I only was able to come on Saturday, and hardly spent any time on the NAMM floor.

All photos are with an aging but still very handy iPhone 6. As always, this is not intended to be a comprehensive look at NAMM. Certainly not this time! :D

Upon arriving, I heard this beautiful sound that for a few seconds sounded like someone using a volume pedal with a really ethereal, delayed electric guitar. But no, it was an Earth Harp. I'll let the NAMM website describe further: "Installation artist William Close has created a new kind of musical space with his invention, the Earth Harp. By fixing 1,000-foot strings to mountain peaks, arches, the tops of skyscrapers, canyon walls or the interior of the ACC, Close can turn any architectural or natural environment into a totally unique instrument."

"The idea for La Voix du Luthier was born with the goal to create acoustic resonators that can be used with any electronic source that requires amplification, anything from a simple single electronic keyboard to a guitar or a remotely connected blue tooth smart phone."

Hear this amazing historic 1967 modular system previously owned by both Patrick Gleeson of Different Fur Studios and Don Preston of The Mothers of Invention. I recorded this very short video yesterday at NAMM, holding it right next to the speaker so you could actually hear the audio on the very loud NAMM floor.

The modular is currently owned by Walter Holland of lauded Holland Synthesizers, designers of custom aerospace quality audio equipment. Holland and his musical partner Steve Leonard, keyboardist for The Cretones, will be demonstrating the synthesizer throughout the weekend. Holland’s monolithic four-tiered modular includes three prototype modules created by R.A. Moog, Co. in the late 1960s, making it a truly one-of-a-kind system. Both gentleman were saying that this required constant maintenance, and indeed, while we were there, they were tuning it. Leonard said that if you were to go in back of the synth and fart, it would probably go out of tune! :D

I hope you enjoy this rare peak into an amazing, historic modular synth! BWHOBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUBUWAHWAHWAHWAH!!!

Moogseum 2019 at NAMM, displaying an old catalog from the R.A. Moog Company and many other items from Bob Moog.

I later attended a discussion of the early years of Moog synthesis with Chris, Brian, and Mitch, which included discussions of Lothar and the Hand People and Tonto's Expanding Headband.

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The World of Early Moog Synthesizers

Presenters: Michelle Moog-Koussa, Robert Margouleff, Michael Boddicker, Geoff Downes

Pioneering synthesists discuss their sound breaking experiences and historically significant expertise in the world of analog synthesizers. They will share insight into their early technique and approach and discuss how that continues to be incorporated into today's music. This session is presented by the Bob Moog Foundation and Warren Media & Marketing.

Another view of this amazing Moog synth.

The modular is currently owned by Walter Holland of lauded Holland Synthesizers, designers of custom aerospace quality audio equipment. Holland and his musical partner Steve Leonard, keyboardist for The Cretones, will be demonstrating the synthesizer throughout the weekend. Holland’s monolithic four-tiered modular includes three prototype modules created by R.A. Moog, Co. in the late 1960s, making it a truly one-of-a-kind system. Both gentleman were saying that this required constant maintenance, and indeed, while we were there, they were tuning it. Leonard said that if you were to go in back of the synth and fart, it would probably go out of tune! :D

I was rather excited about his, as earlier discussions with Eddie Kramer had been interesting and opinionated. This, not so much, and was mildly interesting, surprising considering the topic. This would occur later on again with a discussion of Prince recording at Paisley Park, where a discussion panel managed to make that discussion dull. We walked out to in the middle of that to go to listen to Sylvia Massy.

Welcome to Electric Ladyland: A Conversation With Eddie Kramer, Part Two

Presenters: Brian Hardgroove, Eddie Kramer

In the first of this exclusive two-part series, legendary studio engineer/mixer/producer Eddie Kramer goes one-on-one with Public Enemy bassist Brian Hardgroove to talk about the making of Jimi Hendrix's original "Electric Ladyland" album in 1968. Kramer will play alternate takes of Hendrix's, not used in the final mixes, as well as acoustic demo versions of early-stage songs. He'll also share rare photos from The Kramer Archives.

Eveanna Manley joined Sylvia Massy for a Manley giveaway, which regrettably, I did not win.

I would also love to win a Manley Massive Passive. Such an amazing EQ.

I've been a fan of Neal Preston's photography for quite a number of years, and was happy that Chris pointed out that he was giving a presentation at 5:00. This was a great way to cap off a good day of seeing friends, gear, and discussion of one of my favorite things: music and recording music. As described by NAMM:

Exhilarated and Exhausted – Behind the Scenes with Rock Photographer Neal Preston

Join famed rock ‘n’ roll photographer and author Neal Preston as he tells stories from his book (Exhilarated and Exhausted) and answers questions from the audience.

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I purchased this book, which he signed, and we talked shop for a little bit, two photographers discussing approaches and gear. I mentioned that I was a fan of his work. He said, "This is incredible. I can't believe anyone knows who I am."

I mentioned that I was a night photographer, wildly different from what he does. Preston, a film aficionado, said, "That would be a good use of digital. They are great for low noise situations. Too bad a D5 costs so much money."

"That's why I have a D750."

He smiled and replied, "Yes, that's why I have a D850." We wished each other continued success with photography.

I love the book. I love his stories that accompany the book, and the stories that he told during the presentation. He seems like a super great guy, down to earth and possessing integrity and a sense of what to say and what not to say. His images are astounding, and he deserves all accolades.

Preston mentioned that he had to hurriedly take a photo for Jimmy Page's passport. With a deadline rapidly approaching, he managed to get this developed and back to the Egyptian consulate. Later, Jimmy Page used this for the cover of a book. You really never know what is going to happen with images.

I met Jimmy Page in 200-9 briefly, and he seemed lucid, kind, elegant, and classy, possessing a quick wit and intelligence.

I purchased this book, which he signed, and we talked shop for a little bit, two photographers discussing approaches and gear. I mentioned that I was a fan of his work. He said, "This is incredible. I can't believe anyone knows who I am."

I mentioned that I was a night photographer, wildly different from what he does. Preston, a film aficionado, said, "That would be a good use of digital. They are great for low noise situations. Too bad a D5 costs so much money."

"That's why I have a D750."

He smiled and replied, "Yes, that's why I have a D850." We wished each other continued success with photography.

I love the book. I love his stories that accompany the book, and the stories that he told during the presentation. He seems like a super great guy, down to earth and possessing integrity and a sense of what to say and what not to say. His images are astounding, and he deserves all accolades.

Although exhausted, this was an exhilarating way to end the NAMM experience for this year. Brian, Chris, and I went to Gandhi Palace nearby for some Indian food, and later, I went to my friend Jason's party for some more fun.

Ken's photos of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Aung San Suu Kyi, as well as photos of Peru, Burma, India, Morocco, China, Thailand, Ghana, Ecuador, and elsewhere, have appeared in many books, magazines, websites, and galleries.  Visit the Ken Lee Photography Website. Some of Ken's select photos may be purchased through his Imagekind Store.

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