NAMM SHOW 2026 Model

update:2026-01-23 publish:2026-01-23 Guitar

Hello, this is Sago NMG.
Starting today, Sago will once again be exhibiting at the NAMM SHOW 2026 in Anaheim, USA.

We’ve created a new guitar show model for this event, and we’d like to introduce it to you.

1. Guitar Synthesizer

We are pleased to announce that we have officially signed a contract with Roland Corporation, enable to manufacture Sago guitars with built-in guitar synthesizer systems.

While guitars with integrated guitar synth systems have existed before, there may have been limitations in wood selection, neck scale, and visual design when choosing a guitar.

At Sago, we are able to focus intently on materials, playability, controls, visuals, and sound. This allows us to offer various choices when selecting a guitar with an integrated guitar synthesizer system.

The BOSS GM-800 guitar synthesizer unit

The new GK-5 pickup, compatible with the digital serial GK protocol

The dedicated SERIAL GK CABLE for the GK-5 pickup

And Sago’s guitar, which integrates the components for controlling the guitar synthesizer, all work together to let you play the guitar synthesizer.

As the first model in this series, we have completed a prototype to be unveiled as the NAMM SHOW 2026 model.

A key feature is the 7-string, 24-fret carbon neck. This allows for a wide range of approaches to simulating low-range instruments, such as bass synths or baritone saxophones, thanks to the inclusion of a Low-B string.

Furthermore, the wrap finish gives it a show-model look, designed to catch the eye at the venue.

Let’s dive into the details.

※Please refer to the details of BOSS GM-800 as under↓

https://www.boss.info/jp/products/gm-800

2.Carbon Neck

Carbon neck is produced by Sumimaru Guitar, and are mass-produced with limited specifications such as grip shape, etc.

The greatest feature of the carbon neck is that it is not affected by climatic changes at all, and the best neck condition can be maintained at all times.

In the case of a wood material, even after the instrument is completed, the neck will move (bend) as the wood absorbs and expels moisture.

Even though artificially force dried thermwood is resistant to environmental changes, the neck will never move.
Carbon has no such concerns, and its greatest feature is that it continues to maintain the neck condition once set.

It also has a truss rod in place as well as a wood neck.
It is possible to adjust the string height and fine-tune the neck condition (straight, slightly forward warped, etc.).

The frets are adapted rigid stainless steel, and the side position markings are standard equipped Luminlay that glows in the dark.

To avoid the cold, rugged image of conventional resin necks, the weight is matched to that of wood neck.

In addition, the hollow construction of the neck allows it to sound like wood material.
Those who use a 7 string guitar with 24 fret often have a technical playing style, such as fast playing and tapping.

Therefore, the setting around the neck is critical, and keeping it in good condition is keypoint.
By introducing a carbon neck, you can obtain a stable and easy-to-play condition.

3.Body

To maximize the playability of the guitar synth, we paid meticulous attention to the body design.

As a 7-string guitar, we opted for a slim, modern shape to avoid an overly bulky appearance.

The lower body is shaped like a crescent moon, similar to Sago’s Kirin, allowing comfortable playing even when holding the guitar vertically.

Additionally, to enable smooth arm action characteristic of a guitar, a recessed design allows for effortless arm down/up movements.

Two jacks are included: one for electric guitar(Right) and one for guitar synth(Left).

*The guitar synth jack requires a dedicated SERIAL GK CABLE.

Finish: Sago’s regular wrap finish color: Volcano

Gold hardware complements the Volcano finish and carbon neck, creating a luxurious yet cohesive look.

Body wood is alder.
The neck and body materials were carefully selected to ensure the guitar synth responds naturally.

4. Controls

The controls consist of the master volume, tone, and a 3-way pickup selector switch.
These are the standard controls found on a regular electric guitar.

Additionally, it features a guitar synth volume knob, a function switch (for selecting guitar synth tones), and a switch to toggle between electric guitar and guitar synth modes.

You can also mix the electric guitar and guitar synth sounds together.

For example, during a guitar solo, you can add a synth lead to your distorted guitar sound.

While the guitar synth tones can be switched using the foot switches on the BOSS GM-800 unit itself, just like the pedal effects, the switch on the guitar side allows you to return to the previous tone (up) or advance to the next tone (down).

5.Sound

Please listen to the sound here↓

※For performance scenes mixing electric guitar and guitar synth, the electric guitar sound is recorded monaural via mic’d guitar amp, while the guitar synth is recorded monoral by DI.

※Conversely, when performing solely with the guitar synth, it is recorded stereo by line input.

The BOSS GM-800 contains numerous tones that reflect the instrument’s resonance and panning action. Recording in stereo by line output allows you to enjoy these accurately.

Regarding the feel of playing, there was no noticeable latency, and the picking nuances responded directly!

Even the default presets offer a vast number of tones. It’s fun to play along with the guitar synth’s sounds, and mixing them with electric guitar tones allows for a completely different approach to sound design.

6.Stem & Seed

In addition to the models listed above, we are displaying the Sago Ove4 (L(x) BSP), JMB4 and Sonia from the mid-range brand Stem, Dullahan and Shinra – Haku – from the student model brand Seed, and ACE BASS AB-4 STD.

Aged finish gives them a well-worn look familiar to American players.

Featuring a slightly smaller body tailored for Japanese players and Sago’s proprietary pickups and wiring, they deliver a distinctive yet practical sound that will appeal to players worldwide.

7.Summary

With the arrival of models featuring built-in guitar synths, Sago’s guitar craftsmanship has entered a new stage.

Being able to use a guitar synth allows you to color your band’s sound with various instruments and approaches during live performances, replacing the need for a keyboard.

Furthermore, when composing with DTM, deliberately playing parts meant for other instruments on the guitar enables you to sound out various instruments using distinctly guitar-like approaches-such as chord voicings, bending, and whammy bar techniques.

We hope you’ll enjoy the guitar synth from a different angle than playing synths on a keyboard or inputting notes with a mouse.

Above all, let’s surprise people overseas with this guitar!

Furthermore, taking the prototype as an opportunity, we aim to integrate the guitar synth into Sago’s proposed styles-such as installing it on a guitar with a 5-fret extension at lower side to create new music.