The 2012 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) trade show in Anaheim, California, is one of the largest international events in the industry, and it’s a great preview of what each company in the music business is doing for the coming year. This year’s show was a particularly successful and exciting one for NS Design.  We brought several prototype instruments to the show and were heartened by the enthusiastic response they received from players and the press.

Making its debut at the show was a prototype of the new NS Bass Guitar—designed by Ned Steinberger and built by luthier Jonathan Kelsey. We brought two 5-string versions to the show for player feedback—one fretted, the other fretless. Enthusiasm for the instrument soon spread to the public and the press. Premier Guitar Magazine honored the bass as an “Editor’s Pick” of the show, and Bass Gear Magazine designated it “Best of Show”.

Several excellent video interviews were generated at the show. NoTreble.com published this overview of the instrument and a video interview with Ned Steinberger. Here are a couple other great videos showcasing the instrument.

Custom editions of the NS Bass Guitar, hand-built in Maine by luthier Jon Kelsey, will be available late Spring of 2012. Standard production models, which will be made in the Czech Republic, are expected in Fall of 2012. Details will be announced as these come closer to actual production.

The 2012 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) trade show in Anaheim, California, is one of the largest international events in the industry, and it’s a great preview of what each company in the music business is doing for the coming year. This year’s show was a particularly successful and exciting one for NS Design.