Yamaha Announces The 2025 NAMM Show Artist Lineup

 BUENA PARK, Calif., Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yamaha, the world-leading manufacturer of musical instruments, has unveiled an extraordinary lineup of renowned artists set to captivate audiences at The NAMM Show. Kicking off January 23, Yamaha will host a two-night concert series featuring exclusive performances from Jon Batiste and CeCe Winans that promise to light up the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage.

Jon Batiste Photographed by Jonny Marlow

Adding to the excitement, Yamaha will showcase the custom Yamaha pianos created for Alicia Keys' 2023 "Keys to the Summer Tour." Designed and rendered by Justin Elliott, these iconic instruments once played by Alicia Keys include a dazzling plexiglass grand with silver sparkle and a sleek plexiglass upright. Attendees can also visit the Yamaha booth to experience additional live performances from a diverse roster of talented artists.

"This year at NAMM, we are thrilled to present two brilliant, can't-miss performances on our Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage. On Thursday, the annual Night of Worship will feature the soul-stirring magic of gospel legend CeCe Winans! Friday will feature the infectious musical joy and uplifting energy of the wildly talented Jon Batiste," says Chris Gero, vice president and chief artist relations executive at Yamaha Artist Relations Group, who continues to say, "These amazing concerts promise unforgettable nights for all."

This year's featured performances include:

• Legendary gospel singer CeCe Winans will headline the Night of Worship on Thursday, January 23. 
  • CeCe Winans: The best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, Winans has long since cemented her status as one of the most accomplished and celebrated women in music history.

• An Evening With Jon Batiste on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage will feature a performance by award-winning performer and instrumentalist Jon Batiste on Friday, January 24.
  • Jon Batiste: The Grammy and Academy Award-winning instrumentalist, composer, bandleader and singer, Batiste is taking over the music world with his unique voice on piano and his many hit collaborations with notable artists. Batiste recently released his eighth studio album, Beethoven Blues (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 1), earning his first No. 1 on Billboard's Classical Albums Chart.

To experience everything Yamaha offers at The NAMM Show, visit booth #300DE in the Anaheim Convention Center from January 23 - 25, 2025. For more information, please visit https://usa.yamaha.com/namm/

ABOUT YAMAHA
Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, the world-leading music and sound company based in Hamamatsu, Japan. The Yamaha team is committed to helping everyone progress, express and connect through music and sound. We offer innovative, finely crafted, award-winning products for your entire musical journey including pianos, brass instruments, woodwinds, strings, electronic keyboards, guitars, drums, professional and home audio equipment.

SOURCE Yamaha - https://usa.yamaha.com/namm/

NAMM Announces A-List Artist Lineup for 2025 Show

The 2025 NAMM Show is only a month away! Get the latest on the event below...Robert Kinsler

NAMM ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED PERFORMANCES FEATURING JACK WHITE, JACOB COLLIER, PETER FRAMPTON AT 2025 NAMM SHOW 

• NAMM to host exclusive performances throughout The 2025 NAMM Show in January with more A-list acts and concerts to be announced in the coming weeks
  
  

Peter Frampton performing in Anaheim, CA
in January 2019.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

CARLSBAD, CALIF., December 17, 2024 – NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, has announced a robust lineup of artists and bands scheduled to perform at The NAMM Show, held January 21–25 in Anaheim, California. The event will feature live performances from Jack White at the TEC Awards, Jacob Collier at NAMM’s Grand Rally for Music Education and an appearance from Peter Frampton at the NAMM Global Media Day. 

“The NAMM Show continues to attract A-list artists from every genre, and this incredible level of talent is a testament to the power of our global music products industry and the influence of our NAMM Members who cultivate these relationships,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. We are so excited to have an extremely talented and award-winning group of musicians performing at multiple NAMM venues during multiple days of our show.” 

On Thursday, January 23, 12-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Jack White will headline the NAMM TEC Awards, where he will also receive NAMM’s TEC Innovation Award. Jack has also been nominated for the 2025 GRAMMY Best Rock Album of the Year and Rolling Stone Magazine included White on its 2010 and 2023 lists of the greatest guitarists of all time.  

On Saturday, January 25, Jacob Collier, the first British artist to receive a GRAMMY Award for each of his first four albums, will perform onstage at NAMM’s iconic event celebrating music makers worldwide, the Grand Rally for Music Education. Collier was also nominated for the 2025 GRAMMY Album of the Year for his latest release, Djesse Vol. 4. 

On Wednesday, January 22, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton will be an integral part of the NAMM Global Media Day, featuring product announcements from some of the most iconic brands in the music industry. Several other award-winning musicians will also be performing at this exclusive event and will be announced in the coming weeks. 

In addition, NAMM will also host 170-plus bands and artists from around the world to perform live on seven stages, located throughout the NAMM campus during the week. Representing a variety of genres including rock, pop, hip-hop, bluegrass, mariachi, gospel and jazz, performances will include established bands, along with emerging, first-time performers. 

Additionally, Yamaha will be presenting nightly concerts featuring popular artists on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage, with additional details in the coming weeks. 

A snapshot of key performances, highlights and a complete listing of the entire 2025 NAMM Show live band performances can be found here: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/sessions 

To attend and register for 2025 NAMM Show please visit https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend. 

 

About NAMM 

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $19.5 billion music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. NAMM is comprised of over 10,000 global member companies and individual professionals representing a global workforce of over 475,000 employees. In addition to The NAMM Show and NAMM’s member services, The NAMM Foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan of learning. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org. 

Yamaha to Take Center Stage at NAMM 2024 with New Innovative Products and Dynamic Performances

With NAMM 2024 just over a week away, we are beginning to get major announcements related to the highly anticipated show coming to Anaheim, January 25-28, 2024...Robert Kinsler 

Lindsey Stirling will perform on the
Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage in Anaheim
on Friday, Jan. 26.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

Yamaha, the world’s largest manufacturer of musical instruments, has announced its exhibit at The 2024 NAMM Show, the largest global music trade show being held in January at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. For the third consecutive year, Yamaha will transform the third floor of the Anaheim Convention Center into an immersive playground of its latest musical instruments, technologies, and more.

 

Yamaha will introduce innovative, breakthrough products at the show across multiple musical categories, including guitars, drums and percussion, and keyboards, while also offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view an iconic piano played by rock icon Prince!

 

“The Yamaha team is excited to bring a fantastic experience to everyone attending the NAMM Show and those who want to be there. We’re launching fabulous new products to help you make better music and have a tremendous lineup of artists performing at our booth stage and the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage,” Tom Sumner, president of Yamaha Corporation of America. 

This year, Yamaha will present three nights of music on the Grand Plaza Stage, starting with our Night of Worship on Thursday. On Friday, Yamaha will host "An Evening With" featuring famed violinist-composer Lindsey Stirling. An electronic violinist, dancer and actress, Stirling has earned four Billboard chart-topping albums and two Billboard Music Awards.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage will feature acclaimed singer-songwriter/keyboardist Jon McLaughlin and Friends, as the American singer/keyboardist brings his blend of pop, rock, and soul sounds to the stage. 

 

In addition to the new product debuts, Yamaha will showcase, for the first time ever, the piano that was customized for Prince for his Piano & a Microphone solo tour. This one-of-one purple piano is normally housed at Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota, however, it will be available for viewing at the Yamaha booth lobby during regular The NAMM Show hours (Thursday-Sunday). It has never been displayed for Prince fans previously.

 

“Much like Prince, Yamaha has a timeless legacy that continues to inspire new and aspiring musicians across the globe. Partnering together to display this one-of-a-kind piano that was custom-created for Prince by Yamaha was an opportunity that couldn’t be passed up,” said Prince’s former attorney, manager and friend, L. Londell McMillan. “We look forward to giving NAMM attendees a truly unique, intimate chance to view this legendary instrument for the first time.”

 

"We are thrilled to be celebrating our January return to NAMM! Our Concerts on the Grand are always a highlight, and this year, we're honored to be hosting even more remarkable musicianship with three back-to-back nights of amazing live music. There's truly no better way to kick off 2024," says Chris Gero, vice president and chief artist relations executive at Yamaha Artist Relations Group.

The music on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage will be mixed and curated by the company's award-winning commercial audio gear, including the Rivage digital console line. Every note will be articulately amplified through NEXO speaker systems. NEXO is a Yamaha company.

 

Across the globe, Yamaha uniquely offers musicians of all ages instruments to create music and professional audio and recording solutions to ensure every performance is heard in its truest form.

To experience everything Yamaha has to offer at The NAMM Show, visit booth #300DE in the Anaheim Convention Center from January 25 - 28, 2024. For more information, please visit usa.yamaha.com.

2022 NAMM Show recap: performances, product innovations and wonderful instruments aplenty

Before attending NAMM Media Preview Day on Thursday, June 2, 2022, it had been more than two years since the music industry gathered in Anaheim for the NAMM Show (read my recap of the January 2020 NAMM Show HERE). 

Writer Robert Kinsler in front of the Anaheim Convention Center 
on June 4, 2022. Photo: Bob Steshetz 

The sense of eagerness for musicians and music industry representatives eager to get back into the world was palpable across the three days I spent at the event held at the Anaheim Convention Center. I wrote a quick update after attending preview events hosted by Martin Guitar and NAMM on June 2 (you can see that HERE), but here is my in-depth coverage of my experience at the 2022 NAMM Show, including reflections on performances and new products / instruments that caught my eye (and ears). And a very special "thank you" to photographer Bob Stesetz for the use of so many of his incredible photos taken during the NAMM Show!

Photographer Bob Steshetz, left, with saxophonist Mindi Abair.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

New Instruments, Gadgets & Gizmos!

Yamaha is always worth visiting and 2022 was no exception. I was truly impressed by the RSP20, one of the flagships of the second generation of Revstar; the affordable electric guitar (which retails for under $800) features carbon reinforcement in the neck and in the chambered body. It has dual humbucking pickups, combined with a five-position selector and a Focus Switch passive boost. I was able to play it for awhile on Saturday and really fell in love with its sound and the ease to play the instrument up and down the fretboard. The new Revstar series comes in three tiers: Element, Standard and the made-in-Japan Professional. Information: usa.yamaha.com. You can learn more on this exciting instrument HERE.

Yahama's Revstar was front and center
at the 2022 NAMM Show.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

After getting a glimpse of Minarik Guitars' 50th Anniversary Haunted Mansion custom guitar on Media Day, I went back to their booth on Friday to see what other guitars the Las Vegas, Nevada-based company was displaying. The company has really tapped into an area of the market with its custom shop's Art Series guitars. Check out the images below and watch a video on the Haunted Mansion guitar posted by TJR HERE. Information: MinarikGuitars.com.

The 50th Anniversary Haunted Mansion guitar.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

'Alice in Wonderland' is celebrated via Minarik Guitars'
Acoustic Series. Photo: Bob Steshetz

An electric guitar model from Minarik Guitars.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Drummers will want to check out the new EFNOTE 7X (EFD-7X) drum kit courtesy of Artesia. The multi-sensor kit will be released in September 2022, and will retail for approximately $4,500. Information: Artesia-pro.com. 

A close-up view of the impressive EFNOTE 7X. Photo: Bob Steshetz

I'm always excited to see the latest products from major brands such as Taylor Guitars, Martin Guitar, Deering Banjo Co. and Rickenbacker, but it's cool to discover new up-and-coming manufacturers as well.

Take the Orba 2, a follow-up to Artiphon's synth, looper and controller. A truly portable instrument that fits in the palm of your hand, the user can deliver the sounds of electric guitar and upright pianos, as well as collected audio sounds and even vocals. The Orba 2 retails for $149.99. Information: artiphon.com.

The Orba 2 retails for $149.99. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Guitar players who use a slide (or would like to) should check out the Thimble Slide, developed by Hermosa Beach, CA-based inventor Cole Coleman. The Thimble Slide is a mini-slide designed to be worn on the tip of a guitarist's 3rd finger, wit the front edge about halfway to tree-quarters down the fingernail toward the base. When worn there, a guitarist will see that all their fingers are available for fretting. The Thimble Slide is available in several sizes. Information: ThimbleSlide.com.

The Thimble Slide is available now. Photo: Robert Kinsler

I was able to meet with saxophonist-composer/vocalist Mindi Abair who came to NAMM to showcase her new signature Mindi Abair 2 alto mouthpiece produced by Theo Wanne. A celebrated artist and in-demand virtuoso musician since the release of her debut album in 2000, Abair told me that she has worked with Theo Wanne for a number of years to get the perfect mouthpiece and she is thrilled that it is available now. Information: TheoWanne.com.

Theo Wanne, left, with Mindi Abair at the NAMM Show on June 3.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Saxophone great Mindi Abair.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Favorite Performances & Special Events!

The first official performance of this year's NAMM Show was staged early Friday during the Breakfast of Champions event with a set from French duo RoSaWay. Fusing European jazz, world music and pop, the songs were built on flute and percussion with inviting female lead vocals. Information: rosaway.com.

RoSaWay performing at the NAMM Show on June 3, 2022. Photo: Bob Steshetz

RoSaWay, from left, Rachel and SteF. Photo: Bob Steshetz

Not long after RoSaWay finished their winning set, Multi-GRAMMY® winner, composer and performer Kenny Loggins was presented with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) “Music for Life” award by NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. NAMM’s highest industry honor, the award was given at the opening Breakfast of Champions session in celebration of Loggins’ lifelong commitment to inspiring music makers everywhere.

Kenny Loggins, left, with NAMM President & CEO Joe Lamond.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

This writer was really impressed by Loggins' commitment to assisting young people get into music, instilling in them a love of music as opposed to seeking empty fame or stardom. “As far as music goes, music is in our DNA," Loggins said. "When I’m working with young artists, we’re talking about the love of music, its role, and its importance in our lives.” 

Kenny Loggins on June 3, 2022.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Michael Ubaldini performing on June 3, 2022.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

My Friday came to a perfect end with Michael Ubaldini's stirring set at the Sheraton Park Stage. As if performing at the NAMM Show wasn't special enough, June 3 also marked the official release date of the celebrated singer-songwriter's new album Rabbit Foot Carnival. Performing to the accompaniment of his acoustic guitar —  as well as his harmonica at times — Ubaldini's 45-minute set allowed him to offer up a mix of classic material and new songs from Rabbit Foot Carnival. Standouts of Ubaldini's 11-song set included the timely "Free Speech Blues," haunting "Song Of Our Time," rockabilly-mining "Don't Say Goodbye" and tender "The General Store." He ended his set with a powerful take on "The Offended," a powerful song aimed at those unwilling to listen or consider anything beyond their own limited view. For more information, visit rocknrollpoet.com.

I'm still not quite sure what to make of the Jam Galaxy Band's performance on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on Saturday morning. The ensemble included a cast of real life musicians, as well as a robot named Desdemona — the latter offering up spoken word to a soundscape with layers were progressive rock and jazz meet. I can't say I loved the songs, but it was visually interesting. Information: JamGalaxy.com. 

Desdemona of the Jam Galaxy Band.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Photo: Bob Steshetz

Much better was guitar great Carl Verheyen's 45-minute outing staged on the same stage. Verheyen — best known for his role as lead guitarist in Supertramp and as a session player recording for the likes of the Bee Gees and Dolly Parton — impressed with a set of songs and instrumentals displaying his top-tier guitar and vocal skills. Verheyen was backed by a stellar trio of musicians who collectively elevated the set (bassist Dave Marotta, drummer John Mader and new keyboardist Troy Dexter). Highlights of his fast-moving set (that attracted a big crowd) included the blues-rock original "Stealing Gasoline," bouncy "Queen Bee" (a new song enhanced by a cool guitar intro) and "Clawhammer Man," the latter a track from his latest album Sundial featuring some especially soulful vocals from Verheyen.  Information: CarlVerheyen.com.

Carl Verheyen at NAMM on June 4.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

From left, bassist Dave Marotta and keyboardist Troy Dexter. Photo: Bob Steshetz

I also enjoyed a short set of wonderful instrumental jazz courtesy of Paul Navidad (alto sax), Edmund Velasco (tenor sax) and Sam Montooth (upright bass). The trio attracted an appreciative crowd while performing at the Dakota Saxophones booth on Saturday afternoon.

From left, Paul Navidad, Edmund Velasco and
Sam Montooth playing a set of jazz.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Robert Kinsler

Editor's Note - check out the great interview conducted by the cool folks at MusicUCanSee with WAR founding member Lee Oskar HERE.

You can also watch their interview conducted with Mindi Abair HERE:

Media Day kick offs NAMM Show 2022

Black Crowes guitarist Richard Robinson playing on the newly-released
 Custom Signature Edition D-28 in the Martin Guitar booth at NAMM on June 2, 2022.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

After a delay of more than two long years, the NAMM Show is back! I attended the kick off of this year's event at the Anaheim Convention Center by attending Media Day on Thursday, June 2, 2022 and is was truly wonderful to see some exciting previews of music instruments and music making-minded gear yesterday.

Martin Guitar's 2-1/2 
millionth guitar will be on
display during NAMM.

My day began by attending Martin Guitar's Press Preview. Executives from the company announced and showed off several special edition models. I really was impressed by the 000-16 Streetmaster, which features a Rosewood on its back and sides, with the top made of Adirondack Spruce.

Famed Black Crowes guitarist Richard Robinson also attended the event to show off the newly-announced Custom Signature Edition D-28 guitar. "My dad was a musician so tis guitar in particular was in our house our whole lives," Robinson noted of the 1954 D-28 that originally belonged to is father. 

"I played it (that original guitar) on every record I've ever made." Learn more about that instrument HERE.

I then attended the Official Media Preview Day and took a quick look at the vendors at this event. You can see some photos taken by photographer Bob Steshetz and a bit about the items below. I'll be out at NAMM again all weekend and will have a more in-depth roundup on Sunday, June 5...

Robert Kinsler

Andy Winston, on left, showcasing a new Yamaha Revstar electric guitar for members of
the media on June 2, 2022 in Anaheim. The impressive guitar will retail for under $800.

The new ORBA 2 allows the user to play just about anything in the
palm of your hand! Learn more at artiphon.com.

Minarik Guitars' 50th Anniversary Haunted Museum 
Guitar is an eye-grabbing instrument to be sure. One of only 13
of these guitars created with the collaboration of the Las Vegas-based
guitar manufacturer and the Walt Disney Company, it retails for $150,000!

Believe in Music Week update: Yamaha, Martin, Epiphone, Gibson, ASI Audio, more!

NAMM's Believe in Music Week is being held online this week. I am posting some highlights of the news I am getting on Rock 'n' Roll Truth throughout the event...Robert Kinsler

The Peter Hook Signature BB 
Bass Guitar

Yamaha Music has announced the release of the Peter Hook Signature BB Bass Guitar. Hook, renowned for his seminal role in both Joy Division and New Order, notes that the Peter Hook Signature BB combines elements of his favorite long-time bass BB1200S (which he keeps at home) and the BB734A he currently plays on tour with Peter Hook & The Light. You can watch a fascinating video on the Yamaha website where Hook discusses his introduction to learning bass and getting his first Yamaha instrument, as well as his role in the release of his own Signature BB Bass Guitar. Hook has played long Yamaha BB basses for their assertive sound and durable construction. Another video has noted players discussing the influence of Hook on their own playing. Get more details HERE.

Yamaha's YDS-150 Digital Saxophone.

Yamaha is also celebrating the release of the YDS-150 Digital Saxophone, which allows musicians to play the saxophone anytime and anywhere. According to the details released by Yamaha: "Featuring the Integrated Bell Acoustic System, this is a unique digital saxophone that lets you control the volume and still maintain a seamless sense of expressive unity with the instrument." The digital sax delivers an authentic, gorgeous sound that feels and responds as if you were playing an acoustic instrument. The mouthpiece has a design  just like that of an acoustic saxophone and the key layout ensures natural playability. Learn more HERE.

At an virtual media event yesterday (Jan. 18, 2021), Martin (C.F. Martin & Co.) introduced its first acoustic guitar that is both FSC®-certified and plastic-free. Here is the official media release and artwork to get a better view of the new instrument.

NAZARETH, Pa. – January 12, 2021 – C. F. Martin & Co.® (Martin®) will introduce the 00L Earth guitar during NAMM Believe in Music Week, January 18-24, 2021. 

On March 15, 2019, artist Robert Goetzl watched the news in awe as a million students, across 125 countries, took part in the School Strike for Climate, an international movement of students who skip Friday classes in protest to demand action from political leaders against climate change. The movement started in 2018, when Greta Thunberg, a then 16-year-old activist from Sweden, staged a lone protest outside the Swedish Parliament holding a sign that read “School strike for climate," inspiring students across the globe to stand together to fight for the future of the planet.   The movement fanned a flame in Goetzl that had been slowly burning for many years. He wanted to use his talent to become part of the solution, so he immediately dropped what he was doing and painted a watercolor of the earth. His hope was that it would one day adorn the top of a Martin guitar that could be used to bring awareness to the urgent need for climate action.  Upon completing the painting, Goetzl wasted no time, driving to Nazareth to share his idea with Martin Chairman and CEO Chris Martin. Like Goetzl, the sixth-generation leader has a deep passion for fighting climate change and preserving the earth for future generations. This shared passion, reignited by the energy and perseverance of this new generation of activists, put into motion the plans to develop what is now being introduced as the Martin 00L Earth guitar—the first acoustic guitar that is 100% FSC® certified AND 100% plastic-free.  "When I first heard this eloquent young woman, Greta Thunberg, speak so passionately about climate change, I was immediately inspired and thought, why not design a guitar with a visual element as a tool to promote the message 'Save the Earth,'” said Goetzl. “Perhaps this is a way to help raise awareness of resource sustainability and our society’s failure to take action against the global crisis that this troubled planet is facing."         With Chris Martin’s blessing, Goetzl set about doing what he does best—turning his initial ideas into refined art—and he later presented several variations to the Martin team. The final design featured the earth and stars with a beautiful light burst peaking over the horizon.  While Goetzl was finalizing the artwork, Martin Lead Instrument Designer Tim Teel and former Martin Green Team Leader Chris Thomas began working on building out the model that would ultimately become the master canvas for Goetzl’s artwork. Teel and Thomas decided to use the framework from the Martin 17 Series and then went on to collaborate with many colleagues throughout the company to select and source only materials that are 100% FSC certified and free of all man-made plastics. Even the gig bag was specially sourced and made with hemp, a fast-growing and highly sustainable material, another first for the company.  “I respect working for a company that takes environmental issues seriously,” said Teel. “This project illustrates the importance of our planet and is depicted in this amazing graphic by Robert Goetzl. By using responsibly harvested materials, we will ensure the next generation of musicians and luthiers will have great tonewoods to choose from when designing, building, and playing stringed instruments of the future.”  Martin chose to go plastic-free with this model because single-use plastic is destroying entire ecosystems and greatly contributes to global warming. The world urgently needs to reduce single-use plastic, and Martin hopes  this guitar will be another vehicle for spreading the message.  “There’s so much that we can do as individuals to fight climate change in our daily lives,” said Chris Martin. “Yet we are continually looking for ways that our company can inspire musicians and their fans to take action. Not just on Earth Day, but every day. Music has always been a powerful tool for bringing people together for change.”   The guitar is priced at $2,249.   In honor of the 00L Earth guitar, Martin will make a charitable donation to the Rainforest Alliance. About Martin Guitars, Ukuleles, and Strings C. F. Martin & Co.® has been Inspiring Musicians Worldwide® for nearly two centuries with their superior guitar, ukulele, and string products. Martin remains the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone. Throughout the company’s long history, Martin products can be seen and heard across all genres of music and in all segments of pop culture, from concert and theater stages to television and movies. With an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices, Martin continually drives the acoustic guitar market forward, introducing innovative features that have become standards across the industry. These groundbreaking innovations include the introduction of X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar, and the “Dreadnought” size guitar.  Martin has also led innovations in strings, such as introducing the first high-tensile strength steel-string core wire; the first nickel acoustic strings (Martin Retro®); the proprietary Titanium Core strings; and now the groundbreaking, new Authentic Acoustic line, which offers unmatched stability, tone, comfort, and longevity. Learn more here: www.martinguitar.com/aa. Connect with Martin on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and via www.martinguitar.com.

Check out the page HERE to be the first to hear about news and the latest product announcement across Epiphone, Gibson, Kramer, Mesa/Boogie and KRK for 2021.

ASI Audio is introducing an iOS-compatible version of the 3DME Music Enhancement IEM system, now with Bluetooth control. The media release follows:

The 3DME IEM + Body Pack. Photo courtesy of ASI Audio (Beachwood, OH ) ASI Audio x Sensaphonics has announced the imminent release of the upgraded version of its flagship 3DME Music Enhancement system. The new version will incorporate Bluetooth connectivity for the included ASI Audio App, enabling set-up and control via any current iOS or Android device. The core 3DME system remains unchanged, using patented Active Ambient™ technology to give the user natural room sound from their monitor mix, their bandmates, and the audience The 3DME Music Enhancement IEM System consists of a bodypack mixer/controller and Active Ambient earphones. This new Bluetooth version allows users to pair any common portable device with the 3DME bodypack mixer for untethered adjustment of the system’s 7-band stereo EQ and limiter threshold via the free ASI Audio app. The app also offers access to an Audio Seal Test to confirm perfect IEM fit and allows the saving and recall of User Presets to ensure repeat access to preferred sound signatures. “By adding Bluetooth control for both iOS and Android devices, 3DME has added ease of operation to its unmatched flexibility,” notes ASI Audio VP of Marketing Evan MacKenzie. “We’re very excited to see our full vision for this product come to fruition, and without raising the price. In addition to an enhanced monitor mix, you hear your bandmates and audience in a soundstage of your choosing.” The system comes with universal-fit Active Ambient in-ear monitors with an embedded binaural miking system. In operation, after locking in the preferred EQ and limiter settings, up/down switches on the bodypack make it easy to add the perfect amount of ambience to the monitor mix, so the performer can hear exactly what they want, no matter the style of music or type of venue. When used without a monitor mix, 3DME functions as variable-level, high fidelity earplugs. The universal-fit earphones supplied with 3DME can be converted to custom fit with silicone sleeves from Sensaphonics. For touring professionals, Sensaphonics has announced the 3DME Custom Tour version, converting the system’s dual-driver IEMs with MEMS ambient mics to the company’s acclaimed full-shell, soft silicone design. “With the coming return to live music in 2021, we have created this new pro touring version of Active Ambient technology,” says Sensaphonics President, Dr. Michael Santucci. “With its onboard EQ, rechargeable bodypack, and Bluetooth control, it’s the best-sounding, most powerful IEM system ever.” ASI consultant Gregg Stein of Triple G Ventures added, “3DME is a tipping point for musicians, unlocking a totally personal audio experience, which is typically lost with traditional in-ear monitors. We’re excited to be collaborating so closely with ASI Audio x Sensaphonics as we bring the new Bluetooth iOS-compatible 3DME to the broader global music retailer market.” The ASI Audio x Sensaphonics 3DME with Bluetooth is priced at an MSRP of $699 USD, and is available for immediate pre-order at www.asiaudio.com. Customers with original 3DME models can qualify for upgrades. Introductory specials are available for retailers as well. For full details, register for the virtual NAMM Believe In Music Week at https://attend.believeinmusic.tv/ and visit the ASI Audio x Sensaphonics booth, or go to www.asiaudio.com.