Mi Pro April 2010 - Issue 119 by Intent Media (now Newbay Media Europe)

No. 119

• APRIL 2010 • WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

PRINT • ONLINE • MOBILE

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PROFESSIONAL FOR EVERYONE IN THE MI BUSINESS

NEW

S SP

MI R ECIAL: Conf etail ere & Ex nce po

MAKING A SPLASH A percussion company with a difference, Meinl has turned western manufacturing on its head RICO JAMHUB CASIO TRINITY LONDON MUSIC SHOW

“

The Haze has a killer low end bark.That’s some tone!

”

- Doug Aldrich Whitesnake

ClassicTone, Contemporary Control

Portable, pure valve, studio quality tone is what the brand new Haze Series is all about. Loaded with natural valve tone, integrated effects and intuitive footswitching technology, the UK developed and engineered Haze Series takes your studio sound out on the road. Comprising the two channel Haze40 and Haze15, the series offers a rugged, gig-ready 40 Watt combo and a peerless 15 Watt head respectively. Combined with MHZ112A and MHZ112B speaker cabs, the Haze15 becomes the epitome of guitar amplification – a valve-driven Marshall stack, but one that fits easily into either the lounge or boot of the car. To find out more about the Haze Series contact: Marshall Amplification plc Denbigh Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK1 1DQ or visit the official Marshall website: www.marshallamps.com

ISSUE 119 APRIL 2010

EDITORIAL COMMENT

COVER STORY 25 SPLASHING OUT Meinl has been eating away at market share in the world of cymbals and percussion for some years now. We take at look at how it does it

ANDY BARRETT mipro@intentmedia.co.uk

NEWS MI RETAIL CONFERENCE & EXPO, LMS, BEHRINGER WITH KORG, DENIS WICK

EVENTS 4

MUSIKMESSE 13 A run-through of the significant gear to be launched at this year’s show

SUPPLY CAKEWALK BY ROLAND 21 Rebranding of some of the best PC music gear

RICO REEDS 30 A brand apart, where tradition meets innovation

JAMHUB 33 13

How the product of 2009 is getting on in the UK

KAM 34 A business model to envy

CASIO 37 The MI division hits 30 years and looks forward

TRINITY GUILDHALL 39 How an exam assessor can help MI retail

SECTOR SPOTLIGHTS 33

DIGITAL PIANOS 49 Bridging the home and pro markets

AMPS & CABS 54 The really big-noise boys and what they have on offer for today’s market

RETAIL REVERB CLOSES 65 Plus MIA news and the latest dealer offers

It doesn’t so much require a leap of faith as a simple, confident step forward

xcited is barely strong enough to describe the way my team and I feel as this issue goes to press. Hopefully you will have seen the news on the MI Pro website, but if you haven’t, MI Pro is organising the MI Retail Conference & Expo will take place on June 29th at The Brewery in Central London (news, page 4). While this is an inaugural event and thus restricted in terms of size, I believe it is more than possible to get everyone along that wants to be there, whether as a participating partner or as a visiting retail delegate. There have been many attempts to pull the UK’s MI trade together, but for various reasons they have often fallen short. I expect the question many are asking is why MI Pro feels it can succeed with this event. The most significant answer is that it will work if you help us make it work. You will have the opportunity to shape the show with us. If an event partner wants to see a certain retailer, we’ll do everything possible to get that retailer there. If there’s a particular subject you feel needs addressing, we’ll put it on the agenda. You’ve heard it said before, but this time it really is true. This is absolutely your event – by the trade and for the trade. We need you to be there – it’s true and we’re making no bones about it – but it’s free to retail and has a no-brainer level of value for event partners, so being there doesn’t so much require a leap of faith as a simple, confident step forward. What we’ll have then, with your co-operation, is 20 or so key suppliers, 75-100 top retailers, a conference that they’ve helped shape and a resolutely business-like expo and meeting area. We’ll even throw in an after-show party and a live band. And we’ll give everyone that attends an iPod Touch. The first question that springs to my mind is: ‘How could this not be a good thing?’ My second question is: ‘You’re coming, right?’ I do hope so. I’m well into my tenth year with MI Pro and this is something I’ve wanted to do pretty much since the beginning, so the fact that it is finally happening now is something of a dream come true. Excited? It doesn’t even come close. Andy Barrett

REGULARS: DRUM NEWS 10 RETAIL NEWS 66 INDIE PROFILE 72 FRONT LINE 73 NEW PRODUCTS 58-62 CODA 84

miPRO APRIL 2010 3

NEWS

MI Pro launches dealer Trade event on Tuesday, June 29th designed to help retail maximise sales and strengthen relationships with key suppliers MI PRO is launching a new trade event aimed squarely at the market’s retailers. The MI Retail Conference & Expo, which is completely free to dealers, will take place on Tuesday, June 29th at The Brewery, Chiswell Street (Barbican) in Central London. It will feature a series of seminars, panel sessions and presentations from retail experts, suppliers, trade bodies and the odd star turn from the world of rock n roll. The conference will be supported by a mini-expo at which event partners will be able to host meetings and conduct business. Total attendance will be restricted to 200, including around 100 dealers consisting of key accounts identified in conjunction with Event Partners. Within a week of the event being announced online, several of the industry’s biggest

brands had already signed up. conference. A networking lunch They include Marshall, Audio will be followed by the second Technica, Barnes & Mullins, Mel session. The expo will take up the Bay, Tanglewood latter part of and Roland the afternoon (see separate box and the day will We want to get for details). culminate with the right people The an after-show conference party, in the room and content will be sponsored by provide the right Roland & Boss, tailored specifically to at a nearby agenda. help dealers venue, topped Stuart Dinsey, improve their off by a live Intent Media sales, their band. margins, their “The aims of efficiency and their relationships the MI Retail Conference & Expo with key suppliers. are clear: we want to create a It has already been conference programme and confirmed that business environment that will GfK, one of the appeal to this industry’s best largest research retailers and get them together companies in with a limited number of partners the world, will and exhibitors for a day that will present some benefit all parties and the industry exclusive new as a whole,” said Intent Media’s UK MI data. managing director, Stuart Dinsey. Each dealer, “The emphasis here is on trade delegate ideas, discussion and business. and Event Partner We want to get the right people that attends will in the room, provide an event receive a goody bag that’s conducive to business and that includes deliver the right agenda for a limited edition iPod today’s market.” Touch. For details on Event Partner The event will kick off midpackages please contact morning with the first leg of the jodie.holdway@intentmedia.co.uk

”

Big names on board The first batch of MI Retail Conference & Expo Event Partners includes some of the leading companies in the market...

“We are more than happy to be involved in the Retail Conference & Expo show; we feel it’s important to be part of an event that focuses on improving business within the industry.” Steve Greenwood Marketing manager, Marshall

“Audio Technica is very pleased to be a Platinum Partner of the MI Retail Conference & Expo. “This is an exciting move for MI and we welcome the introduction of a focused business event designed to explore innovation in retailing and in turn develop benefits for the MI industry as a whole.

“The fresh thinking displayed by Intent Media in not taking the traditional trade show route is to be commended and is a major factor in Audio Technica’s decision to support the Conference & Expo. “In doing so, we will be supplying a mix of sales, support and marketing staff during the event, with an emphasis on extending product knowledge, rather than sales. In our view it is this type of longer-term strategic approach that will yield the greatest reward for the industry.” Harvey Roberts Senior marketing manager Audio Technica

“This is great news. We are really pleased that there will

New ‘Behringer City’ to open in 2011 MI and audio giant in process of building new, wholly owned manufacturing plant, creates new product division ULI BEHRINGER chose his recent Partner Event 2010 (February 24th to 27th) to announce his plans for a new 'Behringer City' manufacturing plant, where all of the Behringer and Bugera products will be made, as well as a good amount of Midas Klark Teknik’s overseas manufacturing programme. Eurotec, the official name of the manufacturing business within the newly formed The Music Group holding company, which umbrellas Behringer, Bugera, Midas and Klark Teknik, is currently situated just outside the city of Zhongshang and is a leasehold site. The new facility

4 miPRO APRIL 2010

will be wholly owned by The Music Group, will cover some 640 acres of land and will be operational initially from 2011. The site will feature its own power plant, and extensive leisure facilities for the nearly 3,000-strong workforce, which lives on site. The factories will include space for the implementation of Midas Klark Teknik’s exacting requirements for manufacturing, allowing the company to move some of its more specialised processes away from the UK for the first time. In other Behringer news, the firm has announced the

launch of a new range of installed sound products, namely ‘microphones to speakers and everything in between,’ as well as the creation of new department within Behringer, the Behringer Install Group (BIG). The idea behind the new division is to create an industryspecific group that deals solely with what is seen as a very unique market, looking to take advantage of the restaurant, houses of worship, retail and conference markets, where the entry-level audio group has not operated before. KORG: 01908 857100

NEWS

conference and expo

Free to dealers Tightly targeted invite list Leading companies sign up straight away as Event Partners be a forum for proper communication between retailer and supplier, without the huge expense, unpredictable attendance and noisy surroundings of previous events. “As a Platinum Partner Barnes & Mullins is very keen to show its support for this Expo, and personally I think it’s about time that we had a more positive trade view of our industry. “This is a truly great chance to properly network, share ideas with and learn from some of the best retailers in the business, as ultimately it’s the stores that are most important. “There is still space for public shows of course – and we will attend wherever appropriate – but a business event ultimately focussed on increasing sales for all parties involved is definitely worth every effort.” Alex Mew, marketing manager, Barnes & Mullins

“Mel Bay Music is really looking forward to supporting the MI Retail Conference & Expo. “The timing of this event is

perfect; let’s hope this can become a permanent, successful and profitable fixture in the Music Industry calendar. Roll on June 29th.” Chris Statham, managing director, Mel Bay Music

As Tanglewood always aims to support the independent retailer, this appears to us the ideal way to put our aims into practice. I would go further than that and encourage everybody to get along and support this excellent event. Tony Flatt, managing director, Tanglewood Guitar Company

Roland is delighted to be supporting the MI Retail Conference and Expo in London this June. We like the idea of a invitation-only event and always look to work closely with our dealers. And we're always up for a good party. Tim Walter, managing director, Roland UK

Conference content A programme designed specifically to help dealers sell more product... The conference content is being shaped in conjunction with the Event Partners, leading retailers and trade bodies, but the over-arching aim will be, very clearly, to help dealers sell more product and make more money. Two sessions have already been confirmed: Matthew Gibbs Account director, GfK

ITINERAY 11:00-11:30 – Coffee and registration 11:30-13:00 – Conference 13:00-14:00 – Lunch 14:00-15:30 – Conference 15:30-18:00 – Expo and Meetings 18:00-19:30 – After Show Party Drinks Reception 19:30-23:00 – After Show Party including live band DEALERS The MI Retail Conference & Expo is completely free to dealers, but spaces are limited.

GfK already works with many of our leading retailers and suppliers and at MIRC Gibbs will present brand new data and analysis giving a snapshot of the market as it stands – and some valuable pointers as to where it is heading. Paul McManus CEO, MIA Since taking the top job at the

MI Pro will work with the Event Partners to identify and incentivise key accounts. Email mirc@intentmedia.co.uk to register your interest. EVENT PARTNERS A limited number of Event Partner packages are available. These include expo space, delegate passes, after show party tickets and participation in the creation of the conference content – as well as a raft of editorial and advertising in MI Pro (print and online) before and after the event.

MIA, one of Paul McManus’ main messages has been that the body is for the entire trade, and that very much includes dealers. He’ll be outlining the initiatives that have tangible benefits exclusively for retail. More sessions and speakers will be announced via MI Pro in print, online and via our newsflash service. Sign up at www.mi-pro.co.uk

Please contact jodie.holdway@intentmedia.co.uk for details. TRADE DELEGATES Trade delegate passes are available for £120. These include admission to the conference, the expo and the after show party. Contact dave.roberts@intentmedia.co.uk for details. iPOD TOUCH All dealers, event partners and trade delegates will receive a free, limited edition iPod Touch.

Clarion dismisses doubts over Music Live Event manager departs and LMS looms, but after period of consultation show organiser gets back on the front foot CLARION EVENTS has announced its intention to strengthen the Music Live show for 2010, having spent the early part of the year canvassing opinion from exhibitors and visitors as to their requirements from the show. The UK’s longest-running music-making event, Music Live celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2009 and the organisers are planning to build on a decade of great visitor entertainment and education with additional initiatives for learning and a musical expansion to complement the show’s rockoriented content.

Tiffany Pritchard, Music Live show director, commented following the departure of show manager Jason Hunt: “Jason did a fantastic job in his five years as show manager for Music Live. Sadly, the recent challenging trading conditions

have lead to some difficulties all round but with an injection of lateral thinking to enhance the show we are confident that Music Live will continue to be the UK’s most popular MI event. “As a truly national music

show, Music Live enjoys the support of incredibly loyal visitors and exhibitors and has done for a long time. “We are now set on delivering even better value and more excitement for both parties. All shows need change

and innovation over time; developing music technology and broadening the musical content will add new and exciting dimensions to expand on the existing strong platform of Music Live for 2010 and beyond.”

miPRO APRIL 2010 5

NEWS

Denis Wick revamps product image

Numark moves

New mouthpiece packaging puts focus on sub-brands within successful Ultra range

Hi tech company’s European HQ expands into new premises NUMARK ALESIS Europe has moved into new premises in Surrey in order to cope with its continued expansion, particularly in the UK and Irish markets. The new contact details are: Numark Alesis Europe, Unit 3, Nexus Park, Lysons Avenue, Ash Vale, near Aldershot GU12 5QE and the central switchboard number is 01252 896000.

“

The move reflects our commitment to the UK and Ireland markets.

DENIS WICK, the maker of brass instrument accessories, is launching a new range of packaging for its mouthpieces. Following the success of its new Ultra mouthpieces, the new packaging gives a stronger identity to the four distinctive mouthpiece concepts that make up the range of sub-brands. The Heritage mouthpieces will continue to be sold in their jewel-case box, unique to Denis Wick, which displays the distinctive gold and silver of the Heritage design.

The new Ultra mouthpieces will have a more traditional box, but with very clear branding, featuring the Ultra logo and a photo of the attractively engraved mouthpiece. The traditional Denis Wick shape, now called the Classic, will have its own packaging, as will the Heavy Top range. “We felt that each of these different styles needed a strong identity,” said Stephen Wick. “The new Ultras have won fantastic praise from everybody who has tried them and it was important to give

them a clear sub-brand identity. Similarly, the Heavy Top mouthpieces need distinct branding. The Heavy Tops fill a niche in the market and deserve to be better known. They are fashionable in the symphony and jazz worlds for players wanting a powerful sound that projects. The Classic range remains unchanged apart from the new-look packaging. More information on the complete range of Denis Wick mouthpieces can be found at the Denis Wick website. DENIS WICK: 01202 665100

Jon Bickle Numark Alesis

Email addresses and mobile phone details remain unchanged. “It’s a new large building that reflects our commitment and confidence to the UK and Irish market and our desire to further improve customer service,” said Numark Europe’s sales and marketing manager, Jon Bickle.

LMS event director appointed as heavyweights sign up New boss brought in as the wheels on new consumer show start to turn. Louise King returns to oversee drum element FUTURE PUBLISHING has announced the strengthening of senior management in its event division with the appointment of Chris Down as event director for the London Music Show (LMS). This comes as a number of industry big guns including Roland, Sound Technology, Korg and Peavey commit to exhibiting at the show. Down will report to Mia Walter, publishing director for Future’s musicmaking portfolio and will be responsible for overseeing and developing LMS, which the company took over under licence from the MIA earlier this year. He previously worked for CMPi, Emap and event organisers, Montgomery. “We are delighted to appoint Chris to the role,” said Walter. “He brings considerable expertise and experience as well as endless enthusiasm and this appointment shows how committed we are in investing and developing the London Music Show.” Although the show has dropped the dedicated trade day, the organiser is inviting trade visitors and retailers to visit at any time during the three open days. A

6 miPRO APRIL2010

VIP lounge is being built to allow exhibitors and trade visitors to hold meetings in a quiet, business-like environment and a ‘meet the buyer’ programme will ensure that important meetings are scheduled well in advance of

manufacturers and specialist companies show their latest products to both the trade and consumers. It’s therefore the perfect place to establish new business relationships and cement existing partnerships, as well as to enjoy what will

the event. There are also plans for a trade registration page on the show’s website. “The London Music Show is an important event for the industry,” commented Chris Down. “It’s where major

be an exciting event.” Feature areas at the show include a Guitarist area and a sound recording theatre. A comprehensive range of seminars will also cover a series of topics

including how to get a record deal and publishing your own music. With the prospect of competition for an important element of the show, namely the drum market, Future has also announced its counter, dedicating a specialised area under the moniker of Rhythm Live, which will run throughout the event and is aimed at drum enthusiasts and wannabes. The area will include seminars, master-classes and live performances from high profile drummers, as well as exhibiting kits and gear from leading drum brands. Rhythm Live, named after Future’s drum magazine, Rhythm, will be headed by Louise King, the former editor of Rhythm. Having edited the magazine for eight years, King is a popular figure in the drum community and will play a major part in developing Rhythm Live into a significant role at the show. Leading drummer, website developer and the sponsor of MI Pro’s drum news, Mike Dolbear has already signed up to take part in tutorial sessions in the Rhythm Live area. FUTURE: 01225 442244

DISTIE NEWS

Korg UK to distribute Behringer Audio giant continues policy of third party distribution in Europe through top UK supplier KORG UK has announced its appointment as the UK and Ireland distribution partner for Behringer from May 1st 2010. The news follows a pattern seen over the past few months for Behringer of the audio giant appointing third party distributors in Europe. “This is an opportunity to expand our business, improve our systems and service to our customers, while increasing our product offering and strengthening the company for the future,” commented Rob Castle, Korg UK's managing director. “Behringer has recently appointed selective distributor partners across Europe and we have studied how this has worked.” Speaking to MI Pro at the recent Behringer Partner Event in Zhongshang, China, Castle explained further details on the deal: “Clive Burns has built Behringer in the UK almost single-handedly over recent years. Our job is to expand on this. It is great for continuity to have Clive still involved” Castle also played down any rumours of conflict between some of Samson’s more entry-level products and the mainstay of Behringer’s audio offering (Korg UK took on the Samson and Hartke lines in January

2009). Further to this, Behringer makes products that are similar to some of Korg’s core product offerings, such as digital pianos. Castle was again enthusiastic about the opportunities this presents. “We dont see it as conflict,” he said. “We have separate sales teams across our business, including the recently announced pro audio division headed up by Mike Gibson. Many Behringer products complement our existing products and wherever there is some overlap we will focus these through different teams as appropriate. Everything that Behringer does slots in really well underneath Korg’s product ranges. As for Samson, we are working closer than ever with it and we are determined to do whatever necessary to build on the success we have had so far. “I've been wanting to further expand our offering for some time now, but you can't just add to your catalogue for the sake of it. The Behringer opportunity gives us a chance to invest in systems and in staff to help further grow the company.” The Behringer ranges, of course, number in the hundreds and this will mean a massive increase in warehousing for Korg UK.

Legendary preMartin era acoustics recreated for the 21st century

CASTLE: Expanding business Castle explained that his company uses a third party warehousing and logistics company, which knows exactly what is involved. “They have plenty of capacity and are raring to go. “This is a really big moment for Korg UK and we are going to grab the chance with both hands,” Castle concluded. “I think our dealers stand to gain a lot from it.” KORG UK: 01908 857100

Harrison launches QMS Former Peavey audio man goes it alone with raft of US amp QMS MUSIC is a new independent sales and marketing agency that has been formed by experienced industry professional Bob Harrison, targeting pro audio and MI manufacturers through Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Having worked previously for Beyerdynamic, EAW and most recently with Crest Audio and Peavey at Peavey Europe’s pro audio division in Corby, Harrison has both experience and knowledge of the EMEA market and is a well-known sales professional across the region. QMS’s current portfolio includes a

number of US guitar amplifier manufacturers, namely Jet City Amplification, ZT Amplifiers, Soldano Custom Amplification and Piranha Cables. “Using an agency format like QMS is an extremely attractive proposition for many companies not in a position to finance a full sales operation,” commented Harrison. “We can offer efficient representation that takes advantage of a network of contacts established over many years and the bonus of no capital outlay, so it’s an easy way to gain a foothold in the market.” QMS: 07969 525330

HARRISON: Important markets

i-Tab finds Synergy in the UK Innovative Irish-invented product now selling through in the UK through Synergy Distribution ALAN GREENSALL and Pete Brown’s Synergy Distribution has secured the rights for the i-Tab, an electronic ‘songbook’ that can download songs, their lyrics and tabulation. The small unit clips on to, for example, a guitar headstock and scrolls lyrics and chords. “We are very excited to find a revolutionary product that will appeal to all retailers,” said Greensall. “The response has been phenomenal in the first few days of taking this product to market. The first shipment is already over subscribed but we are trying to ensure UK coverage is as fair as possible.

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“We are convinced that this will be one of those 'hits' that happen every ten years.” Gerry Forde, the international sales chief of the i-Tab, an Irish invention that was launched at the Irish Music Show in 2009, was instrumental in bringing the product to market. "We are delighted with Synergy’s passion and focus for the product and believe we have found the perfect partner for i-Tab,” he said. The i-Tab will retail at £129.99. SYNERGY: 0121 270 6485

Larson makes a comeback

MAKING THEIR debut in the late 1800s, Chicago-based guitar makers Carl and August Larson pioneered several of the key ideas that created the modern flat top acoustic guitar. Now their designs are set to make a reappearance thanks to European luthier Roman Zajiek and German designer Toni Gotz, who have recreated the Larson brand, now being introduced to the UK by High Tech Distribution. High Tech says: “The Larson Bros were among the first to pioneer the flat top, steel strung acoustics, and their work is unique among preWorld War II guitar manufacturers as it represents the only non-industrially produced range of flattop steel-string instruments that are still widely recognised as being of high-quality and high monetary value and which continue to be sought after by musicians as well as collectors for their distinctive tonal quality.” The company says that the new Larson guitars stick faithfully to the concepts first utilised by the Larsons about 100 years ago. "This means that you will find all the wonderful little details that set a Larson apart from the crowd. The result is remarkably fine instruments that offer the typical unique tone of the old Larson instruments." Prices will range from around the £1,000 mark to just over £2,000. HIGH TECH DISTRIBUTION: 01722 410002

DISTRIBUTION PROFILE ARIA DISTRIBUTION GUILDFORD The Aria Distribution team waxes lyrical about guitars, gigbags, pickups, choosing new products and the importance of good customer service... Year Established: 1977 Number of employees: 9 Is business up or down compared to last year? It’s up. How has the economic climate affected business? Consumer spending has taken a huge knock with the downturn and even those who are in a position to spend don’t seem to have the confidence to do so. When purchases are made we have to be in a position to deliver; sufficient stock holding is going to be key to meeting demand as confidence returns. As global demand for all products from the Far East has fallen, we have seen shipping lines moth-ball vessels to reduce shipping capacity and then put prices up. These increased costs have to be taken into account when calculating pricing, but the good news is we have, in the main, been able to absorb those increases, even with the return of the 17.5 per cent VAT rate. What are your best-selling lines, and why do you think they perform so well? Our best-selling lines include Aria, a truly global brand with 54 years of experience of success, which is in part due to the sheer breadth of the range. We can offer all types of fretted instruments from guitar, through to mandolin, banjo, ukulele, upright basses, tenor guitars, travel guitars – even a sixstring ukulele. Fusion gigbags, launched just last year, have already established themselves as the ‘must have’ gigbag for all categories. Fusion is set to grow this year with the addition of the new DJ, keyboard and ukulele bags. Seymour Duncan pickups go from strength to strength, with the addition at winter NAMM of no less than ten new pickups, three of which were signature series pickups developed in conjunction with Slash, Yngwie Malmsteen and Mick Thompson.

What are your criteria for selecting new products? The first question we ask is does the product fulfil a customer need? Is it value for money and is it profitable for dealers? If we can answer all of those questions then we must also be able to add value for the manufacturer in terms of marketing and sales. What distinguishes you from the competition? One of our strengths, as a relatively small team, is to be able to provide a personable, no-nonsense approach. We can react quickly and be flexible. How do you maintain a good relationship with retailers? When you treat people correctly, good relationships follow. Customer service has to be part of company culture, not something that has to be consciously worked on. What would you say is the biggest challenge facing the MI industry today? In terms of spend on musical instruments in schools and nurturing future generations of players, it has to be the threat of cuts in public spending. What are your aims for the next 12 months? We expect to be able to announce the addition of a great new amp line in the next few weeks and following our re-branding to Aria Distribution we are going to develop a new website. We’re planning promotions too, the first of which will be to highlight the new Slash pickup from Seymour Duncan by running a competition online and in the guitar press to coincide with his new album release.

CONTACT DETAILS Address: Unit 2a, Henley Business Park, Pirbright Road, Guildford GU3 2DX Phone: +44 1483 238720 Email: sales@ariauk.com Web: www.ariauk.com

miPRO APRIL 2010 09

DRUM NEWS

Big names sign for London Drum Show Dedicated show confirms major industry support as well as the beginings of an impressive roster of high profile artists PEARL, REMO and Korg (showing Mapex, Vic Firth and Paiste) are among the major drum and percussion names already confirmed for the London Drum Show, scheduled for Olympia on the weekend of September 4th and 5th. Also on an early list of exhibitors and celebrities confirmed this week by Oyster House Media, publisher of Drummer magazine, are stars Benny Greb and Pete Lockett. “Gary Mann, Remo’s director of sales and marketing Europe, has confirmed that Pete Lockett will be performing at the show,” read the official statement from Oyster House. “Pete is one of the most versatile multipercussionists in the world and the wide range of artists he has worked with reflects the incredible diversity of his playing

– Björk, Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Bill Bruford, Jeff Beck and pretty much anyone you can think of from the world of pop.

“Norbert Saemann, Meinl’s international artist relations manager, has confirmed that Benny Greb will also be

performing at LDS. Benny first appeared before a UK audience in 2005 at Drummer Live when he was unknown and he received

a standing ovation for his performance.” Drummer’s editor, Ian Croft, added: “Receiving confirmation that Pete Lockett and Benny Greb will appear is very exciting and with other international names being offered to us, The London Drum Show is certainly going to be the place to be in September. We do expect to confirm further artists in the next few weeks, making the show irresistible to drummers and percussionists alike.” So far the list of confirmed exhibitors includes: Korg, Wembley Drum Centre, Hardcase, London Drum Company, MI Direct (Silver Fox Drumsticks), Mike Dolbear, Percussity, Pearl Drums and Remo. OYSTER HOUSE MEDIA: 01884 266100

Steve White to hit the road with Mapex

Mission from Gadd tour

Renowned drummer hopes to inspire tub thumpers around the UK

Yamaha brings drumming legend to the UK

BRITISH DRUMMER Steve White is to embark on a tour of the UK in April and May alongside Mapex. The drum manufacturer has been working closely with White since his signing in 2009 and has now planned a series of dates to showcase the wealth of material that he has compiled over the past ten years while running the education sessions at the Freddie Gee Drum Camp. White is a high profile artist who devotes himself to education, providing encouragement to learn and progress regardless of capability. Mapex has also expressed its enthusiasm for grass-roots learning and this has inspired the firm to team up and take his experience to the streets of the UK. Mapex is offering 11 dates around the UK that promise to inspire attendees to master the art of drumming. Further info is with Korg on 01908 857100.

YAMAHA MUSIC UK has announced a series of shows featuring the legendary drummer Steve Gadd under the title ‘Mission from Gadd’ coming to England, Scotland and Ireland in April this year. Gadd is one of the most critically acclaimed and recorded drummers of all time; he has been the driving force behind many world class acts including Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Steely Dan and Chick Corea, to name a few. The Mission from Gadd tour has been drawing record-

April 11th, Electro Music, Gainsborough (01302 369999) May 4th, Sound Attak, Colchester (01206 368999) May 5th, Gig Gear, Harlow (01279 432900) May 6th, Drumwright, Reading (0118 944 1418) May 10th, Percussion House, Cardiff (029 2061 4999) May 11th, PMT,

Birmingham (0121 359 5056) May 12th, Rattle & Drum, Derby (01332 360 657) May 13th, Drum Stop, Chesterfield (0114 247 2200) May 17th, Rhythm Base, Glasgow (0141 429 3799) May 18th, Dawsons, Manchester (0161 237 1770) May 20th, Mr Drums, Colraine, N. Ireland (028 7032 8891)

breaking audiences in the US and Canada and Yamaha is expecting sell out events here too. The Tour kicks off in Dublin and will run for three events, as follows. Interested parties should call the venues direct. April 17th: The Helix, Dublin (+353 1 700 7000) €17 plus booking fees April 18th: Edinburgh Corn Exchange (0844 415 5221) £15 plus booking fees April 19th: The Hexagon, Reading (0118 960 6060) £15 plus booking fees

THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY MIKEDOLBEAR.COM, THE LEADING ONLINE RESOURCE FOR EVERYTHING DRUMS.

VISIT WWW.MIKEDOLBEAR.COM FOR MORE DETAILS. 10 miPRO APRIL 2010

MUSIKMESSE EVENT PREVIEW

MARCH 24TH TO 27TH MUSIKMESSE (AND PROLIGHT+SOUND), FRANKFURT MESSE

Welcome to Frankfurt

With this edition of MI Pro being the ‘Live at Musikmesse’ issue, we cut to the chase with a run-through of the significant launches and events to be found at this year’s show. Get your comfy shoes on and start walking…

lthough the UK is going a bit show crazy this year, there is still nothing that can stand in the way of the juggernaut that is Musikmesse. Combined with the concurrent Prolight+Sound show, there is nothing that compares in the music world in terms of size – and the event organiser, Frankfurt Messe, would add to that there is nothing to compare – period. The sheer scale of the show means that it is impossible to cover the whole event, so visitors need to plan out their journeys around the halls and the stands with care. What follows is our brief summary of the stands and products that have already been announced and that the UK retailer may wish to take advantage of, as well as the odd bit of news of side events running at the venue. Take a deep breath… TANGLEWOOD: HALL 4.0 H55 AND HALL 3.1 C76 Frankfurt 2010 will see the launch of the new Tanglewood by Overwater bass guitar series, a collaboration between Tanglewood and Chris May, the British

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luthier behind the Overwater professional bass guitars for the past 30 years. Every model in this new series will be on display for the first time, starting at £329 retail and covering price points up to £899. Dealers will get the chance to meet Chris May personally on the booth and

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The Signature by Tanglewood line of electric guitars will also make its premiere Frankfurt show appearance. This will include solid body and semi-acoustics and sees Tanglewood breaking into the electric instrument market in a concentrated and focused manner.

The sheer scale of the show means that it is impossible to cover the whole event, so visitors need to plan out their journeys around the halls and the stands with care.

hear first-hand what work goes into research and development to produce a collection of instruments to his exacting standards and specification. In 2010, quantities of these superb new instruments with the legendary name will be in short supply so dealers are invited to the Tanglewood booth to register their interest during the show.

PEAVEY: HALL 4.0 C08 Peavey Electronics will be sponsoring the Agora Stage at the show, featuring the sets of Monty Montgomery and Davy Knowles being broadcast through a full complement of audio equipment from all the Peavey Electronics brands, including Peavey, Crest, Mediamatrix and Architectural Acoustics.

Two of the show’s stages will feature Peavey’s Versarray line array system powered by Crest Pro 200 Series amplifiers. The line arrays feature ribbon drivers, neodymium woofers, exclusive angle-adjustment technology and multiple rigging options. The stages are side by side and are being run as A and B stages, flip-flopping from one to the other. As a result, there are three Versarray hangs across the two stages, with the central hang serving both stages. Each hang comprises eight Versarray 212 three-way tri-amped mid/hi enclosures. STUDIOMASTER: HALL 6.1 C61 The audio specialist will be launching some 30 new products at the Frankfurt show this year, with the noteworthy among them being the company’s portable PA under the Stagesound brand and the C4TX series of modular mixers with twin DSP and available as 19-inch rackable versions, or as standalone models. Those visiting the show and the Studiomaster stand might also like to take

miPRO APRIL 2009 13

EVENT PREVIEW MUSIKMESSE

The Trantec S6 wireless system, ready for Channel 38, will make an appearance at Musikmesse

note of the JX range of passive and active speakers, ranging from eight-inch to 18inch models. KAM: HALL 5.1 C25 Kam will be launching new additions to its product range at this year’s Musikmesse. New product includes USB MIDI controllers, digital products for the home studio, LED lighting for stage performance, passive and active speakers, switch mode amplifiers and the awardwinning laser range. Lamba will also be showing off its series of flightcases under the Kamkase brand. This huge collection of cases and storage solutions has an answer for almost all touring needs and there will also be additions to the Kamstands range, expanded to include stands for all instruments and equipment. LOUD TECHNOLOGIES Loud will see a raft of launches from its brands, starting with the all-new Ampeg Heritage SVT-CL, the Heritage SVT-810E and Heritage SVT-410HLF. These deliver everything bassists love about classic Ampeg gear, plus some premium upgrades, including high-end tubes and custom US-made drivers. The SVT-Pro series is designed to deliver the high Wattage, tonal flexibility and lightweight design of Ampeg’s SVTPro series in rack-mountable units that look great on top of any stack. The SVT-

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7Pro pumps out a ferocious kilowatt of pure Ampeg tone in a compact design that weighs in at just 15lbs. The Pro Neo series is a line of compact bass enclosures built to handle the power of high-output, modern bass heads. These enclosures deliver amazing power and tone in an extremely lightweight, ultramodern package. All models are full-range and come in a variety of speaker configurations. ROTOSOUND: HALL 4.0 B65 The Friday and Saturday of the show will see the UK’s main string brand, Rotosound, hosting a (now expected) brace of stars in the shape of the ‘one and only’ Billy Sheehan and (at the other end of the musical genre scale) Dave Pybus from Cradle of Filth. They will be appearing on the stand at 2 and 3pm respectively. PERCUSSION PLUS: HALL 3.1 C73 This is Percussion Plus’ second time at the Musikmesse and the company is looking to extend its reach in the area of educational instruments – for which it is now very well known in the UK. The company offers quality, reliability, service and a carefully selected range of percussion instruments to suit all ages and abilities, including tuned percussion and drums and beaters, complemented by carefully selected percussion from around the world.

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MUSIKMESSE EVENT PREVIEW

Cradle of Filth’s Dave Pybus will be weaving his charm on the Rotosound stand The ranges are made in PP’s own factory in Market Harborough. As a manufacturer, Percussion Plus does not sell direct to schools or musicians. It offers products only through bona fide retail outlets or educational mail order specialists. DENIS WICK Denis Wick will be showing its new range of packaging for its mouthpieces, giving, the company says, ‘a stronger identity to the four distinctive mouthpiece concepts that make up the range of sub-brands’. The Heritage mouthpieces will continue to be sold in their jewel-case type box, which displays the distinctive gold and silver of the Heritage design. The new Ultra mouthpieces will have a more traditional box, but with very clear branding, featuring the Ultra logo and a photo of the attractively engraved mouthpiece. The traditional Denis Wick shape, now called the Classic, will have its own packaging, as will the Heavy Top range. WIND PLUS: HALL 1.1 B23 Wind Plus distributes Kölbl accessories for woodwind and brass instruments, which include instrument care accessories, such as cleaning swabs, brushes and slings and the Roko branded case covers and gig bags. Customers will be able to see the full range of these products on the stand. Wind Plus also handles Légère synthetic reeds for all clarinets and saxophones. Légère recently introduced the Signature series reeds, initially for clarinet and aimed at professional players, but now expanded to include Signature series tenor sax reeds. Guy Légère will be in Hall 1.1 H29. IBC TRADING: HALL 3.1 C75 IBC Trading specialises in helping companies source OEM product from around the world, more specifically specialising in all types of guitars, amps

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and accessories. With a skilled team based in the UK, Iain Wilson’s team can help clients with design work, take the pain out of sourcing and link would-be suppliers with key partner factories. IBC Trading has offices in the UK, mainland Europe, China and the USA and has clients in all major markets. WIA MUSIC: HALL 4.1 B14 Hot on the heels of the success (Best in Show at NAMM) of the invisible guitar hanger, Wia Music is using Musikmesse to launch the Woodies G-Band and Woodies G-Band II capos (which will retail in the UK for £9.99). The company says these

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Wia Music is using Musikmesse to launch the Woodies G-Band and Woodies GBand II capos.

partial capos can do more for your inspiration in five seconds than any other gizmo. The G-Band clips onto the guitar neck in seconds and is available in blue, red or black, with a one and two string version. It stops either the first or sixth string on whichever fret you fancy, while the GBand II stops the bottom two or top two. How high you place the G-Band obviously depends on where the neck joins your guitar's body. Explore impossible chords, new harmonic ideas and heavy low string drones – very handy for getting out of a song-writing rut.

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ARIA: HALL 4.0 F29 Aria UK is rebranding itself as Aria Distribution and as such is keen to point

miPRO APRIL 2009 17

EVENT PREVIEW MUSIKMESSE

The Woodies invisible guitar hanger won a Best in Show award at NAMM and looks set to impress crowds yet again while on display at this year’s Musikmesse out that, aside from its presence as one of the world’s finest guitar manufacturers, there are also three other stands worth visiting to get the full representation of what the company is doing these days. On stand F29 in Hall 4.0, the guitar maker will be showing its Goal Rush FIFA licensed guitar, cashing in on the imminent World Cup and the Retro-1532 electric. Fusion gigbags can be found in Hall 3.1 on F68 and will be touting the new, all-black F1 bags, F3 keyboard bags in 16 sizes, F4 ukulele bags, as well as three models of the new DJ and Audio bags. Seymour Duncan (Hall 4.1 E12) will be exhibiting the new Slash, Mick Thomson and Yngwie Malmsteen signature pickups. LAG GUITARS: HALL 4.1 F27 Fresh from its incredibly strong US product launch at NAMM with Korg USA, Lag guitars will be exhibiting the latest incarnation of the Tramontane range of acoustic guitars. This range, which scooped a NAMM Best in Show award, has a tonal and financial offering for pretty much everyone. Beginning at the T66 model and peaking at the French-made Tramontane Master models, it is clear that as much effort has gone into making the overall design as uniquely Lag as possible. Also at this year’s show, Lag will be showing its Electric Artist Signature guitars. The artists in question are Motorhead’s Phil Campbell, Cradle of Filth’s Charles Hedger, Adagio’s Stephan Forte, and UK-born, French star Keziah Jones. All four models will be available in the UK during April and are expected to retail at around £1,000. FAITH GUITARS: HALL 3.1 BOOTH H85 Perhaps surprisingly for those used to bumping into the Barnes & Mullins team at Frankfurt, Faith Guitars will be exhibiting

18 miPRO APRIL 2009

at Musikmesse for the first time. Faith will be displaying its Natural, Hi Gloss, Eclipse and Signature ranges. In addition, visitors will be able to see a few new additions for the future – including a Sunburst Classic model. With products already available in a few European and Asian markets, Faith’s brand manager, Alex Mew, is looking forward to the added exposure that this show will bring: “Frankfurt is still the main show for me. It holds a unique position. We will be able to contact buyers from pretty much every important international market and I don’t think that can yet be said of other shows.” ALFRED PUBLISHING: HALL 3.1 C20 Take some time out of your busy Frankfurt schedule and go to see the Alfred Publishing UK team in Hall 3.1. The team will be more than happy to give you a tour of the stand, including advanced notification of what it describes as ‘great new products and tailored offers to suit you and your business’. Well, you can’t argue with that, can you? The publisher will also be holding a Happy Hour, offering drinks with the Alfred team from 5pm on every trade show day. Well, that’s got be worth a visit then – let’s just hope there’s not too many journalists there… Most importantly, though, the offer is open for the opportunity to discuss in person how Alfred can better serve you, the dealer, in 2010. MEL BAY: HALL 3.1 C28 Mel Bay always pushes the boat out at trade shows and this year’s Musikmesse will be no

exception. At the moment, Mel Bay Music Limited (the UK and European arm of the American publisher) is pushing its classical guitar titles from the likes of Albéniz and Tárrega, as well as a clump of titles from Guitar Foundation of America winners. Mel Bay in the UK is also the distributor of the Waltons and Mally’s catalogues and the AMA Verlag Musik catalogue, Sasha Music Publishing, All Music Publishing, Mayas Music, Learn Roots Music, Murphy Method and Grossman Guitar Workshop Audio Books, all of which will either be on the Mel Bay stand or within a stone’s throw in the publishing sector of Hall 3.1. HAL LEONARD EUROPE: HALL 3.1 D.27 See the latest releases from Hal Leonard’s best-selling series, including the new Fast Track, Jazz Playalongs, Piano Playalongs, Guitar Playalongs and the Pro Vocal book and CD packs. Also on the stand will be folios from recent box office hits such as Twilight: New Moon, Avatar, Up and, we are told, ‘much, much more’. DE HASKE: HALL 3.1 E.17 Staying with Hal Leonard for a moment, the wholly owned de Haske will have a large display of Hal Leonard and de Haske instrumental, concert band, orchestral and jazz ensemble titles, including new releases.

TRANTEC: HALL 8.0 F46 Trantec’s focus for this year’s event will be on the Channel 38 ready, S6 wireless system, which builds on the success of the S6000 range, taking the 19-inch, eightway concept to a new level. Trantec has now incorporated a comprehensive user interface on the front panel, allowing the user to configure and monitor all channels, with or without an external PC. The UK wireless expert will also be exhibiting S-D7000 – the world’s first professional, fully digital wireless microphone system that is already in use at GMTV. Features include 24-bit audio resolution, network monitoring for over 60 channels and you can now benefit from over 20 user channels in an 8MHz TV band. Other products on show include the S5.3 system, packed with a powerful set of features and the S5.5, 24-channel system, which is available ‘racked n ready’.

CAKEWALK BRAND PROFILE L to R: Peter Heath, Sean Montgomery and Tim Walter can have their cake and eat it, while making Roland what it is today

Piece of Cake As the new year rolled in, Roland began integrating Cakewalk and Edirol products into its already extensive line-up. Andy Barrett takes a look at how this was achieved and the implications for the future...

s of January 1st 2010, Cakewalk and Edirol’s PC music hardware have been under the umbrella of the mothership, as it were, as part of Roland UK’s portfolio. It is sensible move, anyone can see, as it brings the music making products in line with the music making company and maintains Edirol as a more focused company dealing with video equipment. That was the easy part, now, of course, Roland UK has the job of integrating Cakewalk and Edirol products into its catalogue, training up its sales and marketing staff (much of the technical support is retained through the former Edirol team) and, most importantly of all, getting the product lines into the stores and selling through. It is by no means a simple task, but Roland being Roland, you can be

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sure that planning has been thought through to the nth degree. For a start, the decision to capitalise on two strong brands makes recognition in the market easier – and the ‘Cakewalk by Roland’ brand does that. Next – and this is where we are now – the message has to be broadcast. “The message is simple,” states Roland’s sales director, Peter Heath. “Edirol Europe has spent 11 years doing a good job throughout the continent – and it is important to say that it has been a good job, but working in several territories means there will always be limitations for the national regions. By divesting the products to the national Roland companies those limitations are gone. For Roland UK, with our experience in the UK, we can broaden the brand – we have the infrastructure to do that.”

The man charged with the job of making that expansion a reality is senior product manager Sean Montgomery. “There are a lot of dealers out there that have not had much, if any, contact with the Edirol brand – dealers that know Roland UK well,” he explains. “There are also those that know Edirol well and have worked with the brand for years, of course – Digital Village and Andertons, retailers that work very deliberately in this area of PC music – but there are a lot of smaller businesses out there who can and will be able to take advantage of the Cakewalk by Roland products.” The new brand has two chief components: software and hardware – and it needs to be stressed here that the Edirol brand is now only used on video products and all software and PC hardware products take the moniker ‘Cakewalk by Roland’. This is the major thrust of the rebranding. The software will be known, at least by name, by pretty much everybody – Sonar. This is a digital audio workstation (DAW) that has been around for years and competes with the likes of Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools (among others). What is less well known are the facts that, first, Sonar is the top-selling software DAW in the US and Japan (thus the palpable excitement in the

Roland UK camp as it seeks to emulate these figures) and, second, like these other programs, Sonar has its ‘lite’ versions. As Garageband is to Logic, so Music Creator is to Sonar… “Well, not exactly,” interjects Montgomery. “Garageband is something of a step removed from Logic – it is compatible, but Music Creator gives you more functionality, flexibility and more direct access to synths and effects than Garageband. For this reason, I think the difference between Music Creator and Sonar is closer than Garageband and Logic. So, someone who starts with Music Creator can do more before they feel the need to move to Sonar, thus justifying the £49 price tag.” This pre-empts the first negative question about why one would want to buy Music Creator, even if it is for an impulse-buy price, when Garageband is free with a Mac. The second question is whether Cakewalk has any plans to start working on the Mac platform, frequently preferred by the recording professional. “Yes, there is truth in this,” admits Montgomery. “But you have to remember that the vast majority of computers out there are not Macs.” (Figures are increasingly hard to come by, for some

miPRO APRIL 2010 21

BRAND PROFILE CAKEWALK

inexplicable, but undoubtedly corporately paranoid reason, but it appears that around six out of every 100 computers in the world are Apple Macs.) “We are focusing our biggest efforts on the bigger market and also on the entrylevel. This means PCs, not Macs. And we know from experience that if you can get the entry-level convinced by a brand, that will ultimately grow the pro market.” It is worth pointing out that all Cakewalk by Roland hardware is both PC and Mac compatible and there are also several software synths that function on Macs as well. Roland UK’s MD, Tim Walter, points out that the Mac issue might well be being addressed. “Cakewalk recognises

the growing significance of the Mac in the pro and education markets,” he says. “Watch this space.” Montgomery’s argument is that by getting products such as Music Creator out to the wider MI community, together with the simpler hardware products, such as the UA25 interface (seen by many as an industry standard), which retails for something of a bargain at £149, then not only is the end user up and running as a recording artist for a smidge under 200 quid, but there is a nice slice of a still-emerging market out there for the retailer to take advantage of for very little overhead. “It’s important to point out that the dealer requirements for Cakewalk by Roland

are not looking for a big investment here. We’re interested in those that are looking to dip their toe into the market. It’s a very exciting time, for us and the dealer.” Why, then, would a dealer want to plump for the Roland route? It’s true that the Cakewalk by Roland brand covers everything from a £45 DAW to a £4,000plus V-Studio (the VS-700 system, with Sonar, a motorised mixer, rack Fantom synth and a whole bunch more), but then again, there are others that have even more – notably Avid, of course, with its M-Audio to Digidesign Pro Tools powered systems. “First of all, yes, it’s worth saying that we can offer products from pro systems down to the entry level and everything in

between,” says Montgomery. “And yes, there are companies that offer a wider range, but this is where the Roland branding comes in. For a start, the hardware products are Roland products – and now all Cakewalk by Roland products have a threeyear warranty. “The Roland name means a lot in terms of manufacture quality, reliability and support. The controller keyboards, for example, are fitted with Roland synth key actions. When a product is made by Roland, you know you have construction and support and maintenance you can trust.” Here Peter Heath jumps back into the fray. “This has been central to what Roland UK has been doing for years,” he says. “We

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CAKEWALK BRAND PROFILE products that arrive and the need to integrate them into the catalogue and train up the staff and retailers to deal with them is a sort of second nature. This, however, is something more – and even more sudden than a couple of dozen new products across half a dozen market sectors. This is, essentially, establishing a new brand and opening up at least one (arguably two, if you include interfaces alongside software) entirely new sectors. It would seem that even Roland is looking upon the new brand as a Big Deal (capital ‘B’, capital ‘D’). “Oh, absolutely,” concurs Heath. If we take this and do nothing at all with it, it adds considerably to our turnover. By taking it a lot further, have the best product support, whether you are talking pre-sales, orders, shipping or post sales. I mean, you don’t need a degree in music technology to understand the simpler products, but the support is there, right the way up to the former Edirol staff we have who know the pro products intimately.” Heath goes on to point out that the new Cakewalk by Roland products can be easily catered for at the new BRIT Camp format that Roland UK initiated in February, where dealers and Roland Planet staff can spend a few days on some intensive product training. “We have a ‘roving trainer’, Luke Edwards, who will be our product specialist around the country,

helping out new dealers and end users, so a lot of the stumbling blocks can be dealt with immediately,” continues Heath. “But we could also run a dedicated BRIT Camp if necessary. More than likely, though, given the new products coming at Frankfurt, is that Cakewalk by Roland training will be integrated with other products at the next BRIT Camp.” Roland UK has spent a considerable amount of time and energy in recent years tweaking its corporate and business structures, but all the while coping extremely well with the constant barrage of new products the manufacturer seems to release upon an expectant world each year. It’s as though handling the new

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2010 is the start of a new journey for Roland UK and Cakewalk. We’ve taken the best of their technologies and designed some new products our dealers and customers are going to love.

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growing the brand in the UK, we can make this something special. “I don’t think many people have really recognised how much of a marriage there is between Roland and Cakewalk. Roland has bought Cakewalk and we wouldn’t have done that if we didn’t believe in it, if we didn’t think it was just as cool as Roland. And we now get the chance to

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develop Roland products to work around the Cakewalk systems – as well as develop Cakewalk systems to function in Roland gear. It’s going to be a lot of fun for us.” “Establishing the new Cakewalk by Roland brand is a major focus for us this year,” concludes Walter. “Already leading the way in Japan and the US, Sonar’s success can be emulated in the UK. We’re investing heavily to begin this brand development. “2010 is the start of a new journey for Roland UK and Cakewalk. New products at NAMM topped our sales charts and Frankfurt will propel us into two major new territories. We've taken the best of Roland and Cakewalk technology and

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designed some new products our dealers and customers are going to love.” With the prospect of Cakewalk by Roland products getting on to the street level and enabling ever more people to get into music production, it’s going to be a lot of fun for the punters, too. And when the punters are having fun, the trade profits. ROLAND: 01792 702701

MEINL COVER FEATURE

Rhythm, no blues

When it comes to cymbals and percussion, there are a few names that spring immediately to mind and all of them fall into a single, easy category. All of them, that is, except Meinl. Gary Cooper looks at a percussion company that breaks the mould...

ince its formation in 1951, Meinl has been a growing force in the international MI industry. In Germany and several other European countries, it is one of the most important MI distributors, but it is better known internationally as one of ‘the big four’ cymbal and percussion brands. Now, equipped with the world’s first fully automated, computer controlled logistics centre in the MI business, in Gutenstetten, Germany, Meinl believes it is poised to make a further great leap forward. The company’s Bernhard Amon, sales manager for Europe, Africa and the Middle East, tells Gary Cooper why Meinl has become an essential brand for retailers everywhere and why, though some general music shops feel they can’t sell percussion products, those who have tried have found it an extremely lucrative market. MI Pro: Can we start by establishing Meinl’s size as a company?

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Everyone in the UK and Ireland will know the Meinl cymbal and percussion ranges but the company is an even bigger concern than that suggests, isn’t it?

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and export office. Then there is Meinl USA, which handles distribution for cymbals and percussion only. Meinl Distribution operates in Germany, Austria and Benelux. In Germany we

What makes Meinl a different cymbal manufacturer is that we are working and focusing on young upand-coming drummers by introducing a lot of innovative products. We offer cymbals for all types of players, but they’re an important group for us. Bernhard Amon Meinl

BA: We don’t give out numbers, but to give you some idea, you have to separate Meinl Distribution from Meinl cymbals and percussion. In total, in Germany, we have around 110 employees – that’s for Meinl Distribution, plus the cymbal factory

distribute brands such as Tama, Ibanez, D’Addario, Paul Reed Smith, Mesa Boogie, and others, while in Austria and Benelux we have some of those brands, but not all of them. Then there are production facilities in Thailand, Turkey and Indonesia.

In the UK, Meinl is best known for its cymbal and percussion products, distributed here by Active Music. Could we start with the cymbal market? That looks quite a complicated marketing proposition, with tremendous competition from the big two North American companies in particular, who have access to a lot of heritage and home-grown endorsees, which must help in a business relying so heavily on artist endorsements. Where do you feel Meinl fits into that picture? I think we see the cymbal market as being composed of four main brands and which is the biggest depends on which market you are talking about. In some markets Meinl would be number one, in others number four, in others two or three. What make Meinl a different cymbal manufacturer is that we are working and focusing on the young up-and-coming drummer by introducing a lot of innovative products. You know the kids

miPRO APRIL 2010 25

COVER FEATURE MEINL with the dyed black hair and the chains going to their wallets? They are very much our target customers. Obviously, we’ve also just released our new marching and symphonic cymbals, so they aren’t the only customers we are appealing to and we offer cymbals for all types of players, but they are an important group of customers for us. If you are making the young rock drummers – the guys with the dyed hair – a target, is there any danger of becoming stereotyped as only appealing to them? No, because we separate all our activities. We do it with percussion, too, which has its own completely separate website and catalogue. With cymbals, there are separate catalogues for marching and orchestral cymbals and other products, because they are focused on targeting completely different people. But we are especially appealing to the young, up-andcoming generation of drummers, who don't have such fixed ideas about what brands they want to play. What is that makes Meinl appeal to that market specifically? It’s mainly image. Twenty years ago we didn’t have a professional range of cymbals like we have now, so drummers who were learning to play 20 years ago might have aspired to a different brand. But now our line of cymbals is fully professional and the younger players don’t have any idea what Meinl was then and don’t really care. Which brings us to endorsements – always such an important aspect of marketing cymbals. Presumably, who Meinl chooses to work with is related to appealing to those younger players?

Yes, it influences it a lot. Endorsements are very important in the cymbal market, which is why we have a dedicated A&R manager, Chris Brewer, just for the USA. He does nothing else but take care of our existing artists and get new artists and we have added a lot of new artists in the past five years. But in addition to Chris, there are two guys in A&R for Germany and Austria – they do nothing other than A&R for Meinl cymbals and percussion and then there is Norbert Saemann, who is very well known in the industry and who is the head of all our A&R activities worldwide. We put that effort into endorsement because it’s so important in cymbal marketing. It’s interesting that it has more of an effect with drummers than percussionists. Drummers are very interested in what products their heroes play, but percussionists don’t seem to care quite as much. But in the USA, for example, we have players like Chris Adler from Lamb of God, Brann Dailor from Mastodon, Thomas Lang – who’s not American, but who lives there, Johnny Rabb and Derek Roddy. If you look at our website at www.meinlcymbals.co/artists you can see how many endorsees we now have. Moving on to the product itself – but staying with cymbals for now – there is a lot of ‘mystery’ apparently involved in the metallurgy behind cymbal making, as well as in the actual manufacturing process itself. Where does Meinl fit in all this complicated picture? What Meinl offers is quite unique – I always say we offer the best of both worlds. We offer handmade, handhammered B20 cast cymbals, produced the traditional way in Turkey – but there is an important difference, because they are

finished and selected in Germany under German quality control standards, which makes the products different to the cymbals made in Turkey and just shipped out without that important finishing and quality control. All of that work is done in Germany. All the finishing, for example on the new signature Benny Greb cymbals The Sand Ride, all that is done here. What’s also unique, is that our Turkish factory doesn’t supply anybody else. It is our factory and it only produces Meinl cymbals. That’s just one world; we make all our other cymbals in Germany, using the highest quality, high technology, customised machines. We have a slogan – ‘4 is more’, meaning that we offer four different bronze alloys: B8, B10, B12 and B20. At the moment, none of our competitors are offering four different bronze alloys, which means we offer a greater variety of sounds. Of course, we also offer student cymbals made from brass and bronze alloy, plus the Generation X series of innovative effects cymbals, often designed in association with our artists. From a retailer’s point of view, why should he have Meinl in his store? What makes Meinl a must-have line? One of the most important reasons is availability. Because production is in Germany, we almost always have complete availability and we supply direct from Germany to the UK retailer. Active Music is our partner but it doesn’t hold stock – all stock is shipped directly from Germany, which gives us a big advantage. No distributor can have everything in stock, but a manufacturer of course has. The second thing is that we have a great concept in the Soundcheck display – which is a cymbals display unit with light

boxes on top – a real eye-catcher and a real winner for every store. Also, our marketing tool are very good – like new catalogues every year for both cymbals and percussion. I don’t think anybody else does this – produces a new catalogue every year. We offer DVDs including high resolution pictures, soundfiles for the cymbals, and product demonstration videos for percussion on two DVDs – so

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We almost always have complete availability and we supply direct from Germany to the UK retailer, which gives us a big advantage. Bernhard Amon Meinl

every shop that has online business, or produces printed material, has access to this fantastic marketing material. Plus, of course, we have a very active website; we’re active on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube – we do a lot of marketing that means a lot of support for the dealer. Meinl’s new logistics centre is a key to a lot of this, isn’t it? What can you tell us about it? It was the first in Germany, possibly the first in Europe, that was fully automatic – run by robots. We scan the order and the robots fetch the goods, we pack them and out they go. It’s very efficient, very fast and, from our point of view, it’s like

Meinl has near-complete availability of its products and can quickly send them over to retailers in the UK from the production base in Germany 26 miPRO APRIL 2010

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COVER FEATURE MEINL continuous stock-taking, so it offers us a great advantage. It means that, for a dealer in the UK, you could get a product you wanted from us in two to three days and, if needed, we can even do dropshipments to the end-user. This is a big advantage over our competitors who use distributors and place their orders a few times a year. If they need stock, they can’t easily get it in a hurry, but we can have products in store in just a few days. With cymbals, that means 99.9 per cent availability all the time. It is important that we don’t ask you just about Meinl cymbals. The percussion market seems to have grown hugely in recent years and you are very active in it, aren’t you? Yes, and percussion is still growing fast for us in every country. Nowadays we have the biggest catalogue of percussion under one roof – our percussion catalogue alone for 2010 is 193 pages in A4 and 185 pages of that are products alone. The market is still growing and every year we add 100 new items or more. As you said earlier, Meinl offers completely separate websites for cymbals and percussion, as well as distinct catalogues. Why is that? Because it’s a completely different market made of completely different people. Even though they are related, because a drummer uses percussion products like cowbells, chimes and timbales, ‘the drummer’ is a completely different person to ‘the percussionist’. There is a community aspect to percussionists and an ‘ethnic’ attitude that is important. This is why in the catalogue there are two pages on the environmental aspects – why do we only use FSC wood? It’s because materials and ecology are very important in this area. It’s possibly not so important for the trade, but for the people who buy percussion products, it is very important to know that we care about this sort of thing, too. So why is Meinl’s percussion business growing so rapidly? In one part because we are taking market share, but also because we offer such a big selection of products. Just to mention one item as an example – we have a foot cabasa. Nobody else offers a foot cabasa, but we are selling a lot of them. We are setting trends and that helps too. We are probably the leading cajon maker in the world and we really promoted them. Three or four years ago, cajons existed, several people made them, but we launched it internationally as an instrument and promoted it. Frame drums, too – we have put a lot of effort into them, so we are creating trends and stimulating the market. To help the retailer, we put a lot of effort into displays for percussion, as we want these products to be visible in the shop. We are trying to create demand by making the products available in the first place and then making them visible in the shops.

28 miPRO APRIL 2010

Meinl seems to put a lot of emphasis on displays. Yes, we have – both for cymbals and percussion. In-store displays are very important. For example, quite a few dealers in the UK have already ordered the Slatwall displays for percussion, and we can show a great selection of product in an additional POS display that takes less than one square metre of space in someone’s shop. We worked for a long while on this display and it’s a fantastic opportunity for small, general music stores to be able to show a lot of products in a very small space. Obviously, all our drum and percussion store retailers will know and probably stock Meinl products – but there will also be readers with general music shops, who perhaps don’t know much about the percussion market and yet realise there is potential business here. How can you help them? The main way will be with that percussion display. At trade prices, for an investment of perhaps £2,000, just paying for the products (the display is free) by making those products available and visible in his store, the retailer will automatically create some demand. Suppose a singer goes into a general store and sees a display of tambourines – every singer needs a tambourine. Or maybe a bongo? These are almost impulse buys. Also, many retailers are just not aware of the potential of the wider percussion market. How many housewives are playing in djembe circles? This is happening everywhere now – people experimenting with percussion and buying online, because the music shop which they pass twice a day has none of the products they want. It’s a market a lot of people don’t even realise exists! The proof of this is the number of these display units that we have supplied since last October and where we have had re-orders again and again from retailers.” So where do you see Meinl going from here? Our plan is very simple. For the past few years we have focused heavily on developing the USA market to reflect the size of our market share and growth of our established German business. We have succeeded in that and continue to grow in the USA. Now our focus is on the UK to achieve and work towards the same goal. With our logistics centre, business ethos, product offering and partnership with Active Music, we feel we are well placed to achieve this.”

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PROFILE RICO

The need for reeds As a leading light in reed manufacture, Rico is a name that is on the lips of players across the globe. Rob Power finds out how the past has informed the future of this well-established brand leader...

ay back in 1926, at the height of the roaring twenties, a clarinetist with Walt Disney studios called Frank De Michele wrote to his old uncle Joseph in Paris, complaining about how hard it was to find good reeds in Los Angeles. His enterprising uncle easily found reeds to send him, but three weeks later, Frank wrote again saying his friends liked them so much, he didn’t have any left for himself. Soon, Joseph's supplier said that he could no longer provide reeds because of a shortage of cane, but old Joe was a battler. Refusing to give up on the steady supply of reeds to his nephew, he took a trip to his vacation cottage in the Var region of southern France, and stumbled across an abundance of top quality reed cane. In 1928, Joseph Rico sent the first shipment of 350 kilos of reed cane to America and the brand that has gone onto establish itself as the leading light in reed manufacture came into being. The company has come a long, long way since those early humble beginnings. Rico has grown to become a leader in single reed manufacturing and, with the acquisition of Rico by D'Addario, is now further strengthening its position as the market leader in both reeds and wind accessories. At its Californian, San Fernando Valley facility, Rico has a state-of-the-art reed research center, and employs a collaborative group of agronomists, scientists, and musicians to produce top-quality reeds including Rico’s latest product, the Reserve Classic premium clarinet reed. Developed in conjunction with Mark Nuccio, acting principal clarinet of the

30 miPRO APRIL 2010

New York Philharmonic, Rico Reserve Classic reeds offer incredible consistency thanks to Rico’s cane curing process, which being a more sympathetic process than usual, ultimately translates into far fewer warped reeds. This innovation, plus Rico’s $10 million investment in automatic reed blanking machines and precision natural diamond cutters, enables Rico to offer the most consistent clarinet reeds in the world. “Rico quickly demonstrated it has the technology to make a great reed,” says Nuccio. “I’ve been exclusively playing Reserve Classic in the New York Philharmonic since January and have

“

“The new Rico Reserve Classic reeds are another huge step forward for clarinetists. It has always been important for a player to find the best tone, but the real difficulty has been in delivering that tone in a consistent manner. With these Reserve Classic reeds, I think Rico has really cracked it. The

We have distributed Rico Reeds for a long time now, and have been fortunate enough to witness the evolution of a truly innovative woodwind brand. The new Rico Reserve Classic reeds are another huge step forward for clarinetists. Bruce Perrin Barnes & Mullins

totally stopped making my own. They remain stable under different weather conditions with a very high percentage of performance reeds in every box.” “This is another very interesting development for us,” says Bruce Perrin, Barnes & Mullins’ joint managing director. “We have distributed Rico Reeds for a long time now, and have been fortunate enough to witness the evolution of a truly innovative woodwind brand.”

sampling we have commenced here in the UK has been extremely positive and serves to back up the great results in the USA.” Rico Reserve Classic clarinet reeds are available now from Barnes & Mullins in boxes of ten. Another notable addition to Rico’s line up is the re-introduction of the Metalite Mouthpieces. Known for their comfortable feel, durability and distinctive sound and designed by highly regarded mouthpiece-

maker Arnold Brilhart, the mouthpieces offer a ‘metal-like’ sound with a medium-small chamber and come in three popular tip offerings for all performance situations. “Bringing back the Metalite Mouthpieces is proof that we listen,” says Rico product manager Robert Polan. “We’re very excited to bring back an old favorite that players have been asking us for.” Rico has also been keen to draw upon some of the history that it has been a part of. So it follows that its hard work has resulted in a multi-year licensing deal with Blue Note Recordings. Rico’s Blue Note sax straps feature classic Blue Note album artwork printed on leatherette with a soft suede lining and each strap features Rico’s unique curved hook and easy slide adjustor. The licensed straps are now available from Barnes & Mullins in two lengths, one for soprano and alto, and one for tenor and baritone saxes. Reserve Classic, Metalite Mouthpieces and Blue Note straps are just three of the exciting additions to Rico’s comprehensive and constantly expanding range of woodwind reeds and accessories.

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Percussion Plus Factory for Enquiries, Helpline & Export Sales The Mill, Great Bowden Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DE, England Tel: +44 (0) 1858 433124 Fax: +44 (0) 1858 462218 Email: enquiries@percussionplus.co.uk www.percussionplus.co.uk

JAMHUB BRAND PROFILE

Jam

Today

mong the refined Nashville surroundings at last year’s Summer NAMM, an unassuming new company called BreezSong unveiled its first product, a new concept for silent rehearsals called JamHub. Sensing a hit product from the off, SCV London’s Andrew Stirling immediately put wheels in motion to bring JamHub to the UK, a move that looks sure to prove a success if early indications are anything to go by. “I’d never been to the Summer NAMM show at Nashville, and I’d always wanted to go,” explains Stirling. “I watched all the news items when the show was on last year, and because it’s quite a small event anything new and exciting gets a lot of visibility. JamHub came up on the internet pretty quick, because of the new product launch and

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It’s not every day that a genuinely innovative new product hits the market, but with JamHub, SCV has found just that. Rob Power finds out what the fuss is about...

because it had won an award, so I tracked the firm down. I introduced myself and we had some dialogue. I liked the whole new genre it was carving out, so they came to see us in November time, they liked what they saw and we did the deal.” PLUG AND PLAY It’s easy to see why the product was so immediately enticing. JamHub is an easyto-use, colour coded centralised mixer that allows a whole band to plug in, strap on a set of headphones, and rehearse in virtual silence without neighbours, parents, spouses or the police having to know a thing about it. It’s a new concept and one that looks set to take off very quickly. “It was interesting going to the NAMM show in January to see that there are other companies already jumping on the idea,” says Stirling. “There’s a whole new genre developing here. “The feedback we’ve had from the schools market is phenomenal. We’ve already got orders from private music schools, and the education side of some of the big dealers like Dawsons and Digital Village really get it, so it’s going to be an interesting part of the market. For the dealers, there’s a nice accessories business that goes with it – there are five or six pairs of headphones and accessories, so lots of opportunities.” There are three variations on the JamHub currently in the range: the BedRoom, the GreenRoom and the

TourBus. Each allows players to plug in and control their own mix, as well as add effects and give themselves a virtual stage position in order for bands to get the most realistic sound in the mix. The TourBus has a built-in SD card recording capability, while both the Bedroom and GreenRoom have connectivity that allows players to record new demos on the fly without having to hire a rehearsal room or wake up the wife.

market is perfectly suited to this. Also, I’m sure it will continue to develop as a product; there are already nice little remote controls so that drummers or bass players can adjust their mix from across the room.” Stirling continues: “We certainly see education as being a very fundamental part, and secondly small home studio musicians. Looking at the web stats, a lot of the traffic for JamHub came from

”

60 per cent of drum sales are electronic, so the market is perfectly suited to this. And it will continue to develop as a product. Andrew Stirling SCV London

“There’s not enough people playing together because it can be complicated,” explains Stirling. “I’ve just been down to Jeff Beck’s rehearsal rooms, and the amount of gear they have in there and the complication involved is extraordinary, so if you scale that down to kids playing together, how are they going to do it? This is a nice way of plugging in, getting a bit of reverb on it so it sounds like a hall and getting a good mix and getting on with it. “Apparently, according to Roland, 60 per cent of drum sales are electronic, so that

drummers, and drummers rarely buy much gear apart from their kits, so it’ll be interesting to see if that changes with buyers. It’s going to be fun; we’re looking forward to the year.” With an extensive online and traditional media marketing campaign ready to roll and orders piling up before the first shipment has even arrived, it’s clear that SCV is going to have its work cut out keeping up with demand on this innovative new addition to the market. SCV: 020 8418 1470

miPRO APRIL 2010 33

COMPANYPROFILE KAM

Light my light With even the most modest of pub performers turning up for gigs with some sort of lighting rig, it’s finally time for MI dealers to start stocking a fair selection of gear. Kam, Gary Cooper reveals, has just the thing...

couple of years ago, when Gerry Frost, MD of leading British DJ equipment manufacturer Lamba, announced that the company was moving its Kam brand closer to the MI side of the industry, you couldn’t help but wonder how difficult he and his team might actually find it. It looked to be even more of a task as he went on to explain that one of the ways Lamba was going to achieve this was with a new range of lighting. A primarily DJ company moving into MI? And lighting products? In an MI store? But Frost has been every bit as good as his word and the revolutionary Kam LED lighting products have finally done what no previous lighting systems could – they have created a market for lighting products that are affordable, understandable, reliable and, above all, easily usable by small bands and local performers – and they have, by all accounts, been a tremendous success, both for Kam and the retailers that grasped their potential for building new revenue streams. Where Kam’s lighting first blazed a trail into MI, many other Kam products have since followed – notably some extremely successful, inexpensive wireless mic systems and a host of affordable PA equipment. In the run-up to this year’s Frankfurt Messe, MI Pro caught up with MD Gerry

34 miPRO APRIL 2010

Frost and Kam’s sales director, Denis Phoenix, to get an update on how this enterprising, Dunstable-based manufacturer was enjoying its success and to find out what more it has in store for retailers. But first, we asked Denis Phoenix, what has been happening with Kam as a brand?

product in the past year, because it’s been designed for band stage lighting. That has opened up a lot of channels for us with dealers who we weren’t previously doing business with. And once retailers started selling the lighting products, they found other lines, like the great VHF and UHF wireless range we have, have also done

“

The Kam brand has undergone a lot of changes, moving more towards lighting and lasers – and that’s what has brought us into contact with so many MI dealers – notably with the LED Parbar for band stage lighting. Gerry Frost (L) and Denis Phoenix (R)

“The Kam brand has been undergoing a lot of changes, moving more towards lighting and lasers – and that’s what has brought us into contact with so many MI dealers – notably with the LED Parbar, which has been our most successful

Denis Phoenix Kam really well with their MI customers. They’ve then followed that with powered mixing desks, speakers, amplifiers and other Kam products.” So how big a transition has Lamba made? “I think it’s fair to say that over 50

per cent of our customer base is now composed of MI stores,” says Gerry Frost. “Along with products like the Parbar, we also introduced the Starcluster 140, which is a laser, but rather than being a DJ laser, it’s more applicable for band and bar use and MI retailers have been doing very well with it.” That mention of bars explains another reason dealers have taken to Kam’s new range of products – not only does it offer items that retailers haven't previously been able to offer musician customers, but it can also take the enterprising retailer into the leisure industry, finding new customers among local pubs, clubs and other venues. “That’s an important angle,” says Denis Phoenix. “Lamba offers a complete sound and lighting solution that retailers can offer to venues and it’s increasingly important to be able to offer complete packages.” “Because of flexible opening hours, a lot of pubs now want to hold onto their customers, rather than have them move on to a nightclub, and a couple of LED lights and one of the Starcluster lasers creates

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KAM COMPANY PROFILE

the ambience they want to create to try and keep their customers,” Frost adds. “An important angle for MI stores is that we offer a very good margin on our products.” Indeed, not only is there a good margin, but the company has seemed very effective at curbing extreme discounts, so that margin has been well protected. Nevertheless, lighting has always been a tremendously hard sell into MI shops, so how would it sell the Kam range to a retailer who still viewed the idea of stocking lighting products with scepticism? THE CUSTOMERS ARE OUT THERE “One thing to bear in mind is that very often these are products that MI customers are already buying, but which they are not necessarily buying from MI retail,” says Phoenix. “They might be going to other types of dealer, or onto the internet to buy these products, so what we’re doing is offering retailers more products to sell to their current customer base. And they are not complicated products to learn to use or to demonstrate. The audio products, any retailer is going to be very familiar with, while on the lighting side, it’s plug and play. “Our biggest selling lighting Parbar, for example, is basically one complete package – it couldn’t be simpler. It comes in a case with a remote controller, with all the par cans wired to a bar and it takes less

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than one minute to set up. I actually hold the world record for doing it in 42 seconds.” “The main thing that Lamba offers,” Frost adds, “is a turnkey solution for an MI shop looking to expand into other areas that are related. If you look at the Starcluster laser, the new Mk II version has a simple on and off button remote control, so if a user doesn’t want to use the sophisticated DMX control it has, he simply plugs it into the mains and turns it on and off with a little key fob.” Neither are these particularly expensive items. One of Kam’s biggest selling lasers retails at just £179 – a price well within the scope or bands and performers looking to liven-up their shows. ZONE IN ON EDUCATION Other prime targets include schools and colleges and that is another expanding area for Lamba, says Phoenix. “We are already doing very well with our Kamstands in the education market through our MI customers. It’s a range of guitar, keyboard and mic stands, but they’re not the typical Far Eastern, cheap and cheerful products. Kamstands are European-made and come with a five-year warranty, but also at an affordable price and we’re finding a lot of customers coming to us for those for the educational market, because they know they’re not going to get hassles or returns.” Lamba says it has a host of new products ready to be unveiled at Frankfurt and while there is no one thing that it wants to single-out in advance, there is a unifying theme, says Gerry Frost. “What we want is for people to come and visit our stand to see the extra areas of business they can open up. And the really important part of that is the profitability that Kam will give them. “Lamba is run, from Frank Irish, our chairman, throughout the company, as a professional business but also a family business. We have principles and ethics and we like to do business in that manner. We have good business relationships with our customers and that’s something we work hard to maintain.” Trying to make it as easy as possible for customers is another key philosophy, Phoenix and Frost say. Lamba has spent a lot of money on its website, which has a recently added dealer-only area with online ordering and stick checking, plus a lot of online videos of products in use – particularly useful with displaying products. With the pressure on retailers to squeeze every last pound of profit out of their floor area and the difficulty of doing that when under attack from discounting and a surplus of more or less interchangeable MI products, it isn’t hard to see why the distinctively different approach offered by Lamba/ Kam has been proving increasingly popular. Given the choice of investing in yet another Chinese guitar or amp line, or of growing the business into a completely new area, where competition is scarce and profitability can be high – which would you choose?

miPRO MARCH 2010 25

Introducing ®

the silent rehearsal studio

Play anywhere, anytime.

BedRoom

GreenRoom

Up to 5 Musicians 24-bit Digital Effects Analogue Recording Output

Up to 7 Musicians 24-bit Digital Effects USB Recording Output

TourBus Up to 7 Musicians 24-bit Digital Effects With Built In RAM Card Recorder & USB Recording Output

Neighbours can’t hear it. Parents can’t hear it. Cops can’t hear it. But you won’t believe what the band can hear. Every band has the same problem: rehearsing is too loud for most locations and studio space is expensive. But now you can play anywhere, anytime virtually silent to the outside world: quietly enough for your bedroom, at Uni, in your apartment or hotel room. JamHub® was created to let you play more, and the experience rocks. Just pick a color section and plug in your instruments, mics and headphones. Then control your own individual mixes with new clarity, and no volume wars. You’ll hear yourself like never before, and improve faster. JamHub is also portable and affordable. And whether you’re a garage band or touring professionals, there’s a JamHub model designed for you. So start jamming more without disturbing the peace.

Distributed in the UK by SCV London. Call 020 8418 1470 for your nearest dealer. www.scvlondon.co.uk

EMI BRAND PROFILE

EMI... No, that’s not a reference to either the monster record company, nor to a punk band’s opinion of it, but it is the acronym for Casio’s electronic musical instruments division. MI Pro discusses the brand’s 30th year in the business with Andy Carvill…

asio has been a high profile name in the world of home keyboards and digital pianos for 30 years now. From its beginnings in the market, as the inventor of the entry-level home keyboard, the brand has grown to be one of the top three manufacturers, while always maintaining a consciousness over budget and accessibility. With 2010 marking the 30th anniversary of musical instrument manufacture, MI Pro spoke to Andy Carvill, divisional manager of Casio’s music division to ask a few questions abut the year ahead.

concept of the portable keyboard was to bring the fun of making music to a far wider audience, including those who could not afford or have the space for either option. The keyboard has gone on to become one of the most widely used musical instruments across the globe, in the home and in the world of education. Since 1980 Casio’s keyboards have gone through many developments, from the very first CT-201 and VL-1 (a playground classic)

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”

An astounding 70 million digital keyboards, synthesisers and pianos have been produced by Casio in the last 30 years.

What is so significant about Casio’s 30 years in music? It has to be the significant number of people that have owned and played a Casio musical instrument during those 30 years. An astounding 70 million digital keyboards, synthesisers and pianos have been produced in that time. A figure that certainly surprised me. It’s a testimony to Casio’s ethos of developing useful and enjoyable technology and then making it accessible to the masses through economies of scale in production that it can reach so many people. Has that brought about any significant effects on the market? It is sometimes forgotten that Casio was the first to bring the concept of a ‘portable keyboard’ to market back in 1980. Before then the ‘home’ market was made up of two main product categories, acoustic pianos and home organs. The

combined with affordability, which is particularly poignant in today’s financial climate. They utilise new Linear Morphing sampling and Tri-sensor keyboard action, which basically translates as a great sound that can be expressed through a fine action. They offer the player everything they need to enjoy learning and performing on a beautiful sounding instrument thus offering the dealer an easy path to that all important sale. The new three-year warranty helps too.

Andy Carvill Casio

through the CZ-101 early compact digital synthesisers and on to the digital pianos of today. Ultimately those 30 years have led us to the rather excellent Privia and Celviano ranges of digital pianos available now. What makes them special? They follow Casio’s principal of quality

How will you be celebrating your 30th year? This year we will focus on two elements. The first being a significant marketing campaign aimed at raising the profile of Casio digital pianos with the public at large. For this we will be announcing a high profile brand ambassador to support the campaign which will centre on our

30th anniversary and music making for the family. Secondly, we will be announcing various incentives and rewards for our loyal dealer base in order to help increase our and their reach into the community, thereby creating more sales. How is Casio different now from 30 years ago? Well, I only joined in June 2009, but that said, we have been working on the restructuring of the EMI Division. With the expansion of the sales team, new dealer terms and of course the introduction of a great new range of digital piano products covered by the new threeyear warranty, it has proved to be a very successful start. For that I would sincerely like to thank all our EMI dealers for their support. We want to go a lot further though, and while the new Privia and Celviano instruments really are quite excellent with outstanding technology, key to the proposition is a vital feature that Casio offers – a good and, importantly, achievable level of dealer margin. These activities will raise the profile of the Casio name and bring a new level of public awareness Casio has never achieved before. For those dealers that have been working with Casio over the years, there will probably be no surprises, but this year we hope to push out a little further and try to show many more that selling Casio can be a real benefit to their businesses. CASIO: 020 8450 9131

miPRO APRIL 2010 37

! 0UJS\KLZ [OL UL^ Z[H[L VM [OL HY[ +4 IYHPU ^P[O H THZZP]L \UJVTWYLZZLK M\SS` LKP[HISL IP[ PUKP]PK\HS JSHZZPJ KY\T ZV\UKZ JV]LYPUN HSS T\ZPJ NLUYLZ Â¶ ^L KHYL `V\ [V [HRL [OL ZV\UK JOHSSLUNL ! UV[L WVS`WOVUPJ HUK 4) PU[LYUHS 964 WYLZL[ RP[Z \ZLY RP[Z ! ;OL ^VYSK Ã&#x201E; YZ[ L_WHUKHISL KY\T IYHPU ^P[O L_[LYUHS YK WHY[` ZV\UK ZL[Z KV^USVHKHISL ]PH <:) Â¶ HUK MYVT [OL ^VYSKZ TVZ[ YLZWLJ[LK KY\T ZV\UK OV\ZLZ )-+ HUK ;VVU;YHJR HTVUNZ[ V[OLYZ

! _ YLHS H\KPV KLTV ZLX\LUJLZ LKP[HISL KY\T YLJVYKLY ! =HZ[ HYYH` VM M\SS` LKP[HISL -? PUJS YL]LYIZ KLSH`Z JVTWYLZZVYZ ! WHK PUW\[Z MVY L_[YH WHKZ J`TIHSZ ! 0UJS\KLZ YLHS HSSV` I\[ ZPSLU[ :<9., *@4)(3: $ VUL Â¸ OP OH[ VUL Â¸ [YPWSL aVUL YPKL ^P[O JOVRL VUL Â¸ K\HS aVUL JYHZO ^P[O JOVRL ! /LH]` K\[` JOYVTL KY\T YHJR ^P[O WYVMLZZPVUHS TV\U[PUN OHYK^HYL ! 9\NNLK Z[LLS JVU[PU\V\Z OP OH[ JVU[YVSSLY

We are appointing main dealerships now! Interested in making some MARGIN? Call +44 1252 89 60 00 now or visit www.alesis.com for this and 30 other great e-percussion related products ^^^ HSLZPZ JVT

TRINITY GUILDHALL COMPANY PROFILE

Wholly Trinity

Trinity College London is a little unusual in terms of print and examinations in the MI business, covering as it does, English as a foreign language (and the teaching thereof), drama and speech, as well as its music exams and materials. Andy Barrett uncovers how this can benefit the MI dealer…

hen David Bobby took over as head of sales (performing and creative arts) at Trinity Guildhall in September 2009, he stepped into an organisation that had been offering music tuition and exams outside the walls of its physical building since 1877. Today’s structure, under the umbrella of the Trinity Guildhall brand, which followed the merger of Trinity College and the Guildhall School in 2004, now covers drama, speech, the Arts Award, teaching English as a foreign language (as well as learning it), as well as music, so you might have thought Bobby’s remit would have been to ‘keep on doing’. It wasn’t that simple, unfortunately… Or as Bobby would have it, fortunately. Coming from Faber Music Distribution, Trinity’s distributor in the UK, Bobby was familiar with the publications of the examiner/publisher, but was also used to the high profile Faber enjoys in the MI market – a profile he considers vital for printed music publishers. “The MI dealer is crucial to what we do,” he says. “But I’m not sure enough of the MI trade is aware of what we do – and what we can do – at Trinity. This is what is exciting me at the moment – developing our market relations and using the breadth of our scope to really push things forward.”

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While that breadth of activity is important, music publishing is central to Trinity’s (and Bobby’s) work. Of course, there are the materials that instruct and prepare students of the Trinity exams, but there is also the intrinsic branding that every book carries to music students around the world. Trinity exams take place in over 60 countries, from the Far East and Australia, across Asia and Europe and to South

representatives who are integral to the running and development of the business. “They reach out to the market in their respective regions,” explains Bobby. “It’s their job to work with the wholesalers, retailers and the general public, much as we do here in the UK. Each of the offices abroad links to the retailers and through them to the teachers and the public. It’s a flexible system that reflects the nature of our study programmes and exams. Our

“

I’m not sure enough of the MI trade is aware of what we do – and what we can do – at Trinity. David Bobby Trinity Guildhall

America, with some 175 examiners (most based in the UK, but all UK citizens), who, apart from their invigilation duties, also function as brand representatives for Trinity and as ambassadors for the services offered. There are also national offices around the world run by local managers and

message is ‘flexibility and choice’ and I want to get the message across that we want to do everything possible for everybody possible.” Of course, in terms of music exams, there is some serious competition working on a similar outreach – and with an

impressive, ‘royal’ prefix to all the schools it represents. “Yes, of course ABRSM is a direct competitor and that’s nothing but a healthy scenario in business terms. We do the same job, but have different strengths,” he points out, adding that, as with any company, he is looking to develop his market share. “We do things that ABRSM doesn’t, such as the drum and keyboard syllabuses, and our portfolio goes a lot further, too, giving us the opportunity to develop our assessments in each area, but also to create links between the fields. This is where things are really exciting for me – when I look at how we can cross-fertilise our work and make ourselves a seriously international player.” Not that Trinity isn’t already an international player, of course. The examiner has been working overseas longer than just about anyone, but it is the scope of subjects the organisation can exploit that makes its plans so tantalising for Bobby. “Through the musical theatre syllabuses we have, this cross-fertilisation of music and drama already exists, but the links between English language and music teaching are fascinating. Both are languages, of course, but we want to find

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TRINITY GUILDHALL COMPANY PROFILE

ways to create an assessment that embraces both. Also, for example, in Spain, Italy and South America, our English for Speakers of Other Languages is really big, but music is not. In Asia, it tends to be the other way around. We want to find ways to expand one through the other.” Obviously, in the UK this crossfertilisation is not such an issue, so Trinity is looking towards its aim of being flexible and offering choice for its students that becomes the brand’s USP. “We have a very wide range of repertoire in our catalogue. Not just classical – neither is it just rock. We want to put forward the idea that the musician has the choice of what to play and how to turn that into a performance – and that is what it’s all about after all.” It will delight many musicians, particularly in the modern music fields, to know that within each of the levels of study for Trinity qualifications, there are

“

there are many different levels at which they can work, fitting their amenities and abilities to suit. “Dealers are vital because they are the link to the teachers. I have been talking to some stores about holding presentations and offering support for teachers. Teachers tend to be busy and don’t set foot in the stores enough. They recommend students buy certain things and might even suggest which shop they go to, but we want to get the teachers into the stores. If we can establish these relationships between us as the publisher and examiner, the teachers and the retailer, then each can feed from the other. This is why I am trying to push everything in the UK through the dealer.” For Bobby – and as this article began – the infrastructure is in place, so now he needs to put these policies into action, the creation of this virtuous circle, or holy trinity (my pun, not Bobby’s) on the shop

Dealers are vital because they are the link to the teachers. If we can establish relationships between us as the publisher and examiner, the teachers and the retailer, then each can feed from the other. David Bobby Trinity Guildhall

five modules and tests, of which the student need only choose just two to complete. There are also ‘certificate exams’, which are performance exams, which have no supporting tests and serve as an alternative to standard grading exams. “It means we can be massively flexible and cater to the needs and wants of the individual.” The final question – and the most important one – has to be what this means for the dealer. “The dealer is crucial,” states Bobby. “I can’t really emphasise this enough. At the very highest level, dealers can act as Trinity Supercentres, where they represent Trinity in the area, offer practice rooms and hold exams. Sheehan’s in Leicester is one such store that works at this level – and works very well, I have to say. Obviously, not everyone can do this, but

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floor. There is one other player in all this, namely Trinity’s distributor, Faber Music. “Faber is able to get the message across loud and clear, too,” concludes Bobby. “So now it’s a question of getting the examiners and teachers into the shops. Dealers, of course, know how best to use their space, so it’s my job to convince them that Trinity is one of the best ways they can do this. “It’s a question of telling the world now and creating the relationships that will benefit everyone concerned: the teacher, the student and the dealer.” And there, Bobby ended the interview with a repeat of that sound-bite: ‘flexibility and choice’. With that sort of approach, it seems there is at least a compulsion for everyone to check it out – it could be a whole new avenue. TRINITY GUILDHALL: 020 7820 6100

miPRO APRIL 2010 41

COMPANY PROFILE BOOMWHACKERS

Whacked

out

When dealing with kids’ musical education, you need something attractive and fun and easy to pick up. Gary Cooper discovers how a cardboard tube inspired the latest craze in tuned percussion...

he increasing rules and regulations surrounding local rubbish collections aren’t often a source of creativity and invention, but when US inventor Craig Ramsell found the cardboard tubes he was putting out were too big for collection, it sparked a chain of ideas that gave birth to a revolutionary product for music educators, music therapists and for people who just want to have fun with music – they’re called Boomwhackers. Though added to the JHS catalogue in January this year for UK and Irish distribution, Boomwhackers have been around for a while now and have built a sizeable following both in their native America and internationally – and although Craig Ramsell has subsequently sold the Whacky Music business he founded to develop the Boomwhackers concept, he remains involved in music development with the Chroma-notes colour music software system (more on which later) and also keeps an eye on Boomwhackers’ growth around the world. “The cardboard tube was longer than the kerbside pickup requirements, so I got some scissors and cut it up into pieces though I had no thought of playing them at the time,” Ramsell recalls. “But then I started whacking them playfully on the kitchen counters and thought, ‘wait a minute – I hear different tones – you could tune these’. And that was the moment of inspiration, in May of ‘94.” The process of turning that moment of inspiration into a product was long and arduous. Eventually, Ramsell found some plastic mailing tubes that seemed to offer what he was looking for, but they weren’t quite right and so he started investigating the esoterica of plastics until he could find one that would take the sort of treatment intended and which could also be made to size. Ten thousand production units followed – and then he hit another snag.

44 miPRO APRIL 2010

“I handed them out to a bunch of kids in a fourth grade class and in the space of about one session they managed to bust about half the ones I’d handed out. That set me back a couple of years, during which time my wife and I also moved from California to Arizona, but eventually, by 1997, I’d found the material that I needed to use and I was good to go.” In January 1998, Ramsell began exhibiting his Boomwhackers at US trade shows and soon found a ready home in the educational market, though he was particularly helped by the enthusiasm of Arthur Hull, the percussionist who is credited with having started the community drum circle movement. Ramsell admits that he was reluctant to get into full-scale production at first and was looking for companies he could licence the idea to, but an enthusiastic distributor who had got her hands on early Boomwhackers and could see the potential persuaded him to start producing them. “There was a wonderful synchronicity thing that happened then,” he recalls. “There was a national Orff Schulwerk conference – the music teaching system developed by Karl Orff – and Arthur Hull had been brought in to do sessions with the teachers. West Music, the distributor, had 150 sets – Arthur started showing the

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BOOMWHACKERS COMPANY PROFILE

teachers what you could do with them and the teachers streamed out to the West Music booth and cleaned them out of all 150 sets in a day and half.” Boomwhackers’ success at that conference set the market alight. Within days it wasn’t just West Music that was calling Ramsell, asking for more Boomwhackers, he was receiving calls from distributors and retailers across the country who had seen the innovative instruments’ sales potential. Ramsell grew the business considerably over the next few years – not just in the USA, Boomwhackers was an international hit, too – but says he eventually reached the burnout point that many small businessmen will have encountered at one time or another. Besides, he had other fish to fry – the Chroma-notes coloured music system, which he is currently readying for a launch.

”

colour coded stickers that you can put on piano keys, xylophones, or marimbas – any instrument with keys or bars – and the Chroma-notes composer software. Together they make a great system, which we hope to be releasing in April.” Already, one leading US software reviewer has said that with the combination of the colour-coded Boomwhackers, the stick-ons and Chromanotes software, users have a complete, discrete, musical education system to hand – so this is going to be another product to keep an eye on. Over at Rhythm Band, meanwhile, Brad Kirkpatrick explains his enthusiasm for Boomwhackers – sufficient enthusiasm for him to have bought the business. “My exposure to Boomwhackers only goes back to about 2003, when I came to Rhythm Band in Texas. We were selling Boomwhackers and had quite a lot of

percussion generally. But with the development of the Chroma-notes software and with us at Rhythm Band colouring products in the Chroma-notes colours – products that Rhythm Band has sold for years , like xylophones, glockenspiels and handbell sets for children – it’s going to create some synergy between RBI legacy products and existing Boomwhacker products and more appeal should come with that.” Kirkpatrick has a simple message for retailers. “We’re seeing more and more users for these products and if you turn your back on them, you’re going to miss out. A good example is the group Plastic Musik – go on YouTube and look at what those guys are doing with Boomwhackers and you can see how that makes them not just something that appeals to children. But they have to be shown to people. The initial impression is that it’s

success with them,” he says. Then, following a chance meeting with Ramsell in Shanghai, Rhythm Band completed its purchase of Whacky Music in July 2009. “It’s a good value product and you can get a group of people making music very quickly with it. You don't have to be a fine musician to play the product – and it’s fun. It simply works, whether it’s for an elementary school first grade, or a group of teenagers. It really does have an appeal, because it is so unique.” The Boomwhackers concept is now more or less complete. Kirkpatrick says. “Craig had take the tubes to a level where they cover a full three octaves, so there’s not really much more you can do with it as a product – but application is another thing altogether. “It’s beginning to get exposure in drum circles and if you use your imagination, you can see the huge potential in

just a toy – but I point people to YouTube and I say search Boomwhackers or search Plastic Musik and you’ll see what adults are doing with this product in all types of applications. It’s a lot of fun. “Of course, it has really gained a foothold in elementary musical education, too, because it’s a really inexpensive way to get people involved in making music – and it’s fun. I think a key thing in elementary music education is that it has to be fun. If you can get a child having fun making music, then they’ll probably carry on making music for the rest of their lives. If you bore then with it, you’ve probably lost them after that school recorder class.” If there’s one thing that Boomwhackers absolutely guarantee, it’s fun. After all – what child can resist an open invitation to hit brightly coloured objects? Come to that – how many adults can, either?

A wonderful synchronicity happened. There was a national conference, where Arthur Hull started showing the teachers what you could do with the Boomwhackers, and the teachers headed out to the booth and cleared it out of all 150 sets. Craig Ramsell Inventor

Fortunately for Ramsell, one of Whacky Music’s US distributors, Texas-based Rhythm Band, had recently been taken over by Brad Kirkpatrick and a team of investors and at a Music China Show discussions began which led to Kirkpatrick and Rhythm Band taking over Ramsell’s business. “I’d given it my best shot and had a nice, long run at it, shifting something north of 6.7 million Boomwhackers by the time we’d got done,” Ramsell says. “I was wearing too many hats, having three times as much on my plate as I could manage. And then there was Chroma-notes, which has taken years in the development of the software, and a lot of money. While Chroma-notes is less well known now, I’m hoping it will become as successful as Boomwhackers. There are two products that we've been developing – Chromanotes stick-ons, which are removable

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miPRO APRIL 2010 45

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PROFILE

I WOKE UP THIS MORNING GAVIN COULSON JHS Artist Liaison Manager/National Product Demonstrator

Living the life of the professional guitarist, JHS’ artist liaison and product demonstrator, Gavin Coulson, sees himself as a very lucky man...

wake up around seven, get up and get my five kids ready for school, so it's breakfast, getting uniforms on, finding shoes – madness, as you can imagine. I'm fairly lucky as, if I'm working in the office, it's only a 20-minute drive in for me in the morning. I’m either in the office or out on the road. In the office, I'll start by going through emails and dealing with all the artist endorsement enquiries, which can be anything from sorting out strings to full guitar setups. Recently I've been working with Duck Baker, the Courteeners, who are on tour at the moment and Razorlight – we've just sorted out their guitarist with one of our new Italias. I also deal with the touring stock of our Kustom amps, so I've been working on a one-off gig that Five Finger Death Punch are doing in Wales. I also work with reviews and product placement, but a big part of my job is demonstrating. I do all the UK demonstrating for Vintage, Fret King, Italia and any of our in-house or distributed guitar brands. It takes me everywhere. Last year I went from Inverness to Cornwall, so pretty much covered the whole country. I also went to Ireland and Holland, as well as Frankfurt and all the major shows here. When I first started working for JHS, I was in the sales office and I did that for a couple of years before leaving to manage a music store in Bradford. Shortly after that, just before Vintage launched the Advance range, JHS advertised the demonstrator position so I thought I'd apply as I knew the products, the procedures and all the

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staff here. I've been doing this for five years now and it's good. I've got a job doing what I love and every day I'm thinking I'm lucky that I get to make a living playing the guitar. I play in bands as well, like most of us do in this industry, and I do everything from straight pub gigs to functions. I've got a few in-store events coming up with a few dealers, so I'm looking forward to them. I'm going to be doing a little bit more for Dunlop as well in terms of dealer events, on the MXR ranges and on the electronics side.

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I do all the demonstrating for Fret King, Vintage, Italia and any of our in-house or distributed guitar brands.

I do all the northern guitar shows in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, and I was in Newcastle recently. They're smaller scale shows, but very well attended. I give half hour clinics there. My day normally finishes at quarter past five here in Garforth, so I'm home by six when it'll be time to get the kids tea and get them ready for bed, unless I'm rehearsing, then it's straight out. I'm trying to convert my garage into a rehearsal room, so I don't have to drive off all the time and can be on hand to help out. I have a very patient wife.

miPRO APRIL 2010 47

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DIGITAL PIANOS SECTOR SPOTLIGHT

A room of its own

While recent times haven’t been easy for the piano industry, the digital sector of the market looks set to keep expanding. Andy Barrett tickles the ivories of a few of the brands that you might want to consider stocking...

“

More people are playing piano now than ever before and the digital piano is eating away at the remains of the portable market.

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he past 20 years have been harsh on the piano in terms of unit sales and money made (thus the demise of the UK manufacturing industry, starkly illustrated by the closure of the Kemble & Company factory last year), but there is now something of a revival going on. The reasons for this are many, but there are a couple that stand out beyond all other theories and hair splitting. First, over the past ten years there has been a rise in the number of popular artists quite at ease sitting behind a large piece of furniture on Top of the Pops or at the big summer festivals, such as Coldplay and Jamie Cullum. Second (and quite possibly part of the inspiration behind youngsters taking to the ivories) has been the phenomenal rise of the digital piano. For a while, the argument that the demise of the acoustic instrument was directly linked to the rise of the digital sibling seemed pretty compelling, but over the past year or so, with acoustics

showing something of a resurgence, while digital sales continued to hold their own, this argument has lost its legs somewhat. What would appear to be the case is that more people are playing piano now than possibly ever before – that is, the market is growing – and the digital piano is eating away at what remains of the portable keyboard market. This second point is an important one. Should you go into pretty much any piano store selling both acoustics and digital pianos, asking advice on what to buy, the salesperson will invariably recommend acoustic. The footprint is all but identical and nothing compares to the feel and sound of the key triggering the hammer to hit a string – nothing. And still thousands of people choose digital over acoustic. The reason why explains the portable keyboard’s slow demise. Technology. Digital pianos give a degree of access to the feel of acoustic pianos with modern

weighting methods and the huge (and ongoing) improvement in sampling techniques and complexity, meaning that the machines sound very much like pianos. On top of that, there is the vast range of voices that can be accessed, giving the player recourse to strings, harpsichords, synth sounds and so on. Add to that USB connectivity and downloadable upgrades and the digital piano has more going for it for many casual players. As with anything in the technological world, the progression of time brings a trickle down to ever cheaper products, meaning that there are a number of suppliers offering good quality instruments at remarkable prices. These include Intermusic with its Bentley brand and Hooters with Robertson, but by and large it is the ‘big five’ of Yamaha, Kawai, Roland, Korg and Casio that dominate the market, with Yamaha dominating that group. And that seems like a good place to start...

miPRO APRIL 2010 49

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT DIGITAL PIANOS

Yamaha Modus H01 £5,499 At the top of Yamaha’s range is the stunning Modus H01 piano, about £5,000-worth of style and first-class sampling technology. The H01 tone and cosmetics evokes the beauty of an acoustic grand piano – and will add considerable kudos to your living space.

Roland LX10 upright £3,849

Korg SP250 £657

The benefits of Roland technology combined with the looks of a classic upright acoustic, the LX10 has Roland’s Piano Designer customisation functions, allowing the user to create a personal ‘voice’.

YAMAHA As well as casting a large shadow in the piano world generally, Yamaha has also been the driving force in the growth of the digital piano market. Something in the region of half of all digital pianos sold in the world are Yamaha models – possibly more, but to keep itself as much out of the limelight as possible, the company keeps pretty quiet about its domination. The Clavinova celebrated 25 years recently and continues to be the major range of products in the market, with the CLP and CVP ranges being constantly tweaked and upgraded – not to mention at the front of pretty much any piano store you might walk into. At the entry level, the the Arius YDP140 and 160 provide Yamaha’s proprietary three-level AWM dynamic stereo sampling voices, a damper pedal with a half-damper effect for expressive control over the sustained sound and dual voice capability lets you play two different instrument sounds at the same time. A single-track song recorder allows users to capture ideas and performances. 50 miPRO APRIL 2010

The SP-250 provides an expanded range of expression and performance with an outstanding stereo piano sound, which is matched to a third-generation RH3 graded action keyboard. This model is touted as ‘the perfect answer for any pianist looking for rich piano sounds and the convenience of a lightweight, portable instrument’. And it’s extremely keenly priced, too.

ROLAND Roland came up with one of those rare moments in any industry a couple of years ago – a genuine innovation in the shape of the V-Piano. This stage piano allows the user to adjust the piano modelling parameters to taste, enabling the ‘creation’ of pianos that could not physically be made, as well as emulating

“

creates variations in tone, from pianissimo to fortissimo, decaying sounds which linger and fade naturally without looping, and an authentic sound transition from note to note across the digital piano keyboard. The 307 retails at £3,499, while the 302 goes for £1,699, offering a wide price range and the chance for a lot of people

Roland came up with a genuine innovation in the shape of the V-Piano two years ago. It allowed the user to adjust the piano modelling parameters to taste, enabling the ‘creation’ of pianos that could not physically be made. Now that technology has begun its trickle down.

top-name US and European grand pianos as presets. It was an impressive launch. Well, now that technology has begun its trickle down and can be found in the new HP series models, the HP-307, 305 and 302 – all sporting the ‘Super Natural’ moniker. The combination of the V-Piano technology and 88-key multi-sampling

to get their hands on the cutting edge of digital piano technology. CASIO The company that in many ways started the whole thing off with its early electronic keyboards has maintained its presence in MI to varying degrees over

the years, but since the introduction of the Privia range the electronics giant has positioned itself very centrally in the business once again. The latest Privias are up there with the best of the genre, although always extremely keenly priced. The PX-830, for example, moves the playing experience to an ivory-feel, matt key, pleasing action with a very realistic, TriSensor hammer and repeating action. Casio has developed (as have all of the major manufacturers) its own sound source technology, which it calls Linear Morphing, which allows for dynamic, velocity sensitive sound behaviour. The PX-830 retails at £849.99. If this proves too expensive for the punter, there is still the PX-330 (£679.99), which offers an almost identical feature set, but dispenses with the full cabinet for a desk-top or stand mounted model. Casio’s new top of the range models come under the Celviano moniker, with three instruments taking the Casio price point to just over £1,000. The AP-220 begins where the Privias leave off and offers 16 different voices, including two WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

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Casio Celviano AP-620 ÂŁ1,199.99 Described by Casio as its â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;eliteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; model, the AP-620 offers the very best Casio has to offer in terms of action mechanics, sampling technology and stereo sound systems that packs some 60 Watts. This model also features extensive automatic accompaniments, a 16-track sequencer and a rhythm editor.

grand pianos. Again, the Tri-Sensor weighted hammer action and quality sampling creates a highly authentic playing experience. KORG In among the fray, Korg can sometimes get a bit lost with the three, far noisier, competitors above, but the Japanese MI giant has a significant market share and a large array of product in the sector. As with all of the above, it is able to lean back on its own R&D â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pretty vital in a technology-led field â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and thus has some unique offerings.

At Korgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry level, the new SP-170 (which comes in at a startling retail price of ÂŁ505 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; plus ÂŁ84 for the stand) is a nononsense instrument that delivers the essential elements of a piano from rich sounds to an authentic grand piano feel. There are two grand piano voices and, in addition, sounds such as electric piano, harpsichord, and organ are provided, delivering a total of ten different instruments at your fingertips. The built-in stereo sound system benefits from built-in effects, namely adjustable reverb and chorus. At the other end of the scale (weighing in at ÂŁ1,879) and illustrating the

distinctiveness that Korg achieves, the new SV-1 digital vintage stage piano doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just do what it says on the tin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot more to it than that. Made using Korg's Real Experience technology, each sound is a detailed and authentic re-creation, accurately capturing the full range of expression and dynamics of the original. It also provides access to effect pedals, amplifiers, speaker cabinets and studio techniques that gave these sounds their original lustre. Together, they provide access to the sounds that have defined generations of popular keyboard playing.

The RH3 weighted hammer action is the finest keybed Korg offers, with a solid, responsive feel. A real attraction, particularly to the technophobes out there, are the clearly labeled knobs on the front panel to dial up just the sound the player is looking for. There is a real analog feel to this instrument. The SV-1 contains 36 sounds from electric pianos, acoustic pianos, organs, strings and synth. Each category of instrument starts with the essential classics and then moves beyond what other products offer, going into some rare and unique instruments. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen the SV-1 yet, take a look.

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miPRO APRIL 2010 53

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT HEADS AND CABS Marshall Kerry King 2203KK £849

Heads up In a busy market that is, happily, dominated by the British (and to a lesser extent, the Americans) it’s often difficult to get your head around what is available on the big stage products of the amplifier market. Rob Power cranks it up...

“

It’s a busy market that is constantly evolving and shifting, with every big name out there attempting to gain or hold on to its piece of the pie.

54 miPRO APRIL 2010

f there’s one thing that guitarists love, it’s earth shattering, ear piercing volume. It’s the whole reason the electric guitar exists, and nowadays, there are any number of options for players looking for heads and cabs that will allow them to get their message across with full force. It’s a busy market that is constantly evolving and shifting, with pretty much every big name out there attempting to either gain or hold on to its piece of the pie. Probably the most instantly recognisable brand in this market is Marshall, the company that gave birth to the stack and helped everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Kerry King make themselves heard. Of particular note recently is the Haze series, a scaled down head and cabinet that fits into the back of even the smallest car, yet still kicks out plenty of signature Marshall power. Another name that has been around since the 60s and shows no signs of slowing yet is Orange. 2010 will see upgrades to all the key products in its

legendary range, including the Rockerverb 50 and Rockerverb 100 heads. And with a raft of new endorsees such as Mastodon and the Gaslight Anthem signed up, you can expect to see plenty more of those brightly coloured cabs. Laney is still doing the business with its extensive range too. Starting at affordable prices with the Cub head and cab, weighing in at £239.95 and £169.95 respectively, this is an all tube single channel rig with reverb that won’t break the bank for those of us still hammering the pub circuit. Further up the range lies the mighty Lionheart series, a strong performer for Laney. The L20H features two channels, all tube 20 watts RMS, spring reverb and a hand-stamped build number, and when combined with the LT212 makes for a classic sounding set-up to please any tone-conscious player. Peavey has plenty to offer in this area of the market, and its ValveKing series offers a number of twists on the norm. Boutique features like the Texture control allow

players to coax virtually any tone from the tweaked-out, 6L6GC- and 12AX7-equipped amplifier. Sweepable selection between class-AB and simulated class-A power structures gives players access to everything from hi-gain modern to vintage tones. Genz Benz, which sits happily under the Fender umbrella attracts die-hard fans that know exactly what they want from their tone. The Black Pearl 30 is a classic, alltube, EL84, Class A design combined with numerous upgrades and enhancements. It has an all-tube signal path, component selection and custom transformers that add up to responsive, thick, rich tone. Inside there are black military spec PCBs with robust, precision routed direct-topoint gold-flashed signal traces, neatly dressed wiring and custom tube sockets and retainers – ensuring that every amp delivers on boutique tone and will withstand the rigours of the road. The tube head is available from £1,123.90, with the 412 cab at £1,226.08.

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HEADS AND CABS SECTOR SPOTLIGHT

Mesa Boogie TransAtlantic TA-15 Head: £1,099 / Cab: £429.99 Another compact ‘lunchbox’ style amp – the first from Mesa Engineering, the Ta-15 is a two channel amp which features Boogie’s patented Multi-Watt Channel Assignable Power Amp, providing three power and operating class options that are channel assignable via independent 5/15/25 Watt Power Switches. Portable, flexible and unstoppable when matched with the Lonestar cab.

Orange Tiny Terror £320.78 Since it was unleashed on an unsuspecting market, Orange’s Tiny Terror has redefined what guitarists expect from heads. A huge sounding amplifier packed into an unsuspecting pint-sized casing, these pocket rockets are in constant demand, with good reason. Mesa Boogie continues to impress at the top end of the market. The Rectifier has been revamped as it approaches its 20th birthday. Ten years ago a third channel was added for flexibility, expanding the amp from being purely hi gain to one capable of bridging all styles. Now with another ten years worth of experience, the Dual and Triple Rectifiers have been enhanced again,with the new Rectifiers all coming with patented Multi-Watt channel selectable power, an improved effects loop, channel assignable rectifier choices, a tuner out jack with silent tune feature and an all-new Footswitch. According to Mesa the biggest change is the tone – the Rec has been revoiced for improved clean and pushed sounds and tighter attack and definition in the overdriven sounds. The head is available in three different finishes: polished diamond plate, black Taurus or jute panel, all retailing at £2,329.99. The Indie Guitar Company has got a new line of guitar amps. The London City Series

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includes a range of high quality, affordable, multi-channel, all valve amps, in head and combo format with matching extension cabinets. Of particular note here is the London City LEOPARD 3 120 watt, three Channel Reverb Head with three High Gain stages and three-band eq, which blends modern technology with iconic amp designs, employing no less than three 12AX7 valves in the pre-amp stage with a 12AT7 renowned for driving warm, full reverb. With Kustom, JHS has a bone fide top end amplifier brand on its books. The 100 watt Kustom Double Cross is a boutique style head with endless customisation. The Double Cross platform consists of three distinctively voiced channels: Rhythm, Lead I and Lead II. Each Lead channel can be modified by users via four separate function switches which are located at the four end points of a ‘cross’ design on the control panel. These switches each uniquely blend additional 12Ax7 tube stages, letting players alter the Gain/EQ/Attack structure of their

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SECTOR SPOTLIGHT HEADS AND CABS Genz Benz El Diablo 100/50W tube head £1246.61 60/30W tube head £1072.82 As mean sounding as its name, El Diablo is an all tube driven monster that delivers the sort of tone Genz Benz has become known for, alongside bulletproof reliability and the distinctive Ruby Tubes long pan reverb for that bit of added lushness.

Hiwatt SSD103 Custom 100 head £1,772.95 One of the venerable names of classic British amplification, Hiwatt is a brand that has been used by the likes of The Who and the Arctic Monkeys and is still one of the biggest names out there. These UK built amps and cabs are also available in a custom finish and feature military style construction, point to point wiring and a number of special mods that ensure a powerful and tonally beautiful presence. Blackheart BH100H Hothead £816 Packing in enough variety of tone and sheer power to please even the fussiest of lead players, the Hothead covers everything from classic rock to insane high gain with ease and has enough features to make it endlessly useful. Two power modes divisible by pentode and triode give it four unique voices that are instantly accessible, making this a versatile and powerful workshorse.

Randall RX120RHS £587 The perfect half stack for upand-coming hard rock and metal players looking for their first head and cab, the RX120RHS package includes the RX120RH 120w two channel head with overdrive boost function, series effects loop and spring reverb, alongside the RX412 4x12 cab.

preamps – the sort of modifications usually not offered to consumers unless they take their amplifier to a technician to be permanently modded. As one of best recognised names in amplification, Vox has plenty to offer the modern market. The Night Train head and new Night Train Cab V112NT is an all-tube Vox rig for guitarists looking for that distinct Vox tone. A pair of EL84 tubes deliver tube power, whilst two 12AX7 tubes drive the preamp stage with both power and clarity, and is the same winning tube complement as the Vox AC15. A clear, simple panel design, offering the familiar gain and volume controls alongside tone controls including treble, middle and bass, allows players to dial up signature tones. Equipped with both eight-Ohm and 16Ohm speaker jacks, Night Train can be

56 miPRO APRIL 2010

used immediately with nearly any speaker cabinet, although a specially voiced 1 x 12-inch speaker cabinet is available in the form of the V112NT. Weighing in at just 11kg, compact yet full sounding, the cabinet features a Custom Vox Celestion ‘Greenback’ speaker. The Night Train is available from £434 inc VAT, with the V112NT at £187. Line 6 is often the first port of call for many guitarists looking to pull a number of different tones from a single amp, and the Spider IV HD 150 head currently sits at the top of the best-selling Spider family. The HD 150 packs in a huge amount of presets and amp models in, alongside bundles of effects that can be added to with free download patches. For players already familiar with the Spider series and looking for something with a bit more oompf, this fits the bill.

Laney GH100TI Tony Iommi Signature Head GH100TI: £759 GS412LA / LS: £399.95 The main machine of Black Sabbath guitar legend Tony Iommi, the GH100TI packs an almighty punch, with 100 watts RMX, five stages of gain permanently engaged for crushingly loud metal madness, and EC883 Preamp Tubes & EL34 Output Tubes. Teamed with the GS412LA / LS speaker cabinets optimised for use with the head, this is a rig worthy of the dark master himself.

CONTACT DETAILS PEAVEY 01536 461234 SOUND TECH (RANDALL) 01462 480000 MARSHALL 01908 375411 WESTSIDE (MESA BOOGIE) 0141 248 4812 LANEY 0121 508 6666 INDIE (LONDON CITY) 01235 851189 JHS (KUSTOM) 0113 286 5381

KORG (VOX) 01908 857100 BARNES & MULLINS (LINE 6) 01691 652449 FENDER (GENZ BENZ) 01342 331700 ORANGE 020 8905 2828 LOUD TECHNOLOGIES (BLACKHEART) 01494 557398 FREESTYLE (HIWATT) 01924 455414

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Pioneering Isobaric Bass Equipment Orange have pioneered and manufactured bass guitar amplifiers and speakers for over 40 years. Now we are proud to introduce you to another pioneering and ground breaking achievement with the Terror Bass and Smart Power speaker enclosures. The Terror Bass 500 and 1000 are ultra light, ultra compact, extremely efficient professional bass amplifiers. They feature the same all valve preamp as our award-winning AD200B combined with an ultra light Class D switch-mode power supply. The result is an incredibly warm sounding amplifier with a thunderous bottom end that belies the size of these small amps. With the added feature of switchable impedance, the full power of the amplifier can be delivered into 4 or 8 ohms. The Orange Smart Power cabinets feature a pioneering Isobaric technology that has never been used in a bass guitar speaker enclosure before. There are various types of Isobaric speaker layouts. We have employed a forward facing system, where both speakers are loaded one immediately in front of the other and wired in-phase. The front part of the cabinet is entirely airtight, where as the rear is vented under the front speaker. The result is truly amazingâ&#x20AC;Ś. We offer three models: the SP210, SP212 and SP410. Prepare to be blown away (literally)

Join us on youtube for demonstrations, interviews with artists, and exclusive video content Youtube.com/orangeamplifiers

v i s i t

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NEW PRODUCTS ACCESSORIES BACKLINE BASS & GUITAR DRUMS PRINT

NEW PRODUCTS BACKLINE AND GUITAR BACKLINE SPOTLIGHT

1. MOOG TAURUS 3 BASS PEDALS £1,999

AMPEG HERITAGE SERIES BASS AMPS FROM £1,021 They say: Represent the pinnacle of classic Ampeg tone, styling and construction. For: Bassists Range: Ampeg SVT amps Spec: Three in range: Heritage SVT-CL, SVT-810E and SVT-410HL. Ampeg's Heritage series heads deliver all-tube power using premium JJ tubes for the preamp stage and ‘Winged C’ power tubes. Just like the originals, the Heritage SVT-CL pushes 300 Watts of power, which is perfect for the companion cabinets. The Heritage SVT-810E and SVT410HLF both feature custom USmade Eminence drivers that meet the exact specifications of the original SVT speakers. The enclosures are built using rugged 15mm birch plywood and are assembled within a stone's throw of Ampeg's headquarters in Woodinville, Washington. “We hear you loud and clear,” remarks director of amplification Pytor Belov. “Dedicated Ampeg customers worldwide have been asking for US-made SVT rigs. We not only brought a classic design back to the states, we also sourced the most exceptional components available.” The Ampeg Heritage Series will be available in limited release globally from March 2010. The Heritage SVTCL will have a UK retail price of £2,553, the Heritage SVT-810E of £1,327 and the Heritage SVT-410HLF of £1,021. From: Loud Technologies 01494 557398 58 miPRO APRIL 2010

They say: Musicians, producers and DJs everywhere have been anxiously awaiting the ultimate bass machine. For: Musicians, producers, DJs Range: Moog synths & effects Spec: Analog sound engine based on original Taurus 1 circuits, single octave pedal board, two VCO oscillators, ADS contour generator, VCF filter, output VCA, 12 banks of four programmable presets each with hard-wired 13th bank, DIN and USB, syncable arpeggiator, volume, filter, pitch, gate. From: Source Distribution 020 8962 5080

2. ROLAND AC-33 ACOUSTIC GUITAR COMBO £359

3. VOX AV15 VR & AC30 VR FROM £305

They say: Rich, deep, stereo sound to go – introducing the world’s first batterypowered amp for acoustic guitar. For: Guitarists Range: Roland combos Spec: 30W (15W+15W) stereo combo, AC power or eight AA batteries, dual-channel (guitar & mic/line), reverb, chorus, and ambience effects, phrase looper (40 seconds), stereo aux input, headphone out, anti-feedback function, tilt-back From: Roland 01792 702701

They say: Tube and solid-state, vintage and modern, clean and dirty – the new VR series has it all. For: Guitarists Range: Vox AC combos Spec: Two channel amps, (clean & overdrive), master reverb control, gain control on overdrive channel, Celestion speakers, Reactor power amp technology. AC30 VR (£469) with two 12-inch speakers, 30W. AC15 VR with single 12inch speaker. From: Korg 01908 857100

5 4. ARIA MAC CS & PE GOTHIC GUITARS FROM £169 They say: All those clichés – 'up front', 'in yer face', 'by the throat' – are applicable to this affordable, powerhouse range. For: Guitarists Range: Aria electric guitars Spec: CS & Mac with dual cutaway alder body, bolt-on maple neck. CS-Gothic: two Seymour Duncan HB-108 humbuckers. Mac-Gothic: arched maple top, two Seymour Duncan OH-1 humbuckers, GBD bridge with thru-body stringing. PEGothic with single cutaway basswood body, carved top, maple set neck (£329). From: Aria 01483 238720

6. YAMAHA FSX SERIES ELECTROS £POA They say: Offers workhorse dependability, outstanding acoustic and amplified performance and effortless playability. For: Guitarists Range: Yamha electro-acoustics Spec: Solid sitka spruce top, nato or rosewood back & sides, piezo or Yamaha-exclusive ART contact pickup systems, Yamaha preamp system, on-board chromatic tuner, available as grand auditorium, dreadnought and jumbo models. From: Yamaha 01908 366700

5. VOX SS33 ELECTRIC GUITARS £TBC They say: A dramatic breakthrough in price for a guitar of this quality. For: Guitarists Range: Vox SS guitars Spec: Virage style contoured body, MaxConnect aluminum bridge, Vox Super Smooth tuners. SSC33 (single cutaway) and SDC33 (double cutaway) both in variety of finishes, two Coaxe pickups. From: Korg 01908 857100

6 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

RECORDING NEW PRODUCTS 1. ROLAND A-300 PRO MIDI CONTROLLER £209

2. KORG SOUND ON SOUND RECORDER £230

They say: Combining the best of Roland engineering with Cakewalk’s legendary ease of use. For: Computer musicians Range: Roland controllers Spec: 32 velocity-sensitive keys, 45 assignable controls, eight dynamic pads for finger drumming & MIDI triggering, pitch bend/modulation stick, USB bus powered, Cakewalk Production Plus pack. From: Roland 01792 702701

They say: Creativity without limitations to preserve and capture all of your inspired moments. For: Musicians, producers Range: Korg recorders Spec: On-board rhythms & REMS effects, infinite overdubs & undo/redo, built-in speaker & stereo mic, Sound Stretch tempo control, record & save up to 200 songs in Wav format, AA battery powered. From: Korg 01908 857100

RECORDING SPOTLIGHT TASCAM HS-8 & HS-2 RECORDERS £5,138 They say: The first studio solutions for pro multi-track recording and playback to solid-state media. For: Studios, broadcast Range: Tascam recorders Spec From studio surround recording to post production and broadcast playback of HS-P82 location recordings, the eighttrack HS-8 fits a variety of multitrack roles first pioneered by Tascam's DA-88 recorders. Like the HS-8, the stereo HS-2 includes SMPTE timecode and RS-422

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for use in broadcast and post production. Also true to Tascam tradition, audio is top-quality throughout, with up to 192kHz/24-bit formats available. A mixer is built into the HS-8 for monitoring and the stereo mix can be recorded live as a separate track. Like the portable HS-P82, the HS-8 and HS-2 use a colour touch-screen interface to access settings and tracks. Audio is recorded as broadcast Wav files to Compact Flash

media. A pair of CF card slots is available for data mirroring or continuous recording. The RC-HS20PD remote control allows operation from a separate room over RJ-45 connection. Tascam's HS-8 and HS-2 are the ideal solid-state recorders for professionals, with the instant access, ease-of-use and sound quality that studio and post studios demand. From: Tascam 01923 438880

miPRO APRIL2010 59

NEW PRODUCTS DRUMS

DRUMS SPOTLIGHT

1. KINSMAN HARDWARE DRUM ROLL BAG £36.99

2. MAPEX FALCON BASS DRUM PEDAL £175

They say: Keep your stands in tip-top condition, transporting or storing, with the convenient storage bag for all drummers. For: Drummers, percussionists Range: Kinsman bags and cases Spec: Rip-proof denier nylon construction, six internal pockets (single extra large, three large, two medium) for all sized stands, clip catch, carrying handles, shoulder strap. From: JHS 0113 286 5381

They say: Designed to be the smoothestplaying pedals ever made. For: Drummers Range: Mapex pedals Spec: Proprietary hollow inox steel drive shaft, independent torque-free spring mechanism, adjustable Talon hoop clamp, interchangeable cams (Glide & Pursuit), adjustable footboard and beater angle, proprietary sealed bearing hinges. Double pedal available (£349). From: Korg UK 01908 857100

4. TYCOON MARTIN VERDONK SIGNBATURE HAND PERCUSSION FROM £4.95 They say: Innovative and ergonomically designed instruments. For: Percussionists Range: Tycoon percussion Spec: Six products in range: Easy-Shake (£29.95), Las Vegas tambourine silver sparkle (£29.95), Las Vegas tambourine gold sparkle (£35.95), Swing shaker (£32.95), Tri Egg shaker (£4.95), Cabasa shaker (£36.95). From: FCN Music 01892 603733

3. PROTECTION RACKET DRUM MAT MARKERS £18.99 They say: Mark your territory with Protection Rackets drum mat markers. For: Drummers Range: Protection Racket accessories Spec: Numbered, Velcro-backed markers, three sets of ten stand feet markers (numbered 1 to 10), bass drum & hi-hat markers. Requires no tools and adds no weight to your drum carpet. From: Protection Racket 01208 815055

5. ZILDJIAN EFX CYMBALS FROM £232

6. ZILDJIAN K SERIES RIDES £593

They say: Four new Effects cymbals for the popular A Custom and K Cast cymbal product lines. For: Drummers Range: Zildjian A Custom & K Cast ranges Spec: 14 and 20-inch sizes for A Custom EFX range (£232 & £369), laser generated cut outs, both thin weight. 16 and 18-inch K Zildjian EFX range (£303 & £355), darker sounding versions of A Custom cymbals, thin weight. From: Yamaha 01908 366700

They say: The K series lineage goes all the way back to the company’s Turkish roots. For: Drummers Range: Zildjian K series cymbals Spec: Two new models: 20 & 22-inch. 22inch K Constantinople over-hammered thin ride, darker sound, designed for small to medium-sized group settings. 20-inch K Light Flat ride, thin weight. From: Yamaha 01908 366700

DREAM CYMBAL RANGES £POA They say: A warm, rich undertone, which doesn't overpower the sticking. For: Drummers Range: Four new ranges Spec: Four new cymbal ranges: Bliss, Vintage Bliss, Contact and Energy. Bliss, the flagship range from Dream, features a hand micro-lathed surface, a low, gentle bridge bow, even thin weight, hand-hammering before and after lathing and produces a woody, but articulate, round attack with lots of wash throughout the spectrum and a well balanced, quick decay. Vintage Bliss captures the feel of 1920s Turkish cymbals with a personality all their own. Offered in select sizes, the Vintage Bliss are a totally hand-hammered, microlathed cymbal with a low bridge and small clear bell. The warm undertones and rich wash when played on the edge make these cymbals great for low volumes where control is a must. The Contact series is known for a brighter stick presence and livelier response. The hand-hammered and shaped B23 alloy offers a brighter pitch, but still holds its rich warmth. Contacts are medium-thin cymbals with that trademark shimmering wash that drives the sound forward and up. The Energy series offers a modern sound palette in a machinehammered cymbal. The sound is loud, bright, and offers great detail, perfect for anyone playing in an amplified setting where volume and clarity is everything. From: Soar Valley 0116 230 4926

THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY MIKEDOLBEAR.COM, THE LEADING ONLINE RESOURCE FOR EVERYTHING DRUMS.

VISIT WWW.MIKEDOLBEAR.COM FOR MORE DETAILS. 60 miPRO APRIL 2010

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Just a few of our Leading Brands...

Blueridge have taken America by storm with their authentic vintage style guitars, and now we have made them available in the UK. This range, renowned for spectacular value for money, continues to receive excellent reviews in all the best known guitar press, including Guitar & Bass, Guitarist, Guitar Buyer, Acoustic Magazine... For the Gypsy in your soul! These beautiful guitars pay homage to the Selmer and Maccaferri guitars of the early 20th century. They have solid tops, are a joy to play, and look and sound like the real thing, right down to the excellent reproduction of the original tailpiece. More to the point, they are very affordably priced.

The best selling aluminium whistles in the UK. Renowned for their clear sound, they appeal to whistle players of all standards. Though ideal for beginners, they are professional instruments and are used on stage by many leading players.

The Kentucky mandolins are the pinnacle of affordable bluegrass instruments, and offer exceptional quality at excellent prices. These mandolins are a very welcome addition to our growing section of great quality bluegrass instruments, which includes mandolins, banjos, dobros, guitars and more.

SK120 Rated ‘Exceptional’ in Acoustic Magazine. “A wonderful little amp designed by people who understand what musicians need”. Also Guitar & Bass have awarded the SK60 a massive 82%. We distribute these ShireKing Acoustic Amps along with Headway’s very popular pickups for acoustic instruments, including the Snake 3 and SA1 pickups, and the ‘Band’ violin and cello pickups.

A competitively priced range of student squeezeboxes, including Piano Accordions from 12 to 120 Bass, B/C, D/G and Cajun one-row melodeons, and Anglo and English concertinas, all ideal for beginners.

The leading brand of resonator guitars, with a long US heritage, available in the UK exclusively from Gremlin Music. Saga Music, have applied the same dedication to quality to these guitars as they have to the Gitane and Blueridge guitars, and the results are spectacular.

A professional quality range of Acoustic Guitars, Mandolins, Banjos & Fiddles, Basses, cases, electrics and more. This is the largest range of mandolin family instruments, banjos and ukuleles in the UK, and the Ashbury name is associated with high quality and excellent value.

As well as being the first point of call for all the hard to find traditional musical instruments your customers are asking you for, Gremlin Music is a one stop shop for any musical instrument retailer. We can supply a massive range of acoustic musical instruments, spares, accessories, strings, books and DVDs. Become a Gremlin Dealer and give your customers a better choice! We pride ourselves on the personal touch - you can always reach us by phone during working hours, and we’ll always send your order as fast as possible, no matter what the size. If you’re a dealer, you can browse our website for prices (retail and wholesale), contact us by email, and place orders online! We’ve been in the business for over 25 years, and can offer you an experienced, friendly and professional service.

www.gremlinmusic.co.uk

post@gremlinmusic.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1903 203044 (9.30 - 5.30 Mon - Fri) | Unit A, Easting Close, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 8HQ

NEW PRODUCTS PRINT BOOK OF THE MONTH AUTHOR: ANDY BABIUK BEATLES GEAR Target: General Comment: Clearly not nearly as exhausted as one would expect him to be after his quite excellent biography of Paul Bigsby, Andy Babiuk returns to the printed page with a, quite frankly, jaw-dropping tome of historical value and infinitesimal detail, covering the story of The Beatles from the perspective of the instruments the band members played throughout their career.

While the documentation of the band from its explosion on to the pop scene in 1962 through to its demise in 1970 is plentiful enough to enable almost anybody to track the gear the band used, the author here takes it a step further and goes back to the very first instruments they played (let alone owned) from the pre-Beatles days and uncovers details (and pictures) of the now vintage instruments that were common fare back in 1950s Britain. In fact, it is page 60 before the band’s emergence as a chart band.

What becomes clear from this book is that The Beatles are still very much a major force in popular culture and that while the sounds they made are hugely important, exactly how they made those sounds is becoming equally significant. Not content with two hugely impressive books to his name, Babiuk is now embarking on Rolling Stones Gear – watch this space… BACKBEAT (MUSIC SALES): 01284 702600

EDUCATION ARTIST: VARIOUS BEGINNING LOGIC/GARAGEBAND/ETC Series: Alfred’s Pro Audio Series Target: Computer studios Comment: Five new DVDs from Alfred, covering all of the essentials for Logic 8, Garageband 09, Sonar 8, Cubase 5 and Pro Tolls LE 8, with step-by-step training for creating professional recordings. The lessons go through the basics of setting up a recording track, configuring the interface, creating song session templates and mixing down to a final master. Lots to learn with running times from 87 minutes (Sonar) to 155 minutes (Logic). ALFRED (FABER): 01279 828989

ARTIST: BACH (ARR DONALD SOSIN) BEST OF BACH Series: Cherry Lane Publications Target: Flute/clarinet/sax/horn/ trombone/violin/viola/cello Comment: Twelve solo flute arrangements for some of JS Bach’s most famous compositions, with the notation arranged by, and the CD recorded by, Donald Sosin. This book (in ten versions) gives players of brass, woodwind and strings a chance to get to grips with one of the most highly revered composers in the canon. HAL LEONARD (MUSIC SALES): 01284 702600

AUTHOR: LEE ‘DREW’ ANDREWS CHILDREN’S UKULELE METHOD Target: Ukulele Comment: One of the most exciting things about the recent craze for the ukulele is the instrument’s accessibility, ensuring that smaller hands can get to grips with a fretted, stringed instrument. The ease of chord shapes and the compact body means that youngsters can establish a springboard to larger instruments (notably the guitar, of course, but mandos and banjos, too). Andrews goes through the basics and introduces tunes almost immediately to keep the interest up. MEL BAY: 020 8214 1222

ARTIST: STEVE GADD (TRANSR KRZYSZTOF FILIPSKI) STEVE GADD Target: Drums Comment: Not for the faint-hearted, this one. Filipski has taken excerpts from some of Gadd’s most notable recordings and transcribed them faithfully on to paper. Gadd is, of course, one of the (if not the most) revered drummers on the planet and has devloped an easy style that belies the sheer complexity of his technique. Superb stuff that every drummer should have in his or her library. Highly recommended. MEL BAY: 020 8214 1222

POPULAR ARTIST: ALEXANDRE DESPLAT NEW MOON: THE SCORE Series: The Twighlight Saga Target: Piano Comment: The latest penchant for vampire entertainment continues with the second movie in the Twilight series and with it comes some quite excellent music, courtesy of Alexandre Desplat. Moody and dramatic, this score for piano solo offers up these atmospherics in an interesting and highly desirable manner. Almost minimalist in places, this is unusual music for solo piano, but a great tangent for those looking for something different. HAL LEONARD (MUSIC SALES): 01284 702600 62 miPRO APRIL 2010

ARTIST: ALDO DI IANNI ITALIAN FOLK DANCES FOR ACCORDION Target: Accordion Comment: Ten original tunes in Italian folk styles from the accordion virtuoso and composer Aldo Di Ianni bring the jauntiness of the accordion to an instrument that has come to epitomise folk music in central and Mediterranean cultures. Ranging from simple to complex, these pieces are for a pretty specific (and small) audience in the UK, but a prime opportunity to expand that repertoire and technique. MEL BAY: 020 8214 1222

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Follow the Yellow Brick Roadâ&#x20AC;Ś

â&#x20AC;Śto Frankfurt Musik Messe Hall 3.1. Stand C20 and be amazed! www.alfredUK.com

Tel: 01279 828960 | Fax: 01279 828961 Email: music@alfredUK.com | www.alfredUK.com Alfred Publishing is distributed to the Music Trade throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland by FM Distribution Ltd

See Kam at Frankfurt Musikmesse March 24th to 27th - Hall 5.1 / Stand C25

RETAIL NEWS, OPINION, DATA NEWS Audio Technica’s trial success, JHS drops prices, Howard Jennings expounds

MIA ASC Finance is now offering dealer benefits for MIA members

LOCATION REPORT

The final reverberation

Reverb MI chain closes amid confusion as valuer takes stock before liquidator is appointed DAVID MARKS, representing David Rubin & Partners, licensed insolvency practitioners operating out of London, confirmed to MI Pro that the Reverb chain of MI retail stores has been placed into imminent liquidation. David Rubin & Partners has been appointed to convene a meeting of the creditors on March 24th and is actively looking for purchasers of the stock and other assets. Those considering themselves as creditors should be hearing from Marks, but he has expressed his willingness for people to call him regarding the meeting of creditors or to express interest in buying the assets of the defunct retailer. Marks was unable to comment directly on the reasons that Reverb went under, but feels there is nothing untoward in what has happened. “We are still looking into the reasons,” he said. “It seems to be the state of the economy. Once we have been appointed – probably on March 23rd – we hope to be able to make a full statement.” The three stores are now officially closed and, according to input on to the MI Pro website, former staff have all received letters announcing their redundancy as of March 5th, although other chains taking oover is possible.

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The demise followed a week of speculation as, in some cases, staff of the shops arrived for work on the Monday (March 1st) to find the stores closed and the locks changed. It transpired that the auctioneer and valuer, Philip Davies & Sons (with offices in London, Nottingham and Manchester) has been called in to

and when these were sold off and, in a short space of time, the Sheffield, Leicester and latterly Stockton branches were closed. Reverb’s owner, Andrew Landesberg (pictured), told MI Pro that this was purely part of a rationalisation so that the chain could concentrate on its profitable shops.

“

We are still looking into the reasons, but it seems to be the state of the economy. David Marks David Rubin & Partners assess what remained of the business in Bristol, Birmingham and Glasgow. The saga has proved vindication for those who had been suspicious of the way Reverb had been operating, after it began closing stores from the six it had originally bought from Sound Control when that chain collapsed in 2008. A company separate to Reverb, although with alleged close ties, had bought the freehold of some of the shops

He also said that he was looking to open up a store nearer to London. In the light of the final closure of the remaining stores a mere two months following this statement, this appears to have been somewhat disingenuous. MI Pro will be publishing an analysis of Reverb and its demise in the May 2010 issue of the magazine. DAVID RUBIN & PARTNERS: 020 7400 7900

What was once the land of the potteries is now home to some special stores

INDIE PROFILE AA Music of Lisburn, Northern Ireland tells us how to do it right

BEHIND THE COUNTER The snow is gone, but the weather is still an influence on punter visitation

ALL INSIDE THIS MONTH miPRO APRIL 2010 65

JHS lowers Dunlop prices JOHN HORNBY Skewes & Co, the UK Ireland trade distributor for USA manufactured Dunlop Manufacturing products, has announced price reductions on all its Dunlop, MXR and Way Huge pedals, effective March 1st 2010. The reductions range from 15 to 20 per cent across all effects pedal ranges and include the recently introduced 2010 pedals, such as the Jerry Cantrell Signature Cry Baby wah, Dunlop volume pedal and Way Huge Aqua-Puss. Additional trade discounts are also available for bulk purchases. JHS’ managing director, Dennis Drumm commented: “With consumer prices getting ever keener, these additional reductions make the JHS Dunlop offer exceptionally competitive. Our additional trade deals maintain the highest possible dealer margins, no carriage on back orders, our focus on maintaining

very high levels of stock on these massively important brands, plus our fast service and long payment terms make JHS the first call distributor for all Dunlop products.” For further information contact your JHS area sales manager or call the sales office on 0113 286 6411.

AT’s First Impressions lasts Initiative boosts customer confidence and waiting list for new ribbon mics grows

AUDIO TECHNICA has reported an excellent response in the first three months of its First Impressions microphone trial scheme. More than 70 MI dealers across the UK have signed up for the programme, which allows customers to audition mics from Audio Technica’s popular 40 series, Artist series and Artist Elite series for a two week period. Among the retailers benefiting from First Impressions is Neath Music, whose technical director Adrian Bamford commented: “We got involved in First Impressions because it’s a proactive promotion and was 66 miPRO APRIL 2010

ideally suited to a year in which business was tough for everyone. One of our customers bought an AE5400 microphone through the scheme and also an M2 in-ear monitoring system, which wasn’t part of the scheme, but was certainly a linked sale.” Since launching First Impressions, AT has unveiled its first-ever ribbon microphones, the AT4080 and AT4081, both of which are covered by the programme and for which there is a growing waiting list. “We’re delighted at the reaction to First Impressions from both dealers and customers,” remarked

Harvey Roberts, AT’s senior marketing manager. “We’ve seen a wide variety of requests for loan microphones across the ranges, from vocalists, professional studio engineers and project studio owners. I’d encourage any of our MI dealers who are yet to sign up for First Impressions to do so.” Interested dealers should contact their Audio-Technica area sales manager with regard to signing up to the scheme, while further details of the First Impressions programme can be found at: www.audiotechnica.com/firstimpressions. AUDIO TECHNICA: 0113 277 1441

LETTER

RETAIL NEWS

The retail dodo The state of MI retail and sales on the internet

HOW MANY times over the last few years, following the explosion of e-tailing, have shops dared to challenge the sale of guitars on the internet? Those that do receive the usual: “Hey this is the way forward,” “the internet is a great selling tool,” and so on. Hmm. How many mainstream shops with multiple outlets have we seen sadly disappear over the years (often with websites of their own)? They all fell short of selling at the right price – and by that I mean covering the many overheads that come with a bricks and mortar business. All because of unscrupulous discounting internet sites with no overheads other than the cost of some website designer. Sometimes a shop is used as a legitimate lever to acquire stocks from distributors, but the website becomes far bigger because of the discounted prices. This is a small market that needs controlling Over the last week, I have had four guitars come into the shop all purchased from internet sites and in each case they would never have left the building from any self-respecting shop. There is only one criteria for selling on the internet and that is price. Let no one be fooled. Who are these people? Not only are they selling junk, in two of these cases the customer couldn’t even contact the seller. I can only assume that these websites carry no real stock and wait for the order to come in. They claim to have enough stock to fill the Empire State Building, but of course they don’t. It is almost laughable. But who are the distributors supplying them? Why is it fair for such a distributor to ring up a shop carrying its stock and trying to sell on the strength of service, back-up and customer contact, and expect it to pay bills bang on time? Especially when all the stock is still sat in the shop. As a retailer trading for 21 years, I see this as a real issue right across the country and it needs to be addressed – especially in the current economic climate. I know that there are some very good distributors out there that keep an eye on prices and are fully aware of their faithful long-term shop customers – the shops that provide full back-up service, advice and a commitment to the customer. It has almost become a crime to put a recommended retail price on a product in a shop. If you do, you are met with some cynical comment from the general public, who say: “Oh we can get that from such and such a site much cheaper.” We all know the Dodo is extinct, but I think we are in danger of seeing the MI shop become extinct, all while it is the selling of guitars on the internet that should be extinct. HOWARD JENNINGS

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bringing brands together

The Leisuretec Listings Plus 2010 • Call us to Order Your Copy • Experience • Choice • Value • Service Sound • Lighting • Special Effects • Distribution Power Squared • Tel: +44 (0) 1525 850085 • www.leisuretec.co.uk

Get the recognition your talent deserves with Trinity Guildhall music exams

Trinity Guildhall will be exhibiting at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Musikmesse in Frankfurt.

photos: Tas Kyprianou, Luke Garwood

Visit us in Hall 3.1, Stand C18 to ďŹ nd out about our exciting new publications, which will also be available to order.

www.trinityguildhall.co.uk

For further information please email David Bobby, Head of Sales, Performing & Creative Arts: david.bobby@trinitycollege.co.uk

MIA NEWS an update from your industry trade association

MIA secures finance benefit for members ASC signs up with trade association, targeting smaller businesses THE MIA has partnered with ASC Finance for Business, a highly successful company that specialises in helping small businesses expand without red tape and enjoying enviable relationships with an extensive panel of lenders. Benefits include 20 regional offices in the UK to help dealers personally, one hour consultation free of charge, reduced fees for MIA members, business finance, property finance and asset and working capital finance. THE FINEST INTEREST RATES ASC understands that interest rates are important to you. The firm will discuss with you in detail the terms available in the marketplace and aims to offer the finest interest rates. EFFECTIVE RESULTS ASC’s track record speaks for itself. Many thousands of clients have benefited from its services. Irrespective of your loan requirements, you can benefit from ASC’s experience and its successful approach. It is here to arrange finance that helps you to achieve your goals. SENSIBLE FEES You are in business and know that only amateurs don’t charge fees. ASC insists its fees must make sense, otherwise you will not do business. Fees represent only a small fraction of the cost of the transaction, yet the long-term benefit of this service to you will be significant. Just consider your opportunity costs, your potential savings on interest rates and bank fees and then consider all the benefits you will receive when dealing with ASC. REFRESHINGLY OLD FASHIONED – REFRESHINGLY PERSONAL You will not talk to a call centre. ASC is always happy to speak to you on the phone and always

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happy to meet you. You’ll get straight and direct communication with an experienced director. CO-ORDINATION WITH PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS A loan application does not progress on its own. ASC coordinates its work with your solicitors, accountants and other professional advisors to help you achieve your goals. All this is done while you carry on developing and running your business. LENDERS PREFER ASC CLIENTS ASC was established in 1969 and enjoys an enviable relationship with many lenders, usually at a very senior level. The company knows how particular lenders think and what type of presentation they need. It knows what type of deals they like and frequently negotiates special and exclusive terms with lenders which otherwise will not be available to you. YOUR ASC DIRECTOR IS A BUSINESS PERSON ASC is operated by individual business people who have the ability to understand you and your requirements. You will deal with an experienced director with personal responsibility to help you make it happen. LOCAL SERVICE – NATIONAL STRENGTH ASC’s decentralised operational structure has remarkable advantages for you. Its unique approach does not only offer

quality control to ensure the highest standards of efficiency and service. You also benefit from both the local directors’ dedicated personal attention and the support of the central unit. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ASC is recognised by professionals. Accountants, solicitors or insurance advisors alike recommend the firm to their clients. ASC enjoys important endorsements (for example, the Federation of Small Businesses) confirming its reputation and standing. You have the benefit of dealing with a market leader. THE RIGHT FINANCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS Bear in mind that there are many features you should consider when arranging finance – financial flexibility, loan amount, mixture of loan and overdraft and so on. In summary, you benefit from the ASC Service Level Guarantee: fine interest rates, effective results, sensible fees and a refreshingly old-fashioned and personal approach to service. There is no charge to you and no obligation on your part for an initial consultation. If you don’t find that ASC understands you and your requirements better or that it cannot offer you a better service, then by all means choose someone else to act for you. If you would like more details about joining the MIA, contact Clare Sayers at the MIA’s office or by email on clare@mia.org.uk. MIA 01372 750600

miPRO APRIL 2010 69

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LOCATION REPORT RETAIL

Stoke Home to a collection of classy shops, Stoke is an undiscovered source of bountiful MI goodness. Rob Power takes a look round...

or a relatively small town, Stoke makes up for what it lacks in size with a thriving local music scene, some great venues and a selection of shops that frankly puts much of the rest of the country to shame. With many based around the same small area, it’s heaven for the aspiring Gallagher, and there’s no shortage of those in the area either... ACADEMY OF SOUND Billing itself as a musical superstore, Academy of Sound certainly has the size to match its boast, filling a huge standalone unit with all manner of musical loveliness. First and foremost, a large counter backed with a huge variety of accessories greets you once you step inside, and a number of uniformed staff buzz around the place casually dispensing wisdom and generally being very helpful indeed. All the major bases are covered off on the guitar side of things, and with Gibson and Fender dealerships, there is plenty

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here for visitors to get their teeth into. A nice acoustic section leads into a slightly anaemic bass area, although this letdown is more than made up for with a well thought-out electronic drums and digital music display. A keyboard and piano room makes tinkling the ivories a pleasure, and all told this is a clearly well run and popular store. ROUTE 66 Located on a side road just around the corner from Academy of Sound on a road that is Stoke’s very own Denmark Street, housing as it does three of the four stores MI Pro visited, Route 66 was without a doubt the most surprising. An Alladin’s cave packed full of simply wonderful second-hand guitars, it is a small, one-room operation that is run by passionate guitarists. With some stunning looking vintage Gibsons sat alongside more affordable late fifties and early sixties archtop acoustics and hollow bodies, there is something

here for every guitarist, no matter what size the budget. Highly knowledgeable and relentlessly enthusiastic staff, alongside a willingness to allow punters to try anything – no matter what the price tag – makes for a refreshing change in a shop with so many high-end instruments on the shelves, whilst some of the more obscure instruments on show (a left-handed 12-string Vox Phantom anyone?) make Route 66 guitar geek heaven. An absolute delight. THE RHYTHM HOUSE Directly opposite Route 66, The Rhythm House packs a lot in, with dedicated guitar, bass and drum rooms all under the one roof. Not the smartest shop in the world, it nevertheless has bags of charm, not to mention friendly folks behind the counter. A smattering of second-hand electric and acoustic guitars decorate the walls, with the majority of the space being taken up by an enticing acoustic display that

houses a few great finds. This is clearly a shop that needs to be on every Stoke musicians list to visit. A busy and bustling atmosphere reveals a popular store that has something for every member of the band. KAYS MUSIC A mere stone’s throw along the same street, Kays Music definitely caters to the hairier, louder, rockier end of the musical spectrum. Walls full of pointy looking Deans and plenty of hi-gain amps bear testament to that, as do the outfits of the welcoming staff. Wayne’s World on the shop TV helps set the tone for any MI store, and whilst Kays is small and ever so slightly scruffy round the edges, it has a very clear niche that it seems to be filling rather well. A steady stream of visitors, some with startlingly severe piercings, are no doubt keeping the shop alive, and rightly so, as it’s full of character and a nice alternative to its musical brothers down the road.

miPRO APRIL 2010 71

RETAIL

INDIE PROFILE Paul Murphy of AA Music in Northern Ireland says that no amount of advertising can build a good reputation… How is business compared to this time last year? Well I have to say that business is not quite as good as this time last year, but it could be a lot worse, certainly. January was very quiet but it picked up in February and there has been a notable increase in sales since then. How do you market the shop? We market the business though magazines and newspapers and the website, of course. Soon to launch will be the online shop, which we hope will be a successful new wing of business. We also get referrals from music teachers, which strengthens our position. The best thing we have going for us though is our reputation, which has been built up over many years. No amount of advertising can accomplish this. How do you rise to the challenge of online competition? This is an area we plan to focus on in

72 miPRO APRIL 2010

2010. There is massive competition online and not just for sales, but for presence. If you don’t come up on the first page of Google, you may as well not exist to some users. We will be launching an online shop site, which should help our web presence. What are your biggest strengths? Our single biggest strength is our reputation, which has been built up over 30 years. Most of our business comes from this reputation and without it we would struggle somewhat. You are only as good as your reputation in this area of business. This has been attained through top-class customer service and high quality products offered at good prices. How do you ensure a good level of customer service? This is the foundation upon which AA Music is built. We have ensured this through treating customers with respect and dealing with our customers on a personal level. Any complaints and enquiries are efficiently and promptly dealt with. What is the one product you couldn’t live without? Acoustic pianos – that is our specialist product and this still accounts for the vast majority of our turnover. How can the industry do more to support retail?

The industry should be more supportive of indie shops like ours. The musical instrument market is one area that conglomerates have not infiltrated in quite the same way as other markets. It is up to us in the industry to protect ourselves and fight against the rising tide of the conglomerate. There is also unfairness in the way some suppliers discount their products based on certain criteria. This is far too wide and should be narrowed to help smaller shops compete. What we need is a more even playing field.

FACT BOX Address: 15 Leckey Road, Ballinderry Upper, Lisburn BT28 2QA Phone: 028 9261 0634 Owner: Alex and Anna Murphy Established: 1980 Employees: Four full-time and four part-time Best-selling lines: Kawai acoustic and digital pianos, Yamaha digital pianos and guitars, Steigerman acoustic pianos, used pianos

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RETAIL

BEHIND THE COUNTER

THE HEAT IS ON: NEW RETAILER AND NEW RIVALRY when Competition isn’t always healthy, reports our undercover MI spy. Especially hings are starting to heat up in our little slice of high street heaven, both inside and outside the front door. Customers seem to be waking from their winter-induced slumber and are making their way in ever increasing numbers in our direction, like a herd of bewildered tortoises prodded out of hibernation, only to find themselves desperately in need of strings. The relationship between retail and weather is a strained one that seesaws from cordial in the warmer months to downright hostile as the icy grip of winter slows the world to a standstill. Thankfully, now the sun has got his hat on a little bit tighter, we're seeing our regular band of hardy customers from further abroad begin to return to us. Keeping hold of these hardy travelling friends is the name of the game for us at the moment though, as we have an usurper in the local region,

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a brand spanking new MI outfit determined to carve out its own territory a mere hop skip and a jump down the road from our current location. A bit of competition is, of course, good for the soul. That doesn't mean we have to enjoy it though.

“

Some enterprising young chaps have set up shop close by – now the race is on to win hearts and minds.

Having operated in a bit of a vacuum for some time, with all the existing stores in the area shutting down within the last few years, it came as no surprise that some enterprising young chaps have set up shop relatively close by. And now the race is

distributors change the rules...

on to win the hearts and minds of the local populace once more, which should be riotous fun if nothing else. It has been interesting to see how distributors’ rules on competition work in a situation like this. We used to believe that should a new musical emporium open up next door to us, we'd be okay as our brave disties wouldn't sell to anyone that was too close to our good selves. In reality, however, the arrival of a new neighbour has seen many of our trusted allies quickly ignore prior promises in a pretty underhand way. It would seem that all is fair in love, war and MI retail. Our merry band of shop-bound salesmen will pick themselves up from this slight and carry on, but know this, cold-hearted distributors: we know you speak with forked tongues, and we won't sit idly by as you break your own rules to our detriment. Until next time, fellow travellers...

LO VE ,

W AR

AN D

RE TA IL

miPRO APRIL 2010 73

PRODUCT MANAGER - Guitars Due to an internal promotion, Yamaha, the World’s leading musical instrument manufacturer is currently seeking a motivated and professional individual to join the marketing team of our Pro-Music Division. Reporting to the Divisional Director the successful applicant will be responsible for developing marketing strategies for new products for our UK market and will be a key player in our European marketing team. Other responsibilities will include supporting our dealer network as well as the Yamaha sales team through product explanation and training, artist liaison and press and customer relations. Monitoring the UK and Republic of Ireland market for guitar products are other key duties of this demanding role. The successful candidate must be a competent guitarist and possess a comprehensive understanding of the UK and ROI guitar market. A strong interest in current music trends with experience in digital marketing techniques is also essential. Experience in musical instrument retail would also be a distinct advantage. This is a challenging and stimulating role ideally suited to a well organised and ambitious individual who will “go the extra mile” to achieve results. The successful candidate should also be able to demonstrate good management, people and administrative skills and also have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. A flexible attitude and a full driving licence is essential as regular UK travel is also a requirement of this role. We offer all the usual benefits of working for a high profile international manufacturer, including a generous salary and company car. If you feel you meet the required criteria please apply in writing by e-mailing your CV, together with a covering letter demonstrating your suitability and detailing your current salary package to be received by Friday 2 April 2010 (quoting ref: PM/Guitars/0310) to: recruitment@gmx.yamaha.com

Make music your business!

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Territory Sales Manager – Midlands & South of England - 23k per annum

We are the brand leader of manufactured tuned percussion instruments into the education sector, with 50% of our product range made from our UK based factory in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. After the very successful launch of the Sonix drum brand we will be launching eight further product ranges during 2010. The majority of our instruments are sold via musical retailers and education mail order establishments. To assist us with our development plans and to establish a more targeted approach to sales within the market place, we are now looking for a Territory Manager preferably with a musical background to cover the Midlands and South of England. This role will report directly to the General Sales Manager.

Job Responsibilites

Person Criteria

• Develop new business growth with a view to increasing the market presence and increase turnover of the Company • Working with set objectives and targets to open new leads and prospect for business • Maintain and developed relationships with existing customers in person and via telephone and email • Negotiating terms of business, price, costs and closing sales • Gathering market and customer information and recording on Sage Act database • Planning work schedules and working together with the General Sales Manager to identify future territory areas to target and develop • Monitoring competitor activity and competitors' products and keeping up to date with market trends • Regular liason with the General Sales Manager, Production Manager and MD to create effective business plans & maintain stock levels • Maintaining and updating customer data and product records using Sage • Assistance with NPD • Production of sales reports as requested • Attendance at Trade Shows and representing the Company at events

• Experience of Sales, ideally with knowledge of the Musical Instrument Industry • Be able to demonstrate good territory management skills • Be self motivated and independent with good people skills • Possess excellent presentation skills • Open to travel 80% of the time • Excellent knowledge of MS office applications (excel, word, Sage Software) • Ideally resident in the South of England

In return the Company will offer a competitive salary, company car, laptop, mobile and 25 days holiday per annum (increasing with service). Please apply with covering letter and CV marked P&C to Lindsay Cobbett, Group Director, Percussion Plus Limited, 15 Hopkinson Way, West Portway Industrial Estate, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3ZE. Closing Date for applications is Friday 9th April. Email: lindsay.cobbett@percussionplus.co.uk

THE PLACE FOR BUSINESS

MIMARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE CALL DARRELL CARTER OR JODIE HOLDWAY ON 01992 535647

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SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT

MARKETPLACE INDEX

Best export Award-winning World Rhythm Percussion leads the way in specialist supply... WORLD RHYTHM PERCUSSION is a wholesaler of ethnic percussion instruments specialising in djembe drums. Established in 2006 and based in Gloucestershire, WRP has seen significant growth over the last few years and is currently supplying some of the UK’s top retailers. In October 2009, WRP was honoured to win the Best Export Innovation award at the prestigious MIA Awards ceremony in London. The award was presented by Wolfgang Lucke, the director of Musikmesse Frankfurt. It comes at a time of huge growth for World Rhythm Percussion. The company has recently doubled the size of its Cheltenham warehouse and has strengthened its investment in stock as the commitment to UK and European supply continues to grow. WRP believes that the Pro series djembes are among the best sounding djembes on the market today. Inspired by the best qualities of African djembes, the Pro Africa

drums are hand-made from sustainable mahogany that can be traced back to managed plantations in South East Asia. They are all constructed using the superior three-ring system, top quality natural goat skins and pre-stretched alpine rope for the highest level of sound quality. WRP djembes and drums are all constructed by master-craftsmen with years of experience and all of the drums are hand carved. Once the shells have been made, extra care is taken with the bearing edge of each drum, which is sanded and routed for at least 30 minutes to give the most responsive sound. WRP’s range of djembes and percussion is suited to the beginner as well as the educational market and the more professional player. The company will be exhibiting at this year’s Frankfurt Musikmesse in Hall 3 A42, with an open invite for you to view its products and see what everyone’s been making such a fuss about.

CLASSIFIEDS: MINIMUM 12 MONTHS - ONE ANNUAL CHARGE QUARTER PAGE £1,295 75 miPRO APRIL 2010

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MI MARKETPLACE ABROAD REPRESENTATION

ACOUSTIC DISTRIBUTION

For full dealership details contact your local area representative

IRELAND & N.I Walter Hennessy

087 2596183 SCOTLAND & NORTH EAST Steve Clinkscale

07958 351712 NORTHERN ENGLAND Chris Hind

07958 830072 SOUTH WEST CENTRAL ENGLAND & WALES Steve Preston

07554 454054 HC MUSIC DISTRIBUTION LTD

LONDON & SOUTH EAST Ian Collins

00353 5991 34268 sales@hcdistribution.com www.cort-guitars.co.uk www.myspace.com/cortguitars

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MI MARKETPLACE DISTRIBUTOR

GUITAR AND ACCESSORIES

BRITAIN'S FINEST BOUTIQUE EFFECTS Rothwell effects pedals are truly hand-made here in the uk and built to the highest standards. The cases are hand polished and the electronics carefully assembled by skilled uk workers. The circuit design is innovative and original (we don't do clones, repros or mods) and the sound is the sound of classic rock guitar - pure tone. Our pedals are quickly gaining a reputation for superb quality and are being played on some of the world's biggest stages. The Hellbender (overdrive) and Switchblade (distortion) are currently being heard by thousands of fans on Justin Timberlake's world tour, played by Mike Scott (also Prince's main guitarist), who says "you make truly great, great pedals". Why not join our growing list of uk and international dealers and stock Britain's finest boutique effects pedals.

WWW.ROTHWELLAUDIOPRODUCTS.CO.UK 01204 366133 MUSIC PUBLISHERS

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INSURANCE AND BUSINESS

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MI MARKETPLACE PIANOS

MANUFACTURER

t ber

MORLEY Co

020•8318•5838

Grand & Upright Pianos by Elysian, Grotrian-Steinweg, Bechstein, Monington & Weston and other famous makers John Morley Clavichords, Spinets, Harpsichords, Virginals & Celestes

Antique, Modern & New, Rental, Repairs, Sales lists & colour brochures on request.

Robert MORLEY & Co Ltd. Piano & Harpsichord Makers Established 1881

H G AT 37 1 E E S t. L O NDON S

www.morleypianos.com OCARINAS

PERCUSSION

tel: 01536 485 963 fax: 01536 485 051 email: sales@ocarina.co.uk

Making Music in Schools Since 1983 UK made rainbow ocarinas from Ocarina Workshop are easy to play and great fun to teach with. These pocket-sized instruments are popular with kids & well-tuned. Together with 'Play your Ocarina' music books, they are the key to successful music-making in many schools around the country. Make sure school ocarinas are on your counter-top and available when customers request them! Quote ‘MI Pro’ when you order 12 Ocarinas & 12 Books and be amazed at the ocarina’s potential... Trade orders are sent by return: free delivery & no minimum order

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MI MARKETPLACE PERCUSSION AND DRUMS

PERCUSSION

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PERCUSSION

PROMOTIONAL

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MI MARKETPLACE REPAIRS

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SAXOPHONES

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miPRO APRIL 2010 83

D IN MI PRO THE L AST WOR MI Pro prides itself on bringing you hard-hitting news and analysis, but, we reckon you’d also enjoy seeing your peers in their more ‘off duty’ moments. So, we’ve expanded CODA to include a permanent pictorial spread of the month’s social highlights. If you have any snaps from an event you’d like us to include, please send them to mipro@intentmedia.co.uk...

RETRO

APRIL 2007 Cover Stars: Ashton Music UK, now known as Music Force, sees MD Jon Gold explaining Chinese manufacture and the beauty of his budget brand News: Piedog pulls down Williams, MSC buys Shaw, Bosch buys Telex, Sound Tech scoops SKB Features: Acoustic guitars, IBC Trading, mixers, Hiwatt, Sontronics Products: Zildjian Zack Starky sticks, Boss Dynadrive, Stagg James Neligan, Martin Doobie 42, Digidesign 003 Number one singles: The Proclaimers (featuring Brian Potter and Andy Pipkin): I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), Beyoncé & Shakira: Beautiful Liar Number one albums: Kings of Leon: Because of the Times, Avril Lavigne: The Best Damn Thing

IN CHINA WITH BEHRINGER

HAIRY MELON RINGS With all the serious business out of the way, Behringer treated its guests to a fine meal in Zhonshang. The arrival of the Hairy Melon Rings, however, caused consternation for Justin Gawne and Rob Speight (above). Caroline Moss wasn’t quite sure, either. Rob Castle (Korg) and Ray Edwards (Digital Village) are far from convinced, while Clive Burns (Behringer) and MIke Gibson (Korg) needed to have it pointed out to them. The verdict on this delicacy? Utterly revolting!

CONTINUED...

A DIFFERENT WORLD The Hong Kong skyline as seen from the 63rd-floor restaurant was breathtaking, but not as much as the cheering reception given Behringer’s guests by its Chinese workforce. Korg’s Rob Castle and Future Music’s Daniel Griffiths took it in their stride, while Audio Technology’s editor, Andy Stewart, clearly let the adoration go to his head somewhat. All in all, jet lag aside, it was a remarkable few days in China, so hats off to the Behringer team for laying on a top trip.

MI ICON

here aren't many amps that can be counted as instruments in their own right, but the B-15 manages it. Thanks largely to its appearance on a huge number of Motown records, the B15 has a warm, instantly recognisable and totally classy tone that is at once familiar and hugely musical. Introduced by Ampeg in 1960 (just in time to appear on some of the greatest pop records ever produced) and manufactured in Linden New Jersey, this flip-top amp, part of the Portaflex series, was designed to set a new standard for bass tone – and it delivered in spades. Distinctive looking, with a head design that reflects the precision engineering put into the amp, the B15 incorporated an enclosed reflex baffle in a single unit, meaning that this plucky little amp is able to kick out a highly characteristic and richly

Ampeg B-15 resonant voice. Tuned and front ported with a closed back, the relatively small 25-Watt 15-inch B-15 made up in tone what it lacked in stature. A popular studio tool, the B-15 also found plenty of fans throughout the music industry into the 70s thanks to its instantly recognisable thump. The greatest endorsement the B-15 achieved in its career was that it was used by legendary Motown bass player James Jamerson. A member of the infamous Funk Brothers backing group, Jamerson favoured the B15 both live and in the studio, and used it to lay down some of the most groundbreaking bass lines ever. As the workhorse of the musical genius that was to define Motown and the way the bass is played, the Ampeg B-15 has more than earned its place among the MI Icons.