The 2021 NAMM Show might look a little different this year since it’s a virtual event, but that hasn’t stopped manufacturers from designing all-new gear for the show! Here are some of the most highly anticipated products from around the music industry. We’ll update this page as new products drop, so make sure to check back often as Sweetwater confirms more product releases and NAMM rumors!
See all the latest products from NAMM 2021
PLAYdifferently
Just because you’re locked down doesn’t mean you’re locked out of the DJ booth! The Model 1.4 raises the bar for sound quality and performance in a way that only PLAYdifferently can accomplish. This 4-channel mixer features rugged knobs and faders, adaptable I/O, analog overdrive, per-channel EQ, and many other features you’ll love. And, when you’re playing your first gig back, you’ll appreciate the dual cue system for back-to-back sets and the Record Out for capturing your set for social media.
Epiphone
The Nancy Wilson Fanatic Outfit pays homage to the guitar instrumental in crafting Heart’s late-period sound. The Nighthawk body’s unique styling and incendiary tone perfectly match Nancy’s explosive playing style. Complete with Nancy’s signature on the back of the headstock, this guitar is a must-have for Heart fans everywhere.
A hollowbody electric guitar, the Emperor Swingster has the versatility to handle almost any genre. The body is made of 5-ply layered maple with a SlimTaper Pro mahogany neck. SwingBucker pickups deliver bluesy tones, and the push-pull tone knobs let you switch between series and parallel wiring modes. Finally, it wouldn’t be a true hollowbody without the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece!
For fans of solidbodies, Epiphone brought back the Crestwood. This cult-classic garage rocker has a symmetrical double-cutaway mahogany body, a set neck, and vintage-voiced mini-humbucking pickups for a bright, focused tone that’s all your own. This model includes a Tremotone tailpiece for all your wiggle-stick needs.
Gibson
Gibson has teamed up with “Captain” Kirk Douglas to create the Kirk Douglas Signature SG. The lead guitarist for The Roots demands versatility from his axe, and Gibson delivered. It’s loaded with three BurstBucker pickups and flexible controls. If you’re a fan of the Captain’s work with The Roots and on Jimmy Fallon, then you’ll want to check this one out.
Mackie
Even though performers can’t take the stage yet, Mackie’s newest Onyx mixers will be ready to go when they can! These analog mixers are outfitted with a suite of digital effects, onboard stereo SD recording and playback, and multitrack USB recording. Onyx mixers will be available in 8-, 12-, 16-, and 24-channel configurations.
SRT loudspeakers pack 1,600 watts of Class-D amplification into a portable design. Advanced Impulse DSP, multiband compression, and built-in 4-channel digital mixers make them perfect for small ensembles. SRT loudspeakers will ship in 10-, 12-, and 15-inch configurations. Mackie also unveiled the SR18S, its matching 18-inch subwoofer.
D’Angelico
D’ Angelico’s line expands with the addition of the Premier Bedford SH. This eye-catching semi-hollowbody offers sophisticated design elements at an affordable price. The modernized F-hole design looks fabulous, and the Duncan-designed HSS pickups sound even better.
Next up, the Premier Bowery LS’s Aged Mahogany finish provides the looks of an axe that spent years on the road. That’s not all, though. The all-mahogany design creates a warmth and resonance that will bring a smile to your face — whether that’s onstage or at home during quarantine.
And here’s a scoop about the Deluxe Atlantic. It now features a swamp ash body and an eye-catching figured maple top. Seymour Duncan Seth Lover A4 humbuckers give it a show-stopping tone.
Black Lion Audio
Black Lion Audio starts the year off hot with its first-ever USB audio interface! The Revolution 2×2 offers the boutique sound quality you expect from Black Lion Audio in a conveniently portable form factor. Loaded with two high-quality preamps, fully decoupled analog I/O, and Vishay and WIMA capacitors, this interface delivers pro-level sound at an accessible price for studios of all sizes. Black Lion Audio also tells us that the Revolution will include Studio One Artist and a selection of plug-ins from iZotope, Brainworx, and Lindell.
Jackson Audio
FUZZ is Jackson Audio’s newest modular pedal. Riding high on the success of the Asabi, their first modular pedal, the FUZZ features a replaceable fuzz circuit. Other useful features include an octave switch and a 3-band parametric EQ. Jackson Audio tells us that they plan to offer four analog plug-in modules to add additional fuzz flavors to your tone. Modern Fuzz and Fuzz Classic/Vintage modules are included with the unit, while Modern Fuzz Deluxe, Fuzz Classic/Modern, Goat Head, and Fuzz Page Mark II will be sold separately.
PRS
In 2021, the Custom 24-08 makes its debut in the SE line. Fans around the world will love this affordably priced rock staple. The SE Custom 24-08 has the same specs as the original design with the addition of mini-toggle coil-tap switches for eight unique tones. TCI “S” pickups supply a tuned, modern sound.
PRS also unveiled a new solidbody offering, the Fiore. Designed in collaboration with Mark Lettieri of Snarky Puppy, this hot-rodded axe features a swamp ash body, maple neck and fingerboard, and custom-designed HSS pickups. Modern looks and effortless playability combine with tonal versatility to create an instrument with the grace and beauty worthy of its name. The Fiore will be available in three colors — Amaryllis, Black Iris, and Sugar Moon.
Yamaha
Yamaha is introducing two new YC Series keyboards. Now available in 73-key and 88-key configurations, these performance stage keyboards provide an incredibly lifelike organ sound and feel. Each model features different keyboard action for players of all backgrounds. The 73-key version has weighted and balanced keys for those familiar with electronic keyboards. Pianists will gravitate to the weighted, triple-sensor action of the 88-key version. You also get a selection of other instruments and effects!
Martin
Martin is introducing three new ukuleles for players of all skill levels. The OXK Concert’s fine koa veneer catches the eye while the HPL construction resists changes in temperature and humidity so that you can play it anywhere! The T1 Streetmaster offers upgraded appointments for intermediate players and a distressed finish that makes it look and feel broken-in. Finally, the USA-made Concert Ukulele FSC’s FSC-certified responsibly sourced tonewoods represent another step toward Martin’s environmental responsibility initiative.
Fans of David Gilmour will jump at the chance to own Martin’s newest offering, the D-35 David Gilmour Custom Signature Edition. Designed in tribute to the 1969 D-35 he used on legendary records like Wish You Were Here and Dark Side of the Moon, it features a 3-piece sinker mahogany back, sinker mahogany sides, and an Adirondack spruce top. David chose mahogany (a first for the D-35) for its rich tone, warm resonance, and striking grain. Martin tells us that each David Gilmour Custom Signature Edition will have a hand-signed label by David himself. Available in 6-string and 12-string configurations, only 250 of each model will be available, so call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer and reserve yours while they are still available!
Rupert Neve Designs
Rupert Neve Designs has released updated versions of their most popular mixers. Both the 5059 Satellite summing mixer and 5060 Centerpiece desktop mixer now come decked out in Shelford series livery to match the rest of your Neve gear. The red, white, and blue knobs create a striking contrast when set against the dark faceplate. Don’t worry, though. They may have gotten a facelift, but both units still sound the same as they did in previous iterations.
IK Multimedia
IK Multimedia packed tons of sonic flexibility into the Uno Synth Pro synthesizers. These paraphonic analog synths offer dual filters, three oscillators, and an all-new 64-step sequencer. 256 adjustable presets and expanded I/O make it a must-have for any home studio. There are two versions available, the Uno Synth Pro Desktop and Uno Synth Pro Keys. Both have the same sound engine, but the Pro Keys comes with 37 velocity-sensitive keys.
Fender
2021 marks 75 years of Fender, and the storied brand is celebrating with a line of guitars commemorating the occasion. This limited-edition collection of Strats, Teles, Jazz Basses, and P Basses are available in either Diamond Anniversary or 2-Color Bourbon Burst. Other new offerings from Fender include the lean and mean Noventa series, the state-of-the-art Ultra Luxe Strats and Teles, and signature models from Chrissie Hynde, Jason Isbell, and Ben Gibbard. On the amp front, there’s a ’68 Custom Pro Reverb and Vibro Champ along with the pint-sized Mustang Micro personal guitar headphone amp with 12 onboard amps, 13 effects, Bluetooth, and USB. Also announced is a trio of pedalboard power supplies, dubbed the Engine Room LVL5, LVL8, and LVL12, respectively.
Blackstar
Blackstar updated the ID:Core series to fit the needs of a new generation of guitarists. Use the 3.5mm TRRS output for streaming through iPhone and Android. The onboard Cab Rig output features user-configurable elements, including cabinet choice and room environment. Finally, new, deep editing software replaces the Insider app and gives you total control over user patches and effects. ID:Core V3 amplifiers will be available in 10-watt, 20-watt, and 40-watt configurations.
Rane
New from Rane is the Rane One II. It’s a 2-channel motorized DJ controller that’s guaranteed to take your performances to the next level. The 7-inch motorized platters may feel like classic vinyl turntables, but their performance is anything but traditional. It has all of the technology you expect from a Rane, including performance pads, customizable software effects, and bulletproof build quality. To top it all off, it has tons of I/O options, so it slots into any DJ booth with ease.
Roland
New keyboards and digital pianos are coming from Roland! The all-new VERSELAB makes it easy to capture your song ideas and actually finish them. Three new 88-key digital pianos also make their appearances. The FP-30X’s SuperNATURAL piano sound engine, stereo speakers, and dual headphone outputs set it apart from other keyboards in its price range.
Step up to the FP-60X, and you get extra sounds for all genres, including electric pianos, strings, organs, and synths. Plus, the onboard Piano Designer function lets you customize your sounds.
Finally, the FP-90X has Roland’s top-of-the-line PureAcoustic piano-modeling sound engine that sounds incredibly lifelike throughout the entire dynamic range. Alongside the suite of sounds, there’s also Bluetooth playback, MIDI I/O, and a mic input with vocal effects.
Gretsch
Gretsch introduces a limited-edition run of premium Penguins. The iconic Penguin design is cool enough, but the G6134T’s solid koa top, gold hardware, and matching armrest combine to make a seriously good-looking guitar. This solidbody electric guitar is loaded with a set of TV Jones TV Classic humbuckers that put bucketloads of vintage tone at your disposal. And, like a genuinely classic Gretsch, it comes with a Bigsby B6CP tailpiece for warbling vibrato.
Charvel
The MJ DK24 HSH 2PT sees Charvel traveling back to the ’80s and reviving its Made in Japan instruments’ storied build quality. The comfortable Dinky body consists of walnut-topped mahogany for a balanced tonal foundation. Meanwhile, the wenge Speed Profile neck encourages supersonic soloing. The HSH-configured Seymour Duncan pickups create a searing tone fit for all occasions.
EVH
There’s no denying that Eddie Van Halen’s loss weighs heavily on the guitar world. But EVH looks to further his legacy with the Wolfgang Special QM. The iconic Wolfgang body now features a premium quilted-maple top. The ripping tone comes courtesy of two EVH humbuckers, and the Floyd Rose locking trem enables high-gain heroics worthy of the man himself. And, like all of the EVH guitars that came before it, the company’s newest offering is built for a lifetime of use — and abuse.
Ibanez
To close the book on the year 2020 and start afresh in 2021, Ibanez expanded their lineup with refreshing, new designs and fantastic finishes.
New 7-string offerings include the RGDR4427FX with DiMarzio humbuckers, a bound ebony fingerboard, and a hardtail bridge — just a few of the premium components. Complete with a reverse headstock, the RGDR4427FX shapes up to be a hit with prog and metal guitarists.
Semi-hollowbody fans will dig the AS2000. The classic appointments, including Super 58 humbuckers and a stop tailpiece, ooze a vintage visual vibe that the plugged-in tone will only reinforce!
The bass workshop has kept busy by designing the SR1305SB. This 5-string’s Nordstrand Big Break pickups and 3-band EQ enable some impressive sonic flexibility.
Breedlove
This year, Breedlove marks its 30th year in the guitar business. To celebrate, their luthiers went wild designing the 30th Anniversary Northwest Classic Custom Concert! Made with the finest myrtlewood and spruce they could get their hands on, this guitar balances good looks with stunning sound. There will only be 21 units available worldwide, and Sweetwater will have five of them. You can read more about the Northwest Classic Custom Concert here.
TAMA
TAMA always cooks up something fun for NAMM, and this year is no different. The Starclassic Performer kits are a great take on the legendary Starclassic Maple series with plies of birch and maple for a more dynamic sound than ever before. You’re not only getting great shells, though! Die-cast hoops, their Star-Cast mounting system, and their Quick-Lock tom brackets round out the premium hardware package. TAMA Starclassic Performer kits are available in several configurations and in a variety of cool finishes, including our new favorite, Caramel Aurora.
Sonor
Over at Sonor, they’re preparing for the day when gigging is possible again. The AQX Micro 4-piece shell pack is the ideal grab-and-go kit for small clubs, worship services, and outdoor gigs. The kit includes a SmartMount tom and cymbal mount and a matching poplar snare. This good-looking compact kit is sure to impress audiences with its vintage-inspired tone.
Radial
Famous for making gear that’s practically indestructible, Radial is a staple in the rigs of serious studios and live sound operations. For 2021, they’re offering up a pair of affordable and rugged rackmountable power conditioners. Power-1 provides clean-power filtering that rejects RF interference and offers protection from damaging surges. There are three convenience outlets on the front panel along with a USB charging port for your mobile devices, while the back is loaded with eight wall wart–spaced outlets. Also announced is the Power-2, which trades in two of the front-panel outlets for an innovative slide-out, dimmable LED light for excellent visibility in dark situations.
