Dec 9, 2025 12:28 PM
In Memoriam: Gordon Goodwin, 1954–2025
Gordon Goodwin, an award-winning saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger, died Dec. 8 in Los Angeles.…
Rico’s Anti-Microbial Instrument Swab
(Photo: Courtesy D’Addario Woodwinds)With this year’s NAMM Show right around the corner, we can look forward to plenty of new and innovative instruments and accessories coming out in 2026. A longstanding annual summit for the musical instruments industry, NAMM takes place Jan. 20–25 at the Anaheim Convention Center. DownBeat will publish its full NAMM Report in the April issue, but meantime we checked in with some of the convention’s major exhibitors for an inside look at brand new musical instruments and equipment anticipated to generate a major buzz at this year’s show.
D’ADDARIO/RICO
D’Addario is expanding its XPND Pedalboard Series with two new products designed to simplify and strengthen modern pedalboard setups: the XPND Core Pedalboards and the Backline Core Pedalboard Transport Bags. Available in compact two-rail and larger four-rail sizes, XPND Core Pedalboards include pre-applied hook-and-loop strips and an integrated cable management system for clean, secure setups. D’Addario’s new Backline Core Pedalboard Transport Bags (pictured) are designed as the perfect companion to the Core Pedalboards.
The Rico Anti-Microbial Instrument Swab is designed to keep your instrument clean. Powered by Silvadur technology, silver ions inhibit bacterial growth for long-lasting protection. Its soft, machine-washable fabric removes 30% more moisture than traditional silk swabs and dries quickly. Available in two sizes: Large for alto/bass clarinet, alto/tenor saxophone and sax necks; Small for E-flat/B-flat clarinet and soprano saxophone.
VANDOREN
Vandoren’s VK synthetic reed line is expanding with the introduction of the VK7 for tenor saxophone, which offers a similar bold, colorful sound and responsive feel that jazz and contemporary players appreciate in the company’s alto model. Made from composite material, the tenor VK7 delivers consistent performance and offers a vibrant tonal palette with exceptional projection. Designed for saxophonists seeking durability and rich artistic expression, the VK7 is a new option for performers seeking the nuance of cane with next-level reliability. Available now in six strengths.
YAMAHA
The SLB300PRO SILENT Bass is Yamaha’s next evolution of electric upright bass. Blending exquisite aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, it’s crafted for serious musicians. An ebony fingerboard and curly maple neck ensure superior response and feel, while the dedicated SRT Powered System delivers realistic acoustic resonance.
Yamaha’s Band and Orchestra division is introducing the YAS-480SGLK alto (pictured) and YTS-480SGLK tenor saxophones, the newest additions to the brand’s 480 series. Designed for saxophonists stepping up from student models, these intermediate instruments deliver reliable performance, ergonomic design and expressive tone. They feature a silver-plated body and neck and gold-lacquered keys, an eye- catching design that enhances stage presence.
Sneak Preview: Yamaha will also be unveiling a NAMM Show special instrument with exclusive features and elegant aesthetics. Check back in April for DownBeat’s full report on the 2026 NAMM Show.
ZOOM
The Zoom LiveTrak L6max is a battery-powered, portable digital mixer-recorder built for musicians who need pro-level control in a compact format. With six upgraded preamps, 12-track recording and flexible input options, it delivers clean, detailed audio in any environment. Each channel includes a three-band EQ, compressor and dedicated FX send for quick, intuitive shaping. The Zoom LiveTrak L12next (pictured) blends digital power with an analog workflow, giving creators hands-on control with three multifunction knobs per channel for EQ, gain, pan, compression and sends. Its built-in recorder captures up to 14 tracks at 24-bit/96kHz plus a 32-bit float master mix.
JUPITER
Crafted for aspiring alto saxophonists, the Jupiter JAS1150 is designed to elevate the sax-playing experience with tonal flexibility and exceptional control. The JAS1150 delivers the responsiveness and nuance that saxophonists desire, making it a natural first choice for players ready to advance. Sheet rolled and seamed joined, the unified construction ensures consistent wall thickness and structural integrity throughout the instrument, enhancing tonal purity, sustaining resonance and amplifying projection across every register. Semi-ribbed construction reinforces key stability and contributes to clearer articulation, and the redesigned bell brace enhances tonal focus and projection.
ROLAND
Roland’s EARTH Electric Piano is a powerful software instrument on Roland Cloud that unifies decades of iconic electric piano sounds in one expressive interface. It features detailed multi-sampling, proprietary modeling and a wide library spanning tine, reed, electric grand, clavinet and vintage digital tones — including RD-1000, JD-800 and classic FM voices. Players have access to advanced shaping tools, including preamps, various tremolo types, cabinets, noise characteristics, Venue spatial effects, studio-grade effects and comprehensive plug-in support.
EASTMAN/S.E. SHIRES
The new S.E. Shires Vintage LA Small Bore Trombone is inspired by the legendary Los Angeles-built small bores of the mid-20th century. This small bore trombone provides a warm, colorful and instantly familiar sound ideal for jazz and commercial settings. It features a two-piece yellow brass medium-weight bell, a lightweight .500 bore slide, vintage-style bracing and modern S.E. Shires precision.
Sneak Preview: Prior to the NAMM Show, Eastman will be adding an exciting new instrument with a unique and inspiring design to one of its leading product lines.
JODYJAZZ
JodyJazz is debuting its Quasar Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece (pictured), a brand-new hard rubber alto saxophone mouthpiece. It has the brightest, strongest projection of any JodyJazz mouthpiece, and a new bullet-shaped chamber adds body and fatness to the sound. An innovative new Vibra Table increases reed vibration, making for a more free-blowing experience. The Quasar Alto is available in size 6, 7, 8 and 9* tip openings. JodyJazz has also released a Tenor edition of the DV JC JODY CUSTOM sax mouthpiece. Like the Alto model, it is based upon JodyJazz Founder & President Jody Espina’s personal, custom-modified DV Tenor mouthpiece. The mouthpiece’s special design has been refined to offer a unique balance of warmth, power and versatility. It’s available size 6, 7, 7* and 8* tip openings.
Goodwin was one of the most acclaimed, successful and influential jazz musicians of his generation.
Dec 9, 2025 12:28 PM
Gordon Goodwin, an award-winning saxophonist, pianist, bandleader, composer and arranger, died Dec. 8 in Los Angeles.…
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