Behold!! NAMM 2007!!!

[jamsire]

Hello everybody!!!

I have come back from NAMM 2007 and I have a lot to report!

I will say that touchstyle was in full effect! Some great instruments were seen (and brought home - shhhhh!).

I was in Hall E where all of the cool new inventions usually are. It was cool because Hall E has become the "quiet hang place." If you have a very cool product - you will get discovered and - bought!! Like the Tronica motorized guitar tuners getting bought by Gibson! This was their first NAMM show! http://www.tronical.com/

First let me introduce you to the Koyabu Symmetric Board. Someone had posted a video of these guitars a while back. Unfortunately, I found the booth with these guitars (and their builder) on the last day. The "show price" was $2800 for the ones in this picture.

They were really "Cute." But the problem with these kinds of demos are the overuse of all-in-one effects boxes like Zoom or the Korg Pandora. The sound is over processed and it's just not fun! But the guitars are cute!

Your opinion?

[jamsire]

Picture of the inventor and their baddest player. I couldn't get his name, but he certainly drew a crowd!

Notice the dual midi pickup setup.

Bad-ass!

[jamsire]

Picture of one side of the flyer for instrument.

[jamsire]

Picture of the second side of the flyer for instrument.

[jamsire]

Ok - I'm not the biggest fan of this instrument - but it was there at the show. You can search my comments somewhere on this site for my diatribe. It's that all graphite "neck" guitar - can't remember the name.

The player is the guy someone had sent the video link to - bald bass player with one hand and he just taps. Surprised to see him in person. And he likes the ladies. He was constantly trying to get me to look at girls - which I enjoy - but on my own "eye."

Anyway, here it is.

[jamsire]

Stu Box Guitars!

Yes!! On the last day, again (hey - I was busy!) I saw someone at the "Graphite parts" booth holding a Stu Box guitar. This was a sexy hot midi guitar. The guy holding it said Stu was downstairs, so I ran there immediately! And there he was - with family support.

Awesome! I told Stu how popular his guitars were on this site and had he read about it - and he said "uh, no." And I was shocked! I said, "Stu, you need to log onto Tappistry.org more often." Here is a shot of the booth.

[jamsire]

Mo' Stu.

[jamsire]

Cool tuning mechanism on the Box guitar - a magnetic knob that goes from string to string.

Sexy hot!

By the way - I took home the Tobacco Sunburst one in the first picture of the Stu Box series.

He was blowing them out at the booth (that Australian take back home haul was definitely a factor), so they were irresistible. Actually, a good friend I showed it to saw that I really liked it and just bought it for me on the spot. WOW!! I know. But then I showed my new guitar to another buddy - and he bought one - right on the spot.

I think Stu believed me about how popular the guitars are.

[rjgoos]

I am way jealous, Ernie, of anyone who can score a pass to NAMM. Looks like an overwhelming experience.

The instruments get all of the publicity, but are there booths of, for example, importers of such mundane parts as tuning gears, pickups, bridges, strings, etc.?

[jamsire]

Though not a tapping instrument - I just thought it was cool as all get out!!

This guitar was built by Harvey Citron in Woodstock, NY.

Isn't this sexy?????

[jamsire]

Originally posted by rjgoos
The instruments get all of the publicity, but are there booths of, for example, importers of such mundane parts as tuning gears, pickups, bridges, strings, etc.?

There is so much WOOD!!!!! Lots of wood suppliers. Also, a great deal of speaker cabinet suppliers as well as case manufacturers (I'm associated with one).

Tuners, bridges, and pickups. And lots of other parts manufacturers.

LOTS OF NEW SOFTWARE!!! MIDI will never be the same again.

I will explain soon enough.

[rjgoos]

Maybe we tap-guitar-builders need to create some sort of shell organization (Tappistry Guild of Builders?) so we can score NAMM passes....

Just dreamin' again.

[traktor]

There would be nothing to stop us from getting a NAMM membership for Tappistry.Org. It costs $195 per year, and you get four badges, so those are $50 each. (If you are displaying you get 10 badges, but then there's quite a cost to display.)

There are some guys here in Mount Shasta who did just what I'm suggesting. They had Brad, who runs Sherlock Music, sign up. (They all chip in for the cost.) And then every year they go to NAMM.

Also, Ernie has endorsements from several manufacturers, and so scores badges fairly easily. Here's how it works --

I can see by your outfit that you are a cowboy.
You can see by my outfit that I'm a cowboy too.
We can both see by our outfits that we are both cowboys.
If you get an outfit, you can be a cowboy too.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by traktor
Also, Ernie has endorsements from several manufacturers, and so scores badges fairly easily.

Yeah - but having a badge that has the word "MEGATAR" on it is way cool.

I say we do a Tappistry.org booth.

I'll contribute!

[RocknDrTom]

I was kind of wondering who would be "showing" at NAMM. thanks for the report, Ernie!

[K Rex]

Great pics!!!

Thanks, Jamsire. Did you happen to visit the Warr booth?

K Rex

[jamsire]

Originally posted by K Rex
Great pics!!!

Thanks, Jamsire. Did you happen to visit the Warr booth?

K Rex

I can't say I did.

Does anyone know if they were there?

[jamsire]

Here is the link to the thread alerting me that Stu Box was going to be at NAMM 2007.

It must all be a subconscious thing.

http://www.tappistry.org/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1106

[jamsire]

I love this post NAMM report guy.

He scours the floor looking for the wacky of the wacky, as well as the cool of the cool.

He hasn't posted anything for this year as of yet, but bookmark it and check out last years' stuff. I bought the guitar cables with the wooden jacks.

http://www.otheroom.com/namm/

[rpmartino]

I was at NAMM on behalf of the software company I work for (Wave Arts) but this seemed to be a particularly busy year, I only had about an hour to prowl the aisles for cool stuff. As Jamsire mentioned, Hall E (the basement) has some interesting and unusual stuff. I stopped by Box Guitars briefly to say hello to Stu and try an instrument for a couple minutes, and also saw (but did not try) the Koyabu board.

I'm also very impressed by some of the high end bass guitar luthiers, such as Bee Basses, Warrior, Jerzy Drozd, Nordstrand, Benavente... all kinds of extended range, stunning-looking instruments.

Stick Enterprises and Warr Guitars were not there.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by rpmartino
Stick Enterprises and Warr Guitars were not there.

I knew Stick wasn't there - I actually would have been a little annoyed if they were!! Aren't they STILL way behind in orders!!??

Though I am not a bassist by any means, I did like the Godlyke 8-string Bass. Haven't seen one of those in a long while since the Padulla days. Just a beautiful 4 course bass with exceptional feel.

http://www.godlykebass.com/

Beautiful.

If any goes to NAMM in 2008 (or Austin, TX) let's all keep in touch and have a bruhahah (spelling?)

Plus, it will save a lot of time and we'll cover more area!

[RocknDrTom]

Talk, its only talk
Babble, burble, banter, bicker bicker bicker
Brouhaha, boulderdash, ballyhoo
Its only talk
Back talk

[RocknDrTom]

oh - and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ernie!!

[jamsire]

Originally posted by RocknDrTom
oh - and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ernie!!

Thank ya!!!

I'm boulder dashing my way into playing better touchstyle.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by jamsire
Ok - I'm not the biggest fan of this instrument - but it was there at the show. You can search my comments somewhere on this site for my diatribe. It's that all graphite "neck" guitar - can't remember the name.


The name of the instrument is the "Vertebrax" by Jones MFG Music.

Here is the link below:

http://www.jonesmfgmusic.com/

Not too many pictures on the site itself, but more on their myspace page which is listed on their site on the About Us page.

[GaryOpenhill]

Originally posted by jamsire
The name of the instrument is the "Vertebrax" by Jones MFG Music.

Here is the link below:

http://www.jonesmfgmusic.com/

Not too many pictures on the site itself, but more on their myspace page which is listed on their site on the About Us page.

I wonder why they won't put more than only six strings on it? And why does it have a kaki king logo on it? :)
So many questions...

Thanks for the great photos from namm, jamsire.Can't believe you bought a box guitar on the spot. They look way cool, tho. Did they have the longscale versions there,and did you try one?

[GaryOpenhill]

Yep, Kaki King apparantly got one (a vertabraxe, that is)

btw, some prety cool pics at their myspace "pics" section.Two men using one as a trampoline and a very cool stand for it.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by GaryOpenhill
Thanks for the great photos from namm, jamsire.Can't believe you bought a box guitar on the spot. They look way cool, tho. Did they have the longscale versions there,and did you try one?

Hey there!!

Well if you recall, I said my friend was actually nice enough to buy the Box guitar for me. Just a really cool surprise.

Those were the only lengths Stu had. But I gotta tell ya, it's all you really need. Completely different than a Stick or my Meggys. Just different. Stu said however, that he could convert one side to Baritone for me if I wanted (in the future) which I would LOVE!! I'm a Baritone Guitar junky (lot o' dem) and a 12-String junky as well (lots o' dem too).

[RocknDrTom]

Hmmm... seems like a good time to put a plug in for one of the homemade baritone guitars I made a while ago that I'm planning to sell. I gotta get it out of storage, and take some pics soon, I suppose...

[boxguitarist]

E,

So how'd it come open string tuned ?? Will you be changing that ? What string gauges ? Will you be adding a string deadner ala most other Touchables ? How do you like it so far ???

G.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by boxguitarist
E,

So how'd it come open string tuned ?? Will you be changing that ? What string gauges ? Will you be adding a string deadner ala most other Touchables ? How do you like it so far ???

I love this thing! Completely different than my other instruments. It does need a string damper, but only for when I'm playing it acoustically - which is always my true test. It came standard tuned on both sides, which was fine with me. I have been wanting to experiment with the uncrossed thing for a while.

I'll have to ask Stu what gauges he used as I may have it set up with even higher gauges!

All I need now is another one!! That way I can be consistent in my Noah's Ark approach to instruments (2 Sticks and 2 Meggys).

What were your impression when you had one?

Like i said in the beginning of this thread, I saw a guy with a souped up midi one which was sexy as hell. But with all of the technology I have seen lately, midi triggering may be on the way out! Guitar Rig 2, some new Line 6 Floor Pods, etc. All you will need is a really good Pickup!! In fact, Fender just came out with a guitar with the Roland stuff built into it - like the Line 6 Variax. Unless you need to sound like a piano from time to time (and I never do), there is about to be an incredible audio explosion.

Like I said, I love this thing. It's just completely different.

[boxguitarist]

E,

Let's see now, I currently own and "play" three Box Guitars: (short scale LM, tuned standard guitar EADGBE on both sides, a long scale JC-35 tuned Megatar bass bottom BEADGC & standard melody C#F#BEAD, and a JCB-34 tuned standard melody C#F#BEAD on both sides). Also, O & P three Megatars, a Midi Twin tuned standard melody on both sides, a Blues Buster equipped "whatever", and a Quad Bart equipped Tone Weaver (unfortunately passive pickups), both tuned Bass Bottom and standard Melody. I've had string dampers on and off the Box's and much prefer them off. I also prefer playing uncrossed on the LM and JCB's. SB typically goes for the heavy gauge strings, which I don't prefer due to my fat fingers !!! I agree that the Box's sound different than the Megatars, both of which sound infinitely better than the bodiless 2x4. My JC-35 and JCB34's do not have magnetic tuning knobs, which is why I could not find the non-permanent one for the JCB for about a week after I received it, my boycat took off with it and I finally found it under the sofa. When you say yours is standard tuned, standard what ??

More later i'm sure,

G.

PS: I guess i'm Noah's Ark + 1............

[jamsire]

Hey there!!

I apologize, I could have sworn you said in a previous thread that you no longer owned the seven guitars you had mentioned in that thread. I clearly mis-read that.

I have it tuned in the standard guitar tuning E-A-D-G-B-E on both sides.

But I have YET to plug it in!! I do this with my Meggys as well - I just play them acoustically for practice.

I need an intern or a 14 year-old to come here and set up sounds. I did talk to Traktor about going midi on my b-melody, but I think I'm good for a long while. I have seven other midi guitars and I'll be fine.

What I am really looking for is a complete separation of church and state on my Meggys. The bass side comes through on the treble pickups when I have completely different sounds on either side, but I know that can't be easy. Kind of like putting a big thick piece of rubber down the middle of the whole guitar! Brenda????

I say when Traktor is in full production again, you should consider sending back your Toneweaver for the Active pickups upgrade. I think it's worth it.

As for the planks. I'm just gonna have them set up here locally and get sexy again with them. I like the fact that YOU have "Universal" touchstyle skill and technique.

As we say here the city - "That's Gangsta"

[boxguitarist]

E,

Yep, 4 Sticks, 1 vintage Warr, 1 ADG-10 and 1 Santucci TrebleBass have gone by the wayside. 3 Box's, 3 Meg's, a coupla sitars and a few miscellany still here........

G.

[jamsire]

Come on my show.

[Padauk]

Stick and Warr weren't there. hmmmmmmmm.



That's a surprise! I think Warr is behind too. I am actually glad to hear they weren't there. More time to work on their orders. I have a Warr on order. (about 5 months so far, halfway there)

[glints-collide]

I'm wondering what you do with all that guitars? Okay,
it's cool to have so much instruments and to look at them, but is it really usefull? I mean you can't play em all.

I have one warr, one gibson, one cheap bass and two cheap acoustic guitars. The only thing I would buy sometimes in the future would be a good acoustic guitar and a good bass.

How many of your instruments are you really playing?

[jamsire]

Originally posted by glints-collide
I'm wondering what you do with all that guitars? Okay,
it's cool to have so much instruments and to look at them, but is it really usefull? I mean you can't play em all.

I have one warr, one gibson, one cheap bass and two cheap acoustic guitars. The only thing I would buy sometimes in the future would be a good acoustic guitar and a good bass.

How many of your instruments are you really playing?

You'll have to search back into some of these threads and see the purpose of my extensive collection - which in short, is an eventual donation to my alma mater upon my demise.

I can play any of my instruments any time I want, or choose not to. I can also enjoy the fact that when I do sessions - that I have a great instrument that fits the need of the song at that time. I can also feel confident that if I hire another guitarist for a session (which I do often), they may do a phenomenal performance on a recording using one of my instruments. Heaven forbid one of my many college guitar students will be inspired by my collection and understand the essence of purchasing a fine instrument - whether it be 1 or 100.

If I sound defensive - I mean to. Why a person acquires a specific item to collect - especially guitars shouldn't be in question. I've seen people collect firearms - much to my shock - but I understand the collector mentality. Why do people collect coins they can't spend or stamps they would never use to mail a utility bill? Not for me ask, only for me respect.

At the end of the day - and my life, Wagner College will be the sole owner of one of the finest guitar collections ANY school will have. My gift to them for the education I received from there.

Any more questions?

[glints-collide]

Well, didn't mean to offend you jamsire, I was just wondering. Your statement makes sense, I guess I'm just a different kind of musician, more that one instrument/one voice - player.


Of course, my collection has also more or less unwillingly increased over the years, but I rather collect CD's, it's cheaper :-)


Anyway, Rock on!

[RocknDrTom]

I'm kinda with Ernie here. I have well over 50 instruments that I've lost count. But they are all different. Different voices. Different types of instruments really. I've enjoyed instruments from other cultures, so I have lots of Turkish lutes, sazes, ouds, sitar, bouzoukis, lap steels, banjos, dobros, doudouk, doumbeks djun djun, that accompany the various guitars and basses, and the list goes on. Kinda reminds me of the Jay Leno quote:
"Most guys in Hollywood have one car and, like, 80 girlfriends. I have 80 cars and one girl, and it's cheaper."

For me, substitute "instrument" for "car", and it's the same thing.

:D

[jamsire]

Originally posted by RocknDrTom
Kinda reminds me of the Jay Leno quote:
"Most guys in Hollywood have one car and, like, 80 girlfriends. I have 80 cars and one girl, and it's cheaper."

For me, substitute "instrument" for "car", and it's the same thing.

:D

Well thank you SIR!! I guess I get defensive because I have had to have this conversation with people as if I need to "qualify" what I have! And that is insane.

Funny though - I don't have a girlfriend! I never date when I'm "purchasing" - golden rule on my end.

[rjgoos]

Probably less than 1% of tappers make their living at it. The list of tappers without a day job, who make their whole living at it, is pretty short. For most of us, tapping is a pleasurable hobby. And, like many hobbies, people will value different aspects of it.

Some tappers are performers. Some never perform. Some use few effects, some use tons of effects. Some play alone, some in groups. Some have one instrument and strive to master it. Some play several instruments. Some collect instruments as their expression of the hobby. Some are interested in building their own, most aren't. And, most of us are interested in more than one aspect of the hobby.

Even among those who build, people have different objectives. Some (like Brenda) strive to build an instrument of great beauty and craftsmanship, some (like Tom) strive to build an instrument that looks old and beat-up. Kevin is building instruments so his kids can eat. My objective in building is totally off the wall...I want to find a design that is the utmost in simplicity to build...requiring inexpensive materials, and a minimum of shop skills and power tools. My point is, tappers are interested in different things, even among the small sub-set of people who build.

Actually, I think that it is a sign of a vibrant hobby, that people can find totally different aspects to enjoy. That is also why this is a nice forum....people with diverse interests and instruments are welcome.


Jay


(P.S. The work load of my day job will be a lot heavier the next few months, so I won't be posting as much, so please keep up the great conversations, gang!)

[jamsire]

And I shall

I'm actually working on a photo shoot for the college of my collection. I need to use the stepped platforms the choir stands on for the many layers of instruments - pride baby!!

But NAMM is the way to revitalize your desire for more stuff!!

[jamsire]

Site is available now.

http://www.otheroom.com/namm/

Stu Box and Koyabi Board are mentioned