Winter NAMM 2008 Coverage @ The Music Zoo

January 18-20, 2008 / Anaheim, CA

There comes a time every January where East Coasters such as ourselves shed our -40 degree arctic expedition coats and find ourselves squinting up at the Anaheim Convention Center, wondering what that warm, sunshine-type feeling is. Could it be actual sunshine? I reckon it's our excitement brewing for the 2008 Winter NAMM show. Come with us as we take a stroll through the biggest musical instrument trade show known to man.

Our first stop was the colossal Fender booth, where we checked out the newest Fender Custom Shop, Fender USA, Charvel, Jackson, and Gretsch gear. Fender knows how to party, and threw a big one in the booth this year, complete with concerts from big-name endorsers on their very own stage. We wanted to see guitars though, so let's get started...

In 2008 The Music Zoo will be stocking some pretty serious Charvel Custom Shop San Dimas guitars, including the NAMM show piece shown here. We sat down with Charvel and hammered out some ideas for custom runs you'll find only at The Zoo this year.

Here's a very cool San Dimas we're taking delivery of. Crash helmet and row of buses not included.

This custom quilt top San Dimas is also on its way to us.

We wanted to lick it, but they said only if we bought it. So we did. Buy it, that is.

Music Zoo owner Tommy Colletti (right) with the legendary Grover Jackson, who was on hand to talk about all things Charvel/Jackson, and the Legacy Series of Charvels.

Phil Collen's PC1 Artist model, in a hot new matte finish.

Here's Tommy talking with with Jackson's Mike Shannon and "Red Dave". These guys are awesome. We had a great time with them later on that day over a couple "adult beverages".

Johnnie Grez (left) with Chris Fleming. Chris is a former Fender Masterbuilder, now Charvel Head of Production, and can be seen here trying to behead himself with razor-sharp Jackson headstocks. Johnnie is the new kid on the block in the Jackson paint booth, and boy, can he paint. We'll be stocking his artwork-adorned axes this year for sure.

'Nuff said.

Here is the Andy Summers Tribute Telecaster. It comes fully loaded with a CD box set, a signed copy of his book, and a DVD interview. It's a replica of the Tele he used his entire career with The Police.

This killer Jason Smith Masterbuilt Esquire Relic was too hard to resist; it's on its way to The Zoo.

Same for this new '68 Stratocaster Relic. We'll be delivering the relic'd goods in 2008.

Here's a gorgeous Red Sparkle Tele Relic we also picked up from the booth.

Every year, Fender throws a huge private party, and we were there front and center. It was amazing to see the one and only Billy Gibbons trading licks with another master, Jimmy Vaughan. Backing them up were G.E. Smith, Reggie Hamilton, and Curt Bisquera. Thank you Fender for showing us a great time.

The big news in the Fender USA line is the introduction of the all-new Fender American Standard Series. Every Fender American Standard model has been upgraded and refined.

Here's one of the new Fender American Standard Stratocasters. Look closely and you can catch a glimpse of the new flight case that accompanies every instrument. We were impressed.

Fender American Standard Telecaster. We picked these up and were delighted by the feel and the bevy of smart new features these guitars possess. There is too much to list here, so please get in touch with us for more info, or visit fender.com.

What's this? It's the newest Eddie Van Halen EVH "Wolfgang" model. Not much detail was given yet, but we imagine a limited-run (like the Frankenstein) followed by a production run. Note the industrial loop "strap buttons".

This is Chip Ellis, the man behind the EVH Frankenstein, and now, the Wolfgang.

It's only fitting to use an entire wall for the EVH amp line. It looks loud, and probably sounds even louder. It was already deafeningly loud in there just from the NAMM clamor.

Gretsch Guitars made a good showing for 2008. They continue to refine the existing product line, while also introducing a few new models.

We really like the White Penguin shown here with an all-lacquer finish.

This Limited Edition (25 pieces, we think) Chet Atkins is finished in real gold leaf. It's coming to The Zoo.

Gibson Guitars brought out some big guns for the NAMM Show. We'll take you through some key pieces we were interested in...

The new Jimmy Page Les Paul Custom. This guitar is based on the 1960 Les Paul Black Beauty that was stolen from Jimmy early in his career. The first 25 will be signed and played by Jimmy Page, and then the VOS version will follow. In addition to the signed guitar, we're also getting Bigsby and Stoptail versions of the VOS.

Jimmy Page's signature on the headstock of his new Les Paul Custom model.

2008 marks the 50th Anniversary of the introduction of some pretty serious Gibson models, including the '58 ES-335, shown here. Also being reissued are a '58 Les Paul Flametop (Murphy Aged), a '58 Korina Flying V, and a '58 Korina Explorer.

We thought this was really cool - the Johnny Winter Firebird. It looked dead-on.

...isn't that Bill Clinton in the picture down there? Oops, sorry Jimmy, we're still getting used to the white hair.

The Aged Slash Les Paul. It looked great.

Wonder what would happen if a Flying V and an SG had children together in Zakk Wylde's tour bus? This. Awesome. We'll have both the signed and unsigned versions.

Alex Lifeson of Rush gets his own limited edition signature ES-355 in 2008. We'll be stocking them.

Gibson USA is launching the Robot Guitar (lower left, Blueburst); it automatically tunes itself, and can recall custom open tunings with the turn of a knob. Pretty neat.

Paul Reed Smith is introducing a limited edition SC-J Thinline. We're getting a few of each, like this one with the ebony tailpiece...

...and this one with the Bigsby vibrato.

This Goldtop PRS Solidbody is the new David Grissom DGT model. It features custom pickups and wiring, including a push-pull pot for a coil tap.

At Rickenbacker, we stopped by to reinforce our ridiculously deep backorder list. The wait time is extremely long for any Ric at this point, but we have everything, and I mean everything, on order.

Taylor Guitars are branching out into new territory, namely, electric guitars. Their electrics are stunning, and exhibit the same high-quality and attention to detail as their famed acoustic guitars. Shown here are some Quilt Top Solidbody Standards in custom colors.

Taylor Solidbody Customs, in Koa and Walnut.

Taylor T5 and Solidbody guitars with single piece Walnut tops and Walnut bodies, all headed to The Music Zoo.

Taylor T5 and Solidbody guitars with flamed Koa tops and bodies, also headed to The Music Zoo.

Cornford Amps has a new, affordable line of amps that sound great and are still made in England - The Roadhouse. These will be available in a 30 watt head, a 1x12" combo and a 2x12" combo.

Mmmmm, Danelectro candy!

Here is the new '63 Danelectro guitar. These feature upgraded electronics and a cool satin finish on the hardware...

...as do the '63 Danelectro basses.

It's the most memorable amplifier head of the show: The Fucking Fucker. "Where is my fucking Fucking Fucker?" We're not sure that the guys who made this thing even know exactly what it does... but it looks bad-ass.

The new Godin 5th Avenue Archtop guitar, headed to The Music Zoo. Electric versions will also be available soon.

Here's a gorgeous Hofner 3-pickup club bass, similar to the Goldtop Custom Shop Club Basses. We snagged it.

Finally, after the Fender Party was the offical After-Party; the Fret Fest at Loffler's in Anaheim. We expressly wanted to see our man John Cruz (Fender Masterbuilder extraordinaire) rip it up on guitar. We weren't disappointed. He plays guitar as well as he builds them, and I think he might make that same face doing both.

Well, that's a wrap on Winter NAMM 2008. Back to freezing our butts off in New York. Please get in touch for any info on any product discussed on this page, we're happy to help.

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