A host of new companies are poised to make a splash at your stores this year, including Baden Guitars. TJ Baden, a veteran of Fishman Transducers and Taylor Guitars, started his own brand of acoustic guitars with the help of designer Andreas Pichler. The company’s got auditorium- and dreadnought-style models that only go to independent dealers. They’re gearing up for a big consumer launch at Summer NAMM, so keep your eye on them.
Also new to the U.S. market is Red Witch. This New Zealand-based company makes a variety of analog guitar effects pedals, like the Pentavocal tremolo with five different voices and a unique bottom control feature that gives the player control over the amount of mid range and hi frequency cut that occurs as the volume decreases in the trem cycle. A full U.S. push is coming later in the year.

Moving on to drums and percussion, there’s a new kid on the block with an old and recognizable name—Buddy Rich. The legendary jazz musician’s daughter, Cathy Rich, teamed with music industry veteran Bill Morgan to create the Buddy Rick Drum Company. A variety of drum sets are available from this company, including a signature kit designed to Buddy Rich’s specifications, the Headliner Series for entry-level players, and the Legendary Maple Series for professionals.
Tama treated NAMM attendees to a unique limited edition set inspired by the Masai snare drum of the Warlord Collection. The seven-piece kit featured Warlord lugs with real Swarovski crystals on its African Bubinga shells. Only 100 kits are available worldwide, with 50 earmarked for the U.S.

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