The 2026 NAMM Show kicks off on January 20 in Anaheim, and the rumors are already flying about the hottest new gear. At Sweetwater, we’ve had our ears to the ground, followed the breadcrumbs, and are thrilled to share our intel on which rumors are actually true. We’ll continually update this article as new information becomes available, so check back regularly as we confirm more product releases you won’t want to miss!
Table of Contents:
- Guitars and Basses
- Drums
- Content Creator
- Studio and Recording
- Live Sound
- DJ & Beat Production
- Keyboards and Synths
Guitars and Basses
Taylor
Next Generation models include fan favorites such as the 814ce, 414ce, and 314ce newly upgraded with Taylor’s proprietary Action Control Neck, V-Class Bracing, and the all-new Claria Pickup System, which promises amazing tone and plug-and-play convenience.
Taylor’s retro-inspired Gold Label line now has several new models, including square-shouldered dreadnoughts such as the 510e and premium 900 Series models such as the 914e and 917e.
Ibanez
The all-new Alpha line of guitars — available in 7- and 8-string models — caters to a new generation of envelope-pushing players with its Parallel Wizard multi-scale neck, Fishman Fluence pickups, and ergonomically shaped American basswood body.
The Mode line of basses — available in 4-, 5-, and 6-string versions — offers a fresh take on the classic J-style bass, delivering retro-inspired looks and tones, compliments of their roasted maple necks, alder or ash bodies, and Delta SJ pickups.
Victory
Victory’s MKX 50-watt lunchbox-style amplifier head is aimed squarely at advanced and pro-level players with three footswitchable channels for instant access to the complete spectrum of tones from squeaky clean to ultra-high gain. Complementing the head is a compact 1×12-inch cabinet, a wide 1×12-inch option, or a 2×12-inch variation.
EarthQuaker Devices
EarthQuaker Devices teamed up with esteemed tube-amp maker Dr. Z to create the ZEQD-Pre preamp pedal. Featuring a genuine EF86 pentode tube, its standard 1/4-inch output can go into the instrument input of a modeler or standard guitar amp to function as a tone sweetener, clean boost, and EQ pedal. The XLR output sends a balanced signal straight into a PA or DAW with or without cabinet simulation. Last, the headphone out makes it easy to practice at home without disturbing the neighbors.
Gibson Custom
Thanks to legendary six-string slingers including Chuck Berry, Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr, and the Kings (both B.B. and Freddie), countless smash hits were recorded with Gibson’s venerable ES-355. Throw Keith Richards into the mix, and you can add “Satisfaction” and “Under My Thumb” to that fabled list. Onstage, meanwhile, Keith rocked millions of eardrums with his beloved 1960 model, featuring an ebony finish and a gold Bigsby vibrato. His go-to for slide and blues-drenched licks, the warm, woody tone of the 355 provided the perfect contrast to Ron Wood’s sharp single-coils. Now you can own a faithful re-creation of Keith’s iconic instrument. Highlights include a meticulously relic’d Murphy Labs aged finish and a label signed by the iconic guitarist.
BOSS
All-in-one digital modeling rigs have become really, really good in recent years. They’ve also gotten a bit larger, more complex, and more costly. If you’re a player who seeks the awesome tone and practicality of digital modeling in a compact, straightforward, and affordable package, then you’ll want to check out the GX-1 Guitar Effects Processor and the GX-1B Bass Effects Processor pedals. Featuring simple and intuitive controls, robust and road-ready construction, not to mention an arsenal of legendary BOSS effects and top-tier amp models, they’re perfect for gigs, recording, and home practice.
Martin
In the world of acoustic guitars, few have a bigger sound than Martin’s famous dreadnoughts. Here at Sweetwater, we think you can never have too much of a good thing — and apparently, Martin feels the same! Their new Super Series dreadnoughts feature larger bodies, providing 20% more internal air volume, which results in superior projection and low-end punch. Recently, a group of Sweetwater guitarists had the opportunity to test some early production models, and we all agreed that it’s something you have to hear to believe. The Super Series lineup currently includes supersized versions of classics such as the D-18 and the HD-28, offering a choice between the woody sound of mahogany or the bassy tone of rosewood.
Casio
If you’re a fan of Marty Stuart, Albert Lee, or Will Ray of the Hellecasters, then you’ve for sure seen them manipulate their B-Benders by tugging on their guitar straps. We have no idea if the folks at Casio were inspired by country chicken pickin’, but their new Dimensions Shifter takes the concept into the digital age. Specifically, you install the transmitter between your guitar and guitar strap and connect the receiver to the expression-pedal input of a compatible pedal. Depending on what pedal is connected, you can control volume swells, delay depth, wah sweeps, pitch shifting, and more simply by tugging on your guitar strap. You can also use it to turn a pedal on and off. Whether you want to stray from your pedalboard during shows or explore new sounds, the Dimensions Shifter is the ticket.
Synergy
Here at Sweetwater, we’re big fans of Synergy’s groundbreaking approach to tube guitar amps. The system is built around swappable preamp modules designed in conjunction with many of the world’s top amp builders. To put it another way, using only one Synergy amp, you could play a Friedman with your classic rock band on Friday, switch to a Soldano for your ’80s tribute on Saturday, then swap in a Tone King on Sunday to head to your local blues jam. Previously only available as heads, Synergy amps are now offered in combo format. New for NAMM, the SYN-20IR combo comes in a gig-friendly 20-watt, 1 x 12-inch format with a Celestion Vintage 30 speaker. Offered in four colors, features include a built-in American-style clean channel plus a slot for the preamp model of your choice, giving you access to Synergy’s arsenal of classic-to-modern, all-tube tones.
Warm Audio
Known for his “Riffs, Beards & Gear” channel, Ryan “Fluff” Bruce has earned legions of fans for both his guitar mastery and extensive knowledge of face-melting equipment. The Warm Audio Fluff Drive overdrive pedal is Fluff’s first signature overdrive. Based on the classic green OD we all know and love, this version adds a host of additional tone-shaping controls designed to push a dirty amp into metalhead-approved high-gain devastation. Perfect for 7- and 8-string riffers, it also features a built-in noise gate to keep things in check.
Drums
TAMA
Designed to be lightweight yet strong, durable, and stable, Spartan cymbal stands come in a straight, boom, and two-pack boom. They promise years of dependable service, making them perfect for gigging musicians.
The Mike Portnoy Signature 14 x 5.5 bubinga snare drum features the stunning Dream Monster finish seen on Portnoy’s touring kit. Additional highlights include a special 3-way, tension-adjustable strainer and an 8mm 9-ply bubinga shell.
Catering to high-energy drummers who can’t get their hands on a highly coveted used kit, the Starclassic Bubinga 5-piece shell pack returns. Crafted in Japan, the pack includes a 22 x 16-inch bass drum, 10 x 8-inch and 12 x 9-inch rack toms, plus 14 x 14-inch and 16 x 16-inch floor toms. Additional features include black nickel shell hardware, air-cushioned floor-tom legs, and Evans heads.
Content Creator
Shure
The MV88 USB-C stereo condenser microphone easily attaches to compatible mobile devices, empowering pro-sounding interviews, livestreams, and more. Featuring four selectable polar patterns, a swivel mount, a carrying case, a windscreen, and a powerful companion app, it has everything you need to level up your production value.
Studio and Recording
Fender Studio
One of the biggest names in guitars, basses, and amplifiers is throwing its considerable hat into the home-recording and project-studio ring. With its new Quantum line of audio interfaces, Studio Pro recording software, and all-in-one recording bundles, almost the entire signal chain from fingers to full track can be infused with eight decades of Fender mojo. The extensive line starts with the budget-friendly AudioBox Go and progresses up to the feature-packed Quantum LT 16, ensuring there’s something for creators of all skill and experience levels.
Rupert Neve Designs
Optical compressors are great when a smooth and gentle effect is desired. FET compressors are ideal when you want grit and punch to cut through a mix. With the new OptoFET dual-stage compressor from Rupert Neve Designs, you can have both in a single-space rackmount unit. Packed with features, it offers incredible tone-sculpting control. But no matter where it’s set, the legendary analog mojo synonymous with Rupert Neve shines through.
AKG
Thanks to their legendary clarity and transparency, AKG mics are a staple of top-tier recording studios and can be heard on countless hit songs. With their new C100 series, now content creators and project studios can access AKG’s crisp, vibrant audio at budget-friendly prices. Available in a large-diaphragm model, a large-diaphragm multi-pattern version, and a small-diaphragm model, you have the power to create pro-sounding podcasts, ASMR projects, musical recordings, and beyond.
Dangerous Music
Experienced engineers know that Baxandall EQ curves can be the secret to mixes and masters that are airy, transparent, and free of the harshness and phase incoherence that can make a track sound overly processed. Catering to those with the ears to leverage this powerful audio concept, Dangerous Music offers the BAX 500 EQ. Built for a lifetime of dependable use, it’s hand-assembled in the USA, featuring DC coupling all the way up to the low-cut filter with massive voltage rails and Mogami point-to-point wiring. In short, the BAX 500 is a serious tool for controlling the frequency extremes that steal headroom and cloud translation, helping you achieve tighter lows, cleaner mids, more stable imaging, and mixes that translate effortlessly.
Live Sound
QSC
Whether in a club, theater, house of worship, or concert venue, QSC products have earned a sterling reputation for power, reliability, and performance. But, until now, experiencing QSC’s renowned clarity required a nearby power source. Enter the CB10 10-inch PA system with a battery. Featuring a built-in rechargeable battery, Bluetooth connectivity, and an extremely portable design, it meets the demands of solo musicians, DJs, public speakers, and anyone else who needs a high-quality, high-output sound source with or without a nearby outlet.
iConnectivity
iConnectivity For NAMM 2026, iConnectivity has unveiled the PlayAUDIO2U. It’s a comprehensive solution that handles all of your audio and MIDI needs in a streamlined rackmount unit. It handles audio inputs, backing tracks, virtual instrument playback, and MIDI routing throughout the venue. Plus, the built-in multicomputer redundancy ensures your shows never get derailed by a technical glitch. Large or small; complex or simple; running a show is easier with the iConnectivity PlayAUDIO2U.
Yamaha
If you want a single piece of robust, intuitive, powerful gear that can practically do it all, then look no further than Yamaha’s MGX 12- and 16-channel digital mixers. Can they handle live sound in small- to medium-size music venues, clubs, and houses of worship? Yep. Can they record an entire band without requiring a laptop and an audio interface? You bet. Can they add studio-quality effects without connecting to a bunch of outboard gear? Absolutely. And what about video applications? Choose a “V” model, and you also get a USB-HDMI audio/video interface with a capture function and real-time HDMI pass-through. In short, for tackling performances, podcasting, streaming, music production, recording, or all of the above, a Yamaha MGX digital mixer is worth a serious look.
DJ & Beat Production
AlphaTheta
AlphaTheta has announced the RMX-IGNITE, the long-awaited successor to the RMX-100. Between the overhauled digital architecture, next-gen effects, and multimode sampling, the RMX-IGNITE is ready to deliver legendary sets.
Akai Professional
From hip-hop to EDM to pop, Akai’s MPC Music Production Centers are renowned for their intuitive pad-based workflow, precise timing, and powerful creative tools — all in a standalone, computer-free format. New for NAMM, the MPC XL standalone Music Production Center gives creators more of everything they love about the previous model. Highlights include a bigger touchscreen, additional memory, faster speed (thanks to USB-C full duplex real-time audio transfer), and enhanced expression, compliments of the MPCe pads.
Keyboards and Synths
Nord
Whether you’re attending a concert or supporting your favorite local bar band, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll spot (and hear) “that red keyboard” onstage. And for good reason. Thanks to authentic sounds; intuitive, stage-friendly controls; and robust construction, Nord has established a sterling reputation as a maker of performer’s instruments. While the piano-focused Stage and the synth-centric Wave are phenomenal keyboards in their own right, the Electro is a longtime favorite for classic electric piano and organ. Not only does it offer exceptional sound quality, but its semi-weighted waterfall keybed allows for easier glissandos and palm slides, essential techniques for advanced organ playing. The arrival of the Electro 7 is exciting news. Versions include a 61-key, a 73-key, and a 73-key with a Kawai hammer-action keybed. The list of new features is incredibly extensive, but highlights include a larger color display, updated transistor-organ models, rotary-speaker emulation with selectable mic positions, Slow/Fast and Stop controls, and independent Vibrato and Chorus controls over the upper and lower manuals. Physical drawbars let you tweak sounds in real time. You can also set up splits and layers that combine the organ, piano, and sample sections.
Stay Plugged In!
Each January, NAMM showcases new products, signaling the most exciting time in the business. Every brand drops new products to help you define your sound and take your music to the next level. More gear is coming, so check back here for more details. Want a product you saw in this article? Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer now at (800) 222-4700.