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Music World at NAMM 2026

• NAMM

Music World at NAMM 2026 — Celebrating 50 Years While Discovering the Future of Music

The Music World team recently returned from the NAMM Show 2026 in Anaheim, California — the largest gathering of music brands, artists, and industry leaders in the world. Every year NAMM gives us a look at where music is heading. This year was extra special, as we not only explored incredible new gear, but also celebrated a major milestone for Music World.

🏆 A Milestone We’ll Never Forget

We were deeply honoured to receive the NAMM 50 Year Milestone Award. This recognition celebrates five decades of serving musicians in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario — a legacy started by our father and founder, Cosimo Riccio, whose passion for music and community continues to guide everything we do today.

This award belongs to our customers and the generations of musicians who have made Music World part of their musical journey.

🎸 Guitar Highlights from NAMM

NAMM is where guitar dreams come true, and 2026 did not disappoint.

  • Orange Amps unveiled the new UK-built OR60 valve amp — classic tone with modern refinement.

  • Vox introduced AC15 & AC30 Handwired models plus the Valvetronix Classic Blue Series.

  • Blackstar debuted the ID:X Floor advanced digital modeller.

On the guitar side:

  • Martin Guitars showcased stunning customs, including their 3 millionth Martin guitar — a piece of history.

  • Taylor Guitars filled a room with instruments, highlighting the Next-Generation Grand Auditoriums, Action Control Neck, and new Claria pickup system.

  • PRS displayed the Wild Blue Silver Sky and Ed Sheeran Cosmic Splash, and we were honoured to meet Paul Reed Smith himself.

  • Ibanez turned heads with the PIA77BON2 Steve Vai signature, plus a full lineup of electrics.

  • Gibson & Epiphone, Cream Guitars, Amahi’s silent travel guitar, and Riversong (Made in Canada) were standouts.

🔊 Pro Audio & Amplification

Pro Audio continues to evolve fast:

  • Yorkville added to their Elite Series speakers.

  • QSC introduced the new CB10 battery-powered speaker — portable power with professional clarity.

  • We visited Radial Engineering — proudly Canadian-made — a brand known worldwide for reliability on stage and in studios.

🥁 Drums & Percussion Power

Drummers had plenty to get excited about:

  • DW, Ludwig, Pearl (celebrating 80 years), Tama, and Slingerland all showed incredible kits and snares.

  • We saw Chad Smith’s monster DW kit and Tama’s Starphonic snares.

  • Meinl featured artist-design cymbals, including the limited Anika Nilles Ocean Tides 22” Ride.

🎹 Keys, Technology & Innovation

  • Roland Aerophone digital wind instruments showcased how technology is expanding performance possibilities.

  • We saw beautiful grand and upright pianos from top manufacturers.

  • Boss introduced the GX-1 & GX-1B effects processors for guitar and bass.

⭐ Unreal Artist Sightings

NAMM always brings the stars out and this year we crossed paths with:

Paul Sidoti • Tim Henson • Paul Gilbert • Blues Saraceno • Tré Cool • Ray Luzier • Verdine White • Billy Sheehan • Phil X • Mohini Dey • Doug Wimbish • Omar Hakim • Josh Freese 

Moments like these remind us how connected the global music community really is.

❤️ From Thunder Bay to the World

From meeting legendary artists to celebrating 50 years of Music World history, NAMM 2026 was unforgettable. We are grateful to represent our community on the world stage and can’t wait to bring many of these exciting products into the store.

 

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