MI Pro June - Issue 109 - Show guide

I A TO Z EXHIBITOR LISTING I EDUCATION DAY I SOS SEMINARS I LIVE ACTS

LIMS ISSUE I JUNE 2009 I WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

OFFICIAL SHOW GUIDE LONDON GUITAR SHOW DRUMMER LIVE SOUND RECORDING TECHNOLOGY UNPLUGGED Event sponsors include

“

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

LIMS • SHOW GUIDE

Being there...

W

elcome to the London International Music Show. It might seem to some to have been a long road from the show’s inaugural happening last year, but for others it will seem as though no time has passed at all as they enter through the trade VIP gates to see what the manufacturers and suppliers have on display this year.

From product launches to seminars, live shows and trade parties, LIMS, in only its second year, is already well on the way to establishing itself as a truly major show in the world’s MI calendar.

ABRSM: STAND D46 ABSOLUTE MUSIC: R4 Absolute Music was originally set up by a group of passionate audio professionals to deliver better service and greater value than anywhere else. So it’s no wonder it’s now grown into one of the UK’s leading music retailers.

The Poole store boasts a huge guitar and bass showroom, acoustic guitar room, guitar workshop, pro audio studio, keyboard/piano showroom and live stage. In our nearby warehouse, there are thousands of products in stock, most of which are available for next-day delivery.

WWW.ABSOLUTEMUSIC.CO.UK ACCESS TO MUSIC: E2 Access to Music is the UK’s largest popular music college, providing exciting, practical and relevant music training at over 20 music centres. It offers a wide range of further education courses based around a unique suite of Rockschoolaccredited Music Practitioner qualifications. These courses are government-funded and are often free or heavily subsidised.

There are also a growing selection of higher education and music teacher training courses, including foundation degrees with the Royal Northern College of Music and University of Westminster and an A&R-based Artist Development programme. ATOM Events is ATM’s events wing providing national performance and industry opportunities. Access to Music welcomes partnerships with education providers and the music industry.

WWW.ACCESSTOMUSIC.CO.UK

Owing to the very nature of the UK market, with retail very much the major element and manufacture being the exception, rather than the rule, LIMS is something of a balancing act between trade and consumer shows, but that need not (and last year, it positively did not) impinge upon the value of the show as an important industry event.

What is important – and I guess many will slap their hands to their foreheads as I go off beating on the same drum I have been pummelling for years now – is that a UK trade show, with consumers or not, is a vital

opportunity for the individuals working in MI in this country to get to know one another, compare notes, share a drink and generally draw up strategies and plans based on more than one’s own daily trading experiences.

Let’s face it, the UK is not exactly the largest of nations on earth and we do have something approaching an advanced transportation network – it is not that much of an ordeal to put aside at least a day to get along and see what is going on – and get your hands on some of the excellent show-only offers that various suppliers have, or take in a

With over 100 employees worldwide in 2009, Adam Hall has become known as one of the largest producers of flight case hardware and fittings.

In addition, Adam Hall manufactures and distributes a wide range of wellknown audio event and industrial products, which include its own hugely successful audio brand LD Systems, Adam Hall Stands, Adam Hall Cases, Beyma and BMS speakers, Defender cable crossovers and Palmer audio tools.

For those witrh a pro audio bent, there is also the opportunity to find out about LD Systems latest high-end sound reinforcement systems.

WWW.ADAMHALL.COM

There’s never been a better time to stock sheet music

ALCHEMEA LTD: F14

ACTIVE MUSIC : STAND K8

ALFRED PUBLISHING: (SEE FABER) Alfred Publishing is a leading worldwide music publisher with corporate offices in Los Angeles and additional sales/marketing offices in Germany, the UK (with European distribution through Faber Music), Singapore and Australia.

And in over 80 years of successful publishing, Alfred has acquired worldwide distribution agreements with an impressive array of other publishers.

In 2005, Alfred acquired ownership of the Warner Brothers print music division, thus promoting Alfred to world leader in the provision of popular and educational music. With a roster of artists such as Peter Erskine, Steve Gadd, Nickelback and Katy Perry, plus products like Alfred’s Guitar Method, Premier Piano Course and Jazz, and Rags & Blues, Alfred Publishing creates the music books and DVDs to educate the next generation.

WWW.ALFRED.COM

ADAM HALL: STAND J8 Adam Hall was founded in the mid1970s, and is based in Southend, Essex.

ALLEN & HEATH: F16 British pro audio manufacturer Allen & Heath will be exhibiting a selection of its

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new mixers. Launched at last year’s show, the award-winning ZED-R16 Firewire recording mixer will take pride of place, alongside other models from the ZED range of compact USB-equipped mixers for live performance, recording and production, including the ZED-14 and ZED-12FX. Allen & Heath will also be demonstrating the Xone:4D mixer/controller and Xone:22 DJ mixer.

WWW.ALLEN-HEATH.COM ALLIANZ MUSICAL INSURANCE: STAND H20 ALLPARTS UK: H40 Allparts UK is the UK and Ireland distributor and retailer for parts supplied

by Allparts in America, the premier guitar and bass parts specialist, based in Houston, Texas.

Parts include Fender-licensed replacement necks and bodies, fingerboards, nuts, saddles, fret wire, tuners, bridges, tailpieces, pickguards and all those useful hard-to-find, small-butcrucial screws, springs and knobs, including the bits that vanish from Floyd Rose trem systems.

workshop, seminar or masterclass from one or more of the experts active at the show this year.

Once at the show – and jealously clutching your MI Pro LIMS Live issue (this one, in case you hadn’t noticed) – you are only a dozen or so steps from the company or product that could help you turn around your business – or keep it flying high. There will be a lot to learn for all of us and what is more, there could well be a lot that others can learn from you.

Other than that, the only thing left to say is: Enjoy the show…

These are made or licensed by ABM, Badass, Bartolini, Bigsby, Burns, CRL, CTS, Danelectro, Earvana, Electrosocket, Fender, Gotoh, Graphtech, Hipshot, Hofner, Jim Dunlop, Lace, Leo Quan, Moses, Razor, Schaller, Sperzel, Sprague, Switchcraft and Wilkinson.

WWW.ALLPARTS.UK.COM ANDERTONS: R12 ARIA UK: H2.

Aria UK will be showing the all new Fusion bags for the first time – they’re more than just a gig bag.

Also debuting is the re-launched Larson Bros. Guitars of Chicago brand, which left a remarkable legacy of fine fretted instruments spanning the mid 1940s to the early 1980s.

Aria UK is also the newly appointed distributor for Stanford guitars and the new Premier series will be shown for the first time. There will be new 2009 models from Aria and Seymour Duncan (not just pickups any more), to include three new pedals. There will also be a selection of show offers from the stand.

WWW.ARIAUK.COM miPRO JUNE 2009 39

SHOW GUIDE • LIMS

ASHTON (MUSIC FORCE): G1 ATKIN GUITARS: C26 Atkin Guitars offer a range of high quality, hand-crafted, steel string acoustic guitars, built here in the UK. This year it has introduced the pre-war range, based on the classic Martins of the 1930s-style guitars. Atkin players include Graham Coxon, Elbow, Boo Hewerdine, Neill MacColl, Kathryn Williams ,Turin Brakes, Richard Hawley, Chris Difford, Kate Walsh, Kris Drever, Eddi Reader and Nick Harper.

WWW.ATKINGUITARS.COM ATLAS GUITARS: K84 BARNES & MULLINS: K6 Barnes & Mullins will be displaying its selection of award-winning brands at this year’s show. It will be featuring the latest offerings from Lag Guitars, including the new Tramontane Acoustic series, the very special Faith Signature series, the world’s finest saxophones – Yanagisawa, Höfner Guitars and orchestral products, Rico reeds and woodwind accessories, Shadow Electronics (including the all new Hex pickup system), Admira Spanish-made classical guitars, Brunswick Guitars (the best entry level brand by far), the undisputed leaders in orchestral strings, Thomastik-Infeld, and much more.

WWW.BANDM.CO.UK

There will be plenty to see and do at the show this year. Make a note of the companies you particularly want to seek out Breitkopf will also be displaying new and recent editions including works by J.S. Bach, Mozart, Ravel and Lalo, and from the Musica Rara stable, new editions of Vivaldi and Albinoni.

The series of easy piano music: perennial Keyboard Crocodile and allied publications such as Ponies and Splash, as well as the Mini Jazz, Mini Rock and Mini Tango series will be on show.

WWW.BREITKOPF.COM

Casio range include Privia pianos, the ultimate in style and performance with world-class sound quality and design.

Featuring 128 note polyphony, scaled hammer action and AIF sound source for outstanding sound and expression.

Celviano pianos are elegant and have contemporary digital technology. They feature advanced stereo sampling and multi-track memory.

WWW.CASIO.CO.UK

New strap collections from Planet Waves feature licensed designs from iconic brands such as Alchemy, Lethal Threat and McWhite, plus a 40th Anniversary Woodstock collection.

Check out Planet Waves’ huge selection of essential guitar gear, including cables, tuners, straps, smart tools and care products. Stop by the Summerfield stand for exclusive show offers.

WWW.SF-MUSIC.CO.UK

BOSE: E24 The new Bose L1 Compact portable line array system, the latest – and most portable – addition to the Bose L1 product line, will be exhibited for the first time in the UK at LIMS. Using advanced Bose technologies, an L1 Compact system fills the room with only one speaker, and can be carried in a single trip and set up in less than one minute.

The system features an integrated low-frequency enclosure and combines the amplifier, monitor, PA, mixer and EQ into a complete audio system ready for simple connection to an instrument, microphone, MP3 player, computer or other audio device.

WWW.BOSE.COM/MUSICIANS

CHAPPELL OF BOND STREET: R14

DAVE KING ACCOUSTICS: C24

COLLINGS GUITARS: H23 Collings Guitars make some of the finest flat top acoustic guitars on the planet, and LIMS is your chance to find out why the world’s top players play them and why the world’s top guitar makers revere them.

Collings VP Steve McCreary will be on the booth to spread the word about the legendary Collings build quality and tone, as well as showing off some beautiful custom-order acoustics and new models, including the 360 solid electric, not seen before in the UK. Due to its steady growth, a limited number of new dealerships are available, so dealers are invited to ask for details.

WWW.COLLINGSGUITARS.COM

CASIO ELECTRONICS: F18 With 50 years’ experience in pioneering consumer electronics, Casio brings the London International Music Show the best in musical innovation, with a complete range of accessible, high quality keyboards and pianos for musicians at all stages.

Full product demonstrations and trade support will be offered throughout the event and highlights from the fantastic

D’ADDARIO, PLANET WAVES: G34 Come and marvel at the D’Addario string wall, featuring the widest range of strings you have ever seen. Zyex, Helicore and Prelude bowed strings will also be on display, with strings suitable for every application and all levels. Try new EXP acoustic strings – the nearest you can get to uncoated strings, with every string now extended play.

DOLPHIN MUSIC: F11 Dolphin Music will be representing Auralex Acoustics UK and VocalBooth.com at this year’s LIMS show, demonstrating new products, free technical support and great offers in the retail village from Absolute Music Solutions.

Auralex is a USA number one, industry standard brand for acoustic treatment.

No matter how good your studio monitors are or your latest microphone is, mixing in a bad acoustic environment will always destructively affect your mix.

Anyone who is interested in recording will have an aspiration to always improve their professionalism; this is where Auralex and VocalBooth come in.

Want to improve your room’s acoustics? Serious about isolated recording? Then make sure you pay a visit to this stand.

WWW.DOLPHINMUSIC.CO.UK

BERKLEE MUSIC: G28 BLACKHAWK MUSIC: J1 BLACKSTAR AMPLIFICATION: J18 Blackstar Amplification, now in its third year, will be showing the award winning Artisan and HT ranges, along with the much anticipated Series One line. This innovative high gain range of amplifiers consists of a 45 Watt, two-channel combo, 100 Watt, two-channel head and a 200 Watt, four-channel head.

All amps include the patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control and DPR (Dynamic Power Reduction) function.

There will be demos of Series One throughout the show and the chance to pick up the latest Blackstar catalogue, stickers, guitar picks and other merchandise. For more information call 01536 312620.

WWW.BLACKSTARAMPS.CO.UK BREITKOPF & HÄRTEL: D4 2009 is the year of anniversaries: Mendelssohn, Händel and Haydn. In particular, Breitkopf is celebrating Mendelssohn with many new editions of well known works and rarities which will be on display.

40 miPRO JUNE 2009

ELIXIR STRINGS (WL GORE): J12 Elixir Strings, the well-known pioneer of long-life strings, is featuring its popular line of Elixir Cables at LIMS 2009,

WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

SHOW GUIDE • LIMS

together with the introduction of right angled jack plugs. Elixir Cables feature a patented design, which truly delivers tone without compromise and excels over existing products with advanced features.

By solving the problem of unwanted tonal distortion, inherent in ordinary cables, these innovative guitar cables provide guitarists with the most tonally transparent sound on the market.

Elixir Strings also broadens its AntiRust product line with all of Elixir Strings’ acoustic sets featuring Anti-Rust Plain Steels. Live on stand performances feature London bass wizard Yolanda Charles and former Almighty frontman Ricky Warwick.

WWW.ELIXIRSTRINGS.CO.UK FABER MUSIC/ALFRED: G24 (LONDON GUITAR SHOW) The widest range of pop, educational and classical printed music. Ther are pop songbooks from top bands and artists – Duffy, Amy Winehouse, Elbow, Katy Perry, Take That, Girls Aloud; rock legends – Queen, Nickelback, Deep Purple, Nirvana, Steve Vai; and New Authentic Playalongs from Rush and The Who. Learn guitar with The Ultimate Guitar Tutor series and explore classic riffs and guitar trivia with Rifftionary. Play Uke with new Ukulele Playlists or film and show music with Indiana Jones and Star Wars playalongs.

WWW.FABERMUSIC.COM FABER MUSIC/ALFRED: N12 (DRUMMER LIVE) The widest range of educational drum and percussion materials by the best artists. Whatever your style – latin, rock, jazz, funk, big-band, or your interest – historical, performance, reference, the compnay has them all in DVD, book, or book/DVD formats.

Alfred is a world leader in the provision of percussion and drum music with artists including Peter Erskine, Dave Weckl and many more. Plus with Faber Music’s playalongs for Rush and The Who and the new Beatopedia book of 120 of the most famous drum beats and fills, there is something for every drummer.

WWW.FABERMUSIC.COM FARIDA GUITARS: H30 The prestige brand of one of the world’s biggest and most respected guitar makers, Farida Guitars has developed something of a cult status over the last few years, with demand and reputation way outpacing availability. The sound and playability of these instruments is simply unrivalled at their price point and Farida has rapidly become the best selling acoustic brand in the majority of its High Street stockists.

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Farida is looking to spread its wings further in 2009 and is exhibiting at stand H-30, where you can come and see the quality of these instruments for yourself.

WWWFARIDAGUITARS.CO.UK FLIGHT CASES PRO: E11 FOCUSRITE: STAND F4 FREESTYLE MUSIC: G8 Freestyle Music will exhibit new products from the brands it distributes in the UK. It is proud to launch Hiwatt amplification as the latest addition to our catalogue. The legendary amp manufacturer is fast regaining iconic status from musicians around the world – come and see why. New products from Gator cases, Quik Lok stands, Perris straps, Eno tuners and Rok Sak gig bags are also on show.

Eko guitars of Italy are celebrating the 50th aniversary of the company this year with a limited edition of the iconic Ranger acoustic guitar, which will debut at LIMS along with other new guitars for 2009. Get along and fill out an order.

WWW.FREESTYLEMUSIC.CO.UK FUTURE PUBLISHING: H21 G7TH CAPOS: H22 G7th continues to be the number one choice in capos. Having recently won Best Capo and Best Product Innovation awards in Acoustic Guitar Magazine USA, G7th has now received the Queen’s Award for Export. The G7th Performance Capo is simply a step above the rest. Its fast action, accurate tuning and innovative styling makes it every guitarist’s choice. Available in six-string, 12-string, Classical and Banjo (Drop D), the Performance Range retails at £29.95.

The recent addition of the Nashville capo, offers an affordable, G7th designed, spring-loaded capo at £19.95. Check them out at booth H22.

WWW.G7TH.COM GARY NOONAN DRUMS: M20 GEAR4MUSIC: H14.

Visit one of the UK’s largest retailers of musical instruments and equipment at Stand H14 and see the new 2009 range of Black Knight Guitars, White Horse Amps and White Horse Drums, as well as a full range of classical gear.

Also, you can meet the new UK distributor of Belcat guitar equipment.

Over 5,700 products are also available on the store’s website.

WWW.GEAR4MUSIC.COM

All the brands, all the products, all throughout the show guitars. Because they are made individually to order they can incorporate any design features that the customer requires. Materials such as aluminium, brass and stainless steel, and finishes including anodising, chrome or gold plating can be used.

With the vast choice of guitars available it can be a hard task to find the one that sounds and looks just how you want it to, but when your Goulding guitar is complete you will have a guitar that has been designed by you and is totally unique to you. You won’t be able to resist.

WWW.GOULDINGGUITARS.COM GREMLIN MUSIC: D10 Gremlin will have a dedicated area for Blueridge Guitars where the distributor will be showing the new contemporary electro-acoustic models and some new Bristol guitars, which are designed by Blueridge. The Bristol guitars are a low cost but high quality starter guitar.

Furthermore, Gremlin will be showing off its core range of folky instruments and promoting its folk dealership.

The company will also be displaying its fantastic new range of Ashbury Celtic mandolins, mandolas, tenor guitars and ukuleles.

WWW.GREMLINMUSIC.CO.UK GUITAR VILLAGE: STAND G2 GUITAR XS: H23 HARDCASE INTERNATIONAL: M59 HEADLINE MUSIC: STAND H18

GOULDING GUITARS: STAND H42 Goulding Guitars is a UK-based luthier specialising in custom-made aluminium

HEADSTOCK: STAND J4

HERGA MUSIC SERVICES: D3 HIGH TECH DISTRIBUTION UK: G5 High Tech Distribution UK will proudly be exhibiting Vigier Guitars and Rapco Audio products at this year’s LIMS. This is the UK premiere of viewing the stunning new Vigier GV series guitars and 2009 limited edition Bfoot signature model, as well as the entire 2009 Vigier range.

High Tech Distribution is extremely pleased to be exhibiting Rapco Audio products for the first time in the UK. This will be an exclusive opportunity to check out these US-made, high-end cables and saviours of tone.

So, whatever your needs, guitar or audio, the High Tech stand will be one stop that you won’t regret making.

WWW.HTD-UK.COM HINESITE DISTRIBUTION: G3A INDIE GUITAR CO: F2 The name ‘Indie’ comes from the word ‘Independent’.

Indie, or Independent. Meaning: ‘Separate and different from the rest, non-corporate, free of mind and free to express oneself as an individual. Free to express an independent attitude, without being categorised’.

The folks at Indie manufacture its guitars and amplifiers with this same independent belief. The products are aimed at the musician who wants a quality instrument that plays well, looks cool and is affordable. Its customer base is usually an Indie (independent) type person, free of mind and chooses not to follow the masses.

WWW.INDIEGUITARS.COM

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TRUST US...

THEY ARE COATED p $PNQMFUFMZ 3F &OHJOFFSFE All Six Strings Now Extended Play. p 5IJOOFS .PSF $PODFOUSJD $PBUJOH Uncoated String Tone, More Volume & Longer Life. w ne kage c pa

p $PNQPVOE 1MBUFE 1MBJO 4UFFMT Traditional Feel with 4x More Corrosion Resistance

“For over 100 years, D’Addario has been passionate about string-making and discovering ways to innovate. For the last 10 years, we have tirelessly invested in experiments and technologies to develop what we believe to be the ultimate set of strings. Our family and brand name guarantees that these long-lasting coated strings are the best you will ever play! “

LEARN MORE: DADDARIO.COM/EXP

EXP DEALER PROGRAMMES & IN-STORE PROMOTIONS NOW RUNNING. CALL SUMMERFIELD ON 0191 414 9000 FOR DETAILS. Distributed by Summerfield MI Ltd | 1 Vance Court | Trans Britannia Enterprise Park | Blaydon on Tyne | NE21 5NH | Tel: 0191 414 9000 | e-mail: mail@sf-music.co.uk | web www.sf-music.co.uk.

D’Addario & Company, Inc. | Farmingdale, NY 11735 USA | D’Addario and EXP are registered trademarks of D’Addario & Company, Inc. or its affliates in the United States and/or other countries. Š 2009. All rights reserved.

SHOW GUIDE • LIMS

INKY HOLLOW: STAND H50 The folks at Inky Hollow produce custom artwork for electric guitars, bass guitars and many other instruments – the main driving force being to create completely one-off concepts and original artwork combined with top quality finishes, with the end result being unique and eye-catching instruments.

On the Inky Hollow stand, you can admire an illustrative selection of fully painted guitars and get a glimpse of the possibilities available to customers and a feel for what we can offer you.

WWW.INKYHOLLOW.CO.UK THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC PERFORMANCE: STAND G20 You can check out the main stand (G20 in the guitar hall), where there will be live teaching and demonstrations featuring ICMP tutors.

Come see some fantastic live music performed by ICMP students and artists on the main live stage in the concourse, or watch the Guitar Idol finals on Saturday morning, which feature an ICMP band.

There’s still plenty of time to enrol on an ICMP course this year, including the fantastic new songwriting Diploma, so make contact and find out all you need to know about Europe’s finest school of modern music WWW.ICMP.CO.UK

JMP 2000 LTD/PROMOTEYOURBAND: STAND H1 JOE CO: STAND E40 JOHN HORNBY SKEWES & CO: STAND H10 See Fret-King’s excellent Blue Label guitars alongside special UK-produced Green Labels from Trev Wilkinson. There are also pre-aged Vintage Icons, plus Vintage Advance and upgraded Encore electrics, and the 2009 Metal Axxe guitars.

The high spec Vintage electroacoustic range is now equipped with Fishman systems, as are the new Santos Martinez electro-classicals. Also, why not check out the SpongeBob Squarepants instruments?

You can also see Danelectro, Fishman, Jim Dunlop effects, Kustom amplification, Allen & Heath mixers, GYC cables, HK Audio pro audio, N-Tune’s unique onboard tuner, Performance Percussion, Rhythm Tech and Regal Tip. Trev Wilkinson will be on the JHS stand, with demos from top JHS clinician Gav Coulson.

WWW.JHS.CO.UK KORG UK: STAND F20 KV2 AUDIO EUROPE: STAND E30 LICK LIBRARY: STAND J16 M-AUDIO: STAND F5A

INTERMUSIC: STAND F3

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MARSHALL AMPS: STAND G2 While at LIMS be sure to check out the Marshall stands G02 and G06, where you can get up close and personal with its new ranges, Haze, Dave Mustaine signature cabinets and MG. There will also be signing sessions with Dr Jim Marshall OBE and demonstrations by Chris George in a sound proofed booth.

You can come and crank up several items from the range and feel for yourself the raw thump only a Marshall amp can deliver. Stop by to check timings for signings and demos. All your amplifier needs catered for.

WWW.MARSHALLAMPS.COM

catalogues at the show, along with the AMA Verlag, AMPD (All Music & Publishing, Australia) and Sasha catalogues that are currently exclusive to Mel Bay Music.

Lastly it will have the excellent (and exclusively signed to Mel Bay) Rodney Branigan performing on the stand, demonstrating his unique ambidextrous two-guitar technique and promoting his brand new DVD WWW.MELBAY.COM

ME GUITARS/EDGE CRAFT: K96

MUSIC SALES: STAND B10

MEL BAY MUSIC: STAND C2 Mel Bay Music will be offering the usual excellent incentives to come along and personally place trade orders during the show. A free gift to each trade order will apply, along with the chance to win a credit crunching £350 credit for one lucky trade account.

With exciting new products and great new series being launched exclusively at the LIMS show, the company intends to make visiting the Mel Bay booth a worthwhile appointment.

Not forgetting that Mel Bay will also be exhibiting the catalogues that it distributes featuring Walton’s, Mally’s and Mayas Music.

It will be announcing and promoting two, brand new, exclusively signed

MUSIC TECH MAGAZINE: STAND F12

MERTON COLLEGE: STAND C16 MOOSE GUITARS: STAND J22

LIMS • SHOW GUIDE

new updated range of the Orange Crush Pix amplifiers.

WWW.ORANGEAMPS.COM ORGANIC GUITARS: STAND G7 OSBORNE GUITARS AND MANDOLINS: STAND C28

You can see the best of rock n roll live at the show

MUSIC TECH SCHOOL: STAND F1 MUSICIAN’S UNION: STAND G18 The Musicians’ Union represents over 30,000 musicians working in all sectors of the music business. As well as negotiating on behalf of its members with all the major employers in the industry, the MU offers a range of services for self-employed professional and student musicians of all ages. The benefits of membership include £10m public liability cover, £2,000 worth of equipment insurance, contract advice, partnership agreements, careers advice and legal assistance.

Visit the MU stand and find out how the Union’s team of specialist full-time officials can help you with your career, whether you work in the live arena, the recording studio, in education or as a writer/composer.

WWW.MUSICIANSUNION.ORG.UK NAMM / MUSIKMESSE: STAND K102 NOTION MUSIC: STAND F15 OLYMPUS UK: STAND E44 OPEN LABS: STAND E20 ORANGE: STAND G10 Orange Music Electronic Company, which was recently awarded the coveted Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade, will again be exhibiting at LIMS. The company will be debuting at the show an exciting range of new products including: the Limited Edition 2009 White Finish, Dual Terror 30 watt Class A dual channel amp, Tiny Terror Hard Wired Edition, the 500 and 1000 watt Terror Bass hybrid amplifiers, New series of Orange Bass Speaker Cabinets and OBC810 bass speaker cabinet and a

www.mi-pro.co.uk

OVERT LIGHT TO SOUND/HIGHLITE UK: STAND F13 Overt Light to Sound is the sole UK and Ireland distributor for Dap Audio, DMT, Showtec Lighting and Antari smoke and effect machines. 2009 is the first time it will exhibit at LIMS. It will be showing a part of its comprehensive range of LED Light effects, LED Par Cans and the UK launch of the new Showtec LED. Par 56 is a set for bands, with a foot controller. The set includes four LED par 56 cans in yellow, red, green and blue, a stand with T-bar, power pack and foot controller.

From the Antari range of smoke and effect machines, it will be showing the Z-300 Fazer and HZ-500 Pro Hazer (for larger touring bands).

It also has a comprehensive range of leads, cables, flight cases, trussing and PA systems. Pop along to stand F13 and collect the all-new 2009, 600-page catalogue.

WWW.OVERT-LTD.COM PATRICK EGGLE LIMITED: STAND J2 Patrick Eggle is showing many new designs plus selected early 1990s favourites, to coincide with the launch of its new Custom Shop.

Models include the newest Berlin – the ‘Berlin Standard’, a 24-fret, allmahogany, working musician’s guitar; the revised and updated ‘JS Legend’ from 1992, as seen on TV; the ‘New York’; and a new modern ‘LA’.

Custom shop options on the ‘Wave Extra’ and ‘Wave Pro’ are also launched, giving guitarists of all levels access to the world’s leading session musicians’ choice – the ‘Patrick Eggle Experience’.

Technical innovations are so many, that they cannot be described by words alone – the guitars need to be listened to, played through Eggle’s new, unique Class ‘D’ guitar amp.

WWW.PATRICKEGGLEGUITARS.COM PEAVEY ELECTRONICS: STAND G4 Peavey has once again been asked to provide the sound system for the main stage at the London International Music Show.

A Peavey system was also used last year for the inaugural LIMS, when Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani headed the list of stars performing (along with The Blockheads, who made a

special appearance at the exclusive Peavey-sponsored exhibitor party).

Peavey’s endorsement of LIMS goes beyond the main stage’s flagship Versarray system (two hangs of ten Versarray 212s supplemented by ten 218 subs, driven by Crest amplification).

Having been swamped by visitors at last year’s show, this year the company has booked double the stand space, to allow it to display even more of its products, ranging from guitars, effects and amps right through to gigging PA. Several debuts are scheduled, including first UK showings for the new EuroSys portable PA system, the Joe Satriani-designed JSX 50 head amp and the revolutionary IPR range of ultralightweight, ultra-efficient power amps.

WWW.PEAVEY-EU.COM PEERLESS GUITARS: STAND K101 PLECTRUM BOX: STAND H64 POLAR AUDIO: STAND G9 PRISM SOUND: STAND E21 Prism Sound and SADiE will be showing LIMS visitors how its ADA-8XR multichannel converters, Orpheus FireWire interfaces, SADiE digital audio workstations and Maselec range of mic pre maps, eqs and compressors integrate into the recording, mastering and live sound environments.

To achieve this, the company’s stand will be divided into three separate areas dedicated to each discipline. There will also be a live performance area where artists such as Kid British and jazz/funk keyboardist JD73 will perform during the show.

Prism Sound and SADiE staff, along with industry ‘names’ including Crispin Murray from Metropolis Mastering, will be on hand to tackle Q&A sessions.

WWW.PRISMSOUND.COM PROEL INTERNATIONAL: STAND E6 Proel is taking the UK launch of the fantastic Markbass MoMark modular bass amp system to LIMS. It enables users to custom build their own ultimate bass amplifier. Also debuting will be the new Markbass bass effects pedals and the Cicognani ‘Brutus’ professional valve amplifier range, comprising valve heads, cabs and a combo.

Bass players must not miss the UK premiere of MTD Kingston basses – designed by the legendary Mike Tobias and making Mike’s world-beating ideas in bass design available at more affordable prices. For drummers, Proel will be showing the world-beating Drum Art handmade snare drums.

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RETAIL UP: H3 Retail Up provides website services to companies in the US, Canada, Asia and Europe. Two principals with extensive backgrounds in website management and development for over 200 companies since 1994 lead the firm.

Each principal has over 20 years of technology and marketing experience.

Its programming team members each have at least ten years or more experience and work with the latest web technology advances.

This combination of marketing and technology allows Retail Up to go beyond e-commerce and provide an affordable array of services and features to serve client’s specific needs. Its goal is to provide you with the support, tools and advice to make your web presence a success.

WWW.RETAILUP.COM RICHMO DRUMS: M58 ROCKSCHOOL: K100 ROLAND UK: E28 Roland and Boss will be at LIMS in fine style, and they are launching an array of brand-new instruments at the show. You can also catch up with the gear launched earlier this year at NAMM and Frankfurt, including the groundbreaking V-Piano, Cube 80X and the awardwinning V-Drums TD-4K and Boss ME-70 MFX. Dedicated zones for synths, pianos, drums and guitar gear mean that you’ll easily find what you’re looking for, along with some great playing and hundreds of like-minded musicians.

Craig Blundell, the in-demand session musician and V-Drums demonstrator, will be showcasing the latest V-Drums technology with blistering performances throughout the show. The V-Drums workshops also make a welcome return, giving people the chance to have a quick drum lesson on the day.

With some of the industry’s finest product demonstrators and clinicians, opportunities to try the most exciting gear around and the chance to win some great prizes, make sure you drop by and get stuck in.

WWW.ROLAND.CO.UK ROTOSOUND: STAND H12 Rotosound is celebrating over 50 years of string making in the UK and guess what? It is now building even more new string winding machines as it has, over the last seven months, seen a 26.7 per cent increase in worldwide sales.

Some of this is down to its redesigned packaging, superior quality and consistency, fast deliveries and formidable media presence on and off line.

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There will also be appearances by several artists, though they are yet to be confirmed: Paul Allender, Dave Pybus (Cradle of Filth), Steve Diggle (Buzzcocks),Captain Sensible(Damned) and JJ Burnel (Stranglers).

Rotosound would like to invite you to make a visit to booth H12, where you can find out how you can earn more profit per set than imported string lines and keep it British. You will also be able to check out the new Nexus coated string range.

All trade orders placed at the show over £500 will enter in a prize draw for two tickets for NAMM 2010.

WWW.ROTOSOUND.COM SAE: E9 SANDARAC: D12 Sandarac will be launching the highly regarded French Dupont Guitars and amplification systems from stand D12 at this year’s LIMS. New to the UK market – but not the world (Dupont instruments are played by the likes of Eric Clapton and Steve Miller), the range includes the Jazz Archtop ‘Be Bop’ guitar, along with the Auditorium and ABJ Flat Tops, the folding ‘Volante’ Double Bass, a Retro Jaxx Stimer amp and a retro Selmer-style pickup (as played by Django!).

With the stand themed as a ‘Jazz Cafe’, you will be able to hear all the gear being played by top instrumentalists from the jazz world, who will be dropping by for a jam on the public days and also to catch up on all the jazz news from Jazzwise Magazine, which will also be available on the stand.

WWW.SANDARAC.CO.UK SENNHESER UK: E25 Sennheiser UK will this year be exhibiting the latest in the evolution wireless range, the G3 series – the highlight in Sennheiser’s wireless microphone portfolio.

The third generation will replace the evolution wireless G2 series. In addition to this, Sennheiser will also be demonstrating live, new DJ products from Rane, as well as its range of topend studio monitoring DJ headphones.

WWW.SENNHEISER.CO.UK SHURE DISTRIBUTION UK: E15 Shure Distribution UK is the official UK distributor of Shure, Phonic, Radial and Tonebone. Visit stand E15 to be one of the first in the UK to listen to the new Shure SRH headphones or try out the new Shure side-address, large cardiod diaphragm condenser USB mics. Also, don’t miss Domo Dixon (lead guitarist of Gamabomb) demo’ing Radial Tonebone and Bones guitar pedals.

WWW. SHURE.CO.UK

Exhibitors pull out all the stops to get attention for their stands SILENT PEAKS: E17 SONIC DISTRIBUTION: F5 SOUND NETWORK: E35 THE SOUND POST: D6 SOUND TECHNOLOGY: F6 SOURCE DISTRIBUTION: F8 STAND FIRST (PLAYMUSIC): TBC STEINBERG: E42 STENTOR: B8 Visit the Stentor stand to see all the Stentor instruments on display, including the new Stentor Graduate violin outfit.

You’ll also be able to try the latest Ozark guitars, banjos and fretted instruments, including the distinctive Ozark Deluxe series. While you’re there, see new classical guitars from Valencia and Hokada, as well as Mahalo ukuleles and superb value Mistral woodwind. Take the time to talk to Stentor about how its lines may be able to improve profit for your business.

The new Stentor catalogue will also be launched at the show, with over 200 pages of instruments and accessories.

Book an appointment with your Stentor representative now or just come along and talk to the team.

WWW.STENTOR-MUSIC.COM STRING CLEAN (SWIPE): H4 The Swipe is simply designed to be the world’s most effective, instrument string cleaner. It’s a quick to use, chemical free, micro fibre tool that has been specifically created to clean strings on all instruments.

It cleans the surface and underneath of strings as well as fret wires. There’s no need for string slackening. The Swipe is packaged with separate micro fibre cloths for cleaning the body of your instrument and supplied by some of the world’s most prestigious guitar makers.

The Swipe is a fast and easy method to keep your instrument sounding, feeling and looking pristine.

WWW.THE-SWIPE.COM STRINGS & THINGS: J6 Take a trip to the Strings & Things stand, where you’ll be able to try out products including the very latest Musicman guitars and basses.

There will be all the usual models, including Stingray, Sterling and Bongo basses, along with Supersport, Axis, Silhouette, Petrucci, Albert Lee, Luke and Steve Morse guitars. Prices range from standard to the superb Ball Family Reserve models.

New instruments for 2009 include the 25th Anniversary guitar and basses along with the Big Al bass. The company is also featuring the new medium priced Sterling by Musicman range of guitars and basses.

Hercules instrument stands will feature too, along with the full range of Timberline acoustic guitars and Jim Dunlop & MXR effects pedals.

WWW.STRINGSANDTHINGS.CO.UK STUDIOMASTER: E10 The new MCX range of mixers is a fourbus design with a range of 12 to 32 channels in four frame sizes.

The MCX12 and14 have internal power supplies, while the MCX24 and 32 use an external supply and are shipped in a heavy duty flight cases. They have six auxiliaries, four band eq and input

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LIMS • SHOW GUIDE

Although consumers will be there over the weekend, Thursday is definitely trade day and output connectors on the rear panel for easy patching.

The very successful PAX monitor range has been given more power and is now called PAX+. There are four models in the range: 12-inch 150-Watt powered and 12-inch passive, and a ten-inch, 120-Watt powered and ten-inch passive. All models feature a two-way speaker design with a new high frequency tweeter giving superior sound over previous models.

After two decades of producing world class powered mixers, Studiomaster launches the Powerhouse 1000X range. Featuring four models with ten to 18 input channels, quality DSP effects and 1,000 Watts of power. Three-band eq with mid sweep, 60mm smooth faders and nine band stereo graphic equaliser ensure a pro sound at every gig.

WWW.STUDIOMASTER.COM STUDIOSPARES: E22 Visit the Studiospares stand for show special prices on selected pro-audio gear. The firm will also be giving away its 380-page 2009 catalogue, which details around 7,000 of the best recording and PA products around.

And it will be showing – and more importantly demonstrating – the Esmono Sound Isolation Booth on the stand. It is said to be ideal for studios and broadcast facilities, and very popular in schools and universities. The Sound Booth is modular, movable and highly affordable.

WWW.STUDIOSPARES.COM STUFF MAGAZINE: K22 SUTHERLAND TRADING: G12 You can go to this stand to see the Sonor Steve Smith 30th Anniversary kit that he will play in the live hall on Saturday. Steve Smith will sign autograph cards on the stand at various times throughout the show.

Other Sonor drums on display are the New Danny Carey bronze snare, new Force series Rock format and new S-Classix strata wood and Delite tiger finish kits. Guitars shown will be Fernandes, Burns of London – including the new Cobra with batwing headstock, the Stonebridge Antoine Dufour model and a range of Crafter, which can be tried through Headway’s Shire King ‘acoustic’ amps.

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Ukuleles will include the new Eleuke MP3-ready models and a range of Kala ukuleles, including the new Joe Brown signature model, travel series and the new U-Bass bass ukulele that’s a must for every uke and bass player.

WWW.SUTHERLANDTRADING.COM TAKE IT AWAY (ARTS COUNCIL): D45 TASCAM: E18 Tascam will be exhibiting its complete range of Portastudios and, for the first time in the UK, the new DP004 digital Pocketstudio. The Portastudio celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2009 and is still as liberating and revolutionary to the first time user and pro alike as it was back in 1979.

There will be the award-winning range of computer interfaces on display and the Firewire DAW controllers.

New for this year are the DR07 & DR100 digital handheld recorders, together with the evergreen digital guitar trainers. The DM4800 & DM3200 professional digital mixers will be demonstrated in conjunction with the award winning X48 digital multitrack, a 48-track, hard disk workstation.

WWW.TASCAM.CO.UK TAYLOR GUITARS: H24 Founded in 1974, Taylor Guitars is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium acoustic and electric guitars. Renowned for blending an innovative use of modern technology with a master craftsman’s attention to detail, Taylor guitars are widely considered the best sounding and easiest to play in the world.

Starting in 2008, Taylor has been distributed in Europe by Fender Musical Instruments Corp. Since then, Taylor has opened Factory Service Centres in England, Germany and Sweden, with additional sites planned throughout Europe. Taylor factory staff from California will be on-hand at LIMS, offering demos of the complete Taylor line, including acoustics, the SolidBody electrics, T5, and the new T3 semi-hollow electric, recently featured on the cover of Guitarist.

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TIME+SPACE: F9 TRINITY GUILDHALL: D50, M60 TOM AND WILL: D36 Tomandwill.com has an extensive range of high quality gig bags for all ages and abilities. Features include lightweight padding, rugged exterior cloths, accessory pockets, padded straps and heavy duty zip fasteners. Bags come in a range of colours and designs.

Tomandwill gig bags are available for all strings, brass and woodwind, as well as bagpipes, with more being developed in time for LIMS. Go along and view the range on stand D36 in the unplugged hall and speak to the team.

WWW.TOMANDWILL.COM TOON GUITARS: K98 UNITED MUSIC PUBLISHERS: D40 United Music Publishers is the principal distributor in the UK and Ireland for the major French classical printed music

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publishers as well as for companies from Europe and beyond. Its catalogue includes the bestselling Play Percussion, Crash, Bang, Wallop and Just for Fun series by Keith Bartlett.

Visit the stand to take advantage of various offers exclusive to the show, to browse through its latest new issues, best sellers and exam titles, and to see works by Debussy, Einaudi, Fauré, Massenet, Messiaen, Poulenc, Puccini, Ravel, Satie, Tiersen, Verdi, Widor and many more.

WWW.UMP.CO.UK

consistency in its products. It holds good stock levels in its centrally located UK warehouse and is able to ship orders worldwide.

WRP’s professional and entry-level Djembe drums have received fantastic reviews recently, as have its accessories, such as the Pro quality carry cases and carry straps. It also offers other specialist African drums and a wide selection of ethnic hand percussion instruments. Dropshipping and FOB services are available.

WWW.WORLDRHYTHM.CO.UK

VANQUISH SOUNDS: J22A

YAMAHA: H16 Yamaha is taking a radically different approach to this year’s LIMS. While it will, of course, be showcasing all of the very latest guitars, drums and music production products from the world’s largest MI manufacturer, the focus of the stand is a unique ‘up close and personal’ approach with free professional recording opportunities on offer for the company’s popular Band for a Grand promotion. Also on hand will be top Yamaha artists and leading practitioners,

VIGIER GUITARS: G5 WARWICK: J10 WORLD RHYTHM PERCUSSION: N11 World Rhythm Percussion offers an extensive range of high-quality ethnic percussion instruments.

It has been working with the same producers for many years and has worked hard to build quality and

ready to help visitors with their music making techniques.

The centerpiece of the stand will be a classic 1960s US Airstream trailer converted into a professional state-ofthe-art recording facility and manned by a team of renowned engineers and producers. For anyone serious about their music, the Yamaha stand should be the show’s number one destination.

HTTP://UK.YAMAHA.COM ZILLA MUSIC: K82

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Seminars The hugely popular Sound on Sound seminars will be an integral part of the Sound Recording Technology element of the show and this year’s sessions are bound to prove as stimulating and vital as ever. The seminars will run from 11am to 4pm from the Friday through to the Sunday. Here’s the full lowdown…

FRI 12TH JUNE 11.00-11.45 Cutting-edge computer music production Keyboard player/producer Simon Grey (Incognito, Jamiroquai) demonstrates Propellerhead Software’s latest releases for cutting-edge computer musicians. If you record or produce with a computer this seminar is definitely not to be missed. Further details are available on the Propellerhead website (www.propellerheads.se).

12.00-12.45 Producer panel discussion and Q&A session A stellar line-up of top names is always assured for a repeat of one of last year’s most popular presentations.

SAT 13TH JUNE 11.00-11.45 Composing music for film and television Using real-world television programme material, composer John Moores demonstrates the ins and outs of composing music for film and television.

Covering technical, workflow and business considerations, this seminar will benefit any musician involved with or interested in this line of work.

12.00-12.45 Producer panel A stellar line-up of top names is always assured for a repeat of one of last year’s most popular presentations. Come along and ask anything you like or just see

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Come along and ask anything you like or just see what pearls of wisdom you can pick up in the answers. The producerpanel session is moderated by Sound on Sound’s Martin Walker.

13.00-13.45 Devin Workman: Producing a polished mix Mix engineer Devin Workman (David Gilmour, The Darkness, The View) demonstrates his techniques and ‘weapons of choice’ – featuring Logic Studio, Apogee Ensemble and Euphonix Artist Series controllers.

Using real world material from York band The Yards, which was recorded in their home studio, Devin mixes this ‘typical’ recording to produce a

what pearls of wisdom you can pick up in the answers. The producer-panel session are moderated by Sound on Sound’s Martin Walker.

13.00-13.45 Devin Workman: Producing a polished mix Mix engineer Devin Workman (David Gilmour, The Darkness, The View) demonstrates his techniques and ‘weapons of choice’ – featuring Logic Studio, Apogee Ensemble and Euphonix Artist Series controllers.

Using real world material from York band The Yards, which was recorded in their home studio, Devin mixes this ‘typical’ recording to produce a

professional-sounding finished product using tools accessible to anyone.

Recording techniques, Logic Pro 8 and control surface workflow tips and tricks are revealed in this exclusive seminar.

Everyone attending these sessions will be entered into a draw to win a complete Power Trio system including a MacBook Pro, Apogee Ensemble and Euphonix MC Mix. Each seminar will also include a second prize draw for an iPod Touch.

14.00-14.45 Composing music for film and television Using real-world television programme material, composer John Moores demonstrates the ins and outs of

professional-sounding finished product using tools accessible to anyone.

Recording techniques, Logic Pro 8 and control surface workflow tips and tricks are revealed in this exclusive seminar.

Everyone attending these sessions will be entered into a draw to win a complete Power Trio system including a MacBook Pro, Apogee Ensemble and Euphonix MC Mix. Each seminar will also include a second prize draw for an iPod Touch.

14.00-14.45 Technology for live performance In 2007 guitarist/producer Steve Jones (Brian Eno, Air, Herbie Hancock, etc) embarked on a world tour with Air using

composing music for film and television.

Covering technical, workflow and business considerations, this seminar will benefit any musician involved with or interested in this line of work.

15.00-15.45 SOS Studio question time This is a unique opportunity to get first-hand advice from the Studio SOS team of Sound on Sound’s editor-inchief Paul White and technical editor Hugh Robjohns.

Ask anything you like, but they’ll probably only answer the ones about recording and acoustics. Other members of the Sound on Sound editorial team will be joining them at different times throughout the show.

a MacBook Pro as his guitar amplifier and synth. In this session, Jones explains the ins and outs of using a computerbased solution on stage for guitar processing, synths and live mixing.

15.00-15.45 SOS Studio question time This is a unique opportunity to get first-hand advice from the Studio SOS team of Sound on Sound’s editor-inchief Paul White and technical editor Hugh Robjohns. Ask anything you like, but they’ll probably only answer the ones about recording and acoustics.

Other members of the Sound on Sound editorial team will be joining them at different times throughout the show.

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LIMS • SHOW GUIDE

SUN 14TH JUNE 11.00-11.45 to be confirmed 12.00-12.45 Producer panel A stellar line-up of top names is always assured for a repeat of one of last year’s most popular presentations. Come along and ask anything you like or just see what pearls of wisdom you can pick up in the answers. The producer-panel session are moderated by Sound On Sound’s Martin Walker.

13.00-13.45 Devin Workman: Producing a polished mix Mix engineer Devin Workman (David Gilmour, The Darkness, The View) demonstrates his techniques and ‘weapons of choice’ – featuring Logic Studio, Apogee Ensemble and Euphonix Artist Series controllers.

Using real world material from York band The Yards, which was recorded in their home studio, Devin mixes this ‘typical’ recording to produce a professional-sounding finished product using tools accessible to anyone. Recording techniques, Logic Pro 8 and control surface workflow tips and tricks are revealed in this exclusive seminar.

www.mi-pro.co.uk

Everyone attending these sessions will be entered into a draw to win a complete Power Trio system including a MacBook Pro, Apogee Ensemble and Euphonix MC Mix. Each seminar will also include a second prize draw for an iPod Touch.

14.00-14.45 Composing music for film and television Using real-world television programme material, composer John Moores demonstrates the ins and outs of composing music for film and television.

Covering technical, workflow and business considerations, this seminar will benefit any musician involved with or interested in this line of work.

15.00-15.45 SOS Studio question time This is a unique opportunity to get first-hand advice from the Studio SOS team of Sound on Sound’s editor-in-chief Paul White and technical editor Hugh Robjohns. Ask anything you like, but they’ll probably only answer the ones about recording and acoustics.

Other members of the Sound on Sound editorial team will be joining them at different times throughout the show.

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EDUCATION DAY Music for Youth (the world’s largest music education charity and the force behind the Schools Proms) is hosting the UK’s most impressive festival of music learning on June 12th (Friday) at the show, called MfY Friday, where a 1,000-piece band will premiere a new piece of music conducted by composer Tim Steiner at the Big Gig. New to the show will be the chance for visitors to have a free music lesson with Tech Music Schools and Sound on Sound magazine will be running a prize draw to win a dream studio worth over £22,000.

Tech Music Schools, which is made up of Drumtech, Guitar-X, Bass Guitar-X, Vocaltech and Keyboardtech, will be holding the classes in four purpose-built teaching booths. These will be equipped with everything needed for visitors to turn up, sign up and learn.

The classes comprise small groups taught by some of the top tutors in the UK from Tech Music Schools. For more information about signing up for the classes, you should either visit Tech Music Schools on stand F1 or at the Educational Village M46 to M49. The sessions and the booths are sponsored by Peavey, Ashdown, Music Man, Marshall, Gibson, Korg and Faber.

LIVE ACTS This year’s LIMS has assembled a wide range of top musicians from the world of rock music to grace the stage of the 3,000 capacity arena. Artists confirmed to play the show include guitar virtuoso Steve Vai (who brings his Alien Guitar Secrets master class to the show), Grammy award-winning guitarist Albert Lee, and guitar all-rounder Phil Hilborne with his band, featuring Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain.

There will also be the critically acclaimed band Swans in Flight, with special guest bass players Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) and the King of Metal funk, TM Stevens (James Brown, The Pretenders),

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Also new will be the ‘Learn to play with GarageBand’ seminar. Leaps and bounds have been made in music tuition technology over the past decade and gone are the days of learning music from a text book. Today’s lessons are more user friendly and interactive than ever before. Apple’s GarageBand 09 is now leading the revolution with it’s ‘learn to play’ feature, allowing budding musicians to learn, practice, jam and record in the same environment – and, of course, it comes free on every new Mac. In this seminar, visitors will see how anyone can learn to play music in just a few simple, and most importantly, fun steps with GarageBand.

A free professional recording session is up for grabs on the Yamaha classic ‘60s US Airstream trailer, converted into a professional state-of-the-art recording facility, as part of their ‘Band for a Grand’ scheme. Please note that bands need to register in advance by logging onto www.yamahadownload.co.uk.

Workshops include learning the top ten riffs of all time with IGF’s John Wheatcroft, and Primal Scream drummer Darrin Mooney puts himself through an incremental drumming test to exhaustion while wearing the latest state-of-the-art sports science technology, with the Clem Burke Drumming Project.

as well the final of Guitar Idol, the world’s biggest online talent search to find the hottest undiscovered guitarists on the planet. Check out www.guitaridol.tv for the latest news.

On top of that, there is also a star-studded line-up of drummers including Nick D’Virgilio (Tears for Fears), Jamiroquai’s top drum and percussion duo – Derrick McKenzie and Sola Akingbola, Prince’s drummer and bass player – Josh and Cora Coleman-Dunham, Mark Richardson (Skunk Anansie), Steve Smith (Journey, Vital Information) and Iron Maiden’s Nicko Brain making a further appearance, with leading multi-percussionist Pete Lockett (Jeff Beck, Robert Plant, Peter Gabriel). miPRO JUNE 2009 57

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Travel and accommodation If you haven’t sorted out your hotel yet, you’re leaving it a bit late, but there are still some rooms left around the ‘village’. Here, also, are some of the travel details you might find useful if you (like so many of us) tend to leave things to the last minute.

RAIL Rail from around the country to any one of the national rail grid terminals in the city will connect to the underground, where the Jubilee Line can normally be found with no more than one change.

The Jubilee Line will take you to Canning Town, where visitors should change onto the Docklands Light Railway (DLR – upstairs from the Jubilee Line level. Trains normally depart from platform three) for the quick twostop journey to Custom House for Excel.

Visitors should be aware that DLR trains in the direction of Beckton serve the exhibition centre. Do not use DLR services in the direction of Woolwich Arsenal or King George V from Canning Town.

Those more at ease with having a driver might like to note that a public bus service (147) departs from Bay B of Canning Town station to Custom House.

ROAD When driving to Excel, follow the signs for Royal Docks, City Airport and Excel. There is easy access from the M25, M11, A406 and A13.

The exhibition centre has on-site car parking for 2,500 cars, including 1,600 spaces directly beneath the venue.

All on-site parking is pay and display, with the exception of the multi-storey car park, which is located at the west end of the site. Parking in the multi-storey car park can be paid for at one of the many pay points in the Boulevard (which accept both cash and card) or in the car park itself.

In addition, the centre has a further 1,200 spaces off site within half a mile of the venue. Park and ride buses operate to and from the venue when this facility is open.

Payment for the park and ride car park must be made on the Boulevard before boarding a bus back to the parking area. Payment for this can be made at any time during your visit to the centre.

HOTELS Excel has five on-site hotels, ranging from luxury to budget, all within just a few minutes walk of the venue and offering accommodation from adequate to excellent.

The proximity of the hotels around the exhibition centre was key to the obvious ‘MI Village’ that was apparent at last year’s show, prompting many to comment on the “NAMM-style’ atmosphere.

Central to this were the Novotel and Ibis hotels, literally a two-minute stroll across the forecourt from the centre, which have, combined, some 535 rooms between them and visitors booking rooms immediately should be able to benefit from starting prices at £73 per night for the Ibis (two-star) and £85 per night at the Novotel (four-star).

Another useful stopover spot is the Premier Inn, which is basic, but certainly adequate, offering just over 200 rooms from £84 per night. The Premier Inn is a fiveminute stroll across the car parks at the back of the centre.

Again, full details and booking links can be accessed at excel-london.co.uk.

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