Worst Behavioral Trend
The relative preponderance of adult males taking photos with their selfie-sticks at the NAMM Show this year was… off-putting. C’mon guys – you’re better than that.
Best Beverage Service
The NAMM Chairman’s Reception always promises an impressive spread and the opportunity to catch up with old friends from throughout the industry and the 2016 installment was no different. The “champagne wall” at this year’s shin-dig was particularly popular, with a number of varieties of bubbly available, along with fresh fruit add-ins – although the serving surface (hanging from the ceiling, and prone to swing somewhat) was giving the friendly bartender some trouble at times.
Best Hallway Encounter
What was I just saying about taking selfies? Well, at least I didn’t use a stupid stick. Bumping into guitar legend and 2016 TEC Hall of Fame honoree Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (And he’s a defense consultant to the U.S. government. What can’t this guy do?) was pretty cool.
Best Jaw-Dropping Performance
It may never have occurred to me that a violin-led rendition of a Zeppelin classic could be just as powerful as the original, Caroline Campbell’s interpretation of “Kashmir” at Yamaha’s New Product Happening left little doubt. The event, which officially introduced four new instruments – the Montage synthesizer, the RevStar solidbody electric guitar line, the Disklavier ENSPIRE, and the YEV electronic violin – was impressive from start to finish, but Campbell blew everyone away.
Worst Show Floor Etiquette
Nobody can control when or where they get an urgent call or text, but if you’re walking the floor at the NAMM Show and you get that “drop everything” message, don’t abruptly stop walking and then stand in the middle of the aisle while you type or talk on your cell. There are lots of people trying to get from point A to point B and you’re being a nuisance. Shudder to think how this chuckleheads are behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.
Best Speech
After a great introduction by MMR’s Terry Lowe, Steve West, the 2016 recipient of the Don Johnson Industry Service Award gave a heartfelt and inspiring acceptance speech, encouraging all of us within MI to continue to work hard to make sure that quality music education is available to everyone.
Worst Lines
Unless you were planning to buy your lunch before 10:30am, a visit to the food trucks meant you’d be standing in cue for at least 15 minutes. This has proven to be a wildly popular addition to the overall NAMM experience – maybe it’d be possible to shoe-horn in a few more next year, to accommodate demand?
Best ‘Beyond Fancy’ Instrument
The Bösendorfer Limited Edition Kessler Grand Bohemian is described as “the most opulent piano in the world” and… yeah, that pretty much sums it up. Featuring a bronze cast base in the shape of tree branches, a music stand in the shape of a peacock, gold leaf covering the entire frame, and LED lighting within the soundboard area, the Kessler is a sight to behold. The run is limited to only nine instruments, so get yours now – it’s only $420,000!
Best Booth Layout
Moog went with a very inviting, open design for its “Island of Electronicus” and, regardless of time of day, I never saw it less than packed as Show-goers of all stripes plopped themselves down on pillows and rugs to fiddle with the funky synths. Not sure what was up with the cactus theme in the center, but hey it worked!
