Written by Max Minskoff
It is always a privilege to attend NAMM show and see all the latest and greatest in the music industry. This year was no different, and the immense size of the show reminds us musicians that there is in fact a booming music industry out there, full of opportunities to create new products, meet great performers, merchants and developers. It’s also the place to get your hands on the most epic gear, and talk to the manufacturers directly.Unfortunately, the steel pan universe was poorly displayed this year, which seems to be the norm, as I did not see a single pan builder, or pan band performing. For an instrument that has found it’s way into several universities, high schools, and professional working bands, the steel pan seems like it would be more present at these kinds of conventions. This gives us pan players and builders something to strive for, as there is a huge opening in the market place for these amazing instruments. That being said, I’d like to highlight a few great products that stood out to me at the show:
It is always a privilege to attend NAMM show and see all the latest and greatest in the music industry. This year was no different, and the immense size of the show reminds us musicians that there is in fact a booming music industry out there, full of opportunities to create new products, meet great performers, merchants and developers. It’s also the place to get your hands on the most epic gear, and talk to the manufacturers directly.Unfortunately, the steel pan universe was poorly displayed this year, which seems to be the norm, as I did not see a single pan builder, or pan band performing. For an instrument that has found it’s way into several universities, high schools, and professional working bands, the steel pan seems like it would be more present at these kinds of conventions. This gives us pan players and builders something to strive for, as there is a huge opening in the market place for these amazing instruments. That being said, I’d like to highlight a few great products that stood out to me at the show:
Tanajura Drum
One of the most memorable percussion instruments I saw at the show was a Brazilian instrument called a Tanajura, by Rozini. This handcrafted acoustic/electric lap cajon resembles an acoustic guitar and has a lot of versatility. I would definitely take this to a small steel pan gig to drive a duo or trio, and it has two built-in Piezo transducer pickups that can be plugged into a standard guitar amp or PA to bring out the deep bass tones and clearly defined slaps. A removable snare wire slides in and out easily to completely change the tone of the instrument. The Tanjura sounded awesome; similar to a cajon, but with more playing surfaces, and was light as a feather. The owner and I had a great little jam session and I found myself saying “take my money!” A unique standout instrument I hope to add to my percussion arsenal. Check out www.rozini.com.br.
One of the most memorable percussion instruments I saw at the show was a Brazilian instrument called a Tanajura, by Rozini. This handcrafted acoustic/electric lap cajon resembles an acoustic guitar and has a lot of versatility. I would definitely take this to a small steel pan gig to drive a duo or trio, and it has two built-in Piezo transducer pickups that can be plugged into a standard guitar amp or PA to bring out the deep bass tones and clearly defined slaps. A removable snare wire slides in and out easily to completely change the tone of the instrument. The Tanjura sounded awesome; similar to a cajon, but with more playing surfaces, and was light as a feather. The owner and I had a great little jam session and I found myself saying “take my money!” A unique standout instrument I hope to add to my percussion arsenal. Check out www.rozini.com.br.
Tascam Recorder
The DR-44WL is the new flagship portable recorder from Tascam. One of the most valuable tools for a musician is the ability to record your performances and rehearsals and listen to yourself, or record live bands to study that tasty solo section to transcribe later. This impressive little field recorder is a game changer because it features WiFi connectivity with an iOS/Android app to control the functions and transfer files. It also has two XLR inputs as well as stereo condenser microphones that can be used simultaneously for a four-channel recording. I was very impressed with the build quality and features of this recorder and wouldn’t mind calling one my own. Visit http://tascam.com/product/dr-44wl/.
The DR-44WL is the new flagship portable recorder from Tascam. One of the most valuable tools for a musician is the ability to record your performances and rehearsals and listen to yourself, or record live bands to study that tasty solo section to transcribe later. This impressive little field recorder is a game changer because it features WiFi connectivity with an iOS/Android app to control the functions and transfer files. It also has two XLR inputs as well as stereo condenser microphones that can be used simultaneously for a four-channel recording. I was very impressed with the build quality and features of this recorder and wouldn’t mind calling one my own. Visit http://tascam.com/product/dr-44wl/.
Hand Pan Carbon Fiber Case
Tzevaot is a hand pan builder and one of the first booths that caught my eye at NAMM. They have some well made smooth sounding hand pans, but the product that caught my eye was a carbon fiber case that they developed. The build quality and durability of this case looked top notch and it was extremely lightweight, yet sturdy and solid. It featured a thick rubber handle and straps that could function as a backpack, as well as dense padding throughout the interior. I wouldn’t hesitate to use this case to travel through baggage claim, as it appeared almost bullet proof, with locking latches. It was one of the nicest cases I’ve seen for any instrument and is on my wish list. The wooden stand for their hand pans was also really cool. Visit http://www.tzevaot.com or email elias@tzevaot.com.
Tzevaot is a hand pan builder and one of the first booths that caught my eye at NAMM. They have some well made smooth sounding hand pans, but the product that caught my eye was a carbon fiber case that they developed. The build quality and durability of this case looked top notch and it was extremely lightweight, yet sturdy and solid. It featured a thick rubber handle and straps that could function as a backpack, as well as dense padding throughout the interior. I wouldn’t hesitate to use this case to travel through baggage claim, as it appeared almost bullet proof, with locking latches. It was one of the nicest cases I’ve seen for any instrument and is on my wish list. The wooden stand for their hand pans was also really cool. Visit http://www.tzevaot.com or email elias@tzevaot.com.
Renzi Heal Pad
As a drummer, I am always looking for new hip little gadgets that can help me play a little faster, strain a little less, set up quicker, or allow my drums to resonate more. One of these products that grabbed my attention was the Renzi heal pad from After Market Percussion Products Inc. This heel pad goes on to your existing bass drum pedal and replaces the stock heel plate with a raised, padded material. The website describes it best: “The Renzi advanced heel pedestal system provides a wider and longer supportive plate made with a shock-absorbing Thermal Polyurethane material and can be adjusted to different preferred heights to support the foot, reducing fatigue and increasing pedal performance.”After spending several minutes jamming on their demo, I really liked the heel pad because I was able to play a little quicker and my leg wasn’t as stressed after playing it. I was also able to stomp the pedal with a little more force because the angle my foot sits at was improved. They come in several colors, heights and fit on all standard pedals with the pedal board plate design. Most people would write this off as a gimmicky product but I really felt the advantages it offered and will probably buy one for my DW9000. http://amppinc.com/
As a drummer, I am always looking for new hip little gadgets that can help me play a little faster, strain a little less, set up quicker, or allow my drums to resonate more. One of these products that grabbed my attention was the Renzi heal pad from After Market Percussion Products Inc. This heel pad goes on to your existing bass drum pedal and replaces the stock heel plate with a raised, padded material. The website describes it best: “The Renzi advanced heel pedestal system provides a wider and longer supportive plate made with a shock-absorbing Thermal Polyurethane material and can be adjusted to different preferred heights to support the foot, reducing fatigue and increasing pedal performance.”After spending several minutes jamming on their demo, I really liked the heel pad because I was able to play a little quicker and my leg wasn’t as stressed after playing it. I was also able to stomp the pedal with a little more force because the angle my foot sits at was improved. They come in several colors, heights and fit on all standard pedals with the pedal board plate design. Most people would write this off as a gimmicky product but I really felt the advantages it offered and will probably buy one for my DW9000. http://amppinc.com/
Roland Cables and Accessories
I always make it a point to stop at the Roland booth to check out their latest and greatest products. This year, they have entered the accessory market and offer a high quality line of cables, stands, lights, gig bags and stools. The cables were especially nice, with two lines; the Gold and Black series. The Gold series feature 24K gold Neutrik connectors and superior shielding.They are made in the U.S. and feature a lifetime warranty. So If you’re on a gig and your mic cable dies on you, they will send you a new one. I was very impressed with the fit and finish of the cables and wouldn’t hesitate to buy some for the road. Their keyboard stands, keyboard bags, stick bags, and music stand lights were also well made and stood out to me with their look and quality. This is a new division for Roland and they seem to be striving for a well-made, long-lasting product here. For more information, visit: https://www.rolandus.com/blog/2016/01/19/roland-launches-new-line-of-premium-accessories/#more-14091.
I always make it a point to stop at the Roland booth to check out their latest and greatest products. This year, they have entered the accessory market and offer a high quality line of cables, stands, lights, gig bags and stools. The cables were especially nice, with two lines; the Gold and Black series. The Gold series feature 24K gold Neutrik connectors and superior shielding.They are made in the U.S. and feature a lifetime warranty. So If you’re on a gig and your mic cable dies on you, they will send you a new one. I was very impressed with the fit and finish of the cables and wouldn’t hesitate to buy some for the road. Their keyboard stands, keyboard bags, stick bags, and music stand lights were also well made and stood out to me with their look and quality. This is a new division for Roland and they seem to be striving for a well-made, long-lasting product here. For more information, visit: https://www.rolandus.com/blog/2016/01/19/roland-launches-new-line-of-premium-accessories/#more-14091.
After a long day and thousands of steps through the maze of noisy booths and gear heads, I logged another successful NAMM experience. A solo performance by none other than Victor Wooten and a much expected Stevie Wonder sighting capped off the adventure and I found myself exhausted, yet inspired to keep grinding on the music scene. I expected to see some more steel pans at the show, hoping to find some cool new pan designs such as oversized custom bore pans or electric midi pans. Hopefully we can raise the awareness in the steel pan community to come out and represent at the largest music convention on earth. Peace, love and pans!
For more information on the NAMM Show and companies that presented this year, visit: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2016
For more information on the NAMM Show and companies that presented this year, visit: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2016
