Despite the absences of some past exhibitors, NAMM 2024 was awesome. The numbers show 62,000 attendees, 33% more than in 2023, but still far from the record 115000 attendees in 2020. The number of exhibitors also increased: 33% more than in 2023.
Recently, Gruene Guitars shipped Guitar International one of its newer dreadnaughts for review, a prototype D-18 model named a “Saratoga”. Upon arrival I let it acclimate to its new surroundings, after its flight from San Antonio, Texas, the headquarters of the guitar company.
The tone woods, the Gruene Triple-O slope shoulder shape, the bracing and maybe particularly the bracing holes all produce a magical sound that is not only loud and robust, but there’s some kind of vibrato effect coming out of this acoustic. Plug in the optional Baggs VTC Element pup and the sound is simply inspirational. Musician friends have heard this and asked if I was using an effects pedal. Nope.
Today Gretsch is expanding the Professional Collection with two Limited Edition models. This collection sets the bar with modern, professional-grade features designed to power classic Gretsch tones and bold, dynamic sound. The Gretsch Limited Edition models elevate the brand’s most celebrated designs with striking finishes and upgraded features and appointments.
Today’s guitar review is of the Limited Edition G5622T-140 Electromatic®, a mid-range guitar that should be a welcome addition to any guitar player’s gathering of stage ready guitars. The guitar draws design features, functional electronic and hardware components, and inspiration from such masterful Gretsch guitars as those cool Country Gentleman and White Falcon instruments, that we’ve seen in the hands of George Harrison, Gene Vincent, Brian Setzer, Michael Nesmith, Neil Young and many more legendary play
Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of music, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved guitar brands around the world. Today, Gibson is proud to announce the third artist model made in collaboration with multi-talented guitarist, singer, songwriter, and five-time GRAMMY-Award winner, Keb’ Mo’.
The Donner DST-152 test model has a black high gloss finish, a neck made of AAA Canadian maple with a satin finish and C-shaped profile, a 25.5” scale, and a classic Fender neck joint with plate (bolt-on construction). The maple fretboard has a 12“ radius, 22 medium jumbo frets, and black position marks. The headstock shows 18:1 ratio vintage-style split-head tuning machines (meaning that the string can be inserted into the well inside of the tuning peg, keeping the jagged edge of a clipped string safely away from the player’s hands) and 2 string trees.
The GEZ Series of Gruene Guitars is an update driven by research, design and engineering and is part of Gruene Guitars’ commitment to deliver the highest quality product built using the highest available resources. GEZ Series of Gruene Guitars are available immediately as pre-orders through our Gruene Guitars website (https://mystore.grueneguitars.com)
Since 2012, Donner has been committed to creating innovative, enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing musical instruments to both entry-level and advanced musicians. This is what drove Donner to pioneer its mini pedals, which have brought the joy of musical performance to people across the world. Relying on its strong R&D team
Guitar International followed up our earlier interview with vintage guitar expert, George Gruhn, in Nashville shortly after the economy folded and within a few weeks of the Nashville flood. Luckily George’s shop was saved from the disaster, but other businesses and homes in Tennessee took catastrophic hits.
