Day two at the NAMM Show was busy in the best possible way. It was packed with meetings, reconnecting with longtime friends in the industry, and getting hands-on with a huge amount of gear that we’re excited to bring back to the shop. From guitars and drums to recording gear and pedals, Day Two was all about building relationships and setting the stage for what’s coming next at Sims Music.

Kicking Off the Day

We started the morning by walking the show floor, taking everything in, and checking out a few booths before diving into a full slate of meetings. It didn’t take long before the schedule filled up completely.

Zildjian Catch-Up

Our first major stop was with Zildjian. While they didn’t have an official booth this year, we met up with Tracy, one of their sales managers and a longtime friend, at their meeting space. It was great to sit down and talk through what they have coming this year, including upcoming promotions and new initiatives. Always good to reconnect and look ahead.

Meeting with Walmart

Next up was a meeting with the team at Walmart. Yes, we do sell on walmart.com. Their team is doing some genuinely impressive work helping independent businesses like ours reach larger online audiences, and we’re excited to continue growing that relationship.

Taylor Guitars – A Major Highlight

One of the biggest highlights of the day was our meeting with Taylor Guitars. They have a lot planned for 2026 and are approaching much of their lineup with a “modern versus traditional” mindset.

We spent time with the new Gold Label models, including the original releases and some newly added options—most notably a dreadnought we’re very excited about. We also checked out new high-end COA models and updated Builder’s Edition guitars.

Taylor also unveiled a brand-new limited line coming out of Tecate, Mexico for 2026. This series includes GS Mini models, 114 and 214 guitars, 12-string options, plus select 200 Series, 300 Series 12-strings, and 400 Series models. For the 300 and 400 Series, bodies are built in El Cajon, California, with final assembly completed in Mexico to help meet demand. This is a limited 2026 run—and we’ve got all of them coming.

It was also great seeing Aaron and Don from Taylor, and we started planning a major Taylor event at the store in April, with Taylor coming out in person. More details on that soon.

Martin Guitars – A Big Year Ahead

From there, we headed over to Martin Guitars and met with our rep, Christopher Bacon. Like Taylor, Martin is leaning into a modern versus traditional approach.

We spent a lot of time with the Road Series, which we’ve already started bringing into the shop, and we’ll be carrying the full Road Series lineup. We also checked out modern designs like the SC13E, along with new Custom Shop–built models that feature upgraded specs at a price point roughly $600–$700 less than a fully custom order. You may be seeing some of those arrive soon.

Beyond guitars, Martin also showed us a growing selection of accessories, including picks and home-bench tools. We’ll be expanding our Martin accessory lineup as well.

Arturia and the Recording World

After Martin, we met with our rep from Arturia. He walked us through additional brands and recording-focused products that we may be bringing into the shop. We already have Arturia gear on the way and plan to continue expanding our recording and production offerings.

Sabian – Big Things Coming

Next was a meeting with Stacy, Vice President of Sabian. Like several brands this year, Sabian didn’t have a traditional booth but instead used a meeting space. We talked through plans for 2026, their involvement with AIM (Alliance of Independent Music Merchants), and some exclusive models planned specifically for independent stores like Sims Music.

We also got a bit of inside information on a new Sabian series launching soon. We can’t say much yet, but from what we heard, it’s going to be a big one.

NUX – Affordable Pedals and Wireless Solutions

One of the meetings we were most excited about was with NUX. We’ve been looking to expand our affordable pedal offerings, and NUX fits that role perfectly.

What’s coming includes around a dozen different pedal models starting around $50, as well as expanded wireless options—most notably a full in-ear monitor system that can support an entire band for $299. Expect to see a lot more NUX gear in the shop soon.

Gibson, Epiphone, and Acoustic Expansion

We also spent time checking out what Gibson had on display this year. While there wasn’t an official booth, there was a strong showing of new instruments, including some standout acoustics coming out of the Bozeman factory.

Epiphone also had some impressive models on display, including a double-cut design that looks genuinely great—no small feat.

With our new acoustic wall in the shop, we’ll be bringing in as many great Gibson acoustics as possible, and we’re even considering Murphy Lab Custom Shop acoustics, so keep an eye out.

Yamaha – Celebrating 60 Years of Guitars

We wrapped up our Yamaha meetings after attending their 60th anniversary guitar celebration earlier in the week. Yamaha is celebrating 60 years of guitar production, and we were able to secure one extremely limited 60th Anniversary Revstar—only about 60 exist worldwide.

We’re also expanding the Revstar lineup with new finishes, including Gold Top models, adding more Yamaha acoustics and basses, and continuing to lean into Yamaha as they continue to absolutely crush it right now.

DW, LP, and Slingerland – Ending the Day Right

We finished the day with some of our closest friends in the industry at DW Drums, LP Percussion, and Slingerland.

Highlights included a massive silver kit built for Chad Smith and the new DW True-Cast 5x14 snare, with only 100 being made. We’ve got one coming in April, and these typically sell fast.

Slingerland continues to impress. We checked out a stunning Gold-to-Black Duco kit, a wide range of Radio King snares, and both solid shell and three-ply drums. We also recently launched the new Slingerland Solid Shells as part of their regular lineup. Modeled after last year’s limited editions but priced under $1,200, they offer incredible value. New finishes include Gold Glass and Maroon Glass, with more on the way.

We capped off the night by spending time with Chris Lombardi, CEO of DW, who is retiring in just a few days. Raising a glass and sending him off properly was a perfect way to end an incredible day.