The 2017 National Association of Music Merchants summer convention, held July 13-15 in its longtime home of Nashville, was once a festival for fans of classic-inspired instruments. This year, a saturation of boutique and high-end guitar offerings exhibited a turn away from previous shows, which sometimes keyed on lower-priced instruments.
3rd Powers Amplification’s Brett Moore was all smiles showing off his new Roosevelt Pedal.NAMM dedicated a display boutique builders. Here’s curator Jamie Gale with a polished aluminum beauty.Tim Shaw pickup guru and chief engineer at Fender, is particularly pleased with the Brad Paisley Signature Tele, which features aimed at pros who play out often.Gibson brought a number of Custom Shop guitars as well as VOS beauties from the Memphis plant, like this ES-275 VOS cradled in the arms of Bill Howe.Nick Greer with his hand-built amps and pedals.Lizard Spit’s Chris Webster went the extra step in his display by drinking a bit of it. So yes, it’s non-toxic!Steven Smith in front of the Wall of Marshall. A staple at the L.A. show, this was the Wall’s first appearance at Summer NAMM. Peavey’s Dana Cox displays the flagship HP-2, one of its new models made in Mississippi.Anita Agopyan-Miu with the Bigsby-equipped version of Prestige Guitars’ new DC Coup.Pat Quilter with his Overdrive 200.Rock Rabbit makes parts for guitar builders using titanium and aircraft-grade aluminum.Chris Poland helped showcase Floyd Rose’s new Granite Stone Tone sustain enhancer.Scott Marquart’s U.S-made String Joy strings include a note signed by the “builder.”Taylor displayed a number of Custom models including these being given a test-run by Andrea Crisalli and Dominique Ruiz, who perform as Dixie Jade.John “Elmo” Szetela, Brian Wampler, Brent Mason, and Martin McDaniel convened at the Wampler booth.