NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) showcases instruments from boutique builders as well as the major manufacturers. Here is an eye-catching display from Kauer Guitars. All photos (except last two) by Jake Kelly.
There are those that believe man, and woman, can not live by six strings alone. Here is a Koll 12-string semi-hollow in a beautiful faded honey burst finish with Curtis Novak gold foil pickups.
Here is a beauty of a instrument from Asher Guitars. Bill Asher is a California-based boutique builder who's instruments have found favor with artists such as Jackson Browne, Beck, and Ben Harper. This guitar features a mandolin style scroll on the upper bout, and Seymour Duncan pickups inspired by Gibson's AlNiCo Staple pickups of the 50's.
Gibson's Memphis Division displayed a new hollowbody archtop guitar, the ES-275. This guitar is slightly smaller and thinner than the ES-175, and features a graceful Venetian cutaway.
Gibson Memphis division displayed a whole different take on a familiar body shape: the ES-Les Paul. While the guitar has the same outward dimensions of the LP, the body is constructed more like that of an ES-335's semi-hollow design. Not only is the instrument lighter, but the tone is enhanced while still being feedback resistant. While offered in several traditional Les Paul colors and NOS finishes, this one is Alpine White.
