mmr june 2008
DESCRIPTION
MMR June 2008TRANSCRIPT
J u n e 2 0 0 8w w w . m m r m a g a z i n e . c o m
The PerfectSTORMSchools Battle Slashed Budgets
and Pinched WalletsCan Dealers Ride the Tide?
See Page 30
DonJohnson1949-2008
Summer NAMM: Buyer’s Guide to New Gear, Exhibitor Roster, NAMM U. Slate
MMR_991 991 5/15/08 11:24:32 AM
2 MMR JUNE 2008
Features
MMR Musical Merchandise Review® (ISSN 0027-4615) founded in 1879, is published monthly by Symphony Publishing, LLC, 21 Highland Circle, Suite 1, Needham, MA 02494 (781)453-9310, publisher of School Band and Orchestra, Choral Director, Music Parents America and JazzEd. All titles are federally registered trademarks and/or trademarks of Symphony Publishing, LLC. Subscription Rates: U.S.A., US possessions, one year $32; two years $40. Canada one year $80; all other countries one year $159. Single issues $5 each. May Supplier Directory $35. Periodical-Rate Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offi ces. POSTMASTER/SUBSCRIBERS: Send address change to Musical Merchandise Review, P.O. Box 8548, Lowell, MA 01853. Periodicals circulation is directed to music dealers and retailers, wholesalers and distributors, importers and exporters and manufacturers of all types of musical instruments and their accessories, related electronic sound equipment, general musical accessories, musical publications and teaching aides. The publishers of this magazine do not accept responsibility for statements made by their advertisers in business competion. No portion of this issue may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Copyright ©2008 by Symphony Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved. Printed in USA.
Contents
52
6
30Cover design: Laurie Chesna
6 Don Johnson: A TributeOur readers comment on Don’s impact on the music industry during his 25 year tenure as editor of MMR.
26 Webwise: An Atlanta Dealer Gets it RightJeff Tarae, CEO of three store chain Music Matters reviews company’s newly designed web-site MusicMatters101.com
30 B & O Dealers: The Perfect StormHow the industry is responding to slashed school budgets, rising oil prices and pinched wallets.
40 Recession-Proof Your Band & Orchestra MarketCapitol Music owner Jim Darby offers some sage advice on how to reach out to music parents who are feeling the economy’s impact.
46 Gemeinhardt Turns 60
48 Meisel: Now More than StringsRecent additions of electronic tuners and metronomes have led the com-pany in new direction.
52 RPMDA Comes to BostonThe three-day gathering attracted more than 290 dealers and suppliers.
60 Summer Buyer’s Guide to New GearAn overview of recent introductions and products to check out at this sum-mer’s NAMM and MIAC shows.
78 Summer NAMM Exhibitor ListAn up-to-date listing of some 400 companies slated to show their wares in Nashville, June 20-22.
84 NAMM University Schedule
4 Editorial 18 Upfront 50 At A Glance 90 Sound and Light
94 Supplier Scene 105 Classifi eds 112 Advertisers’ Index
Departments
90www.MMRmagazine.com
JUNE 2008 VOL.167 NO. 6
MMR_2 2 5/15/08 11:43:12 AM
Editorial
4 MMR JUNE 2008
PUBLISHERSidney L. Davis
EDITORDon Johnson
ASSOCIATE EDITORKevin M. Mitchell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERChristian Wissmuller
ADVERTISING DIRECTORRick Kessel
ADVERTISING SALES Tom Kelly
Iris [email protected]
CLASSIFIED AD SALESMaureen Johan
PRODUCTION MANAGERLaurie Guptill
GRAPHIC DESIGNERSAndrew P. Ross
Laurie [email protected]
CIRCULATION MANAGERMelanie A. Prescott
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTPopi Galileos
WEBMASTERSanford Kearns
SYMPHONY PUBLISHING, LLCXen Zapis • Chairman
Lee Zapis • [email protected]
Rich Bongorno • Chief Financial Offi [email protected]
Corporate Headquarters26202 Detroit Road, Suite 300, Westlake, Ohio 44145
440-871-1300www.symphonypublishing.com
PUBLISHING, SALES & EDITORIAL OFFICE: 21 Highland Circle, Suite 1, Needham, MA 02494
(781) 453-9310 Fax: (781) 453-9389www.mmrmagazine.com
Volume 167, Number 6, June 2008
®
Don Johnson 1949-2008
It is with a profound sense of sadness that we report the passing of our dear friend and associate, Don Johnson. Don served as editor of Musical Merchandise Review for the past 25 years and under his stewardship the publication developed a broad inter-
national readership. He was a quiet professional who had an intuitive gift of delivering an interview in a clear and concise manner. Over the years he gained the respect and developed friendships within the entire spectrum of the music industry.
Diagnosed with cancer some 18 months ago, he yielded no ground and faced the ultimate fi nality with courage, dignity and a tinge of humor. In the fi nal stages he con-tinued to come into the offi ce and even travelled to Musik Messe. During the last days he responded to a colleague’s question of how he was going to deliver copy from home
by saying simply, “It’ll work.” As a patient, he tested sev-eral experimental drugs with the unexpressed hope that it would produce a brighter outlook for those who might follow.
Don was a renaissance man; there was no cable tele-vision at his home, he preferred a good book and a radio broadcast (preferably his beloved Cleveland Indians) and his favored method of offi ce transportation was a subway ride. He was most proud of his family, wife Charlene, whom he met while both were working at our publishing com-pany, and daughters Hilary and Rosie. Hilary is completing her junior year at Brown University, where she has become fl uent in Japanese while competing with the Ivy league school’s ballroom dance team and remaining in the top tier of students academically. Rosie is a junior at the prestigious Buckingham Browne and Nichols with equally high grades while remaining active in many school sports.
A native of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Don majored in Jour-nalism at Ohio University where he graduated cum laude and soon thereafter followed his love of literature to the Boston area where he gained some valuable retail experience managing a local book store. His career turned to writing for a local weekly newspaper and ultimately to the Larkin Group where he became a staff writer and later editor of Music Retailer, a magazine for the record industry. When Musical Merchandise Reviewwas acquired in 1981 Don made a seamless transition into the music products arena. Don continued as editor when MMR and its sister publications were acquired by the Zapis Capitol Group and re-named Symphony Publishing LLC in 2004.
Don was instrumental in many of the publication’s ongoing features, including the annual Dealer Choice Award, The Profi le of the American Music Dealer and the 50 Dealer/50 State Economic Review and Forecast.
sdavis@ symphonypublishing.com
MMR_4 4 5/15/08 11:27:58 AM
ohnsonJDon
1949-2008
6 MMR JUNE 2008
We humbly acknowledge the many hundreds of phone calls, e-
mails, faxes and letters received during the past days regarding
the untimely passing of Don Johnson. As a tribute to his memory
the following are a sampling of comments received. Space and a publication
deadline does not permit a complete list, however additional refl ections from
his industry friends will appear in the July issue.
Don Johnson, our es-teemed editor of MMRmagazine for over twenty fi ve years, died on May 2, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. Don was my friend, colleague and mentor. He was always patient and provided me with guidance about writing, the music business, and about how to work with people. We shared a room for over twenty years at both the winter and sum-mer NAMM shows and I have many
fond memories of working and en-joying life with him. He was a very dedicated father and husband who would talk proudly about the special and signifi cant accomplishments of his children Hillary and Rosie and of course his wife, Charlene. As Don valiantly fought cancer, he never let his illness affect him and maintained a positive outlook and work ethic. We traveled together very recently to the Musik Messe show, which took tremendous strength on his part, but I know that he didn’t want to miss it. MMR was so important to him that
MMR_6 6 5/15/08 11:26:30 AM
Don Johnson 1949-2008
I am devastated by this news. Just eight weeks ago we were having dinner at Zum Storch (Music Messe). What extraordinary dedication he has exhibited this past couple of years.Terry LewisExecutive Vice PresidentYamaha Corporation of America
he was e-mailing copy right until the day that he passed away.
Don was an integral part of the growth of MMR magazine and its Web site, and led the development of the weekly “Update” which has be-come the industry’s most widely read industry newsletter. He was always an eager traveler and relished trips to far fl ung corners of the world includ-ing Shanghai, The Czech Republic, Frankfurt, Spain, Italy, and through-out the United States. I always ad-mired his depth of knowledge of world geography, as he always seemed to know exactly where to go, and what happened in those places. His writing style matched his personality which was never pretentious, and always curious, friendly, and non-judgmen-tal. He was known by the industry around the world and most folks were always happy to see Don and would spend time chatting with him about their latest accomplishments or the challenges facing the industry. He enjoyed every minute…
One of my fond memories was after the Musik Messe show in Frankfurt was over; we were both beat and tired. We managed to get ourselves over to the old section of Frankfurt for a “Dunkel” beer. We never could fi gure out why that one beer had such a powerful effect on us, as when we stood up we both looked at each other and sat down again, insisting that it must have been fatigue. I will miss Don very much…
Rick KesselMMR
We have lost a great friend. Joe Lamond
President/CEO NAMM
Don earned our friendship and re-spect. I feel a huge void in the industry.
Kevin JohnstoneDirector of Trade Shows
NAMM
Thank you Don Johnson for so many good times and great memories. Those of us who knew you will miss you more than we can realize today. It was our good fortune to have crossed your path in life, and we will always be gratefull for all you gave of yourself in the 25 years we’ve known one another and worked together. Rest in peace, good friend.
Joe and Suzy Fucini
Fucini Productions
I always knew I was at a NAMM show when I was greeted by Don. I know he is no longer in pain and truly enjoying his discussions with the authors of the many great books that he loved.
Pat MartinChief Operating Offi cer
NAMM
It is with a deep sense of loss that we acknowledge your e-mail about Don. He never lacked the time to stop and chat or listen and advise. He was a wonderful man; the industry has lost
a very good friend. Please add our condolences to family and friends.
Ivan I. KahnEncore Pianos International
Dietmann-Bernhard Steiner Pianos
He was a great guy and a tremendous asset to our industry.
Rick YoungVice President
Yamaha Corporation of America
While I did not know Don person-ally, I have relied heavily on MMRas my primary source of info on the industry.
John KennyOwner
Faultline Music
I am sorry for the loss of your col-league, Don Johnson. While I did not know him at all, I enjoyed his editori-als and insight about our industry.
Hyman PellerRaxxess
Our condolences to the family and colleagues at MMR. We appreciate your magazine and the talents of men like Don.
Peter Puppingwww.guitarsounds.com
I have known Don for most of his 25 years at MMR and I can only say that he was always the gentleman, friend, and consummate business associate. Don will always be remembered and missed by all who knew him.
Larry GoldsteinWestheimer Corporation
JUNE 2008 MMR 7
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I am very sorry to hear this. I appreciate this well-written trib-ute—makes me feel like we should all know so much about each other. Our condolences. This is clearly a huge loss for our industry as a whole.
Paige C. SeglerAssociate Director
Music Magazine Publishers Association
Such a tragedy. Don was quite a gentleman and always helpful to those who called upon him.
Our prayers are with his family in this time of loss.
Phil HoodDrumlink.com
I am shocked by the news. I just spoke with him via e-mail within the last two
months and he let on nothing about his condition. Don really made it easy to get story ideas published. He was so excited to hear about our latest promotion and how it turned out and “did I have any photos.” He published many features on our store. I am forever indebted to Don for all he did for Firehouse Music. Condolences to Don’s family. He was a truly special guy and I’ll miss him.
Terry LewisFirehouse Music
I have received and used MMR for years and am sorry of the passing of Don Johnson.
Adam F. PivovarPiv’s Music
We are all so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. He was a wonderful man and surely a wonderful friend for many years.
Trish FrazzettoD’Addario & Co.
Don was a great man. Our sympathy goes out to his family.
Wayne Wesley Johnson & Freda Ruiz
Don always handled himself with a great sense of gentility, and struck me as very accessible and friendly human being.
Lynn P. MartinPresident
American Music & Sound
While we only spoke once, he gave me a feeling of being real and honest, which are qualities that are diffi cult to fi nd these days.
Oscar MederosTropical Music
Don was one of those special people who understood the value of the news, but also the greater value of integrity and relationships. I valued knowing him and shall forever re-member him as a wonderful human being who also happened to be a very fi ne and highly respected journalist. He will certainly be missed.
Wayne BlanchardSabian
Such sad news…Don was a faithful advocate for
the music products industry, a man of gentle wisdom and keen insight… and, of course, a good friend. I am deeply saddened by his passing. He will be greatly missed by the people of Kawai and certainly by all of us who represent the piano industry. Don’s life was a “life well lived.” And we, as an industry, are the grateful benefi ciaries of his dedica-tion to our business and our future.
Brian ChungSr. Vice President
Kawai America CorporationPresident
Piano Manufacturers Association Int’l
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Don! He interviewed me way back in the ‘80s—when I was the cover story— Delian Music— one of the
The Retail Print Music Dealers Association offers its heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the colleagues, family, and friends of Don Johnson. When RPMDA fi rst began to reach out to the music industry at large, Don was there. His thoughtful and intelligent reporting from our annual conven-tions put us on the map and helped us grow as an organization. We owe no small part of our current success to Don.
Our admiration for Don’s courage and determination is unbounded. The fact that he kept working, meeting deadlines, and digging for stories, while simultaneously undergoing treatment for cancer was nothing short of heroic. At our 2007 convention in Milwaukee, we honored Don (and I think truly surprised him!) with an RPMDA baseball jacket and cap in recognition of covering fi fty straight NAMM shows and 30 straight Frank-
furt Music Fairs. No matter what the movie box offi ce receipts say, we all know who the real Iron Man is.
Besides his important body of work as an industry journalist, his family – wife Charlene and daugh-ters Hilary and Rosie – are his real legacy. I’m sure Don would say that was reason enough to be put on this earth, even if we all feel that he wasn’t here nearly long enough.
Madeleine CrouchExecutive Director
Retail Print Music Dealers Association
8 MMR JUNE 2008
MMR_8 8 5/15/08 11:26:40 AM
Don Johnson 1949-2008
September 11. 2001. Don and I were waiting at a Long Island Marriott until late morning to visit the Sam Ash headquarters when the planes hit. We decided to go ahead with the interview. When we entered the building the gravity of the situation started to unfold and we witnessed the Ash family’s quick reaction. Paul, Jerry, Bernice, Sam and Richard Ash manned the phones, calling their stores in the tri-state area to assure themselves all employees were safe and with instructions to go home. Jerry offered his New York apartment to any employees who needed a safe harbor. We postponed the interview and started a fi ve hour journey off the Island. Don told me he was never prouder of being part of the music industry than seeing the reaction of the Ash family. He later returned to their headquarters and the fi nished piece appeared in the January 2002 issue.
Sid DavisMMR
very few women to own a music store. I had written a few “letters to the edi-tors” over the years and Don always published them. I found him easy to work with, interested in what I had to say and he had a dry wit! It was always like talking to an old friend. I will sure miss him. God bless him.
Candace BlankenshipDelian Music
Please express our condolences to Mr. Johnson’s family and the entire MMRteam of his passing. He will be missed.
Roger AllanRoad Ready
Please express our deepest condolences to the family and everyone at MMR.This is a great loss for the music industry.
Mark RaginPresident
US Band & Orchestra Supplies, Inc.
What sad, sad news. Don was abso-lutely ace, and a great example of the kind of people in this industry who encouraged others. His MMR years helped keep all of us informed and I enjoyed reading his perspectives.
R. Scott JohnsonPresident
JT Musical, Inc.
Though I’m not in the music business these days, semi-retired in Conn., I’ve stayed in touch with the industry by reading Don’s weekly update every Friday, and I’ve saved them all to my hard drive. He will be missed by an entire industry around the world.
Chris Noblet,Ex-Zildjian, Rico/Boosy & Hawkes
I am very sorry to hear about Don. He was a class guy.
Rick Carlson
Though I did not know Don person-ally I always read his editorials and
JUNE 2008 MMR 9
felt a kinship with him, as his “take” was always so on the money.
You could tell Don was a unique man… Special.
Menzie PittmanContemporary Music Center
I have known him for over 20 years and saw him at NAMM, MIAC, and MusikMesse, and he was al-ways a true gentleman and a solid industry supporter. I always looked forward to getting his newsletter every Friday.
The industry will not be the same without him. It will be very dif-ferent not seeing him at Summer NAMM and all the industry shows after that.
It will be very diffi cult to fi nd someone to fi ll his shoes at MMR.
Jim NorrisNorris-Whitney Communications Inc.
Please pass our condolences to Char-lene, Hilary and Rosie. Don will be sorely missed. It was always a joy to
meet Don at the trade shows because he was always smiling, happy, and eager to share his insights. I will always remember Don Johnson, the forever humble and kind gentleman with one or two cameras around this neck.
Henry K.S. LeeCFO and Vice Chair
Tom Lee Group Companies
Here is my favorite recollec-tion of Don: Back in the fall of 2000, Don accompanied members of Korg USA on a trip to London and the Marshall factory in Milton Keynes for the unveiling of the Marshall AVT series of amps. During the trip, we scheduled in some sightseeing time in London, and we all rode together to the Marshall factory in a deluxe bus, enjoying the views of the English country side.
That trip must have made a nice impression on Don, because for years (and I do mean YEARS) later, every time I emailed or called Don with an idea or an editorial inquiry, before I
MMR_9 9 5/15/08 11:26:45 AM
was able to fi nish giving the details he would say something to the effect of, “So, I think we should go back to London again, don’t you?”
Don was a class act—very polite, friendly, and professional. He will be greatly missed by everyone in our industry.
Leslie ButtonowKorg USA
Please accept our sincere condolences.Laura Kaye
Vice PresidentMark Wood Music Productions /
Wood Violins
I was deeply saddened by the news of Don’s passing. May we all learn from his courage and his always friendly demeanor towards others. He was a great guy.
Alan VaterVater Percussion Inc.
Don will be in our prayers. I appreci-ated his down to earth style. I found his insights interesting, insightful and meaningful. I looked forward to reading his column. May God bless him.
Joseph PiccinniniRichmond Music Center
I am so sorry to hear about Don. Please extend our condolences to his family.
Larry DavisStromberg Guitars
I remember Don with great fondness during the past years at NAMM. What a wonderful man.
Jeanne M. O’KeefeThe Lippin Group/L.A.
I am deeply sorry to hear this news. Please give my condolences to his family and we will pray for his soul.
He was a great person and he loved my father and family business.
The Rodriguez FamilyManuel Senior, Manuel Junior
Our deepest sympathies to his family and MMR.
Tony GuarrielloPresident
T.G., Inc.
We will miss Don’s friendly smile at the trade shows. He was the consum-mate professional and always had the most interesting insights about our industry. He was a joy and had a wonderful sense of humor. We always looked forward to his excellent and
timely editorials — he had his hands on the pulse of the MI industry. He was unique and will be remembered.
Janet and Mike KroppNS Design
It is hard to believe that another one of our music industry colleagues is no longer with us.
There are people I consider “fi x-tures” in the music industry and Don falls into that category.
MMR will miss Don’s keen in-sight as will all of us. Godspeed Don.
Dominick BuonantuonoNational Sales Manager
Generalmusic Corp.
I loved Don from the fi rst time we met over 20 years ago.
I will miss our sarcastic banters through e-mails.
Condolences to all our MMR friends and associates and especially to Don’s family.
John Maher
I saw the announcement this morn-ing and was shocked. Garth and I commented on how much better
I began working at Larkin Publica-tions in January 1982 as a graphic designer on Music Video Retailerwith a young editor named Don
Johnson. He had long, brown hair and a thick moustache. We worked with an ad traffi cker, Charlene Johnson, whose offi ce was down the hall. They were married two years later, and Don and I both started working on Musical Merchandise Review. Together, over the decades, we have seen many changes in the music industry and magazine publishing. We used to sign off on blue line proofs with a grease pencil and squint at negatives for fi lm ads. Don transitioned from the electric typewriter, to a word processor, then to his trusty laptop. Now I proof pdf pages online and wonder
how we ever got an issue out on deadline before computers and the internet. Don’s hairline receded, I got divorced, but month after month, year after year, together we managed to send twelve issues of MMR to the printer. Don was a true veteran of the music industry, attending 53 NAMM shows and writing more than 300 editorials. His offi ce chair is empty now.
Stacks of papers cover his desk, unanswered e-mails are in his in-box.
I will miss my co-worker and friend. Laurie Guptill
Production ManagerSymphony Publishing
10 MMR JUNE 2008
MMR_10 10 5/15/08 11:26:52 AM
Don looked when we saw him in Frankfurt. I wanted to believe he was getting better, but I knew that seldom happens.
I will always remember and cher-ish the night at the first or second economic summit. Neither of us had anything planned on one particular evening, so we went down to New-port Beach to have dinner at one of the restaurants. It was a wonderful evening and we talked on a wide ranging number of topics. While I knew Don for years, this was the only time we spent an appreciable amount of time together, and we talked about everything but the music business. It was a wonderful evening.
Harvey LevyLevy’s Leathers
I was very saddened to hear of Don’s passing. I saw him briefly in Frankfurt, and we knew that he didn’t have much time left with us. Still, I was amazed that he made it to the show which showed tre-mendous courage and strength. I always knew him to be a stand-up guy, always with integrity, and always eager to help. He will be missed.
Ross Garnick and the entire Korg family
We are very sad to see Don go. Our con-dolences to Don’s family and friends.
Gabe WhyelAmerican Music and Sound
Don, thank you, we love you and you will be missed dearly. Your encouragement and support have been an immense foundation of not only my successes, but also that of my employers over the years. Our best of wishes to your family—and, Go Tribe!
Josh VittekKahler International, Inc.
Our condolences to MMR, family, and friends.
Brent EskewTeam Stage Ninja
Don was a great man who always took a moment to give advice to me, which was always timely and extremely helpful.
Dale TitusDanabgoods.com
All of us at GCI Technologies pass on our condolences to Don’s family, friends and to the entire MMR staff.
This is a very sad day in the musi-cal industry.
Alan CabassoGCI Technologies
Don truly loved the music industry and it showed at all times.
Rob Birenbaum
I will miss his smiling face on Friday’s Updates. Condolences to his family.
Steve WeissSteveWeissMusic.com
My condolences. I’m very sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Johnson.
Juan (JC) FaxasDJ & Lighting Buyer
Guitar Center, Inc.
I both respected and admired Don. His contributition to the industry was great. I will miss him.
Karl Bruhn
Don will be missed. He was the ultimate professional.
Bill EverittBrook Mays
Don will be GREATLY missed.Brian Sateia
Diamond Amplification, Inc.
Please give our sympathies to the Johnson family. And what a wonder-ful recollection written on his life and family.
Judy GageDavidgage.com
He will certainly be missed by all of us here at Publishers Press.
Tom WheelerPublishers Press
I always looked forward to his stimulating articles and knowledgeable in-sight into our industry.
He will be missed by myself and all those who admired his work. My prayers go to his family.
Dave Lopez Odyssey Innovative Designs / Show
Solutions
Please offer our deepest condolences to the entire Johnson Family and to all of you at MMR, as well.
Mark RossThe mrp Custom Drum Company
Like most of us in the industry and those here at PianoDisc who knew Don, I am deeply saddened by his passing, particularly at such a relative-ly young age. My heart goes out to his
Don Johnson 1949-2008
JUNE 2008 MMR 11
Don was a very nice guy - always a “class act.”I looked forward to reading his Editor’s comments in each month’s MMR.
He will definitely be missed. Dennis Houlihan
Roland U.S.
dear wife and precious daughters. May God grant His grace, mercy, and peace in this time of mourning and loss.
Tom LagomarsinoPianoDisc
I am so shocked. Don was such a fi ne human being. All of our sympathies go out Don’s family.
We had our employee Quarterly Meeting this afternoon at 2:15 and Chris Martin paid tribute to Don in his talk to the employees.
All 600 of us. Dick Boak
Martin Guitar
I am extremely saddened by this news. I feel privileged to have had a chance to know him. He was a gentleman.
Please pass my regrets to his family on behalf of Buffet Crampon USA.
Francois KlocDirector of Sales & Marketing
North AmericaBuffet Crampon USA, Inc.
I always looked forward to seeing Don at the trade shows and receiv-ing a sincere greeting and handshake from him.
Don’s contributions to the retail music industry will be missed.
Pete & Genett GamberAlta Loma Music
I read the sad news of Don Johnson’s untimely passing. I know that despite knowing the end was coming, your
team must be devastated. As a long time reader of your magazine, I just want you to know that my thoughts are with all of you during this dif-fi cult time. Don leaves some very big shoes to fi ll and will be sorely missed by thousands in our community.
Bill RobinsonAcoustic Instrument Buyer
Guitar Center, Inc.
I’ve been in the music business for over 30 years, and although I have never had the pleasure of meeting Don, the presence of his face and words for so many of those years in your magazine made him seem like an old friend to me. I will miss him.
Keith GilesRozwick-Giles’ Alaska Music ONE
My thoughts are with his family and the MMR team. Don was a great guy and always really helpful.
Ali FardThe Music Link
How sad. I wasn’t a friend of Don’s; not even really a nodding acquain-tance. We met a couple of times at NAMM shows. He was always cordial. A couple of years ago, he printed a rant I wrote after having read an article in MMR. We exchanged e-mails a few times after that, and I was always impressed how he remembered who I was, and where my store was.
This was a gentleman, and my con-dolences to all his friends and family.
John R. GiovannoniThe Music Room, Ltd.
Don was a consummate professional and true journalist, and I trusted every word he wrote. Our industry is diminished with his passing.
Gene JolyExecutive Vice President, Merchandising
Musician’s Friend, Inc.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him for many years through my previous company, Fine Fretted Friends. He will be missed indeed.
MichaelVoyage-Air Guitar
As we are still so new to the U.S. as a vendor, and hadn’t had a chance to get to know Don as well as I’m sure a lot of folks did, I was very taken by his humility and genuine interest in our small story. Having read the brief retrospective in MMR, this would appear to have been a long term ap-proach to journalism and life for him.
Would that there were more people in the world like this, let alone in our little industry!
Dennis J. DrummJohn Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd.
On behalf of the MIAC Board of Di-rectors and membership, we would like to offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Don Johnson.
Don was a fi ne gentleman and a passionate industry communicator who always presented his opinions and assessments in a fair and balanced manner. Each month we looked for-ward to his editorial columns in MMRand his unique perspective.
Don was always kind and supportive to me in the most gracious way. Shortly after I started working for MMR he had trouble speaking because of the cancer. I never even knew until someone else in the offi ce told me. He just answered my voicemail messages by e-mail without ever mentioning that he could not speak above a whisper. But that is just a sign of how he put himself out for people without ever asking for even the smallest consideration in return.
I shall miss his friendship, his calm professional expertise, and his spe-cial brand of kindness.
Iris Fox MMR
12 MMR JUNE 2008
MMR_12 12 5/15/08 11:27:02 AM
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MMR_13 13 5/15/08 12:09:22 PM
We were particularly pleased by the way Don covered our Cana-dian trade shows, both MIAC and PAL, in an unbiased fashion over the years and was a strong sup-porter of our Canadian event.
Having had the pleasure of many conversations with Don over the past 25 years, I can say without a doubt, the music products industry has lost a wonderful editor, great industry spokesperson, and just a super guy.
We hope Don’s family and friends will take comfort in the fact that he made a major contribution to the in-dustry and will be long remembered by his colleagues in Canada.
Thanks Don for all the great memories … you were one of a kind!
Al Kowalenko, Executive DirectorMusic Industries Association of Canada
(MIAC)
I am very sorry to hear about Don. I really have no words ...
Tom ShelleyUniversal Percussion
With great respect, please accept our condolences to all at MMR and Don’s family.
Jodi Ann ParkerPlayersMusic.com
All of us at Acoustic Guitar and String Letter Publishing are sorry to hear about Don’s passing. Our thoughts go out to his family, and to all of you who worked with him at MMR. He’ll be missed.
Dan GabelGroup Publisher & Editorial Director
Acoustic Guitar
It is a sad day in the industry.Frank Luppino III
My deepest sympathies to you and all of your colleagues. The last time I saw Don was at the Mondomusica Show in Cremona in October; he was jet-lagged and didn’t seem to speak a word of Italian, but he was glad to be there,
fi guring it all out, and smiling. I had no idea he was ill at that time. He’ll certainly be missed by many people.
David A. Lusterman Publisher
String Letter Publishing
In the 20 years I knew Don Johnson, I saw a man who consistently rose above the crowd, and who possessed enviable personal quali-ties: quiet, dignifi ed professionalism, a friendly, positive demeanor, and a willingness to help others in very meaningful ways. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “…to know
even one life has breathed easier be-cause you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Well, Don had an im-pact on many lives in our industry, and I, for one, am a better person having known him.
Peter GilesGiles Communications
He was such a wonderful person and I always enjoyed talking to him at the conventions. It was a shame he couldn’t come to the RPMDA conven-tion last month, being so close to home.
Please pass on our sincere condolenc-es to his family and the MMR staff.
Bonnie & Clyde FitchJames Fitch
Bonnie’s Music Shoppe
It doesn’t seem possible, but our friend Don Johnson has passed away. With a gentle and positive demeanor, Don played a major role in keeping us informed of the latest industry news and, in doing so, documented key developments and changes over the 25 years he was editor for Musical Merchandise Review. Don contributed greatly both to the expansion of the magazine overseas and to its technological advance-ment with the industry’s fi rst e-newsletter. More than that, however, he became a friend to all those who care for and hope to perpetuate the music products industry.
He often said the magazine’s primary focus was the music retailer. Since the beginning, he added at least one tip that the dealers could use right away in their stores.
Don often wrote about the importance of the NAMM show and how at-tending benefi tted the entire industry. He supported NAMM’s educational outreach campaigns and the efforts to globalize the industry. Don was the fi rst person, outside of the NAMM building, to support our annual tribute and to contribute to the program every year with research and ideas. He cared about our history and sent many suggestions of people he believed should be included in the Oral History program. Every one of his suggested names have been added to the collection, along with his own interview, which was completed during the Austin NAMM Show 2007.
Don was interested in what people were doing. He was interested in how the industry was developing. He cared a great deal for the people he worked with at the magazine. In talking with so many people who knew Don, they often felt, as I do, he was a gentle and encouraging person you were proud to call a friend.
A video clip from his interview is posted on our In Memorial page: http://www.namm.org/resource-center/in-memoriam-1
Dan Del FiorentinoHistorian/Librarian
NAMM
14 MMR JUNE 2008
MMR_14 14 5/16/08 10:48:29 AM
One Yamaha
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MMR_15 15 5/15/08 12:09:38 PM
M.I. lost one of its true nice guys—a fellow who always seemed to have a twinkle in his eye and a moment to stop and say hello.
Larry DeMarco
I was deeply saddened by the news of Don’s passing. He was a fi xture at every trade show I can remember in my 23 years working in the Industry, even this year’s Musikmesse. Don always had a smile on his face and so obviously loved his work. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family and to all of you at MMR; his other family.
John DeChristopherVice President, Artist Relations & Event
Marketing WorldwideAvedis Zildjian Company
From everyone at Core One Creative, we send our deepest sympathies and heartfelt thoughts to Don’s family and the MMR Family. Don was a very nice man always and will be truly missed.
Ted McCannCore One Creative
I loved his wit and his sense of hu-mor.
He was never self-congratulatory, and always made you think. What I liked most about Don is that I always felt quite comfortable talking with him, and came away feeling better for the time spent with him.
Andy ZildjianSabian
I’m very sorry to hear about Don’s passing. I had no idea he was ill. He was a good person to work with, and I appreciated his help over the years.
Andy RobinsonTaylor Guitars
Our condolences to the Johnson family. Our thoughts are with all at Symphony Publishing.
Ryan GoldinMountain Rythym, Inc. / Dream Cymbals
and Gongs, Inc.
I just wanted to pass to you my sin-cerest condolences and best wishes. I didn’t know Don well, but I have known him for a long time and he was a wonderful guy who was always a pleasure to work with. This is tragic news and everyone at MMRmust be deeply saddened.
KateCorporate Communications, Asia Pacifi c
Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.
Our sympathy with MMR and Don’s family and friends.
Andrew BellTwin Town Guitars
I’m so sorry to hear about Don. My thoughts and condolences are with all of you and with Don’s family. I was very fond of him.
Chris DeMaria Director of Marketing
Fishman
Don was a friend of Celestion, so I’d like to extend the deepest sympathies from everyone here to Don’s family, and to all his colleagues at MMR.
John PaiceCelestion
My condolences to you all at MMR.He will be greatly missed.
Bee BantugRetail Up
I am very sorry to hear of Don’s passing.Dave Maloney
The Music People
Sorry to hear this news.Paul Buckley
First Act
Very sad. He will be missed.Don Rhodes
E.M. Winston
I will miss him surely.After seeing him only a few weeks
ago it seems like yesterday.Rob Turner
EMG Pickups
We are very sad to hear of Don’s passing. We always enjoyed working with Don and have a great amount of respect for him. Please know that everyone at Fishman is thinking of him during this diffi cult time.
Rob KetchFishman Transducers
What a trooper! True to form, Don worked the 2008 Musik Messe like always, visiting all old friends, customers, new accounts and covering the ever growing Light and Sound Frankfurt yearly event.
It has always been good to see Don anywhere we have met on the road and his smile and friendly disposition always made me feel like a trusted comrade. Don was special and also had a great insight into this MI industry, the people that are lifers in it, as well as those with a new and novel idea. He not only covered the shows in total, his opening comments in “Editorial” usually struck a nerve with industry vets. He not only wrote about the industry, he lived it!
Don will be missed, a great and warm human being, we were lucky to have him in our lives.
Hap Kuffner
Our deepest regrets at the loss of your friend and colleague... Don will not only be a loss to MMR, but a loss to the industry as well.
Joe ZonZon Guitars
Don was very kind to us and very professional, and was very good at his job.
Sonia and Tom VallisLPD Music International
I want to pass on my condolences over the loss of our long time friend, Don Johnson. He will be missed by all of us in the industry.
Stacey Montgomery-ClarkSabian Ltd.
16 MMR JUNE 2008
MMR_16 16 5/15/08 11:27:10 AM
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MMR_17 17 5/15/08 12:09:48 PM
UpfrontPAS Inducts Burns into Hall of FameThe Percussive Arts Society (PAS) has announced the names of those selected to be inducted into the PAS Hall of Fame, the society’s highest honor given to indi-viduals whose careers have had a signifi -cant impact on percussion performance, education, and research. Drummer, educator, clinician, and manufacturer Roy Burns and famed solo percussion-ist Dame Evelyn Glennie will be honored this November at the Percussive Arts So-ciety International Convention (PASIC) in Austin, Texas.
Roy Burns has played with Woody Herman, the Benny Goodman Orchestra, and Lionel Hampton. His days of studio work included the Merv Griffi n Show, the Tonight Show, and a number of television quiz shows, radio and TV commercials, and recordings. He’s written instruc-tional drum books and pioneered the role of drummer as clinician. As an artist for Rogers Drum Company, Burns present-ed clinics in Europe, Australia, Canada, Scandinavia, and New Zealand from 1968 through 1980. He started the Aquarian
Accessories Corporation in 1980, where he currently devotes most of his time. Burns is a past board member of the Percussive Arts Society and has performed at PASIC.
Dame Evelyn Glennie is an active per-former, giving more than a hundred per-formances annually around the world, appearing with the most respected en-sembles and orchestras. She received a Grammy Award in 1988 and was recently honored as a Dame Commander in the British Empire for her continued service to music.
Lowrey Organ Company has restruc-tured the company’s sales team in a move designed to improve the performance of the unit. As part of the restructuring, the role of director of sales has been folded into the existing unit and the sales team will report to Seijiro Imamura, Lowrey general manager and vice president. Mel-vin Wisniewski, who held the director of sales position, will no longer remain with the company.
Wiesniewski is a Lowrey veteran, hav-ing held various positions within the company for nearly 20 years. Prior to Lowrey, Wisniewski was a retailer selling Lowrey organs for many years. “Mel has been a longtime supporter of the music industry,” said Seijiro Imamura. “We’ve been privileged to have him on the team and appreciate his many years of service to the company. Going forward, the new structure will allow us to be more agile
and effi cient in addressing the myriad of opportunities that present themselves to us and in providing the best service to our customers.”
The key focus for the sales unit will continue to be to drive revenue in its core (senior) markets of North Amer-ica and the UK, while continuing to explore new opportunities within the burgeoning boomer and beyond mar-kets.
Lowrey Restructures Sales Department, Wisniewski Leaves
18 MMR JUNE 2008
Yamaha Creates New Department for Music Production Software; Macpherson to HeadYamaha has created Steinberg North America as a separate department within the company’s Music Marketing Group. It replaces Steinberg Software, formerly a part of the Music Produc-tion Department of the Pro Audio & Combo Division. The new department’s responsibilities include marketing Steinberg music production software, including Cubase 4, VST instruments, Nuendo and WaveLab, in the U.S. and Canada.
“The entire company shares a common vision to develop and promote Steinberg as a strong and distinct software brand
worldwide,” said Terry Lewis, Executive Vice President, Yama-ha. “This reorganization refl ects that vision and commitment in North America.”
To lead the reorganization, Alan Macpherson has been appointed director of market-ing, Steinberg North America. Macpherson has worked in various capacities for Yamaha Canada since 1987. In addition to his last position, as manager of the corporate planning and commu-nications department, he has served as
marketing manager, combo and music production divi-sion, and as national sales and marketing manager of the pro music and audio division.
Macpherson, a professional singer and guitarist, owns a personal recording studio and is a user of Steinberg music production software.
Also at Steinberg North America, Brian McGovern will serve as marketing man-
ager and Greg Ondo will serve as fi eld marketing manager.
Alan Macpherson
MMR_18 18 5/15/08 11:44:09 AM
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Upfront
On-Stage Stands has donated some of its stands and T-shirts to soldiers deployed in Iraq. Captain Matthew M. Hamrick, a U.S. Army chaplain from a cavalry squadron based out of Ft. Carson, asked The Music People, Inc., the manufacturer for On-Stage Stands products, for some boom mi-crophone stands. Hamrick is the worship leader for one of the many chapel services on the forward operating base (FOB).
Hamrick explained in a letter that his battalion has musical equipment, but
most of it is broken and not function-ing properly due to overuse. The team at On-Stage Stands responded by not only sending the requested boom microphone stands, but also appropriately sized quan-tities of their SM7211 conductor stand,
RS7000 amp stand, MY325 mic clip, and GS7465 Flip-It A-Frame. Additionally, a set of two On-Stage Stands T-shirts were sent to each of the 10 offi cers who play in Hamrick’s worship team at Camp Lib-erty in Baghdad, Iraq.
On-Stage Stands Supports the Troops
After 60 years of business, Detroit’s Hammell Music closed its doors and started a public liquidation sale on May 4. It was a longtime Steinway dealer and Michigan’s largest piano retailer.
In addition to selling the Steinway family of pianos (Steinway, Boston,
and Essex), the store also sold Kohler & Campbell, Knabe, Pianodisc, and Roland instruments.
The 30,000-square-foot facility typi-cally had over 400 pianos on display. President Tim Hoy was not fi ling for bankruptcy and was reported to just be going into semi-retirement.
20 MMR JUNE 2008
Detroit’s Hammell Music Goes Out of Business
Horn Help for New OrleansKing Instruments’ own horn doctors, Mike Corrigan and Mark Farmer, traveled from Kansas City to New Orleans to donate their time and ef-fort helping to rebuild the jazz music scene. Corrigan’s personal experi-ence in the Drum and Bugle Corps allowed him to understand a critical need in New Orleans after Katrina: the need for fi ne quality brass work on instruments damaged during the storm and to assist jazz musicians returning to the community. With their mobile repair unit, they are now able to provide repair work helping to once again establish New Orleans as the jazz capital of the nation.
The Music Link Now Distributes Tycoon PercussionTycoon Percussion announced that their congas, bongos, djembes, timbales, cajons, tamboras, hand-held percussion, and other related products are now available through The Music Link. The Music Link, which offers these products with no minimums,
offers over a hundred different styles and sizes from Tycoon’s extensive product line. Each product is packaged in a colorful POP display box. List prices for Tycoon Percus-sion range from $7 for egg shakers to $475 for a professional level djun-djun.
Concord, Calif., Aims to Break Guitar RecordThis month, community organizers of Concord, Calif., hope to lure over 2,000 guitar strummers to their downtown plaza, where they will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for largest guitar ensemble. Right now, Kansas City holds that record, from when local music store Funky Monkey Music enticed 1,721
to show up in a baseball fi eld and play “Smoke on the Water” in June of 2007. The tune of choice for this attempt will be “This Land Is Your Land.”
The event will be held May 8 as part of the community’s “Concord on the Green” environmental fair.
Source: Contra Costa Times
MMR_20 20 5/15/08 11:44:13 AM
That’s the$50,000question!Levy’s most successful dealers pose this question to each of their customers, and as a result, sell $50,000.00 worth of Levy’s guitar straps per storefront annually. Well… okay, it’s not that simple. There are a couple other things you need to do besides asking the question:
1. Keep your Levy’s display accessible and well-stocked. That’s where we come in. Not only do we offer the broadest range of comfortable, great-looking guitar straps, we also offer a comprehensive array of visually stimulating POP displays.
2. Remember that you’re selling a fashion item. Help your customers match a Levy’s strap to their music, their guitar, or their attire. Your customers will appreciate the personal attention.
You too can be a successful Levy’s dealer. Start by asking the question…
NORTH AMERICA TOLL FREE PHONE & FAX
1-800-565-0203 1-888-FAX-LEVY (329-5389)Levy’s Leathers Limited: 190 Disraeli Freeway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3B 2Z4
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www.levysleathers.com
Do you want Levy’s with that?
Levy’s guitar straps were identified as a “must-have” product at the recentSummer NAMM Showand were designated BestIn Show. Levy’s alsoreceived the Best in Showat Winter NAMM 2007.
See us at NAMM Booth 1226
MMR_21 21 5/15/08 12:10:10 PM
Chinese Exporters Sour on the DollarThe falling U.S. dollar reached a new low this week when it was reported that an increasing number of Chinese exporters are asking customers to pay in euros rather than American cur-rency. The dollar’s fall against China’s currency has been drastic: It dropped 7 percent against the yuan last year, plus another 4 percent so far in 2008.
One of the many manufacturers that is requesting deals in euros is the Shanghai Lansheng Import and Export Company, which exports musical instruments, among other products. The company’s manager, Chen Mang, was reported as saying deals quoted in dollars are only go-ing to be valid for two or three months. It was reported that manufacturers making deals based on U.S. currency six months or more in the future are fi nding when the deal fi nally goes through, they have lost as much as 10 percent gross because of the ever-falling exchange rate.
Source: The New York Times
UpfrontTama Tribute to Drum Dealer Sam D’AmicoAfter being in the drum shop business since 1974, Philly drum retailing icon Sam D’Amico reluctantly announced it was fi nally time to retire. “Sam D’Amico had brought so many people to the joys of drumming, we felt that we couldn’t let this moment go by,” said Paul Specht, communications director for Hoshino, the Tama distributor. “Not only that, Sammy’s been a Tama dealer since Sep-tember of 1977, at least that’s what our old paperwork said. It may have even
been longer than that. So he certainly deserved a tribute for hitting the three decade mark with Tama.”
To mark the occasion, Hoshino’s new national sales manager for indepen-dent dealers, Ed O’Donnell (who stud-ied drums with Sammy’s cousin, Nick D’Amico), Hoshino sales rep Neil Buck-ley, and Specht went to Moyamensing Avenue in South Philly, land of cheese steaks, the Italian market, and double-parked cars. On April 5, 2008, Hoshino
and Tama Drums let D’Amico know how much they appreciated not just his busi-ness with Tama, but how much he had done for the Philadelphia drum commu-nity.
Sam D’Amico (center) accepting tribute plaque from Hoshino sales representative Neil Buckley (right) and Hoshino national sales manager for independent dealers, Ed O’Donnell (left).
22 MMR JUNE 2008
Registration Open for Ernie Ball/Music Man Battle of the Bands 12Now in its twelfth year, the Ernie Ball/Music Man Battle of the Bands competi-tion is offering North America’s best un-signed talent the opportunity to play live
on the Vans Warped Tour, perform be-fore a crowd of infl uential music industry execs in Hollywood, Calif., and even win a $15,000 Guitar Center shopping spree and $1,000 in custom Hurley apparel.
Registration for the competition is open now through June 1 via the offi cial Ernie Ball/Music Man Battle of the Bands 12 website. The online voting portion of the Battle website will remain open throughout the duration of the Battle, allowing fans to nominate their favor-ite registered bands for a shot at playing Ernie Ball’s self-contained Mobile Stage on the Vans Warped Tour, running from
June 19 to August 17. Judges, composed of Ernie Ball staff and Battle sponsors, will then choose four of the 20 most-nomi-nated bands from each region to perform live on the stage during their hometown leg of the tour. Regional winners will be announced by mid-June.
To take part in this year’s Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands competition, bands must upload photos, a band bi-ography, and two MP3 audio files to the Battle of the Bands 12 site by June 1. For more details on sign-ups, please visit the Battle of the Bands 12 Web site at www.battleofthebands.com.
NAMM declared that May 5–9, 2008, was offi cially Wanna Play Music week. To kick off the week, NAMM President Joe Lamond did a national media tour of 15 markets together with NAMM grantee Scott Houston (The Piano Guy). In ad-dition, NAMM launched its “Say You Wanna Play” contest on YouTube.com. The contest was designed for nonplay-ers to give them a chance to showcase their unique musical abilities and tell the world why they wanna play.
NAMM also embarked on a national public relations and media campaign cel-ebrating a different music-making theme each day of the week.
Monday: Music Monday Tuesday: Music for Moms and DadsWednesday: Music as TherapyThursday: Bridging the Digital GapFriday: Heroes Behind the Music
To see the new TV ad and find additional information, go to www.wannaplaymusic.com.
•••••
‘Wanna Play Music’ Week in May
MMR_22 22 5/15/08 11:44:18 AM
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MMR_23 23 5/15/08 12:10:16 PM
24 MMR JUNE 2008
Upfront“I’ve been using some version of this pedal, while we’ve been working on it, for two years now,” notes multiple Grammy Award-winner Jerry Douglas, speaking about the Fishman Jerry Douglas Signature Series Aura Imaging Pedal. “I’ve used it with Ali-son Krauss, Paul Simon, with everybody I play with – it’s just amazing, really.”
The new pedal features custom Fish-man Aura Images created specifi cally for resophonic guitars (dobros) and was developed in close collaboration with Douglas, a widely respected master of the instrument.
“If you’ve ever seen a bluegrass band, you’ve probably noticed that they’re sort of anchored to the fl oor because of the micro-
phones in front of them – they can’t go anywhere,” Douglas says. “This pedal gives the musician the total freedom to move away from his or her station and still have that micro-phone sound. That’s the cool thing about Aura imaging to me – it is a microphone that you’re hearing.
“Another thing: If you’re working in an arena, in order to get the microphone loud enough to cover the hall, it’s going to start cycling back through and you get all this feedback, but this [pedal] now takes that problem out of the picture. I don’t have any of those issues anymore. Since I’m pri-marily an acoustic musician I’ve been try-ing to amplify a dobro for my whole career.
There just wasn’t any way to get loud enough in a big place with-out feedback or to play with an electric band without feedback. I’ve played with The Allman Brothers using this pedal – and been heard! [laughs]. This just changes the whole picture, plus you still sound like you’re playing an acoustic instrument.”
The Jerry Douglas Signature Series Aura Imaging pedal runs on a 9-volt battery or power adapter and features: 16 cus-tom Aura Images created and used by Jerry Douglas; Volume, Blend, and Image Select controls; feedback-fi ghting Phase switch; Bypass/Mute footswitch; Input
Trim with Clip/Low Bat-
tery indicator; 24 bit A/D/A, 32
bit internal pro-cessing. The unit is 5.6”L x
4”W x 2.1” H.Larry Fishman of Fishman Transduc-
ers, Inc. says, “It’s exciting for us; this is our fi rst artist pedal. We’re really thrilled that Jerry decided to go ahead with the project. What we’ve done with him is: we’ve gone into the studio with Jerry’s signature guitar model and spent a num-ber of days recording the instrument with dozens and dozens of microphones in different positions. First, though, we de-signed the pickup for the instrument. We had several varieties of resonator pickups in the past but we really wanted to design a pickup that would work especially well. The dobro’s a tough instrument to get – it’s got all these resonances and unique issues and challenges. What we ended up with, after a lot of trial and error and many of hours in the recording studio, is the Jerry Douglas Signature Pedal which has 16 of his favorite images. We used a variety of different mics, different pre-amps, differ-ent mic pre’s and the end result… well, you’ve really got to hear it. We’re very happy with the product.”
The Jerry Douglas Signature Series Aura Imaging pedal will be available in June with an MSRP of $389.95. For more information, visit www.fi shman.com.
Douglas Signature Pedal from Fishman
Sizable Concerns About Bogus GibsonsThe Associated Press reported on May 2 that a Long Island music shop owner ac-cused of selling knockoff Gibson Les Paul guitars had been arraigned in a pickup truck in a courthouse parking lot after his lawyer said the 500-pound defendant couldn’t walk into the courthouse.
State Supreme Court Justice Robert Doyle said the man’s “severe weight problem” prompted the unusual proceeding Thursday in Riverhead. A defense lawyer also had given
the court a doctor’s letter saying the defen-dant suffers from osteoarthritis.
The shopkeeper has been released without bail after pleading not guilty to trademark counterfeiting and criminal simulation. He says the case and health problems have forced him to close his store. He’s accused of selling bogus Gib-sons for $1,500 to buyers who thought they were far more valuable genuine ver-sions of the classic electric guitar.
Find it in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site,
BreakingNews
www.MMRmagazine.com
MMR_24 24 5/15/08 11:44:23 AM
26 MMR JUNE 2008
WEBWISE
By Kevin M. Mitchell
An Atlanta Dealer
… anatomy of a great Web site
Sometimes it seems like I’m
mostly railing against what
is wrong with MI store Web
sites, so I want to spend
the next couple of columns talking
about what is right.
There are some terrifi c Web sites out there and I will point out a few them. I also think it will be useful to exam-ine how they came into being. One I’ve stumbled on recently that I am especially impressed with is MusicMatters101.com for the Music Matters three-store opera-tion in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The site certainly isn’t fancy, but the good ones never are. It’s sophisticated in design but simple to navigate, and effectively brands the operation in a hip, positive way. Of course, it wasn’t always like that …
“The old site was just something we scrapped together,” laughs Jeff Tarae, the Music Matters chief operating offi cer. The company lived with the original site until they began the process of redesign-ing their two stores and opening a third. Then they realized it was time to get serious about their Web presence. “We wanted to come up with an online im-age that would mimic what we do in our stores.” Tarae is no stranger to the Inter-net. Along with a background in fi nance, he had done sales work with the popular site About.com before getting involved in Music Matters in 2003.
‘She Asked a Lot of Questions’Music Matters understood they
needed a qualifi ed professional to do it right, but they were also on a budget. They searched in various places, includ-ing on Craig’s List, and eventually found
Jenn French of JennFrenchdesigns.com. In addition to being impressed with the samples on her Web site, Tarae liked that French also had an extensive print background. Key to the process was Mu-sic Matters had a clear idea of what they wanted, and their ability to communi-cate that made the process successful, especially as French is based in Wash-ington D.C.
“She had never seen our store, so she asked a lot of questions,” Tarae recalls.
For French, the initial interview is two-way. “They are fi guring out if I am capable, while I’m fi guring out if they are legitimate, if they really want to do the Web site, and what they want to achieve with it,” she says.
Next, Tarae says: “I basically put to-gether a schematic of what the pages would be, and she came up with initial design.” It was a challenging assignment,
Gets it Right
MMR_26 26 5/15/08 11:45:53 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 27
as Tarae wanted the overall look and feel to do two things at once.
“Their primary audience happens to be younger people, but the secondary audience is parents,” French says. “So it needed to be organized, written, and displayed in a way appealing to young people, but also prove to the parents that the store is a worthy investment of their hard-earned dol-lars.”
“It was tough to appeal to both groups, but the col-ors and design, the overall professional look of the site … we feel she really nailed it on the fi rst try,” Tarae adds.
The site is visually bold, with black and red backgrounds, and either black- or gold-colored type. The fonts are simple and easy to read. There’s a main photo space that is a montage of shots from the stores, and all the pictures say something: there’s a group of kids in one, a youngster being taught in a private guitar lesson, and a nice row of acoustic guitars on a wall. The top right-hand corner has four options: Home, In the News, Newsletter, and Contact.
Below the picture are the basics: Les-sons, Rentals, Stores (locations), Sum-mer Camp, Music Matters in Schools, and Lights & Sound. Below that is a four-sentence paragraph under the heading “Be Heard!” that promotes the store and music. A very nice touch is that they up-loaded a segment of a local television news station’s coverage of their band camp, and that is accessible on a couple of the pages.
The only thing I’d nitpick over is the lack of an About Us section.
Much more important than that, though, is that they have built the site with an eye to the future: Tarae says they are launching a Myspace-style compo-nent for their customers. “Our view was not only did we need something online about what we do, we needed to take it a step further.” Their “mymusicmatters.com” will allow their students to log on and communicate with instructors, re-view lesson material, interact with the Music Matters community, and share fi les of their songs.
“We needed to provide an avenue to do all that outside the store, as the kids are only here on average 30 minutes a week,” he continues. “We’re trying to provide a forum where they can interact
with us and each other more. Whatever we can do to enhance our store’s experi-ence throughout the week, we’ll do – that’s what is driving this initiative for us.”
‘It’s Important to Come Up with a Story’
French has been designing Web sites since 2000, and it’s been a career that has evolved from her print background. Consequently, she has strong ideas as to what looks good. “I like my Web sites to be very clean-look-
ing, and I never want one where the visi-tor has to scroll down more than twice,” French says. “Also, I always keep the con-tact information on every page, in the upper right hand corner, which is where I think people are used to seeing it.”
French does a lot of work for mom & pop operations, and skews her pricing ac-cordingly. And not all are as sure as Music Matters what the end result should be.
“Sometimes the client doesn’t even know where to begin, and that involves more questions,” French says. “It’s im-portant to come up with a story, but
some clients are far less structured in the beginning, as opposed to the Music Mat-ters people, who were clear on what they wanted their Web site to accomplish.”
After the initial consultation, she writes up a contract and provides a gen-eral time frame. She says from start to fi nish, it’s typically two or three months – though for Music Matters it took over nine months, which was exceptional. “They initially wanted to use a name that turned out to already be trademarked, so we had to make some adjustments,” she recounts.
The design is then broken up into a few phases. There are comp designs pro-vided so the client gets a sense of where the project is going. Clients provide feed-back and French makes changes. The cli-ent can provide the copy or French has writers she works with. In the latter case, the writer will call the retailer and in-terview him or her to get a sense of what needs to be accomplished.
A live test site is created where the cli-ent can play through it, and make any other changes.
To those who aren’t sure where to begin, the fi rst step is to know what you want. Who are you reaching? Those within driving distance? The nation?
“We wanted to come up with an online image that would mimic what we do in our stores.”
Jeff Tarae, Music Matters COO
MMR_27 27 5/15/08 11:45:57 AM
28 MMR JUNE 2008
The world? Next, take stock of who you are and how your store looks and feels. The Web site is now an extension of your front door and, increasingly, the fi rst im-pression a customer gets of your opera-tion. The site should refl ect your brick-and-mortar operation.
Spending time on other sites, both mu-sic stores and perhaps those of your retail neighbors, will give you a sense of what would work for you and what wouldn’t. Be ready with “dos and don’ts” exam-ples – sites you like, and sites you don’t.Next it’s fi nding someone to realize your Internet presence with you.
Obviously, word-of-mouth is a good way to fi nd a designer. But if there’s no one being recommended, there are many smaller companies, one-person organiza-tions, and even those moonlighting and doing Web design and consulting on the side – but how do you fi nd the right one?
“They should defi nitely have experi-ence,” French advises. “Sample sites and the work for previous clients should be studied.” Look to see if they have a busy or a clean style, and look for someone whose taste matches yours. “Also, look to see if all the sites they design look alike – and if they do, ask yourself how you feel about having a site that looks so much like others.”
Talk to at least three designers, com-paring styles, availability, and price – but avoid selecting one solely on price.
If done right, your new site will benefi t you for years. If not, it’s a lost opportunity.
“[The Music Matters site] needed to be appealing to young people, but also prove to the parents that
the store is a worthy investment of their hard-earned dollars.”
Jenn French, Web site designer
Find it in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site,
Breaking News
www.MMRmagazine.com
See us at NAMM Booth 1429
MMR_28 28 5/15/08 11:46:01 AM
A Conversation...advertorial
Bernard Van Doren discusses the new Flow Packs and other issues.MichaelSkinner:Bernard, it'salways inter-esting to meto see hownew ideas likethe Flow Packstarted. Howdid this comeabout?Bernard Van
Doren: It actually started in the UnitedStates. I was on a dealer tour with youand noticed that in many of the storesthe dealers were storing reeds in veryunfriendly places where heat or thelack of humidity could damage the reeddue to warping which will have anadverse affect on its performance. Myconcern was that the musician couldreceive reeds with our name on it thatwould not play like we wanted them to.I knew then I had to design a systemthat would help the dealers present ahigher quality product to our musi-cians. The Flow Pack is the end result.MS: So what exactly does the FlowPack do?BV: Cane is very sensitive to hygro-metric changes and that is why our fac-tory is regulated. The new packagingmaintains the proper hygrometry of thereed during the transportation of thereed from our factory all the way towhen the musician opens it. This is thefirst time this has truly been done. Sonow if the dealer is not exactly surewhere to store his reeds, we can stillinsure that the reed the musician opensis factory fresh and at its optimum per-formance level. Remember, the FlowPack is extra protection. Once opened,the reed will react to their hygrometricenvironment exactly as before.MS: What has been the response?BV: So far we have heard very positivecomments from our musician friendslike Jon Manasse, Claude Delangle andmany more. The new packaging, of
course, is different to accommodatethis innovation, but the more you usethe new packaging, the more you willappreciate it.MS: Yes, the packaging is larger andlooks very different. BV: Yes it does. It is because each reedis now packaged individually in theFlow Pack packaging. We needed tomake the box to fit the Flow Packs. Weunderstand the packaging is different,but we think it's worth it to insure thatevery time you open a Flow Pack youhave a reed that is factory fresh.MS: I agree. I've heard from manymusicians that the reeds are playingvery well. Do you have any concernsregarding the packaging with regard tothe environment?BV: This is an interesting questionbecause we are very concerned withour environment. Let me give you afew examples:From the beginning – The cane usedto manufacture reeds is a 100% naturalplant. We use no fertilizer or pesticideduring its growth and no chemicalcomponents during its transformationinto reeds. Any leftover cane resultingfrom reed manufacturing is completelyreused as either compost in our planta-tions or fuel for the boiler that heatsour factory. Our high performance boil-er, gives off only water vapor and CO2into the atmosphere. It is important tonote that this CO2 exhaust is of plant,not fossil origin and that its atmospher-ic evacuation contributes in no way tothe greenhouse effect. Inside the new box – The reed protec-tor is 100% recyclable and has the PP5mark on the edge of the protector. Thefilm we use to protect the reeds is veryimportant. If we use any other type ofpackaging or method, the amount ofwaste is much more. It is a recoverablepackaging (in the form of energyrecovery as it has a high calorific ratioin incineration). The new box – the paper we use
comes from trees planted expressly forpaper production and does not con-tribute to deforestation. Moreover, treesare systematically replanted in eachsection as they are felled. We have alsoreplaced toxic inks, fixatives, develop-ers and solvents, with others less pol-luting in nature (for example, the useof offset inks instead of habitual UVinks).Inside the factory – we use electricvehicles to move around our factoryand finally I am happy to tell you that Idrive a hybrid vehicle.MS: Wow! So it would seem to methat every step of the way, you not onlyfound ways to protect the reeds, but toprotect the environment.BV: Yes, it's true.MS: Are there any additional advan-tages to the new packaging?BV: Yes, in recent years we have seenthe increase in counterfeit products thatconcern us very much. The level ofsophistication required to create thispackaging and product makes it diffi-cult to copy. Again, our goal here is tocreate the best product so musicianscan continue making the beautifulmusic for which we are so passionate.MS: Thank you Bernard!
From a recent
interview by
Michael Skinner,
President,
DANSR, inc.,the
U.S. importer for
Vandoren
ProductsBernard Van Doren
Managing Director
For more information on Flow Packs or theenvironment, consult the Vandoren website atwww.vandoren.com
MMR_29 29 5/15/08 12:10:35 PM
30 MMR JUNE 2008
BAND & ORCHESTRA
B&O Dealers:
Assessing the Challenging Times
It’s a perfect storm of challenges:
States are suffering fi nancial
crises that are affecting school
budgets; gas prices are up, home
prices are down; and the federal
government’s No Child Left Behind
initiative has administrators
sweating over the next set of tests
rather than making sure students
are exposed to the arts.
While many band and orches-tra retailers are certainly feeling the pinch and are voicing understandable concern about the immediate future,
others are pointing to the cylindri-cal nature of the times. Some places are worse than others, and California has a situation that’s odd indeed: Re-tailers in the other 49 states were en-vious about that $500 million block grant the state received for the arts last year, but now that California’s fi nan-cial crisis is defi nitely taking hold, the program is going to be affected. “We fi nd ourselves from time to time in the inane position of delivering brand-new instruments to districts that we now know will be closing their music pro-grams in the fall,” Nick Rail of Santa Barbara’s Nick Rail Music says.
Still, there is good news out there. Some are not only surviving, but thriv-
ing. One retailer spoke off the record about his success, though his loca-tion and the success of the community contributed to it. The joke around that town is that if you’re driving a Mercedes Benz that’s two years old you’re having a bad year.
Finally, as some old enough to re-member the oil unemployment crisis of the 1970s pointed out, no matter how bad things are, they will get better. As for those who want to see those good times get here sooner than later, an Alabama dealer offers some good tips on how to recession-proof the business [page 40].
The PerfectSTORM
MMR_30 30 5/15/08 11:14:29 AM
“The biggest single negative infl u-ence on music is the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), a “no child left behind” style of testing. The entire curricu-lum is built around these tests and consequently the pullout pro-grams of days past have all but disappeared. There is much more competition for a student’s time with reduced options for elective.”
Thomas AndersonMusic Centers, Inc.
Lakewood, Wash.
Our market is saturated with too many dealers trying to race to the lowest price. School districts are pounding us for lower pricing and loyalty is something that today you only read about.
Bill LabronMusic Plus
Kitchener, Ontario Canada
There are a lot of schools that are facing budget and teacher cuts. This is not only happening to the “marginal” programs, but it’s also happening in some of the best areas too. It’s alarming. I think parents clearly want the benefi ts of band for their kids but school boards and administrators are becoming even more tunnel-visioned about funding and balancing their budgets.
A ground swell of support and demands from the parents at the grass roots level is urgently needed. School boards tend to listen to their constituents, but those constituents have to be taught how to voice their opinions effectively.
Ray GuntrenRay’s Midbell Music
Sioux City, Iowa
Kids still want to play and if the teaching is good, they fi nd the mon-ey necessary to fuel a good/great program regardless of demograph-ics or economics.
Russ BeacockBeacock Music
Vancouver, Wash.
Our business is doing well in spite of the economic conditions. Our rentals are up and our projections are for a big year this year. I attri-bute much of our success to the quality of service that we offer. We offer high quality instruments made in the USA or Europe, and only the saxophones come from the Far East. We keep our prices below the competition and work very closely with smaller suppli-ers, like EK Blessing and EMMC. By dealing with the small guys we have access to great product and
the ability to market instruments the competition does not handle. We are also not held hostage by the “big boys” that want to jam hundreds of instruments down our throat while giving “special model” deals to our competition.We sell honest product and let the customer decide between our products and those that the com-petition sell.
Ray NogueraLaconia Music Center
New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Educational reform is affecting mu-sic more than anything else, and the poor economy doesn’t help.
Ken AndersonFlesher-Hinton Music
Denver, Colo.
Younger directors look at instrument lines differently than older directors. They are more open to off-brands for their students, but loyal to the one they play.
Linda YoungWert Music
Erlanger, Ky.
[Schools] buy rubbish and are then surprised that so many kids quit.”
Jan H. van RoyenGainesville Violins
Gainesville, Fla.
Dealers Speak OutWe asked retailers for comments on the current state of the band and orchestra market, how school music programs in their area were fairing, and if they were satisfi ed with the quality of the music programs, and more. Here’s what they had to say …
JUNE 2008 MMR 31
How would you describe school music budget levels in 2008-09?
Healthy
13%
Insuffi cient
62%Adequate
23%
Very healthy
2%
How are band and orchestra student participation levels in school systems your
dealership serves this year?
Up signifi cantly
14%
Down a bit
27%About the same
51%
Downconsiderably
8%
MMR_31 31 5/15/08 11:14:33 AM
School music budgets have either been cut or systems have run out of money because of high gasoline prices. As a retailer, the cost of operating my outside road reps has risen dramati-cally, and for the most part the school band directors are still expecting the same weekly or biweekly service.
Larry LetsonBibb MusicMacon, Ga.
Budgets are being cut in many schools here, so consequently
teaching positions are being cut, or retirees aren’t being replaced. Also, there is much less lesson time for the band students, so overall quality of some bands is deteriorating.
Del SarletteSarlettes Music
Morris, Minn.
We in Florida are experiencing state wide budget trimming. I do know of cuts in programs for the next school year, and fear we may
lose our elementary string pro-grams.
The area directors for the Hill-sborough County school system moved teachers from most of the elementary programs about six weeks into the school year. Unfor-tunately the results have been dev-astating. New teachers requiring different schedules have resulted in the loss of several students. The politicians are still working on so-lutions, and have a great deal of respect for music booster organiza-tions, so we will have to see what so-lutions they can come up with.
Mitchel BanksDon Banks Music
Tampa, Fla.
A few band directors are fi nally starting to realize that this is a glob-al market and they are learning that the name that is printed on the in-strument does not always mean that that is the company who re-ally made it.
The purchasing departments are balking at price increases in relation to everything from supplies to new instruments. Some band directors are looking for alternatives to reeds and mouthpieces that they have been using for years because the prices are escalating at an unprec-edented rate.
Joe FritzRidglea Music
Fort Worth, Texas
We need to fund schools better so the teachers are paid more, which will attract better teaching candi-dates and keep them longer.
Rich Brinkman Montana MusicMissoula, Mont.
Music teachers are not trained nor interested in the proper care, maintenance, and purchase of their school instruments. Teach-ers need to be made aware of the importance of maintaining student instruments.
Kyozo WatanabeCremona Violin Shop
of Los AngelesLos Angeles, Calif.
32 MMR JUNE 2008
Becker stringed instruments are precision-crafted in Romania following centuries-old European tradition. All are fashioned from select, aged northernCarpathian tonewoods, hand-finished to bring out their tonal and visual beauty, and professionally set up in the USA to our exacting standards.
With those advantages,why not try Becker in your program?
Visit Becker online at www.BeckerInstruments.com Kaman Music Corp., P.O. Box 507, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Old-World Craftsmanship For Today’s Young Musicians
Beautiful...Inside and Out
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MMR_32 32 5/15/08 11:14:38 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 33
There is a higher-than-ever
“burn-out” rate
29%
It’s basically unchanged
61%
Fewer teachers are leaving the profession as a result of “burn-out” now
10%
Are students and parents continuing to purchase low-cost instruments
at mass merchandisers?
Yes, more than ever
29%
Yes, but at a lower rate these days
29%
Yes, at about the same rate
32%
This trend has tapered off considerably
10%
How do you see music educators faring in your market?
California is in a unique position, because while it still has signifi-cant funds left to spend from the $500 million one-time block grant, it faces cutbacks and closures of music programs across the state. We find ourselves from time to time in the inane position of delivering brand-new instru-
ments to districts that we now know will be closing their mu-sic programs in the fall. Parents and teachers alike are well aware of the benefits of music making, but until it’s made mandatory at the state level for daily inclusion in the school day starting in kin-dergarten, we’ll continue to see
music show up on the chopping block any time there’s a budget shortfall.
Nick RailNick Rail Music
Santa Barbara, Calif.
Because of block scheduling and teaching to state wide test stan-
34 MMR JUNE 2008
There are several things working against music dealers right now: No Child Left Behind has devas-tated music budgets in favor of cur-riculum aimed entirely at achieving higher test scores to avoid losing more federal funding. It is unfortu-nate that No Child Left Behind has had the effect of dumbing down publicly funded education rather than allowing the best students to discover their strengths and excel.
On the other hand, most local band directors here won’t let their students use certain brands due to the fact they cannot be repaired locally. Our local major independent repair shop refus-es to even look at most big box brands. It has a signifi cant effect on the buying decisions of parents since they per-form the repairs for every school and music shop in this market.
And yes, there is a higher than ever “burn-out” rate. The down side is that replacement music educators are ill prepared to educate children. In the last year I have dealt with new directors who have little or no prac-tical knowledge of the instruments they teach. One director I have dealt with is completely tone deaf and has already taught at fi ve schools in three years, yet continues to fi nd new jobs.
Still, I think my market has some really great music educators. How-ever, the frustration level is growing over a number of pressures that have developed in this decade. Our former governor, Mike Huckabee, made mu-sic education a major publicity issue during his presidential campaign. Yet he supported budget cuts to mu-sic programs repeatedly in Arkansas throughout his time in offi ce.
The end result of programs like No Child Left Behind is that funding that focus on standardized test subject ar-eas are given highest priority in order to maintain federal funding. All other programs are left to support them-selves or face elimination in the next year’s budget. Locally, we have seen a decrease in AP courses, fi ne arts, and even some sports. The result will be
a generation who can do great on a fi ll-in-the-ovals test, but are poorly pre-pared for real world work-place problems where common sense and the ability to reason are far more important to suc-cess. These important skills are much harder to measure with simple multiple-choice tests.
“Still a Cycle”I think we are at the bot-
tom of the trough in music education and the percep-tion it has with the general public. I believe that there will be a much greater em-phasis on music and arts in the next decade. I be-lieve our economy is go-ing to remain diffi cult for another 18 to 24 months depending on what part of the country you are in due to more consumer credit problems that have not yet made the news (auto loans and credit card debt are approaching record default levels). This will limit discretionary spending even more, especially as food and ener-gy costs will rise in an uneven pattern.
Historically, there has been a pat-tern of consumers getting comfort-able with higher fuel, utility, and food costs. They begin to spend again to reward themselves with lifestyle perks only to face yet another in-crease in prices. Gas prices will prob-ably be over $4.00 a gallon by Memo-rial Day, and there is growing talk of $5.00 a gallon gas by late 2008. Fuel price increases adversely affect the cost of everything.
This coupled with an extremely weak U.S. dollar value means that all of those cheap goods from China will no longer be so affordable. The Chi-nese yuan has gone from 14 to the dol-lar to just under 7 to the dollar in the last year. No amount of bulk purchas-ing can delay the diffi culty ahead.
But this is still a cycle. Things will be great again. Those who were alive during the oil crisis of the 1970’s can tell you that conditions looked awful during that time. There was talk of America falling as a world power, and all sorts of dire predictions of a new depression. Sound familiar? Things became better and then worse for several years until interest rates soared out of control and the economy broke down and reinvented itself within the course of two years in the early 1980s. As a result we had an expansion of our economy that was unthinkable during the oil crisis. Look at the in-novation that came out of that expansion. The
DX-7 was a must-have instrument at any price, guitar players wanted the best playing, highest quality in-strument they could fi nd instead of whatever was the cheapest. We did have a handful of minor recessions in the intervening years (including a housing crisis similar to what we face now). Those who can manage to ride out this period will be best suited to profi t when the market strengthens.
I am really annoyed with all of the misinformation I hear in the industry from people who think this is the end of the world. Stores who are not posi-tioned for this current economy will fail. Manufacturers who will not lis-ten to their dealers and users will fail. This is not limited to music retail, and is a natural part of the process.
That doesn’t make it any easier to take on a human level though.
Randy Millsap is owner of Millsap Music Company in Sherwood, Ark.
No Child Left Behind: The result will be
a generation who can do great on a
fi ll-in-the-ovals test, but are poorly
prepared for real world workplace problems where
common sense and the ability to reason
are far more important to success.
A Perspective, and a PredictionOne Dealer Takes a Step Back to Look at the Big PictureBy Randy Millsap
MMR_34 34 5/15/08 11:14:49 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 35
dards, I predict we’re going to lose a lot of good teachers …
We also need minimum bid prices controlled by manufactur-ers. Why do we reinvent our bid prices with every school we deal with? Manufacturers could refuse shipment if attached school P.O. doesn’t adhere to the published bid price.
Fred Herter, Herter Music Center
Bay City, Mich.
It seems like more schools are in-vesting in recording equipment and music software, obviously for classes in contemporary music and music production/business. They generally seem to be purchasing higher quality items than in previ-ous years.
Tony AdamsaudioMIDI.com
Chatsworth, Calif.
We were beat up pretty bad in the Burbank area by the Hollywood writers strike.
About half of our database of cus-tomers works in the movie industry one way or another.
Along with the downturn in the housing market and general econ-omy, this double punch made for the worst January and February we have ever seen. It has picked up the last two months, but it was rough.
Our once loyal school districts have all but abandoned local mu-sic dealers. There are still a few loyal band/orchestra teachers, but pur-chasing departments no longer sup-port local merchants. We get a few accessories or repair P.O.’s but forget the sales of instruments. It all goes to the catalog joints in the Midwest.
It’s nice to see that many of the major manufacturers are pulling out of the big box stores. The down side is that they now are putting more pressure on their indepen-dent music dealers to make up the slack.
John PedersenPedersen’s Band & Orchestra
Burbank, Calif.
In the past two years here in Mary-land, we have witnessed the demise
of three private teaching facilities: The Yamaha School of Music, Key-board Arts, and Piano Perspectives (doing business out of the Howard County Fine Arts Center located in Columbia, Maryland).
With the economic climate as it is, many schools are having a dif-fi cult time meeting their expecta-tions and maintaining profi tability.
Kurt KrenzischekColumbia School of Music
Columbia, Md.
Teacher burn-out isn’t really a prob-lem. Getting qualifi ed teachers to locate to rural areas is. We see lots of fi rst year teachers stay for one or two years and then move on, leaving music programs basically stagnant. Long-term teachers are rare, mean-ing the “built” programs are even rarer. Meanwhile funding continues to dwindle.
Lou KrausLou Kraus Music
Ogallala, Neb.
MMR_35 35 5/15/08 11:14:53 AM
36 MMR JUNE 2008
NAMM’S Public Relation’s Blitz: Effective or Firing Blanks?Nearly half, 42%, of those surveyed felt that the favorable publicity relating music-making and academic achievement was making a noticeable impression – although a few didn’t necessarily see it translating to the cash register. Here are some comments to the question: Has the favorable publicity relating to music-making and academic achievement made an impression on parents in the communities you serve?
Yes, it’s noticeable but hasn’t helped business.
Ken AndersonFlesher-Hinton Music
Denver, Colo.
I haven’t seen any evidence of it. I know NAMM is trying really hard to promote the positive benefi ts of mu-sic making, but I’m not sure if the impact is any more than subliminal or on a small subconscious level.
Pete SurowskiPete’s Music
Anaheim, Calif.
The parents of students already involved, or already interested in music, are very impressed with the increase in publicity. Otherwise, the campaign doesn’t seem to be ma-
king much of a mark in its current form.
Randy MillsapMillsap Music Company
Sherwood, Ark.
Where and when was this publicity? NAMM seems to favor metro areas with populations over one million. They also need to focus on smaller regional markets, like upper Michi-gan.
Fred Herter, Herter Music Center
Bay City, Mich.
Parents, yes … school administra-tors, no!
Clint Diffi eBoogie MusicPhoenix, Ariz.
Has the favorable publicity relating music-making
and academic achievement made an impression on parents in the communities you serve?
Yes, it’s noticeable
42%
No, haven’t seen evidence of this
58%
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MMR_36 36 5/15/08 11:14:59 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 37
I read a few months that China has passed a new law that states that all children from grades 1 to 12 have to take music education in the school system. I strongly believe that mu-sic education should be part of ev-ery school curriculum just as math or science.
Manuel BerberianAllegro Music Center
Coral Gables, Fla.The No Child Left Behind initiative is having a major impact on schedul-ing. More local districts are adding more time for math, reading, and science, and cutting arts and for-eign language electives. Becauseof this program, more children will be left behind.
Randy KingKing MusicBradley, Ill.
Music is moving out of the elementa-ry school around here, and that will cause a big nose-dive in business. Meanwhile, there are too many non-
music choices at the middle school level competing against music there.
Dan HillHill Music Co.
Casper, Wyo.
The general frustra-tion level is higher than I have ever seen, either in my 26 years as a music teacher or my fi ve years as a school music dealer. This is not limited to music teachers, however. Reasons for music teacher frustration include: Schedule infl ex-ibility which limits prep time for concerts and programs; elementary directors bumped from music class-rooms to teach in cafeterias and en-trance air locks because the rooms are needed for teachers working with students to pass the No Child Left Behind tests; and music teach-ers made to help teach math and
reading to raise No Child Left Behind scores.
That said, I am very positive about the general outlook. School music dealers have an enduring personal relationship with the teachers and students they serve. Their loyalty, earned by good service, will help carry us through an economic downturn.
Ralph MaddoxMusic Supply Closet, Inc.
Olathe, Kan.
MMR_37 37 5/15/08 11:15:09 AM
38 MMR JUNE 2008
I feel the quality of the people we are attracting to the music teaching pro-fession is much lower. We just have a weaker group of teachers working right now.
Greg LyonsRoyal Music
Bowling Green, Ky.School Districts are losing fund-ing (bonds, etc) due to economic conditions. I’ve heard from a reli-able source that one of the oldest and largest districts in the metro Phoenix area will be eliminat-
ing the band and orchestra pro-gram for 2008-2009. The decline in student participation, I believe, is due in part to the districts mak-ing many programs available be-fore or after school only, which makes it diffi cult on parents trans-portation-wise.
What happened to music and arts being part of the core education children receive? In grade school I had to choose between music, band, or art, but it was part of my daily cur-riculum. I must be getting too old …
Clint Diffi eBoogie MusicPhoenix, Ariz.
I don’t think there is anything the in-dustry can do to try to change [the downward] trend. The economy is [weak], and people are digging to put food on the table, gas in the tank, and keep the roof on the house (or keep the house!). Schools have cut the dickens out of the budgets, and it was just a prop for a style of music that became irrelevant to 10-year-olds about 30 years ago! Show me something that gets a 10 to 14-year-old fi red up about a trombone, clarinet, French horn or tuba ... then compare that to a drum kit or a guitar.
I don’t want to be a naysayer, but this industry has beaten this nag on borrowed time. This might be the decade where it quietly slips into being a boutique-only com-modity. I listen to dudes like Allan Friedman who tell me that the one area of growth that I’m over looking is B&O – and all I see in my mar-ket is old-school B&O dealers dying and not being replaced, and school programs doing the same. Prove me wrong!
Andrew BellTwin Town GuitarsMinneapolis, Minn.
The market has been healthy for us as a specialty violin shop, but perhaps not as good for others in the marketplace. In some areas we are seeing fewer upgrades to higher quality instruments; in oth-ers, the upgrade demand remains strong.
Mark LisleLisle Violin Shop
Houston, Texas
Parents are more careful when it comes to spending money on their children’s music education.It’s hard when the band classes are so overcrowded that there is no individual attention. Many drop out of music within the first few months.
Bonnie FitchBonnie’s MusicLas Vegas, Nev.
“I get it”
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Eastwood dealers “get it”phone 905-702-8291 www.eastwoodguitars.com
Important announcement for the local indie scene
MMR_38 38 5/15/08 11:15:16 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 39
Instrument repair budgets are the same number of dollars that they were 12 years ago.
Jeffrey VovakesVermont Musical Instrument
RepairMiddlesex, Vt.
Budgets are smaller and teachers are losing time with the students. This makes our job to support our schools and teachers more burden-some. In general, retailing is more challenging. We seem to have to have an ever-changing range of ideas to keep up with trends.
Tristann RieckBrass Bell MusicMilwaukee, Wis.
I think a majority of schools do order more over the Internet. But when they fi nd out we offer a better price, they buy from us instead! Also, they know we will service them in any way we can. And we’re glad to do it!! I know the purchasing budgets for schools it way down compared to around fi ve years ago. I think they look to parents and local companies for help.
Liz HawkinsSkins’n’Tins Drum Shop
Champaign, Ill.
I think one of the biggest chal-lenges in the school music mar-ket is that we have not changed how we educate these kids. Most other subjects has changed their teaching styles over the last 50 years, but music education has changed relatively little. I think the latest innovation for music education that has been widely accepted and used is combining CD’s with books, and that’s over ten years old! Some programs use Smart Music, but we still teach the same old tired music in much the same way as we always have. We need to make music education more relevant to today’s student. There is a lesson in the success of Guitar Hero, if someone could just fi gure it out.
Donovan BankheadSpringfi eld Music
Springfi eld, Mo.
MMR_39 39 5/15/08 11:15:21 AM
40 MMR JUNE 2008
GUEST ED ITOR IAL
All of us associated with
school music programs
are vitally concerned
about the current state of
music education, our economy, and
the American family. For those that
might not be aware, this could be
your wake-up call!
The Wall Street Journal states, “The retail industry appears to be skidding to-ward the fi rst big wreck in 17 years.” Just what will be the impact of the recession on our states’ music programs? Whatev-er it is, let’s not sit back and do nothing.
Unfortunately, none of our problems will be solved soon and we must be look-ing for solutions to one of the worst retail business climates in years that can vitally affect school funding and ultimately our band programs.
With all of the problems facing Amer-icans today (the recession, the housing crisis, gas prices, etc.), it’s easy to become uneasy about our country’s future. The net result of all of this can be devastating to our school funding and the future of our bands and ultimately our jobs along with the future of music education.
The Good NewsThrough music, we
have the greatest educa-tional tools in the world to work with, and wher-ever we go and whatever we do, we need to spread the “Good News” of the value of music educa-tion, and how, through music, we can make a better world. We need the broadest audience for our music message.
Our students are the future and through our efforts, with the tools of music, we can help them to realize their full potential as no other class can do. We have the tools in music to achieve what parents are not able to accomplish on their own. Our purpose is to show the way and give them the inspiration and guidance that they might not be getting at home. Under the director’s skilled guidance and instruc-tion, these students not only learn music, but many other skills that will go with them throughout life – discipline, good work ethics, teamwork, etc.
So what do we do? Let’s team up with our band directors to make their programs
so good that school ad-ministration can’t af-ford to even think about diminishing or shutting down the programs. The fi rst step is educating the community when-ever we can about the fundamental benefi ts of music education. All the studies and information about music making kids smarter, better students, better citizens, is widely available to us – we must redouble our efforts to
make others aware of the value of music education. We must communicate with principals, superintendents, and boards of education, that playing music positively affects the development of children’s cog-nitive skills. Writing letters to the local pa-pers, appearing at school board meetings, making sure this information is constantly getting into the community and to the leaders of that community is key.
Open Minds, EarsAlways keep in mind that all music
is good, if it is well composed, well ar-ranged, and performed well. I might not
Recession-Proof Your Band & Orchestra MarketBy Jim Darby, OwnerCapitol MusicMontgomery, Ala.
MMR_40 40 5/15/08 11:30:23 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 41
like it, you might not like it, but some-one else does. We can’t be successful in the music business if we are musical snobs. As with many other things, mu-sic evolves, and as teachers and educators we must stay abreast of changes whether good or bad in our opinion. We must be able to relate music wise with the public.
Music is akin to religion … what is heresy at one era of the church is dogma at another. Knowing that there are dif-ferent cultures, we must strive to teach the best of the different types of music. Expand your perimeters, and change with the times.
For example, I grew up playing music in the Big Band Jazz Era. As that era of music evolved, music became more complicated and complex. We began to play modern pro-gressive jazz, which the seasoned musicians loved, but it was beyond the understanding of the average public. Along came Elvis, and the public reverted back to a simpler form of music. Today, in order to survive, we must be fl exible and watch the trends enough so that we can attract the kids into our music programs. Through our efforts, we can broaden, expand, and cultivate their musi-cal taste so that their lives are enriched with
the thrill of being able to expand their un-derstanding and enhance their enjoyment of more advanced music venues.
So stock your music store with differ-ent kinds of music beyond the traditional band music, and encourage your directors and kids coming into your store to try new things. It will create excitement and interest.
Be Better at BusinessA good, service-oriented,
quality music dealer can possibly be the best friend a band director can have. However, the retail music business is a tough business to be in today because of the large fi nancial invest-ment with a very small potential net profi t return. Manufacturers are increasingly requiring large “buy-in” orders to secure a dealership of seasonal merchandise. Today in business, we must be big enough so that we can buy in large enough quantities to be able to get a dealer cost low enough so that we can do the discounting and still have enough profi t to make it worthwhile to
be in business. Quantity discounts are the demise and destruction of all small busi-ness, and small businesses comprise over 70% of all American businesses. Quantity discounts are the worst type of discrimina-tion, and they are responsible for destroy-
ing thousands and thou-sands of service-oriented retail businesses.
But we must rise about that and strive to be more effi cient, and thus more profi table, so we can con-tinue the good service that endears us to band direc-tors. Being a strong mem-ber of the “team” can make our store, and our com-munity’s music programs, more recession-proof.
Part of this equation is reaching out to parents who want music in the lives of their children, but are feeling their wal-lets pinched in this economy. Today, most people are cutting back and are going to be looking for ways that they can afford to start their child in music. Be there for them. We at Capitol Music, in addition to having our huge inventory of new instruments,
Part of this equation is reaching out to parents who
want music in the lives of their children, but are feeling their
wallets pinched in this economy.
MMR_41 41 5/15/08 11:30:26 AM
42 MMR JUNE 2008
have thousands of used instruments, and all the accessories. We have thousands of high-quality used instruments that are professionally serviced in our shop and are available on rent-to-own plans. Any-thing $300 or less, we have a minimum $15 monthly rental (it’s hard for us to carry and service it for less than $15 a month). We can go as little as 4 cents on the dollar per month without any other charges added except sales tax if they end up keeping the instrument. For instance, a $400 instru-ment would only be $16 a month. Money paid into that instrument would not only
apply to it, but any other school band in-strument, less expensive, more expensive, new, or used. For 34 months we keep it up free of charge (long after it is paid for). Past the free service, repairs are dirt-cheap. Over the years, I have kept the repair shop as a maker of friends rather than a maker of money.
Promote Yourselves!The way our band programs were origi-
nally spawned was through old fashioned promotion, and yes, it does take time, work, and resources to go into the school system
with an exciting presentation. We give a mu-sical aptitude test and tell the kids about the fun and rewards of being in a band program. We show, demonstrate, and play the instru-ments. After our presentation, the students are allowed to play the instruments and get a feel for which instrument that would like to play, what is most suitable for the student, and we attempt to create in them a burning desire to play an instrument and be in the band. We grade the test, schedule the par-ents meeting, and send out the letters for the band director. At the meeting, the director tells the parents and students what they can expect from him and what he expects from them. He then turns the meeting over to us and we explain the rental program and sales programs available. Emphasizing how easy and inexpensive it can be after which the instruments are chosen from the display and contracts are signed. That’s how it used to be done when we built the programs, and Capitol still does that today!
Also don’t forget the band directors -- offer free giveaways, and remind your band directors to register for them often. Make sure they feel appreciated!
It’s what we all need to do.
Closing ThoughtsThere are a lot of guidelines that we
need to keep in mind as we work our way through life, but here is an important one to remember: You are the coach and the motivator; so take care of yourself mentally and physically. Always keeping in mind that music is one of the noblest professions on earth. We are richly blessed with the tools to make our jobs easier and a lot of fun. You have the tools so properly package and promote your program and just get the job done … it’s an easy sale.
Remember that music is the tool and not the end. Encourage your band directors to teach these kids to be smart, to take the ball, and run with it, possibly changing the world. We need music teachers so good that they leave your mark on these kids, so that later in life when they look back, they will say that you were he or she was the best teacher they ever had. These kids are going out into a rough and tough world…they need and must have what we can give them through the tools of music.
Jim Darby is owner of Capitol Music of Montgomery, Ala. In the course of his career, he has bought out 34 other music stores and has been voted one of the top 50 music stores in the U.S.
See us at NAMM Booth 825
Providing Quality
Instruments For MusicEducation
By
Vosi
5806 La Colonia San Antonio, Texas 78218
Phone: 210.661.6505Fax: 210.661.6702antiguawinds.com
Antigua
MMR_42 42 5/15/08 11:30:31 AM
music weekmay 5–9, 2008
music weekmay 5–9, 2008
One of the coolest things we get to do
at NAMM is promoting the image and
identity of the music products industry
with consumers. Recently, NAMM
launched a national public awareness
campaign called Wanna Play? allowing
us to:
o Promote NAMM’s ongoing and extensive
music-brain research for consumers using all types of
news mediao Create a unied consumer message or brand for NAMM
Members and the industry to sell musical instruments and
products to those non-players “on the freeway” —a signicant
market-growth opportunity
o Gradually break down the “I’m not musical” syndrome—that
someone has to be talented or “good” to enjoy playing music
During the rst week of May, the campaign took another step
forward with the launch of our rst Wanna Play Music Week. For
this, we engaged in a number of activities that you can read about
right here. We used this weeklong celebration as a vehicle to push
our industry’s message into millions of American households,
which leads to increased spending on music products.
So what is Wanna Play? It’s your new promotion for music making
when you’re reaching out to non-players of all ages. I encourage all
NAMM Members to call us and get creative about how you use the
Wanna Play? campaign in your business. Together, we can get more
people “off the freeway” and into their local community music
stores so they can experience the proven benets of music making
in their lives.
Note from Joe
NewsJUNE 2008
ADVERTORIAL
Wanna Play Music Week a Hit!NAMM declared May 5–9 Wanna Play Music Week, helping to put the national spotlight on recreational music making for people of all ages and levels of experience.
In a call-to-action that reached millions across the country, NAMM invited people to make music … just for the fun of it. Wanna Play Music Week generated significant national and regional media coverage, and participating NAMM Members got to enjoy a little time in the spotlight as well.
WN
A Satellite TourThe week’s celebration kicked off with a national satellite media tour with NAMM President Joe Lamond and Scott “Piano Guy” Houston talking about why people of all ages should be playing music and why they should visit their local NAMM Member dealer to shop and take lessons.
MMR_44 44 5/15/08 12:11:16 PM
A Weeklong Media CampaignEach day we focused on a different theme in the media and on the Wanna Play MusicWeb site, including:
Monday: Music Monday, with thousands of schools, organizations and individuals across Canada and the U.S. playing the same song at the same time to recognize the importance of music and music education Tuesday: Music for Moms and DadsWednesday: Music as TherapyThursday: Bridging the Digital GapFriday: Heroes Behind the Music
A New Consumer Web SiteTo coincide with the weeklong celebration, NAMM launched wannaplaymusic.com, a Web site featuring great research, recent news, fun games, celebrity testimonials and a NAMM Member dealer locator.
A YouTube Music–Making Contest … for Non-MusiciansNAMM launched Say You Wanna Play?,a YouTube-based contest that invited non-players to upload a short video clip of them
making music or singing and then telling the world why they love to play music or want to learn how.
In addition to creating millions of media impressions around the country, Wanna Play Music Week helped to keep people talking about the value of making music and brought more potential customers into NAMM Member stores.
To learn more about how to use the Wanna Play? campaign to promote music making in
your store and to download Wanna Play? logos, Web banners and photos, visit www.namm.org/initiatives/wanna-play-members.
June 20-22, 2008Nashville, TN
Hotel and Badge Registration
ADVERTORIAL
NAMM News is published by NAMM. To keep up-to-date on the latest breaking industry news,
sign up for our PLAYback Digital e-newsletter at [email protected].
NAMM News June 2008
MMR_45 45 5/15/08 12:12:07 PM
46 MMR JUNE 2008
BAND & ORCHESTRA
“We don’t just develop one-way re-lationships,” Discepolo comments. “In-stead, we create synergies with compa-nies whose vision and standards align with ours. For example, our partnership with Trevor James facilitates mutual distribution of our lines in Europe and the Americas as well as joint R&D for new products. Gemstone’s partnership with the Japan-based Sankyo Flutes, a high-end manufacturer, positions the company as the broadest fl ute suppliers in the U.S. Our collaboration with San-kyo allows us to provide instruments for musicians at all levels. Our fl ute lines al-low us to offer every fl ute player whatever then need, not just student and step-up instruments.”
Discepolo has high expectations for Gemstone’s recent partnership with Weril Musical Instruments, the Brazilian manu-facturer. Established in Sao Paolo in 1909, Weril has been building band instruments
for 99 years. Gemstone now distributes Weril brass instruments to North Amer-ica while, in turn, Weril distributes Gem-stone instruments to South America.
Gemstone’s policy of partnership ex-tends to their dealer relationships, too. Last year, they became the fi rst full-line company to implement a comprehensive unilateral Minimum Selling Price (MSP) policy, a bold move designed to maintain product value and protect their dealer base from shrinking profi t margins. “Declining margins are bad for everyone,” Discepolo observes. “Insuffi cient margins hamper the dealers’ ability to provide quality prod-ucts and service to band programs. Manu-facturers suffer because of declining brand equity and curtailed R&D, and ultimately, the customer suffers because smaller mar-gins negatively impact quality and service.
“So we decided to halt the erosion,” he continues. “While MSP is new to the B&O industry, companies like Michelin,
Bose, and Apple have similar policies. Their policies help them create quality products and sustain strong brands that command high market value.”
Kurt Gemeinhardt and Old World Tradition
Born in Markneukirchen, Germany, Kurt Gemeinhardt was a fourth-genera-tion fl utemaker who began his career as an apprentice under his father. After com-pleting his apprenticeship, he moved to St. Gallen, Switzerland, where his hand-made fl utes earned him acclaim among some of Europe’s fi nest musicians.
… new partnerships, new policies for fl utemaker and its Gemstone group
Gemeinhardt60Turns
As Gemeinhardt celebrates its 60th anniversary, Dr. Gerardo
Discepolo, president and CEO of parent company Gemstone
Musical Instruments, plans to continue building upon the legendary
fl ute maker’s reputation of quality and value. For Discepolo, that
means partnerships – partnerships with other manufacturers allowing them
to boost their product offerings, and partnerships with their dealers allowing
them to supply quality and competitive products.
Geraldo Discepolo
MMR_46 46 5/15/08 11:29:12 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 47
In 1928, Kurt Gemeinhardt came to America to build fl utes and piccolos in Elkhart, Indiana. After 20 years he opened his own manufacturing plant, The Gemein-hardt Company. Initially, his vision was to produce a limited quantity of professional all-silver fl utes, but he began building stu-dent and step-up fl utes as demand for his instruments grew. Gemeinhardt replaced the original 20-by-40-foot factory in 1951 to accommodate the company’s growing manufacturing needs. Though it has since been expanded and modifi ed several times, the Gemeinhardt Company continues to build fl utes in the same factory.
In 1997 Gemeinhardt acquired the Roy Seaman Piccolo Company, makers of hand-crafted grenadilla wood piccolos. In 2005, Gemeinhardt became part of the Gemstone Musical Instruments family. The Gemstone team has since expanded the Gemstone portfolio of brands to include Gemeinhardt, Roy Seaman, Brio! Flutes, Trevor James Woodwinds, Sankyo Flutes, Andino Clari-nets, Stephanhöuser Saxophones, W. Nirschl Brass, Weril Musical Instruments and Arti-san Strings . In March of 2006, Gemstone named Gerardo Discepolo as president and CEO. A former professional fl ute player, he holds several advanced degrees including a MBA and a DMA in fl ute performance. He had previously been president of the Haynes Flute Company, vice president of Eastman Winds, led the fl ute division of Conn-Sel-mer, and was vice president and director of marketing for Powell Flutes.
Looking back at Gemeinhardt’s long his-tory and the promising start of Gemstone Musical Instruments, Discepolo concludes, “We want the next 60 years to be as dynamic and exciting as our fi rst 60 years.”
Kurt Gemeinhardt
MMR_47 47 5/15/08 11:29:16 AM
48 MMR JUNE 2008
Profile
Meisel has for hundreds of
years been about string
instruments, and that will
never change. But don’t think that
that is all they do ….
“A little diversifying has been really good for us,” declares Meisel owner Neil Lilien. “Our recent addition of electronic tuners and metronomes has been very successful.”
He sites the compact and convenient MCT-8L Clip On Tuner as being an es-pecially big hit. It is small enough to fi t into a pocket, yet is able to distinguish between a single instrument and other noises in a room. By picking up vibra-tions, rather than sounds, the MCT-8L remains unaffected by ambient noise, but it measures only 1.75” x 1.75” x 0.5” with-out clip or 2.2” with clip. It’s extremely accurate and dealers have done very well with them.
The MT-10 Clip-on Metronome does some serious multi-tasking: it offers six
rhythms, is a clock with an alarm function, and a timer. Another good seller is the Meisel MMT-402 Multi-Function Tuner, which comes with a built-in stand that keeps it from acciden-tally tipping over.
Finally, rounding out the family of new products is the IMT-301, which combines fi ve functions in a single unit. It’s a tuner, a metronome, and provides information on climatic conditions courtesy of a built-in thermometer and hygrometer.
Also, not everyone may be aware that Lilien expanded in electric string instruments a few years ago. “Our Spitfi re E-Fusion has been a steady seller,” he says. “Players like it because it combines the best of electric and acoustic sounds, and they like that these instru-ments have a conventional shape.” He adds that the E-Fusion Bass, also a tradi-
tional shape and available from 3/4 down to 1/8 size, continue to gain in popularity.
Otherwise, Meisel contin-ues to serve the string world. “We have a new shoulder rest, the Chin-Chum Chin Rest pad, and it fi ts full size violins down to 1/8 size and also works for violas. The pro-prietary product is a six-way adjustable chin rest, and it’s especially popular with play-ers who suffer from allergic reactions to the metal used on typical chin rest clamps.”
The Meisel stand, often cop-ied but never surpassed, con-tinue to be a best seller as well.
Lilien’s StoryMeisel is a big name in the business,
but many don’t know a lot about the man behind it. Lilien was professional musi-cian in the early 1960s, playing electric bass and trombone when an opportunity
BAND & ORCHESTRA
Now More Than Strings
While keeping violins and related products front and center, company expands offerings
Meisel:
“My wife likes to say that I have more unpaid jobs than anyone!” he
laughs.
MMR_48 48 5/15/08 11:37:14 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 49
arose. “The leader of the group I was in was a Guild guitar dealer, and he needed an electronic technician, something I had a background in,” Lilien says. From there he got on at Guild as an assistant sales manager and worked his way up to being vice president.
By 1984, Guild and Meisel, along with several other music instrument compa-nies, were owned by Avnet Inc., a large conglomerate. “We fi gured out that the music industry portion of the company added up to being about 10 minutes worth of the company’s fi nancial gain,” he laughs. Evidently Avnet fi gured that out too, as that year they sold off all the music divisions, and that’s when Lilien bought Meisel.
Today he continues the tradition of fi ne German making that goes back to the nearly 300 years. The instruments started to appear in the states in the 1800s, and when Lilien took over, he inherited some great historic artifacts.
“I have a catalog going back to the 1800s – one of the things in it is a violin outfi t from Germany that cost $1.50!” he tells. “You can’t even get a single Euro for that these days.” Lilien generously lent this par-ticular treasure to NAMM’s Museum of Music Making, and it will be part of a vio-lin exhibit opening up in the near future.
As for the near future, he says while he al-ways has his eyes out for opportunities that fi ll a need, he’s not going to be getting away from his core business. “I wan to emphasize the fact that strings are our prime focus,” he says. “And with the school-age population peaking in a few years, and school orches-tra programs getting stronger, we expect to continue to serve that market well.”
Serving is something Lilien is person-ally involved in, too. He is on the board of such organizations as NAMM, ASTA, and AMC. He’s a tireless advocate for the indus-try, and most recently he’s gotten involved with an organization known as the Na-tional String Project Consortium (NSPC). This group is focused on the teacher short-age, which Lilien says is at a defi cit as high as 4,000. “This group goes into universities and music schools and takes string majors who aren’t sure if they want to teach or per-form, and gives them a teaching experience. It brings in disadvantaged youth for string classes, and right now we have 35 sites in 23 states – a total of 2,400 kids learning strings who wouldn’t otherwise, learning from 240 teachers we wouldn’t necessarily have if it weren’t for this group.”
tycoon’s exclusive signature grand design features: • wider bodies for extra depth and power • hand-selected ash quinto, conga and tumba • premium-grade calfskin heads and classic-pro™ hoops • brushed chrome hardware
(909) 393-5555TYCOONPERCUSSION.COM
See us at NAMM Booth 1336
MMR_49 49 5/15/08 11:37:18 AM
At A Glance:
John GiovannoniThe Music RoomLocation: Palatine, IllinoisWhat: Vice PresidentWhere: Palatine, Ill.Founded: Sept. 22, 1994
I play: “Trombone, drums, guitar, left-handed Armenian kazoo.”
I knew I wanted to be in the business when … “Carol [Cook, owner] told me I wanted to be in the music in-strument business.”
Career Low Point: “Almost leaving the store after my horrible divorce.”
Career High Point: “Not leaving the store after my horrible divorce.”
Best thing about my job:“Getting to clean toi-lets, and changing circuit breakers on live lines.”
Most unpleasant part about my job: “Um, if the best part about my job is toilets ... do you re-ally want to know about the worst? Just kidding.
“Managing people is a huge pain in the butt.”
If I could go back in time and tell my younger self some things, it would be:“Hoshino. Get Hoshino right away. And don’t sign up for new- issue pop sheets. And don’t order that box full of Hunchback of Notre Dame titles. And for God’s sake, make sure the basement bathrooms are in good shape before laying carpet.”
People might be surprised to know: “Ifi xed our elevator myself. Don’t ride it – I sure as hell don’t.”
Favorite meal: “Beer and pizza.”
Last good movie I saw: “World’s Fast-est Indian. Anthony Hopkins is a dude I’d love to have a beer with.”
The most important things about man-aging are: “Having a sense of humor and keeping a good perspective.”
The most important thing about doing business with a manufacturer/sup-
plier is: “Follow your gut. And remember that the attitude of the rep will give you a good clue about the attitude of the vendor … and -- oh, yeah
-- pay on time. Keep for-getting that one.”
The most important quality to look for when hiring someone is: “Teeth. Shampoo. Fewer tattoos than teeth. Ability to speak the Queen’s Eng-lish.”
Who I admire in this business: “Alan Friedman, George Hines, Fred Bra-mante, and Charles Walters.”
If I was a cartoon character, I’d be: “Yosemite Sam.”
True or False: Can you be happy and rich in the musical instrument busi-ness? “I know you can be happy and broke …”
Words to Live By: “It doesn’t matter whether the glass is half empty or half full. What matters, and what I want to know is, who drank half of my damn beer?”
“Rememberthat the
attitude of the rep will give you a good clue
about the attitude of
the vendor.”
50 MMR JUNE 2008
MMR_50 50 5/16/08 10:47:53 AM
800.475.7686 800.999.5558
Available from these fine distributors:
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Fully functional bright backlit diode technologymakes quick tuning issues simple and easy no matter how dark the stage is! Upgraded sensors and special “sharp/flat” indicators (TT-1000) produce accurate tuning without interference from any unwanted background or ambient noise.
800.299.9035800.243.7276
MMR_51 51 5/15/08 12:12:30 PM
52 MMR JUNE 2008
Comes To Boston-Next Year in Salt Lake City
RPMDA
More than 290 print music dealers and suppliers, including 30
fi rst-time attendees gathered in the historic city of Boston for
the RPMDA’s (Retail Print Music Dealers Association) annual
convention April 23 to 25. Lori Supinie, Senseney Music was
installed as the incoming president and Kevin Cranley, Willis Music, was
given the organization’s stellar honor, the “Dorothy Award” for his longtime
contribution to the print music industry. Denny Senseney, Senseney Music
and past recipient of the award, made the presentation. The association also
announced a new award, “The Sandy Feldstein Service Award,” in tribute to
the late author, educator and print music personality which was given to the
music industry publications, MMR, Music Inc., and Music Trades for their
support of RPMDA and the print music industry. MMR was the recipient of the fi rst annual Sandy Feldstein Service Award.
MMR_52 52 5/15/08 11:55:33 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 53
Among the convention highlights was a tour of the Robert King Music Sales facilities which houses many historic documents and the company’s original printing press. Danny Rocks, The Rocks Company ably filled in for keynote speaker Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser who was not available due to a death in the family. Kawai America senior vice president Brian Chung, despite the handicap of a strained Achilles ten-don, received a standing ovation for his closing address in which he exhorted dealers to partner with educators and complete for music-making’s place in contemporary culture. Chung empha-sized the power of telling personal sto-ries to deliver messages of music advo-cacy.
Opening KeynoteThe annual RPMDA Convention
– “Boston Print Party 2008,” as it was dubbed – faced some early hurdles, as Thursday’s scheduled Keynote speaker, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, was a last-minute cancellation due to the passing of his father the previous afternoon.
Danny Rocks of The Company Rocks stepped up to the plate, however, and spoke to attendees on a number of topics pertaining to achieving success in today’s rapidly evolving business climate. “Never underestimate the power of being small,” he advised independent retailers. “If you’ve ever doubted the ability of something small to have an impact, then you’ve never shared the bed with a mosquito!”
Outlining the numerous ways in which NAMM and similar organizations can help provide sellers of all sizes with the resources necessary to succeed, Rocks continually pointed to the need to embrace any and all tools available in today’s marketplace: “The world is changing – and fast,” he noted. “Don’t be in denial about the realities of who your consumers are and who your employees are.” Danny offered that in any business today, the formula for success is; “Event + Reaction = Outcome… How you react – or don’treact – to changes in the world around you will determine your own outcome.”
The Christian Market: Seven Steps to Success
Mark Cabaniss, president of Shaw-nee Press, Inc., and Joe Keith, founder
Danny Rocks of The Company Rocks
Mayfair Music Publications’ Carol Simpanen
Petra Woodruff-Harrris, Barenreiterand AnneKathrin Mascus, Breitkopfand Hartel.
Kevin Cranley, Willis Music accepting Dorothy Award from past recipient, Denny Senseney, Senseney Music.
Myles and Teresa Reck, Music-Search.
Doug Lady, Hal Leonard Publishing andKevin Willis, Willis Music.
Steve Rose, Music Minus One and Malinda Boothe, Stage Star Records.
Past Dorothy Award winners gather to salute Kevin Cranley, Willis Music 2008 recipient. L to R: Bill Heese, Playintime; Joe and Claudia Keith, Music Mart, Inc; Jim Strouse, Stanton’s Sheet Music, Inc; Don Eubanks, Hutchins & Rea Music and Geoff Lorenz, Lorenz Publishing.
MMR_53 53 5/15/08 11:55:37 AM
RPMDA “Best Ideas”A regular feature at the RPMDA convention is a member exchange of “best ideas”conducted by Willis Music’s Kevin Cranley. The following are some of the suggestions”
Wish list sheets for non-musical people to use in buying product for their musician friends/family. Dianna Rogers, Beacock’s Music.
Create a single database of all the singalong books w/CD’s that can be used to help sell karaoke. Drew Parker, Seapark Music.
Teacher’s shopping list for students w/your store logo on it. Incorporate into an existing rewards program. Bob Kohl, Long & McQuade
Partner with an outside company to gain new awareness. Example” host a photo exhibition in your store. Myrna Sislen, Middle C. Music.
Bring pre-schoolers into your store and demonstrate the instruments. Valerie Johnson, West Music.
Offer a discount to schools on gift items-have them sell them to raise money for the school. –Your then viewed as a partner rather than a vendor. Norm Zimmerman, Steve’s Music
Offer to give instrument lessons in a school with no music program. Jessica Freehling, Art’s Music Shop.
54 MMR JUNE 2008
Lori Supinie addresses the members as the new RPMDA president.
Alec Harris of GIAPublications
Brian Kane, Jazz Path Publishing.
Don Eubanks, Hutchins & Rea/Symmes Music, Atlanta and Becky Lightfoot.
Oxford University Press: Gilly Woodroffe, Lou Fifer, Suzy Gooch.
Rick Kessel, MMR and Eric Ebel, NAMM.
Dan DelFiorentino, NAMM introduces Bill Heese, recipient of the Legacy Collection, Music and Baseball Award, based on the history of print music.
Alfred Publishing Co.: Antonio Ferrati, Gail Hopkins Kolehma, Vincent Martino.
Leon and Robin Gallison, The Music Gifts Company of England andMasters Music.
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Michael and Marc Harris, Harris Musical Products.
Denny Senseney announces the recipient of the 17th Dorothy Award given for a lifetime of service and achievement in the music products industry.
Becky Lightfoot, Penders Music and Steve Wilson, Music Sales.
Joey Lyons, Music Sales and Dan Herbert, Willis Music.
Kevin Cranley of Willis Music Co. accepts the Dorothy Award, the highest honor bestowed by RPMDA.
Becky Lightfoot, Art’s Music Shop, Montgomery, Ala. with Gayle Beacock, Beacock Music and Lori Supinie, Senseney Music, Wichita, Kan., recipients of the President’ Choice Award.
MMR_55 55 5/15/08 11:55:54 AM
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of MusicMart, led an hour-long session on succeeding in selling Christian choral keyboard and vocal folios.
Mark began the presentation by pointing out that in 2006, a record 54.2 million Christian and gospel CDs, cas-settes, digital albums and digital tracks were sold. He noted that, “this shows that while illegal copying and downloading are hurting sales of all recorded music, the Christian and Gospel market are
still fl ourishing. And even better yet, the print music industry is not as directly af-fected by piracy as other markets.”
“Print music is growing while record stores are declining,” said Cabaniss. “Yes, record sales are sliding, but people are still singing in church.” Perhaps the fi rst order of business in building a strong cli-ent base is understanding who potential clients are in terms of denominational and cultural backgrounds, and having
staff on hand who can relate directly to them. Targeting the right products to the right markets is key.
Joe Keith continued the session by speaking of ways to reach the customer. One method he mentioned was hosting reading sessions on location. “Walk-in sales are decreasing,” he states. “Now, you have to go to your customer.” He also not-ed that dealers should be cognizant of the location of the session – don’t use a space
Bernhard Mueller, SchottMusic.
Santorella Publications’ Tony Santorella
Debbie Mooney of Mel BayDana Piccoli of CarlFischer
Madeleine Crouch, RPMDA
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“Things seem to be pretty stable right now, and I don’t foresee any real changes. One thing I’m excited about is that some publish-ers are coming up
with these “easy mix-and-match” ensembles for smaller schools that don’t have complete instrumenta-tion, but now have music without go-ing to the step of re-arranging every-thing for their schools. I think that’s going to be a really good product.
David ZimetHickey’s Music Center
Ithaca, N.Y.
“Most of the mate-rial considered ‘edu-cational’ — geared toward younger kids — I deal with is on a foot-traffi c basis, and that’s been pretty steady for me.”
Rob BethelCambridge Music Company
Cambridge, Mass.
“Recently I’ve seen school print music sales go up. This is largely due to per-sonal contact and the service we offer.”
Phillips LangloisLanglois MusicModesto, Calif.
“My business is primarily schools and churches, so it’s institutional. Al-though it varies quite a bit by region, generally the band programs are fair-ly healthy. We’ve gone through a few budget scares over the years, with
programs being cut back, but right at the moment it’s not too bad. I think my numbers over last year are probably just slightly better, so there’s been a
marginal improvement in sales.”Cameron Willis
Northwest Music College Services
Vancouver, Canada
“We haven’t been seeing as much in the way of large en-semble music sales – I think there’s a lot of recycling of older music. Part of this is likely due to the
noticeable decline in student enroll-ment in our local programs over the past year or two.”
Kyle PatrickWest Music Co.Coralville, Iowa
“We’ve been sell-ing a lot more play-along products. Kids are just more interested in music that they can prac-tice along with.”
Daryl RobbinsStrike Up the Band, Inc.
Natick, Mass.
“School print music is very impor-tant for us; it’s the largest piece of what we do in terms of print music sales. I think the mix and match fo-lios and ensembles are key to that. There are also more play-alongs for young instrumental musicians. For
choral, there are great writers who continue to put out great works. It’s al-ways “what’s new,” “who’s the hot writer,” and “who’s the hot arranger.”
Those kinds of things are what I see happening.”
Lori SupinieSenseney Music Inc.
Wichita, Kan.
“One trend I’ve noticed is that schools seem to be going with a lot of CD play-alongs, fun books for the kids and method books that have the inter-
active CD or DVD ‘intro to the instru-ment’-type accompaniments.”
Amy MoeHeid Music Co.
Green Bay, Wisc.
“What we’ve seen is clearly two differ-ent seasons. Where you have more of the traditional choral programs in
the fall and in the early spring, and you see a lot more pop and Broadway in the later spring, maybe the fi nal con-cert. That’s kind of what we’re seeing in the school side.
We’re also starting to see a shift in our geographic area in show choirs, and a lot of the younger teachers are looking to us to help them develop a solid library.”
Wes HazelriggAmerican Music Company
Independence, Mo.
Trends in School Print MusicWith a shaky economy and continued turbulence in the wake of “No Child Left Behind” and other legislation, the school music market faces uncertain times.
While at the recent RPMDA Convention in Boston, MMR took to the show fl oor to ask attendees for observations on the current trends in this particularly volatile retail area.
“What trends have you noticed in the school print music market, recently?”
JUNE 2008 MMR 57
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you can’t fi ll – time of day – Keith found evening to be best – the hiring of an accom-panist – make sure this person isn’t simply a pianist, as there is a big difference – and fi nally, “hire the clinician who is most ap-pealing to your three best customers.”
Company Culture: Your Key to Growth and Profi tability
George Hines, founder of George’s Music Stores, presented a session titled “Corporate Culture: Your Key to Growth and Profi tability,” in which he outlined the four necessary steps to building a positive and successful corporate culture. Each stage in the process — determining, defi ning, communicating, and measur-ing — was punctuated with numerous examples from Hines’ own business.
According to the presenter, “It starts with the four ‘P’s to differentiating your culture: product, price, people, and process.” He went on to say that with the increase of on-line sales, product and price are no longer the major selling point for many music re-tailers. Therefore, to build a solid customer base it is increasingly necessary to create a positive experience for the consumer through knowledgeable, happy salespeople, and a smooth transaction process.
This transformation is achieved by de-termining a company’s current corporate culture, defi ning what it should be, com-municating this new credo effectively and continuously to every employee, and fi nally measuring the effectiveness with which the mission statement is being carried out. A few of the metrics Hines mentions for the fi nal step include hav-ing a clear defi nition of short-term and long-term goals, weekly and monthly self- and peer assessment, the occasional employment of “secret shoppers,” and using door counters to track foot traffi c fl ow and sale-per-customer data.
Next year’s convention will be held in Salt Lake City April 29-May 2.
As a Steinway dealer, we’re very connected to higher education throughout the state of Michigan, but we we’ve moved away from school print music. We haven’t seen any cuts in our music educa-tion sales — that’s been a strong market for us. We have some-body who’s dedicated to that area fulltime.”
Alex & Linda HanwayHammell Music
Commerce Township, Mich.
“School pro-grams are more and more strapped for cash. So a lot of what they are doing is looking for alternative
sources to fi nd their resources, either through trading with other schools or looking to buy used music and that sort of thing. It’s really been a scale of economy thing to try to preserve the pro-gram, period. Everything that they can do they do to raise funds, because funds aren’t coming di-rectly from government agencies or the school districts.”
Bob KohlLong & McQuade Limited
Vancouver, Canada
Find it in the Hot Newssection of MMR’s Web site, www.MMRmagazine.com
Breaking News
See us at NAMM Booth 911
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FRETTED
Summer
… an overview of recent introductions and products to check out at this year’s Summer NAMM in Nashville
and Canada’s MIAC show
Buyer’s Guideto New Gear
Composite Acoustic Composite Acoustic (CA), makers of carbon fi ber guitars that are lightweight, durable, and im-pervious to the elements, is now shipping their Cargo guitars. The small-bodied, portable guitar is available with an optional Fishman Matrix VT-Volume and Tone knob located inside the soundhole. It comes in charcoal, red, wine, and green. The acoustic version has a MSRP of $932, and the pickup version has a MSRP of $1,066. Both come with gig bag.www.caguitars.com
Randall Amplifi ers launches a signature half stack designed in conjunction with lead guitarist Christian Olde Wolbers of Fear Factory. The half stack includes the V2 Archetype head and the RS412XLT 100BC 4 x 12 cabinet. Developed based on the existing Randall Valve Dynamic, the V2 Archetype is the perfect head for the guitarist who likes multiple tone shaping options. The V2 can produce almost any tone desired by using a full tube preamp, as well as the classic Randall solid-state preamp. www.randallamplifi ers.comNAMM Exhibit #162
Randall Amplifi ers
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Peavey The new Peavey AG RiffMaster guitar video game controller was unveiled at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show, showing up on ESPN’s “Easy Points: The Best of CES.” It’s a real Peavey guitar that’s been unstrung and fi tted with the guts of a “Guitar Hero” controller. The neck features fi ve colored fret buttons placed among real frets on a genu-ine rosewood fretboard, with the familiar strum bar and whammy bar mounted to a basswood body. Consumers can now design one-of-a-kind RiffMaster guitar game controllers with their own graphics. Consumers can choose from a bank of 20 cus-tom designs, including exclusive artist designs from rock artists such as KISS, Pantera, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ozzy Osbourne, and Megadeth, or upload their own JPG image to the Custom Graphics portal at www.peaveycustomshop.com and design a one-of-a-kind RiffMaster.www.peavey.com/controllerNAMM Exhibit #2010
WashburnWashburn Guitars re-leases two Dan Donegan signature series model gui-tars for 2008. Donegan is lead guitarist for the multi-platinum selling Disturbed, and both of these models, the DD60 and the DD91 Maya, are based on Wash-burn’s classic Idol shape. The WI91 is crafted in the Washburn USA Custom Shop with Donegan’s signature Chopper Top fl ame graphics based on his custom-built motorcycle. It features a ma-hogany body and ebony fret-board and fl ame abalone inlay, with Sperzel tuners, Seymour Duncan pickups, a Tune-O-Ma-tic bridge, and Tone Pros tailpiece. It retails for $5,399.90 and includes a hardshell case. The WI63SF features Chopper Top graphics on a mahog-any body and neck with a rosewood fi ngerboard and debuts Randall’s new UL neck and Ultra XL bridge pickups. Also included are exclusive Grover 18:1 tuners and a fl ame logo on the headstock. It retails for $899.90 and includes a gig bag.www.washburn.com
JUNE 2008 MMR 61
Parker Parker is shipping a limited edition series of the Fly Mojo guitars called the “Four Seasons.” Each of the guitars in the series will be limited in production to 25. The Four Seasons limited run for 2008 includes a “Summer” Fly Mojo Flame in Bubinga, a “Spring” Fly Mojo in Pearl White, a “Fall” Fly Mojo Flame in Olive Burl, and a “Winter” Fly Mojo in Chrome. Each has a fretboard system consisting of long-lasting, hardened stainless steel frets bonded to the pat-ented glass/carbon-fi ber fi ngerboard and Seymour Duncan Jazz Pickup in the neck and a JB in the bridge. They have a MSRP between $4,499 and $5,999.www.parkerguitars.com
EdenEden Electronics introduces the E300T all-tube bass amplifi er and the E810V4 8 x 10 cabinet. The amplifi er features classic, steamlined control set, and is updated with an Overdrive switch and a Mid Shift switch. The power section features a six-pack of KT-88s packing a 320W RMS/700W Peak wallop (@ 4 or 8 ohms). The E810V4 features an all-new bass refl ex cabinet design and 1000W RMS.www.eden-electronics.comNAMM Exhibit #162
RolandRoland announces an addition to its CUBE Series amplifi ers designed for the musician on the go. The compact amp features stereo instrument and stereo AUX inputs for microphones, keyboards, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, MP3 players, and more. It sports a 2.5-watt x 2.5-watt stereo power with two high-performance 4” speakers. Built-in effects include stereo reverb/chorus, distortion, and more. It can also be used for vocals or karaoke.www.rolandus.comNAMM Exhibit #109, 110, 127, 180, 800
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Goodsell Electric Instrument Co.Goodsell’s Super 17 Mark Three, an up-dated version of the line of hand-made EL84-based valve amps, is currently
Epifani Epifani Custom Sound announces the new Underground line of bass amplifi er heads and speaker cabinets. The new line features a 150 watt combo, the UG 115C, the Underground 300 amplifi er head and 4 speaker cabs: the UG 112, UG 115, UG 210 and UG 410. All of the products are wrapped in tough elephant skin Tolex, feature high-impact plastic corners, and are adorned with subtle tribal tattoo art. Available in August, the Underground 300 head will have a street price at $399; the UG 115C combos will have a street price at $499; and the cabinets range in price from $249 to $399. www.epifani.com
shipping. The amps employ a proprietary aluminum chassis that incorporates ev-ery feature ever offered in previous ver-sions, with reverb, tremolo, and a 5w/17w power switch standard. Combining a lighter power supply with a vintage-style pine 1 x 12 cabinet, the 29-pound combo is 13 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Sensibly sized and reasonably priced, the Super 17 Mark Three is poised to become the standard for boutique bedroom/stu-dio/club amps. The amps have a MSRP of $1,199 to $2,399.www.Superseventeen.com
FishmanFishman announces new piezo-ceramic Concert Series pickups for violin, viola, and cello. These are pre-installed in a Despiau bridge to provide a precise and balanced tone from string to string. Specifi cally designed for two-piece Flat Top- and Archtop-style mandolins and spider-style resophonic guitars, the new Nashville Series premium pickup models also feature an integrated installation in a bridge that enhances the overall tonal character of the instrument. The pickups are also optimized for use with the Fish-man Aura Imaging Pedals to provide a higher level of sound quality and added sonic versatility in live performance. Vi-olin, viola, cello, and mandolin pickups include a carpenter jack, while the reso-phonic pickup includes an endpin jack. An impedance-matching preamp for these pickups is recommended, but not required. The MSRP is $309.95 (spider-style MSRP is $259.95).www.fi shman.comNAMM Exhibit #1201
TAKING THE FIELD WITH CONFIDENCE
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EastwoodEastwood introduces the Airline Tuxedo in metallic copper. The Tuxedo is designed after the Barney Kessel model from the mid-1950s which was sold under the brands of Kay and Airline. This particular model is a full hollow body de-sign, lightweight, and versatile with the twin P-90’s offering a tonal pal-ette from jazz to punk, and is particularly well suit-ed for jump blues players. The MSRP is $849.www.eastwoodguitars.com
Morgan Monroe Morgan Monroe introduces a series of three dreadnoughts named “Cedar Hill” featuring solid cedar tops, rosewood back and sides, abalone rosette, herringbone purfl ing, bone nut and saddle, and deluxe hardshell alligator case with a built-in hy-grometer. These guitars complement the popular “Creek Side” series which offer a spruce and mahogany combination. The new guitars feature hand-rubbed satin fi nishes, stainless steel frets, Grover Sta-Tite keys, and a lifetime warranty.
The three models include: MCH-50, an all-solid AA cedar top, solid rosewood back/sides, list price $899; MCH-45, an all-solid AA cedar top, select rosewood back/sides, list price $599; and MCH-
Benedetto GuitarsLuthier Robert Benedetto celebrates his 40th Anniversary in 2008 with a limited run of forty “40th Anniversary” mod-els. These are handmade and feature a unique peach inlay in tribute to his home state of Georgia. Each instrument comes with a special “Benedetto Signature” 40th Anniversary wine created by the Miner Family Vineyard.www.benedettoguitars.comNAMM Exhibit #1324
AXLAXL Badwater Guitars now come with “Jacknife” body style. Designed to have the comfortable feel of a “worn-in” guitar and two EMG-designed overwound P-90 pickups, it is aimed at the heavy metal guitarist. It features a unique “V” body made from solid alder and features vin-tage-style Badwater distressing, antiqued hardware, tune-o-matic bridge, antiqued cream web pickguard, and an ultra-thin maple neck. It has a MSRP of $359.99.www.themusiclink.netNAMM Exhibit #162
DKLDKL Guitars is a new company making handcrafted guitars in a variety of de-signs and styles. The instruments feature multicolored inlays on the fret board, a heel string anchoring system, and use a trademarked joining method for the neck. The neck joint allows for a smooth feel while playing in the upper register.
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Legere Synthetic Woodwind ReedsLegere Synthetic Woodwind Reeds is now being distributed by Conn-Selmer. The company says the reeds are ready to play instantly, last for months, and sound warm like cane reeds. There is no need to moisten before playing, each reed gives precise strength and outstanding consis-tency of sound. Legere reeds cost a little more than regular reeds because they are made using a 15-step process that takes two weeks and are precision-ground for ultimate quality and reliability.www.conn-selmer.comNAMM Exhibit #600
Kenny G SaxophonesKenny G Saxophones announces their new G Saxophones, designed for the pro-fessional musician. The G-Series KGSS6L soprano is a one-piece soprano that fea-tures a vintage lacquer fi nish. It features a unique harmonic design that opens the palm E key and not the traditional palm F key. The G-Series Soprano also fea-tures Kenny G signature Italian pads by Posoni.
Also being released is the Educational Series, which consists of intermediate saxophones available in soprano, alto, and tenor. The sopranos come in two fi n-ishes, a lacquer, and a black nickel with silver keys. The alto and tenor are avail-able in a lacquer fi nish. www.kennygsaxophones.com
EC-45 an all-solid AA cedar top, select rosewood back/sides, Fishman Classic 4T, list price $739.www.morganmonroe.com
BAND & ORCHESTRA
TAKING THE FIELD WITH INNOVATION
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MMR_65 65 5/15/08 11:20:36 AM
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PERCUSSION
Grover Pro Percussion
Grover Pro Percussion Inc., parent com-pany of SilverFox drumsticks, introduces two new drumstick models, the Boston Basher and the Sweet Pea. The Boston Basher is an olive-shaped wood tip with a short tapered shoulder. At 16” long with a diameter of .620”, this hickory stick achieves heavy volumes. The Sweet Pea is at 15-3/4” long with a diameter of 0565”.
Asonespirit Percussion Ron Vaughn, owner of Asonespirt Percus-sion by Ron Vaughn, introduces his classic Wide slot, Solid Body Woodblocks again. Originally developed in the 1970s, the previous production runs of these woodblocks are found all over the world in many different performance mediums. They were dis-continued for a few years, but now with his new company, he is producing them again under his direct supervision.
PearlPearl’s new Redline Reference drum sets are limited-edition drum sets that feature Pearl’s exclusive Reference shell recipe. For the Redline kits, the rubber gaskets used to isolate the shells from the drum hardware have been infused with red dye to create a striking splash of col-
PJLASax Dakota USA is shipping a matched pair of straight saxophones. Both the SDA-1020XS Alto and SDT-1022S Tenor models offer oversized graduated bells, multiple fi ne adjustment screws, low-profi le key cups and pads, iridescent metallic gray mist fi nish, stainless steel rods, brilliant silver plated trim, retro designed Packard key guards, French heritage hand engraving, and more. Both come with a custom classic designed all wood Tweed fi nish case. The Alto retails at $3,500, and the SDT-1022S Tenor re-tails at $3,750.www.pjlamusic.com
It is also a hickory stick but features a small ball tip for fast response on cym-bals. www.BestStick.com
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MMR_66 66 5/15/08 11:20:41 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 67
PRINTHudson MusicHudson Music announces the new Mas-ter Series Drum DVDs that feature mas-ter drummers in master class settings. The initial DVD features Steve Gadd and was fi lmed at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City during the 2006
“Mission from Gadd” tour. Gadd reveals his approach
to the drums and mu-sic through a Q&A
format. He dem-onstrates many of the signature
drum tracks he created with artists
such as Simon & Gar-funkel, Steely Dan, Chick Corea, and Eric Clapton. Bonus footage includes a 20-minute Gadd documentary. Future releases will showcase players such as An-tonio Sanchez, Jason Bittner, and John Blackwell. DVDs retail for $29.95.www.hudsonmusic.com NAMM Exhibit #1018
Rock House Rock House releases two DVDs featuring Alexi Laiho, the acclaimed guitarist and front man of the band Children of Bo-dom. Titled Metal Guitar, Melodic Speed, Shred & Heavy Riffs, Level 1 has Laiho teaching single note riffs and sharing his tricks for speed, sweep picking, pivot-ing and pick har-monics. In Level 2, he walks step-by-step through many of his leads and teaches his mastery of fi ve and six string ar-peggios, string skipping arpeggios, chro-matic scale patters, and more.www.rockhousemethod.com
or. Only 50 of each color set are available. The Limited Edition White on White Redline shell packs are available with a 13” x 9” rack tom, 16” x 16” and 18” x 16” fl oor toms, and a 24” x 18” bass drum. A matching 20-ply, 14” x 6.5” snare drum is also available. The Black on Black Red-line shell pack features a 12” x 8” rack tom, 14” x 14” and 16” x 16” fl oor toms, and a booming 22” x 20” bass drum, with a 20-ply, 14” x 5” snare also available. The MSRP for the black shell pack is $4,999; the white $5,299.www.pearldrums.com
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Alfred Alfred presents a new album-matching fo-lio Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Hits. A to-tal of 34 songs are included. Brooks combines his big-gest songs into one comprehen-sive collection, plus four all-new titles. Alfred of-fers two album-matching folios to The Ultimate Hits, one offering professionally arranged piano accompa-niment, and the other offering authentic guitar TAB. Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Hits is now available in a piano/vocal/chords edition for $24.95, and a guitar TAB edition for $34.95. www.alfred.comNAMM Exhibit #1019
Cherry LaneCherry Lane releases Jim Horn Presents John Denver for Flute, a play-along book and CD package. Horn, who has played with such artist as Joni Mitch-ell, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, and more, also worked closely with Denver. In 1998 he record-ed a tribute to Denver, which is the basis of this book. Each track on the CD contains the full recording with Horn on fl ute. Solo arrangements of classics include “Sun-shine on My Shoulders,” “Annie’s Song,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and seven others. The MSRP is $14.95.www.cherrylane.comNAMM Exhibit #1018
Hal LeonardHal Leonard unveils the new Transcribed Horn Series to ca-ter to those increas-ing number of cover bands that boast horn sections that need to play pop/rock, disco/funk, and R&B songs with more authentic-ity. The three books feature note-for-note transcriptions of the parts exactly as they appeared on the origi-nal recordings, with a separate staff for each horn. Also included are vocal melody lines, complete lyr-ics, and chord sym-bols. The titles are
TONESTYLER®
“A huge sonic payoff... exposes a spectrum of midrange timbres you didn’t know your guitar possessed”
— Guitar Player Magazine, 2006
“Addictive... a great drop-in replace-ment for your old tone knob... increased the guitar’s clarity and projection... en-hances the guitar’s flexibility and sonic quality... Gold Award for Overall Value.”
— Guitar World Magazine, 2006
“A much wider range of tones and a more pristine signal than standard tone knobs”
— Guitar One Magazine, 2006
“Guitars come alive with a sparkly high-end and a full, rich bottom... very useable and unique tones... every setting is pleasant-sounding
and useable... The standout settings alone are worth the price.”
— Vintage Guitar Magazine, 2006
StellartoneP.O. Box 540Jacksonville, Oregon 97530(541) 779-8663www.stellartone.com
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JUNE 2008 MMR 69
Funk/Disco Horn Section (“Disco Infer-no,” “Brick House,” “Superstition,” and more); Pop/Rock Horn Section (“Hot Hot Hot,” “Jump, Jive an’ Wail,” “25 or 6 to 4,” and more); and R&B Horn Sec-tion (“Dancing in the Street,” “Gimme Some Lovin’,” “Sir Duke,” and more). All books feature 15 songs each and have a MSRP of $19.95.
Also introduced is the Hal Leonard Harmonica Play-Along series to help play-ers learn their favorite songs quickly and easily. The books include an enhanced CD that plays on traditional CD players and can also be used on Mac computers or PCs. The books in the series are Pop/Rock Hits, Rock Hits, and Blues Rock. Each book features eight songs and has a MSRP of $12.95, which includes CD.www.halleonard.comNAMM Exhibit #1018
ACCESSORIESKacesKaces introduces a four-piece drum bag set that drummers can personalize and expand into fi ve pieces with their choice of seven different Grafi x snare bag design options. Available in three different size confi gurations to match most common drum sets (two fusion, one standard), the new gig bags are made with a durable 600D nylon exterior that protects the drums against dirt, scratches, and dings. Every bag is double-stitched and rein-forced at all the stress points. They also feature extra-long handles for easy trans-port along with tough luggage-grade zip-
pers. The set has a MSRP of $159 for the four-piece set, and seven optional snare bags list for $34.95.
Kaces also unveils the Universal Radi-cal Electric guitar bag, which is designed to protect and accommodate a variety of extreme shaped guitars including the Flying V, Warlock, Explorer, and more. Available in plain black or with the new Kaces “Hell’s Angel” graphic, the bags offer 20MM high-density foam padding, a durable 600D nylon exterior, and hide-away padded ergonomic backpack straps. A quilted comfort-grip handle and a large accessory pocket is also featured.www.kaces.com
TAKING THE FIELD WITH QUANTUM
QuantumMarching.com
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MMR_69 69 5/15/08 11:21:02 AM
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Ernie BallErnie Ball introduces coated titanium Slinky Acoustic sets, which is a stronger and longer-lasting than traditional strings due to an exclusive protective coating on both the wrap wire and the plain strings. They feature the patented winding of ti-tanium wire around the lock twist of the ball end. The strings are found in the fi rst new string packaging concept in more than 45 years. Produced and now her-metically sealed at their headquarters in Coachella, Calif., the strings are exposed to a minimal moisture and humidity from factory to retailer.www.ernieball.comNAMM Exhibit #1600, 1603
Cable UpCable Up offers the Premium line of pro-fessional audio cables that feature a propri-etary, low capacitance Belden cable with a high strand count of oxygen-free copper. The cables also feature vulcanized Neo-prene rubber jackets that withstand tem-perature extremes, while remaining highly fl exible. The XLR cables are terminated with top-of-the-line Neutrik X-HD con-
nectors featuring weather resistant
O-rings designed for heavy-duty outdoor appli-
cations. They also
are shipping their Industri-al line, which
is a high-per-formance, yet
rugged, low ca-pacitance AES/EBU
compatible cable. The connectors are fi tted
with gold-plated contacts. www.cableup.com
KorgKorg is now shipping the pitchblack tun-er. It combines high precision and func-tionality in a rugged die-cast aluminum package use. The pitchblack is the size of a compact effect unit but features a large, easy-to-read LED display providing su-perb visibility in all lighting conditions and from any angle. It is equipped with 100% true bypass. The tuner’s 9-Volt DC output jack makes it possible to cascade power to other pedals when chaining ef-fects. Boasting a lightweight body (0.64 lbs. including battery) designed to fi t conveniently into a pedal-board system, the pitchblack measures 2.67” (W) × 4.72” (H) × 1.85” (D) (including feet). It has a MSRP of $150.www.korg.comNAMM Exhibit #101, 102, 140
Phone: 720-251-3792
BEPREPARED
TO BE SURPRISED!
Surprises start at Summer NAMM in
Booth #1442
Your customers have been asking about you...
We get countless calls from bassists asking us where they can hear or buy an Epifani rig.We’d love to send them to you...
www.epifani.com
SEE US AT SUMMER NAMMBOOTH# 1341
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Essential Sound ProductsEssential Sound Products introduces MusicCord AC power cord to the North American musical instrument market. Improvements include greater clarity and defi nition, more vibrancy and tone, deli-cacy, immediacy, and greater harmonic integrity. It is based upon a patented multiple-conductor cordage design that replaces a single line or neutral conduc-tor with several smaller conductors. This design eliminates phase distortion and speeds current fl ow to the component’s power supply. www.essentialsound.comNAMM Exhibit #404
BehringerBehringer has released fi ve stompbox trios, creating toolkits for metal, jazz and blues-rock guitar, bass, and keyboards. Each trio features three effects pedals,
two patch cables, and a 10’ instrument cable in one package. The TPK985 Metal Trio features the SM400 Super Metal ped-al, the FX600 Digital Multi-Effects, and the DD400 Digital Delay. The TPK984 Jazz Trio features the CL9 Compressor/Limiter, the CO600 Chorus Orchestra, and the DR600 Digital Reverb with 24-bit high-resolution reverb modes. The
TPK987 Blues Rock Trio features the TM300 Tube Amp Modeler, the UV300 Ultra Vibrato, and the DD400 Digital Delay.
The TPK988 Bass Trio features the BOD400 Bass Overdrive, the BLE100 Bass Lim-iter Enhancerm and the BCH100 Bass Chorus. The TPK989 Keyboard Trio features the UT100 Ultra Tremolo, the UC200 Ultra Chorus, and the FX600 Digital Multi-Effects pedals. All carry a MSRP of $149.99.www.Behringer.com
LIGHT & SOUNDDenonDenon releases its new Direct Drive Turntable Media Player & Controller for the mobile DJ. The DN-HS5500 offers “two decks in one,” which come with separate audio outputs from decks one and two. Both decks provide full access to all available features as well as all connected output devices and music library, and allows users to have full control over their internal hardware preference by choosing the Denon optional (BU5501) Slim-type CD-ROM drive or a standard PATA-type 2.5” lap-top size Hard Drive as the secured “internal” source playback. It has a MSRP of $1,299.99www.denondj.com
Known for pure tone, played for pure pleasure.
www.pantheonguitars.com
or call 410.254.4433
See us at NAMM Booth 1326
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72 MMR JUNE 2008
On-StageOn-Stage Stands has added two new com-puter laptop stands to their product line. Perfect for DJs and recording studios, these stands are lightweight, portable, and ideal for holding laptops, CD play-ers/Controllers, EFX machines or light-ing controllers. The entry-level LPT5000 Computer Laptop Stand can stand alone on sit on any fl at surface, is height ad-justable from 6” to 10”, and can hold up to 8 pounds. The LPT5000 measures 9” wide which may be all that is needed to fi t most small equipment. The LPT5000 lists for $39.
Like the LPT5000, the LPT6000 can also stand alone on any fl at surface. But, this upgraded model comes with a C-clamp allowing the stand to be clamped to a table, case or other DJ equipment. The taller LPT6000 is height adjustable from 9” to 14” and can hold up to 10 lbs. The width adjusts from 9.5” to 14.5” to accommodate a wider range of equip-ment. The LPT6000 carries a list price of $75.
Allen & HeathAllen & Heath launches the Xone:42 high performance four-channel DJ mixer with USB audio interface. The feature set is built around four dual-input stereo channels. Xone’s Voltage Control Filter is included on each channel via illuminated assignment switches, with selectable fi lter type, reso-nance, and frequency controls. The mixer sports a new feature, the X-FX system, en-abling an external effects processor to be easily interfaced. It also features a 45mm VCA crossfader with curve control, and a powerful monitoring section with split cue control, mix to cue, two headphone outputs (1/4” and 3.5mm), dedicated booth output, and balanced main mix outputs on XLR.www.allen-heath.com/US
DigidesignDigidesign releases Version 7.4 of its Pro Tools software. It offers numerous new music and post-production features and workfl ow enhancements for Pro Tools HD, Pro Tools LE, and Pro Tools M-Powered users. Topping the list of new features is a multifaceted new music composition and production tool called Elastic Time, which allows users to easily change the tempo and timing of loops, music, dialogue, and other sound fi les in real time without cutting up audio tracks. The MSRP for Pro Tools HD is $199 for a standard upgrade and $79 for an upgrade from Pro Tools HD 7.3. www.digidesign.com
Both stands feature all-steel construc-tion, padded upper supports to prevent slipping and 4 line-it-up height adjust-ments. www.onstagestands.com
Here's the Lowdown...
Handcrafted in Canada, all solid Indian Rosewood back and sides, Sitka Spruce top, parabolic X- bracing, rounded headstock with white inlaid logo, chrome tuners and equipped with a custom LR Baggs pickup system... Larrivée has brought back the acoustic electric bass:
Model B-03RE
VISIT US AT SUMMER
NAMM BOOTH #1400
www.larrivee.com
See us at NAMM Booth 2045 See us at NAMM Booth 1400
See Me at Booth
2045
MMR_72 72 5/15/08 11:21:20 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 73
Violet DesignsViolet Designs is shipping the Amethyst series of studio micro-phones which feature capsules with six-micron gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms tensioned and adjusted on precisely made brass backplates. This allows for fast impulse transient re-sponse without sound coloration or low frequency reduc-tion, as well as the ability to handle louder sound pres-sure levels. The Amethyst Standard has a dark amethyst red body and uses a single large-diaphragm center-ter-minated capsule. The internal phantom powered pream-plifi er is a fully discrete Class ‘A’ transformerless circuit. The Amethyst Vintage has a gray/blue body and uses a dual large diaphragm, and a center terminated dual back plate capsule. Both models have a unidirectional cardioid polar pat-tern with minimal proximity effect and are linear over the wide frontal incidence angle.www.violetusa.com
Audio2000’s Audio2000’s introduces the AWP6407 universal PA and karaoke system. The system contains a complete karaoke system with a built-in CDG/MP3/CDR/VCD/CD player, a digital recorder, a rugged retractable dolly, a built-in dual-channel UHF 16-frequency wireless microphone system, and a set of rechargeable batteries. The built-in wireless system can allow two persons to use it at the same time and the wireless transmitters can be any combination of the headset, lavaliere, and/or handheld microphones.www.audio2000s.com
Martin Audio Martin Audio introduces Blackline+, which features signifi cant improvements to provide an even higher level of perfor-mance. Drivers and crossover networks have been redesigned so that all of the low frequency drivers in two-way sys-tems now feature aluminium demodu-lating rings to minimize the variation in voice coil inductance as the coil moves in the gap. The result is improved midrange clarity and reduced intermodulation dis-tortion at high excursions, ensuring that the sound balance and quality are main-tained even at high levels. The Blackline+ line covers eight full-range cabinets and four sub-bass enclosures.www.martin-audio.com
Wholesalers of:
Juzek Stringed InstrumentsBowsCasesStringsAccessories
P.O. BOX 1415STOWE, VT 056721.866.846.5461 [email protected]
MMR_73 73 5/15/08 11:21:29 AM
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X2X2 Digital Wireless Systems has an-nounced the new XDS-PLUS. The XDS-PLUS combines the portability of a stomp-box device with the advanced son-ic and RF performance of the company’s XDR95 rack-mount system by putting the receiver in a rugged metal stomp-box chassis. However, due to its compact and portable design, the system is also well equipped to solve some unique chal-lenges facing sound reinforcement and installed sound professionals such as wireless high-quality audio distribution and portable PA applications. The system features X2’s proprietary companderless digital format and new dual-diversity (anti-jamming) technology for the sound and feel of a direct wire connection. Ad-ditionally, the system is 2009-compliant meaning that it’s free from DTV and FCC licensing concerns and can roam virtually anywhere throughout North and South America without issue. The MSRP is $599. www.x2digitalwireless.com
American DJ
American DJ has put a new spin on the mirror ball with its Starball/Sunray LED series. They are rotating spherical effects that shoot beams around a room like mir-ror balls, but are powered by LEDs instead of traditional halogen lamps. There are four models in the series: Starball LED, which produces all-white beams; Sunray LED, which produces multicolor beams; Starball LED DMX, which is DMX-com-patible with all-white beams; and Sun-ray LED DMX, which is DMX-compat-ible with multicolor beams. The LEDs throw out 34 crisp, bright beams, which slowly rotate around the walls, ceilings,
StantonStanton DJ releases the C.324, the com-pany’s newest slot-loading tabletop CD player for the professional DJ. The Stan-ton C.324 is designed for digital DJs who want to scratch CDs like vinyl, and has all the latest components needed for ul-timate performance. It features MP3 and CD audio playback with onboard fi le and folder browsing, onboard pattern and real-time sequencer for drum machine style performances, seven on board digi-tal effects, and a slot loading CD mecha-nism with LED for quick loading of CDs into the unit in low light situations. The C.324 also features responsive trigger pads that offer real-time sample / loop sequencing.www.stantondj.com
MUSICSTORE
OWNERSWe Offer Solutions
To Your Cash Flow Needs!
RENT-TO-OWNDo you need capital? For Expansion? Fall Dating?, etc?
Let us be your Bank down the street.
We will turn your rental receivablesinto working capital!
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National Music Funding4095 AVENIDA DE LA PLATA
OCEANSIDE, CA 92056
[email protected] 800-981-6874 Fax 888-660-0798
See us at NAMM Booth 2052
See us at NAMM Booth 1043
MMR_74 74 5/15/08 11:21:35 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 75
SKBSKB is shipping its new 6U 20” rolling Shock Rack case (model number 3SKB-R06U20W). SKB has added wheels and a sturdy pull handle, as well as updated TSA lock trigger latches and upgradeable elas-tomeric shocks. The rolling Shock Rack provides a rotationally molded tough
M-AudioM-Audio announces ProFire 2626 for PC or Mac host-based recording systems. This interface delivers 26 x 26 simulta-neous I/O, complete with an onboard DSP mixer sourced from up to 52 audio streams. It features many connections, including award Octane preamp technol-ogy on all eight analog inputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, word clock, and MIDI. It also fea-tures JetPLL jitter elimination technol-ogy, which ensures pristine audio quality and reliable synchronization all the way up to high-defi nition 24-bit/192kHz res-olution. In addition, ProFire 2626 offers easy FireWire connectivity, low latency, dual headphone outputs, front-panel ¼” instrument inputs and standalone opera-tion. Compatible with most major DAWs including Pro Tools M-Powered.www.m-audio.com
and fl oors. All of the units’ beams radiate from one three-watt LED light source and don’t require the use of fog. The LEDs are rated at 50,000 hours. The MSRP of the Starball and Sunray LEDs is $139.95. The MSRP of the Starball and Sunray LED DMXs is $209.95.www.americandj.com
shell with integrally molded valiance, and it comes standard with eight elastomeric shocks (load range 40 to 150 lbs). The load range can be enhanced by adding an additional shock on each mounting point (load range 300 pounds). A new feature is the inclusion of SKB trigger latches with TSA locks, which allow for TSA screeners to exclusively unlock cases for security checks while keeping the contents other-wise locked and secure. The street price is $579.99.www.skbcases.comNAMM Exhibit #628
Cremona bowed instruments have set the pacefor the vibrant student and rental markets for over25 years. Strict adherence to international sizingrequirements, domestic educational set-up standardsand continuous quality improvement have madeCremona Violins, Violas, Basses and Cellos provensales leaders.
Our best-selling, ebony fitted SV-175 CremonaPremier Violin Outfit has again been upgraded toinclude the new LaSalle LB-15 Octagonal Bow andthe TL-33 deluxe rectangular Travelite case.
Meeting the Needs of Studentsfor More Than 25 Years ...
Our Best-Selling SV-175 Cremona Violin!
SV-175
[800] BUY-SAGAwww.sagamusic.comDealer inquiries invited.
•Six sizes from 4⁄4 to 1⁄16
•Long lasting ebony fittings
•Finetuner tailpiece for precise, easytuning
•Rugged TL-33 Travelite case
•All-solid carved, graduated construction
•Well-balanced LaSalle LB-15 bowwith ebony frog
Cremona SV-175 Violin Outfit:
$169Suggested Retail
Still
See us at NAMM Booth 1110
Find it in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site,
www.MMRmagazine.com
Breaking News
MMR_75 75 5/15/08 11:21:41 AM
AWP6404
Audio2000'S®
H&F Technologies, Incorporated 650 Flinn Avenue, Moorpark, CA 93021Tel: (800)661-8069, (805)523-2759 Fax: (805)523-2021 E-Mail: [email protected]
www.audio2000s.com
The Ultimate Sound Instrument:
1) UHF Wireless In-Ear Monitoring System2) Wireless PA System with Rechargeable BatteriesAWP6404AWP6404ith Rec & CD Player
MMR_76 76 5/15/08 12:13:13 PM
78 MMR JUNE 2008
Exhibitor List65Amps 1222Access Bags and Cases 1507Accutronics 243Actodyne General Inc 1501AIM Gifts 226Akai Professional 400Alesis LLC 400Alfred Publishing Co, Inc. 1019Alhambra USA 1005The Alternative Guitar Company 214ALTO 300Amati’s Fine Instruments 649America Longxing Inc 828American Audio 524American DJ Supply, Inc. 518American Music & Sound 900American Way Marketing LLC 230Ameritage® 1106AmpTopper Products 2041AMT Electronics USA 234Analysis Plus 2100Angels Musical Instruments 818AntakaMatics, Inc. 1349Antigua 825API 322Aquarian® 713ART - Applied Research And Technology 300Art Strings Publishing 1018ASK Video 304Audio Agent, LLC 152Audio Media 926Audio Plus Services 2040Audio-Technica U.S., Inc. 500Aurora 1229Automated Processes, Inc. (API) 322Avant Electronics 207B-52 Professional 336Babicz Guitars USA 1123Baden Guitars 150bandFIND, Inc. 260
Bass Dynamics 244Bass Player Magazine 926BBE Sound 1337Beat Kangz Electronics, LLC 644Bee-In Tuner, Inc. 826Behringer 2014, 2020BEiiMEiiUP Stuff, LLC 606Belcat Co. Ltd. 1622Belkin International, Inc. 406Benavente Guitars 1343Bends Instrumentos Musicais Ltda 238Benedetto Guitars 1324The BERP 248Bigsby® 700Bill Lawrence Guitar Design Co 2026Blue Book On Line 836Blueberry Musical Instruments 113Bogdon Music 544BOSS U.S. 800Boulder Creek Guitars 1404Bourgeois Guitars 1326Bourns, Inc. 245Breedlove Guitar Co. 1210Breezy Ridge Instruments, Ltd. 1006Budda Amplifi cation 2050C.B.I. Professional Wiring Systems 1448CAD Professional Microphones 2049Campbell American Guitars 1245Carr Amplifi ers Inc. 2100Cascade Microphones 247Caster Tray 169CE Distribution 1423Cedar Creek Custom Case Shoppe 329Century Strings Inc. 725Charles Dumont & Son, Inc. 918Cherry Lane Music Company 1018Christian Musician Magazine 224Clement & Weise Ohg 742Club World Magazine 836Codel Enterprises 1323Collings Guitars 1205
Completely Oblivious 2044Composite Acoustics 1305Conn-Selmer Inc. 600ConventionTV@NAMM 836Cort USA 1309Crafter USA, Inc. 1618Creation Audio Labs, Inc. 340Cruztools, Inc. 2048CSC Products, Inc. 749Curt Mangan Inc. 1418D’Addario & Co., Inc. 2008D’Aquisto Strings Inc. 1508Daisy Rock Girl Guitars 1027Dana B. Goods 1318Dean Markley Strings 1218Deering Banjo Company 1104Digitech 1510Diplomat 2052Direct Sound Headphones 346DJ Times 836DKL Guitars 1442DnR guitars LLC 246Dolsey Ltd 115DownBeat Magazine 1029DR Handmade Strings 1310Duesenberg USA 1222E. K. Blessing Company Inc. 443The E.M. Winston Company, LLC 648Eastman Guitars and Mandolins 1000Eastman Strings 1000Ebtech 243Eden Electronics 162Edencompanies.com 544Edirol by Roland 109, 110Electratone, Inc. 1350Elixir® Strings 728Emac Music, Inc. 1004EMD Music Inc 1236Emery & Webb, Inc. 1045EMG Inc. 1319
MMR_78 78 5/15/08 11:50:08 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 79
Enhanced Listening Technologies Corp. 223Epifani Custom Sound Systems, Inc. 1341EQ Magazine 926Ernie Ball, Inc. 1600, 1603Essential Sound Products, Inc. 404ETI Sound Systems, Inc. 336Everly Music Company, Inc. 1428Evets Corporation 1528Farley’s Musical Essentials 1410Fender Musical Instruments Corp. 107, 108, 130, 132, 133Fernandes Guitars 1500Fishman 1201Flavoreeds 447Flaxwood Oy 1249Focal Professional 2040Folkcraft Instruments, Inc. 905Forge 744Four Star Wire & Cable Inc. 209Fred Kelly Picks 2007Fritz Brothers Guitars 2038Full-On Management LLC 1325G & H Industries Inc 2000G & L Musical Instruments 1337G7th Ltd 1628Gadow Guitars 1348Gallagher Guitar Co. 909
Gallien Technology Inc. 1610Gatchell Violins Company, Inc. 824Gator Cases, Inc. 908George L’s Musical Products 911Gibson Guitar Corp. 526gig-fx, Inc. 168Glasser Bows Inc. 649Godin Guitars 1437Gold Tone 1422Goldbug Products 1441Goodall Guitars, Inc. 1209Goodsell Electric Instrument Co., LLC 2045Greasy Groove Inc. 1345Gretsch Co. 700GretschGear.com 700Guangzhou Cremona Violin Co. Ltd 170Guitar Player Magazine 926GWW Group 1106H & F Technologies, Inc. 810H.E.A.R. - Hearing Education & Awareness for Rockers, Inc. 181H.G. Leach Guitars 1544Hahn Guitars 1540Hailun Distribution LLC 741Hal Leonard Corporation 1018Hall Crystal Flutes 546Halo Guitars 2051Hammond Suzuki USA Inc. 736Hana Corporation 256
Hanser Music Group 328Harmony Guitars 1242Harris Musical Products, Inc. 1136Henry Import & Export 114Heritage Guitar Inc. 1624Hohner, Inc. 1411Homespun Tapes, Ltd 1018Hosa Technology, Inc. 428Hoshino USA Inc. 618, 718Hudson Music, LLC 1018Humes & Berg Mfg. Co., Inc. 901Huss & Dalton Guitar Co., Inc. 1407Ibanez 618IBC Trading Ltd. 1628International DJ Expo 836InTime Design, LLC 2054ION Audio LLC 400ISP Technologies LLC 422J. Jennings Publishing Company 222James Trussart Guitars, Inc. 1225JAMS Audio 2042Jazzkat Amplifi ers LLC 1627Jean Larrivee Guitars USA Inc 1400Jet Fretz 1304Jodavi, Inc. 1247Joemeek 323John M. Connolly & Co Inc 1126John Pearse® Strings 1006Johnson Guitars U.S.A. 1542
We Build Quality
DISCOUNT STRINGS WAREHOUSE
Reasonable Prices for Student and Rental
Violins, Violas, Cellos, Basses, Bows, Bags and Cases
Call us about Leonard Smith Instruments nished by Weavers Violins.
1-800-608-6899Fax- 301-540-8169 • E-mail- [email protected]
See us at NAMM Booth 1305
MMR_79 79 5/15/08 11:50:12 AM
80 MMR JUNE 2008
JT Musical Inc. 2005JZ Music 548K and S Music Inc. 822Kahler International, Inc. 208Kala Brand Music Co. 1527Kaman Music Corp. 436, 536Kelhorn Corp. 448Kelly Concepts, LLC 607The Kelly SHU 607KennyAllyn LLC 1440Keyboard Magazine 926King Doublebass 1538König & Meyer GmbH & Co. 1126Korg USA, Inc. 101, 102, 140
Krank Amplifi cation 1635Kyser Musical Products Inc. 1304Latch Lake Products Inc. 205Lava Cable 320LeCompte Electric Bass 1440Levy’s Leathers Limited 1226LM Products 1118Los Cabos Drumsticks 218The Low End 1343Ludwig Drum Co. 600M & M Distributing 650Mad Professor Amplifi cation Ltd 1142Major Music Supply 2004Manufacturas Alhambra, S.L. 1005
Mapex USA, Inc. 508Marshall Electronics 344The Martin Guitar Company 1200Mason & Hamlin Piano Company 737MasterWriter 327Mattrixx-N Inc. 254Meinl USA, L.C. 608Mel Bay Publications, Inc. 928Merano Musical Instruments 719MI Distributing 444MicFX LLC 1140Microboards Technology 407Microsonic 504Mid-East Mfg. Inc. 1144Middle Tennessee Technologies Corp, 264Mighty Bright 1412MixMeister Technology 400MJS Music & Entertainment 1506Mogami Cable 344Mojo Musical Supply 1642Moody Leather, Inc. 1425Moog Music Inc. 637Morgan Hill Music 1404Morley 243Morrell Music Co. 1248Motion Sound 744MPR Enterprises 1410MTD (Michael Tobias Design LLC) ClubMurga Boot Co 225The Music & Sound Retailer 836Music Dealers Resource Group LLC 2036Music Inc. 1029The Music Link 1336Music Magazine Publishers Association 924The Music People Inc. 309, 310Music Player Network 926Music Sales Corporation 166Musical Instruments Distribution Canada Ltd. 1617Musical Merchandise Review 1031Musician’s Wholesale America 1526MusicMags 924Musicorp 436Musiquip Inc. 117MXL Microphones 344N-Tune 152Nady Systems, Inc. 501National Music Funding Corp. 1043Nechville Musical Products LLC 1426NEMC 838Neo Products, Inc. 236New Sensor Corp. 1518NewBay Media LLC 926Nik Huber Guitars 1536NOTION Music, Inc. 305Numark 400Ochenrider Concepts, Inc. 228Odyssey Innovative Designs 1609
Contact us today for program details and to learn more about becoming an authorized dealer.
800-266-7225 or music-accessories.net
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OME Banjos 1523Onori Accessories 1328Oscar Schmidt Division of Washburn International 162The Paige Capo 1613Paige Musical Products 1613Palmerino Music 605Pantheon Guitars, LLC 1326Panyard, Inc. 806Parker Guitars 162Paul Reed Smith Guitars 2003Paul Shelden Global Productions, Inc. 2052Peace Musical 702Peaceland Music 318Peak Music Stands 721Peavey Electronics 2010Pedal Pad 243Pelosi Guitars 1243Penton Business Media 922Perri’s Leathers Ltd 2055Personal Cooling Concepts LLC 220Peterson Electro Musical Products, Inc. 418Phil Jones Bass 1541Phoenix Musical Instruments 445PianoDisc 737Pick Guy, Inc. 212Pikcard USA 1009Pintech Canada Inc. 605Pintech USA, Inc. 605Play It Now Tunes 918Players Music Accessories 831PMI Audio Group 323Power Group 341Premier Guitar 2037PreSonus Audio Electronics 440Pro Audio Review 926Pro Sound News 926Pro Stage Gear 911Pro-Active Websites 206Pro-Mark Corporation 601PROGRESSION 305ProSing 2025Protec 200PZtronics 202Q Lighting 1629Qingdao Gangyi Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. ClubRandall Amplifi cation 162The Recording Academy 172Redland Music Products 337Remo, Inc. 711Rental & Staging Systems 926Retail Up! 844Retro-Sonic 1646Reverend Guitars 1429RJM Music Technology, Inc. 250RoboKey USA 242Roc-N-Soc Inc. 604
Roché-Thomas Corp. 1039Roland Corp. 109, 110, 127, 180, 800RS Berkeley Inc 829S.I.T. Strings Co. Inc. 1300Sabian Ltd. 708Saga Musical Instruments 1110Saint Blues Guitar Workshop 1545SaintFishy’s Distribution, LLC 1621Samick Music Corporation 636Santa Cruz Guitar Co. 1211Scary Productions 1443Schenk Guitars 1522Sennheiser Elec Corp 401Sensaphonics Hearing Conservation 405
Sewing Machine 252Shanghai Max Precision Instrument 721She Sings Out, Inc. 240Shubb Capos 1010Simba Products, Inc. 1606SIMS America, LLC 1342SKB Corporation 628Solid Cables 210Sonic Distribution LLC 232Sony Electronics, Inc. 410Souldier 1505Sound & Communications 836Sound Enhancement Products, Inc. 243Sound Ideas Music LLC 2043
See us at NAMM Booth 1304
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Sound Innovations 262Sound To Earth, Ltd. 1523Source Audio LLC 641South Gulf International 1504Spectr Audio 227Spectrafl ex, Inc. 1640Sperzel 1146SPL Electronics GmbH 326Stage Ninja 424Stagg 1236Starkey Laboratories 507Stephen Paul Audio 323Steptime 221Sterling Company 747
String Swing Inc. 1636Strings by Aurora 1229Studio Devil 204Studio Projects 323Super Sticks Music 258Synergy House 727Systems Contractor News 926T.G., Inc. 1436TalkingTabs 918Taloose Group, Inc. 808TASCAM ClubTama 618Taye Drums 707Taylor Guitars 105, 135
TC Electronic 319TC-Helicon 319Testa Communications 836Thomastik-Infeld GmbH 1126Thunderfunk 243Timberline Guitars 1409TKL Products Corp. 329Toft Audio Designs 323Tornavoz Music 1100Trace Elliot 2010TRAF Group, Inc. 1039Traveler Guitar 1405Trem King ClubTri-Technical Systems, Inc. 1039Trillium Cabinet Company, Inc. 1444TV Jones, Inc. 1427Tycoon Percussion 1336Tyler Retail Systems, Inc. 1037U.S. Band & Orchestra Supplies, Inc. 443Ultimate Ears 219Unigrip 348UpBeat Daily 1029US Music Corp. 162V-Picks 1619Valley People 323ValveTrain Amplifi cation 1446Ventura Guitars 2043Veritas Instrument Rental Inc. 819Vision International, Inc. 337Visual Sound LLC 911Voyage-air Guitar, Inc. 1544W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. 728Warehouse Guitar Speakers, LLC 2027Washburn International Inc. 162Watch & Learn, Inc. 840Waterstone Musical Instruments, LLC 1644Wave Distribution 426Wechter Guitars 1327Wedgie Products 1404Wendler Instruments 2046West Coast String Instruments 729Western Digital 241Westone Laboratories, Inc. 306Wilkins Guitar 1443Willis Music Company 1018Wilmington Fibre 1227Wm. Rees Instruments 823Woodsound Flutes 542Wristies Inc 2024Wyman Piano Company 745Xcel Drumsticks 606XP Audio, Inc. 744Yamaha Corp. 104, 136Yorkville Sound Inc. 300Z Right Stuff 216Zaolla Silverline 428Zoogee World Inc. 2047Zuni Custom Guitars 1625
Doug LawrenceGrant Langford
Marshall McDonaldDoug Miller
John Williams
www.countbasieorchestra.com
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Fri., JUNE 2010:30 a.m.How Your Web Site and Your POS Can Produce Hot Buyers, Keep Warm Prospects and Manage Cold Leads (E-Commerce/Web)Presenter: Gordon O’Hara, Managing Partner, Retail Up! Music
The Web and your POS have always been about connections. In the retailer’s case, it’s how to keep prospects and customers con-nected to your store. We’re talking about the cream—mid- and upper-end guitar buyers, fi ne keyboard and piano purchas-ers, sound system users, band directors, professionals, and more. All of these people have one thing in common: they want your Web site to connect them to your store’s expertise and product knowledge. We’ll explore how your site can serve them and develop leads and profi ts for you.
11:00 a.m.How to Turn Zero-Cost Marketing into Big-Budget Results (Sales/Marketing)Presenter: Bob Popyk, Founder of Bent-ley-Hall, Inc.
If you don’t have a mega-store marketing budget tied together with a big checkbook and a bigger crystal ball, this is the session for you. Learn some ideas to bring more cus-tomers into your store immediately without having to go to the bank. Find out lots of easy ways to generate more store traffi c each day by getting everyone in your store involved.
11:30 a.m.How to Sell Your Toughest Customers ... 90% of the Time (Sales/Marketing)Presenter: Bob Popyk, Founder of Bent-ley-Hall, Inc.
Are customers getting “tougher” to sell? Competition today is more than just the dealer down the street—it’s the Inter-net, catalogs, the classifi ed section of your newspaper and anything else that might prevent a sale. Learn some simple ways to close a high percentage of those “tough” customers who beat you up over price, tell you they’re “shopping around” and walk out of your store without buying.
NOONFree One-Hour Lunch and Learn Session Case Study: An Innovator’s Perspective on Store Design (Store Design)Presenter: Gayle Beacock, Vice President, Beacock Music
For the past few years, Beacock Music has taken its store design to new heights. Join Gayle Beacock and merchandising expert Michelle Webb to hear their per-spective on design, their latest creations, and their passion for these projects. They will take questions in the second half of this one-hour session.
1:00 p.m. (One-Hour Presentation)Panel Discussion: “Ask the Experts” (Retail Ideas)Moderated by Zach Phillips, Editor, Mu-sic Inc.
You, the music products retailer, asked the hard-hitting questions. Now, you’ll get answers. Join this panel to learn so-lutions to your fi nance, sales, marketing, merchandising, and staffi ng issues. These specialists will respond to questions sub-mitted prior to Summer NAMM but will also take audience questions in the sec-ond half of this one-hour session.
2:00 p.m.NAMM’s New Member-Only Insurance Portal with Discounts for Health and Lifestyle (Retail Ideas)Presenter: Christine Lee, Principal Pro-gram Business Leader, Mercer
Don’t miss your new member benefi t, the insurance services and products offered through NAMM’s Smart Business Interac-tive Portal from Mercer. This session dis-cusses the new program, which offers a free prescription card for all members, families and employees. In addition, the program of-fers options for savings on health services, including alternative medicine, dental, vi-sion, chiropractic and doctor visits, as well as movie tickets, dining, hotels, and more.
2:30 p.m.Panel Discussion: How to Increase Profi ts in Your Female Drum Market (Retail Ideas)Moderated by the Percussion Marketing Council
Learn how to understand the tremen-dous sales and marketing opportunities
NAMM University ScheduleSummer NAMM – Nashville Convention CenterNAMM Idea Center (Exhibit #837)
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that exist in targeting the female drum-ming market. This panel will address how to drive existing female percussion players, as well as non-players, into your store.
3:00 p.m.The Value of Store Design (Store Design)Presenter: Chris Miller, President, Pacifi c Store Designs, Inc.
When properly applied, design is one of the best returns on investment in retail today. But how can you prove it? Let Chris Miller show you! This session will reveal how retailers can develop a shared under-standing of the return on investment of de-sign, so that its value as an effective business tool can be convincingly communicated.
3:30 p.m.Your Lesson Program—The Heartbeat of the Community Music Store (Lessons)
Presenter: Pete Gamber, Owner, Alta Loma Music
Everyone’s selling gear—from national retailers to gas stations. And everyone’s got a Web site. So what makes you special? Your lesson program! It creates, develops and encourages musicians of all ages! Your lesson program can make you unbeatable in your community, and that’s where it counts. Pete will show you how to create a fantastic music lesson program and grow it during the next fi ve years.
4:00 p.m.Get Out of Your Store! Get Out in Your Community! (Retail Ideas)Presenter: Pete Gamber, Owner, Alta Loma Music
Nothing beats getting out of your store and meeting musicians and potential mu-sicians! The Internet can’t put a guitar
in someone’s hands for the fi rst time, or encourage a person to start playing an in-strument. You can, if you get out of your store. Find out what Pete does when he’s not in his store. His ideas will increase new customers and students for your business without hitting your checkbook!
4:30 p.m.Your Lesson Rooms—Your Best Place to Market to Your Students! (Lessons)Presenter: Pete Gamber, Owner, Alta Loma Music
Do you use the lesson room as a place to market to students? Do your students get dropped off, beeline it to the lesson, and then haul buns back out to mom, who has to get the next kid off to soccer? If so, listen to Pete’s ideas of how to sell more gear and services to your students.
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Sat. JUNE 2110:30 a.m.How to Give Your Web Site More Curb Appeal (E-Commerce/Web) Presenter: Kevin M. Mitchell, MMR As-sociate Editor and Web Wise Columnist
The reality is that your Web site is now your new storefront. Over 70 percent of cus-tomers in your hometown do research on-line before ever getting in their car and driv-ing to a brick-and-mortar shop. So as your Web site is now their “fi rst impression” of your store, is it all that it can be? Does it in-spire your customers to get out of their chair and drive to your store? Kevin will show ex-amples of sites that have real “curb appeal” and offer fi ve important ways to make your site better, more appealing and more likely to bring customers into your store.
11:00 a.m.How to Enhance the Customer Experience and Drive Up Profi tability (Sales/Marketing)
Presenter: George Hines, President, George’s Music, Inc.
The state of the retail industry is in fl ux. The days of competing on selection and price are gone. Increasingly, consumers are choosing where they shop based on their in-store experience. This session will highlight how retailers can improve service for their customers and increase the bottom line.
11:30 a.m.5 Ways to Financially Fix Your Store (Retail Ideas)Presenter: Alan Friedman, CPA, Fried-man, Kannenberg & Company, P.C.
Today’s independent music retailers face an endless barrage of challenges, ranging from external factors beyond their control like rising gas prices, falling real estate and stock markets, and discounting from mass merchants and online retailers—to inter-nal factors within their control, such as the constant need for inventory management and monitoring of operating expenses. Yet,
despite the unpredictable landscape, music retailers can survive and even fl ourish by implementing some time-tested practices that have proven to generate profi ts and improve cash fl ow. Join industry CPA Alan Friedman for a look at fi ve essential prac-tices to fi nancially improve store opera-tions for all music stores.
NOONFree One-Hour Lunch and Learn Session Panel Discussion: How to Redesign Your Retail Store on a Dime (Store Design)Moderated by Danny Rocks, Catalyst, The Company Rocks
Even if you are not considering a store remodel, you need to attend this session! Join Danny Rocks and his panel of ex-perts as they examine actual music store remodeling projects. See the “before and after” photographs of these remodels. You will even have a chance to win a prize: an estimate for the cost of the remodel and the expected return on investment.
In 1864 Antonin Petrof built his rst concert grand piano. Since then his family has continued in the same tradition of expert instrument craftmanship. Petrof Piano Company of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic has extended their international success to the U.S. market with the formation of PETROF U.S.A., LLC, a factory owned subsidiary that is responsible for all sales, distribution and marketing in the United States.
PETROF’s great success for the past 140 years and current sales records in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, Iceland and Asia have afforded the company the ability to produce new, improved and tested scales and furniture styles that will be offered in the U.S.
The high standards of the PETROF company will be maintained and dealers should know that they can expect in-depth inventory, nancing and service never before experienced.
Petrof U.S.A., LLC. 5400 Lawrenceville Hwy Suite B1 & 2 Lilburn, GA 30047O) 770-564-4974 F) 770-564-4978 www.petrof.com
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1:00 p.m. Good to Great: Creating a High-Performance Sales Team (Sales/Marketing)Presenter: Elly Valas, President and CEO of Valas Consulting Group, LLC
It’s no secret that the best teams in sports are those that are the best managed and the best coached. They attract the best team members, who clearly understand their goals. Find out how you can recruit the best players to your team and set goals that motivate them to peak performance. Learn how to increase your margins, improve your close rate and raise your average ticket.
2:00 p.m.How to Beat Today’s Retail Challenges (Retail Ideas)Presenter: Al Slivinski, President, Retail Business Solutions
In this session, you will learn seven tips to help you profi tably manage your business in today’s highly competitive re-tail environment.
2:30 p.m.How to Level the Playing Field on the Internet (E-Commerce/Web)Presenter: Jim Norris, President, Norris-Whitney Communications
This session will discuss how in-novative uses of technology and data insights can help retailers reach out to customers in a more meaningful way and level the playing field on the In-ternet.
3:00 p.m.How to Weather Recessionary Storms (Retail Ideas)Presenter: Ken Murray, CEO of Amazing Saint Coaching and Consulting
Economic indicators point to a slow down. Fewer customers are coming to the store. The “R” word is on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Good news is on the way. Ken Murray will offer practical so-lutions.
3:30 p.m.How to Make the Most of In-Store Events and Double Your Press Coverage (Sales/Marketing)Presenter: Myrna Sislen, Owner, Middle C Music
How often have you wanted press or television coverage for your store events but couldn’t get a bite from even your lo-cal newspaper? Learn some new and old tricks for pitching the media that will help you gain the coverage you so richly deserve. Develop unique and catchy sto-ry angles that will make the media beat down your door.
4 p.m. It Worked for Me! (Retail Ideas)Presenter: Alan Friedman, CPA, Fried-man, Kannenberg & Company, P.C.
You don’t have to look far for new ideas—they are all around us. The trick is to take someone else’s great idea and adapt it to fit your store’s situation.
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This could be a sales promotion or a merchandising plan—even a hiring and training procedure. See it, adapt it, implement it and document it so that you can use it again! Alan Friedman and his panel of retailers will share the practical ideas that have worked in their stores.
5:00 p.m.How Your Lesson Programs Can Give Your Store a Competitive Advantage (Lessons)Presenter: Ravi, Columnist, Clinician, and Consultant to the Music Products Industry
In this session, Ravi will discuss how to create tangible value in your lesson program to lock in the students you have and “sell” that value to potential new students and customers. Learn how to expand your teachers’ resources, tech-niques and recruitment abilities, and cre-ate winning lesson programs.
Sunday, JUNE 2210:00 a.m.Panel Discussion: Indy Music Retail Groups—The Why, the What and the How (Retail Ideas)Moderated by Harry Gillum, Showtime Music Co.
Learn why it makes sense to participate in a buying or sharing group and how to go about joining or forming a group.
10:30 a.m. How to Build Your Web Site Community—Take Advantage of Free Advertising! (E-Commerce/Web)Presenter: Jen Lowe, President, Boom-Boom Percussion, LLC
Marketing your products and services can’t be an afterthought or the line item you cut when money gets tight. From Google to YouTube and beyond, you have low-cost, high-impact marketing options at your disposal. Learn from real-life best
practices how to differentiate your busi-ness and win customers.
11:30 a.m.How to Get More Visitors to Your Web Site (E-Commerce/Web)Presenter: Bill Walzak, President, and David Hall, National Sales Manager, Pro-Active Software
Learn how to automate your business. From eRetail site management, to pro-cessing orders, to marketing, you’ll learn how you can implement these vital ingre-dients in your Web presence and bring more people—and potential custom-ers—to your Web site.
Noon (One-Hour Lunch & Learn Presentation/Part I)Web Site Success—It Starts With a Plan … (E-Commerce/Web)Presenters: Bee Bantug & Gordon O’Hara, Managing Partners, Retail Up! Music
Add Instrument and Accessory Engraving to your Business for as little as $7,995
Create custom inlays for guitar bodiesPersonalize drumsticksCut one-of-a-kind piecesAdd personal touches to instruments and accessories of all kindsEngrave custom achievement award plaques and trophies
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There is no doubt the Internet has become an essential part of your store’s operations. In this session, you will re-view the process and methods to build a plan for your store that will help you manage and grow all aspects of your Web-based efforts. Gordon and Bee will walk you through the planning process step-by-step so that you can start managing your Web site more profi tably.
12:30 p.m. (One-Hour Lunch & Learn Presentation/Part II)... and Follows Through with Action! (E-Commerce/Web) Presenter: Bee Bantug & Gordon O’Hara, Managing Partners, Retail Up! Music
In Part II of this session, learn how to put your plan into action throughout your store. Every person on your team plays a role in the success of your Internet efforts. From the shipping person to accounting, from road reps to sales staff to manage-ment, we’ll review the roles each person plays to help make your plan a success. Most important, we’ll show you how cus-tomer feedback can contribute to periodic updates of your Internet strategy.
1:00 p.m. Industry Panel Discussion: Ask the Technology Experts (E-Commerce/Web)Presenter: Industry Panel
You have asked the hard questions. Now you will hear some answers. Join this panel of Web and technology ex-perts, including Kevin M. Mitchell of MMR, to learn solutions that will keep you on the right side of the digital divide. These technology experts will respond to questions submitted prior to Sum-mer NAMM, but will also take audience questions. Submit your questions to [email protected].
2:00 p.m.Music Industry Panel: Building Local Alliances: Keeping Music Education Strong in Your Community (Music Education)Moderated by Mary Luehrsen, Director of Public Affairs and Government Rela-tions, NAMM
Healthy, sustainable music pro-grams depend on community com-
mitments and the involvement of de-cision-makers, including school board members, administrators, legislators, teachers and parents who believe in keeping music and the arts as part of the school curriculum. Join the discus-sion and strengthen your role in help-ing music education stay strong in your community.
2:30 p.m.Music Industry Panel: Teaching Music with Technology: New Tools for the Music Room (Music Education)Moderated by Sandra Jordan, Associate Director of Public Affairs and Govern-ment Relations, NAMM
Technology is transforming the way music is composed, performed, pro-moted and taught. Music educators are exploring this frontier and succeeding through partnerships and support from the music industry. Join a discussion about how music and technology create a bridge to engage student learning.
3:00 p.m.Music Industry Panel: Far Out Strings: Going Beyond the Traditional School Orchestra Program (Music Education)Moderated by Sandra Jordan, Associate Director of Public Affairs and Govern-ment Relations, NAMM
Alternative styles, new methods and innovative designs are reshaping and re-viving string programs in schools. Join the discussion and learn more about new methods and approaches that are invigo-rating school orchestra programs.
3:30 p.m.Music Industry Panel: More Music in Schools: Now, EVERYBODY Play (Music Education)Moderated by Sandra Jordan, Associate Director of Public Affairs and Govern-ment Relations, NAMM
Music teachers are expanding access to music education by offering guitar programs and expanding access to mu-sic making to children who may not have been drawn to traditional music educa-tion offerings. Learn from organizations that are leading this new opportunity for every student to learn music.
See us at NAMM Booth 2008
MMR_89 89 5/16/08 10:47:21 AM
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Sennheiser Works to Resolve ‘White Space’ Issue
When it comes to the “white
noise” issue, the fi rst
problem is semantics.
“We’re communicating to the leg-islators that the term ‘white space’ is a misnomer,” explains Sennheiser’s Joe Ciaudelli. “It implies that unoccupied TV channels are not being used, but produc-tion professionals have used frequencies in so-called white space for years. This spectrum is being used in the U.S. to produce the world’s greatest content.” It’s also where wireless microphone frequen-cies dwell.
The battle to protect wireless mic tech-nology and the frequencies they inhabit continues. As reported last Fall in these pages, the reason this matters to the in-dustry is that congress is getting pressured by the likes of Dell, Microsoft, among others, to quickly open up and make available frequencies on the low end of the spectrum that have long been the do-main of wireless production technologies. This means microphones, wireless guitar and bass products, and in-ear monitor-ing devices used by bands, churches, and schools could be severely compromised with the onslaught of Personal Commu-nication Devices (PCDs) using the same frequencies — should congress be rushed into making a ruling on the issue.
Ciaudelli, Sennheiser’s professional products consultant, is one of those who has been on Capitol Hill in Washington, and reports that the proceedings can al-most be downright funny at times -- if the matter wasn’t so serious. Six months ago, Microsoft submitted a device they
claimed had a sensing cir-cuit that would detect – and then avoid – digital televi-sion transmission and wire-less mic communications. It failed miserably. Their defense? It was a defective unit. (Apparently Microsoft doesn’t have the time or in-clination to test something out before they take it in front of the FCC.)
“They did a new test last week, and that unit over-heated,” Ciaudelli says. “The FCC is continuing to test and make recommendations, and until those tests can be com-pleted, we won’t likely see any legislative action,” he notes.
The stakes are high not only from a qual-ity standpoint, but from an economic stand-point – entertainment, from local commu-nity concerts to major sporting events, is an important U.S. commodity. “So we’re urging legislators to take a measured approached to the issue. But Sennheiser has always been a solution provider and, despite challenges that arise, our wireless business continues to grow and thrive.”
He says he’s “cautiously optimistic” that the white space issue will be resolved. Helping are the production arms of pow-erful companies like Disney, GE, and Viacom, who are actively engaged as they too could be affected by these PCDs.
Meanwhile, Sennheiser continues to look to the future.
“Obviously we’re not sitting on our hands,” Ciaudelli continues. “We’re al-ways investigating new ways to reliably
transmit audio that meet the high demands of wire-less mic and monitoring systems: full audio band-width, no detectable laten-cy, ample battery life, multi-channel operation, and so on … we’re always coming up with refi nements, so this will be an evolutionary pro-cess.”
One new tool Sennheiser now offers is available on the company’s Web site. The musician can go to it, type in his or her Zip Code, and get a listing of local TV channels and licensed wire-less service already in use. When the musician gets to
the site of the gig, he or she has a good head start in dialing in on frequencies not in use, thus speeding that process along and ensuring a great-sounding show.
Otherwise, Sennheiser is developing other technology that Ciaudelli was not at liberty to discuss at this point.
“I will say this: a lot of people have this notion that all their wireless equip-ment will be obsolete after February, 2009 [the current deadline to open those white space frequencies to PCDs],” he says. “That is not the case. One thing I re-member during my fi rst Audio Engineer-ing Society (AES) event was that VHF wireless mics would be made obsolete because of digital TV – that was 20 years ago! And I still use VHF mics nearly ev-ery weekend without a problem!
“Nothing is eaten as hot as it’s cooked,” he concludes.
“We’re always coming up with
small refi nements, so this will be an
evolutionary process.”
Light & Audio Sennheiser.indd 90 5/15/08 11:34:49 AM
Sennheiser makes it easy to add on microphone sales for every piece of gear you sell in your store with the new Right Mic POP! Colorful hang-tags
on products help pre-sell your customers on which mic they’ll need to capture every nuance of the
gear they crave. Three-sided POP checkout counter displays and a fold-out brochure reinforce
The Right Mic message while cards in your display case highlight the features, benefits and
applications of Sennheiser’s evolution mics. Add web-resources, promotional incentives and a
vigorous national ad campaign and you’ve got an in-store promo that’ll rock your register.
Call your local Sennheiser Rep to find out what The Right Mic can do for you!
www.sennheiserusa.com
theRight POP for YOUR Store
See us at NAMM Booth 401
MMR_91 91 5/15/08 12:13:35 PM
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Audix CabGrabber Audix introduces the CabGrabber, an accessory for the pro audio market. Sim-ple, compact, and easy to use, it enables sound engineers and musicians to place a microphone on a guitar amplifi er or cabinet without the use of a mic stand. Constructed of durable aluminum tub-ing, it is lightweight but capable of hold-ing microphones typically used for mik-ing guitar cabinets securely and fi rmly in place, including large diaphragm con-denser mics weighing up to 16 ounces. Designed to operate with most guitar
combo amps and cabinets on the market, The CabGrabber will accommodate cab-inets ranging from 8 to 14” in depth.
It will work equally well on cabinets with a fl at surface or a recessed edge. The tubular arm, which is threaded to hold any standard microphone clip, will rotate 180 degrees and can be locked into posi-tion with a thumbscrew. Breaking down to a length of just 9.5”, the CabGrabber can easily be stored in the back of an amp or a gig bag. It has a MSRP of $59.www.audixusa.com
American Audio Wireless Mic SystemsAmerican Audio unveils the WM-16, WM-64 and WM-700 Wireless Micro-phone Systems featuring selectable fre-quencies in multiples (16, 64 and 700, respectively) that make it possible to fi nd a clear channel that’s free of interference in any environment. Sensitive, low-noise, and inexpensive, WM Series systems come as complete packages that include a uni-directional electret condenser unit
wireless mic, a receiver, and 12-volt DC power supply. The systems are available in either handheld or lavalier (with bodypack) versions, making a total of six models in the series. All WM systems have a wireless range of up to 150 feet. MSRPs range from $179.95 to $279.95.www.adjaudio.com
Martin MAC 575 Krypton Moving HeadThe MAC 575 Krypton is the new-est in Martin’s line of MAC moving heads and the lat-est in the Krypton series. Based on the MAC 700 plat-form, the MAC 575 Krypton combines effi cient optics for brighter output with outstanding gobos and colors, all wrapped in the MAC’s modular design.www.martin.com
Chauvet Vue 6-Channel DMXChauvet is shipping the Vue VI, a six-channel DMX fi xture that features LED illumination, built-in automated programs, individual control of red, green, and blue LEDs for each pod, and a wide beam angle. Equipped with over 250 LEDs distrib-uted by color into two pods, the Vue VI produces a bright output and adds pod rotation for a dazzling effect. It weighs less than seven pounds, consumes very lit-tle power, produces
a beam angle of 110°, and has an addi-tional power output.www.chauvetlighting.com
92 MMR JUNE 2008
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Elation LED Color WashElation Professional is shipping the VBar 270 LED Color Wash, a versa-tile stage and theater light. Equipped with 270 5mm LEDs and RGB color-mixing capabilities, the compact, lightweight VBar 270 changes colors on command and also adapts to its environment by taking on completely different confi gurations.
Manufactured by Alkalite and distributed exclusively by Elation in North America, the VBar 270 features optional brackets and accessories that allow users to link multiple units in different ways to create fi xtures like light bars, blinders, and various mul-tilateral shapes. Features include an integrated power supply, auto switch-ing from 100-240v, as well as a power link of up to 10 pieces on one line and three-and fi ve-pin DMX connec-tions. The VBar 270 can be operated in DMX mode, Master/Slave mode, or Auto-Chase mode with 19 built-in color chase programs. The unit has a variable strobe function and offers electronic dimming from 0–100%. It comes with a built-in Neutrik Pow-ercon for secure and reliable power connection. The MSRP is $459.95.www.elationlighting.com
Find it in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site,
Breaking News
www.MMRmagazine.com www.shubb.com • [email protected]
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MMR_93 93 5/15/08 11:35:52 AM
Every Music Dealer in the U.S. In the Palm of Your Hand!
MusicalInstrument Dealers
Directory of
A city-by city list with name, address and telephone number of stores throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, PLUS—a separate listing of the nation’s top chain headquarters. Email and Fax numbers when available.
Dealer Product Categories
The ONLY directory of its kind available anywhere!
NewFor
2008!
A complete listing of dealers featuring the following product categories:
AP Acoustic PianoDP Digital PianoEK Electric Keyboard/SynthOR OrganBO Band & OrchestraDR Drums/PercussionSR Sound ReinforcementRE Recording EquipmentFR Fretted InstrumentsPM Print MusicDJ DJ EquipmentKA Karaoake Products
A must for every musical instrument manufacturer, importer and sales representative
MUSICAL
INSTRUMENT
STATE DEALERS
Alabama.....................AL .....139
Alaska ........................AK.......33
Arizona.......................AZ.....150
Arkansas.....................AR.......94
California.....................CA..1,087
Colorado ....................CO....150
Connecticut.................CT.....139
Delaware....................DE.......22
District of Columbia ...DC ........5
Florida ........................FL......428
Georgia ......................GA....282
Hawaii ........................HI........47
Idaho..........................ID........45
Illinois .........................IL ......383
Indiana .......................IN.....211
Iowa ...........................IA......107
Kansas........................KS .....100
Kentucky.....................KY.....142
Louisiana ....................LA .......88
Maine .........................ME ......42
Maryland ....................MD....122
Massachusetts.............MA....237
Michigan.....................MI .....265
Minnesota...................MN ...168
Mississippi...................MS ......76
Missouri ......................MO ...189
MUSICAL
INSTRUMENT
STATE DEALERS
Montana....................MT ......34
Nebraska...................NE ......54
Nevada .....................NV......49
New Hampshire.........NH .....60
New Jersey ................NJ.....216
New Mexico...............NM.....58
New York ..................NY....520
North Carolina ..........NC ...250
North Dakota.............ND .....25
Ohio..........................OH ...356
Oklahoma .................OK....104
Oregon......................OR....134
Pennsylvania..............PA.....418
Rhode Island..............RI........37
South Carolina...........SC ....123
South Dakota.............SD ......18
Tennessee..................TN ....218
Texas .........................TX .....465
Utah ..........................UT ......79
Vermont ....................VT.......32
Virginia......................VA ....201
Washington ...............WA ...222
West Virginia .............WV .....51
Wisconsin ..................WI ....163
Wyoming ...................WY .....21
Canada .........................1,068
TOTAL 9,727
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MMR_94 94 5/15/08 12:14:11 PM
96 MMR JUNE 2008
DANSR Sponsors Saxophone WorkshopVandoren artist Otis Murphy, one of the preeminent performers and teachers of classical saxophone in the United States today, held a standing-room-only saxo-phone workshop at Fresno City College in Fresno, California. Murphy presented a master class for all levels of abilities and age groups and covered a range of topics for a diverse group of attendees. He dis-cussed everything from the history of the saxophone to such topics as embouchure, air pressure, hand and instrument posi-tion, and articulation. He had intermedi-ate level students age 12 to 70, as well as college saxophone majors. This clinic was sponsored in part by DANSR, Inc, the sole US importer of Vandoren products. www.vandoren.com
Pearl River To Promote The Benefi ts Of Piano PlayingPearl River Piano Group announces they are promoting the benefi ts of piano playing directly to consumers. The company is releasing a brochure entitled “Discover the Differ-ence a Piano Can Play in your Life” which can be read and or downloaded from their Web site, and will be available through authorized Pearl River retailers.
“It’s time that piano manufacturers take the lead in acquaint-ing the public with the benefi ts of playing the piano,” says Jennette Xu, President and CEO of Pearl River Pia-no Group America. “The facts alone make a very compelling case.”
The brochure cites studies that indicate a direct correlation be-tween studying piano and higher test scores in math and science, en-hanced creativity, and stress relief. Hand-eye coordination, concentra-tion, reading ability, memory, prob-lem-solving and greater self-confi dence all seem to be enhanced through play-ing the piano. The brochure works hand in hand with a similar piece produced by NAMM in support of their “Wanna Play?” program. While the NAMM brochure ad-dresses all instruments, the Pearl River piece focuses on the piano.www.pearlriverusa.com
Morley Endorses Barcus-Berry ViolinsBarcus-Berry announces a new endorser, Tom Morley, a violinist and fi ddler. Mor-ley declared, “I’ve been playing Barcus-Berry violins since the late ’70s. I can honestly say that from beer halls to sym-phony halls, I’ve trusted Barcus-Berry violins. They’ve been an important part of my 30-plus years (so far) as a profes-sional violinist!” Morley has performed with such artists as Emmylou Harris, Rod Stewart, Harry Connick Jr., and Lu-ciano Pavarotti.
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MMR_96 96 5/15/08 11:41:49 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 97
Sonny Emory’s Drum Camp Goes High TechAtlanta native and Grammy Award-win-ning drummer Sonny Emory will kick off the third year of his drumming camp in early June, offering an opportunity for all ages (11 and up) and skill levels to study with the pros and learn new tips and techniques. The camp brings together lo-cal faculty and guest instructors from a variety of musical styles, including Latin, jazz, classical, rock, pop, and soul. Stu-dents will learn teamwork, discipline and self-esteem, along with the art and craft of drumming techniques.
In addition to playing with Earth, Wind & Fire, Emory, a Yamaha Drum Artist, has recorded and/or performed with Eric Clapton, Stanley Clarke, David Sanborn, Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Boz Scaggs.
For the fi rst time, Sonny is collaborat-ing this year with Georgia Tech’s Music Technology Group, allowing students to not only learn percussion skills, but to also gets hands on experience with the latest in music technology.
Campers are invited to take classes and clinics with some of the world’s greatest drummers, including Emory, Cindy Blackman (Lenny Kravitz), Taku Hirano (Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks), Gene Lake (David Sanborn/Me’Shell Ndege Ocello), Oscar Seaton, Jr. (Lionel Richie), Marcus William (Tyler Perry), and Teddy Campbell (American Idol Band/Al Jarreau/Rod Stewart). www.yamaha.com
Oscar Schmidt Ukulele IdolizedAmerican Idol contestant Jason Castro has performed guitar and drums on the hit show, but in April, he brought out a ukule-le to play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” That ukulele was an Oscar Schmidt OU5, which features a Hawaiian Koa top, back and sides, Abalone top inlay, a Rosewood fi ngerboard and bridge and Grover tun-ers. It has a MSRP of $209.90.
Pro-Mark Has a Winner in Messe PrizeMarcin Widera, from Bielsko, Poland, was the winter of a Pro-Mark 50th An-niversary Snare Drum given away at the recent Musik Messe in Frankfurt Ger-many. The 5-1/2” x 14” drum is only one of 50, built by Pete Stanbridge. It was constructed out of Japanese Shira Kashi White Oak, Maple, and American Hickory.www.promark.com
Music Books Plus Launches Web SiteMusic Books Plus, Web site distributor of over 8,000 books, Instructional DVDs, CD-ROMs, Software and Musical gifts anounces the launch of its new Web site at www.mu-sicbooksplus.com. The specialty areas featured include: Music Business, Directories, Publicity, Composition & Publishing, Recording, Audio & Video Production, Internet, Electronic Music, Instrument Instruction, Broadcast, Electronics, Lighting, Chart Top-pers, Biographies, Fake & Song books. Music Books Plus, www.musicbooksplus.com features: Secure Online Ordering, Worldwide Shipping, 30 Day Guarantee, Great Selec-tion, Free Newsletter, and more.
Music Books Plus is operated by Norris-Whitney Communications, Inc., publish-ers of Canadian Musician, Canadian Music Trade, Professional Sound, Professsional Lighting & Production and the Music Directory Canada.www.musicbooksplus.com
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MMR_97 97 5/15/08 11:41:54 AM
98 MMR JUNE 2008
SuppliersceneBrazen Offers Signature Guitars
Brazen Guitars announces the Ca-leb Quaye Signature Model Guitar. Quaye was called by Eric Clapton as the world’s greatest guitarist, and has played with the Yardbirds, the Troggs, Elton John, and Mick Jagger, among others. His signature guitar
features a mahogany body, Patagonian rosewood neck, and is capped with a 4A
fl ame top. It also comes with two Duncan Cool-Rails in the bridge and middle slots, plus a jazz pickup.www.brazenguitars.com
Pictured here is Paul “Unk” Unkert hold-ing Eddie Van Halen’s Kramer “Hot For Teacher” guitar that Unkert made in 1982. The luthier worked at Kramer Guitars from 1979-1982 and built 10 to 13 of Van Halen’s famous “Frankenstrats.”
These days, Unk Guitars, based out of Toms River, N.J., provides a “100 percent Made In The USA” patented guitar with a unique forked headstock and a beautiful de-sign element that maintains the fi nest sound quality, says Unkert.
“I fi nally have the opportunity to design and build a guitar which I think will be the next great American guitar,” he comments. “Using a combination of computer-aided design machinery, and hand craftsmanship, we will be using the highest quality ma-terials plus my thirty-seven years of guitar building experience to offer the perfect missing link to anyone’s guitar collection, using perfect form and function at an af-fordable price“www.unkguitars.com
‘Frankenstrat’ Builder Debuts New Guitar
MMR_98 98 5/15/08 11:41:58 AM
SmothermanEndorses KahlerKahler International announces that Tony Smotherman has joined its family of endorsers. The guitarist has been fea-tured in Guitar Player Magazine three times in the last year, and has played with Adrian Legg, Joe Satriani, and Buddy Miles, among many others. Smotherman is using the Kahler fl at mount bridge.www.kahlerusa.com
Shelby Lynn on Tour with HeilShelby Lynn, shown here in concert at Nashville’s Polk Theater last month, is on tour using the new Heil PR 22 micro-phone. The microphone was actually de-veloped by Bob Heil after working with Lynn in preparation of this tour and her latest album, Just a Little Lovin’. The mi-crophone made its debut when Lynn was featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Electro-Voice is boosting the fundrais-ing success of its “Musicians for Min-neapolis: 57 Songs for the I-35W Bridge Disaster Relief Effort” CD release with a celebrity guitar auction on eBay, running until May 9th. Guitars from legendary artists including Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, and Dick Dale are available.
This auction is being held to raise money for the families of those who were either wounded or lost their lives when the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, Minn., collapsed on August 1st, 2007. All pro-ceeds from the sale of these instruments will be donated to Minnesota Helps: Bridge Disaster Fund.
Electro-Voice, a Minnesota-based pro audio manufacturer, has been in-volved helping those affected by the
tradegy since the morning after it hap-pened when they began receiving e-mails and phone calls from various partners and friends in the music industry. They wanted to know how they could help. A benefi t album, a celebrity memora-bilia auction, and a benefi t concert were planned, whereby all proceeds would be donated to Minnesota Helps: Bridge Di-saster Fund. Autographed guitars began showing up at EV’s door from the likes of Megadeth, Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Dick Dale, and others. Likewise, some of the most recognized names in the music in-dustry began sending songs for use on the benefi t album.
Two months and EV had amassed enough material to fi ll 3 CDs—a total of 57 songs – nearly four hours of music.
Auction items include: two Auto-graphed Les Paul guitars from Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society gui-tar phenom Zakk Wylde; a Dean bass signed by all members of Megadeth; a custom Minarik Dick Dale f lame gui-tar, autographed by Dale himself; an Ibanez RE350DX guitar signed by gui-tar virtuoso Steve Vai; a Schecter gui-tar signed by the members of Ministry; a Les Paul guitar autographed by the members of Twisted Sister; a Washburn guitar signed by Nick Catanese of Black Label Society/SPEED X; and several EV microphones.
For more information go to: www.electrovoice.com/musiciansforminne-apolis
EV Auctioning Celebrity Guitars for Charity
JUNE 2008 MMR 99
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MMR_99 99 5/15/08 11:42:05 AM
100 MMR JUNE 2008
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Ashleigh Flynn Endorses Sierra GuitarsSierra Guitars announces Ashleigh Flynn, guitarist and singer-songwriter, as the newest endorser of Sierra Guitars. Flynn is a guitarist and singer-songwriter with four albums, and regularly plays many different venues and festivals all over the country. Ashleigh plays the Sierra Sun-rise Auditorium guitar in wine red.www.sierraguitars.net.
Big Band Distribution On Display2008 Ahead Drumsticks is offering a compact point of purchase display rack. This multi functional rack can be dis-played on Slat wall, pegboard, or coun-ter top. It comes with high profi le color graphics and a complete best seller as-sortment of stick model labels for the store’s personnel preferences. In addition the new display can accommodate side hooks for all Ahead accessories i.e. grip tape, covers, gloves, and tips. www.aheaddrumsticks.com
Gretsch Partners with VH1 for ContestIn an effort to create more music mak-ers, Gretsch and VH1 are giving amateur musicians the chance to be in the spot-light: The Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Artist Competition.
To help the company celebrate its 125th anniversary, Gretsch has created “The Next Gretsch Greats Unsigned Art-ist Competition,” giving bands a new place to showcase their talent. For more information, musicians can log on to www.gretsch125th.com/contest/.
VH1 and the classic rock band Yes have partnered to organize the “Your Move with Yes” contest, encouraging music makers to perform original music. The winning per-former or band will join the band on stage during its fortieth anniversary tour this summer. For more contest details, log on to www.vh1.com/events/a2n/contests/yes/.
Cecilio Reaches Out to L.A. Musicians-To-BeCecilio Musical Instruments an-nounces its partnership with Los Angeles–based Castelar Elementary School to help make music educa-tion a reality to this underserved community. Castelar is part of the Experience Through Music (EMP) program that promotes the use of music in the curricula of schools with at-risk populations as a means of enhancing students’ academic performance and general develop-ment. Castelar is situated in one of the poorest communities in Los An-geles, and 94 percent of its students are on the free/reduced lunch pro-gram. The program provides weekly instruction on violin and cello to second and third graders.
MMR_100 100 5/15/08 11:42:10 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 101
Musicorp Sponsors Bishop Gadsden Drum CircleMusicorp was a sponsor of the Bishop Gadsden Drum Circle held to benefi t the residents of the Bishop Gadsden Re-tirement Community in Charleston, South Carolina. Other sponsors included Charleston Southern University (CSU), In-ner Rhythms, and Odyssey HealthCare of Charleston. The event was held on Sunday, April 19, 2008, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm.
The fi rst drum circle began with the Bishop Gadsden Memory Care Unit and later a second drum circle began with Healthcare/Assisted Living Unit. Chip Burr, owner of Inner Rhythms in Charles-ton, SC, was the drum facilitator for each
drum circle while CSU music therapy stu-dent volunteers and Musicorp employee volunteers assisted in helping with drum rhythms and patient interaction. Musicorp supplied the Remo drums and was thrilled to be able to contribute to the betterment of Charleston’s senior community.
Musicorp volunteers included direc-tor of marketing Catherine Polk, sales representative Gene Taylor, and graphic designer Jennifer Harvey.
Chip Burr uses Remo Drum’s Health-RHYTHMS Program, an evidence-based drumming program developed by Remo, to help reach and heal autistic children
and their parents, elderly, brain surgery patients, and Alzheimer’s patients.
dreamGEAR, a video game accessories com-pany, and B.C. Rich announced a licensing agreement to provide PS3-compatible guitar controllers using B.C. Rich’s guitar names and designs. In this fi rst-ever partnership between a third-party guitar controller manufacturer and a major guitar company, new product designs will be launched. The two companies will produce the fi rst guitar controller designed to play Guitar Hero and Rock Band on the PS3, which is also back-wards compatible with the PS2.
As the market for music simulation ac-cessories evolves with an ongoing focus on realism, B.C. Rich’s designs will allow dreamGEAR to produce guitar control-lers with stunning displays and realistic feel performance. The new guitar control-lers are designed to give gamers the sense of being on stage. B.C. Rich will lend its trademarked body shapes and model names to develop guitar controllers with dreamGEAR closely based on some of B.C. Rich’s most popular models.
B.C. Rich and dreamGEAR Form Alliance
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MMR_101 101 5/15/08 11:42:16 AM
102 MMR JUNE 2008
SuppliersceneYamaha Announces “The Hub,” an Online PortalYamaha Corp. has launched “The Hub,” a centralized, comprehensive information portal at Yamaha.com that offers consum-ers and dealers a quick and easy way to access multimedia presentations about products from the company’s three musical instru-ment divisions: piano, band & orchestral, and pro audio & combo.
Aggregating downloadable streaming video and audio, along with brochures and reference documents in PDF format, The Hub (www.yamahahub.com) enables deal-ers and consumers to easily access product information in a variety of convenient for-mats.
Downloadable video and audio programs include product overviews, performances, educational clinics, and backstage inter-views with prominent Yamaha artists, along with free podcast subscriptions that deliver
streamed content updates to iTunes. The podcasts can then be transferred to a range of devices, including an iPod, AppleTV, iPhone, or other mp3 and video players. The site will also include a section dedicated to Yamaha Electronics Corp., which distributes quality home audio and video products.
The Hub employs a program that uses an advanced, anonymous personalization de-sign and coding system to “learn” how visi-tors interact with the site and subsequently determine what content might interest them, thus enhancing the online user experience.
In addition, Yamaha’s entire podcast-based YCSP dealer training program has been expanded and extended to the pro au-dio & combo division. The new program, pro audio & combo education, or PAC-E, will provide free online video training modules and certifi cation for the PAC retail network.
School Of Rock Auction Winner Visits SabianDrummer Goes Home With Choice of Cymbals
Drummer Michael Pitale recently fl ew from his home in Atlantic City, N.J., to the Sabian vault in eastern Canada for a day of touring the cymbal making pro-cess, selecting a set of cymbals, and get-ting some insight into Sabain. Pitale won the visit by making the winning e-Bay bid to the School of Rock benefi t for the California Wildfi re victims’ relief held in Los Angeles and San Diego.
“Congratulations to Michael – we appreciate his support of the School of Rock’s Wildfi re Victims Event, and for visiting with us,” said Bobby Boos, Sabi-an’s East Coast artist relations manager. www.sabian.com
MMR_102 102 5/15/08 11:42:20 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 103
Tregan Guitars announced that it will in-troduce a Ronny North Signature Guitar at the Summer NAMM in Nashville. The instrument is signed by Tony Guarriello, President of T.G., Inc., and Ronny North in collaboration with L.A. guitar builder Greg Back.
North, a longtime Southern California guitar hero who plays his own signature brand of instrumental guitar rock, chose Tregan Guitars to create his signature guitar. With its lightweight body, super fast neck, and great looks, the guitar in-cludes such features as an original Floyd Rose tremolo, Buzz Feiten tuning system, and custom Ronny North Monster Tone pickups hand wound in the U.S. by Per-formance Labs. The guitar will also fea-ture a mahogany body with a maple cap and fl ame maple top, a bolt-on maple neck with a bird’s-eye maple fretboard, and custom inlays. The hand-wound Monster Tone pickups have been custom designed for Ronny North’s signature guitar and
offer the perfect blend of tones so each note rings out true and clear.
North will be demonstrating his sig-nature guitar in the T.G., Inc. booth #1436 at this year’s Summer NAMM. Also Demonstrating Tregan Guitars in TGI’s booth will be Flash Bathory and Skunk from Quartershackle.
Tregan Guitars Signs Ronny North
D’Addario Launches Eight New Web sitesD’Addario & Co. announces the launch of eight new websites for all of D’Addario’s brands, including D’Addario Fretted, D’Addario Bowed, Planet Waves CI and CE, Evans Drumheads, HQ Percussion, Rico Reeds, and PureSound Percussion.
All sites feature expanded usability and content—including product news and information, videos, promotions, articles, community, and more artist features. The sites will also incorporate built-in purchasing options fulfi lled by local retailers, plus international catalogs and consumer buying options.
“With this major revamp of D’Addario’s online presence, not only do the sites have a fresh new look and feel, but we’ve also expanded our content to offer more pro-motions, news, product information, and artist features than ever before,” said Dani-elle Record-Buglino, D’Addario Online
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Sierra Guitars Sponsors the High Sierra Music FestivalSierra Guitars is to be a sponsor of the High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy, CA, July 3-6, 2008. The High Sierra Music Festival is a unique four-day music and camping festival that features an eclec-tic group of music from acoustic singer-songwriters and down-home bluegrass to high-energy funk and skillfully impro-vised jazz, rock, and live electronica.
Sierra Guitars will be making a cash do-nation to the High Sierra Music Foundation and donating two Sierra guitars, an acoustic sequoia dreadnought in vintage sunburst and an acoustic-electric sunrise auditorium in natural, for raffl e during the event with pro-ceeds to benefi t the High Sierra Foundation.
The High Sierra Foundation was es-tablished in 2003 to raise awareness and
funds for worthwhile organizations re-lated to music, art, education, and social justice. A portion of each High Sierra Music Festival ticket purchase directly benefi ts the High Sierra Foundation. In 2005 the High Sierra Foundation estab-lished a special fund to give direct aid to those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
American Recorder Technologies Appoints Musical Distributors GroupCalifornia electronics manufacturer American Recorder Technologies, Inc., has entered into a distribution agreement with Musi-cal Distributors Group (MDG), located in Boon-ton, New Jersey. Under the agreement, MDG will sell and distribute Ameri-can Recorder’s unique line of pro audio and MI products.
American Recorder Technologies president Alan Adelstein stated,
“We are extremely excited to be working with a high quality distributor like Mu-
sical Distributors Group. We look forward to working with Steve Savvides and his entire staff at MDG”.
Steve Savvides of MDG added, “We are very enthusias-tic to add American Recorder Technologies products to our mix. Their products comple-
ment our current line offerings, making MDG a complete one stop source.”
marketing manager. “By listening to what is important to our valued customers, we knew we could make our sites even more user-friendly, with improved product im-ages and info, better search tools, and an overall better experience for our visitors.”
The sites are:D’Addario Fretted: www.daddario.comD’Addario Bowed: www.daddariobowed.comPlanet Waves CI: www.planetwaves.com/ciPlanet Waves CE: www.planetwaves.com/ceEvans Drumheads: www.evansdrumheads.comHQ Percussion: www.hqpercussion.comRico Reeds: www.ricoreeds.comPureSound Percussion: www.puresoundpercussion.com
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Find it in the Hot Newssection of
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JUNE 2008 MMR 105
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AD RATES$20.00 per inch (1 inch minimum). 1 inch = 7 lines, 36 characters per line .$30.00 per inch if one color, logo or graphic added. Add $1.00 per bold face line, $5.00 for use of a box number. Display classifi ed: $45 per inch. PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED IN ADVANCE.
Distributors Welcome
MMR_105 105 5/15/08 11:23:01 AM
106 MMR JUNE 2008
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Business Opportunities
BIGGEST MUSIC SCHOOLin the HOUSTON AREA
FOR SALE
25 Teachers; 500-plus students and 2-story bldg. in prime
real estate location with music store and rental space!
For more informationCall broker at 281 359-2593or Owner at 832 445-5668
For SaleAward Winning
Music Stores $990K3 Locations in the
Santa Barbara County AreaApprox. $770K Inv/Equip Included.
450 Students Enrolled in Music Lessons
Sharon Hills 805-899-2919. Century 21 Butler Realty, Inc.
FOR SALEBeautiful central FloridaWell-known music store,
Located 21 years on East Coast!All inventory/ xtures, turnkey!
Major brands, full-line.No real property. 6 + studios Owners have aging parents.Call PM only 321-723-6489
Or321-725-3047
STORE FOR SALEOhio College town, for $20,000.Your choice on buying inventory
and xtures. Lessons andstaff. Low rent & utilities.
Contact: [email protected]
800-964-5150 ext. [email protected]
For Classifi ed Sales Call Maureen
Booth # 819
Booth # 819
MMR_106 106 5/15/08 11:23:06 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 107
Help Wanted
Solid, Reconditionable Pianos. Some have Benches.
Studios, Consoles, SpinetsLot Pricing: $195-$350
800-411-2363Fax: 216-382-3249 • Email: [email protected]
JAY-MART PIANO WHOLESALERSP.O. Box 21148 • Cleveland, OH • 44121
“The Piano Store For Piano Stores”
Merchandise
Help WantedSTORE MANAGER WANTED
New England area full line music store needs experienced store manager
Excellent compensation and bene ts.Send resume to
Visit the Classifi eds on the Web: www.MMRmagazine.com
ww
w.M
MRm
agaz
ine.
com
HOT NEWSGet The
on MMR’s Web Site!
A Brand New, User-Friendly Design An Interactive Discussion Forum for
dealers to communicate with each other!
“Your Opinion” Surveys MI Blue Book Google Dealer Map And Much More!
Find it in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site,
Breaking News
www.MMRmagazine.com
MMR_107 107 5/15/08 11:23:13 AM
108 MMR JUNE 2008
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300,000 Piano Lovers!That’s how many unique, piano loving people visit PianoWorld.com every month.
Be smart, advertise your piano or music related business where your new customers are hanging out.
PianoWorld.comHome of the world famous Piano Forums.
For more interesting statistics and advertising information:Visit www.PianoWorld.com/advertising ... Now!
Oboes & BassoonsWe create the fi nest hand-crafted Oboes
& Bassoons. Also replacement 5K Bassoon Bocals.
Linton Woodwinds Corporation, Jack Linton
1013 Alma St. Elkhart, IN 46514 U.S.A.PH: 1-866-220-2909 Fax: 574-266-7658
E-Mail: [email protected] www.LintonWoodwinds.com
YAMAHA–KAWAI& MORE
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED PIANOS
Asian High Quality
No other supplier offers superior service before,
during and after the sale. You get what you pay for!
GUARANTEEDLANDED QUALITY
1-800-782-2694North American Music
11 Kay Fries DriveStony Point, NY 10980Fax: (845) 429-6920
FINANCING AVAILABLE
Merchandise CASES CASES CASES
Factory Direct!Any ATA Case For $99
Mixers, Amps, Heads, or Keyboardswww.newyorkcasecompany.com
877-692-2738
ACCORDIONS: All sizes — over 100 in stock — new & used. Regular, Electronic, MIDI, etc. JOHN GAUNT, Distributor, 1248 S. Highland Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 443-4113.
ACCORDIONS, CONCERTINAS, & BUTTON BOXES new, used, buy, sell, trade, repair, tune,
CASTIGLIONE DISTRIBUTING CO.13300 E 11 MILE WARREN, MI 48089
PH # 1-586-755-6050 WWW.CASTIGLIONEACCORDIONS.COM
www.mmrmagazine.com
Wristies® ngerless gloveswarmth for hands-freedom for ngers.
Perfect for practice, cold venues and marching.
Wholesale, retail and quantity discounts available.
wristies.com 800-811-8290
MMR_108 108 5/15/08 11:23:19 AM
JUNE 2008 MMR 109
Visit the Classifi eds on the Web: www.MMRmagazine.com
Merchandise
MiscellaneousBAND INSTRUMENT REPAIR VIDEO
Save $$$ on repair expense. Earn extra income. Journeyman repairman offers “How To” videos on the repair of
brass and woodwind instruments. For information write to:
B.I.R.V. Co.880 Slater Rd.
Bellingham, WA. 98226(360) 384-6707
For Classifi ed Sales Call Maureen 800-964-5150 ext. 34 • [email protected]
FDW-Worldwide, the exclusive distributor of Violet Design and Nevaton microphones
in the Americas and the exclusive international distributor of Cable Up pro-line cables and
accessories is seeking to establish new strategic partnerships with manufacturers exploring the
outsourcing of their sales and marketing operations.We operate out of a 75,000 square foot facility
in Wisconsin and provide a wide range of services including sales, marketing, customer service, credit, service, warehousing, and shipping. We have sales representatives positioned
throughout the USA and Canada and can react immediately to expand your current distribution.
Contact Garry Templin, Brand Manager, at 615-308-7808 or visit www.fdw-w.com for more information.
Product Distribution
For Classifi ed Sales Call Maureen 800-964-5150 ext. 34
FAST TURN-AROUND ON STOCK REPAIRS NATIONWIDE
NAPBIRT member, 25 Years Experience
Contact: Dan Rieck, [email protected]
Repair Tools
BAND INSTRUMENT REPAIRComplete woodwind/brasswind repair,
from rental return service to complete
overhauls. Dealers welcome. All work
guaranteed. Member of NAPBIRT.
Quality Repair Service
PH #574-268-5360
email:[email protected]
For 60 years we have provided musical instrument
repair tools to technicians and musicians around the world. We have a wide selection of pads and other supplies in
addition to our repair tools. Contact us today for a FREE CATALOG.
Repair Tools
BOW REHAIRING
Expert Bow ServiceOrder forms,Pricing and Shipping label at:
www.bowrehairing.com
Violin bows as low as $10.00 per bow in quantity incl. shipping (see website fordetails.) Large inventory of replacement parts both new and vintage.
IRA B. KRAEMER & Co.Wholesale Services Division
“An industry leader since 1967”467 Grant Avenue, Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076
Tel: 908-322-4469 Fax: 908 322-8613 e mail: [email protected]
check www.mmrmagazine.com for daily updates!
CLASSIFIEDS on the MOVE!
MMR_109 109 5/15/08 11:23:24 AM
110 MMR JUNE 2008
Visit the Classifi eds on the Web: www.MMRmagazine.com
Used InstrumentsUsed 4 Less Music
over 2,000 used parts and 400 used instruments.
50 – 70% less than new.Repaired with one year
guarantee or not repaired.Brand names
Clarinets and utes from $50Alto saxes from $250
Everything from piccolos to SousaphoneClarinet & Flute repad $69
Call Jimmy Hayes 800 559-4472
Sales Representatives Wanted!!
Michigan-based Brass, Woodwindand accessories line. Join a
great new organization with an “artist-endorsed” product.
Competitive Commissions with incentive.
Contact: [email protected]
Seeking EmploymentPianos/Digitals/Organs
I Don’t Sell, You Don’t PayCloser for hire!
20 years experienceOutside promo specialist
[email protected] • 561-379-4718
INDEPENDENT SALES REPSSales Reps Wanted
Band & Orchestra InstrumentsMost territories open
A Great Job!AMERICA LONGXING
(718) 706-0828Ask for Paul
SHIPPING YOUR PIANOwith Lone Wolf Trucking
is a “grand” idea!An independent, long-distance Mover
specializing in coast-to-coast
residential Relocation.
1-800-982-9505Alamogordo,
New Mexico. 88310ICC MC-256289
LOCAL & NATIONWIDE PIANO MOVING • CRATING • STORAGE •
(800) 222-2888(310) 830-3362 (FAX) • http://www.pianomove.com
Services
Services
Vintage Instruments
Boulder Creek Guitars seeks Independent Sales
RepresentativesMorgan Hill Music is seeking
independent sales Representatives for their exciting new line of Boulder Creek guitars. Along with the Boulder Creek guitar
line, representatives would also have access to the Wedgie pick
and accessory line, the new Wedgie Powerband drumsticks, Natural One Acoustic Preamps
and Pickup systems, and the Pitch Pocket tuner line. We are interested in Sales
Representatives that have current active territories. Available
territories include most of the western United States and the
Northeastern States. Please contact Morgan Hill Music
@ 408-779-3845 for inquiries. You may view our product Lines @ www.morganhillmusic.com, www.bouldercreekguitars.com,
and www.wedgie.com.
Sales Reps Wanted
800-964-5150 ext. [email protected]
For Classifi ed Sales Call Maureen
www.mmrmagazine.com
CLASSIFIEDSon theMOVE!
www.mmrmagazine.comcheck
for daily updates!
MMR_110 110 5/15/08 11:23:30 AM
Visit the Classifi eds on the Web: www.MMRmagazine.com
Find it in the Hot Newssection of
MMR’s Web site,
BreakingNews
www.MMRmagazine.com
Vintage Instruments
We’re
Buying
PianosWe are buying grands —
and smaller verticals
800-411-2363Fax: 216-382-3249
Email: [email protected]
Honest - Professional - We Sell Nationwide
JAY-MART PIANO WHOLESALERSP.O. Box 21148 • Cleveland, OH • 44121
“The Piano Store For Piano Stores”
Wanted To Buy
Wanted USED TUBASANY CONDITION-CASH PAID
THE TUBA EXCHANGE1825 CHAPEL HILL RD.
DURHAM, NC 277071-800-869-8822
WWW.TUBAEXCHANGE.COM
WE, BUY, SELL, TRADE and ship worldwide.
Written APPRAISALS available.GRUHN GUITARS,
400 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 256-2033fax (615) 255-2021 www.gruhn.com
www.mmrmagazine.com
400 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 256-2033fax (615) 255-2021
www.gruhn.com
WE, BUY, SELL, TRADE and ship worldwide.
Written APPRAISALS available.
GRUHNGUITARS
What’s it worth?We buy, sell, trade, consign and appraise
fi ne guitars, banjos and mandolins.
629 Forest Ave., S.I., N.Y. 10310Phone (718) [email protected]
Vintage Showcase
Call Maureen Johan 800-964-5150, ext 34 or [email protected]
for Special Offer Details!
MAY 2008 MMR 111
MMR_111 111 5/15/08 11:23:34 AM
AdindexCOMPANY NAME E-MAIL/WEB ADDRESS PAGE COMPANY NAME E-MAIL/WEB ADDRESS PAGE
A
COMPANY NAME E-MAIL/WEB ADDRESS PAGE COMPANY NAME E-MAIL/WEB ADDRESS PAGE
AAccess Bags and Cases www.accessbagsandcases.com 36Alfred Publishing Co. www.alfred.com 13Allparts 103Amati’s Fine Instruments www.Amatis.uscom 95America Longxing Inc. www.huntermusical.com 66American DJ Supply Inc. www.americandj.com 5American Way Marketing LLC [email protected] 85Anderson Silver Plating 102Anthem Music Group www.ANTHEMmusic.com 37Antigua Winds, Inc. www.antiguawinds.com 42Benedetto Guitars www.BenedettoGuitars.com 100
B/CBourgeois Guitars www.pantheonguitars.com 71Breezy Ridge Instruments Ltd. www.jpstrings.com 93Cecilio Music www.ceciliomusic.com 55Composite Acoustics www.compositeacoustics.com 79
DD’Addario & Co. www.daddario.com 89Diplomatte Musical Instruments 74Discount Strings Warehouse email: [email protected] 79DKL Guitars 70Dunlop Manufacturing Inc. www.jimdunlop.com 28
EEastwood Guitars www.eastwoodguitars.com 38Eleca International www.eleca.com 68Epifani Custom Sound Systems www.epifani.com 70Epilog Laser www.epiloglaser.com 88Essential Sound Products www.essentialsound.com 56
FFishman Transducers, Inc. www.fishman.com 93Fishman Transducers, Inc. www.fishman.com 101Fishman Transducers, Inc. www.fishman.com 96Fishman Transducers, Inc. www.fishman.com 104
G/H/JGolden Sound/Kenny G Saxaphoneswww.goldensounddist.com 103Goodsell Electric Instrument Co., LLC www.goodsellamps.com 72Grover www.grotro.com 39H & F Technologies Inc. www.audio2000s.com 76Hall Crystal Flutes Inc. www.hallflutes.com 47Hal Leonard www.halleonard.com 47Jean Larrivee Guitars Ltd. www.larivee.com 72JHS www.jhs.co.uk 87Jupiter Band Instruments www.jupitermusic.com 69Jupiter Band Instruments www.jupitermusic.com 67Jupiter Band Instruments www.jupitermusic.com 63Jupiter Band Instruments www.jupitermusic.com 65
KKaman Music Corp. www.kamanmusic.com 32Ken Smith Basses Ltd. www.kensmithbasses.com 49Kurzweil Music Systems www.youngchang.com 25Kyser Musical Products Inc. www.kysermusical.com 81
L/ML & L Sales Co. Inc. www.georgels.com 58Levy’s Leathers Ltd. www.levysleathers.com 21Metropolitan Music Co. [email protected] 73Middle Atlantic Products, Inc. www.middleatlantic.com 80MPathX mpathx.com 97MPathX mpathx.com 99MPathX mpathx.com 101Musician’s Wholesale America www.musicianswholesaleamerica.com cov 3Musicorp, Inc. www.musicorp.com 62NAMM www.namm.com 44-45
NNational Educational Music Co. www.nemc.com 77National Music Funding www.nationalmusic.com 74North American Music www.NAmusic.comNS Design www.NedSteinberger.com 35
P/RP & D Wholesale www.PDWholesale.net 93P.Mauriat Paris/ALBEST Musical Inst www.monteverdemusic.com 82Pearl River Piano Group www.PearlRiverUSA.com 47Perri’s Leathers Ltd. www.perris.ca 59Petrof USA www.petrof.com 86Real de los Reyes www.realdelosreyes.com 39Reverend Musical Instruments www.reverendguitars.com 28Roland Corp. U.S. www.rolandUS.com cov 4
SSaga Musical Instruments www.sagamusic.com 75Samson Technologies Corp. www.samsontech.com 3Sennheiser Electronics www.sennheiserusa.com 91SHS International www.shsint.net 51Shubb Co. www.shubb.com 93SKB Corp. www.skbcases.com 33Sonaré Winds www.sonarewinds.com 41Stellartone www.stellartone.com 68Stringnet Co., Ltd www.eleuke.com 98Super-Sensitive Musical String Co. www.cavanaughcompany.com 64
TTKL Products Corp. www.tkl.com 1Tri-Technical Systems www.aimsi.biz 83Tycoon Drums www.tycoonpercussion.com 49
V/WVandoren www.dansr.com 33Vandoren www.dansr.com 29Walking Bird Repair Forms www.walkingbirdmusic.com 98Web Only Piano.com www.webonlypiano.com 17Wyman Piano www.wymanpiano.com 66
YYamaha Corp. of America www.yamaha.com 15Yorkville Sound Inc. www.yorkville.com cov 2
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