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Highlights from Summer NAMM 2013

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Jul 132013
 
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Z-Vex custom painted pedals.

I was able score a free pass to Summer NAMM today at the new Music City Center here in Nashville. Since I haven’t had a chance to explore the brand new convention center and I hadn’t been to Summer NAMM in a few years, I figured this was a convergence of opportunities.

Parking at the Music City Center was surprisingly hassle-free. The center is so huge, 6th Avenue actually runs underneath it. From 6th, I entered the ground-level lot and quickly found a space. The parking cost was only $6 today, but I believe it’s normally $12 for up to 8 hours.

As gargantuan as the center seems from outside, it’s actually a little underwhelming indoors. I was expecting Summer NAMM to expand to the space, but the convention used only half of the available exhibit floor. Summer NAMM 2013 seemed no larger than Summer NAMM 2010 at the Nashville Convention Center.

My friend Paul Horton and I walked all over the new facility, trying to find a way out to the grass-carpeted roof. The closest we could come was a windowed view (see picture below). Sadly, the coolest part of the new convention center appears to be permanently off-limits to convention goers.

I enjoyed my time at Summer NAMM 2013. Scroll down for my picture and video highlights.

Inside the Music City Center.

Inside the Music City Center.

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The closest we came to the grass-lined roof.

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Inside the exhibit area.

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I am still fascinated by plastic trombones.

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I love my Marantz digital field recorder, but these Tascams give it a run for its money. The DR-60D is designed especially for DSLR videographers.

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My favorite guitar company: Reverend.

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Believe it or not, these guitars are actually tiny. axeheaven.com “The world’s finest handcrafted miniature guitars.”

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Pigtronix analog effects.

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Z-Vex, one of the most innovative effects companies on the planet.

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Nashville’s own Griffin Technology.

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Flying V Electric Violin.

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T-Rex Effects.

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Klops takes your vintage guitar cabinet speakers and places them inside these cylinders to minimize phasing and muddy tones.