April 2026
THE NAMM SHOW ISSUE
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
28 I FROM THE TOP Ben Montague of The North American Guitar talks acquiring some of the most storied guitar dealerships, including, most recently, Norman’s Rare Guitars.
14 I NEWS X TNAG Global Acquires Norman’s Rare Guitars X MI Industry Responds to Latest Tariffs News X Native Instruments Enters Preliminary Insolvency X TMP Founder Hennessey Passes Away 12 I PROFILE X Fresh off of its Best in Show win, Eddie Wang Instruments’ founder talks making boutique amps.
The Theo Wanne and JJ Babbitt teams announce their new collaboration at their shared NAMM booth space.
32 I THE 2026 NAMM SHOW REPORT In-depth coverage of the MI industry’s yearly gathering, including all the breaking news, market trends and new gear — straight from the show floor. Plus: Our Editors Choice Awards honor the coolest products we saw at the show.
23 I E-COMMERCE REVERBERATIONS X Reverb’s Cyril Nigg offers three practical tips to drive sales in this AI era. 24 I VIEW FROM THE REPAIR BENCH X Steve France provides ideas on how to get rental season ready — now. 26 I NAMM YP X Tim Spicer, owner of Spicer’s Music, NAMM’s Retailer of the Year, shares his winning retail strategies.
34 I NAMM SHOW NEWS 38 I GUITARS, AMPS & ACCESSORIES COVERAGE 42 I AUDIO, RECORDING & DJ COVERAGE 46 I BAND & ORCHESTRA COVERAGE 50 I DRUMS & PERCUSSION COVERAGE 54 I PIANOS, KEYBOARDS & SYNTHS COVERAGE
RETAILER ASK THE 66 I ASK THE RETAILER X Dealers discuss their biggest takeaways from The 2026 NAMM Show.
The 2026 Best in Show panelists.
ON THE COVER: Sheléa (left) and Stevie Wonder (center) perform together on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage. Photo by Ryan Kotrlik. Right: Alana Springsteen performs on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage.
58 I BEST IN SHOW A look back at the winners of the annual NAMM Saturday session.
6 I MUSIC INC. I APRIL 2026
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