Going To The NAMM Show - Any Tips?

john nam · #1 01-13-2010, 01:49 AM

I didn't know where to exactly post this, but I have an opportunity to go the NAMM show this Sunday for the first time and was wondering if you guys had any tips for maximizing the fun-ness of the day. I know I should bring a camera/video, but what else should I be taking? What are some must-see or must-dos? Do they sell gear for a lot lower price at NAMM or anything like that?

pmaraziti · #2 01-13-2010, 01:58 AM

Never been at NAMM but if it's like other similar shows I've been to, take some nice earplugs !

Hoover · #3 01-13-2010, 06:34 AM

Don't take the brown acid.

Mark Latimour · #4 01-13-2010, 06:38 AM

I would recommend heading straight to the Fodera booth, grabbing an AJ presentation bass, plugging into the biggest loudest amp they've got and give it your best "Higher Ground" opening bass line for about 10 minutes or so. You'll have all the cool cats comming over to see whats going on and then you can get their autographs.

diglo · #5 01-13-2010, 06:48 AM

Don't go to all the booths asking for endorsements. Believe it or not, some players have a reputation as being "NAMM GROUPIES." Yes, they know who you are.

fivestringgecko · #6 01-13-2010, 06:53 AM

I've wanted to go to NAMM for a few years now, but I'm not a dealer and don't have any connections... anyone have any tips?

lol

The guitarist for my church choir went this year and I'm so jealous... he's gone the last three years now, has some connection through a son's friend's brother's twice removed cousin or something. lol He comes back with all these stories and pics... :/

5sg.

ad9000 · #7 01-13-2010, 07:08 AM

NAMM SURVIVAL TIPS: If you are registering at the show, get there early as the line can be long. If you are just picking up a badge, they have streamlined that process quite a bit. If you are attempting to use someone else's badge, that may be risky as there is often (but not always) an ID check.
Go on Thurs. to avoid the big crowds, wear comfortable shoes, get a directory and make a list of exhibitors you want to visit so you are not walking around like a zombie, take breaks and drink water. If you play up any instruments, make sure you treat them carefully, and watch the volume. A lot of exhibitors want to sell off the gear they are showing so they don't have to ship it back to wherever it came from, but they also may pre-sell it to dealers - or in some cases (all the "big" companies and some small ones like F-bass) they will only allow dealers to buy it. If you are looking to buy stuff, usually you will have to come back at the end of the show to pick it up (late Sunday). A lot of the gear that is for sale gets snapped up early, so if you are looking to buy anything, the earlier the better.

west*coast*bass · #8 01-13-2010, 09:14 AM

Thursday and Sunday are the best days to go. Video and photos are cool. If you are going on Sunday and want to buy gear...bring cash. There are deals to be had on Sunday. The out of state vendors don't want to ship the gear back with them so you can end up scoring some fine gear at great prices.

Do not try to use someone else's badge. They started checking I.D. at the doors last year and turned away folks who "forgot" their I.D.

Oh, and wear comfortable shoes...you'll walk your ass off, but it's well worth it.

Enjoy!!

west*coast*bass · #9 01-13-2010, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ad9000

...(all the "big" companies and some small ones like F-bass) they will only allow dealers to buy it.

I believe our fellow TB'er Vic Serbe bought an F Bass off the floor last year from George...

WalterBush · #10 01-13-2010, 09:29 AM

It's been mentioned before, but ear plugs and comfortable shoes are a 100% necessity. Take hand-sanitizer, people with colds from all over the world will be in close proximity, and keeping your hands clean is both polite and healthy.

west*coast*bass · #11 01-13-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WalterBush

It's been mentioned before, but ear plugs and comfortable shoes are a 100% necessity. Take hand-sanitizer, people with colds from all over the world will be in close proximity, and keeping your hands clean is both polite and healthy.

Never once had to worry about ear plugs...the NAMM police keep it from getting too loud in there, but hand sanitizer is a great idea!

Passinwind · #12 01-13-2010, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by west*coast*bass

Never once had to worry about ear plugs...the NAMM police keep it from getting too loud in there

I found ear plugs to be mandatory for dealing with the crowd noise, never mind anyone in the booths.

WalterBush · #13 01-13-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by west*coast*bass

Never once had to worry about ear plugs...the NAMM police keep it from getting too loud in there, but hand sanitizer is a great idea!

Mostly I put them in for the drum hall. The place drives me nuts. Not worried about hearing damage, just my sanity! Fbass and MarkBass were put too close to a bunch of latin percussion companies last year.

ad9000 · #14 01-13-2010, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by west*coast*bass

I believe our fellow TB'er Vic Serbe bought an F Bass off the floor last year from George...

They must have changed their tune - 2 years ago at the show, when I asked about buying a bass, George told me they only sold to dealers - maybe he was just more motivated to sell last year..

ad9000 · #15 01-13-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Passinwind

I found ear plugs to be mandatory for dealing with the crowd noise, never mind anyone in the booths.

It's not like it's noticeably loud at any given time, but the constant 85-90 db exposure can really wear you down after a few hours, almost without realizing it's happening. So, +1 about the earplugs (AND hand sanitizer).

Hoover · #16 01-13-2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diglo

some players have a reputation as being "NAMM GROUPIES."

Saw an interview years ago with the bassist from the Spin Doctors where he referred to flashy, show-off bass wanking as "NAMM Show Bass", always loved that charcterization!

Passinwind · #17 01-13-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ad9000

It's not like it's noticeably loud at any given time, but the constant 85-90 db exposure can really wear you down after a few hours, almost without realizing it's happening.

Yep, but mainly I got tired of hearing a bunch of uber-scary freaks hittin' on the Dean Girls...

FatherDH · #18 01-13-2010, 11:18 AM

Last year my friend bought a Gator gig bag, and security wouldn't let him leave with it. We went back to Gator and the rep had to walk it out for us! Is this typical when buying larger items?

west*coast*bass · #19 01-13-2010, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatherDH

Last year my friend bought a Gator gig bag, and security wouldn't let him leave with it. We went back to Gator and the rep had to walk it out for us! Is this typical when buying larger items?

Yes. A rep from the company needs to escort the customer through security with a bill of sale. It was the same with my buddy who bought a cymbal last year. The Zildjian rep had to walk him through when he was leaving the show.

Geddyfleaharris · #20 01-13-2010, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

I would recommend heading straight to the Fodera booth, grabbing an AJ presentation bass, plugging into the biggest loudest amp they've got and give it your best "Higher Ground" opening bass line for about 10 minutes or so. You'll have all the cool cats comming over to see whats going on and then you can get their autographs.

lol nice trick.