This Year Goes To 11

Take it to 11 at NAMM. That's one louder.

The 2011 NAMM Show (shorthand for what used to be known as the National Association of Music Merchants) has taken its thematic inspiration from the Rob Reiner rockumentary satire film, This Is Spinal Tap, in which Nigel Tufnel explains the advantages of having an amp that goes all the way to 11. It’s a perfect reference for their audience.

NAMM is where musicians, instrument makers and related music companies come to do business and show their latest gear. It’s like a Guitar Center on steroids that’s as big as the Anaheim Convention Center (bigger, actually). The place is so thick with rock stars, you practically trip over ’em every time you turn around.

Here’s how the NAMMsters describe this year’s show on the website: “On a scale of 1 to 10, we’re taking it to 11 and so can you! The 2011 NAMM Show has everything you need to turn it up a notch in your business, from the hottest new music products offered by 1500+ exhibitors to free business-building training customized to the challenges of today’s industry professionals.”

The cacophony is reminiscent of the viral video, “What It’s Really Like To Work In A Music Store.”

To give you a little better flavor for the experience, here are a few highlights from last year’s show.

Tommy Shaw, Jack Blades and Ted Nugent reunite as Damn Yankees at the Taylor Guitars stage, NAMM 2010.

Yeah, that's me and Bootsy, baby.

Jason Mraz performing at the Taylor Guitars stage, NAMM 2010.

Some dude with a fanny pack poses with Skull Crusher's booth babes.

Hopefully I’ll have more to report after attending this year’s NAMM show. Here’s wishing you everything you need to take your business to 11 in 2011. Cheers!