it? How do you find out about the next incarnation? Or, would it be better to attend something else, like say a concert where 4-10 bands come together? And, are there events that combine the two giving us best of both worlds? We hear multiple bands, talk to members, hear their views on the music industry, and learn about new products/technology? For example, has AI influence the recording/electronic side of the music industry?
I was at NAMM for all four days. NAMM is FAR from dead! Totally overwhelming! You only can understand it by being there.
Great video! Thanks for sharing the information
Remember in the early 2000's when Line 6 had the Bean Pod? Remember when you could buy the 49.00 packs. The metal pack. The effects pack. The boutique pack? There is a very good reason why Line 6 got away from that "model" Kemper seems to be a very smart guy yet dumb as a box of rocks when it comes to understanding that 15 year old technology is not desirable. Kemper has done nothing new. They just repacked and badly misrepped the product. Will they? Won't they?
Kemper does not have the marketing skills to sell this "new model" well. Tonex did it the right way. 499 for the amps. 499 for the delay/reverb/chorus. Midi controlled. Kemper's "maybe we will, maybe we won't" attitude will do them in. PLUS++++++ They really pissed alot of people off when they outright told people what the capacity was out of the gate but did not fulfill that capacity. They announced the firepower AFTER they sold them. Kemper is terrible at marketing.
At the end of the day, Yamaha and Line 6 have proven time and time again that they understand the musician and do not want to violate the musician in an inappropriate manner. You know what you get with Line 6. With Neural and Kemper everything is up in the air; under delivered and over promised. When Line 6 integrates the Nueral Digital Plugin (comp based app) then it is game over for the others. Combining modeling and profiling with Helix user interface, real world connectivity and excellent customer service.......the others will fold like oragami.
I'd love for you to talk about hair care. That is some impressive hair you have. Looks like "movie star" hair. And I would like for you to talk more about Jess on your channel. It's hard to stay up to date on her without more info. And more behind the scenes of band setup when you can. And more "buy a low cost guitar and mod it" content. Also, If you Know how to cook shrimp properly. It's tough to get them fully cooked without making them chewy. And how to get paint out of clothing and hair. And if you have a good recommnedation on a Toaster Oven. Those are the most important things I would like you to cover on your channel.
soldano thing looks cool, I've been playing my IR-X every day. Little bit of reverb or room sound from the UAD apollo and amazing headphone playing experience.
Great vid, Steve! Thanks for sharing the good stuff 👌🏻🎸🖖🏻
Thanks for checking it out!
I really enjoyed seeing Andy Timmons and Matty Mancuso close up, also Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater did a great product demo.
Were you able to check out the BluGuitar booth at all? That Amp X has peaked my interest.
I had checked it out last year. Its not ready for release just yet is it? I haven't really checked but I heard it wasnt ready yet. I dont like getting too excited when I cant get it LOL
No I don’t think it’s quite ready yet… from what I’ve heard he needs to finish the metal amps etc. but I think the concept is fascinating. Have you tried any of his amp1 versions?
@Stboser I tried this one a few years ago at NAMM. But it also wasnt ready yet. Sounded great. Its not possible to even tell at NAMM. Id need to have hands on in the studio
10:43 I’ve been using a BadCat Lynx capture in the Tonex pedal. It’s awesome!
NAMM is not dead! Randy Rhoads and Jimi Hendrix were there signing autographs!
"If I'm late it's going to be on my own terms." Love it - can identify. I've been to multiple Siggraph conventions but never NAMM. I think I developed Onset Flying Paranoia. Keep up the good work!
The Music Man Rabea please. I love how that guitar sounded, and I have big hands too.
I would love to get one!
I agree, I enjoyed it a lot as a bass player.
I played the Bad Cat 38 watt ( I think lol) thru 2 -3x12 cabs at the booth.....unreal!!!!!
There’s so many awesome apps out . I wanted the toneking Royalist but now Dave Friedman has a plexi with built in variac.
NAMM def looked calmer from the couple of videos I've seen. I wondered how much business could actually be done in the UA-camrs playground NAMM had become pre pandemic - couldn't have been good for the exhibitors who had paid a fortune for booths. Only my outside perception from a couple of videos!
Airplanes are dead, is what I got from this video. Lol... Travelling been so wonky this past couple of years. Had to travel a few times recently, and not a single one was smooth due to aiport and airline operations.
The new tweed Peavey amp looked sharp
That’s some seriously bouffant hair action going on there ! 😂
NAMM's not dead but it is changing. Same thing's happening to a lot of industry conventions these days.
Great video Steve!
that soldano rack amp thing sure is intriguing
Really nothing interesting to me as I'm all in with Helix and Variaxes. Just was hoping for some hint of a Variax successor, but not expecting much. All this other stuff is really obsolete as far as I care. I certainluy don't wee myself moving to another brand modeler, partly because I'm so satisfied, and also because *no VDI*. On Graphtech - great company. I use the nuts, string trees, and even have a set of ghost pickups on my Standard. I even use the Tusq picks. Just wish they didn't wear down so fast! When I had my JTV-89F, I was in touch with Dave and he told me he had a product in development to replace the ridiculous locking nuts. Unfortunately, this was a couple of years ago and I sold it back then; as nice as the guitar was, it was pretty heavy, plus I really hated the FR. I sold it and got a JTV-69 to replace it, which is now my main gigging axe. Put a custom neck on it and it plays like mad. Also got lucky in December and snapped up a gold top JTV-59P, pretty rare find and in near-prefect condition. Sometimes I just sit and stare at it, it's so beautiful. And it it's really the only guitar I have that I like to use the magnetic pickups, they;'re awesome! Have to use heavier strings on it because of the shorter scale length. Hope you and Jess are doing great.
Is it true that Gibson and Fender wasn't there? I can't figure out why the big guns don't see the advantages of being there. Are they usually there?
I dont really see a point for them to be there either. If they do, they have to do a huge convention room or bust. They couldnt get away with doing a small and simple booth. It is a HUGE expense and they really dont announce and huge innovations that they would need the platform for
My favorite amps :
1. Bluguitar AmpX. This thing could destroy all digital modellers.
2. Kemper Profiler Player
My favorite guitars :
1. NOVO
2. NOVO
Looks pretty dead, lack of vendors for sure.
No way was it dead. Aside from the major players that dont need it. How many "new" les pauls and teles can they surprise us with?! Lol
I didn’t go because the price went from $35 to over $100. What’s the deal?
So Attendance down 40%, 38% less vendors. NAMM is dead. They cannot sustain if income is down over 50%. Impacts convention center, freeman, local hotels, the NAMM association and local bars and restaurants . Hard orders down this year . Speaking to vendors they were very disappointed. I can see why you had a great show. You didn’t have to fight the NAMM traffic
Where did you get these numbers from? Curious to see the statistics and maybe I can do a follow up video on it. From being there, everyone I spoke to was happy...
Need to clarify. Down significantly since 2018. Obviously during Covid it was down. In 2017 it was 101726 visitors. 115,000 attendees in 2020. 46,711 people in 2022. I have a family member who works closely with NAMM association. It’s dismal. Next year it’s down to 3 days. For a buyer great! You get tons of attention. Vendors are on you like stink on sh@t. As a vendor we need bodies.
Interested to read more if you can get figures together. It definitely is way lighter of an event, but it seems most, if not all, preferred it this way. I have been to every namm since 2015 and thoroughly enjoyed the lack of crazy 😅
I hate technology so let me climb on this flying rocket and look at my smart phone for the next two hours as I fly at 30,000 feet and then spend several days looking at nothing but technology.
Sorry that line upset you the way it did 🧐
@@SteveSterlaccithis is such a boss reply
@Stboser I will never understand what goes on lol I just laugh it all off and move on
I used to go years ago when I was a busy LA session player. Now it’s just amateur hour with UA-cam wanna be’s and B rated musicians even representing the products.. You don’t see top players hanging at NAMM anymore. . Not worth my time.
What a knob u are...
Were you as much of a knobhead back then as you are now?
Nothing from Line 6?
I was wondering the same.
NADA. I mention towards the end they had a pretty sad showing, but I understand if they had nothing to show
@@SteveSterlacci I want a Helix but it’s 8 years old and I worry after I get one something newer from Line 6 will be released.
@jazzcat1056 totally valid point. Its hard to recommend it knowing a new one can come at any time. BUT, I could use my helix for the rest of my life and be just as happy as I am now. Its a hard one for sure
@@SteveSterlacci how’s your arm? Saw the video about the procedure you had done. Hope it’s better.
NAMM isn't dead - it's just different
But wait... where will Fender show us a new paint job?
I love my ampete
Dude all this new gear confuses me old ass😂 Give me a Marshall I’m good
'I don't trust technology." Uses phone to book a different flight. Uses Kempers and other modelers.
How in this entire video is that your only takeaway?
Stephen 😂
🙆♂️🙆♂️🙆♂️
It doesn't matter how much you try to spin the reality of whats happening with regard to NAMM... The costs and charges are way up and it SUCKS compared to what it used to be.... I've been going all of my adult life...... It may not be dead, but it SUCKS....
thats because a LOT of chinese products arent being shipped to the united states and havent been since the china virus
It's devolved into nothing but outrageously overpriced gear, and an ego-fest for all the lamanate-wearing UA-cam "influencers"...