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The biggest annual gathering of music nerds happened this weekend in Anaheim.

For over a century, NAMM (one of the biggest music equipment trade shows in the world) has been visiting Anaheim for a weekend every January.

Each year, the biggest companies in the music industry show off their latest and greatest gear at the convention, with everything from the most futuristic DJ equipment to custom guitars that sound straight out of the '70s. Everyone from the most underground rappers and smallest indie bands to aging rock stars and the biggest names in music history (no, really, Stevie Wonder was cruising around with his people) gather in the Anaheim Convention Center to check out the music that's going to be dominating their industry for the next 12 months.

It's four days of nonstop gearhead wet dreams, so picking the best products NAMM has to offer is virtually impossible (particularly when considering the subjectivity of music and its equipment). That said, Myspace was there to nerd out for a while and select five of the coolest things you might have missed at NAMM this year (not including Stevie Wonder or the giant mural of Keith Richards).

 

Mayones Regius 6 "Paper" Guitar

Saying there were a lot of guitars at NAMM is like saying there are a lot of fish in the ocean. Although just about every type of music was represented (the real party was happening in the brass and woodwind sections), there were clearly more guitars and guitar accessories than anything else. Considering that Myspace will never be the one to step in on the Gibson vs. Fender (or any other music gear preference) debate, the "Paper" finish on the Regius 6 was enough to be declared the coolest-looking guitar in our eyes. The newspaper finish is a cool touch you don't see on too many instruments, and we're willing to bet that the Polish company's guitar sounds just as good as the big name brands at NAMM in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing.

 

'Finding Nemo' Ukuleles

According to Goldfish Guitars, these two "Fishuku" ukuleles aren't Nemo and Dory from everyone's favorite aquatic Disney-Pixar movie. They're merely the Clwonuku Soprano Ukulele and Tanguku Concert Ukulele. Of course, when they're put next to each other, they look more than a little like they might want you to just keep swimming or learn to speak whale. There were plenty of other (more professional) ukuleles, and hundreds of instruments painted with American flags and other common designs, but how can you not love the ones that may or may not be based on one of the greatest movies (for children or otherwise) of the 21st century?

 

Pro Lighting Booths

In a convention full of audio gear, it was actually the visual exhibitors that stuck out the most. Regardless of brand or quality, the neon piping, constantly moving beams, and bright strobe lights made the lighting booths way more fun and interesting than a lot of the musical displays. We don't know a whole lot about making a room look like the best dance club in LA or NY, but those dudes sure did. Some of them even had couches so you could sit and chill while you're enjoying a mediocre DJ and fantastic light show. Thanks to NAMM grouping many of them together in the same area, you could actually see the fog rolling out of the arena as you approached that section.

 

Moog Island of Electonicus

One of the longest-running names in electronic music also had one of the most interesting displays of the weekend. Catering to those who prefer their electronica in the grassy fields of festivals and college quadrangles (primarily hipsters), Moog set up pillows on the ground for people to sit on while experimenting with their effects and synthesizers. Considering that they're among the industry standards for production equipment, Moog could've easily phoned it in and created a standard booth. Instead, they brought in a whole landscape to create a unique exhibit that drew attention all four days. It might not have helped them sell more products, but it'll definitely be remembered by its visitors far longer than most of the exhibits.

 

Pioneer Millennium Falcon CDJ-2000NXS

Since The Force Awakens came out last month, there's been more than enough Star Wars stuff to last everyone a lifetime. Technically, Pioneer created this Millennium Falcon (and the accompanying TIE Fighter) just for NAMM, but it's really a re-creation of the custom piece designed to raise money for charity in October 2013. The CDJ-2000NXS is already professional-grade equipment for DJs of any level, but who wouldn't rather scratch on the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy if given the opportunity? It's probably (hopefully) only a matter of time until a DJ in a Chewbacca suit gets famous for spinning on one of them. 

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