It’s one of the most important events for music gear heads around the world, and it made an impact again this year with a slew of brands dropping hot new releases. NAMM 2026 marked the second consecutive year the show has run over five days, and we had representatives in Anaheim, California, reporting back with news, rumours, and product launches.
Here at Gear4music, we’ve been covering NAMM for many years now. This page is your one-stop shop for all the music gear announced at the show. And of course, all the new instruments and equipment we discuss are available at Gear4music, so keep checking for the best deals on the most coveted products from the show!
NAMM 2026: Key releases
JBL Bandbox Solo and Trio
- An amp that will inevitably change the game for guitarists…
- This handy device, available as a Solo version and in the larger Trio unit, uses AI-powered stem separation for isolating vocals, drums, and instruments, meaning you can practise just the way you like, with the parts you need
- Plus, there are built-in amp models and effects, eliminating the need for a full-blown pedalboard
- The Trio takes things a step further with a four-channel mixer and a wider range of effects
- As portable amps go, these two from JBL are seriously innovative
Akai Professional MPC XL Standalone Sampler & Sequencer
- A unit with a series of upgrades from previous MPCs, including 16GB of RAM and a Gen 2 8-core processor
- It comes with MPCe 3D-sensing pads, a 10.1-inch multi-touch display, and extensive connectivity options, all for intuitive, expressive playing control that suits you and your setup
- Its standalone MPC3 OS workflow handles everything in one unit, meaning you can build tracks super easily and conveniently
- There’s support for up to 32 plugin instruments, 16 audio tracks, and 256 voices at once
RANE SYSTEM ONE Standalone Motorised DJ System
- The world’s first standalone DJ system!
- It’s loaded with 7.2″ aluminium motorised platters with high-torque motors, precision faders, and OmniSource architecture for a flexible way to mix and stream
- Stem tools are built into the unit for isolating vocals or instrumentals on the fly
- Powered by Engine DJ and comes with SoundSwitch lighting control
ASM Leviasynth Hybrid Synthesizer
- It was hotly anticipated, and it’s finally here: Ashun Sound Machines’, more widely known as ASM’s, Leviasynth
- This is a 16-voice hybrid synth with eight oscillators per voice, available as desktop and keyboard versions
- Oscillators are grouped into algorithms, which affect how they influence each other
- It succeeds the Hydrasynth, building on a legendary design with an engine that combines analog and digital filters
- This is a hugely exciting launch for synth heads around the world
Vox vintage pedals
- Vox have launched two new vintage-inspired pedals: The VFZ-1 Fuzz and VTB-1 Treble Booster
- These are silicon-designed, carefully voiced units that deliver a vintage Germanium-like response, recreating ’60s and ’70s tones
- The fuzz has a two-transistor Mk 1.5-style circuit for that classic-sounding, harmonically rich breakup
- The treble uses a BC108 transistor for low noise and consistent performance
- These are essentially classic, vintage tones in a reliable unit for modern rigs
Nord Electro 7
- The renowned keyboard brand have given us a fresh addition to their Electro range: the 7, available as 61-key, 73-key, and HP 73-key versions, complete with new organ models from the Organ 3, an expanded synth section, new spring reverb and amp models, and many more features
- The 73-key and HP models include Nord’s pitch bend stick and modulation wheel
- Also included are physical drawbars with LEDs and dedicated effects for each sound section
- The 7 HP is built with a Kawai hammer action keybed for a more authentic and responsive feel
More NAMM 2026 releases
- We’re always inundated with Ibanez releases at NAMM, and this year is no different. The brand have released the LD303 Layer Delayer, a delay pedal that generates quarter, 16th, and triplet delays, each with independent volume control, and a huge array of guitars, including the beastly-looking Alpha series
- A more compact version of the Boss GX-100 and GX-10 comes in the form of the GX-1, providing all those professional Boss tones in one small unit
- Yamaha have launched the PSR E483 and E583, reasonably priced keyboards that offer a wider array of voices and styles than previous PSR models. Notably, they come with an Auto Chord Play function, which allows you to harmonise and play melodies while the keyboard automatically plays preset or customised chord progressions. These are perfect for new piano players who want that extra bit of creativity and flexibility with their instrument
- We’ve also had a huge Meinl product drop for 2026, full of cymbal and Sonic Energy releases. Highlights include the HCD Micro Stack Hats, Pure Alloy Custom Super Bell Ride, Classics Custom Dark Micro Stack Hats, Gravity Bell, Anika Nilles Ride Cymbal, and Aric Improta Ride Cymbal
- Korg have unveiled the Kaoss Pad V, the latest generation of the iconic effects processor and sampler. It takes hands-on control to the next level, with a dual-touch pad for shaping two parameters at once, a new Voice FX engine that enables real-time vocal treatments, a vast range of connectivity options to suit different workflows, and advanced sampler and looper tools
- We also have Sonic Squiers. The Fender brand have expanded their Sonic series with new models for beginners and budget-conscious players. We have refreshed Minis, adorned with new finishes and maple fretboards, and a Mini Precision Bass with an Indian laurel fretboard. There’s also an array of Strats, with various pickup configurations on offer, some with that classic SSS layout, others with a meatier tone courtesy of a humbucker at the bridge. Also available is a canary yellow Tele with an Indian laurel fretboard, Mustangs (one with two humbuckers, one with two single coils), and an Esquire in a stunning olive finish.
- AlphaTheta have released the RMX Ignite DJ Effector, a modern take on the iconic RMX-1000 effects unit, continuing the legacy of the RMX series that was built 10 years ago. It allows DJs to intuitively shape their sound, with a 3-band FX section, a lever FX, and an advanced sampler. 20 Loopcloud sounds are included, or you can upload your own with the RMX-IGNITE Sample Manager software. And there’s a myriad of features, such as Overdub mode, Sample Roll, and Groove Roll, that let you play with rhythm and expression effortlessly and creatively. Plus, it’s a major step-up in sound quality since the RMX-1000, courtesy of high-grade audio processing
FAQs
Who is playing at NAMM 2026?
As well as emerging artists, the big names performing at NAMM 2026 will be The War and Treaty, Alana Springsteen, Sheléa, and Ethan Bortnick, all on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage.
Can regular people attend NAMM?
To attend the NAMM show, you need to be a NAMM member, a qualified attendee (either in the industry or supporting it), or a content creator.
What does NAMM stand for?
NAMM stands for National Association of Music Merchants, and it was founded in 1901. Now, it’s the biggest trade event of the year.
Final thoughts
With the whole host of brands that returned to NAMM in 2026, this was the year to watch closely as the event unfolded. We hope you enjoyed the event coverage, and remember to keep checking our site for all the releases from NAMM 2026!
0 Comments