ITSPmagazine Guitars, Gear, and the Heartbeat of NAMM 2026 — When Gear Meets Culture Inside The Creators Lounge | The NAMM Show 2026 Event Coverage — Day 2 Observations | On Location with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli
Show Notes
Day two at NAMM 2026 reinforces why this show continues to matter. Not just for product launches or celebrity sightings, but for the culture that forms when creators, builders, and technologists share the same physical space. From the Creator Lounge to the show floor, the conversation stays grounded in making, playing, and experimenting.
This episode captures that energy in real time. Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli reflect on how NAMM functions as a crossroads where legacy craftsmanship, modern production, and creative curiosity intersect. Guitars, basses, drums, microphones, and software all coexist here, but the real story is how people interact with the tools and with each other.
Creativity on the Floor
The discussion touches on conversations with brands and builders like Gibson, John Page Guitars, and others shaping instruments that balance tradition with modern design. These are not abstract ideas. They are physical objects that invite musicians to explore sound differently, whether through lighter builds, new electronics, or rethinking classic forms.
Technology Without Losing the Soul
A recurring theme is how technology shows up at NAMM without overshadowing the human element. From live sound testing that occasionally overwhelms a recording to quiet moments in shared spaces, the episode highlights how tools serve creativity, not the other way around. The hosts reflect on artists who embrace technology while staying rooted in raw expression and performance.
The Meaning of Being On Location
Being present matters. This conversation underscores why on location coverage adds context that studio conversations cannot replicate. Background noise, spontaneous encounters, and unexpected access all become part of the story. NAMM is not polished. It is alive.
The episode closes with anticipation. Major award events, standout performances, and conversations still to come point to why day two feels less like a midpoint and more like momentum building.
Guest
Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine and Studio C60 | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com
Host
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine, Studio C60, and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com/
Resources
The NAMM Show 2026 is taking place from January 20-24, 2026 | Anaheim Convention Center • Southern California — Coverage provided by ITSPmagazine — Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/cybersecurity-technology-society-events/the-namm-show-2026
The NAMM Show 2026: https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend
Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
Keywords
sean martin, marco ciappelli, namm 2026, namm show day 2, music industry, guitar gear, bass guitars, music technology, creator lounge, live music culture, instrument design, behind the scenes namm
More From Sean Martin
More from Music Evolves: https://www.seanmartin.com/music-evolves-podcast
Music Evolves on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTRJ5du7hFDXjiugu-uNPtW
Music Evolves: Sonic Frontiers Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7290890771828719616/
On Location with Sean and Marco: https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-location
ITSPmagazine YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@itspmagazine
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