THE LAST NAMM

Baxter and Jonathan discuss if this is going to be the Last of the NAMM Show?

[@g_and_kikos_homestudio]

If NAMM wants to survive they should open it to the general public....💯

[@mikemiller6628]

yes.

[@kipawbrey4750]

I think 2 days for dealers only , where business goes on. And a few days for public .

[@g_and_kikos_homestudio]

@@kipawbrey4750 that's not a bad idea. But I don't think retailers should get 1st pick over consumers ready to spend cold hard cash. The music gear business IS regular people with a passion, who buy

[@g_and_kikos_homestudio]

@GuitarGearReport I don't agree at all. If customers pay for their tickets and they're buying gear. That is industry business getting done. All the deals can still get made with the retailers Maybe more than before

[@Josev-TV]

I worked at the Berlinale film festival in Germany and the event was opened to general public and there were plenty of business deals and industry people networking. It definitely can get done.

[@MashaT22]

It doesn’t have to be the final NAMM. Here’s a radical idea: They could open NAMM to the public - the amount of money they’d make on selling tickets to the public would be huge. If brands hear the public is invited, it might change big brands’ tune about attending. Also, open the scope beyond being a trade show, and add other elements like a conference about music/recording, make museum exhibits with historical and one of a kind guitars, classes, etc. Kind of like PRS has a music conference, only with more brands and things to show. They can still to find a way to get the big brands involved again too . . . or they need to shift their focus to make it about the small brands in a big way by attracting as many international small brands to attend as possible, as well as including other up and coming high tech brands, app developers, etc. There are avenues to make NAMM fresh and exciting - and possibly still get big brands to want to come back (like if NAMM invited them to come speak about their new storefronts or other interesting topics, sell stuff at the show, and/or attend free of charge, you think they wouldn’t show up?). I hope this isn’t it. That would totally suck.

[@SlyHikari03]

For sure. I wish it was public too..

[@robertcrockett4104]

I feel for the younger generations. It used to be an event to get your buddies together and physically play the guitars before you buy. It was always a surprise to find out what guitars really delivered and ones that were just a name. Long live the local music shops! We need them more than ever!!

[@DE-GEN-ART]

i thought it was invite only for industry. like you cant just get together with your buddies and buy a ticket.

[@gibsoneb3]

While working NAMM 2003 for a company that was subsequently consumed by Yamaha, I took a break...walking down one of the aisles, I ran into Dick Dale, looking Cali-cool. "Dick, it's a great honor to meet you!" I gushed. He grabbed my elbow leaned in and said, "Thanks man...". F'n cool dude. I also did a product demo for Roger McGuinn...

[@ApolloSuns]

And that won't happen if we all do business online

[@LexingtonDaniel]

I've been when I worked at shops... I loved it. When the TN show got canceled by lockdown and then the LA show by CA's extended lockdown, the brands realized NAMM wasn't needed and that hype can be built online and even year-round with rolling releases. NAMM just isn't relevant anymore. It's sad but it would take a miracle to build it back.

[@csnide6702]

if they got rid of the "trade show" and made it open to the PUBLIC it would be bigger than ever.....

[@simonpark843]

I enjoy the way you both speak openly from the viewpoint of the retailer - it gives ordinary people like me a clearer understanding of exactly what goes on and why. It's sad to see events like this cease, however.

[@mitchmatthews6713]

Not just NAMM, but so many businesses and organizations has gone virtual.

[@scoggers1628]

You guys hit the nail on the head, it's about community, being part of a wider social circle of like-minded people. This is why I, and indeed we all, should do our best to support our local music stores as well.

[@dave5655]

Winter namm was so much fun. It was the greatest music instrument store that had all the high end and newest stuff with famous people cameos .

[@rylieriley]

This was a great discussion. I enjoyed it.

[@seanbrooks2583]

Baxter : id rather go to one of my kids birthday parties me : aw what a good dad

[@troyjones2358]

I’ve been to Winter NAMM a few times and it’s amazing to see the great and famous up close and personal. It’s also impossible to do in one day and can be exhausting. It’s so easy to watch gear reviews online and then seek out what you’re interested in locally if possible. I still think it’s an occasion for people of all stripes who are involved in music to get together. That makes it still valuable.

[@216trixie]

I was fortunate to go to the 2019 NAMM. Once was enough though. Very very crowded, and fully half or more of the facility was promoting DJ and lighting equipment.

[@benlogan430]

It’s definitely not the same without NAMM. Online roll outs are just not the same and I don’t wanna have to watch a 1,000 different channels to get the skinny.

[@caiusmadison2996]

Or, to suffer bullcockey with influences paid to promote. All this does, is take the magic of unveiling it to truly unsponsored masses to get their actual wow factor. Now, it's a bunch of influences running the Guitar Player angle... paid and clearly so Fandom of whatever if featured next.

[@clarencetedrow9845]

Also all the bands that perform on the multiple stages. Much more opportunity to see or even talk to artists because it is more of a music community event. I personally enjoy the picking up of a physical instrument. I could read specs all day and not know how that translates until picking up the real instrument. Lastly, that whole joke of "now I either want to throw away my gear...or practice more." Inspiration!!

[@57Facet]

In my industry (Jewelry) the big cheese, Debeers, decided to try to control from the mine to final consumption. With the flagship Fender store I can see it happening.

[@jasonschmidt1460]

Last year I met Dean of Dean Guitars. Very cool guy. We talked about the Gibson lawsuit that was in the news. Smaller than the years before but still a lot of fun.

[@zackamodeo-thomson8010]

Love you guys at casino guitars My favorite KZbin channel. Wish I could go to store.

[@evalonious]

"The Final Countdown" will be playing at the entrance to the NAMM show. 😅😪

[@rwdplz1]

It's happening with every industry, auto makers at car shows and video game companies at E3, etc.

[@misteress3840]

Damn! Was hoping you guys would go this year.

[@Alienadin]

I really miss seeing all the videos of crazy gorgeous guitars after Namm. There was something magical about it. At the same time, I understand that perhaps it has really become superfluous.

[@slesnick3]

Thanks for the discussion -- enjoy your podcasts. Having attended NAMM last year and looking for our trip this year, it is a shame that the bigger players (Fender, Gibson, etc.) have been noticeably absent but there is just so much to see regardless -- the Yamaha room was fantastic. I think NAMM still has a very relevant place in the music industry but needs to perhaps transition their target market to be both for shops and ... also for consumers. Think: CES in Vegas. The ability to have a tactile experience with the gear (to see, touch, and feel) is something that can not be accomplished over a Zoom call and ... from the consumer stand point, they hype/buzz generated from music/gear fanatics attending such shows can only help the overall health of the industry. As for the 'Education/Workshops', I think the focus could perhaps shift towards things like conversations -- just like this video -- where topics are discussed that we all care about read: The relevance and honesty (or lack thereof) of KZbin Gear Reviews ... LoL

[@davegallagher7428]

I was hoping at some point in my life to see a NAMM show, so I hope it comes back to its former glory at some point.

[@3Torts]

At least we're all safe from the scary world.

[@leeasbury7273]

👋 Hey guys. Love your channel and the relaxed format. JONATHAN SGOULD DO MORE FRET BUZZ VIDEOS too!

[@koolkat808hawaii]

I went last year and it was great. Much more mellow and you could actually talk with people

[@Impractical_Engineer]

Major Manufacturers don't want to share the lime light. Each one drops things at various times during the year. They get all the KZbinrs to do a review and they get more eyes on their product than sharing with everyone else.

[@zackamodeo-thomson8010]

Baxter you ate the whole wheel of cheese and pooped in the refrigerator. I'm not even mad I'm impressed

[@mikeblue385]

i went in '92 & '93. what chaos. it was a blast. for a minute.

[@mikedr1549]

I love the man offstage interaction!

[@jasonschmidt1460]

I've can't wait till April 13th in Anaheim.

[@Dian2Gig]

I will be at the Artisan Guitar Show is April 14-16th in Harrisburg PA. I’ve purchased direct and I returned most of what I purchased from independent builders. Sweetwater is the only online retailer I will buy from.

[@joshsimpson79]

Same thing is happening with electronics and video game publishers. The cost keeps going up to go to these things, and the companies keep doing a better job at promoting their own product online.

[@noahfrontera5788]

Jason is a great rep, we work with him at my shop in Maryland!

[@davidevans3175]

I live in SoCal and have been to many NAMM shows. The cost as a vendor is astronomical to display, and since the majority of attendees are amateur musicians, it's not worth the cost. It would be better for the big boys like Fender to do their own hype-fest, cut out the NAMM middleman, and cut out the competition.

[@buster52]

Summer NAMM 2007 was as close as I can ever expect to get to Heaven

[@neal9812]

but what percentage of NAMM attendees are guitars and amps? what about the rest of the music industry? keyboards, drums, woodwinds, etc. Are they having the same thoughts as the guitar big companies? honestly asking since I've never been to a NAMM show, was able to have a glimpse through youtube only and the videos I looked were mostly guitars.

[@zbqb84a]

If trade shows never existed in the musical instrument industry and someone suggested creating one now, what would be their pitch? What would be the justification/return for the significant expense of the exhibitors and the attendees? It's really cool to have everything in one place for gearheads and consumers, but does it really benefit the manufacturers? I think things like the Sweetwater Gearfest will fill this particular void. Unfortunately that doesn't help other retailers.

[@TheFeelButton]

Gaze into the screen. Follow the light into the emptiness of everything. Cheers Casino!

[@PhilDietz]

In the NAMM model the big boys have to have 10+ new models ready all at once vs. a slow trickle of new gear that Fender's been doing recently.

[@jedisparky]

Same thing happend to E3. Electronics Entertainment Expo. Slowly died on the vine. I live in LA and never got to go. Heard some great stories. Sign of the times. BTW, if somebody talks from behind behind your camera, might want to mic them up. Tough to hear. 🙂

[@joelstephen3542]

I was really hoping my high roller status here would get me a dealer badge to a coming NAMM……..

[@mikecorey8370]

Honestly, KZbin is the new NAMM. There's a video on every new product. And you can hear it without 20 other guitars going.

[@George-xy2xi]

Most Fender ultra and American pro basses are not available through the major online retailers right now. You have to go full retail direct from fender or wait. Thats a great way to capture the middlemen’s profit for themselves for long periods throughout the year.

[@jerrybeilgard5824]

Not everyone can make it to the Garage to actually hear the guitar. A local store is needed for that. You also cant feel a neck rr the overall feel of the guitar online. And it's not only gutars.

[@larrylambert2727]

I've been ordering my strings direct from Curt Mangan for 3-4 years now. They have great deals on fantastic strings and most shops don't carry them.

[@marklahargoue3426]

A lot of my friends who went to NAMM 2019 came home sick with COVID. It hasn't been the same since.

[@mikenoble5049]

I love the Luna shirt. 😊

[@markinthemix6055]

We gotta get the camera guy a mic if he’s going to comment. 🤣 you guys are great. I hope l get to visit the shop someday.

[@guillaumeledique3401]

When NAMM is during January, the big boys will be there again!

[@totalbullion5882]

2024 dates already announced.

[@mikelundquist4596]

I think I've been to about 10 NAMM shows since 1979. It certainly has changed. I hope it doesn't go away. Maybe it needs to revert to an older model and be more of an industry event instead of a consumer event.

[@seanpop2886]

Those consumer days were awful. Groupies and fanbois. Argh!

[@drippinglass]

@@seanpop2886What are you? A “Star”? 🤣

[@timedwards5600]

The brown box is awesome

[@gil_evans]

Similar to what happened to the Frankfurt Musikmesse.

[@bad_dreams_hex]

Make a movie about a small guitar shop of misfits who fix NAMM and save the day.

[@stevenpipes1555]

The problem with NAMM is that no one can actually go! How many people can can afford an expensive vacation to go buy expensive stuff. I think that someday i might like to have a Knaggs or an Echo Park, but since ill never be within a thousand miles of one, how do i know? But if NAMM came to a city near me, well Maybe i fall in love. Maybe now im saving up because i just cant stop thinking about that Novo. I live 50 minutes from the nearest music store and its a Guitar Center. That means almost all of my collection is from Yardsales and Flea markets. How many people like me have dreamed of going to NAMM someday. For guys like me, its just that, a dream!

[@bluzzjazz]

You don’t have to play a Novo to know you won’t regret it. My Serus J is one of my favorites, such a quality guitar. If you don’t like, you’ll at least get your money back when you sell.

[@stevenpipes1555]

@@bluzzjazz Funny, Novo is the one guitar i mentioned that i actually have played. And i did fall in love with it. But i cant afford that, i can however buy used guitars and make them feel like that. When you don't live near a music store, yardsales and flea markets become music stores!

[@stevenpipes1555]

@@bluzzjazz I had to drive two and a half hours to Manchester Music Mill just to play the Novo! It was well worth the drive however. Thats a great store!

[@bluzzjazz]

@@stevenpipes1555 I've had somewhere around 60 guitars since I started playing. The most I had at any one time was 50, counting a bass and acoustic. The only new guitars I ever purchased are my Duesenberg and the Novo. The Duesy I bought from the Guitar-Place in Germany. It turned out to be one of the nicest guitars I've ever owned. I placed a deposit on the Novo and then waited the 9 months to get it. The rest were all from either eBay or Reverb. In all that time, I really was only disappointed twice and was able to return both guitars. It is a gamble to buy guitars without seeing and playing them, but if access is limited and you do your research, you can find nice guitars. The majority of people I have dealt with have been honest. Oh, and like you said you don't have to spend a ton of money to get a nice playing guitar. I have everything from $3+k guitars to $300 Epiphones, the Korean ones from early 2000s are a steal. Good luck with the search!

[@stevenpipes1555]

@@bluzzjazz I have 14 counting two basses and an acoustic. The only one that i didn't hold and play first is a PRS that i got for my 50 B day this year. But ive played tons of guitars at every level over the years and i worked at Parker Guitars in the 90s so ive played a million of them as well. That being said, my favorite guitar ever is a 50$ Jay Turser Tele that was beat when i got it. I replaced the dead pups with some old Squire ones and gave it a level crown and polish and a proper set up. The reason i fell in love with the Novo was because it reminded me so much of this guitar. Cheap guitars can be amazing but you've gotta hold them in your hands first.

[@BounceBoomBounce]

As far as where you would get strings and accessories. I've noticed places like Amazon getting a lot more guitar related things. You can get strings, pickups, guitars and amps on there now. I'm not one to say whether it is good or not, although, it seems like a turn for the worse on the surface.

[@davidsummerville351]

Too bad it's happening. It was fun to visit Namm through KZbin. The noise, commotion, demo booths. A very cool energy.

[@PorterPickups]

It will be interesting to see what happens, we did namm 2020 right before everything blew up in world.

[@jahnnyquest]

Thanks for the input guys🎤🎶

[@pohldriver]

Open to the public 2 days, followed by 2 days of sales. Direct consumer feedback then push what the people want.

[@frederickacerra7766]

Is it only for guitar retailer's?

[@mikelundquist4596]

No, pretty much for anything and everything music related. Keyboards, horns, accessories, sheet music, insurance, drums, director batons... also services like financing and rental programs.

[@peterrebhahn1113]

A SWAG (scientific wild-assed guess) about what the brave new world could look like. What if the “big guys” (Baxter’s term) built regional showrooms as part of a long-range plan to eliminate stores like Casino. Not stores, per se, but showrooms. Let’s use Fender as an example. Fender opens a regional showroom in Charlotte, N.C., and 8, 10, or a dozen other cities across the U.S. Then, they stage mini-NAMM type events of their own at these showrooms featuring industry execs (from Fender and maybe other companies in a sort of reciprocity arrangement) and also musicians -- maybe a name brand player or two but also local musicians -- to make it a sort of regional gathering. Then, offer members of the public who attend a discount on products they order from Fender at the showroom -- say 10 percent -- and then boost that order discount to 15 or 20 percent to people who order at the mini-NAMM event to boost attendance. I’m just spitballing here. But it’s not crazy to think that, or version of that, could happen. Just one example of how Fender et al might (MIGHT) change a cost (NAMM costs are high) to a profit center by thinking differently.

[@fiddlix]

The last NAMM show was the last time it was held in Atlanta GA. Man that was a long time ago. I’m an old fart, what can I say 🤷‍♂️.

[@ThomasJackMoore]

Has KZbin replaced the show room? Does that allow manufactures still direct to consumers?

[@amslu]

NAMM was replaced by KZbin and Instagram. D2C is winning over the shops. I applaud you for good business acumen, but it begs a question. How do you position yourself as a guitar shop in these times? Can a KZbin channel generate enough sales for you? Or is it just a public image/audience building platform?

[@gardenstudio7987]

We need Guitarvana.

[@msspi764]

I hope NAMM’s decline isn’t the canary in the coal mine of locally owned shops. It’s hard enough already. I have a problem with the LR Baggs system that surfaced last night. I’d live to take it to a local shop who could figure it out. That personal relationship is priceless.

[@robertcrockett4104]

Maybe an event where guitar manufactures and accessories could be together. Get the big 3 to agree to do their own event?? Cut cost by not having it in a high rent event hall but a rented warehouse centrally located.

[@dannylamb2721]

Walmart here in kentucky sells Ernie Ball strings

[@damianfennelly5752]

Interesting point about where would we buy our guitar accessories from if the local music shop shut? With so much counterfeiting going on and online retailers seemingly uninterested in doing anything about it. Then the consumer is going to suffer.

[@damianfennelly5752]

Look at me! I've won the chance to be a fraud victim...

[@workinghands13]

They raised their price for the pass but this is the last time out of season I heard it goes back to normal in January of 24

[@bbrotherton6345]

I will buy from small shops in the future, before big box. Gibson screwed me once and GC sold me a factory 2nd (same guitar).

[@zerozerotwosix]

Jonathan looks like Rex from Whiskey Vault.

[@EchoparkGuitarsUSA]

Im happy to see this organization return to the dirt

[@danrunnoft6642]

People used to drive past the Datsun and Toyota dealership to go buy a Ford or Chevy. Made in Japan was a joke when I was a kid.

[@mystiquesquared]

And now you would have to pay me quite handsomely to drive a Ford or Chevy.

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

Hal Leonard will be at NAMM ... even if NAMM ain't there 😆😆😆😆

[@13vansman]

I've been getting my passes from HL for nearly a decade. Last month they informed me that they would not be at NAMM this year, but plan to return in 2024.

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

@@13vansman interesting, they always have a great showcase at NAMM ... if NAMM don't return than I hope HL has their own show

[@robertplum4415]

I mean have it somewhere other then California and for a quarter of the cost and people would probably show up

[@todddammit4628]

Its crazy that Fender wouldn't go. Think about the distance between Corona and Anaheim. Its a 20 minute drive. Obviously. the booths are expensive and everything. But they don't have to fly their staff, instruments, displays, etc. They don't have to pay for hotel rooms even.

[@chaipup7045]

Namm, you weren't there man

[@MaurysMusic]

NAMM is a party, and I just wonder if/how soon the MFRs will consider spending their money & time elsewhere. When we were a Mesa/Boogie dealer, we were told that they saw more value in KZbin & marketing efforts. YMMV

[@curtisc9350]

As You alluded to, the Pandemic proved that a NAMM Show was no longer required, like it or not ! The Genie is out of the Bottle... & not going back in . How the future plays out in Marketing, & selling Musical Instruments will be interesting to see how it unfolds . Sweetwater has been ahead of the curve in this respect . RIP NAMM ✝️ Cheers ✌️ 🤙

[@jaygallamore562]

The manufacturers risk losing the relationship with customers that brick and mortar shops have. Here’s an analogy - I ride Harley Davidson motorcycles. I have done business with the same shop for decades. They know me and treat me well. I could probably go somewhere else when buying a new bike and save a few dollars but I value the relationship. They know me and treat me well. This is where I go to get questions answered, buy accessories, etc. I view my local music shop similarly for the same reasons. Big guitar companies need to be careful what they ask for….

[@terrylawrence1893]

"Harvest new artists"....😊

[@karlaskitties]

Trade shows are going the way of the buffet

[@teodelnorte]

There will always be a place for brick and mortar guitar stores. Some people will always want to buy from people. What's certain is that a lot of stores won't adapt and will probably close. The stores open to change will survive and might just thrive too

[@mikelundquist4596]

Sometimes a last minute gig comes up and you just gotta get some strings or picks or a capo or maybe an amp or a pedal. Online services don't provide that "I gotta have it now" thing. Besides that, I am old and spoiled. I want to touch and play guitars before I buy. But you're right, b and m stores have to adapt.

[@googlespynetwork]

It's not about buying from people. It's about seeing and handling the gear before shelling out cash. Especially for guitars and amps and keyboards.

[@BasementGuitarSuperstar]

I’ll echo the sentiments about them opening it to the general public. However, I also strongly disagree about the last Nashville show not being good. As a small channel, it was awesome for me because it allowed me to network with some of the smaller vendors and other content creators without getting overshadowed by giant channels. Plus, I got to meet both of you guys! That alone was worth the money! Dead serious. #brocrush

[@bryonkidder6199]

If guitar sales are so low, why can't they keep any guitars in stock? It seems to me people are buying guitars faster than they can make them, isn't that good for the manufacturers?

[@DE-GEN-ART]

i want the chance to go and do some interviews before it dies off

[@AndrewFriedberg]

Guitars are made so well now that people don't necessarily need to test them out before buying them direct.

[@gordianknot6867]

You don’t just try a guitar to see its quality, its to see if you like it.

[@cechichan]

I never been to NAMM (im from EU) but i see NAMM as a community event, guita brands, shops, boutique brands ( amps,pedals guitars etc) players, famous players to come together, make some cool vids and have a great time. Ofc it has to be about the money as brands ..wanna sell, but ideally at least, if people just come and make vids about..isnt that great for everyone ;-?

[@richardzahumensky5253]

This I why you get a rental department so you income on certain items.

[@Aristophis]

Seriously though, I'll be there. If anyone is going and wants to meet up, send me a message.

[@VinylforMiles]

You guys discussed this as if NAMM is only guitars... Pro audio, DJ, Drums, Brass woodwinds, Recording, Keyboards etc. all dominate two floors on their own.

[@danherrick5785]

If you can't taste test at a local candy shop - the candy industry will fail...

[@benclaase8181]

Support your local guitar shops , rather pay a few bucks extra and get real people help. Perhaps a namm every other year? Always enjoyed the reviews and videos. Tx for your commentary on this and o the guitar subjects. Cheers 🎸 Ben C . NY

[@daviddawson1718]

Easy words if you have never had to put down a good horse and a good friend.

[@koolkat808hawaii]

You know NAMM is much more than guitars.

[@skipfantry5059]

I'm a NAMM member and small manufacturer (I make bass guitars and strings) - I haven't 'shown' since January 2020. I fear that without NAMM I will remain small - perhaps TOO small. I am too specialized for a shop your size, but I will NEVER get distribution or a place on your store's floor without the show NAMM used to be.

[@jimfrancemusic4813]

Jonathan reminds me of John Candy. Is that why I watch?