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NAMM 2025 Live: The latest news, product launches and rumours from the biggest guitar gear show on Earth

January 25, 2025

NAMM 2025 is officially here, and hundreds of brands are showcasing exciting new products at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.
The recent Los Angeles wildfires threw the status of the NAMM Show into doubt, but NAMM CEO John Mlynczak was quick to confirm that the convention would go ahead.
Taking place across five days from 21 – 25 January, this year’s NAMM Show sees the return of Fender for the first time since 2020, and of both Gibson and Marshall, too, among hundreds of other regular exhibitors.
And the Guitar.com team will shortly be on the ground at the Anaheim Convention Center, roaming its vast halls and getting the lowdown on as much new gear as we can throughout the show.
Below, we’ll be keeping you up to date with the latest rumours, teasers, product launches and breaking news. Bring on NAMM 2025.
Ernie Ball arcade machine (high scores win strings…)
Credit: Josh Gardner for Guitar.com
Paying for guitar strings is so last year. Why not play to win them instead?
There are no words…
Credit: Josh Gardner for Guitar.com
Perhaps the greatest product on the NAMM floor this year?
Orange’s new “legend in the making”, the O Tone 40
Credit: Josh Gardner for Guitar.com
Orange is saying its newest combo amplifier is a “legendary amp in the making”. The new O Tone 40 is a single channel, 40-Watt Class A/B solid state combo with onboard tremolo and reverb controls, a buffered effects loop, and “plenty of punchy volume”. And here it is in the flesh…
Josh Homme’s new signature Peavey amplifier
Credit: Josh Gardner for Guitar.com
A few years ago, Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal guitarist Josh Homme shared a “secret weapon” of his sound, the Peavey Decade. Now, Peavey has partnered with the man himself to launch his own signature Decade amp model. Check it out.
Taylor’s new Gold Label line up close
Credit: Josh Gardner for Guitar.com
You might remember a couple of days ago when Taylor launched its all-new Gold Label Collection. The line comprises two new models draw inspiration from classic 1930s and ’40s flat-top acoustic guitars.
The diamond-encrusted D-3 Millionth – Martin’s three millionth serialised instrument – in the flesh…
The Martin D-3 Millionth at NAMM 2025. Image: Josh Gardner
When we heard about the D-3 Millionth, Martin’s three-million serialised instrument – which is encrusted with diamonds and sports several nods to the acoustic guitar maker’s 192 history – we made it a priority to go and check out on the NAMM floor. And let’s just say it didn’t disappoint. Even pictures don’t do this ornate instrument’s meticulous detail justice.
Learn more about the Martin D-3 Millionth.
Positive Grid’s Spark NEO headphones are coming…
Credit: Josh Gardner for Guitar.com
Positive Grid is set to unveil Spark NEO, a new set of smart headphones and a wireless guitar rig all in one. According to a teaser page on the brand’s website, the headphones fuse Spark’s AI-powered smart amp technology with true wireless connectivity, creating a “seamless and immersive guitar experience”, and offering a full rig of 33 amps and 43 effects…
Some mad instruments at the Boutique Guitar Showcase
Credit: Josh Gardner for Guitar.com
Credit: Josh Gardner for Guitar.com
If you’re looking for head-turners, the Boutique Guitar Showcase is the place to be. Above [clockwise from top-left]: OD Guitars Custom, Verso Guitars Sine, Bacci Guitars Officina, James Trussart Steelmaster, James Trussart Golden Cage Steelmaster, and Verso Cosmo.
If Marshall partnered with another high-profile amp brand, it would look something like this…
Credit: Josh Gardner for Guitar.com
A beautiful custom cab on display at the Marshall booth. See what we mean?…
A closer look at Fender’s new Indonesian-made Standard Series
Credit: Josh Gardner for Guitar.com
Headlining Fender’s product launches at this year’s NAMM Show is the all-new Standard Series, a line of made-in-Indonesia guitars which offer players the cheapest new Fender-branded guitars on the market right now. Above you can see the Standard Series Stratocaster in Candy Cola, Telecaster in Three-Color Sunburst and Stratocaster HSS in Aqua Marine Metallic.
Learn more about Fender’s Standard Series.
More from Martin…
The Martin 00L Oliver at NAMM 2025. Image: Josh Gardner
The Martin CEO-11 at NAMM 2025. Image: Josh Gardner
More from Martin now. We had a chance to check out the 00L Oliver, a collaboration between Martin and artist Julie Heffernan, whose work you might remember from Gibson’s run of custom art-adorned Adam Jones models. We also had a look at the CEO-11, a guitar personally designed by Martin CEO Thomas Ripsam, featuring a Grand Auditorium design with a European spruce top and figured white oak back and sides, finished in a unique New Horizons blue burst.
Ernie Ball Music Man launches loads of new guitars at NAMM – including Cory Wong-designed StingRays
Image: Ernie Ball Music Man
Ernie Ball Music Man is going all out for NAMM week, with the launch of a brand new StingRay II guitar and deluxe version, plus updates to multiple instrument collections.
Those getting an upgrade include the StingRay Special Bass, Steve Lukather Luke 4 Signature Guitar, Dustin Kensrue Artist Series StingRay, Rabea Massaad Artist Series Sabre, and the John Petrucci JP15 Signature models.
Take a deeper look at all the new EBMM models.
The cheapest Fender Acoustasonics ever!
Credit: Fender
Since making its debut in 2019, Fender’s Acoustasonic line has hosted some of the more eye-catching offerings in Big F’s lineup, deviating from the brand’s mostly time-tested classic designs with a really forward-thinking blueprint, and combining elements of both electric and acoustic guitar design. That said, until now, they’ve come with more premium-end price tags – around the $2,000 mark – but the new Acoustasonic Standard Telecaster and Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster – made, like the Standard Series, in Indonesia – clock in at just $599.99 apiece.
Learn more.
Fender launches the Indonesian-made Standard Series – bringing the cheapest new Fender models you can buy
Credit: Fender
Fender kicks off its highly-anticipated return to NAMM with an exciting lineup of new instruments, lead by the all-new Standard Series. It’s the company’s first Fender-branded guitar line to be manufactured outside of the US and Mexico since the Modern Player range, which debuted over a decade ago.
Priced at an affordable $599.99 apiece, these Indonesian-made Standard Series models are among the cheapest Fender-branded instruments you can purchase come April. So if you’re looking to add a Fender (or two) to your collection, here’s your chance to do so without breaking the bank.
Learn more about the Fender Standard Series.
Fan of relic’d guitars? Charvel’s got something that’ll be right up your street
Image: Charvel
The latest addition to the Charvel family is the Super-Stock So-Cal Style 1 HH FR RW, a guitar packed with high-performance features designed for the serious player. Crafted from alder, the distressed white body of this Charvel Super-Stock shows plenty of character with scrapes, dings, and a worn finish, giving it the look of an axe that’s seen some serious playing action.
Read more about the Charvel Super-Stock So-Cal Style 1.
As always, Jackson’s got something for the metalheads
Credit: Jackson
As a brand under the Fender umbrella, Jackson has also announced a slew of new instruments for NAMM 2025, and as always, they take aim squarely at the metalheads. Highlights include an expanded lineup of Limited Edition X Series models, a new collection of JS/X Series Surfcasters, and fresh additions to the acclaimed Pro-Plus Series.
Read more about Jackson’s new offerings for NAMM 2025.
$250 Gretsch Jim Dandy solid top models
Credit: Gretsch
On the hunt for an inexpensive entry-level acoustic guitar that doesn’t actually sound or look depressing? Look no further – These two new limited-edition models from Gretsch’s Jim Dandy range might just fit the bill. And the best part? They come with a solid top, all for the incredibly affordable price of $249.99/£259.99/€299.99.
Learn more about Gretsch’s new Jim Dandy solid top acoustics.
Tsakalis Audioworks’ Phonkify X is “not just a pedal – it’s a total vibe machine”
Credit: Tsakalis Audioworks
Tsakalis Audioworks’ new Phonkify X envelope filter and octave pedal promises to “maximise your funk”, apparently. Expanding on the features of the brand’s original Phonkify pedal, Phonkify X offers new envelope and octave options, including three selectable flavours of envelope filter and three types of octave voicings. With flexible momentary or latching operation for each effect, as well as a dedicated toggle switch for setting the order of the filter and octave, the Phonkify X is “ready to pour on the funk gravy and turn up the stank factor”, in the words of Tsakalis.
Read more about the Tsakalis Audioworks Phonkify X.
Taylor’s new Gold Label Collection acoustics promise a sound “unlike anything it’s ever produced”
Image: Taylor Guitars
Taylor’s new guitar line, the Gold Label Collection, features “dramatically different” design elements, and as such, is said to deliver a “stunning old-heritage sound that’s unlike anything Taylor has ever produced”. Inspired by 1930s and ’40s flat-top acoustics, these guitars feature a new version of Taylor’s iconic headstock, logo and pickguard, as well as a new body style, neck joint and bracing.
Learn more about Taylor’s Gold Label Collection.
Electro-Harmonix issues golden version of its classic Small Stone phaser – with the chip from the original circuit
Credit: Electro-Harmonix
Electro-Harmonix is celebrating 50 years of phase shifting with a limited-edition Golden version of its Small Stone Analog Phase Shifter. The company set out to capture the authenticity of the original circuit, and recovered a stash of now-obsolete NOS CA3094 chips – the same from the original Small Stone’s circuit – from “deep” in its stock room. There were enough chips to make 600 pedals, according to EHX.
Learn more about the Electro-Harmonix Golden Small Stone.
New IK Multimedia x Joe Satriani TONEX ONE pedal – with 20 presets designed by Satch himself
Image: IK Multimedia
IK Multimedia has unveiled a limited-edition Joe Satriani version of its TONEX ONE complete rig mini pedal. Handmade in Italy and finished in a custom chrome look, the compact pedal comes preloaded with 20 presets created by Satriani, and exclusive Tone Models from his Amp Vault Signature Collection, which is also included for use with TONEX software or TONEX pedals.
Learn more about the IK Multimedia TONEX ONE.
Six new budget-friendly models from ESP
Image: ESP Guitars
ESP Guitars has unveiled six new LTD models for its affordable 200 Series lineup, designed to be “exceptional right out of the box”. Joining the range is a number of brand new models, and some which have been newly revamped with new finishes. The six models are the EC-256, EC-201, M-201 Baritone HT, Phoenix-201, SN201-HT, and the TE-201.
Learn more.
Sterling By Music Man launches six new affordable models
Credit: Sterling By Music Man
Sterling By Music Man – the branch of Ernie Ball Music Man which offers more affordable instruments – has launched a range of new guitars and basses at NAMM 2025. Comprising six new models in total – there’s three new electric guitars and three new basses on offer.
Read more about Sterling By Music Man’s latest models.
Roland launches JC-120 Jazz Chorus plugin
Credit: Roland
Roland has launched a new plugin version of its classic JC-120 Jazz Chorus guitar amplifier, promising the “ultra-clean tone and evocative chorus of the original”, via “carefully crafted through deep analysis of the original circuitry”. There’s also a selection of new features, including a choice of stereo modes, tempo sync, and speaker simulation with multiple mic types, positions and ambience control.
Learn more about the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus plugin.
Martin’s 3 millionth serialised instrument is a diamond-encrusted masterpiece
Credit: Martin
Celebrating its three millionth serialised instrument and 192-year history, Martin has unveiled a super-limited-edition Dreadnought sporting actual diamonds, an American sycamore tree design and an engraved 14-karat palladium pickguard, to name just a few of its elite specs. it’s so limited, in fact, that only three of these guitars exist, and only one is for sale: serial number 3,000,002.
Learn more about the D-3 Millionth, plus the other limited-run guitars Martin has launched at NAMM.
“The best guitar that ever happened in history”? Rammstein’s Richard Kruspe launches new signature ESP LTD guitar
Credit: ESP
Rammstein’s Richard Kruspe has partnered with ESP LTD on a new signature model, and he’s even calling it the “best guitar that ever happened in history”. While the guitar is inspired by the ESP Phoenix body shape – which sports a six-in-line headstock – the RZK-III features a three-a-side headstock, as well as an Olympic White body with a graphic of Kruspe giving the middle finger on the back.

Read more about the ESP LTD RZK-III.

Gibson pledges $250,000 to LA wildfire relief
Credit: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
Gibson, via its philanthropic division Gibson Gives, has pledged $250,000 towards relief efforts for the recent Los Angeles wildfires, which destroyed thousands of structures, claimed dozens of lives and are thought to have done over $200 billion worth of damage.
“The recent wildfires have deeply impacted our artists and friends in Los Angeles,” says Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian. “Gibson is committed to donating directly to these incredible organisations and working together with the music community to deliver immediate and impactful aid, and to help communities rebuild.”
Yvette Young partners with Walrus Young on new signature pedal
Credit: Walrus Audio
Covet guitarist Yvette Young has partnered with Walrus Audio on a signature pedal “a year and a half” in the making, the Qi Etherealizer. A kitted out modulation and multi-effects pedal, the Qi is loaded with Chorus, Delay, Reverb, Grain effects and more. “I hope that it will inspire people to be excited to have colours and textures to play with,” Young says. “I think this is going to be a wonderful tool for people to create ambient sounds and add interest to their playing! I want people to think about their melodies and how they can start to sound a little less guitar-y and more magical!”

Read more about the Walrus Audio Qi Etherealizer.

Boss’s new cables are inspired by its classic pedals
Credit: Boss
Boss has unveiled a new line of guitar cables with colour schemes inspired by its classic pedals.
The orange BIC-10A-OR is inspired by the Boss Distortion DS-1, while the green BIC-10A-GN is a nod to the Phase Shifter PH-3. Meanwhile, the red BIC-10A-RD honours the Loop Station RC-1, while the yellow BIC-10A-YL takes the shade of the Super OverDrive SD-1. The blue BIC-10A-BU matches up with the Super Chorus CH-1, and the black BIC-10A-BK pairs up with the Metal Zone MT-2.

Learn more about Boss’s new guitar cables.

Boss explores new ground in amp modelling with the VG-800
Credit: Boss
Boss has launched the VG-800 V-Guitar Processor, a new amp modeller and effects processor that promises to emulate the sound of a wealth of stringed instruments, explore alternate tunings at the push of a button, and loads more.
The term ‘V-Guitar’ was first introduced by Roland – Boss’s parent company – in 1995, but the latest Boss product to don the V-Guitar name showcases the enormous strides made by guitar modelling as of 2025…
Read more about the Boss VG-800.
Boss launches the WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core
Image: Boss
Boss has unveiled the new WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core, a recording and practise solution for tube-based guitar amplifiers based on its original, popular WAZA Tube Amp Expander.
This new model, launching in February, offers “a streamlined footprint and many powerful enhancements” focused on direct recording applications.

Read more about the Boss WAZA Tube Amp Expander Core.

Marshall’s NAMM showcase gig with Tom Morello is now a benefit gig for the LA wildfires

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A post shared by Marshall Amplification (@marshallamps)

Marshall’s planned showcase gig at Anaheim’s Chain Reaction – which will see performances by Tom Morello, Nita Strauss and more – will now be a benefit gig for the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, the amp giant has confirmed.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating wildfires currently affecting communities in Los Angeles. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted. In response to, and in partnership with Chain Reaction, we will be holding our NAMM showcase as a special benefit gig to support relief efforts, with all proceeds going directly to MusiCares.”
Marshall also reveals it is donating $10,000 to MusiCares.
Maybach Guitars pulls out of NAMM

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German guitar maker Maybach Guitars has shared a statement on its socials confirming it has pulled out of exhibiting at this year’s NAMM Show. It comes as wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles.
“This was not an easy decision, as NAMM has always been an incredible opportunity to connect with our community, showcase our instruments, and celebrate the music industry,” the brand writes. “However, the devastating wildfires currently raging across California have created a situation that demands responsibility and sensitivity.
“While Anaheim is not directly affected at this time, the broader impact of these fires – on the environment, local communities, and public safety – is deeply concerning. We believe it is not the right time to gather for an event of this nature when so many are facing hardship.”
NAMM CEO confirms show will go ahead despite LA wildfires
Credit: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
In a new statement posted to the NAMM website, CEO John Mlynczak says he and his team visited the Anaheim Convention Center and “confirmed firsthand with city officials that there is no impact on their services or air quality, and we can proceed with a safe and healthy show for all attendees”.
“NAMM is first and foremost an association that cares deeply for our members and the global music products industry,” he goes on. “This year, the NAMM Show will demonstrate our industry’s commitment by uniting as a community in support of those impacted in Los Angeles.
“The NAMM Foundation has committed $50,000 to our LA Wildfires Relief Fund and is accepting additional contributions. This fund will provide needs-based assistance to NAMM members, employees of NAMM member companies, music education programs and music makers impacted by the fires. We are also coordinating relief centers throughout the NAMM Show in partnership with NAMM member companies and their foundations.”
Walrus Audio updates its Canvas line with the Canvas Rehearsal
Credit: Walrus Audio
Walrus Audio has just released the latest addition to its Canvas Utility line. An end-of-chain practice tool designed to “enhance your practice sessions and refine your performance”, the Canvas Rehearsal allows musicians to listen to their instrument through headphones, play along with tracks via Bluetooth or 1/8″ auxiliary input, and practice with an integrated metronome.

Read more about the Walrus Audio Canvas Rehearsal.

Mesa Boogie is reviving the Dual Rectifier

Mesa Boogie has announced the return of its revered Dual Rectifier amplifier. Originally launched in 1992, the Dual Rectifier quickly became synonymous with rock and metal music, and has been used by the likes of Alice in Chains, Tool, Blink-182 and many more. This new iteration will hit the market on 14 January, with Mesa Boogie describing it as a “faithful recreation” of the original model, with “some welcome upgrades like improved cleans that enhance but don’t distract”.

Read more about the new Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier.

Cryptic post by Gibson’s Cesar Gueikian signals the return of the cult RD

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When Gibson launched its RD electric guitar in 1977, it wasn’t successful as the company would have hoped, and was subsequently discontinued. But a new Instagram post from CEO Cesar Gueikian strongly hints at the guitar’s return. “This fiddle is ‘Really Dope’” he writes, alongside a video of himself playing the guitar through an amp by Mesa Boogie, which Gibson acquired in 2021.