Best Wake-Up Call
While there’s a certain charm and unquestionable tradition to being woken up in the early hours by a noisy marching band while at NAMM, MMR’s editorial staff (not “morning people,” by any stretch), preferred the gentler approach provided by the early morning acoustic session in Hall E at the Flea Market Music booth.

Best “First”
The 2010 show in Anaheim marked the launch of “Best Tools for Schools,” a series of awards presented by MMR’s sister publication, School Band & Orchestra. Check out which products were selected in the summary of the award selection and presentation on page 80.

Best “Look at Me” Approach
This photo was snapped by MMR circulation manager, Melanie Prescott on Sunday. What we’ve got here is a hairstyle. That much is certain. Whether you think it’s deserving of a “Best” or a “Worst” nod, it’s certainly attention-getting, which was presumably the point. So… well done, I suppose.

Worst Price Gouging
It’s hardly news that most Disney- and Convention Center-area eateries are not the places to find a bargain, but the Marriott’s Starbucks really took it to another level this year: $4.30 for 35 grams (that’s slightly lighter than a handful of paperclips) of kettle corn. By contrast, MMR went out and purchased this nearly-200 gram bag of similarly hoity toity kettle corn for a whopping $1.99.

Best Mexican Food
In contrast to pricing such as what’s outlined above, at only a ten-minute walk (if that) from the Convention Center floor, La Casa Garcia on 531 W. Chapman dishes up massive portions of delicious, legit Mexican fare at equally palatable prices. A great way to get a breath of California air, as well as take a break from the show (and the vendors’ prices).

Best Giveaway
Walking away with free swag is a NAMM tradition, and raffles for music gear and accessories are by no means out of the ordinary, but it’s not every year that attendees have a shot at winning a Volkswagen Bus. Two Old Hippies offered folks a shot at winning a specially painted ’65 VW Magic Bus.

Best Dive Bar
MMR’s editorial team took advantage of arriving in Anaheim well ahead of the show’s opening day and ventured beyond the immediate Convention Center area to the Juke Joint Bar & Grill (about a half-hour cab ride away), where the dirt-cheap beers, 25-cent pool table, and slightly sketchy clientele made us feel right at home.

Worst Welcome-Home
In an unpleasant repeat of last year’s Winter NAMM jaunt, MMR’s team returned early Monday AM to find Boston once again in the midst of a snowstorm…

Worst iProblem
As the AT&T rep explained, the frequently spotty cell phone signal during NAMM week in Anaheim was due to the sheer volume of users who descended upon the area.

Best “Awww – Flowers!” Display
Some of our staff were particularly taken with Kama Ukulele’s tasteful floral arrangement at their booth.

Best Shindig
Marshall Amplification pulled out all of the stops at their product launch/party on Wednesday night, treating guests to authentic BBQ and comfort foods, open bar, and a host of loud(!), big-name guitarists such as Allison Robertson of The Donnas and Zakk Wylde.

Best Parking
Many were overheard complaining about not being able to find a parking spot at this year’s show (a good sign, in terms of attendance), but in-the-know conventionieers took advantage of the free parking available at the Garden Walk (shopping-food complex) within less than a mile of the Convention Center.

Worst Break
A tip of the hat is in order to Music Inc. editor Zach Phillips who, due to recent injury (he’s alright, folks!) was forced to cover the show on crutches. We hope you’re back up and running ASAP, Zach!