Every year, the NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants) in Anaheim, California, becomes the epicenter of music innovation. It’s a place where world-renowned artists, gear manufacturers, and tech pioneers gather to showcase new products, share ideas, and celebrate the future of sound. Among the hundreds of names that make waves at NAMM, two stand out from very different corners of the industry—Steven Slate and George Lynch.
Though one is a digital innovator and the other a guitar legend, both have made their marks at NAMM, proving that creativity knows no boundaries—whether it’s through a tube amp or a software plugin.
Steven Slate: The Modern Producer’s Best Friend
Steven Slate is a name that anyone in the world of music production knows. He’s the mind behind Steven Slate Drums (SSD), Slate Digital, and Slate Media Technology—all of which have revolutionized the way producers and engineers approach recording.
From virtual drum kits to mixing plugins and studio hardware, Slate’s tools are used by Grammy-winning producers and bedroom beatmakers alike. But Slate’s not just a developer—he’s a showman. At every NAMM appearance, he’s known for charismatic presentations and jaw-dropping demos.
At NAMM 2018, Slate took the stage to unveil Steven Slate Drums 5, an overhauled version of his iconic drum software. With a brand-new interface, over 50 new drum kits, and 1,000 MIDI grooves, SSD5 was a leap forward in realism and usability.
But NAMM isn’t just about announcements—it’s about energy, and Slate brings it in spades. Whether he’s demoing a new plugin or hosting a producer Q&A, Slate uses NAMM to connect with his audience and push the boundaries of what’s possible in music production.
George Lynch: Guitar Hero with a Gearhead’s Soul
Now switch lanes—from software to six-strings—and we find George Lynch, a legendary guitarist known for his work with Dokken and Lynch Mob. With his wild, expressive playing and signature “skull & bones” guitar, Lynch helped define ’80s hard rock. But his contributions to music gear go far beyond stage theatrics.
Lynch is a fixture at NAMM, showing up year after year to debut signature products and jam with fans. He’s worked with ESP Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Celestion Speakers, and many others to design gear that captures his iconic tone.
At NAMM 2011, Lynch introduced the Celestion G12-50GL “Lynchback” speaker—a blend of vintage British tone with the power and bite modern rock requires. That same year, you could catch him doing demos, signing autographs, and talking tone with wide-eyed fans.
Fast-forward to NAMM 2017, and Lynch was still going strong, performing at ESP’s booth and showing off his ever-evolving collection of signature guitars. For Lynch, NAMM is more than a trade show—it’s a community, and he shows up not just to promote but to connect.
Where Their Worlds Overlap
At first glance, Steven Slate and George Lynch seem like they’re from two totally different planets—one represents the bleeding edge of digital recording, while the other bleeds through Marshall stacks and analog distortion.
But NAMM is where their worlds come together.
While they haven’t officially collaborated on a product, the overlap in their audiences is undeniable. Many of the guitarists who look up to Lynch are also recording at home using Slate’s plugins and virtual drums. Meanwhile, producers working with Slate’s tools are often crafting tracks that feature high-gain guitar tones inspired by legends like Lynch.
In a sense, NAMM serves as a melting pot, where the hardware heroes and software wizards shake hands—literally and figuratively. It’s the perfect place to see how a guitarist’s tone can live inside a producer’s session, or how virtual instruments like SSD can help flesh out a rock song written on a guitar.
Why It Matters
Whether you’re a guitarist, producer, or just a gear junkie, the presence of both Slate and Lynch at NAMM sends a clear message: the line between analog and digital is fading fast.
Slate’s mission has always been to make pro-quality tools accessible to everyone. Lynch, on the other hand, has always stood for individuality and tone—that magical, unexplainable “feel” that makes guitar playing so personal.
Together, they represent the full spectrum of what music creation looks like today: creative, technical, expressive, and ever-evolving.
FAQs
Q: Have Steven Slate and George Lynch ever collaborated?
A: Not officially. While they both frequent NAMM, their collaborations have remained within their own domains. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Slate’s recording tech used to capture Lynch’s guitar work in modern studios.
Q: What products has Steven Slate launched at NAMM?
A: Slate has revealed major releases like Steven Slate Drums 4.0, SSD5, VMS (Virtual Microphone System), and Infinity EQ at NAMM shows.
Q: What gear is George Lynch known for at NAMM?
A: His signature ESP guitars, Randall amps, and the Celestion Lynchback speaker are some highlights. He also performs and does clinics at booths across the show.
Q: Can I see Slate or Lynch at NAMM if I attend?
A: Absolutely. Both often appear for product launches, demos, or meet-and-greets. Keep an eye on the NAMM schedule or follow their socials leading up to the show.
Q: What’s the big takeaway from their NAMM appearances?
A: Music creation is no longer split between “old school” and “new school.” Artists like Lynch bring legacy tone and performance, while innovators like Slate make those sounds more accessible and studio-ready for today’s creators.
Final Thoughts
In many ways, Steven Slate and George Lynch represent the past, present, and future of music technology. Slate’s groundbreaking software tools help shape the way we produce and mix music, while Lynch’s legacy and gear continue to inspire generations of guitarists.
At NAMM, these two powerhouses converge—not directly, but through the mutual language of sound, creativity, and innovation. Whether you’re tracking drums in a DAW or chasing vintage tone through a custom cab, the influence of both Slate and Lynch is never far away.
So next time NAMM rolls around, keep an eye out—you just might see a software genius and a shred legend crossing paths, shaping the future of music one note (or plugin) at a time.
