Displaying items by tag: Guitars

For nearly two centuries, C.F. Martin & Co. has been shaping the soundscape of music in all genres and has become a global brand that defines and represents American culture. From the hands of legends to the stages of everyday storytellers, Martin Guitar continues to embody tradition, innovation, and musical excellence. At the 2025 NAMM Show, the company celebrated a monumental milestone with the unveiling of its D-3 Millionth serialized model, a symbol of craftsmanship and heritage that’s as much a work of art as it is an instrument.

Under the leadership of CEO Thomas Ripsam, Martin Guitar is embracing the future without losing sight of its roots. Whether it’s through the introduction of the striking new Art Guitars series or the expansion of the Martin Artist Showcase, the company continues to explore bold intersections between visual creativity and sonic brilliance. As both a brand and a cultural institution, Martin Guitar remains deeply committed to nurturing artistry, elevating musical expression, and supporting musicians at every stage of their journey.

In a world where music and craftsmanship collide, few artists embody the fusion of culture, innovation, and raw sonic power like Demetrio Scopelliti and John Ivan. Scopelliti—a multifaceted guitarist, producer, and founder of Inspiria Guitars—has built his legacy across borders. Born in Italy and based in Norway since 2008, he blends the bold spirit of Viking culture with the elegance of Italian design. His music and instruments are reflections of that duality: fierce, expressive, and meticulously crafted. 

Joining the conversation is John Ivan, known to many as GuitarSlinger—a veteran of the international metal scene and a true force in progressive and thrash metal. As a key member of the Michael Vescera Project and co-founder of The Voices of Metal, John brings decades of stage and studio experience to the table. Together, these two music experts explore what it means to push boundaries, elevate the guitar craft, and stay authentic in an ever-evolving musical landscape.

In January 2025, I made my way to the biggest music industry event of the year - the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, representing the Suley Era. NAMM Show 2025 was truly a monumental event. With over 63,000 participants from 125 countries, including 1,850 exhibitors showcasing more than 4,400 brands and more than 250 educational sessions featuring over 650 speakers, it was an unforgettable experience.

NAMM isn't just a trade show—it's the beating heart of the music industry. It's where the latest innovations are unveiled, where you get to rub elbows with your idols and peers, share ideas, and create connections. For me, this trip was nothing short of inspiring. I caught up with old musician friends from around the globe, and I finally met in person a bunch of iconic artists with whom I was only connected and followed on social media.

The year 2023 can indeed be named a year of Generative Artificial Intelligence, which took the world by storm with the explosion of ChatGPT and then took the race in the image creation by Imagen, MidJourney, FireFly, and others.  

This is when an Israeli luthier Omer Deutsch got an idea about exploring the use of AI as a design tool for his hand-crafted guitar brand OD Guitars, which emerged from the heart of Israel and goes beyond the realms of conventional guitar manufacturing, delivering an unparalleled synthesis of craftsmanship, sexy design, and sonic artistry. Omer calls this project based on MidJourney AI - /imagine: prompt.