2006 Summer NAMM Photo Gallery: Day One

by Jeff Carmack; photos by Eileen Llorente

The 2006 NAMM Summer Session finds itself in a new and most appropriate setting - Austin, Texas, the self-proclaimed "live music capital of the world". The show, which runs July 14-16, convenes at the Austin Convention Center in the heart of Texas. Thousands of representatives of the international music products industry will converge to see new and exciting offerings from the hundreds of companies that will exhibit.

The NAMM Sessions are music equipment (product) trade shows that occur twice a year. The January winter session is staged in Anaheim, California. NAMM shows are "industry only"; their primary purpose is to give manufacturers a showplace to display both new and existing product lines to music stores and other retail outlets.

When attendees aren't busy taking in exhibits, they can enjoy a variety of other activities such as concerts and free NAMM University educational sessions, which address industry-relevant subjects including sales training, market development, product buying tips, online rentals, music lessons, money-saving business services and more.

And for a break from things musical, attendees can get a taste of the Lone Star State's capital - a city that National Geographic Traveler has named one of its "50 Places of a Lifetime". In addition to sampling some of Austin's more than 150 live music venues, which range from real Texas honky-tonks to the world-famous Antone's "Home of the Blues", visitors can fill up on Tex-Mex and barbecue, visit the State Capitol or go for a swim in Barton Springs Pool. More information on Austin is available at www.austintexas.org.

Day one, page one, below: Taylor, Martin, iCoustic, Eastman, and B.C. Rich
Day one, page two: Fender, Gretsch, and Guild »
Day one, page three: Daisy Rock Guitars »

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2006 Summer NAMM Photo Gallery: Day Two
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2006 Summer NAMM Kicks Off with Pre-Show Party
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New Martin Guitars at Summer NAMM 2006

Photo Gallery

Taylor T5s.

Taylor T5s with classic DuPont colors (models on the right). This guitar was first released in 2005 and sold 10,000 units that year.

Hand-painted Taylor T5 Guitar.

Bob Taylor with new GS (Grand Symphony) series guitars. These feature Taylor’s first new body design in 10 years. Larger lower bout provides better bass, better volume, sweeter tone. Buyers can choose from four models featuring four different combinations of wood. All four are priced the same.

Bob Taylor, Taylor Guitars.

Charles Erikson, “Duke of Pearl,” with Martin D-100 Deluxe.

Peter Frampton with his signature Martin guitar, the Frampton’s Camel D-45 .

Back detail, Martin D-100 Deluxe.

Martin HD-28 Custom with Texas truck.

Bill Stephens, guitar and Ken Preece, bass, both of iCoustic Guitars.

Details, Eastman Guitars.

B.C. Rich display.

B.C. Rich Guitar, detail.