Top 10 Spectacular New Guitar Gear Releases at NAMM 2023

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Do you agree or did I miss something you thought was worth the Top 10?

[@TheMerc1950]

I think the Ichi is an amazing guitar at that price point! The new AxeIO interface also seems very appealing.

[@TheMerc1950]

And damn ...Brian May Vox....yumm

[@FatPandaCat-im9ec]

Did you see the gummi venus de milo?

[@endezeichengrimm]

I don't know. I wasn't there so you could have posted just about anything.

[@travist1169]

I dont disagree with your list, but it sure highlights how crappy namm has been over the last couple years lol.

[@meowthew-ou812]

This is the most relevant video of what's new at NAMM. Right to the point. It's amazing how many words a gear pusher can use, and not say anything. I'm so fatigued by it I almost skipped this, but you have a pattern of no nonsense reviews. TY

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Cheers Matthew. Trying hard to make sure I get to the point quickly!

[@isaacescalera9643]

Pleasantly surprised to see Ichika Nito's signature model on here. It's a beautiful looking guitar and his style of playing is so unique and fun. I really think he's leading the way for a new wave of Guitar Heroes via social media.

[@Guitarnivore]

Electroharmonix - for when you absolutely need a pedal the size of a serving platter.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

😂😂😂

[@TheEnd-vn9rb]

Missed out on “Realtime Audio” such a cool idea

[@sebastianaviles3359]

Weirdly, a good test for that Brian May MV50 would be using a strat and comparing to Rory Gallagher's tone. The Red Special is, well, quite special in its sound after all.

[@DaringDan]

Really solid choices. The only one I would have added was Yvette Young's 2nd signature. It's like a Duo-Sonic with Tele pickups. It's gorgeous. Cheers, homie.

[@allanflippin2453]

Thanks for the concise callout of some good products from NAMM. Most folks are making NAMM videos that are longer than an hour! I don't have that much time, and I definitely appreciate a like-minded soul condensing it down to a few important new products that are worth a look at. Well done my geek buddy! :D

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Glad you appreciate. I’m sure there will be some wonderful, in depth videos from others however

[@iainjohnston4070]

Yes the true story of the Lizard Queen is a good one!

[@markdoolan3424]

shapeshifters!

[@Alex_Martz]

The Seymour Duncan Hyperswitch requires a hole for a 9V battery so it kind of solves a problem but creates more problems as it's intended for people who don't want to ruin or modify their guitars with extra holes but you'll need to make space for it, also, their app requires you to create an account with them and permissions of location services, full access to your phone's data and such and (as you also mentioned) if the app gets abandoned (as most apps are after a few years) you'll en up with a useless $150 switch with a static configuration

[@jasonthemason1971]

I got that Brian May limited amp combo today. With the cabinet, BM key chain and some picture postcards with him on it. Great amp combo !! I had to buy mine from Japan. They aren’t even here in the US yet. I do have the Harley Benton - Brian May guitar. It’s close. But, does sound great through this amp combo.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Very cool! Mine should be arriving soon.

[@jcwoodstl]

I bought a big box lizard queen. They sold out during the live stream when they were announced. I haven’t been this excited about a pedal in a long time mostly because I have a nostalgic love for EHX and am an avid watcher of the JHS show. It was too expensive but worth it.

[@drconflict629]

NAMM fell off so hard. Barely anything interesting was announced this year, I'm not impressed at all. Tons of brands didn't even bother going. NAMM is a hollow shell of its former self.

[@CerealDust-nStuff]

Agreed.

[@ThatMattGoodMusic]

As a fan of series wiring in single coils and Strat sounds outside the conventional 5 way (neck and bridge together at last!), the seymour duncan switch looks fantastic. If I used my Strat more I'd be right on it.

[@bizarrefruit9133]

Look at the freeway 10 way switch instead. You can have both series, parallel and also all 3 pickups on and neck + bridge, tele style.

[@duarteestelita7257]

Yes...i have been drooling over the new Talman, over on Ibanez's site.. The Talman is my favourite design for a guitar, and it has been for years.. I am a fan of the Tele bridge and tele bridge pickUp though. I would pay 1k€ for one, if it had that setup and a roasted maple neck with a deep cut carve. The Seymour Duncan pickUp selector is interesting. And yes..the Yamaha headphones are gping to be a.very.important design, in the history of the contemporary tech music industry. Thanks for this ;) Cheers from Portugal

[@Buzzel-NL]

That binson echo is wild, super cool except the price...

[@lightmusicguitar]

So stoked for the Sterling St Vincent!

[@benjoel6692]

I'd place the SD blade switch as #1 because it is innovative. Yes it could eventually be unsupported, but all tech has a shelf life, just like every programable digital pedal, but people aren't avoiding helix/headrush/plugins because they may one day be unsupported. Besides, you can always change out the switch if it's ever not supported. // Everything else in the list is a variation on something that exists, even the strum stick thing, remember the omnichord?

[@csnide6702]

Pedals suck... ! It's 2023 - not 1984 ...... there is no need for them anymore second one is a VERY ugly guitar. third- I have a SD hotrails in my Fender , but not sure I need a app for a pickup and switch. forth one- don't know why I would need one.... fifth- That Engl looks AWESOME .... ! that I would use ! 6th- Guild does make some decent guitars and that one looks cool in the black color 7th - Great looking headphones that I would like but I hate all the wireless/ bluetooth crap... does it come in a wired version (that I KNOW will actually WORK all the time) ??? 8th - It's an interface , right...? Got one - don't need it 9th- Why would I buy an Ibanez..? especially one that looks like a 20 year old Reverend...? 700 bucks from a company that hasn't produced anything worth 500 since the late 80s-early 90s..? why? last- Love Vox- Love Brian May .. I'm an amp geek but ... meh..... let's see your review first...... If NAMM wants to survive - it should open to the public.

[@stefanflyholt8742]

Concerning the Yamaha headphones. 4ms is no gamechanger. I've been using Logitech G935 gaming headphones, with less than 2ms latency for the last 5 years. You connect any source to the transmitter. All you need is USB-power, no computer. They sound amazing but is a bit bulky.

[@paulbrown7775]

The Vox MV50 series puts out 50 watts only if you have a 4 ohm speaker...at 8 ohms it's only 25 watts. For 20% more the Quilter Superblocks are the equivalent power, more convenient size, and MUCH more tone control.

[@JWEmbry-wc7qi]

Thanks TGG, very clear straight forward review without a bunch of nonsense; much appreciated sir!

[@csnide6702]

too true ! 👍

[@Cherry_Sunburst]

Sorry, but NAMM 2023 sucked. Too much has changed during the last 3 years! I'm sure in 2024 there will be no NAMM show anymore... AMEN.

[@carlmcgregor2707]

The hyper switch is mental... it is not if but when Seymour Duncan abandon the app.... name 1 app that is in permanent use? No one uses an Iphone 1 (or even Iphone 7) ...imo computer tech and guitars should be kept separate. Even the hallowed Kemper is being outdated and replaced.

[@jakobweber8117]

Oh Boy the ICHI00 i NEEED one!! so nice, love this guy! Thx for the News tho :D

[@rickclark4714]

Any new affordable electric guitars from the big manufacturers with stainless steel frets. ?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Not that I saw.

[@joethompson2910]

A beginner asking if there’s anything new in the Guitar world has missed the boat completely in my opinion… He’d be better off taking 5 to 10 years to catch up with everything that’s happened over the past 50… Tradition is super important!

[@clarissaanaferreirasieiro2127]

I think Cream Guitars should be in this list , they are beautiful made , a completely new design and not the always the same , what seems to me that's what has been happening for a long long time . Cream Guitars have designed a totally new aproach , in shape , materials used , pickups configuration and colour. They definitely stand out and that's what i call innovation and not like others that every year all they sale is what we been woust to see since the 50's. I do love Les Paus , Stratocasters , Telecasters but the guitar industry needs fresh air because is coming to start been boring see all the time the same shapes . I remember in 2016 Ibanez introduced the Ibanez AR725 VLS that was not well received but in my opinion is one of the most beautiful guitars ever produced because even being a double cut Les Paul it was different . Really hope Cream Guitars have the recognition they deserve and soon we can see them in the music shops for sale

[@NickGranville]

I love the talman guitars too. You nailed the description of that. Wish I could have give it NAMM this year, but couldn’t make it happen. Next year for sure. Hope to see you then

[@wadekresak2149]

What was your most enjoyed ale? In all honesty, I look forward to any review of a Brian May bobblehead amp. Exclusivity is a must. 🍻

[@makinganoise6028]

MV50 rehash in red, still without an effects loop or reverb, so nothing to be excited about! I have the MV50 clean, no way is it worth the money they are asking for this one.

[@Alesistx2023]

What’s the point of expensive clones like the echorec? 2/3 the price of original, but they will appreciate at wildly different rates.

[@cchavez248]

Brian May mini Vox amps!!! WOOT!!!

[@abcrx32j]

The guitar industry might evolve slower than continental mass, but thats kinda goo, because its expensive

[@JOTG2000]

I really hope those Yamaha headphones are that good. I imagine they will be, Yamaha have been doing all things music since forever.

[@T.Novak5312]

No homage to the evh series? No Wolfgangs. No 5150 series? Cmon mayyyun!

[@andrewmorgan1640]

Probably need to -it the Seymour switch in the surfliner deluxe. I am buying that binson too

[@bobwallace9814]

Take your ENGL to a car paint shop. They will be able to replicate this new Fireball look easily.

[@gazzy_burns]

Possibly the quietest NAMM in a long time….not many exciting releases.

[@raysissum]

When you say 'bucks' on this channel are you giving us the price in USD?

[@SenseiKreese]

A whole lot of nothing very exciting at all. Pretty dull NAMM.

[@kdrc]

Please get the affordable Brian May guitar to go with your planned review of the little VOX amplifier. Make an inquiry and perhaps they will send you one to borrow.

[@calbrockocat8728]

The bonus is hilarious! And now, I want one for the laughs.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Me too…. But it’s a bit too much money for a fun thing although it looks powerful

[@BrentAdams]

Not only do you need to have a "Brian May Guitar".... you need his "hands", & his innate Musical phrasing abilities.... just sayin'.....

[@Idontlikethisever]

Music Man sucks. As a left handed player this company sucks

[@ASM881]

The perfect surf guitar is an old Dano.

[@scoresandflames]

Regarding that Yamaha headphone: you can buy a Sennheiser BT T100 station and a BT headphone from any brand supporting AptX LL to have around 40ms latency. If the two solutions are comparable, well, that's another question... maybe you want to test it out?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

40ms is too high. About 10ms is the limit

[@ChrisFranklyn]

"I wouldn't mind taking this to a future stadium gig and seeing how it shapes up" - Brian May. We all want to see that Brian! That ICH Tailman manages to pull something that many guitars cannot - a 3 single coil guitar that doesn't look ridiculous. ...might pair well with that Vox :)

[@PooNinja]

8:09???? How is that not the top pick? Ok Dr. May does have some pull in the universe or at least a better understanding than most. My favorite thing at NAMM this year was the people. And that swirly 7 string PIA and the REVV wall of amps.

[@MrShadowofthewind]

I just want my laney loudpedal allready.

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. I really found the New Cole Clark Hybrid Guitar very interesting. Cheers

[@rexmasters1541]

Namm was shit just like it always is. I was there and I managed to make a few buys for my stores. Prices are way too high, quality is way too low and then you have PRS, Fender and Gibson trying to push the 2nd grade guitars off onto dealers at high grade prices. Its the same old shit Namm has been for the last 20+ years.

[@mortonwilson795]

First time visitor - fun overview, thanksalot! Will keep an eye out for the Yamaha Headphones absolutement! Guild - oh dear, oh dear. I thought the original release looked and sounded great and figured I just needed to wait for the Trem version and now they have dropped the fun stuff, changed the configuration and they only come in 'Metallic Sparkle". Ho hum . . . in fairness though, Rosewood fretboard - that's nice! Let's give them another year and maybe they'll get it right? Red Vox Amp . . . why not? 😀

[@andresilva8444]

Love the Talman! I used to go to my local music shop and play the noodles model. Finished in gaffa tape. Brilliant!

[@oldmanzen6682]

I've often found that the same people who complain about the longevity of "smart" guitar devices (such as the SD pickup switch mentioned here), are the same people who'll have no such concerns with damn near every other smart product, be it a new phone, TV, or audio gear. But put it in a guitar, and the sky is suddenly falling. Overall, I wasn't as impressed with this year's NAMM, though considering the turnout, that's not surprising. Thanks for the recap, Andy. Looking forward to that May Vox review.

[@RomainG6409]

Great video ! Thanks 😁 It's about time that guitars evolve. Bluetooth, wifi, integrated modelisation features (such as the great Lâg HyVibe or the fantastic Mooer Pro 800 that I own and which is first and foremost a great HSS guitar with high ends specs that you can use without using the modelisation features if you want) it doesn't matter the tech, but yes it is about time that guitars change century ... It is becoming boring these same guitars that only change colors or a little bit of shape but stays the same since the 1950's year after year ...

[@cocotheix2664]

if you pair a guitar with a phone, the app better be open source!

[@davequiquegg]

I got really excited by the 5-way toggle and thought it might be like a Variax thing, only to find out that it changes the pickup configuration. I feel like they're thinking too small: couldn't you set it so that position 4 is a Korg Miku? Or so that the top fret on the low E emulates the call of a wood pigeon? Dream big Seymour Duncan! We don't care about 'quacky' out-of-phase stuff, we want a Sax-a-Boom in there!

[@MikeLute]

That Brian May Vox nano tube amp got my interesst. But what I wonder is, if that Hyperswitch could be controlled by some mischievous guy in the audience..... Thanks for your top 11!

[@seanbrooks2583]

Malcolm gladwell's guitar channel.

[@attrition0]

I think fishman fluence pickups are pretty novel, being stacked PCB instead of copper wire, granted they are trying to do something existing in a novel way rather than creating something totally new. And wow I didn't see anything about the yamaha headphones! I use a wireless system into my ampless rig but have to use headphones as I can only play at night with a kid in the house, the wire always annoyed me and kept me bound to a short range. Instant preorder to see if they can live up to their claims.

[@OliverAmberg]

Nobody has catchier names than Ibanez 😂 Thanks for this great overview!

[@cchavez248]

$150.00 for a switch? Yikes!!!

[@niclastname]

This video makes me miss the Podcast so much! I need to listen to The Guitar Geek and Dr Dan discuss and fanboy about new NAMM gear!

[@lueyteledeluxe7457]

Yes, you need a Red Special to sound like Brian May. It's more important than even the AC30 & Rangemaster.

[@alienlovesecrets9379]

The greatest invention and innovation presented at namm is the totally silent revolution. No, it it not an app for a guitar switch, come on. It is analog amp modelling! Why doesn't everyone go nuts with these news?

[@peterporker7803]

I love Ibanez in Green wish I could get one.

[@waltv2773]

That St. Vincent guitar is pretty hideous

[@billvilla7799]

Great review of what is new Andy! It's been a while...how are you and your family? Regards, Bill

[@muzzmacc6411]

Nice👍 I think the guild’s need more ‘surfey’ colours: ocean turquoise, surf blue, etc.

[@EasyHeat]

Foxgear Echosex line is far more reasonably affordable IMO.

[@onefatstratcat]

They were suppose to have AI robots this year that can play guitar for you at a gig but they are still working the bugs out.. they still arrive late and drink to much at the gig :)

[@captain-chunk]

i was always curious about the MV50, so it'll be cool to see your review of the May one. Vox seem to have been upping their game with the superbeetles and the new May branded stuff. Also really intrigued by the Seymour Duncan switch. Looks like the evolution of the Freeway, which was a cool idea in itself, and is still a planned mod for my PRS SE Hollowbody, so I can have split or out of phase fun too!

[@effectspedalcentral]

I need to get the Lizard Queen!

[@Auxend]

I think a remote switch as a proof of concept is cool - it can be tied into a pedal controller or remotely configured by a tech - I've been seeing a lot more people taping off knobs and switches so I think this could be a cool solution to wiring variances. It needs to be an open standard because I don't see them supporting the app forever.

[@avjake]

I got a bit of red paint. I got a bit of white paint.

[@ralphhathaway-coley5460]

Why did Engl not continue the strips down the speaker grill? I think that would look way cooler.

[@ImNotOld_ImVintage]

I'm really looking forward to the reviews you mentioned. Those are the items I would be most likely to buy (other than the Lizard Queen which I will definitely buy, because "octave fuzz.")

[@peterschaefer1665]

Was Hughes & Kettner at Namm this year?

[@barnaclerusty]

All of them are so cool.. I will take all 10 please 😊 I appreciate your guitar nerd passion

[@andrewwilliams3394]

Andy, Ow Bist Ole Butt! Red amp with white go faster stripes. You can take the boy out of the forest but you cant take the forest out of the boy.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

'ello! Which Andrew Williams is this? Aper?

[@andrewwilliams3394]

@@TheGuitarGeek this is probably one of the many Andrew Williams who subscribe to your channel. Just an ole carrot cruncher from Glawster. First guitar was a Marlin Sidewinder, you will probably remember them, totally unplayable. excellent channel by the way, keep on smiling.

[@dadgad1046]

Kick.... non starter... One run and done?

[@briansizemore475]

Just finished installing my hyperswitch and i can say, its a time vampire of fun. Makes tone hunting very interesting and easy to use.

[@dalepal]

You came up with a cool list considering what you had to pick from. Many companies released new products earlier in the year and/or didn't participate in NAAM.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks Dale, good to see you here

[@nofcustoms4663]

that brian may amp!!!

[@thiscorrosion900]

The final gizmo looks like something I was dreaming up recently as a lefty guitarist: what we need is some kind of small portable digital guitar whereby you can do lefty or righthanded, and can play the thing as a virtual guitar with virtual fretboard and strings and all that on one side, and a full soundhole area on the other. You could plug it into any amp or a Bluetooth amp and just go anywhere and play lefty or righty and have FX and amps built in, etc. No idea what this might look like but it would have to be portable. I'm imagining something like a virtual version of the Steinberger Spirit, maybe. It could even model different major guitar types. I think that's coming but we're probably another 20 years off from it. We have tons of "portable" travel guitars, why not a digital travel virtual guitar?

[@thiscorrosion900]

P.S. Imagine buying such a thing and you can make it sound like a 12-string Rickenbacker without the actual Rickenbacker?

[@PaulCooksStuff]

Hmmm, someone kidnapped the real Andy on Gear Island. The prestigious elite club is no more. The top 10 isn't 9 fuzz pedals. Blink twice if you're being held hostage!!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hahaha… there was one more fuzz that I almost put it but had to mix it up a bit this time

[@bigtorrisi]

It should be made illegal for an Englishman to say the word "bucks".

[@TheGuitarGeek]

But that’s against the first amendment and you can’t change an amendment…

[@bigtorrisi]

@@TheGuitarGeek You can amend an amendment, surely?

[@robertgreeneiii7641]

Oh my god i want the big lizard queen. Crazy bazderds

[@edbogus]

Needs more cowbell

[@bristol1312]

That face in the thumbnail 😂

[@brianvankley3529]

Agreed on the Ichigo Ito Talman- at that price point, I’m keen to try one out!

[@KallipolisCracks06]

What’s the white offset behind you? Never seen one of those

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Jupiter! thmn.to/thoprod/557882?offid=1&affid=288

[@jroobz]

Nice round up. I'd throw the spark go into this too

[@KallipolisCracks06]

Love those old Yamahas!

[@maxflinter6896]

Doesn't the AXE I/O come with 2 IN?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

This is the new AXE I/O ONE

[@Briansgate]

Not enough bass😅

[@coderedj68]

Brian May may not DJent, but he is a gent!

[@Barbarapape]

I have spent a fortune trying to get the Hank Marvins sound, but no way am i spending anymore. The gear i now have is good enough for me, the price of the magnetic disk is just crazy money. My Custom Shop Hank Marvin Strat cost less than that, but that was many years ago. The rest of Namm looks interesting with a few products that could make practicing a guitar at home a lot easier. My guess is that it will be Christmas before we see them in the UK.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

There’s a few products available already but others will take a few months

[@Barbarapape]

@@TheGuitarGeek Namm is just a showcase that is used to show preproduction samples of future products, when they are due to hit the market the reviewers will have them first. I ignore the hype and wait until i can try them for myself. Very few sound anything like they do on KZbin.🤔

[@rjb7260]

Sadly Namm is really going down hill. Fender pulling out. New items are more like "Toys". I love your channels reviews You do a great job!