Every January, the Breedlove team kicks off the arrival of the new year with a pilgrimage to Anaheim, California for the Winter NAMM Show. This is a special event for the team, as it’s our opportunity to show off our new products and innovations to the world of musicians, dealers and other attendees at the show. It’s also a great time to connect with old industry friends, learn about new products and connect with artists. This year’s NAMM show was particularly exciting for our team, as we had the opportunity to present a number of new product updates, high-end “show stopper” custom instruments, our Sound Optimization process and the release of a new acoustic guitar body shape: The Concertina.
“The 2018 Winter NAMM event was the best one Breedlove has experienced. Showcasing our new Sound Optimization, introducing our three proprietary Breedlove body shapes, and launching upgrades to almost every instrument we offer. The significant sales increase is gratifying,” reported owner Tom Bedell.
About the Concertina Body Shape: New for 2018, is Breedlove’s small body guitar, delivering a surprisingly clear, crisp, loud sound. It’s 12-frets to the body design make it a joy to play. Extensive Sound Optimization™ engineering has resulted in a body shape that has a bigger sound and is more comfortable to play than a traditional parlor. Product specialist Angela Christensen noted, “We had terrific feedback on our new Concertina body shape at the show. Our new Masterclass Build-to-Order program was also a highlight with our dealers.” Learn more about this body shape.
The Masterclass Build-to-Order program was brought to life with an exciting lifestyle display which featured a recreation of the Custom Shop in Bend, Oregon. Learn more about this new program here. The NAMM show is also a fantastic opportunity to meet with dealers from all over the nation. Breedlove Independent Dealer Sales Manager Erika Mohr noted, “We had great energy from Independent dealers at the show. The Sound Optimization process was met with great enthusiasm and appreciation for the extra steps we are taking to make our USA made guitars sound consistently exceptional. The Concertina received notice for the big voice produced from such a small, comfortable body. Finally, the changes on the import lines motivated by the CITES regulations were met with appreciation and relief for the increased value and decreased headaches the wood changes will bring about.” Learn more about this program and design your custom online.
Changes to the import lines: New for 2018, the Pursuit, Pursuit Exotic, Stage, and Stage Exotic Series were updated with LR Baggs electronics, and many of the rosewood components were updated to ebony. Additionally, the rosewood components of the Solo Series instruments were replaced with new Ovangkol tonewoods to facilitate easier compliance with CITIES regulations.
Show Stopper Custom Guitars: Always a big hit at the show, the Breedlove Craftsmen put their skills to the test in the creation of really superb, over-the-top custom instruments we call “show stoppers.” This year's lineup was outstanding. Click here to see examples of these instruments.
Connecting with Artists: NAMM is also a fantastic opportunity for artists and manufacturers to connect and really dig into new products. Artist Relations manager Colin Bescancon remarked, “We had a great experience at the show, and it was a success for everyone at Breedlove and Two Old Hippies. The opportunity to meet face to face with our artist friends (both new and old) is always treasured. Additionally, the booth looked the best it ever has, and the layout was great.”
Altogether, the 2018 Winter NAMM show was a tremendous success. Our Breedlove team is always honored to bring our fine assortment of guitars to the market. We’re currently gearing up for the Summer NAMM Show, kicking off in June. See you there!
About the NAMM Show: The NAMM Show is the definitive platform for the music, sound and event technology communities to unite with the mission of strengthening the music products industry and promoting the pleasures and benefits of making music. Held in Anaheim every January, The NAMM Show offers the latest products from more than 7,000 brands, cutting-edge industry education across hundreds of sessions, as well as special events, concerts, and experiences where “only at NAMM” moments take place.
