IMAGES BY KURT SWANSON & SOULFUL IMPRESSIONS

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) sponsors two trade shows a year in the United States, one in June (usually in Chicago) and one in January (in Anaheim, California). The summer show used to be the big one, with the winter show being a regional show for California dealers; but as the balance of the American music industry has shifted to points west, the summer show has been in decline the past few years.

Last year's show was considered slow, but this year was even slower. Companies which did not exhibit included: Korg, Roland, Ensoniq, Akai, Passport, Digidesign, Dr.T's, Opcode, Commodore, Apple, and many others. Normally the show covers two full floors of Chicago's cavernous McCormick Convention Centre; this time, only about 75% of one floor was occupied. Several empty booths stood as reminders of those who had paid for space, but decided not to send personnel as a cost-saving measure against what they felt would be a doomed show.

Even though the Anaheim show has taken over as the premier event, though, there were still plenty of interesting products at NAMM. This report also includes some items that were announced coincident with the NAMM show by non-exhibitors (eg. Roland). Following are some of the highlights; as always, prices, specifications, and availability are subject to change without notice.