NAMM’s not the only event in town. Buchla and Friends provides a more underground alternative to the big musical instrument show with a synthesizer focus and open-door policy. We’ll be covering it too. Get all the information here.
Buchla and Friends 2026
Every year, musical instrument manufacturers from around the globe gather in Anaheim, California, for NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants). We’ll be covering it, of course, but since 2024, there’s been another event happening just up the road in Downtown Los Angeles that, for some, is now even more important than NAMM. I’m talking about Buchla and Friends, and it’s happening again this year.
Buchla and Friends 2026 · Source: Buchla
In the headline, I referred to it as the “anti-NAMM.” That’s my nickname, not theirs. I say this because while NAMM is loads of fun, it’s expensive for manufacturers, making it something of a gate-kept event. It’s also not open to the public, with entry restricted to those in the industry, and tickets cost money. Buchla & Friends, however, is much more affordable for exhibitors and is free for all spectators. All you have to do is reserve a ticket.
It also happens to run at the same time as NAMM. This year, it’s the weekend of January 24 and 25.
Buchla and Friends 2026: Check Out These Exhibitors
For us synthesizer heads, Superbooth is probably the biggest event of the year, but Buchla and Friends is quickly catching up as a must-attend show, especially for North Americans. It’s largely boutique and Eurorack synth outfits, but there are software developers, effects companies, and other types as well.
Buchla and Friends 2026 · Source: Buchla
Just look at some of these exhibitors:
1010music
Ableton
AIAIAI
Black Corporation
Doepfer
Dreadbox
Drift DJ
Eternal Research
Groove Synthesis
Noise Engineering
Novation
OXI Instruments
TipTop
And many, many more
And of course Buchla, who’s in charge of it all.
Check out this article for the best of Buchla & Friends 2025 to get in the mood, and take a look at these videos from last year as well.
Buchla and Friends 2026: How to Attend
To attend Buchla and Friends 2026, you’ll need to get tickets. They’re available from the Eventbrite site (link below). Tickets are free, but you will need to secure a ticket in advance.
We’ll be covering Buchla and Friends 2026 as well, so don’t feel bad if you can’t make it or if tickets are already sold out.
More Information
Buchla and Friends 2026 ticket site
Buchla and Friends Instagram
All about Buchla
All about synthesizers
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