WINTER NAMM 2009
NEW at NAMM: New Custom Beauties!
Web Link: http://www.odonnellguitars.com
Contact: Craig O’Donnell
Email: sales@odonnellguitars.com
NEW at NAMM: New Custom Guitars
Patrick Gigliotti is an out of the box thinker. Although the shapes of his guitars are more on the traditional side, the materials and finishes are anything but traditional. You could not walk by their booth without turning and staring at these truly exquisite finishes. These guitars feature the Gigliotti Voicing System and unique metal plate top insert with a custom pattern finish. These “electric” guitars are built like an “acoustic” guitar where the top metal plate is set into a ledge created by the sides of the guitar. Instead of being glued, the top is secured by silicon and bolted into the center block via the bridge screws. Because of this technique, the guitar takes on an acoustic resonance.
Pat himself originally completed the finish work. Today, however, the finishing duties are handled by Graphite Guitars. I didn’t get a chance to actually play one of these guitars, but I sure think they look great. It is a very unusual finish and I’m glad to see someone thinking outside the guitar box. I can only imagine what these guitars look like on stage under show lights. Wow!
Web Link: http://www.gigliottiguitars.com/main.html
Contact: Patrick Gigliotti
Email: gigliottigutiars@comcast.net
Here is a nice feature on the Joe Bonamassa Gigliotti Signature Guitar
These guitars caught my attention right away. I love different shapes and unique curves on guitars. The builder here has several unique models that look just plain cool. I didn’t get a chance to actually play one, but after hearing two great players exchange licks on a country jam, I’m convinced they play as well as they look. The fit and finish on these guitars appeared to be top notch. I appreciate that this guitar luthier is trying to make guitars with original shapes. My favorite model is the SWR. Just plain cool!
Web Link: http://www.thealternativeguitarandamplifiercompany.com/
Contact: Mal Stich
Email: info@thealternativeguitarandamplifiercompany.com
NEW at NAMM: New Custom Basses
Web Link: http://www.ritter-basses.com/
Contact: Sales
Email: Info@ritter-basses.com
NEW at NAMM: New Custom Guitars
I’ve been following Nik Huber and the growth of his company for five years now. From the first time I saw the “Dolphin” guitar I knew that the quality was on par with the finest luthier’s in our industry. This year I finally met Nik who is as humble as they come. His talent is second to none and the workmanship, style, and precision of his work is mind-blowing. PLEASE take time to get to know Nik and his guitars. You will be as truly impressed as I am.
Web Link: www.nikhuber-guitars.de
Contact: Nik Huber
Email: info@nikhuber-guitars.com
Wow! These guitars were a great find for me at the show. The company is only a few years old, but their originality is fresh and inspiring. Designer, Mark Fuqua, is obviously inspired by traditional build techniques, but I think he truly pushes his own distinctive style on these innovative designs. There are only two models available: the semi-hollow BelAire and the solid-body LeMans. I played the BelAire and was impressed with how comfortable it played. It’s got a big body, but stays comfortably close to your own body. These guitars are definitely worth considering.
Web Link: http://www.motorave.com/
Contact: Mark Fuqua
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/motoraveguitars
NEW at NAMM: Virage Guitars
I briefly played one on the show floor could tell it is well made and very playable. Although I’m not a mainstream kinda guy, I appreciate players like Carl Verheyen who are avid endorsers.
Web Link: http://www.voxvirage.com/
Dealer Search: http://www.voxvirage.com/USdealers.html
As much as a love PRS, I continue to lose interest. I am thrilled for their unbelievable success, but their new guitar offerings are just more of the same with different “signature” names. Although, their new 1957/2008 pickups did catch my attention and I’m sure they sound great. I do like the Mira line of guitars as well. New this year is a line of acoustic guitars called the Angelus Cutaway and the Tonare Grand. Both appear to be of the finest PRS workmanship. All their guitars continue to be of the highest quality and the finishes are just magnificent. However, the prices you to pay for their premium guitars are disappointing. Only those with disposable income will be able to afford these beauties.
Web Link: http://www.prsguitars.com/products/
Dealer Search: http://www.prsguitars.com/dealer.asp
The playability of this guitar was a surprise. I was expecting it to be much heavier, but the balance was even. The body felt comfortable in my arms and the neck was very playable. The electronics included Seymour Duncan pickups. I sat and played it for a while through one of Bruce Egnater’s 18-watt Rebel 20 amps that they had in their booth. Overall, I give this guitar a big thumbs up! The price tag, however, is a bit pricey probably due to the materials and manufacturing process. If you are in the market for something totally different and unique, check out this guitar.
Web Link: http://www.etavonniinstruments.com/
Contact: Jeff Yonker
Email:info@etavonniinstruments.com
AMPS
EFFECTS
SWITCHERS, CONTROLLERS & ACCESSORIES
NAMM Pics
Other Guitars
Here are a few more guitars I ran across at the show.
Collings Guitars These ones always catch my attention.
The jury is still out on these guitars.
BC Rich Guitars - I’ve always like s these guitars but I could never see my self playing one.
Peavey Guitars - I really like what these guys are doing these days. Very nice work!
Music Man One of the finest American guitar companies around today. I just think these guys are awesome!
Dean Guitars - Always fun to look at but totally not my style.
