This year’s NAMM Show returned to its traditional winter schedule,welcoming back prominent brands like gibson,PRS,and Fender,who had been notably absent as the pandemic began. The event took place in Anaheim, California, amidst the unfortunate backdrop of ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. As I traveled south on I-5 on Wednesday, along with the Santa Cruz Guitars team, we arrived just as a new fire ignited in the northern mountains, forcing many to reroute at the “grapevine” and take a longer path.
Despite these challenges,the show proceeded smoothly and proved to be a worthwhile journey,even as we encountered snow-covered mountains on our return trip! Here’s a brief overview of the latest trends in acoustic guitars that I observed while exploring the show floor. Three key themes emerged: a focus on value to address rising costs and the surplus of guitars lingering in stores as the pandemic-driven guitar boom begins to fade; an increase in unique offerings catering to a more personalized consumer base; and thrilling advancements in the ongoing competition between acoustic and electronic technologies.
MARTIN GUITAR
New Signature Models from Billy Strings and a John Mayer-Inspired Doubleneck
Martin showcased an impressive array of new acoustic instruments, making it hard to choose just one highlight. Among the standout offerings are two signature models in collaboration with bluegrass sensation Billy Strings: the D-28 Billy Strings ($3,799) and the D-X2E Billy Strings ($899). The D-28 is crafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, using solid East Indian rosewood paired with a spruce top, while the D-X2E is produced in Mexico with high-pressure laminate Brazilian rosewood. Both guitars feature a modified low oval neck profile, ideal for the fast-paced bluegrass style that Strings is known for. The American-made model delivers a richer sound, as expected.
The grand J-28E DN ($7,999) features both a six-string and a twelve-string neck on a single 14-fret Grand J body, constructed from solid East Indian rosewood. According to Fred Greene, a product manager at Martin, this doubleneck guitar was initially created about a decade ago but remained unused until John Mayer discovered it and began using it on tour. Fans expressed interest in a model they could purchase, leading to this exciting release. While it takes some adjustment to play with the varying arm angles,it promises to be a fun instrument to explore! martinguitar.com
COLE CLARK
Introducing the True Hybrid TL1
The True Hybrid experience is now more accessible with the new TL1, priced at $1,999. CEO Miles Jackson explains that while the pickups and core design mirror those of the TL2 ($3,599) and TL3 ($5,299), the TL1’s body is assembled in China, considerably reducing costs during these challenging economic times.
The TL2 received an Editors’ Pick Award in 2023 and was featured in GP’s Gear of the Year. The TL3 raised the bar in 2024 with enhanced magnetic pickups and stunning aesthetics. The TL1 boasts a classic sunburst finish on a thinline grand auditorium body made from Queensland maple back and sides, topped with bunya wood. It includes Cole Clark’s PG3 acoustic pickup system, along with a magnetic setup in a humbucker/single/single configuration, designed for dual outputs to connect to both electric and acoustic amplifiers or P.A. systems. The patent-pending magnetics are finely tuned for optimal performance with phosphor bronze acoustic strings. The TL1 will be available starting April 1. coleclarkguitars.com
SANTA CRUZ GUITARS
Custom H Cutaway Collaboration
Santa Cruz Guitars continues to impress with its custom shop offerings, showcasing a unique collaboration with Ventana Surfboards. This partnership features a burl 6’0” surfboard alongside an H Cutaway guitar crafted from Hawaiian koa, complemented by a San Lorenzo River sinker redwood top and a headstock overlay made from white oak sourced from the Western Flyer—the boat famously chartered by John Steinbeck into the Sea of Cortez. Both companies are committed to sustainability, frequently enough repurposing materials for thier handcrafted products. Avid surfer Andy Powers visited the Santa Cruz booth to check out this remarkable duo, priced at $25,000 for the custom H Cutaway; $20,000 for the surfboard; and $48,500 for the complete set. The cutaway H body produced a surprisingly rich tone for its size, making it a delight to play.Santa Cruz also displayed guitars honoring the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery and the legacy of Frank Ford, co-founder of Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto, California. Each instrument was visually stunning and sonically unique,reinforcing Santa Cruz’s reputation for creating heirloom-quality guitars that resonate beautifully. santacruzguitar.com ventanasurfboards.com
TAYLOR GUITARS
Introducing the Gold Label Collection
As Taylor celebrates its 51st year, the company unveils an innovative design with the Gold Label Collection, crafted to deliver the warmth and character of vintage instruments while incorporating modern features. This collection introduces Taylor’s first-ever Super Grand Auditorium body style, slightly larger than their flagship model, with distinct curves. Additionally, the Gold Label Collection debuts a new neck-height adjustment system for personalized setups. For those who appreciate Taylor’s aesthetics and playability but desire a warmer tone with a fuller midrange and deeper bass, the Gold Label Collection may be the perfect fit. The collection begins with two models from the 800 Series, available in either Honduran rosewood or Hawaiian koa, featuring Sitka spruce tops in natural or sunburst finishes, with street prices ranging from $4,499 for the rosewood in natural to $4,999 for the koa with sunburst. The gold Label concept is poised to gain popularity and may extend to other series in the future.Stay tuned for a full review of the Gold Label 814ce SB soon! taylorguitars.com
FISHMAN
multi-Voice Acoustic Pickups: Jon Gomm Signature Series Powertap Earth Pro and Fluence Acoustic
Fishman is set to introduce its Fluence Multi-Voice magnetic pickups to the acoustic market, building on the success seen in the fender Highway Series. These pickups are designed to fit seamlessly into the sound hole,remaining unobtrusive near the neck. While details on specific models are still emerging, one consistent feature will be the voice option. Voice 1 will be a Rare Earth humbucker across all models,with a switch to select a model-specific second voice. I was notably impressed by the organic sound of Fishman’s Blackstack passive magnetic pickup, which I encountered on several display models, including Matrix, P90, and Single Coil options. Keep an eye on GP for updates on upcoming releases.
Simultaneously occurring, Fishman is catering to multi-voice enthusiasts with the new Jon Gomm Signature ($379.95). This collaboration with the modern percussive fingerstyle artist features a unique system that combines a Rare Earth Mic Blend magnetic sound hole pickup with a Tap body sensor. The endpin jack-mounted preamp includes an optional second jack for multiple output configurations (stereo breakout adapter). fishman.com
IBANEZ
Blackout Series
Ibanez has launched three new Blackout models, allowing musicians to achieve a striking acoustic rock aesthetic without breaking the bank. The AEG721BOT ($399) is a 7-string model featuring a low B string for added depth, complete with a Venetian cutaway. The 6-string AEWC621BOT ($399) boasts a deeper Florentine-style cutaway. The Tele-shaped thinline TCY621BOT is priced at just under $250 at $249. these models offer impressive quality at an accessible price point. ibanez.com
BREEDLOVE
Myrtlewood Models
Acoustic enthusiasts have a special appreciation for wood, and Breedlove excels in showcasing the versatility of myrtlewood. Sourced from the Pacific Northwest, Breedlove has crafted around 100 stunning guitars from two exceptional logs dubbed “Rain” and “Outrageous.” These instruments are available in various shapes and sizes, priced between $4,000 and $5,000. Discover more at breedlovemusic.com.
GIBSON
Murphy Lab Heavy aged Collection
Gibson delves deep into the world of relic instruments with its Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Collection. These guitars offer an authentic vintage feel, enhanced by meticulous craftsmanship that replicates the wear patterns of seasoned players. Among the collection, two standout models caught my attention: the unique 1939 SJ-100 Heavy Aged ($TBA), featuring a thermally aged red spruce top and mahogany back and sides, delivering a warm sound with rich bass; and the 1960 Hummingbird Heavy Aged ($TBA) in Washed Cherry Sunburst, which felt incredibly light and produced a vibrant tone. gibson.com
L.R. BAGGS
AEG-1 Acoustic-Electric
L.R. Baggs is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a unique offering—a guitar! Lloyd Baggs, who began his career crafting guitars, has created a one-of-a-kind thinline model featuring the groundbreaking dual-element HiFi Duet pickup. The AEG-1 is available in three styles, all with Indian rosewood backs, distinguished by their top materials: Torrefied Sitka Spruce, Natural engelmann Spruce, and Sunburst Sitka Spruce. I had the opportunity to try the AEG-1 Sunburst ($1,599) and was thoroughly impressed. lrbaggs.com
GODIN
“Opal Ocean” Multiac Nylon
The Limited Edition Ocean Burst and Opal Burst ($2,699) were designed for Opal Ocean, a guitar duo from Melbourne, featuring upgrades like L.R.Baggs electronics, black tuners, and eye-catching finishes. I plugged the Opal Burst into an acus amp—a high-quality Italian amplifier line that Godin now distributes in North America—and the sound was as beautiful as the guitar itself. godinguitars.com
WASHBURN
Deep Forest Burl
It’s always exciting to discover affordable guitars that look stunning, play well, and sound great. I came across several eye-catching new models that were perfect for quick auditions. Washburn’s Deep Forest burl ($249), featuring a cozy grand auditorium cutaway body and a gorgeous Exotic Burl top, stands out as the best value from the 2025 NAMM Show. washburn.com
KALA
Light Tone Color-Changing Ukulele
A plastic soprano ukulele that lights up and changes color is simply delightful! Perfect for kids of all ages, it retails for just $59. kalabrand.com
BORGHINO GUITARS
Shakti Deluxe ($41,600)
This deluxe recreation of John McLaughlin’s iconic Shakti acoustic, featuring an additional set of sympathetic strings, was a highlight of the Boutique Builders section at NAMM. This limited edition jumbo flattop,created in collaboration with McLaughlin,comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by both the Shakti maestro and maker Mirko Borghino,who was present to showcase this exquisite piece of musical craftsmanship. borghinoguitars.com
