AirTurn, Inc.

We're still trying to digest the amazing opportunities and connections made at the 2010 NAMM show, which took place in sunny Anaheim, California.  NAMM stands for the National Association of Music Merchants, and represents the trade association of the international music products industry.  Even though by most accounts this was one of the smallest shows in recent times, Frank Baxter, founder of the PianoWorld forums, noted that the overall atmosphere was positive and optimistic throughout the music industry, which portends well for the hopes of a continued economic recovery.  This might have seemed "small" to the NAMM veterans, but for me (this being my first visit to a NAMM show), it was still overwhelming to witness the breadth and scope of instrument makers, music technologies, services, and music publishers all in one location!  

Many thanks to Rich Galassini, one of the owners of Cunningham Piano Co. in Philadelphia, for acting as our "show guide" of sorts, and helping to make introductions to all of the major piano manufacturers in attendance, such as Yamaha, Roland, Boesendorfer, Estonia, Fazioli, and a plethora of others.  It was a special treat to meet Frank Baxter in person at the Boesendorfer booth (where I gave an impromptu private performance for him!)  Here we are pictured in descending height:  Rich, Frank, and lil' ol' me ;)

One of the main highlights of the NAMM show was officially announcing AirTurn's partnership with PianoDisc, as well as my induction into the Mason & Hamlin Artist Roster (PianoDisc and Mason & Hamlin are sister companies).  Here's a picture of me demonstrating MusicReader and the AirTurn hands-free wireless page turner running on one of PianoDisc's Sync-A-Vision music rack monitors.  The Sync-A-Vision features an iMac monitor and Mac Mini computer integrated beautifully into the aesthetic design of a standard piano music rack, and seamlessly connected into the PianoDisc MIDI and player piano components retrofitted into this Mason & Hamlin acoustic piano.

Of course, there was lots of piano playing and instrument sampling!  I was particularly impressed with the new Yamaha CFX concert grand.  Whatever your impressions of a Yamaha grand piano, be prepared to throw them out the window once you've experienced this instrument.  It combines power with warmth, depth, and that signature Yamaha clarity of sound in an impeccable action that responds brilliantly to the touch.  Yamaha may have a real home run with this beauty of a piano.

I was also really impressed with Mason & Hamlin's revolutionary Wessel, Nickel & Gross carbon fiber keyboard components, which bring a level of perfection and consistency to the piano action that borders on the uncanny.  You feel like the piano keys are fine tuned to perform like a musical Lamborghini, that's how exquisitely controlled and powerful the WNG action performs!

Of course, who could resist falling in love with the sound and touch of a Boesendorfer?  Their CEUS reproducing piano system is one of the finest in the world, capable of capturing an incredible level of finesse and musical expressiveness, even down to the fully dynamic damper pedals.

Our time spent at NAMM went by all to quickly, but our mission was accomplished:  we gained an important overview of the music merchant industry, and made lots of new friends and prospective business partners.  Next year I promise to keep my camera busy and take more pictures!