Kurzweil PC3
The Kurzweil PC3 88-note weighted keyboard features a large collection of preset sounds, real-time controller functions, the company's Triple Strike Grand Piano and hundreds of new sounds, along with a collection of vintage keyboard emulations. The keyboard also hosts 128-note polyphony, 16-track sequencer, four independent arpeggiators and enhanced effects processing power in a new, intuitive interface. The PC3 will be available in the spring of 2007. Booth: 303CD www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com

Furman SPB-8C
The SPB-8C features a solid, robust construction comprising a rugged yet light polycarbonate platform with a 13.75x26.75-inch Velcro sheet and an extruded aluminum chassis. The SPB-8C features a new, durable polyethylene hardshell case that is large enough to accommodate the pedal board and all attached effects. Additionally, the pedal board's case features a pop-up handle and wheels for quick and easy transportation. The SPB-8C ships at a suggested retail price of $430. Booth #6874. www.furmansound.com

SLS Loudspeakers 8290
SLS Loudspeakers' 8290 multipurpose portable P.A./box offers a full-range, passive, high-quality dual 8'-inch design that incorporates a compact multi-angled cabinet with maximum SPLs. The 8290 is equipped with SLS' PRD500 planar ribbon driver that is contained within a 90-degree die-cast-aluminum waveguide. Its dual 8-inch woofers provide increased control in the vertical plane. Hall B, Booth #5222. www.slsloudspeakers.com

Yamaha STAGEPAS 500
The STAGEPAS 500 compact P.A. system offers easy set up and 500 watts of power. Yamaha will also introduce a brand-new lineup of small-format MG Mixers, which offer single-knob compression on two inputs, switchable monitor mix routing and upgraded components. Keyboardists will want to check out the new PSR-S500, which offers pro features such as large-wave ROM for voices. Yamaha also introduces the EZ-200 keyboard for beginners and the compact DD-65 Digital Drum Kit. Booth #Booth: 4578. www.yamahaproaudio.com

GCI Technologies Strong Showing
At the 2007 Winter NAMM show coming up on Jan. 18-21, the brands falling under the GCI Technologies banner -- Gemini, Cortex and iKey Audio -- will all be displaying new products. Gemini will roll out 10 new pieces, with the highlights inlcuding the MPX-40 Professional FX MP3 Player, the CDM-600 Professional DJ Station, an updated CDT-05 MKII Professional Hybrid Turntable and the soon-to-be-released PS series of DJ mixers. Following up on last year's HDC-1000 Dual Digital Music Controller, Cortex will show the advanced HDC-3000 Dual Digital Music Controller, (shipping Q1 2007) and the HDTT-5000 Digital Music Turntable/Controller--a table top unit that exclusively spins digital music files from USB-compatible storage devices such as an iPod, flash drive or external hard drive. The Cortex DMIX-300 and DMIX-600 all-in-one digital mixing stations consolidate mixing digital music files into sleek, feature-rich units. iKey Audio will expands its offerings by first replacing its current iKey portable recorder with the iKEY Plus Portable USB Recorder. It's also set to launch the brand new iKEY Pro USB Field Recorder and its SM Professional Studio Monitors. Booth #6966. www.gci-technologies.com

Play With Symetrix
Visit the Symetrix booth #6405 for a hands-on demonstration of the dual-channel AirTools 6200 digital voice processor and its analog progenitor, the Symetrix 528E. Visitors can try out both voice processors in a simulated podcast kiosk. Each unit possesses a microphone preamp, a de-esser, a compressor, a downward expander, equalizers and voice symmetry. Symetrix is also offering ultra-low NAMM show pricing on the AirTools 6200. Contact your dealer. Special show pricing expires January 31, 2007.

Aviom Calls on Musicians
Guitarists, bass players, keyboardists and drummers will have a chance to play with Aviom's Pro16 personal mixing system. The company's interactive booth houses stations, each equipped with an instrument, headphones and/or Westone in-ear monitors, effects and an Aviom A-16II personal mixer. This setup allows musicians to jam along with pre-recorded audio tracks running through the Aviom mixer that can be custom-mixed by that individual player. For more info, visit www.aviom.com/NAMM

Anyway, here are some of the industry's most memorable NAMM moments uncut and (mostly) uncensored, and now made public for the first time, and offered for your entertainment. These are listed in no particular order, but I'll get the ball rolling with one of my faves. Interestingly, most of the people we contacted had tons of great stories, but on second thought felt some should remain "private." However, it you have a NAMM tale to add, send it to gpetersen@mixonline.com.

You Mean THAT Mitch????
Some years ago, I was at Summer NAMM and walking around the riverfront area about midnight. After an evening of drinks and a business dinner, I was heading back to my hotel for some much-needed rest when a friend stopped me and asked if I wanted to have a beer and talk with him and his friend Mitch. A diminutive guy (maybe everybody looks diminutive when you're big like me), Mitch had with graying hair and seemed like a nice fellow, but I left, telling them I was tired and really needed some sleep. The next day, I saw my friend at the show and he said he was surprised that with me being a drummer and a major Hendrix fan, I turned down having drinks with Mitch Mitchell. I was shocked and stunned, to say the least! Moral: The next time anyone introduces me to a musical god/icon/genius who I might not immediately recognize (after all, that Are You Experienced? cover photo was taken 40 year ago!), please tell me their whole name.
-- George Petersen
Mix magazine

Watch that Door!
Here's a strange little NAMM story that happened to me last year. The night before the first night of the show, I was in my hotel room getting ready for bed. For some reason I decided to turn off all of the lights and needed to walk in the dark into my bedroom. I held both hands out in front of me not wanting to run into anything. However, the bedroom door managed to make its way right between my outstretched arms and I hit the corner of the door on my forehead walking full speed! When I turned on the lights I could see my forehead was gushing with blood. At the show, the next day, I had a big gnarly bump and gash on my forehead which I covered with a band aid. It was pretty embarrassing.
-- Brad Zell
PreSonus Audio Electronics

Rolling Along
It was the first NAMM show I attended, I think in January 1975. It was at the Marriott at LAX, prior to moving to the Disneyland Hotel. I was checking out the Travis Bean electrics and a fellow approached me in the aisle. He was hyping his new concept for a business card. It was a pack of cigarette rolling papers with the cover printed like a business card. Far out, man!
-- Kurt Listug
Taylor Guitars