Editor’s Picks
Our editor and reviews ed trawled through the delights of the show floor to find their personal faves…
“While it seemed ‘business as usual’ for many big makers at NAMM, Gretsch went on an impressive tone offensive with some really exciting new guitars. It’s hard to pick just one, but it’s difficult to think of a guitar much cooler than the new Duane Eddy G6120 signature in black with a gold Plexi pickguard – as demo’d by the man himself (see image above). Less highprofile in the UK but providing one of the best tonal experiences of the show was Rossville, Georgia’s Warrior Instruments, whose Bella ’52 single-cut was a totally compelling playing experience and distinctly easy on the ear, as tested in one of the few soundproof booths at the show. Meanwhile, at the other end of the cable, Bad Cat’s new Classic Pro R combo produced stellar tweed tones for the 21st century player, in an adaptable package that stacked up on so many levels. The new PRS Sonzera amps look and sound very tidy indeed, especially for the price.
“Other standouts were DOD’s Rubberneck Analogue Delay, which packed in a raft of cool, expressive features at a sub-boutique price. If immersive soundscapes are more your thing, then you must try Empress Effects’ Echo System Delay. It’s the aural equivalent of a journey into the distant cosmos – try one and boldy go on a five-year mission to discover new soundworlds…”
“The NAMM show is not the place for any hopelessly guitar-addicted person. Each morning we chanted our mantra ‘we do not need any more gear’, but it really didn’t help. Eastman (above) is one to watch, not least its ‘antique’ line: its new single-cut SB 59/v and ES-330-style T64/v were great examples of two themes running through the show. That said, PRS’s SC 594 takes some beating – a perfect example of innovation in a totally familiar-feeling piece – although I also really liked Tom Anderson’s Bobcat, and Gibson’s HP Les Paul Standard is one I look forward to testing. PRS’s 509 has ‘functional guitar’ written all over it, but I might have to settle for Fender’s Professional Series HH Strat for a series of difficult gigs in the diary where old esoterica and hollowbodies won’t get the job done.
“Still, there are plenty of semis around to seriously whet the appetite. Collings’ I-30 LC is disgustingly good. Don’t get me started on Gibson’s Memphis guitars, either, but I think I’ll hold out until I’ve given Eastman’s T64/v a spin – it will probably be half the price. Yet D’Angelico’s Bob Weir signature might be my perfect drive. I asked them last year if they could make us an SS with a Bigsby for review. It all went quiet. Now we know why: Bob got in there first! Too many great guitars… not enough time to play ’em all!”