I spent two days in Anaheim at the NAMM, (the National Association of Music Merchants) show. On Thursday, 1/13/2011 I spent the day with Billy Morrison, Steve Stevens, Josie Stevens and Jimbo (guitar Tech extraordinaire ). This included an interview session for Billy and Steve with AKG about the wireless system that they both use and the unveiling of the Billy Morrison signature Gibson Les Paul.

Billy Morrison

Billy during the interview

Billy Morrison and Steve Stevens

Billy and Steve talking about microphones or some other tech that I don’t understand.

Josie and Steve Stevens

Josie and Steve pose for a quick shot while Billy was being interviewed.

Billy Morrison

Billy with his new “Billy Morrison Signature Gibson Les Paul”. This was shot against the Gibson backdrop and editing in photoshop using the dodge and burn tools to get rid of the ambient light bleed. Taken in about 30 seconds.

Billy Morrison Signature Gibson Les Paul

The custom paint job version next to the production version of the Billy Morrison Signature guitar.

Orange

I loved the look of this. Great paint job. I have no idea how it sounds.

Wall of Sound

On Saturday, 1/15/2011 I was back at NAMM, this time with my friend Mark Karan. He was down from San Francisco to do a signing at the Tone Pros booth, then to just check out the gear. There is one thing that musicians and photographers have in common; we both really like to look at gear. Doesn’t mean we want to own it all but we sure do like to look.

Mark Karan

Mark at the Tone pros booth.

Guitars

These guitars cost more than my house. Seriously.

Microphone testing

You get to try out the microphones!

Guitar testing

You get to try out the instruments….

Sound Police

Get too loud… the noise police show up!

All in all, the NAMM show was a blast. I skipped out on trying to shoot all the special appearance, I would rather shoot the performers when actually playing.