NAMM Show 2026 (Jan 20–24): what to watch and how to follow the launches

For musicians, January usually means one thing: NAMM Show.

From January 20 to 24, 2026, NAMM returns to Anaheim with the usual mix of:

• new instruments and updates to existing product lines;
• non‑stop demos at the booths;
• meetings between players, brands, creators and media;
• announcements that will shape the gear market for the rest of the year.

This guide is meant to help you enjoy NAMM 2026 from home:

• what to watch in guitars, pedals, synths, recording and live;
• how to follow the online coverage without drowning in content;
• how to use NAMM to plan future purchases and used‑gear opportunities.

1. Why NAMM Show 2026 still matters (even if you’re not in Anaheim)

In recent years we’ve seen more:

• brand‑specific online events;
• product launches spread across the calendar;
• constant teasers and leaks.

Even so, NAMM is still the time when many companies:

• reveal full product families, not just single pedals;
• show gear that will realistically ship in spring/summer;
• fight for media and creator attention that will echo all year.

For players and producers, following it means:

• spotting what might be worth waiting for before you buy;
• understanding which products look like new standards and which are just hype;
• anticipating how the used market might shift in the next few months.

2. Key areas to watch: where to focus your attention

2.1 Guitars, basses and pedals

This is where NAMM traditionally feels like a candy store:

• new signature models and limited runs;
• more affordable takes on boutique classics;
• increasingly creative delay, reverb, fuzz and multi‑mod pedals;
• compact modelers, amp‑in‑a‑box solutions and direct‑to‑FOH rigs.

Things to pay attention to:

• form factors (mini, full‑size, desktop);
• how seriously brands are treating IRs, cab sims and DAW integration;
• pedals designed to work both live and in the studio.

Practical tip: write down

• 1–2 realistic guitar models for your budget;
• 1 pedal that solves a real problem, not just pure G.A.S.

2.2 Synths, keys and controllers

Expect to see:

• new hybrid analog/digital synths;
• grooveboxes and workstations built for live and streaming;
• MIDI controllers with deeper DAW and tablet integration;
• ultra‑portable tools for content creators.

Here it’s worth checking:

• MIDI 2.0 support and solid software integration;
• features that actually simplify your writing workflow (not just more sounds);
• instruments that work both on stage and in the studio.

2.3 Recording & studio

This is key if you record at home or in a rehearsal space:

• new audio interfaces with more I/O, DSP and flexible routing;
• microphones for vocals, podcasting and content creation;
• compact mixer/recorders for live sessions and gigs;
• nearfield monitors and clever desktop‑friendly solutions.

Watch for:

• how portable rigs for bands are evolving;
• "all‑in‑one" solutions that save you from carrying half a control room to every session;
• products clearly designed with video and streaming in mind.

2.4 Drums and live sound

On the drum and live‑sound side you’ll likely see:

• electronic and hybrid kits getting closer to acoustic feel;
• trigger modules aimed at home recording and silent practice;
• compact PAs, FRFR speakers and small club‑sized arrays;
• digital mixers built for bands running their own sound.

For gigging musicians, these launches give you a preview of:

• what will become standard backline in 1–2 years;
• what will start showing up on the used market as early adopters upgrade.

3. How to follow NAMM 2026 launches from home

3.1 Official site and NAMM channels

First stop: the official information source, for

• daily schedule;
• exhibitor lists;
• any official streams and on‑demand content.

It’s not the most exciting feed, but it tells you who is presenting what and when.

3.2 YouTube and gear creators

For most of us, the "real" NAMM experience happens on YouTube:

• booth walkthroughs;
• first impressions with reasonably captured audio;
• interviews with product managers and artists.

Practical tips:

• pick 2–3 channels whose taste and style you already trust;
• turn on notifications just for those days so you don’t miss key videos;
• save interesting products into a playlist to revisit later with fresh ears.

3.3 Social media: hashtags and stories

Instagram, TikTok and similar platforms are noisier but useful for:

• quick looks at prototypes that won’t necessarily get full videos;
• a sense of which products are attracting long lines at booths;
• very raw but honest short demos.

What to do:

• follow the accounts of the brands you actually care about;
• track the usual NAMM‑related hashtags;
• save posts that show complete rigs, not just close‑ups of one pedal.

4. Using NAMM to plan purchases and used‑gear moves

4.1 Before NAMM

• write down what you really need in the next 6–12 months;
• define two budgets: new gear and used gear;
• list the gear you own that might become "previous generation" if a new model drops.

4.2 During NAMM

For every product that catches your eye, ask:

• does this solve a real problem in my setup?
• does it fit my actual playing/recording style, or is it just hype?
• which price bracket will it realistically land in?

Take notes, but don’t buy on the basis of a single noisy show‑floor video.

4.3 After NAMM: the ripple effect

After big announcements you almost always see:

• price drops on previous models (both new and used);
• more listings as people sell gear to upgrade;
• some "sleeper" products suddenly gaining attention.

If you’ve followed NAMM carefully, you’ll be in a good position to:

• hunt for used‑gear deals;
• decide what to keep and what to move from your own rig.

5. FAQ – NAMM Show 2026

Where is NAMM Show 2026 held?

NAMM Show 2026 takes place in Anaheim, California, from January 20 to 24, 2026.

Can I follow it for free from home?

Yes. A lot of coverage (videos, booth tours, interviews) is freely available on YouTube and on brands’ and creators’ social channels. Some official streams may require registration, but most "spectator"‑level content is open.

Does it make sense to follow it if I’m not buying anything right now?

Yes, because it gives you:

• a clear picture of where the market is heading;
• ideas for gradually evolving your setup;
• a sense of what will hit the used market, even if you’ll buy months later.

How do I avoid getting overwhelmed by too many announcements?

Limit your sources:

• official site for schedule and overview;
• a few trusted YouTube channels;
• only the brands that truly matter to you.

Then filter everything with one simple question: "Do I actually need this?".

Should I focus on one category (e.g., guitars only) or look at everything?

Depends on your time. A good compromise is:

• pick one main category (your primary instrument);
• keep an eye on at least one other area (e.g., recording) to see how the basic tools are evolving.