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Can you believe it’s that time again? We’ve barely stolen a moment to wrap our heads around some of our favorite guitars, basses, drums, DJ gear, keyboards, synthesizers and recording equipment from 2025—a year that proved to be a whirlwind of awesome releases from the biggest brands.
And now, NAMM 2026 is here. It’s best we steel ourselves (and our wallets) for another eventful year of gear. Hopefully, curing GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) wasn’t on your list of New Year’s resolutions, because we’re about to take you through all the new arrivals from NAMM so far. To make it easy to find your favorite manufacturers, we’ll take it brand by brand, in alphabetical order, across categories.
Let’s see what’s in store …
Table of Contents
New Acoustic and Electric Guitars at NAMM 2026
New Keyboards, Synths, DJ Gear and Tech at NAMM 2026
New in Pro Audio, Recording and Live Sound at NAMM 2026
New Amps and Effects at NAMM 2026
New Bass Gear at NAMM 2026
New Drum Gear at NAMM 2026
Get Your Kicks From NAMM 2026
New Acoustic and Electric Guitars at NAMM 2026
Ibanez
Players have a variety of Ibanez acoustics and acoustic-electrics to explore in 2026. The dizzying array is a lot to take in, as the large-scale drop introduces new finishes and features across the assortment, such as stealthy blackout aesthetics, Advanced Access cutaways, A.I.R.port systems that guide sound straight to the player’s ears and more.
Highlights include AJ70 6- and 12-string jumbo models, PN50TKE and PN2WS parlor guitars, GA35TCE Thinline classical nylon string and the PCB54E acoustic bass. Other refreshed instruments are Advanced Acoustic dreadnoughts, ALT50FA Altstar mini dreadnought cutaways, all-black 6-, 12- and nylon-string AEG and GA models, as well as a trio of AEWC16QA guitars with quilted maple tops.
Shop Now: Ibanez ALT50FA Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar in Violet Sunburst
But wait, there’s more: Ibanez electrics. And the cliché is true, as there really is something for everybody this year, from a jazzy Artstar ASH300 semi-hollowbody to a futuristic Alpha A527 multi-scale 7-string (and A528 8-string).
Shop Now: Ibanez Alpha A527 Multi-Scale 7-String in Nebula Shift
The new Iron Label Xiphos XPT420DX is a death metal dream machine, while the RG Prestige RG653DX takes it back to the Roadstar Guitar’s glamorous ’80s heyday. You can count on fresh S Prestige S6621AH and AZ Prestige AZ2402 models as the cherries on top of an eventful launch.
Shop Now: Ibanez Prestige RG653DX in Transparent Deep Blue Flat
Martin
Martin refreshes its popular Road Series of acoustic-electrics with new Retro, Retro Plus and Modern models. Across the lineup, these instruments offer built-in tuners, Martin E1 or LR Baggs electronics, and an expansive selection of wood options and configurations. Many are also available left-handed—something for my fellow southpaws to celebrate.
Traditionalists might gravitate toward models such as the Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus, which takes cues from the legendary D-28, while those seeking a more daring design might prefer the SC-10E Modern with its unique offset cutaway and patented Sure Align neck system offering full access to every fret.
Shop Now: Martin Road Series DE Retro Plus Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Squier
Squier is gearing up to go fast with Sonic Series Stratocaster, Telecaster, Esquire and Mustang guitars, as well as a Mini Stratocaster. Some of these have gotten a fresh coat of paint in classic Fender colors, such as Sea Foam Green and Daphne Blue. Keep your eyes peeled for others in Olive Green, Sienna Sunburst, Canary Yellow and Midnight Blue.
Shop Now: Squier Sonic Series Esquire H in Olive
Taylor
Taylor expands its vintage-inspired Gold Label acoustic-electric family with 510e, 710e and 810e dreadnoughts, as well as 914e Super Auditorium and 917e Grand Pacific models. The range includes a variety of high-end tonewood pairings, LR Baggs VTC Element electronics, scalloped fanned V-Class bracing and long-tenon Action Control necks.
Check out these, as well as Next Generation models and everything new from Taylor.
Shop Now: Taylor Gold Label 917e Grand Pacific Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Teardrop Sunburst
New Keyboards, Synths, DJ Gear and Tech at NAMM 2026
AlphaTheta
An exciting debut, the RMX-IGNITE effector can transform performances with an onboard sampler and range of subtle or dramatic effects. As you feel the energy of the music and crowd, you can get creative with real-time sound manipulation and remixing to make your performances dynamic and expressive.
Shop Now: AlphaTheta RMX-IGNITE Remix Station and DJ Effects Processor
Arturia
Arturia’s dropping limited-edition KeyLab Essential controllers in pastel Rose Quartz and Aquamarine. These are fantastic home studio hubs for beginning and intermediate producers, and the sweet color refresh lets you have a little fun with your décor. Not everything in your creative space has to be black or white.
Shop Now: Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 MIDI Controller in Aquamarine
KORG
KORG is launching the KAOSS Pad V. Partly geared toward DJs and singers, it comes with a full vocal FX suite, including a harmonizer, vocoder and pitch shifter. It also adds a crucial guitar input absent from prior generations, which is great for people looking to emulate the sonic adventures of Nels Cline (Wilco) or Matt Bellamy (Muse). The KAOSS Pad V is hands-on effects processing at its finest.
Shop Now: KORG KAOSS Pad V Touch Effects Processor
If you’re interested in livestreaming as a musician, Liano LIVE! is an all-new 88-key digital piano with a built-in mixer, bundled microphone, cable and boom arm, and USB-C output to connect directly to a phone or computer. It’s a convenient, all-in-one way to jump into the streaming game, and it could work just as well for prerecorded social media content, too.
Shop Now: KORG Liano LIVE! 88-Key Digital Keyboard in White
Yamaha
Yamaha introduces PSR-E483 and PSR-E583 portable keyboards for beginning and intermediate players. At their core, these keyboards offer nearly 900 sounds to tinker with, from your typical organ and electric piano voices all the way up to realistically expressive guitars and world instruments. They also have a bunch of DSP-driven effects to further tweak each sound, but the intuitive control layout offers near-instant gratification.
Shop Now: Yamaha PSR-E583 61-Key Portable Keyboard
New in Pro Audio, Recording and Live Sound at NAMM 2026
AKG
AKG’s shaking up their renowned C Series with two entry-level large-diaphragm condensers inspired by C12 and C414 sonics and design: the fixed cardioid C104 and multipattern C114. Both microphones have a slick, stylish aesthetic, which should appeal to content creators hoping to establish a professional, polished visual presentation in addition to high-fidelity audio.
Shop Now: AKG C114 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
They’re also launching the C151—a budget-friendly small-diaphragm condenser recalling the C451 famously found on hi-hats and acoustic guitars everywhere. It achieves its affordability by dialing back some of the bells (filters) and whistles (pads) of its predecessor.
Shop Now: AKG C151 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Fender
Fender is leaping into the world of recording with Quantum series USB-C interfaces, from the desktop 2x2 LT 2 to the rackmount 16x8 LT 16. Quantum interfaces feature crystal-clear MAX-HD preamps offering +75dB of gain, Fender-designed Hi-Z inputs and conversion quality up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Prior to the Fender rebrand, Quantum Series interfaces were under the PreSonus name.
Shop Now: Fender Quantum LT 2 USB-C Audio Interface
KORG
KORG’s microAUDIO 722 is a two-channel audio interface with a tone-shaping miniKORG 700S analog filter section. Looking for a more streamlined alternative without the filters? The microAUDIO 22 is compact and clean. Both of these new USB-C interfaces from KORG offer up to 24-bit/192kHz conversion as well as a handy onboard loopback feature for streamers.
Shop Now: KORG microAUDIO 722 USB-C Audio Interface
Livewire
Guitar Center-exclusive power conditioners by Livewire are a cost-effective solution for clean, protected studio power. PP1000 (nine outlets) and PP2000 (11 outlets) units both offer front-panel USB-A and USB-C ports for device charging, while the beefier version also boasts an AC voltmeter and pair of retractable lights.
Shop Now: Livewire PP2000 Power Conditioner
QSC
For solo performers, DJs or anyone who needs big sound on the move, QSC’s compact CB10 portable speaker packs a punch. It’s a battery-powered system with a 10" driver that outputs up to 126dB SPL, putting it among the loudest in its class. The battery is, of course, rechargeable, but it’s also removeable, so you don’t have to lug the entire speaker to an outlet for recharging.
Shop Now: QSC CB10 Portable 10" Loudspeaker
Meanwhile, on the other end of the (frequency) spectrum: The QSC LS218 is a ground-shaking dual 18" subwoofer. If you need extreme bass for big events or fixed installations, this is a monster capable of 141dB SPL down to 35Hz.
Shop Now: QSC LS218 5000W Powered Subwoofer
Ultimate Ears
Ultimate Ears 150, 250 and 350 are universal-fit IEMs equipped with one to three drivers, for everything from straightforward onstage monitoring to critical listening in the studio. UE is best known for their custom-molded in-ears, and these offer a similar level of detail and comfort, right off the shelf.
Shop Now: Ultimate Ears UE 350 Universal In-Ear Monitors
Yamaha
Yamaha MGX Series mixers (MGX12V and MGX16) bring digital functionality to trusty MG Series analog boards, in the form of a touchscreen interface with effects, savable and recallable scenes, automatic gain and more. These are flexible all-around mixers for live sound, music production, podcasting and streaming, and they’re portable enough to follow every gig.
Shop Now: Yamaha MGX16 22-Channel Digital Mixer
Yamaha is additionally launching touchscreen- and DSP effects-equipped URX Series audio interfaces. They have a desktop-friendly footprint and have been designed with content creators at top of mind—the URX44V, for example, incorporates HDMI-USB capture for video and streaming workflows.
Shop Now: Yamaha URX44V USB-C Audio/Video Interface
New Amps and Effects at NAMM 2026
BOSS
The BOSS GX-1 multi-effects processor is a one-stop tone shop containing 23 amplifier models and 140+ effects in a conveniently compact chassis with an intuitive control set. A spiritual successor to the portable GT-1, the GX-1 utilizes newer AIRD modeling technology. Plus, the visual presentation and physical interface have been improved to accelerate ease of use. The BOSS GX-1 makes an awesome alternative to larger, more expensive modelers with more complicated tone-making mechanisms.
You can also enlarge the GX-1’s existing footswitches with an optional 10-pack of BOSS caps (sold separately) that fit right over the existing buttons.
Shop Now: BOSS GX-1 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor
EarthQuaker Devices
Designed in collaboration with Dr. Z Amplification, the EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre is an all-analog, tube-driven preamplifier in pedal format, meant to take the place of a traditional guitar amp. Known for its sensitive touch response, the ZEQD-Pre’s EF86 pentode valve is the same found in many Dr. Z amps.
Featuring 3-band EQ, an XLR output with onboard speaker cabinet simulation and a headphone jack for monitoring, the ZEQD-Pre is a giggable, recordable guitar amplifier you can almost fit in your pocket—maybe if you’re wearing cargo pants.
Shop Now: EarthQuaker Devices ZEQD-Pre Tube Preamp Pedal
Fender
The limited-edition Fender 30th Anniversary Hot Rod Deluxe celebrates a milestone of tone, enhanced with a Celestion Creamback speaker, solid pine cabinet shrouded in black Western vinyl, Bassman-style grille cloth and chrome faceplate. Thirty years later, this pedal-friendly combo is still a go-to amp for timeless Fender sound.
Shop Now: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 30th Anniversary 40W Guitar Combo Amp in Black Western
VOX
VOX expands its handwired amplifier lineup with AC15HWR1 and AC30HWR2 combos, loaded with Celestion Greenback speakers as an alternative to Celestion Blues found in existing handwired amps. Greenbacks offer a smooth, warm sound that complements the VOX’s bright voice. Compared to a Celestion Blue—which has its own midrange presence and top-end bump making an AC sound even brighter—Greenbacks mellow things out a bit.
Shop Now: VOX AC30HWR2 Hand-Wired Combo Amp with Celestion Greenback Speakers
They’re also releasing a pair of Valvetronix Classic Blue VTXCLBL combos powered by VET+ (Virtual Element Technology) modeling. The VT20X and VT40X are 20- and 40-watt versions, respectively.
Shop Now: VOX Valvetronix VT40X Classic Blue 40W Hybrid Guitar Combo Amp
Finally, VOX VTB-1 Treble Booster and VFZ-1 Fuzz pedals pay homage to legendary, silicon transistor-based circuits from the 1960s: the Rangemaster and Tone Bender.
Shop Now: VOX VTB-1 Treble Booster Pedal
New Bass Gear at NAMM 2026
BOSS
Toss your rig in a gig bag and go with the BOSS GX-1B bass effects processor, loaded with 16 amplifier models and more than 130 effects. The new Gear Suite feature works like presets for every individual amp and effect, so dialing in sounds is a cinch since you’re starting with a solid foundation. You can then chain up to eight blocks simultaneously to build your tones.
Shop Now: BOSS GX-1B Bass Effects Processor
Ibanez
Ibanez welcomes a handful of new basses into the fold, from angular Iceman ICB620 and ICB720FM models to a unique UB804 electric upright. With its extended range, contoured body and thin, flat-radiused neck, the Ibanez Bass Workshop BTB605MS multi-scale 5-string caters to the most demanding technical players, while Mode Series basses offer a part-traditional, part-aggressive offset shape with gorgeous figured tops and flexible sonics. Take your pick of the 4-string MDM1600, 5-string MDM1605 or 6-string MDM1606.
Shop Now: Ibanez ICB620 Iceman Electric Bass Guitar in Black Flat
Squier
Squier is now offering the Sonic Bronco Bass in Daphne Blue and the Sonic Precision Bass in Midnight Blue. The short-scale Bronco delivers a warm, rounded, vintage-style voice with lower string tension and easier playability, and the P Bass brings a timeless look, sound and feel to the table.
Additionally, Squier is refinishing the Mini Precision Bass—a 28.6" short-scale revision of the standard P Bass—in 2-Tone Sunburst.
Shop Now: Squier Sonic Precision Bass in Midnight Blue
New Drum Gear at NAMM 2026
ddrum
Best-selling ddrum Dominion and D2 drum sets are poised to receive exclusive colorways at Guitar Center. Birch Dominion 6-piece kits come in Java Pearl and Inferno Red Pearl, while 5- and 8-piece D2 sets are available in vibrant Lime Sparkle. These affordable and expansive drum kits are a great entry point for aspiring metal drummers.
Shop Now: ddrum Dominion Birch 7-Piece Shell Pack in Java Pearl
MEINL
MEINL introduces two new limited-edition Artist Design ride cymbals from Anika Nilles—a technically astounding drummer recently announced to tour with Rush this year—and Aric Improta, a Grammy Award-nominated player known for his high-octane solos and energetic performances. Nilles’ ride showcases her Ocean Tides design, while Improta’s exhibits his Arcwave visual.
Be sure to check out everything new from MEINL.
Shop Now: MEINL Anika Nilles Ocean Tides Artist Design Ride Cymbal 22in
TAMA
TAMA’s reintroducing a strictly limited Starclassic Bubinga shell pack and matching snare (45 and 70 pieces, respectively) with 9-ply construction and an African Cherry veneer. Bubinga is one of the brand’s most sought-after tonewoods, and the made-in-Japan craftsmanship is second to none.
Shop Now: TAMA Starclassic Bubinga 5-Piece Shell Pack
Look forward to seeing the top-selling Starclassic Walnut/Birch drum kit refinished in premium Molten Platinum Burst as well as the top-of-the-line Star Maple snare in Charcoal Brown Paraiso.
Legendary progressive metal sticksman Mike Portnoy has a bubinga TAMA signature snare drum in a white paint-drip to purple sparkle faded finish. The 3-way throw-off delivers a versatile range of wire tension. In other snare news, TAMA is also putting out an ultralimited Star Reserve Mahogany snare drum.
Shop Now: TAMA STAR Reserve G-Mahogany Snare Drum 14x6.5in in Satin Natural Tineo
Lastly, TAMA Spartan Straight and Boom Cymbal Stands combine durability and stability with lightweight portability for the everyday gigging drummer. Hardware shouldn’t break your back, nor should it be susceptible to breakage itself. To that end, Spartan hardware is tough as nails and light as a feather.
Shop the complete New From TAMA collection.
Shop Now: TAMA Spartan Boom Cymbal Stand
Get Your Kicks From NAMM 2026
Be one of the first to get your hands on hot new gear featured in this article and beyond by visiting our NAMM New Arrivals page. As you can see, dozens of top brands have chosen NAMM 2026 to unveil hundreds of products across categories—and this is only what we know so far …
Want the inside scoop on a particular piece? Reach out to one of our expert Gear Advisers who can help you navigate NAMM 2026 launches with a personalized approach.