At the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) annual trade show, an independent panel of retailers named Taylor Guitars’ new acoustic body design, the Grand Orchestra, as a “Best in Show” product. The Grand Orchestra took home top honors for its “grand piano-like sound” and for once again demonstrating the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and quality craftsmanship.

The annual NAMM University Breakfast Session, “Best in Show – This Year’s Hottest Products,” featured a panel comprised of top retailers and was hosted by Frank Alkyer, publisher of Music Inc.and Downbeat magazines. The panelists selected the best products in four categories: Best Add-on Accessory, Gotta Stock It, Companies to Watch, and Best in Show.

Donovan Bankhead of Springfield Music nominated the Grand Orchestra as his pick for “Best in Show,” lauding the guitar’s deep, complex sound and exceptional composition. “The Grand Orchestra blew me away with its versatility,” Bankhead later shared. “Most Jumbos are a one trick pony, but the new Taylor Grand Orchestra proved to have more dynamic versatility and superb ergonomics, while still retaining the power and volume of a traditional Jumbo.”

The 2013 NAMM show was held in Anaheim, California, January 24-27, and includes musical instrument manufacturers from all over the world. Learn more by visiting www.namm.org