Some products worth hearing about from Summer NAMM 2011 with my reviews and pics!

[marc758]

I talked with a lot of vendors and wanted to share with you guys some of the interesting things that I checked out from some of the smaller, lesser known vendors, new vendors and just basically some cool info from the big names.

If you haven't checked these threads yet, you can see all of my pics here.

http://markweinguitarlessons.com/fo...nd-Broadway-St.-in-Nashville.-(Thread-1-of-2)

http://markweinguitarlessons.com/fo...nd-Broadway-St.-in-Nashville.-(Thread-2-of-2)

 

[marc758]

I talked to Mike Stone (great name considering his product) at Stone Work Picks (www.StoneWorksPicks.com). While I thought the picks were beautiful, I didn't really see myself as the type of person that would spend $25 on a pick. But I tried a couple, and I have changed my mind. I like a thick pick anyway, but I was weary the slick surface would move and slide out of my fingers too easily, but that is not the case. In fact, as your fingers warm the stone the pick sticks and stays in place wonderfully.

I think every player that likes experimenting with tonal varieties should check this out. My wife always complains that she doesn't know what to get me as a gift because she doesn't know what strings I need or use, what effects pedal that I need and so on. This would make the perfect gift for a guitar player.

My only regret is that Mike offered me a package deal on a necklace, pick holder and pick, but I lost track of time with the 40pm ending on Saturday and didn't get to take him up on it. Here are some pics I took of my picks.

 

[marc758]

A while back, Patrick of AxeGlove (www.AxeGlove.com), contributed an AxeGlove to a raffle I was involved in at HCEG. So when I saw him at NAMM I introduced myself so we could put faces with our avatars. I also took the opportunity to take a look at the AxeGlove close up. At first, I was kind of skeptical about the practical use of the product. But after getting one and putting it on one of my favorite guitars, my Les Paul Classic Goldtop, I totally get it. I have kids, and when I'm playing at home, especially with the toddler, he sometimes swings his toys at my guitar while I'm playing. The AxeGlove made me breathe a little easier. It also was really comfortable and did not hinder my playing or accessibility at all. If anything, it actually
made my guitar more comfortable. We spend a small fortune on our guitars, I highly recommend this small investment in helping take care of your guitar.

 

[marc758]

One of the coolest things I had never seen before at NAMM was the Pick Punch (www.pickpunch.com). This easy to use punch, the size of a stapler will punch a pick out of credit cards, plastic and even old picks. It comes in a regular size pick punch and a Jazz pick style punch. I got a Jazz pick style and when I got home from NAMM got a kick out of punching interesting picks out of old cards. Also, I still had some of my old Dunlop picks that were worn that I used before discovering Jazz III picks years ago. As you can see in the pics, I punched a Jazz style pick out of my old Dunlop. How cool is that? And at $25, it doesn't put a hurting on your wallet. I love mine and can't wait to experiment with different textures and cards.

 

[marc758]

I have been playing guitar for 25 years and feel like I'm familiar with most products. I have a couple of capos and like how using a capo sometimes makes the guitar feel fresh and new. Also, working with singers, it is an easy way to play in a key they prefer, especially when working in an acoustic duo. I have to admit though, that I have been using the same brand of capo for as long as I've been playing. That brand is a common brand and works adequately. But after taking a moment to talk to Gary Mobley at SHUBB capos (www.shubb.com), I am a little ashamed that I haven't given my capo more thought. The SHUBB capo allows for the player to adjust the pressure for the "sweet spot" of compressing the strings to create the artificial bridge without pressing so hard as to make the strings go out of tune. It is easy to use and fits really well on the neck. With varying neck
sizes, I really appreciate the adjust-ability and see where the "one size fits all" approach doesn't always work the best. My SHUBB capo is one of my new favorite guitar tools for sound.

 

[marc758]

My eight year old son gets a kick out of "little books." So when I saw the pocket sized Ron Centola's Guitar Chord Reference Book (www.miniatureguitarbooks.com) I had to stop and check it out. I was surprised to find a very useful tool. The book is obviously small which makes it easy to take anywhere. I like to sometimes go camping with my guitar, or just get away from everyone and everything and work on new music. I can see how having this small chord reference would be fun to have during those times when I find myself playing the same beaten paths that I always play and need an idea for an exotic chord structure. The book is well made and uses a special process so that the pages stay intact. And for as little as it cost, you can't go wrong.

 

[marc758]

At the show, a friend of mine came up to me and put a V-pick (www.v-picks.com) in my hand to check out. He was holding one in his hand and showing me how it stuck to his fingers. So I set out to find the exhibit and check them out. As these picks warm up in your fingers, they stick and are less likely to be dropped or to "drift" out of place as you strum. The rep also showed me a very large and thick pick that she said was more than just a novelty. She said that players with arthritis and joint problems had found that large pick to allow them to be able to play again with less pain. Definitely a pick I would suggest checking out.

 

[marc758]

Walking around at NAMM were two ladies with these large amulets around their necks. After talking with them, I was shown that this amulet was a MusiCreed Amulet musical calculator (www.musicreed.com), which can be used to teach hundreds of scales and modes from both western and eastern music by turning the dial. It is well made and very interesting. It comes with a set of plastic cards that explain how to use it. I dig mine.

 

[marc758]

Another mentionable was the Johnny Eleca guitars (888-463-5322). These guitars are imports, but well above the quality of mass produced imports and on par with quality American instruments, in my opinion. They also weren't just a case of imitation, but had several notable qualities that Michael O'Lee, marketing manager, took his time in showing me, like the rollers in the bridge. I played one and really liked it. The fit, finish and attention to detail were impressive. And that they were $399 including a hard-shell case was even more impressive.

 

[marc758]

There was no missing the excitement and goofing around from the guys at the Ego-Rizer (www.ego-rizer.com). Especially giving away stickers that read, "Wanna see my Money Shot?" and "Check out my 10" Extension." The Ego-Rizer is a small riser that will fit most any stage and gives the player their moment in the spot light at the touch of a toe button.

 

[marc758]

I got a kick out of the "hand" guitar hangers (www.guitargrip.com). These came in stock varieties and the elaborately carved and hand painted customs. The custom grips had impressive amount of detail. Definitely an eye catcher at NAMM and most anywhere else you would see one holding a guitar.

 

[marc758]

It was easy to take time to talk to Rob Timmons of Arcane Inc. (www.arcane-inc.com) because of the assortment of Trussart guitars featuring his Arcane pickups, that he had with him. If you have ever heard a Trussart, you know they sound as good as they look. While many of us hope to afford a Trussart at some point, we can get close to the tone with Arcane pickups. Rob has been in the biz for a long time and worked with some very impressive artists and builders. The next time I'm looking for a pickup upgrade, I will be taking a look at Arcane.

 

[jaxn slim]

I've seen those V Picks at Namm for the past few years. I was always meh about them until this year. They've got some new sizes, and a few of them are right in the sweet spot.

 

[marc758]

David Abner's guitars (www.bitemeguitars.com) caught my eye not because of their aggressive name, Bite Me, but because they reminded me of the old school Kramers that it seemed like most every notable musician was playing in the 80's. David told me that the Kramer reference didn't insult him and was one of the guitars that he admired from years ago. I played a Bite Me through a small Orange Amp that he had set up at his exhibit. His guitar played great and sounded excellent. A minimalist approach with tonal results. If you are into super strats, there is a lot to like about the Bite Me Guitars.

 

[marc758]

One of the last people I talked with at the event was Matt Summy of Hanser Music Group, which is the parent company of B.C. Rich and many other well known brands. When I think of B.C. Rich, I think of 80's bands, and metal bands. And what initially caught my eye was a neon green guitar that reminded me in a nostalgic way of the 80's. I also remember that period in the 80's when the quality of B.C. Rich guitars wasn't very good. Matt was very enthusiastic in showing me how my past thoughts of B.C. Rich is far from where the company is these days. If you dig those wild B.C. Rich body styles then you owe it to yourself to check out how well these guitars are made today. Matt even showed me some of the custom painting that is going on at B.C. Rich on his iPhone. I came away with a new appreciation of the company and what they are doing.

 

[Elias Graves]

Thanks for the reporting, Marc. Well done.

The stone picks look cool. I may have to get one.

EG

 

[marc758]

I've seen those V Picks at Namm for the past few years. I was always meh about them until this year. They've got some new sizes, and a few of them are right in the sweet spot.

Yeah, I'm picky about picks, as I love Jazz III's. But like you said, with the different sizes I found one that I liked a lot.

Thanks for the reporting, Marc. Well done.

The stone picks look cool. I may have to get one.

EG

Thanks EG! I'm not just blowing smoke, I really dig these picks. I chose the smaller Jazz style picks, but they come in regular size too. The necklace pick holder is really cool too.

 

[Help!I'maRock!]

any website info on the Johnny Eleca guitars? i can't find anything other than the other Eleca company, and their products are shit.

 

[Tig]

Excellent coverage, Marc. Thanks for taking the time to write all of this up and posting some great photos.

 

[Kerouac]

I like my V-pick a lot, but I'd like a thinner one, with a bigger size... the arthritis thing is 100% true. I'd also like one of those monster hand grips for my living room!

But most of all, you gave me GAS for the turquoise girl's scale calculator!