Musikmesse 2012 is looking set to be the biggest music instrument and gear show of the year!

In January there were a record 95,709 attendees at NAMM in Anaheim, and last year over 110,000 people went to Musikmesse in Frankfurt, so given how things are generally looking up this year, we expect Musikmesse 2012 to be the most highly visited music gear show for the year - it will take place from the 21st to the 24th of March.

Don't think all the big new product launches are over - we suspect there are a number of companies who have been holding back and there are yet to be some interesting new items for musicians announced.

We'll be updating this page regularly with all the latest news, rumors, and gossip - here's some things we suggest are worth looking out for...

The platz where we say the main action will be is in Hall 5.0 with the Keyboards and Synthesizers, and Hall 5.1 where you'll find all the DJ & Recording gear, and the Music Software.

Musikmesse 2012 Exhibitors to Watch...

• Apogee Electronics will be there with MiC - their studio quality USB microphone which plugs into an iPad, iPhone, or Mac. Maybe they'll have something else to surprise us with?

• Native Instruments who despite being on home ground are confirmed not attending - but here's their announcement timed to coincide with Musikmesse - Native Instruments announces time-limited special upgrade offer on KOMPLETE 8.

• u-he make some really cool synth plugins like their famous Zebra - we're hoping for some big things from u-he at musik messe.

• Waldorf Music have a new analog synth coming out mid-year - the Pulse 2, will they have something more to announce at musik messe?.

Other Musikmesse 2012 Rumors & Facts...

• EBS makers of a wide range of bass guitar equipment, present two brand new products - but they're not saying what they are until opening day.

• Guitar legend John McLaughlin will be at the Godin Guitar booth for a special autograph session while at Musikmesse in Frankfurt.

• T-Rex will be officially launching SpinDoctor2 - a tube-driven, triode programmable preamp pedal that provides overdrive and distortion effects, plus other products they haven't let on about yet.

• Billy Sheehan, Paul Allender and Michael Amott will all be appearing at the Rotosound booth.

• John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. will be conducting the European launch of the Fret-King Black Label guitar and bass range in Hall 4.0 H12.

Stay tuned for more...

If you are exhibiting, and you have a tip or two about your new products, then send us a message.