Retro Look and Sound Meet New Technology at NAMM Show

A blast from the past will ring out at the 2013 NAMM Show as manufacturers responding to consumer demand introduce new products with a vintage look and sound. Retailers, having heard the growing demand for vintage-inspired musical instruments and equipment will be looking for new products that meet the demand of customers clamoring for unique pieces. The NAMM Show returns to Anaheim, CA from January 24-27, 2013.

“Over the last few years, gear that looks, feels and sounds vintage has taken off,” said George Coutretsis, GM of Chicago Music Exchange. “The trend in indie-rock is toward using vintage gear, which is building demand in a younger adult audience for these pieces. We’re looking for products at the NAMM Show that make the player feel unique and inspire them to start bands, make music and play more.”

Coutretsis uses the term “reliced” to describe instruments and equipment that have been manually distressed, as one would handle a pair of jeans for a worn-in, loved look. Boutique instruments sometimes incorporate such design elements, while others are constructed to showcase the luthier’s artistry. Retro items made in the United States or by hand are also in demand, as the call for unique and distinguished pieces increases.

“The major brands and as well as our smaller, boutique craftsmen are boosting this trend with some truly unique instruments, many of which will be unveiled or highlighted at this year's NAMM Show," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. "Artists around the globe are constantly looking for music and sound products that help them express their creativity and NAMM members will continue to look forward as well as to legacy designs to serve them."

Nostalgia for what Neil Young called the “old, folky days” seems to be the inspiration for the retro collections soon to be offered by Bedell Guitars. Designed after the guitars of the early ‘60s, the Coffeehouse series and the 1964 series feature all solid woods, dovetail neck-joints, classic comfortable neck profiles and other details designed to recall the look and sounds of acoustic guitars produced 50 years ago. The company plans to unveil the series at the NAMM Show 2013.

“The music industry is naturally vintage minded. We value things with a history,” said Ryan Bouslaugh of Bedell’s artist relations department. “A 2012 Toyota Camry drives just great, but really, everyone wants that classic ’57 Chevy.”

The trend is particularly evident among electric guitars, basses and amplifiers, with many major brands releasing or adding to nostalgia-inspired collections. Retro shapes, colors and components that help re-create the sound of a vintage piece are hallmarks of these instruments.

“We’re coming out of a hi-tech, industrial design era,” said Richard McDonald, senior vice president of marketing for Fender Guitars. “We turn toward vintage because it is more approachable, whimsical. People respond warmly to that vibe.”

Some of these new additions will be seen for the first time at NAMM 2013. Fender Guitars, the roots of which reach back to the very era many are resurrecting, plans to debut guitar and bass additions to its already-popular Pawnshop series. Also at the show, the Excelsior, Fender’s distinctive tube-combo amplifier will be re-issued in a limited edition. Gibson honors one of the godfathers of guitar with its collection of tribute Les Paul guitars, made in the style of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and beyond. The series, which is dubbed “The Year of Les Paul” collection, will be introduced at NAMM Show 2013.

C.F. Martin & Co.’s four-piece Retro Series that debuted at NAMM in Nashville will be featured prominently by the brand at the show. The Retro Series is based on C.F. Martin & Co.’s guitars from the 1930s and ‘40s, melding traditional models with state-of-the-art technology.

Retailer Gary Forkum of Fork’s Drum Closet in Nashville attributes the trend to a new generation of musicians discovering classic bands such as The Rolling Stones. This younger consumer is behind the success of some of Forkum’s best sellers. “Items such as the Ludwig Classic Maple three-piece kits in vintage colors, sparkles – these types of items are a big focus for us,” he said. “The trend has been coming on for a little while now, but this year it has been very big.”

Aficionados and musicians are also turning to vintage-styled components to alter the sounds of their equipment to replicate the sounds of the bygone days. “Numerous areas of the MI market have experienced a resurgence of classic designs and products,” said Fred Gretsch, president of The Gretsch Company. “Walk in to any music shop, and you'll see all sorts of 'vintage inspired' products. Sales of Bigsby products have been very strong in recent years which is partially due to new manufacturer OEM models, but also as consumers are trying to recreate classic instruments of yesteryear, modify their beloved main guitar, or simply add value to the guitar under the bed.”

The retro trend is in full swing and will be on vibrant display for retailers and buyers to see, hear and demo at NAMM Show 2013. Registration is now open for qualified members of the music instrument, product and pro-light and sound industries. Exhibit space is still available for the 2013 event. Learn more about the 2013 NAMM Show at http://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2013.