NAMM’s Media Preview Day provides a myriad of sights and sounds

Article by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz

Although The 2023 NAMM Show officially kicks off tomorrow (Thursday, April 13), a Media Preview Day was held this afternoon and offered an early glimpse of a number of music industry brand reveals that will be showcased at the highly-anticipated show April 13-15 at the Anaheim Convention Center. A special "thank you" to Bob Steshetz for his photography.

The "Volia" guitar is on display in Booth #5828.

One of the most impressive musical instruments I got to see up close were the Universium TT Guitars, is a collaboration known as "Volia" created by the talents at Sweden's True Temperament brand and Ukraine's Universum Guitars brand. These guitars were built in Kyiv, Ukraine during the war and are available to raise money for Ukrainians during this challenging time. NAMM-goers can see the Volia electric guitars at Booth 5828 in Hall D during the NAMM Show. Learn more by watching the informational video at: https://youtu.be/gGGzpW-00dw.

Peavey's 6505 Reissue Guitar Amplifier (above),
and the company's HP Poplar Burl RM
electric guitar (below).

John Fera, a digital design engineer with Peavey Electronics, was on hand to discuss the company's 6505 1992 Original Guitar Amplifier, as well as the new HP 2 Poplar Burl RM.  In 1992, Peavey collaborated with Eddie Van Halen to launch the 5150 guitar amp. Van Halen eventually started his own company but Peavey has reissued this amp to mark its 30th anniversary under the new 6505 name. Visit Peavey's line of instruments, accessories, pro audio and more at Booth #210A during the NAMM Show.

Cello Azul playing the "Horizon" electric cello.

3Dvarius is a France-based company bringing their "New Generation Electric Violins" to the NAMM Show. Laurent Bernadac, co-founder of the company, was there to note that the company's bowed string instruments include both electric violins and cellos. The electric cello "Horizon" can be played seated or standing and is sold with a strap system. The talented cellist Cello Azul played the Horizon and impressed media representatives throughout the preview event. Visit 3Dvarius at Booth #9532.

Dingwall Guitars displayed the John Taylor Signature Model bass. Taylor, the acclaimed bassist of Duran Duran, is a limited-edition instrument. "We opened the (online) store today and they are sold out," said Sheldon Dingwall, the founder of the Canadian company, noting it took approximately two years to design and produce the limited edition bass. "We created 82 instruments to go along with the year Rio was released (1982)." The good news is more widely-available productive models will be available at boutique guitar shops this summer. Check out the John Taylor Signature Model bass at Booth #4610.

The Donner REVO Smart Guitar (seen on the right) is a groundbreaking instrument that will please guitar players and educators assisting beginners learning how to play. Equipped with a patented DMI pickup system and advanced audio algorithm by Donner's engineer, REVO  can recognize, and show every note played by the player. It's colorful lighting fretboard is an impressive gateway to the technology housed in the instrument. Come see the smart guitar at Booth #4324.

Below are more images taken at Media Preview Day on April 12, 2023.

The Zylia 6DoF was among the
state-of-the-art products on display.
www.ZYLIA.co

Acclaimed singer-guitarist Terry Reid
talking music with Robert Kinsler.