Winter NAMM 2016

Line 6 is looking to solve reliability, affordability and complexity issues of wireless guitar systems with the Relay G10, a plug and play solution that's claimed as easy as using a cable and has enough battery life to survive the longest of noodlefests.

Taylor has developed a new health monitoring system for its guitars. Similar to fitness trackers like the Tickr X or Garmin's Vivosmart, TaylorSense keeps track of an instrument's well-being and sends status updates and alerts to a companion app running on a Bluetooth-connected smartphone.

Zoom has revealed a futuristic electronic tambourine at this year's Winter NAMM. The ARQ Aero RhythmTrak is described as a drum machine, sequencer, synthesizer, looper, and MIDI controller, and features a Bluetooth-enabled ring for music creation and playback control from movement.

​Thought to have originated as a simple communication tool, the cajón has been accompanying traditional music for many years. More rhythmic flavors have been added to today's boxes in the shape of snare springs and kick pedals. Roland has now married acoustic with digital for the EL Cajon EC-10.

At this year's NAMM show, IK Multimedia has added what's said to be "the smallest studio reference monitoring system in the world" to its iLoud speaker range. The iLoud Micro Monitors are reported to deliver stunning clear and accurate audio.

A team of Israeli producers and musicians has entered the electronic music creation arena with Kadabra, a wireless wooden instrument that's said to bring a new approach to music creation and performing.

The swinging 60s have provided Vox with some inspirational fodder for its next generation instruments, though only in name. The Starstream Type-1 guitars feature an onboard modeling system that includes 27 different tones to play with, and a rather distinctive body shape.