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Hey guitar fam! If you’re like me, you’ve been glued to social media this week, drooling over the avalanche of new gear dropping at NAMM 2025. From game-changing acoustics to amps that’ll make your neighbors finally call the cops, this year’s show did NOT disappoint. Let’s break down the highlights, compare the heavy hitters, and talk about what these releases mean for your playing (and your wallet).
Acoustic Guitars: Innovation Meets Accessibility
NAMM 2025 proved that acoustic guitars aren’t just for campfires anymore. This year’s releases blend cutting-edge tech with player-friendly prices.
⊕ Fender Acoustasonic Standard Series:
Fender unveiled its most affordable Acoustasonic models yet: the Telecaster and Jazzmaster Standard editions. Priced at $599, these Indonesian-made guitars feature a hybrid pickup system and Acoustasonic bracing, offering versatile acoustic and electric tones. These models target beginner to intermediate players intrigued by hybrid designs.
⊕ Martin’s Big Moves:
Martin didn’t just tweak their Standard Series lineup—they dropped two Billy Strings signature models that’ll make bluegrass pickers and vintage lovers swoon. First up: the D-X2E Billy Strings Acoustic-Electric, a stage-ready dreadnought with LR Baggs E1 electronics, a sleek 25” scale, and a price tag that won’t make your wallet weep ($899). It’s the perfect gateway for players craving Billy’s lightning-fast licks without dropping four figures.
But for the tone purists, Martin also unveiled the D-28 Billy Strings—a nitrocellulose-lacquered beauty modeled after Billy’s beloved 1940s D-28. With a fast, modern neck, vintage-style scalloped bracing, and that iconic rosewood-and-spruce combo, this $3,799 stunner is for players who want history in their hands (and don’t mind paying for it).
⊕ Taylor’s Super Auditorium: Luxury Meets Evolution
Taylor turned heads with the Gold Label 814e Super Auditorium, a guitar that redefines what a “premium” acoustic can do. Part of their exclusive Gold Label Collection, this model expands on Taylor’s iconic Grand Auditorium body shape, delivering deeper lows and crystalline highs thanks to its V-Class bracing. The onboard ES2 electronics ensure your fingerpicking nuances translate flawlessly to the stage, while the sleek Venetian cutaway lets you climb the fretboard like a spider monkey. At $4,999, it’s not for the faint of wallet—but for tone purists and session players, it’s a “buy once, cry once” investment.
⊕ The Dark Horse: Ibanez Blackout Series:
Ibanez’s Blackout Series redefines acoustic guitars for metal players. With matte finishes, offset bodies, and Fishman electronics, these guitars cater to drop-tuned riffers who want an unplugged edge.
Model | Key Features | Price Range | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Fender Acoustasonic Std | Hybrid pickup system | $599 | Gigging singer-songwriters |
Martin Billy Strings | Solid wood, slim neck | $899, $3,799 | Bluegrass/roots players |
Taylor Super Auditorium | Gold Label bracing | $4,999 | Fingerstyle purists |
Ibanez Blackout | Fishman electronics, metal aesthetics | $599–$999 | Acoustic metalheads |
Electric Guitars: Retro Vibes, Modern Twists
This year’s electrics are all about blending classic DNA with 21st-century playability.
Charvel updated its Pro-Mod San Dimas series with caramelized maple necks, rolled fingerboard edges, and Seymour Duncan pickups. Floyd Rose-equipped models cater to ’80s shredders, while fixed-bridge versions suit blues-rock players.
⊕ Gretsch Electromatic LTD Flame Okoume Broadkaster [Reverb]
Gretsch launched limited-edition Broadkaster models featuring flamed okoume veneers and Filter’Tron pickups for classic rockabilly tones—all under $1,400.
⊕ Ibanez JS1GD Joe Satriani Signature
Hot on the heels of his flashy Gold model, Ibanez dropped the JS1GD Joe Satriani Signature—a shredder’s dream that’s actually playable for us mortals. With a resonant mahogany body, lightning-fast maple neck, and Satriani’s signature DiMarzio PAF Joe pickups, this axe nails his creamy sustain and singing leads. The JS1GD trades the Gold model’s Sustainiac wizardry for classic vibes, making it ideal for players who want Satch’s tone without the space-age specs.
Pedals & Amps: Nostalgia Meets New School
NAMM 2025 was a goldmine for tone chasers. Let’s talk favorites:
⊕ Friedman Jose Arredondo Plexi Mod Amp
Dave Friedman collaborated with Jose Arredondo’s family to create this limited-run amp inspired by Eddie Van Halen’s iconic “Brown Sound.” At $4,999, it’s a collector’s dream.
Marshall introduced overdrive pedals modeled after its Plexi, DSL, and JCM amps. At $149.99 each, they offer British crunch in a compact form—perfect for home use.
⊕ Marshall DSL Overdrive Pedal
Capture the legendary DSL amplifier series tones in a compact stompbox. Versatile overdrive with warm, responsive dynamics perfect for rock and blues players.
Price: $149.95
⊕ Marshall JVM Overdrive Pedal
Recreate the rich, complex tones of the Marshall JVM series amplifier. Offers multiple gain stages and exceptional tonal flexibility for progressive and modern rock guitarists.
Price: $149.99
⊕ Marshall 1959 Overdrive Pedal
Authentically model the classic Marshall Plexi 1959 amplifier’s legendary British rock tone. Ideal for vintage rock, classic rock, and players seeking pure, uncompromised tube amp-like overdrive.
Price: $149.99
⊕ Marshall JCM800 Overdrive Pedal
Deliver the iconic high-gain tones of the legendary JCM800 amplifier. Perfect for hard rock, metal, and players wanting aggressive, tight distortion in a pedalboard-friendly format.
Price: $149.99
⊕ Marshall JCM900 Overdrive Pedal
Capture the high-gain versatility of the JCM900 series with enhanced midrange punch and tight low-end response. Designed for modern rock and metal players seeking intense, articulate distortion.
Price: $149.95
⊕ Walrus Audio Qi Etherealizer
Co-designed with Yvette Young of Covet, this pedal combines shimmering reverbs, tape-style delays, and pitch-shifted swells into one shoegaze-friendly box.
The Vibe: Why NAMM 2025 Felt Like a Homecoming
Let’s cut to the chase: NAMM 2025 wasn’t just a trade show—it was a full-blown celebration. After years of pandemic uncertainty and scaled-back events, this year’s NAMM felt like the guitar world finally exhaling. Big names like Fender, Gibson, and Roland returned in force, packing the Anaheim Convention Center with gear that reminded us why we fell in love with guitars in the first place.
The energy was electric. Attendees raved about the buzz of live demos, surprise artist appearances (shoutout to Billy Strings shredding on his new Martin signature model), and the sense that the industry is firing on all cylinders again. As NAMM’s official recap put it, this year was about “reconnecting, reimagining, and reigniting passion”—and you could feel it in every corner.
What made this year special wasn’t just the gear (though hello, Friedman Jose Arredondo Plexi Mod), but the balance of nostalgia and forward momentum. Brands leaned into classic designs (looking at you, Martin’s Standard Series overhaul) while pushing boundaries with innovations like Ibanez’s Blackout Series for metalheads and Taylor’s Super Auditorium body shape. Even smaller builders got love, proving there’s room for boutique craftsmanship in a big-brand world.
The takeaway? The guitar isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a touring pro, NAMM 2025 sent a clear message: The future of gear is bright, collaborative, and unapologetically loud.
The Big Takeaway
NAMM 2025 proved that guitar innovation isn’t slowing down. Brands are doubling down on accessibility (shoutout to Martin’s $899 Billy Strings model) while still catering to boutique obsessives (looking at you, Friedman). Whether you’re a metalhead, a folkie, or a bedroom noodler, there’s something here to make your heart race—and your playing evolve.
So, what’s on your wishlist? Let me know in the comments, and stay tuned for hands-on demos of these bad boys. Until then, keep shredding (quietly, if you’re using that Marshall pedal).
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