CNN iReport

I recently attended the NAMM Show, The National Association of Music Merchants. The NAMM show was held in the Anaheim convention center in California. This international trade show is where manufacturers of musical instruments as well as a multitude of music related product manufacturers gather to display their newest, best, and most exiting goods! The NAMM show is not open to the public. It is Retail Store owners and people in the music industry that attended this world renown show.
Gene Simmons, from the Rock group Kiss was showcasing his Axe Guitar. The Axe guitar, which he plays on stage, has been sought out by many, and is now available to the public.
Ken Scott, producer to artists such as the Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, Pink Floyd and many more, attended. Ken's product is called  Epik Drums. it is a virtual instrument software that recreates classic drum tracks from Ken's past in a cutting edge drum and grove instrument powered by Kontak/Infinite Player.
Eigen Labs was showing their very creative new electronic instrument; part bassoon/wind instrument, and part vertical electronic keyboard.
Wood Violins, the violin of the rock stars are "making playing violins cool" with their unique designs and colors.The violins could go from classical to rock all with a flip of a switch!
I was amazed to see the effect of technology in traditional musical instruments. So many items were directly set up to work in conjunction with a computer. Many apps have been developed to create music on the go. IK Multimedia developed Grovemaker. an iPhone app that allows you to create music wherever you are, and even DJ a party all with the use of your iPhone!  Traveler Guitar, features an ipod jack so you can play along with your favorite music.
I loved playing on the Laser guided musical instrument that Beams Interactive created. Watching the laser beams shoot out while you played songs by groups like the Eagles was fascinating. With over 100 songs to choose from one could be busy for hours. It was created for the famous musicians as well as the inexperienced like myself.
Another favorite was Yamaha's Tenori-On, equipped with white-emitting LED's on both sides. It can create all kinds of music, and the visual display is truly out of the 21'st century.

I have provided only a small glimpse of what was at the NAMM Show. The magnitude of this show was unbelievable. Four days is not enough to take in all that they had to offer.

It was an eye, and ear opening experience!  More than 87,569 attended this longest running trade show in the United States. It saw a 2% increase over last year..... making this Music show a true success!