The buzz is palpable in Anaheim as the wafflemakers prepare for another electrifying NAMM event. Glittering finishes are being applied to jaw-dropping shred machines, tubes are heating up, and pedals are being linked together.Bassists are even prepping their slapping thumbs for maximum impact. Yes, NAMM is making its grand return!
after a year of collective challenges that brought the industry together, NAMM has emerged as a pivotal force in advocating for the music community. The atmosphere in 2026 feels more united than ever, with companies agreeing to share resources while still vying for our attention at this premier gear showcase.
Stay tuned to Guitar World for all the latest updates on guitars, amps, pedals, and bass announcements leading up to and during the NAMM show from January 20-24, 2026. Our dedicated team will be on-site in Anaheim, ensuring you don’t miss a beat.
Make sure to bookmark this page as your go-to source for all breaking news throughout NAMM-before,during,and after the event. If it’s not here, it’s either not significant or we’re too busy diving into our laptops for a rapid recharge!
2025 marked a significant revival for NAMM after a few tumultuous years where major brands seemed to drift away. Thankfully, most have returned, albeit with a smaller presence or in a more behind-the-scenes role. Our experience navigating NAMM has equipped us to uncover those hidden gems.
Join us as we explore the most thrilling new guitar gear, sneak behind the scenes at major brands for exclusive previews of their latest offerings, and connect with top-tier guitar talent that this monumental music event attracts.
NAMM 2026: Electric Guitars
– Fender is making waves with its new CEO,Edward ‘Bud’ Cole,known for revitalizing Fender Japan and launching the Tokyo flagship store.While it’s early to see his impact, it will be fascinating to observe how his leadership shapes Fender’s NAMM strategy. The recent departure of Mateus Asato from Suhr adds an intriguing twist to the mix.
– As Megadeth embarks on its farewell tour, expect Gibson to embrace the band’s legacy. The long-awaited Dave Mustaine Les Paul has been teased for years,alongside a custom Explorer that Teemu Mäntysaari has been showcasing. Additionally, a new Michael Schenker Flying V is on the horizon, and fans are eagerly anticipating the Mark Morton Les Paul’s debut.
– Jackson has recently unveiled two new Chris Broderick Soloists, while Donner is set to launch what it claims is “the ultimate headless guitar,” the HLX-500, alongside updated finishes for its Hush models.
– For those seeking value, Harley Benton’s ST-modern Carlos Asensio signature model stands out with rolled fingerboard edges, Luminlay side dots, a roasted maple neck, and a Vega-Trem VT1 Ultratrem-all for under $700.
– Ibanez has introduced its most progressive guitar yet with the Alpha Series, reminiscent of Abasi Concepts and Strandberg designs, making it a thrilling addition to the shred and metal guitar lineup.
– NAMM is also a prime prospect for Ibanez to unveil new artist models. Following a surprise launch at Guitar Summit, could we see more unexpected signature guitars?
– Kiesel is debuting its futuristic Aero range of electric guitars, featuring a sleek design that resembles something out of a sci-fi movie, complete with a striking grated pickguard.
NAMM 2026: Effects Pedals
– DigiTech/DOD is set to showcase its Badder Monkey overdrive pedal, but will there be any surprises in store?
– The JHS Pedals x Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi 2, based on a long-lost circuit schematic, was one of the standout pedal launches of 2025 and will be available at the show.
– It’s been a while since we’ve seen the Nano cortex from Neural DSP. Could a John Mayer signature pedal be on the horizon? we can only hope!
– This NAMM might finally reveal what Gamechanger Audio’s Recoder is all about, as the company has been tight-lipped about its purpose.
– Strymon continues to dominate the digital pedal market,but the Fairfax marks its first venture into fully analog stompboxes,delivering a Class A output stage drive that mimics a miniature amplifier in pure analog form.
– Death By Audio’s Destroyer Series promises to be a game-changer, featuring reverb, delay, phaser, and fuzz effects, all branded as “beautifully chaotic stereo tone machines.”
– Forget digital emulations; Dirty Boy’s Silver Boy is an analog take on a popular digital amp simulator.
– Keeley’s latest collaboration with Andy Timmons, the Nocturne, is a reverb pedal that Timmons describes as “the most inspiring reverb I’ve ever heard.”
– J. Rockett’s Aqueous Chorus captures the essence of the CE-1 with its preamp and BBD-style textures,while also adapting to modern tones.
– Crazy Tube Circuits is channeling classic Orange fuzz with the Orama twin-footswitch drive pedal.
– EarthQuaker Devices and dr. Z have teamed up for the ZEQD-pre, a tube-loaded preamp pedal that promises to add genuine valve warmth to any digital rig.
– Collision devices is introducing the Snack Series, a collection of compact fuzz, pitch, and delay pedals that are as visually appealing as they are sonically satisfying.
– Nuclear Audio is breaking new ground with its fission Drive, which splits your signal into two and applies adjustable gain levels to each frequency band.
– DSM & Humboldt is following up its acclaimed simplifier analog amp modeling pedal with the Dumblifier, designed to deliver authentic tube amp tones inspired by the legendary Dumble Overdrive Special.
NAMM 2026: Guitar Amps
– Marshall has something intriguing planned, hinted at by a cryptic teaser featuring a JCM900 Studio with a flaming horse on the grille. It’s as bizarre as it sounds!
– EVH is set to unveil its first-ever digital amplifier, the Hypersonic, which was announced late last year.
– A notable surprise at this year’s show will be EHX’s ABRAMS100, a 100-watt solid-state head priced under $300, specifically designed for pedal enthusiasts.
NAMM 2026: Acoustic Guitars
- Taylor has unveiled what it claims to be its most advanced acoustic guitar yet, introducing the Next Generation Grand auditorium models. These feature innovative bracing, a new Claria pickup system, and the Action Control Neck, setting a new standard in tone and playability.
NAMM 2026: Bass Guitars
– Ibanez is reviving the Iceman bass guitar after nearly two decades. While it may not be everyone’s favorite, it holds a special place for artists like Paul Stanley and Daron Malakian, making it a significant addition for bassists.
NAMM 2026: Pickups and Accessories
– D’Addario has expanded its XPND family of pedalboards and accessories with the introduction of the Pedal Pry Tool. This handy tool makes it easy to remove pedals from their secure hook and loop fastenings,making it a must-have for pedal enthusiasts.
