Musical instrument makers and sellers from all over the world gathered to see the latest instruments and other products on display at the National Association of Music Merchants’ annual show.
The Anaheim Convention Center hosted NAMM’s four-day run, which wrapped up Sunday.
Buena Park-based Yamaha Corporation of America introduced several new products including a soprano saxophone and its latest A-Series guitar.
“We’re optimistic about the economy and people’s beliefs that music is fundamental to happiness,” said Roger Eaton, director of marketing for Yamaha’s band and orchestral division.
Many of Yamaha’s leading executives were there, including a number from parent Yamaha Corp. in Japan.
Most of the Orange County contingent of exhibitors was guitar companies.
Among then, Santa Ana-based Rickenbacker International Corp. beefed up its sales force at the show compared to years past. The company said it was looking to sign up new dealers to sell their guitars.
Rickenbacker, which makes all of its guitars in Santa Ana, turns out about 10,000 a year. It employs about 60 people.
Several local makers of other instruments and accessories also attended. HB Drums USA in Huntington Beach showed its wares. And Merlin 5 Products in Fullerton exhibited lines of pick guards and bridges.
NAMM’s producers were expecting an increase in attendance this year.
Preregistrations for the show were up, according to Scott Robertson, spokesman for Carlsbad-based NAMM.
The show typically draws about 90,000 attendees.
About 1,500 exhibitors were at this year’s show, roughly the same as 2010.
The show’s producers estimate that NAMM pumps $70 million into the county’s economy.
NAMM is signed up to stay at the convention center through 2013.
Some of the additions to the show included an app and gaming pavilion and a Native American musical instruments area.
The Mark Woods Rock Orchestra entertained the crowd before the show opened. The Fernand L. Petiot Marching Band opened the event, a standard feature.
Conservative talk show host and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee was on hand to promote music education. Huckabee is an avid guitar player.
