One of the largest annual trade shows for music products, National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) had their 2025 edition from January 21st to 25th at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. Like every year, we got to see some hottest gears by the best in the business.
The Best In Show Category was moderated by Frank Alkyer, president of Music Inc. magazine and Upbeat Daily. A panel of 6 retail buying experts presented their top picks for the best gear and services displayed on the 2025 show gallery.
Here are the 4 categories for this year:
- Best In Show: The best product or service the panelists got to see.
- Company To Watch: The company with the most trendsetting products or services on display.
- Gotta Stock It: Products that retailers should immediately stock in.
- Add-ons and Accessories: The best products from the small goods section.
NAMM 2025: ADD-ONS AND ACCESSORIES
Vandoren HD mouthpiece
An innovation after lots of research and development, Vandoren has come up with their High Density Ebonite which reinforces the natural acoustic qualities of their standard ebonite while optimizing the player’s experience and playing sensation.
Click here for the official Vandoren website.
D’Addario Backline Beat Backpack
With more than 8 specialized storage and transport compartments built in, the D’Addario Gear Transport pack makes the job easy for musicians on the move while keeping the gear safe. Not to forget the heavy-duty construction, water-resistant zippers and comfort-padded comfort points.
Click here for the official D’Addario website link!
VAMAV 10-inch STX1040 Powered Subwoofer
The 800-watt powerhouse is designed to deliver deep, resonant bass that will enhance any home theatre or music setup, with extraordinary sound clarity. This makes it an ideal choice for audiophiles and movie enthusiasts alike.
Click here for the official product link.
Vandoren 4-Reed
Vandoren Jazz reeds are known for producing an extremely pure sound with a precisely cut reed tip and more options when it comes to vertebral column flexibility: from solid to a little more flexible.
Click here for Vanderon’s official website link to their reeds collection.
Gator GPB Pocketboard
With room for up to 8 standard-sized pedals, whether placed vertically or horizontally, the 10.75 by 10.25-inch pedalboard offers everything a gigging musician wants. What’s more? The rugged metal construction, perforations for cable management, as well as the built-in carrying handle for easy setup and handling.
Click here for the official link to Gator GPB Pocketboard!
NAMM 2025: GOTTA STOCK IT
MXR Rockman X100 — Selected by Dominic Wagner
The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor revives the signature sonic character of the MXR Rockman X100 headphone amp in stompbox form: the same crystalline clean, crunchy harmonics and shimmering modulation. With the same four tonal presets, carefully calibrated compression, and bucket-brigade chorusing, this all-analog recreation also features both mono and stereo modes and optional external mode switching for an enhanced user experience.
Check out the MXR Rockman X100 on Stompbox.com. Click here!
Casio Celviano AP-300
Along with the sound and resonance of a great piano, the AP 300 also offers great playability with a fusion of hammer action mechanics and digital control. The piano comes with 19 built-in tones and a 2-channel speaker system along with a headphone mode, making it an ideal choice for pianists worldwide.
Click here to check out the product on Casio’s official website.
Gator Icon Gig Bags
Equipped with an extremely durable, semi-rigid construction and sleek appearance, the ICON Series Gig Bags by Gator Cases are crafted specifically with the career musician in mind.
Check the product out on Gator’s official website as well!
Martin Grand J-28E DN (Double Neck)
As a member of the popular Standard Series lineup, this all-new guitar combines Martin’s renowned quality and craftsmanship with modern innovation, featuring an acoustic-electric with a twelve and six-string neck, also giving you the versatility to explore new sounds, tunings, and musical textures all on one guitar.
Check the product out on Martin’s official website!
Also check out: KraftGeek’s Bravo Music Stand Wins “Best in Show” at NAMM 2024
NAMM 2025: COMPANIES TO WATCH
Maple Leaf Strings
“If you ask someone what makes a good partner, they’d say Maple Leaf Strings. They find out what your goals are and they make them their own common goals,” says Robbie Christie who selected them at NAMM. Founded in 2011, the company was built on decades of experience within an orchestral string specialty retail shop that focused heavily on school service and beginning string players.
Also check out their official website. Click here!
IK Multimedia
For over 25 years, the company has developed technologies and made them accessible so everyone can enjoy the sounds, tools and experiences they want, whether for guitar, recording, instruments, or creators.
Check out their official website as well. Click here!
Opus1.io
The one-of-a-kind Music School Management Platform is crafted to streamline your school’s processes, making daily operations smoother and more efficient.
Also check out their official website. Click here!
DB Technologies
“DB Technologies’ products are engineered for the end-user, for example, cable trays built into its speakers,” says Cyph Shah while selecting them, Founded in 1973, the brand is distributed in more than 160 countries worldwide, providing installation companies, rental companies, sound designers and musicians with audio equipment and combining top-quality sound performance with a distinguishable
Also, check out their official website. Click here!
Eastman
Eastman guitars have been known for their skilled craftsmanship when it comes to making guitars, focusing on every single detail so that the instrument reaches its maximum potential.
For Eastman’s official website. Click here!
Strandberg Guitars
Known for their headless guitars, Strandberg guitars have created their own market with their space-age out-of-the-box design. Here’s a walkthrough video by Andertons.
Also check out their official website. Click here!
NAMM 2025: BEST IN SHOW
Yamaha Marching Carriers
High-quality washable pads and waist belts improve fit and comfort, while refined adjustment mechanisms provide new setup freedom – Yamaha Marching Carriers stand out due to their reliability, comfort and of course their reputation in the music instruments industry.
Also check it out on Yamaha’s official website!
Korg miniKORG 700Sm
The miniKORG 700Sm reimagines the legendary miniKORG 700S in a compact, portable format with modern enhancements for today’s musicians. While retaining the features of the 2021 miniKORG 700FS, the miniKORG 700Sm offers a slimmer keyboard, reduced to approximately 86% of the original size, and weighs just 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs)—perfect for musicians on the go.
Also check the product out on Korg’s official website!
Maple Leaf Strings’ Savi Bows
Further in the list we have the Maple Leaf Strings’ Savi Violin and Bass bows. While traditional violin bows often rely on pernambuco, a rare and endangered wood, Maple Leaf Strings have come up with a more eco-conscious alternative that maintains exceptional performance.
Check out their collection of bows here!
QSC KC12 Column P.A. System
The QSC KC12 is a revolutionary 3-way active column loudspeaker that redefines the idea of sound systems. It comes with a Patented LEAF Waveguide, Dual 4-inch Midrange Drivers, High-Excursion 12-inch Subwoofer as well as a 3000 Watt Class-D Amplifier.
Check out the product here!
NAMM U Educational Sessions
“I recently got a promotion at my job, and I honestly think my career kicked into high gear here at the Ideas Center [NAMM U’s NAMM show education center],” says panelist Amanda Reuter. These educational sessions offered by NAMM can be of immense help to grow your business. Moreover, NAMM show 2025 itself offered 40 such U sessions.
Learn more about the U sessions on the NAMM official website!
Marshall JCM800 Modified
Finally, we come to the JCM800, a modern modified version of the Marshall classic JCM800 that shaped rock and metal. The amp also offers unparalleled tonal flexibility, featuring gain-boost, mid-boost and tight switch options.
Don’t forget to check it out on Marshall’s official website!
