Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

GALLERY: People of NAMM, Part 2

We put faces to the names of all those gear personalities you’ve heard about.

Stuart Spector of Spector Guitars and Basses

If someone mentions the names Leo Fender or Les Paul, there’s a good chance that an image of them will pop into your head. But there are many other “names” in the guitar world that you know but you probably couldn’t pick the individuals out in a crowd. These are people whose guitars, amps, or pedals you might use on a regular basis or, at least, plan to buy as soon as that big lottery win comes your way.

Who? People like Reinhold Bogner, Andy Fuchs, or Dave Friedman (amps). Joe Knaggs, Dennis Fano, or Tom Anderson (guitars). Brian Wampler, Robert Keeley, or Harri Koski of Mad Professor (effects pedals). How about Seymour Duncan? Floyd Rose? Jim Dunlop? Did you know that there is a Rick Shubb behind all of those Shubb capos you see on the wall of your local guitar shop?

These personalities, and more, were at Winter NAMM in January and were nice enough to allow their pictures to be taken.

Blair White, a pedal consultant to the pros and owner of Nashville’s Eastside Music Supply, shares his favorite contemporary pedals for recreating—and reimagining—the gnarliest sounds of the past.

Read MoreShow less

Legendary shredder Joe Satriani was the first ever guest on Wong Notes, so it makes sense that he’s the first returning sit-in with Cory Wong.

Read MoreShow less

The New ToneWoodAmp2 is smaller, lighter, rechargeable, and offers foureffects simultaneously, along with a mobile app and much more.

Read MoreShow less

Paul Reed Smith also continues to evolve as a guitarist, and delivered a compelling take on Jeff Beck’s interpretation of “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” at the PRS 40th Anniversary Celebration during this year’s NAMM.

After 40 years at the helm of PRS Guitars, our columnist reflects on the nature of evolution in artistry—of all kinds.

Read MoreShow less