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  1. Guitars

NAMM 2013: the best new guitar gear

News
By Rob Power published 29 January 2013

The best of this year's crop of guitars, amps and effects

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NAMM 2013: The aftermath

NAMM 2013: The aftermath

So that was NAMM 2013. Still in shock? We don't blame you. It's no small task to keep track of everything that arrived over the course of the show, but luckily we're here to guide you through.

As happens every year, all the big boys had plenty to show - Fender launched an acoustic custom shop alongside a ton of new Custom Shop electrics, new American Vintage bass models and plenty more beside. Gibson launched its 2013 line-up and showcased the MIN-E-Tune system, while also giving us plenty of high-end guitars to drool over (hello, Joe Perry '59 Les Paul).

Marshall unveiled its latest collaboration with Slash, the SL5, and Taylor unveiled a new body shape. There were three new Boss pedals, what felt like several thousand new Jackson models and the return of some classic Guild electric shapes.

Amp heads had plenty to get excited about too, with the return of legendary brand Magnatone, the Kemper Profiling Rack and Orange's new DIVO VT1000 valve tester all making an appearance.

But enough from us. Click through for our look at this year's highlights, and don't be shy in letting us know what your pick of NAMM 2013 was.

Page 1 of 12
Page 1 of 12
Gibson Joe Perry 1959 Les Paul

Gibson Joe Perry 1959 Les Paul

It might be the wrong side of ten grand for most of us, but there’s no denying that Gibson’s faithful recreation of the Aerosmith guitarists primary rock machine is a thing of beauty.

NAMM 2013: Gibson introduces Joe Perry 1959 Les Paul

Page 2 of 12
Page 2 of 12
Slash Marshall SL-5

Slash Marshall SL-5

When perma-hatted axe warrior Slash gets together with Marshall, the results are usually mightily impressive, and the new SL-5 looks to continue the now fine tradition of ass-kicking Slash signature amps.

NAMM 2013: Marshall debuts SL5 Slash Signature combo

Page 3 of 12
Page 3 of 12
Fender Acoustic Custom Shop Newporter

Fender Acoustic Custom Shop Newporter

Among the new Fender acoustic Custom Shop models, one caught our eye in particular, the Pro Custom Shop Newporter. It’s probably got something to do with our long-held ambition to become Ray Davies, but it doesn’t hurt that this is one extremely pretty - and kinda Kinky – acoustic.

NAMM: Fender launches acoustic Custom Shop

Page 4 of 12
Page 4 of 12
Schecter Hellwin series

Schecter Hellwin series

The signature amp of Synyster Gates, six-string slinger for Avenged Sevenfold, the Hellwin looks like it was commissioned by Lucifer for a gig in hell. Imagine what it sounds like…

NAMM 2013: Schecter unleashes Hellwin series

Page 5 of 12
Page 5 of 12
Corey Beaulieu Jackson USA Signature KV6 and KV7

Corey Beaulieu Jackson USA Signature KV6 and KV7

Corey Beaulieu wasn’t mucking around when he sat down to design hi signature Jackson KV6 and KV7. Just look at it. It’ll have you arm off if you’re not careful.

NAMM 2013: Jackson unveils 20 new models

Page 6 of 12
Page 6 of 12
Magnatone Returns

Magnatone Returns

It’s always good to see a once-great brand resurrected, and they don’t come much greater than Magnatone, once used by the likes of Buddy Holly and Neil young, and about to return to the fray. We can’t wait to get our paws on one.

NAMM 2013: Legendary amp brand Magnatone returns

Page 7 of 12
Page 7 of 12
Guild Starfire

Guild Starfire

The return of some of Guild’s most loved electric guitar shapes meant a sharp intake of breathe round there parts, as we all instantly pictured ourselves cradling a brand new Starfire III. Beautiful.

NAMM 2013: Classic Guild electrics return

Page 8 of 12
Page 8 of 12
Orange DIVO VT1000

Orange DIVO VT1000

There was much anticipation in the lead up to Orange’s debut NAMM keynote, and you might be forgiven for being a little underwhelmed by the announcement itself – after all, a valve tester is hardly the sexiest product going. But have no doubt, the VT1000 is going to come in very, very handy…

NAMM 2013: Orange launches DIVO VT1000

Page 9 of 12
Page 9 of 12
Kemper Profiler Rack

Kemper Profiler Rack

Is there anything this delicious green box can’t do? The answer is, basically, no. Every head, cabinet, combo and effect you can think of has been profiled and stored in this amp from the future.

NAMM 2013: Kemper amps demo the Kemper Profiler Rack

Page 10 of 12
Page 10 of 12
Fender Mando-Strat

Fender Mando-Strat

Gather round you folkies and listen good: it’s all very well strumming your mandolin at the odd barndance, but if you want to really mix it up you’re going to need one of these. Playing behind your head optional.

NAMM 2013: Fender launches Mando-Strat

Page 11 of 12
Page 11 of 12
Roland hits a ton

Roland hits a ton

Roland rolled out three new Boss stomp boxes for your aural pleasure over in Aneheim, and we're pretty keen to get our hands on them. The Tear-Echo sounds like a whole lot of reverb-y fun, while the Multi-Overtone and Adaptive Distortion could clearly keep us entertained for several hours...

NAMM 2013: Roland announces three new Boss pedals

Page 12 of 12
Page 12 of 12
Rob Power
Read more
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PRS remixes its NF 53 for the SE line – and it's a serious workhorse electric for under a grand
Blackstar ID:X 50: The new combo from the British amp titan is described as "this is the most natural-sounding" modelling amp on the market.
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“It’s as comfortable as a guitar can”: Kramer Volante HSGT Triburst review
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