2007 Summer NAMM: More Photos and Info from Day 1

by Lynne Margolis.

Daisy Rock Guitars for Girls showed off its shiny new Rock Candy custom series, including the limited edition Pink Label model in very Barbie-like candy-apple pink, which retails for $2,999. Did we mention it’s really, really pink? So are the guitars in the new Debutante line, an electric guitar package that includes its own amp, tuner and strap (in pink, of course), and the Debutante Junior Miss acoustic model that includes the tuner and strap. Debuted (just like a debutante) at Summer NAMM, the line will continue with new products introduced at each NAMM show. The electric version is $329; acoustic retails for $169.

“Dealers have been screaming for us to make some entry-level products,” said a Daisy spokesman. “It’s a real guitar made of quality parts.”

The Pixie Acoustic line has expanded from pink only to sparkly blue and silver finishes as well; and the Rock Candy series showed several new finish colors and models ranging from $479 to $699.

Meanwhile, The Peavey Custom Guitar Shop unveiled a razzle-dazzle creation Friday at Summer NAMM: an online system that lets users create their own custom guitar. Selections include wood, arch- or flattop, color, fretboard, inlays and even custom graphics. Similar to the technology that allows bakers to put photos on cakes, the system will let users upload any design they choose and position it however they want on the guitar.

Coors has already ordered 1,000 Playstation controller models for the Guitar Hero game. “We’re gonna market it to the girlfriends of guys on tour,” Peavey Custom Shop's Tony Moscal said. “She can say, ‘Here, Honey, I want you to play this every night.’” He wasn’t sure about potential resale value should the relationship end, but he did note, “It’s easier to get rid of than a tattoo.”

The service should go live online within two weeks. The goal, says Moscal, is to eventually allow any Peavey guitar model – even the $199 starter models – to be customized with a graphic of the buyer’s choosing. Also coming is the capability to print graphic art on the neck, back and headstock. Down the line, the technology could extend to amps and other instruments.

“We’re not ruling out dulcimers and tambourines,” Moscal said. “Everybody likes custom things.”

Among several new items debuted at Summer NAMM in Austin was the Gig Gard, created by New Zealander Rob Winch. Designed to protect instruments when they’re outside of their cases, ready for use –say, onstage or in the studio – the Gig Gard, made of quilted Dacron, is “splash repellant,” and has a slip-on heat-protective layer for outdoors.

“After 30 years as a gigging musician, I just got tired of seeing the damage done – not just to my instruments, but everyone’s,” Winch explained. The outdoor guards were developed because heat and humidity wreak such havoc on wood The larger covers retail for $39.95; smaller ones are in the $20 range.

“It’s a very affordable range, considering the value of the equipment it protects,” said Gig Gard rep Ian Gavet.

Another gadget drawing attention at Summer NAMM 2007 in Austin was the Kickstand, a new guitar stand design that never leaves the guitar. Creator Greg Kellogg said he saw the need for a better mousetrap, so to speak, when his 1956 Les Paul triple-pickup goldtop slipped off its stand and was destroyed. “It would be worth about $50,000 today,” he laments. The Kickstand consists of a Lucite plate and some hardware that attaches it to the guitar’s strap button. When a guitar (they’re for electric only) is played or packed in a case, the lightweight stand folds up flat against it. When used as a stand, it lies flat, bracing the instrument, which is propped up by its metal “kickstand.” They retail for $29.95.

Related Links
Modern Guitars Coverage Guide to 2007 Summer NAMM
2007 Summer NAMM Day Three Coverage Continues
2007 Summer NAMM Show Coverage: Day 3, Part One
2007 Summer NAMM Show: Day 2 Photos and Info, Part Three
2007 Summer NAMM Show: Day 2 Photos and Info, Part Two
2007 Summer NAMM Show: Day 2 Photos and Info, Part One
2007 Summer NAMM Show: Day One in Austin, Texas
2007 Summer NAMM Guitar Preview: Fender, Martin, Taylor, Peavey
PRS David Grissom Signature Model Guitar at 2007 Summer NAMM
Gretsch Introduces New Guitars at 2007 Summer NAMM
Martin Guitar to Introduce New Models at 2007 Summer NAMM
Fender to Spotlight Several Guitars at 2007 Summer NAMM
Fender Goes Tiki with Unquiet Village Guitar at 2007 Summer NAMM
Guild Highlights Several Guitars at 2007 Summer NAMM
Taylor Guitars to Reveal Fall Limited Editions and Koa Series at 2007 Summer NAMM
2007 Summer NAMM: Peavey Unveils Online Custom Shop Guitar Customization
2007 Summer NAMM: Peavey Unveils Ltd. Edition Orange County Choppers Guitar

Photo Gallery, Day One, Part 2
(Click HERE for more photos and info from Day 1)

Daisy Rock Limited Edition Pink Label Model. Photo by Lynne Margolis.

Daisy Rock Debutante Electric Package. Photo by Lynne Margolis.

Daisy Rock Electric Guitars. Photo by Lynne Margolis.

Daisy Rock Pixie Acoustics. Photo by Lynne Margolis.

Peavey Custom Shop's Tony Moscal holds guitar with new Peavey online custom graphics online interface. Photo by Lynne Margolis.

Peavey Orange County Chopper. Photo by Lynne Margolis.

Creator Rob Winch demonstrates the Gig Gard. Photo by Lynne Margolis.

The Kickstand. Photo by Lynne Margolis.

Tregan Syren Signature Dragon. Photo by Lynne Margolis.

Tregan Syren Standard. Photo by Lynne Margolis.