Yamaha at NAMM 2026

This year’s NAMM Show, which coincided with the 125th anniversary of the National Association of Music Merchants, shined a bright spotlight on 1,650 exhibitors and 5,400 brands. While attendance came in around 60,000 this year (63,000 last year), nearly twice as many artists demonstrated and endorsed products, and the Anaheim Convention Center was packed.

As always, Yamaha had a strong presence at the show, unveiling a wide array of new products and participating in numerous learning sessions and panels. Here’s a look at what we had going on at NAMM 2026.

Award-Winning Products

Drums

The drum area was, as always, a hub of excitement as experienced and burgeoning drummers alike had the opportunity to sit down behind a Yamaha drum kit (including the DTX6K5-M with mesh pads and the DTX8K-PROX with TCS [Textured Cellular Silicone] pads) and try them out. Large crowds were drawn to the ongoing demonstrations of the new EAD50 Professional-Grade Electronic Acoustic Drum Microphone System and its companion DSU50 stereo condenser microphone/trigger pickup, which were both recipients of prestigious “Gotta Stock It” awards from a panel of gear experts and buyers who shopped the show floor. Together, the system combines the capabilities of a DTX-PROX Drum Module, a built-in digital mixer, and processor to deliver expanded drumming flexibility and enhanced audio capture capabilities suitable for home practice, live performance and studio recording environments. The EAD50 offers five XLR mic inputs plus an eight input/10 output audio interface, as well as 2,317 Voices and 252 Digital Effects, plus Looper, Sampler and Playback functions.

Included with the EAD50 and also available as an add-on or stand-alone microphone, the DSU50 is built specifically to capture the natural sound of an acoustic drum kit. In addition to traditional bass drum hoop mounting like its revolutionary Yamaha EAD10 counterpart, it also has a 3/8″ threaded base compatible with microphone stands, allowing it to be used for overhead miking of drums. The DSU50 is also ideal for capturing fresh tones from instruments like acoustic guitar or mallet keyboards, delivering balanced mids and crisp highs.

Percussion

The Percussion area showcased a wide variety of timpani, mallet percussion, and marching drums and accessories. The new line of Power-Lite Series Marching Drums and Carriers drew special attention and were recognized as one of the top overall products at 2026 NAMM, winning a “Best In Show” award. Designed specifically for young percussionists, these products feature a lightweight construction that helps reduce fatigue while maintaining the superior tone, durability and adjustability that Yamaha is known for, combining comfort, performance and reliability.

Paired with the carriers are Power-Lite Series snare, tenor and bass drums. Newcomers to the lineup include the QD-6312 Micro Quad (6″, 8″, 10″, 12″ configuration) and QD-6313 Small Quad (8″, 10″, 12″, 13″ configuration) multi-toms. Featuring a pre-assembled mounting rail and REMO drumheads, these are ready to play straight out of the box.

Winds

On display in the Winds area were a number of new instruments, including the bold style of the YAS-480SGLK alto and YTS-480SGLK tenor intermediate saxophones, the limited edition YTR-8335IIRSKG NAMM26 XENO trumpet (only 100 units produced), and the next evolution of the acclaimed Yamaha Geyer-style Custom horn, the YHR-871II. The new YAC Flute-Assist attachment, an innovative teaching and performance support tool, also received its debut at NAMM 2026, and was awarded a “Gotta Stock It” designation. Engineered to make learning the flute easier, this small plastic device supports students at various stages of their development by promoting proper technique and enabling more confident play. Its recognition underscores the Yamaha dedication to developing solutions that empower players and educators alike.

Learning Sessions and Panels

Beyond the thrill of viewing exciting new products and dazzling performances, NAMM offers a wide variety of educational opportunities, and, as always, Yamaha had a strong presence in the various learning sessions and panels. Lisa MacDonald, Director of Vertical Marketing, represented Yamaha at the Music Education Leaders Summit as a panelist, emphasizing what it takes to build education and industry partnerships that are effective, meaningful, and long-term. Along with fellow Yamaha team members Brian Petterson (Director of Marketing, Winds & Strings) and Doug Steinmetz (Director of Sales), Lisa also contributed to a data-driven conversation about education landscape trends at an event sponsored by AIMM (Alliance of Independent Music Merchants).

Senior Segment Marketing Specialist Natalie Morrison led a double session featuring the ReVoicing the Future podcast, elevating women’s voices, and spotlighting how storytelling strengthens trust and connection across the industry’s ecosystem, and Segment Marketing Manager for Education Heather Mansell participated in Building a State Advocacy Coalition, focused on practical steps for creating sustainable state and local advocacy networks. In a second learning event featuring GAMA (Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association), Heather led a conversation about guitar and non-traditional education partnerships, highlighting how programs like Teaching Guitar Workshops (TGW) and Lead Guitar are expanding access and creating new pathways for student participation.

Well, that’s a wrap! Hope to see you at next year’s NAMM, which will be held from Jan 26 – 30, 2027, at the Anaheim Convention Center.