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INCORPORATING
SECTOR SPOTLIGHT MICROPHONES I TRADITIONAL I HI-TECH I ROCK I CLASSICAL I EDUCATION I PRINTED MUSIC
ISSUE 108 I MAY 2009 I WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
YES, WE KAM Lamba sets its stall out on a new niche for the MI market
MUSIKMESSE LIMS CAROL BARRATT SAXOPHONES FANE BEHIND THE COUNTER
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Innovation, functionality and tone – just a few words that help sum up the brand new range of solid-state MG amplifiers from Marshall. Combining years of experience in analogue amplification with cutting-edge digital technology has resulted in the creation of an all-encompassing amplifier series, ideal for the beginner and gigging pro alike. Specially voiced digital effects, intuitive footswitching technology and four adjustable and storable channels are just a few of the features to be found in the new MG range. From a punchy 10 Watt combo through to an effects-laden, soul-pounding 100 Watt head, this series has it all.
To find out more about the MG range contact: Marshall Amplification plc Denbigh Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK1 1DQ or visit the official Marshall website: www.marshallamps.com
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ISSUE 108 MAY 2009
COVER STORY
SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • MICS 32 One of the most dynamic areas of the MI and audio businesses, microphones now cover everything from the cheapest of impulse buys to serious investment
IN THE KAM
23
Lamba is one of the great unsung success stories of the MI and entertainment industries, having ridden the waves of change since 1952. What is it doing to keep growing in the 21st century?
SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • SAXES 28 NEWS 6
The sax market has never been less clear as to what is the best buy, with quality and added value affecting all brands
Two MI firms receive Queens Awards, One Yamaha scheme, Roland UK board
DISTRIBUTION 10 Time+Space gets Sontronic, Adam Hall picks up Eminence
RETAIL MI Pro’s unique collection of news and interviews concerning the business and work being done on MI’s front line
DRUM NEWS 12 6
Wincent to Damn Fine, first Thomas Lang tour in two years
MUSIKMESSE 15 All the important news from the world’s biggest MI show
LIMS PREVIEW 20 The latest news and the rundown on how to get there and where to stay
CAROL BARRATT 26 15
Chester Music’s educational innovator talks education
38
42
44
NEWS 38
FRONT LINE 42
PMT combines three shows in one
Our first report from behind the counter
LOCATION REPORT 41
INDIE PROFILE 44
MI sales go on, even in the serene surroundings of the Home Counties
The East Midlands catered to by the Nottingham Guitar & Drum Centre
FANE 30 A Great British name now pushing hard to regain its place in the market
PRODUCTS ACCESSORIES 47 BACKLINE 48 DRUMS 51 PRINT 52
26
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miPRO MAY 2009 3
Mi Pro Advert April Final:Layout 1
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‌more than just a gig bag!
Horny! Distributed by Aria UK Ltd Telephone + 44 (0)1483 238720 Visit us during LIMS: Stand H2, 11-14 June 2009 at Excel, London or online www.fusion-bags.com Fusion Gig Bags are available in:
Guitar Brass &Woodwind Cello Keyboard Laptop & Accessory Bags
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EDITORIAL
Best of British
I
MEMBER
This issue also brings to the fore a couple of British greats, both beavering away on the edges of MI.
LATEST NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR MOBILE Bookmark us in your phone:
MOBILE.MI-PRO.CO.UK MI PRO CONTACTS MANAGING EDITOR ANDY BARRETT mipro@intentmedia.co.uk
PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE ROSIE MCKEOWN rosie.mckeown@intentmedia.co.uk
EDITOR AT LARGE GARY COOPER gary@garycooper.biz
DESIGNER CLAIRE BROCKLESBY claire.brocklesby@intentmedia.co.uk
ASSOCIATE EDITOR ROB POWER rob.power@intentmedia.co.uk
CIRCULATION PAUL LITTLE mipro.subscriptions@c-cms.com
DEPUTY EDITOR ROB HUGHES rob.hughes@intentmedia.co.uk
CONSULTANT GRAHAM BUTTERWORTH buttsie@mbmediagroup.co.uk
ADVERTISING MANAGER DARRELL CARTER darrell.carter@intentmedia.co.uk
PUBLISHER DAVE ROBERTS dave.roberts@intentmedia.co.uk
PRODUCTION MANAGER HELEN FRENCH helen.french@intentmedia.co.uk
MANAGING DIRECTOR STUART DINSEY stuart.dinsey@intentmedia.co.uk
n the retail section of this month’s magazine (page 42), you will notice a new column from an anonymous contributor... No, the Secret Shopper has not returned to torment the UK’s MI retailing community, but rather the boot has been placed on the other foot. Our man on the front line is, in fact, an MI retailer and his monthly article will be taking a wry look at some of the horror and humour that confronts MI Pro readers on a daily basis. The first article takes a brief look (perhaps predictably) at what is happening generally on the shop floor in the environment of the ongoing recession. And whadayaknow? Things seem to be chugging along quite nicely, thank you. April also saw, of course, the Mighty Musikmesse come and go (page 15) and while there was little in the way of leg-trembling launches or jaw-dropping gossip, the show proved to be as good (if not, better) than any in recent years. I certainly saw a lot more UK retailers than I normally do, which means (I hope) that dealers here have wised up to the benefits of having thousands of suppliers and counterparts under one roof. Everybody I spoke to had a very positive opinion of the show and came away with some new business or other. This issue also brings to the fore a couple of British greats, both of which have earned their reputation beavering away on the edges of MI, but are well known within the trade nonetheless. Our cover feature this month turns the spotlight on Lamba (page 23), a company that really hit the big time during the 90s and the DJ boom, although it has, in fact, been doing very nicely for over 50 years. Now the company is looking very closely at the MI market and has some interesting products that could well open up new areas for the progressive MI dealer. The other is Fane (page 30), a British company that was once one of the many speaker manufacturers pioneering audio quality for the musician and audiophile alike, but that now, following its purchase by the Barnes family, is something of a lone flag-waver for the UK’s transducer industry. The company seems extremely optimistic that it can re-establish itself as a brand without equal. So, despite the derisory wailing in the wake of the Chancellor’s budget and the ongoing gloom the BBC would love us to go along with, MI – and the UK’s MI particularly – is still doing extremely well. I feel a special MI Pro feature on the Best of British coming on...
Andy Barrett mipro@intentmedia.co.uk
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miPRO MAY 2009 5
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NEWS
Two MI companies honoured in Queens Awards for Enterprise Second honour for Orange in three years, while G7th also recognised in record-breaking year for prestigious prize IN A RECORD-breaking year for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, a total of 194 awards have been announced, the largest number awarded in the 44 years of the scheme. Before this the record had been 175 in 1990. Among these, two MI companies were included, Orange Amplification and G7th capos. This is the second time Orange has received the award, having picked one up three years ago for its excellence in export. Since then, the company has more than doubled its export earnings, which accounts for nearly 80 per cent of its business. Commenting on the award, the chairman and founder of Orange, Cliff Cooper (pictured left), said: “We are immensely honoured that the hard work of our talented and dedicated staff has been recognised for a second
time. For me this is breathtaking, coming just weeks after celebrating our 40th anniversary.” Managing director Damon Waller (pictured right) commented: “To win this in 2009 is particularly encouraging. It shows that during these difficult times, the music industry is standing out as one of the few industries weathering the storm and in some instances even bucking the trend.” Also picking up the award is Noel Sheehan’s UK-based G7th capo design and manufacturing operation. The award recognised the achievements of G7th in international trade, where exports have doubled in just over two years and 85 per cent of G7th’s production is now exported to some 30 countries around the world.
“For me, this is breathtaking, coming just weeks after celebrating our 40th anniversary.” Cliff Cooper, chairman, Orange
“G7th is a small company, but we have a great team around us,” commented Sheehan, G7th’s managing director. “We have the best designers and sales team and are supported by a network of highly professional distributors and retailers around the world.” Not only is G7th the smallest MI company ever to win the prestigious Queen’s Award, Sheehan also believes his is the smallest company of all this year. “I think this says a lot about how well G7th has done,” he said. G7th launched its first capo in 2004 and has been picking up awards ever since, including Guitarist magazine’s gold award and a double gold award in 2009 from the US Acoustic Guitar magazine. In just five years, G7th has come to be a market leader. ORANGE: 020 8905 2828. G7TH: 0116 255 7492
Roland UK announces board level changes
Colin Snelling 1951 to 2009
ROLAND UK HAS announced changes to its board of directors, with the commercial director, Tim Walter, taking on the role of chief operating officer and Peter Heath, the general manager of the Roland Systems Group, stepping onto the board in the newly-created position of sales director. Walter remains in charge of sales and marketing and adds responsibility for operations to his remit. He will now be supported by Heath, who has a dedicated sales mandate. Having spent 12 years at Roland UK in a variety of sales management roles, Heath is known throughout the industry, having worked in music retail prior to joining Roland. Heath has been instrumental in Roland's entry into the pro audio sector as general
UK SUPPLIER Strings & Things has informed MI Pro that one of the company’s founders, Colin Snelling, died on April 17th after a short battle with liver cancer. Snelling was connected to Strings & Things for 33 years, when he began with the Denmark Street store, Top Gear Music. Top Gear went on to divide into Peavey, Guild UK and Strings & Things, with Snelling becoming the office manager for Guild, working with his brotherin-law Alan Grant. After a change of hands in the US, Guild UK ceased trading and Snelling moved to Strings & Things as credit controller and sales manager, continuing to work with his other brother-inlaw, Rod Bradley, as well as Grant and his brother, Marc. There are many dealers in the trade, as well as those in Strings
6 miPRO MAY 2009
Heath (left), Smith to Walter’s Jones manager of RSS, setting up the business and developing an extensive dealer network. He will continue in his position in the RSS business. John Booth, Roland UK’s MD, welcomed Heath to his new role. “Peter is experienced in MI and a proven professional. This is a logical and fully deserved step in his career development.
Tim and Peter make a great team – their combined dedication and energy will be noticed by all our dealers." Heath underlined the point. “Having two directors focused on sales shows how important it is, in this difficult economic climate, to be alert to the needs of our dealers.” ROLAND UK: 01792 702701
& Things, who will remember his ’50-day’ letters illustrative of his approach to the thankless task credit control. Many requested that, in arrears or not, they still receive the 50-day letters. He was a part of the fabric of Strings & Things, which considers him a dignified, honourable and principled man who will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Denise, and son, Jamie.
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NEWS
NAMM cuts prices for Nashville More than 300 exhibitors to get 20 per cent back on space costs as association looks to ease the impact of recession NAMM HAS ANNOUNCED that it will be knocking 20 per cent of the stand fees for exhibitors at the Summer NAMM show 2009, to be held at the Nashville Convention Center from July 17th to 19th. This reduction will amount to a $4 per square foot credit on final invoices. The association stated that it will also be extending this saving to any companies still considering exhibiting in Nashville. The reasoning behind the decision is simply that of the strained economic situation that the US is feeling and that has caused some exhibitors to drag their feet over confirming space.
LAMOND: Business as usual has gone out the window
One Yamaha dealer partnership programme Pan-European harmonisation of contracts launched at Musikmesse YAMAHA HAS TAKEN a huge step towards achieving a panEuropean harmonisation of its dealer contracts through the announcement of the Yamaha One Dealer Partnership Programme. The initial contact with dealers across the old continent was made on April 1st, covering every product category and bringing the entire catalogue on to a ‘level playing field’. The programme became
“For years we have been, quite rightly, dealing with each country in Europe differently, due to the different demands each culture made on the company,” explained Yamaha Music UK’s senior director, Mike Ketley. “But the internet has broken down these borders and now there is little or no difference between sales in any country. This is something that began as a UK-driven plan, but over the past three years has evolved into a system that fits
“The internet has broken down borders and there is little difference between sales in any country.” Mike Ketley active on April 15th and dealers were expected to complete their documents and have them back with their local Yamaha office by the end of April.
the whole of Europe.” The programme means, in its essence, that there will be a single, harmonised discount system across the entire of the
continent and the reasoning, Ketley said, was to give dealers the same chances to make the same profits. “In fact, we think it will make dealers more profitable and will create better relationships between Yamaha and all of its dealers,” he continued. “”The reasoning behind it is relationships and on top of that the continuation of the work we have been doing over the years of promotions, support, scholarships and generally making more people making music.” Ketley concluded by saying that he is convinced by the benefits this new programme will afford dealers. “Each of the UK directors have been travelling Europe and working within their sectors to get everyone in Yamaha on board. After three years, we are now all ‘speaking the same language’ as it were. We have created, we believe, a level playing field that will ultimately reinforce Yamaha as the world’s number one brand.” YAMAHA: 01908 366700
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“There has never been a more critical time to gather the industry than now,” said NAMM’s president and CEO, Joe Lamond. “‘Business as usual’ has gone right out the window and any how-to books written more than six months ago are of little help in these crazy economic times. Our members are looking to NAMM to provide the information, tips and solutions they need to weather this crisis and prepare for a recovery.” NAMM is also looking to spread out payments into manageable amounts to help with cash flow and the price of membership in The Club, a quiet area for negotiations and
interviews for exhibitors and buyers, has remained the same. This means that manufacturers and distributors that want to support Summer NAMM can do so at a substantially reduced cost, giving them all the benefits of exhibiting without the expense of a booth.. The association has looked at as many ways of reducing costs for the show as is possible, but certain areas, such as buying plane tickets, renting hotel rooms or paying expenses for buyers to come to the show, are impossible due to the organisation’s not-forprofit status. NAMM.ORG
Dennis Harburn 1950 to 2009 DENNIS HARBURN, the managing director of Shure Distribution UK, passed away at his home on Sunday March 15th after a short illness. In one form or another, he had been with the company for over 36 years. Harburn joined Shure in 1972, when it was Shure Electronics, as a rep for London and the South East. As the company shifted to independent ownership, he rose through the ranks as sales manager and then sales director before being named managing director in 2000. While spending almost his entire career supporting Shure, he also was a classic car enthusiast, a lover of horse riding, a die-hard fan of Gillingham FC and was the proud owner of a vast and diverse music collection. According to one of his associates: “His enthusiasm for music was infectious and there did not appear to be a genre or band that he did not know.” “I was shocked and deeply saddened by this news,” said Sandy LaMantia, Shure’s president and CEO. “Dennis had a very long relationship
with Shure, as an associate and as a partner. His expertise and leadership in the complex UK audio marketplace were invaluable to Shure throughout those years. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies go out to his family and to our ‘family’ of UK associates.” His staff at the UK office added: “The honest manner in which he did business, the way he looked out for his staff, his passion for Shure, music, old cars, fishing, the latest gadgets and the loving way he spoke of his family, are just some of the attributes that made Dennis a much respected and admired managing director.” He is survived by his wife, their three children and three grandchildren.
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NEWS
LIMS begins to spread wings UK’s MI show takes shape with big exhibitor names confirming, education day organised and celebrity artists signed up FOLLOWING A PERIOD where question marks were hanging over whether certain key MI companies would be exhibiting at the LIMS show this year (June 11th to 14th at London’s Excel centre), a raft of big name companies have now confirmed their presence at the event. Orange, Casio, Blackstar, Headstock, Avid (M-Audio and Digidesign), Sandara and the Dolphin-distributed Auralex acoustic treatment product range were all confirmed following meetings at the Musikmesse at the beginning of April. Yamaha had confirmed its space at the show shortly before the Frankfurt event. Further to this, the Music for Youth (MfY) sponsorship has been announced as the
Albert Lee and Orange – both signed up centrepiece around which the show’s education day (Friday, June 12th) will take place.
MfY organises the National Festival and the Schools Proms and will be running a festival of
Shure acquires Crowley and Tripp microphones
music learning on what is now called MfY Friday. Thousands of students and teachers are
expected to come together for the day to find out about everything related to music. MfY Friday at LIMS is being billed as an opportunity for students to learn something new about music, to be inspired by music and to engage with the music industry as a whole. On top of this – and in addition to the roster of celebrity drummers announced for the show in last month’s MI Pro – a selection of high profile guitarists have now been confirmed at the show, including Albert Lee, Jan Akkerman, TM Stevens and Steve Vai, who will be bringing his Alien Guitar Secrets masterclass to the show. Further details regarding LIMS can be found on page 20. MIA: 01372 750600
Indie guitars appoints Ashton as UK supplier
After over 20 years, mic giant returns to ribbon mic manufacture MICROPHONE GIANT, Shure, has bought Crowley and Tripp ribbon microphones from Soundwave Research Laboratories of Ashland, Massachusetts in a deal that includes all intellectual property, microphone processing equipment, product designs and assets connected to the Crowley and Tripp line.
“Ribbon microphones have always been prized for their warm sound quality, but older designs are delicate, which has limited their applications,” said Scott Sullivan, Shure’s senior director of global product management, when announcing the purchase. “With the acquisition of the Crowley and Tripp product line and its
Shure had been a leading developer of ribbon mics in the 1950s and 60s. This re-opens an old area for Shure, which will locate the manufacture of ribbon microphones in its Wheeling, Illinois base, using the patented Roswellite shapememory acoustic ribbon material developed by Soundwave Research. The company had been a leading developer of ribbon mics in the 1950s and 60s, but abandoned their manufactire during the 1980s.
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Roswellite ribbon technology, Shure is extending the use of ribbon microphones to the stage in addition to their use in the studio.” The manufacture of Shure ribbon microphones will be kept exclusively in the USA for the foreseeable future. The mic giant will also adopt all service and support for existing owners of Crowley and Tripp ribbon microphone products. SHURE: 01992 703058
:Keith Willis with Ashton’s Jon Gold, left, and Roger Seekings, right INDIE, THE British guitar brand with attitude, has appointed Ashton Music as its UK distributor. The move follows Indie’s growth in export markets, which Indie’s Keith Willis says need his full attention. “When we decided to go the UK distribution route, we set a very strict criteria – almost unachievable,” Willis said. “The last thing we needed was to risk taking a backwards step, especially with Indie having so much positive energy surrounding it right now, so I was pleased to discover just how in tune Indie and Ashton are – the synergy is frightening.” Ashton’s Jon Gold added: “The more we talked, the clearer it
became that Indie and Ashton have a tremendous amount in common and are going to work together as a great team. There’s a lot of excitement about Indie Guitars, both here and overseas and it comes at a perfect time for us at Ashton as we consolidate our position as a distributor of other brands, as well as Ashton itself.” Asked if the appointment by Indie, which follows last year’s addition of the fast-growing Sparrow guitar line, was part of a brand acquisition programme, Gold said: “Without a doubt. We are moving ahead to the next phase of the company’s growth, so watch this space.” ASHTON: 01780 781630
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DISTRIBUTION • NEWS
Time+Space set to distribute its second hardware line UK mic manufacturer, Sontronics, is now on software expert’s books with new products TIME+SPACE HAS continued its foray into the hardware market, taking on distribution of British microphone brand Sontronics in a deal announced at the Musikmesse show in Frankfurt. Time+Space, which is traditionally known as a music software distributor, took on its first hardware line, ESI, back in May 2007. The company stated that the success had been encouraging and led to Time+Space strengthening its hardware portfolio with Sontronics. “We really believe in Sontronics and there is real opportunity here to build something special,” said Joel Heatley, sales and marketing manager at Time+Space. “We feel Sontronics offers something
unique to the marketplace, has huge potential and we want to be a part of realising that.” Sontronics was launched at the 2005 NAMM show and all its
Adam Hall’s Eminence German firm consolidates global distribution as companies embark on new Europe deal
mics, accessories and preamps are designed and developed in the UK. “We are delighted to be working with Time+Space,”
added the Sontronics founder and managing director Trevor Coley. “We have several new products planned for release over the next couple of years, building on our reputation for value and high-quality audio equipment. “We believe that Time+Space will become an invaluable partner to us, bringing a wealth of market experience to the team and helping to firmly establish Sontronics as a top brand in the UK and Ireland.” The first of the new releases from the company is the Delta dynamic ribbon microphone. Based on Sontronics’ Sigma condenser ribbon mic, the Delta is equally at home in live instrument miking as it is in the studio. TIME+SPACE: 01837 55200
JHS adds N-Tune to catalogue Automatic guitar tuning system announced
Eminence’s Rob Gault and Adam Hall’s David Kirby ADAM HALL WILL now serve as the exclusive distributor for Eminence speakers in all European countries. Adam Hall has worked with Eminence for over 18 years, handling the brand around the world, and is excited to be taking on the company’s range of speakers designed for both the MI and pro audio markets. David Kirby, CEO of Adam Hall GmbH, stated: “We are very happy about the confidence Eminence has shown us with this step.” Rob Gault, president of Eminence Speaker, added: “With Adam Hall we have 10 miPRO MAY 2009
enjoyed many years of success, and we are very excited about taking our partnership to the next level.” Adam Hall UK’s general manager, Andrew Richardson, furthered: “It is an exciting time for us. Distributing Eminence speakers takes us into new markets and enables us to go full circle and sell the speakers that have already proved themselves in LD System’s loudspeakers. “Eminence makes great products and we could not ask for a more fantastic group of people to work with.” ADAM HALL: 01702 613922
JOHN HORNBY SKEWES has announced the addition of the new N-Tune guitar tuning system to its catalogue. The Leeds-based UK distributor is touting the system as a breakthrough in on-board guitar and bass guitar tuning, which can be installed in minutes under a guitar’s volume knob, with no permanent guitar modification required. The system installs into almost any electric guitar or bass with passive pickups. “There’s always room for a new tuning system – especially when it’s as neat and practical as this one,” a company statement said. “The N-Tune on-board true bypass chromatic tuner is heralded as the world’s
most convenient solution for fast, accurate guitar tuning.” Two models are available. The single coil guitar package (pictured) is for guitars that use single coil pickups and 250k Ohm type potentiometers. White, black, parchment and cream N-Tune base ring sections, which fit under the control knob, are included for the best colour match with your control knobs and scratch plate. The humbucker guitar package fits guitars with humbuckers which use 500k Ohm potentiometers. Black and cream N-tune control knob base ring sections are the available options for this style of guitar. Both sets retail at £69.99. JHS: 0113 286 5381
Wembley Loudspeaker returns home Nine months after dispute with local council, speaker expert relocates to original building WEMBLEY LOUDSPEAKER HAS moved back to its Shepherds Bush workshop in West London, after a short term working away from its original home. The company moved out in August 2008 after a dispute with Hammersmith and Fulham Council. Wembley Loudspeaker was founded in 1971 by Arthur Lampkin, with managing director Paul MacCallum and his team having worked hard to develop a reputation as one of the UK’s leading loudspeaker repair and refurbishment experts. From its Shepherds Bush workshop in West London, the company has repaired and refurbished speakers for clients ranging from nightclubs, professional studios, sound hire companies and musicians (including BB King, Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton) through to people’s prized hi-fi speakers. Wembley Loudspeaker has also designed and manufactured its own speakers, incorporating years of experience, expertise and the finest components, and has produced a series of cabinets ranging from small installation to full-range cabs and specialist bass enclosures. “Since we were forced to move out we have been in discussion with the council about moving back,” explained MacCallum. “They have agreed to our offer to buy the facility and we moved back in on April 14th. “We now look forward to meeting lots of our old friends and new ones and doing what we do best, repairing and refurbishing speakers.” The new contact details are: Unit A4 The Workshop Studios, 2A Askew Crescent, London W12 9DP. WEMBLEY LOUDSPEAKER: 020 8743 4567
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PROFILE • DISTRIBUTION
Leed Representation
Louise and David Leed are confident about the future
This month's distribution profile sees the spotlight fall on optimistic and forward-looking accessories specialist Leed Representation, home to Razz Reeds and Helin cleaning products... Date the business was established: 1988
constantly meeting others and adding them to our customer base.
Number of employees: Two full time (plus part-timers).
Do you think it’s been a tough year for retailers? We are told so, but remember what we said about the accessory business.
Is business up or down compared to this time last year? Steady and better. We are in the accessory business and when times are hard the need increases. Which are your best selling lines? We are a two-pronged company. In one we are world agents for Helin, a fifth generation German manufacturer of woodwind and brass cleaners and accessories. For Helin we have distribution in the UK through Barnes & Mullins, FCN Music, Rosetti and Stentor Music. For Razzco Reeds (formerly Reeds Australia), we distribute worldwide, too. The other part of our business is distribution of Razzco products in the UK, a steadily growing area, reinforced lately by the introduction of Razz Reeds, an all-purpose, reliable reed at an affordable price. Apart from your products, what are your strengths as a distributor? Having been around a long time, we know a lot of people and are
Is the internet the biggest challenge facing the industry? It may be to retailers, but it is also a valuable tool if handled well and with enthusiasm. In a perfect world, what product lines would you add to your portfolio? Anything that makes sense (after all, we do have to make money) and complements what we already have. What are your aims for the next 12 months? Onward and upward.
CONTACT DETAILS Address: Leed Representation, PO Box 33, Emsworth, PO10 8YS Phone: 01243 378050 Fax: 01243 378057 Email: davidleed@eprimus.co.uk Contact: David Leed and Louise Leed
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DRUM NEWS
Wincent switches to Damn Fine Swedish stick maker becomes DFD’s first drum line as distributor moves into new market and plans sales expansion WINCENT, THE SWEDISH drum stick and rod maker has switched UK distribution to DFD in a surprise move that marks a major departure for the supplier, which has been previously known for guitars and leads. DFD’s Tony Westcott said the deal came about after lengthy conversations with Wincent and reflects a similarity of approach between the two companies. “We’re a small firm and were not going to pretend that we’re going to be able to get round to see everybody – though we are broadening our on-the-road representation at the moment,” explained Wescott.
“However, we do have experience of handling products which are sometimes seen as difficult, such as Cordiale leads, or not thought of as interesting or sexy, but that are necessary and profit-making products. The question is how you get that product into a market space that is already crowded? “The first thing you do is give dealers the biggest possible margin. You make sure it’s a quality product with its own USPs and you make the buy-in cheaper than the other leading brands. That worked very well with Cordiale and it’s what we will be doing with Wincent.
Drummers attempt record 600 stickmen to help multiple sclerosis APRIL 28TH will see some 600 drummers gathering at PMT in Birmingham in an attempt to break the world record of the greatest number of drummers all playing to one beat. The line-up will include some high profile, tubthumping names, including Slade’s Don Powell, former Status Quo drummer, John Coghlan, Leo Crabtree from The Prodigy, John Brookes of The Charlatans and EMF’s Mark de Cloedt, among others.
The launch of the Stick it to MS drumming world record attempt has been organised to coincide with MS Awareness Week between April 27th to May 3rd. The current world record of 533 drummers playing together was set three years ago in the US. The event will take place at PMT’s mega-store at 136 Lawley Middleway, Birmingham B4 7XX between 12pm and 2pm. PMT: 01702 436501
Sabian expands vault collection SABIAN HAS added a crash model to its Vault Artisan range of professional cymbals. The Artisan Crash, a thin/extra-thin model in 16 and 18-inch sizes, was designed to produce dark, traditional tone with the benefit of modern projection. Featuring high-density hand hammering and a touch of innovation, the Artisan Crash offers traditional tonal
darkness and complexity. Hand crafted from Sabian B20 bronze, the Artisan Crash features jumbo-peen dimpling to increase tonal quality and projection. All Artisan models are qualityprotected by the Sabian twoyear warranty. WESTSIDE: 0141 248 4812
“We’ll be offering a 75 per cent sustainable margin over an industry standard 55 per cent which they get on other major drum sticks. The sticks are also coming in cheaper than the other major brands and we’re offering an additional ten per cent introductory discount for retailers on top of that.” Westcott says that advertising in the consumer press is booked and that reviews and general media coverage will be a high priority. Wincent manufactures a wide range of sticks, rods and brushes, as well as merchandise products. DFD: 01869 346519
Thomas Lang’s Now for something different tour Mikedolbear.com presents masterclass tour for number one clinician TWO YEARS after the world’s number one drum clinician, Thomas Lang, last set out on a clinic tour, the mikedolbear.com website is promising this one will be special, with the tour being the website’s biggest series yet. Ten dates will be played in all. “We have had many requests to take these clinic tours to Ireland and this time we are doing that with two dates there. There is always such a good turn out to see Thomas,” said Mike Dolbear. Thomas Lang added: “It’s been about two years since my last UK appearances and I am happy to announce that I’ll be coming back to the UK for a ten-stop clinic tour. Put on your drumheads, bring an open mind and some earplugs and I’ll see you in May.” During his career, Lang has played with an exceptionally wide range of artists, from Geri Halliwell to Robert Fripp, adding his dynamism to each.
MONDAY 18TH MAY: The Drum Shop, Gateshead (0191 4950201) 19TH MAY: The Drum Centre, Manchester (0161 789 4415) 20TH MAY: Drum Central, Glasgow (0141 552 0111) 21ST MAY: Electro Music, Gainsborough (01302 369999) 22ND MAY: MIC Academys, Nottingham (0115 941 7493)
23RD MAY: Reynolds, Co Donegal (+353 74 910 2222) 24TH MAY: X Music, Dublin (+353 1 411 1100) 26TH MAY: iDrums, Cambridge (01763 274810) 27TH MAY: Institute of Music, London (020 7328 0222) 28TH MAY: Orchard Percussion masterclass, Colchester (01206 271634)
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY MIKEDOLBEAR.COM, THE LEADING ONLINE RESOURCE FOR EVERYTHING DRUMS.
VISIT WWW.MIKEDOLBEAR.COM FOR MORE DETAILS. 12 miPRO MAY 2009
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MUSIKMESSE • SHOW REVIEW
EVENT: Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound VENUE: Frankfurt Messe EXHIBITORS: 2,410 (1,560 at Musikmesse, 850 at Prolight + Sound) VISITORS: 111,000 VERDICT: While the organiser predicted a good show back in February, exhibitors and visitors alike chose to reserve opinion until the show actually took place, due to the doom and gloom of the financial climate continuing to dominate the news. It turned out that the Frankfurt Messe was right. The show was as good as any since the event most recently hit and maintained top gear a few years ago.
The buck
starts here Whether looking for new deals, catching up on old partnerships, networking, researching or simply looking for a shot of optimism, Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound came up trumps this year – to everyone’s delight…
I
n last month’s issue, Cordelia von Gymnich, Musikmesse’s main director, told MI Pro that with all the preceding shows in 2009 having exceeded expectations, she saw no reason to assume that Musikmesse would fare any worse. She was right. With the opening day seeming to be a little quieter than on previous years, von Gymnich refused to be drawn on anything to do with numbers until the doors closed on the final (public) day. Again she was right to do so. While it was undoubtedly the public day and the usual proportion of show ‘tourists’ that kept numbers up, it was clear that the aisles had at least as many UK retailers and buyers as ever before. By the second day, the crowds had built up and the buzz was definitely back. It all adds up to further proof that, on the whole, the MI trade – certainly in Europe – is maintaining its health and www.mi-pro.co.uk
seemingly cashing in on the near collapse of the housing and automotive industries. “This year’s edition of Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound could not have been better. The high level of satisfaction with the results of business at the fair among exhibitors and the overwhelming visitor echo have been excellent,” said Detlef Braun, member of the board of management of Messe Frankfurt, summing up the four days. 111,000 visitors from 125 countries made their way to Frankfurt for the 30th Musikmesse and the 15th Prolight + Sound, an increase of around 1,300 over last year (109,777). German visitors accounted for much of this growth with an increase of 3.8 per cent. The number of visitors from outside Germany fell by about 3.5 per cent compared with 2008. The best represented visitor nations after Germany were also ‘local’, namely the
Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and France. The largest group of non-European visitors came from the USA. “This shows that the foreign markets are more affected by the bleak business climate at present,” said Braun. The exhibitors were surveyed and underscored this view with their assessment of the individual markets, which was not as positive as in the previous year: under 75 per cent said the economic situation was satisfactory to good, compared to 90 per cent last year. Next year’s show will be held from March 24th to 27th. Before then, the shows’ offspring, Music China and Prolight + Sound Shanghai, will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) in Shanghai from October 13th to 16th. While this year saw less in the way of big headline launches compared to the NAMM show some ten weeks previously, miPRO MAY 2009 15
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Industry publications voted for the MIPA awards there was still an awful lot of product activity and what follows is a rough guide to what caught the eye. MARSHALL The UK’s amp mega-brand launched the blues-inspired Haze series of compact and portable valve-driven performance amplifiers: the 40-Watt Haze combo (MHZ40C) and the 15-Watt Haze head (the MHZ15). The Haze line is aimed at the musician who requires a clean sound, driving blues tone and biting rock, all from a single, gigready amp. The Haze 40 combo is equipped with a single Celestion G12-66 Marquee 12-inch speaker. The Haze 15 head can be paired with matching single 12-inch Celestion G12-66 Marquee loaded cabinets (MHZ112A – angled and MHZ112B – base) as well. ADAM HALL Over in the Prolight hall, Adam Hall took its LD Systems line-up of PA systems to a new level with the LD Premium range. Aimed at the high-end of sound reinforcement, LD Premium comprises three series of speakers, the Vue Line, the Vue Array and the Uno Array, all hoping to bring the very best in components and construction at an accountant friendly price. The range consists of eight, ten, 12 and 15-inch multi-purpose speakers, the VA-4 and VA-8 line array systems and dual 15 and 18-inch subs – as well as a single 15inch sub. On top of the expected promises of rugged finishing and solid, easy-to-use flyware, all of the LD Premiums come with a five-year guarantee. TASCAM Although released a couple of months ago, the fact that Tascam is this year celebrating 30 years of the Portastudio means that the DP-004 digital pocket studio maintains enough clout to be worth mentioning. The simple-to-use, four-track recorder includes built-in microphones for recording on the go. Tascam's DP-02 is an eight-track digital recorder that brings back the hands-on aspect to home recording in the
16 miPRO MAY 2009
A boost in German visitors meant growth for the show
digital era, ditching menus for simple knobs and faders. The GT-R1 combines a portable recorder with an instrument trainer for a very useful songwriter’s toolkit and the DR-07 is a new, ultra-portable digital recorder you can take anywhere. With a built-in stereo mic, hours of recording to SD card media is possible. DUNLOP It’s not often that the American manufacturer makes much of a noise, despite being the maker of some of the finest pedals and accessories in the business, but this year the company’s (former Line 6) product designer, Jeorge Tripps, was on hand to talk about his beloved Way Huge range of stomp boxes and to go over some of the new strings and plectrums (of particular note, the new tortoiseshell imitation Ultex vintage picks). While one could hardly say that all is quiet on the Dunlop front (not with Tripps in the seat, at any rate) it would appear that the big news from the company will be coming in 2010 – so watch this space.
Companies from all over the world exhibited their goods
As part of a dealer promotion in the UK, Sennheiser is also offering up a prize draw for a Crystal Roc bejewelled mic – one for the collectors. PEAVEY/TRACE ELLIOT It was 1979 when the first Trace Elliot amplifiers became available and these quickly revolutionised the way the industry perceived bass amplification by setting new standards for bass players. Coincidentally it is also 20 years since this was repeated for acoustic players with the launch of Trace Acoustic in 1989. With both ranges again generating much interest at the Musikmesse, these milestones are being celebrated with the release of an insightful video, which refers to the continuity of the origin of the brand’s design. On the pro audio side and following the launch of the Sanctuary series into the US market in 2006, Peavey announced that the range has obtained the necessary CE
approvals that allowed it to make its European debut at Prolight+Sound. Sanctuary is a range of products aimed at the worship market, although they suit a wide variety of installations. The range pays keen attention to aesthetics and includes amps, mixers with automatic mixing and feedback elimination, mics for all applications and speakers available in white and black to blend into any décor. Peavey also announced the start of a company-wide ‘Lean’ initiative, to maximise efficiency among its 33 facilities. Although the movement first gained notice under the term in the 1990s, the roots of Lean date back to
SENNHEISER The wireless Evolution series, which has caused plenty of ripples with versions one and two, now hits version G3 and Sennheiser clearly has high hopes for the new products. As with the previous series, there are three ranges within the Evolution G3, the 100, 300 and 500, as well as the new 300 IEM G3 wireless monitoring system and ENG sets for reporters and filmmakers. No matter which series the user chooses, the complete systems are claimed to be fast and uncomplicated to set up and ensure that users can ‘go on air’ without a hitch. The transmitters can be synchronised with the receivers via an infrared interface, the frequency management function makes more compatible frequencies available and all third-generation series now have a switching bandwidth of 42MHz.
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Henry Ford and, later, Toyota. Courtland Gray, chief operating officer of Peavey Electronics, said that Peavey must refine its business model for continued growth.
acoustic piano know-how and its Silent Piano technology, with both blending to make a piano that will attract new customers. In a similar vein, the new entry-level Disklavier E3 series brings the Japanese giant’s disklavier technology to a new price range. The E3 is again a blend of acoustic piano craftsmanship and cutting edge digital technology and is being touted by the company as the ultimate home entertainment system. On the guitar front, the latest CPX range is headed by the flagship CPX15II, handcrafted in the company’s Japanese workshop. For 2009, Yamaha is building a very limited number of 2009 Special Edition CPX15II guitars, which offer the outstanding construction, playability and electronics of the regular model, but with unique, limited-edition cosmetics. Similarly, the SG2000 continues to be as popular as ever and for 2009, Yamaha is announcing a special edition of the SG2000 – just 50 pieces of vintage white SG2000s will be produced and shipped from May. Ten pieces of this collectible guitar will be available in the UK, with a retail price of £2,199.
“I do think it’s time for more UK dealers to make the trip. It’s not far, it’s not that expensive, it’s a great show and there are good deals to be made.” Keith Willis, Indie Guitars INDIE GUITAR Indie was enjoying the announcement that its UK distribution will now be handled by Ashton Music and, in its coowner, Keith Willis’ inimitable way, there were a lot of positives to be had from this year’s show. “This was the sixth time we exhibited at the Musikmesse and it was our most successful show so far,” he said. “It seemed to be a little quieter trafficwise, but we wrote more orders and partnered with more country distributors. With our new partnership in the UK we were able to focus on international business and it paid off nicely. I think we are up to 21 countries now with Indie. “I do think it’s time for more UK dealers to make the trip, though. It’s not far, it’s not that expensive, it’s a great show and there are good deals to be made.”
ROLAND Roland was very much in keyboard mode with four new digital pianos – although a new accessory addition to its guitar amp range also made a world debut in the shape of a custom-fitted, protective cover for the Micro Cube that shields the amplifier during transport, storage and outdoor performance. The new C-230 has an easy-to-use library of instruments onboard, including classical organ and bass tones, harpsichords, fortepiano, celesta and so on. Originally available in cherry and satin black finishes, the
new DP-990R-PE introduces ivory feel keys and a new high-gloss polished ebony finish. The newest member of Roland’s compact digital-piano line-up is the F-110. Featuring a wooden cabinet in satin black or white finishes, it is an 128-voice polyphony, 88-key stereo multi-sampled piano and high-quality library of sounds. NUMARK ALESIS AKAI Akai Professional unveiled its new virtualanalog synthesiser with vocoder – the Miniak – at the Frankfurt show. The synth was developed in partnership with Alesis, which had a significant product to introduce in its own right – the DM6 electronic drum kit.
with a wide frequency response, which is tailored to deliver rich bass, clear mids and extended highs, targeting studio monitoring and recording applications. There were also the new large diaphragm, side-address microphone additions to its PG series microphone line, the entry point to the legendary sound and quality of Shure. The Shure PG27 and PG42 are large diaphragm mics, with the PG27 a multipurpose model
AUDIO TECHNICA Microphones from both the studio and broadcast ranges, new professional headphones and the ATCS-60 infrared conferencing system were on display at the AT booth, providing points of interest to visitors regardless of background. The new studio microphones in the 20 and 40 Series comprise the affordable AT2035 and AT2050 large diaphragm condensers and the high-performing AT4021 cardioid and AT4022 omnidirectional condensers. The 20 Series has both side-address models, with the cardioid AT2035 designed to isolate sound sources, while the switchable pickup pattern of the AT2050 allows omni, cardioid and figure-of-eight operation. The 40 Series microphones – which carry a lifetime warranty – are ideally suited to deliver sensitivity and natural response, and are perfect for use with acoustic string and percussion instruments. SHURE Shure Distribution UK, the Brit-based distributor, was naturally really pleased that Shure product seemed to rule the roost at this year’s show. Of note is the new Shure Reference Headphone (SRH) range. This is the company’s first foray into the headphone market and the series comprises the entry-level SRH240, the mid-priced, ‘semipro’ SRH440 and the professional SRH840
YAMAHA Although the GB1 Silent grand piano received an MIA award last year, its official unveiling only took place at this show. The instrument is a combination of Yamaha's 18 miPRO MAY 2009
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MUSIKMESSE • SHOW REVIEW
with a flat frequency response for natural reproduction in instrument and vocal recording applications. The PG42 is specifically engineered for vocal applications. High sensitivity, a voicetailored frequency response and a switchable high pass filter reducing unwanted background noise make it ideal to reproduce the subtle nuances of lead vocal performances. Its 15dB attenuation switch handles high input sound sources, if needed. VOX Vox introduced the Tonelab ST, a new compact addition to the Valvetronix series of effects pedals, along with the Night Train portable valve head and cab. Vox also held a show floor Q&A session with Joe Satriani, discussing his new effects pedals for which he collaborated with the company. Satriani admitted to
feeling uncomfortable having to stand on stage without any sort of prop other than a mic, but he spoke clearly and enthusiastically about his three pedals, the Satchurator distortion, the Time Machine delay and the Big Bad Wah pedal. WORLD RHYTHM PERCUSSION Exhibiting for the first time at Musikmesse, the new UK supplier of all things Afro-percussion (and beyond). Of note was the Pro Africa range of mahogany djembes and other percussion, featuring the very best in traditional African manufacturing techniques, combined with the production nouse of south east Asia. The new company’s proprietor, Chris Bromwich and his sales manager, Dan Pearson saw some 100 potential supplier customers from around the world, as well as a host of UK retailers.
MIPA Once again, the great and the good of the old continent’s MI press got together and voted for its favourite kit (whether old, new or still to be launched). The awards have now taken on a prestige second-to-none in the industry worldwide and manufacturers veritably drool over the opportunity to pick up a top award… Most innovative product: Celemony Melodyne DNA Bass amp: Warwick Hellborg Systems Bass cabinet: TC Electronic RS210 E-bass: Fender American Standard series Acoustic bass: Warwick The Alien Fretless Bass strings: D`Addario EXL 170 nickel wound Drums: Mapex Meridian Maple Cymbals: Meinl Soundcaster Fusion Drum hardware: Pearl Demon bassdrum pedals Drumheads: Remo Vintage Emperor Drumsticks: Vic Firth Soft Touch sticks E-Drums: Roland TD-4 Percussion: LP Legends Joe Madera congas Drum education: Jojo Mayer – Secret Weapons For The Modern Drummer E-Guitar: Fender Road Worn series Acoustic guitar: PRS acoustics Guitar combo: Mesa/Boogie Mark V Guitar head: Vox Night Train Guitar effects (19-inch or floor): Vox Satchurator Pickup: Seymour Duncan P-Rails Acoustic guitar amp: Fishman Solo Strings: GHS David Gilour Signature Boomers Synthesizer hardware: Clavia Nord Wave
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Stage piano: Roland V-Piano Keyboard workstation: Yamaha Motif XS Sampler: Native Instruments Kontakt 3 Software instruments: Spectrasonics Omnisphere Organ/portable keyboard: Korg Pa2X Pro Sound library: Vienna Symphonic Library Portable sound: JBL EON 500 series PA system: Meyer Sound UPQ-1P Live microphone: Sennheiser e965 Sound system technology: Yamaha TXn Amplifiers Mixing desk (live): Midas PRO6 Studio microphone: Neumann TLM-67 Studio monitor (nearfield): Focal CMS-50 Recording software: Digidesign Pro Tools 8 Recording hardware: Cakewalk Sonar V-Studio 700 Recording effects (hardware): Universal Audio UAD-2 Recording effects (software): Waves Maserati collection Mixing desk (project studio): Allen & Heath Zed 16 Mixing desk (high end): Rupert Neve Designs 5088 Recording hardware: Cakewalk Sonar V-Studio 700 Recording effects (hardware): Universal Audio UAD-2 Recording effects (software): Waves Maserati collection Mixing desk (project studio): Allen & Heath Zed 16 Mixing desk (high end): Rupert Neve Designs 5088 miPRO MAY 2009 19
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EVENT PREVIEW • LIMS
Second time around
A b e
Event: London International Music Show Venue: Excel, London Date: June 11th to 14th, 2009
A
s MI Pro goes to press, well over 100 exhibitors have confirmed their participation in the second London International Music Show (LIMS) and, with more promised to sign up between now and the end of May, this year’s event (set squarely in the middle of what will doubtless go down in history as the Year of the Crunch) looks as though it will be at least as big as last year’s inaugural show. It has been a tough second year for the event, with all sorts of behind-the-scenes wrangling taking over the organisers, even after what was widely perceived to be a storming first attempt. 2009 had already begun by the time the MIA emerged as the major force behind the show, which left little time to organise the structure and marketing of the event. Considering this, the show has done well and all four elements of the show (Drummer Live, London Guitar Show, Sound Recording Technology Show and Unplugged) are beginning to develop a clear identity and combining to make LIMS a unique affair. For business visitors, the show not only has a dedicated trade day (the opening Thursday – June 11th), but maintains VIP trade accessibility throughout the show, with special entrances and a dedicated trade lounge in the notably quieter Unplugged sector of the show. Trade registration has been open for a few weeks now and trade visitors can book their free place online at lims09registration.com. The benefits of dealers attending trade shows has been something of a 20 miPRO MAY 2009
The Year of the Crunch but crowds are likely to return hobbyhorse for MI Pro since the magazine began and, with the UK show now forging a clear niche for itself, there really has never been a better time to get involved. Everything one would expect from an industry specific business gathering will be included, from product launches and special show deals to seminars and that all-important networking opportunity, as well as the added buzz of an education day, sponsored by Music for Youth, and two fully blown public days. LIMS is fighting to push itself into the realm of the big hitting MI shows, namely NAMM and Musikmesse. One major independent retailer told MI Pro that trade shows were a major factor behind his business’ success. “A trade show
Orange celebrated its 40th anniversary last year
is an opportunity to keep your house in order,” he reflects. “Have I got my stock right? Is there something I should be shedding? Something else worth picking up? What should be kept? All of this happens as a result of the meetings and conversations you have at these shows. When I first started attending, I didn’t really know why I was there, other than the fact that everybody else was there, but over time you begin to see that your business develops as a result of what happens at shows. I wouldn’t have the business I have now if it hadn’t been for trade shows.” LIMS has, as a look at the exhibitor list at lims09registration.com will show, succeeded in bringing pretty much every
major player in the UK’s MI business together, so this chance to meet those who make up the larger part of our regional trade is one worth grasping. In a similar vein, the show will also have a careers fair, where views up the ladder will be available for those looking to either gain a foothold in the business or move on up. SEMINARS AND CLINICS As ever, there will be a full programme of seminars covering music making, playing and business issues. Each of the four days will see seminars from guest speakers and industry professionals, covering every aspect of the music industry. From tutorials to discussions, question and www.mi-pro.co.uk
Boss (and Rol
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LIMS • EVENT PREVIEW
As the UK gets into top gear for the second London International Music Show, whether exhibitor, visitor or artist, there might still be some dealers out there asking why they should be making the effort. Well, just for starters, here’s a few good reasons…
Travel and accommodation
The easiest ways to get to the Excel show (for British-based visitors) are by car or rail, although the former does include the possibility of gridlock horrors and London parking tariffs, unless you are booked in at one of the dozen hotels and short-let apartments situated on and around the campus.
environment. Availability is limited to 150 people per master class. Vai will also be joining Phil Hilborne and Nicko McBrain on stage for a performance (billed as ‘jamming therapy’). On top of this, a full programme of demonstrations and live shows has now been confirmed, bringing artists as diverse as Jan Akkerman, Albert Lee, Marco Mendoza and TM Stevens.
nd Roland) will be all hands on again answer sessions to demonstrations, you can get up close and personal with the best in the business. The seminar line-up has yet to be finalised, but the organiser says that the programme will take shape over the next few weeks. Of the master classes and clinic, of particular note is Steve Vai’s Alien Guitar Secrets master class. After a hugely successful launch in the USA, Vai will be bringing the three-hour experience to LIMS, giving guitarists the opportunity to hear him discuss music theory, guitar techniques, the music business and ways to discover and unlock personal musical identity. It also includes a question and answer session, with a few visitors being chosen to jam with Vai in this intimate www.mi-pro.co.uk
MUSIC FOR YOUTH MfY’s National Festival opens again in July in Birmingham, but in the meantime the world’s biggest music education charity will be taking over the aisles on the Friday of LIMS (June 12th), bringing together thousands of pupils, students and teachers for a day of participation and performance. Major events in this will be the Big Band and Big Sing events, which are expecting to involve up to 1,000 musicians and 2,500 primary, secondary, college and university students coming together to play and sing a tune written especially for LIMS. Everyone is encouraged to bring an instrument (of any kind) to help create this unique spectacle. Performances, demonstrations and talks on the MfY Live Stage will take place throughout the day in the exhibition hall. A full preview, with a run-through of everything that will be on offer at the LIMS show, will be featured in MI Pro June.
RAIL Rail from around the country to any one of the national rail grid terminals in the city will connect to the underground, from 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 two-stop 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, unless you actually want to end up in the wrong place, of course. 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 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 onsite 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. AIR ExCel is easy to get to from London’s five main airports: London City, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, via underground and mainline rail services, although there are massive benefits of convenience should visitors be able to get to London City. The local airport is a mere five minutes away by taxi. Full travel details can be accessed at excel-london.co.uk. HOTELS Excel has five onsite 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 of the show. Central to this were the Novotel and Ibis hoyels, 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 five-minute 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.
miPRO MAY 2009 21
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LAMBA • COVER FEATURE
Above Par Lamba might have seemed rather quiet to many in the MI and DJ retailing world of late, but that would be a misconception on a considerable scale. In fact, Gary Cooper discovers, the company of over 50 years standing has continued to do what it has always done: innovate for the market of tomorrow as much as today…
T
hough often associated with the late 90s DJ boom, Lamba is actually one of the music industry’s older suppliers – and an excellent example of the motto ‘adapt or die’. Started by chairman Frank Irish’s father, Charlie, in 1952, Lamba has a reputation for watching the market closely and keeping ahead of the curve, which is why the
its long relationship with some of the major brands it has distributed – names that have included such US stalwarts as Stanton, Cerwin-Vega, KRK, Numark, Gemini and also Martin Professional lighting. Today Lamba concentrates solely on its own brand, Kam, which it has turned from a DJ line into a versatile range that not only embraces the MI
“Lamba is a family-run business. It’s always been based on traditional values and ethics and that’s one of the reasons it’s been successful.” Gerry Frost, MD, Lamba Lamba of today, though it retains an uncommonly high number of people who have been with the company for many years, is quite a different business – in product terms – than it was the last time MI Pro featured it. Today’s Lamba, for example, is no longer a distributor of other manufacturers’ products, which may seem surprising, given www.mi-pro.co.uk
market, but is making increasing inroads into it, both internationally and in the UK and Ireland. Responsible for much of the direction that Lamba has taken in recent years is the company’s managing director, Gerry Frost – himself, a Lamba veteran. “I took over the helm as MD last year, after Chris Osborne retired and I’m just
about to celebrate 20 years at Lamba,” he explains. “Lamba is very much a family-run business,” he says. “It’s always been based on quite traditional values and ethics and we feel that’s one of the reasons it has been so successful for so long. It’s reflected in how long so many of us at Lamba have been with the company. Denis Phoenix, our sales director, and Emilio Reyes, our financial director, have been an integral part of our backbone for the past 11 years, while Kim Wynne, our export assistant, and Ken Goodyear, our warehouse manager, have been with us for over nine years. We have those sorts of long-standing relationships here and it gives the company a character that we think our customers appreciate when they do business with us. “Kam has not been perceived as an MI-based company in the past, but with the expansion of our products such as Kamkases, wireless mics, amplifiers and speakers, European miPRO MAY 2009 23
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COVER FEATURE • LAMBA
sourced Kamstands and, importantly, lasers and LED lighting (incorporating the Parbar range), we’ve become an important supplier to the MI industry. “Of course, we have many integral parts of the company, but in the MI market we’ve seen a natural progression and growth and as we speak we are about to launch a product that will have a lot of applications in the MI industry: the new Parbar mkII lighting kit. Any MI, band-based retailer could find a great demand for that product and make a healthy margin.” It has to be admitted that the mere mention of lighting is enough to have some MI retailers reaching for the mental off-switch, but as is so often the case, technology has outpaced preconceptions and anyone who dismisses this growing opportunity, based on old memories of expensive bulbs, hard-to-configure systems, tottering towers of infrastructure and all the rest of the mystery that was once lighting, would be making a big mistake. The LED-based systems on the market, typified by Kam’s LED range, dispense with all the complex paraphernalia and replace it with simple, cool-running, LED lighting, which is cheap to buy and easy to run. The Parbar mkII, Gerry Frost says, takes that user-friendliness even further – right into the ‘every band should have some’ market. PAR FOR THE COURSE “The Parbar system is based around the industry-standard ‘par’ cans and what we’ve done is taken that standard design, improved it and made it into a complete kit using four LED par cans, with an onboard DMX controller and sound to light function on a stand, with a foot controller and all packed in its own padded carry case. It means that someone playing a gig can have the whole Parbar set up and running within a minute.” This opens up some very interesting sales territory for MI retailers, Lamba feels, as instead of trying to coax customers to open their wallets for yet another guitar or backline amplifier
24 miPRO MAY 2009
Lamba MD Gerry Frost and chairman Frank Irish (particularly during a recession where ‘luxury’ spending might feel inappropriate), lighting offers the customer something completely new – and a way to make a significant impact on their performances and prospects as artists. In the past, if PA was too daunting for some retailers to consider, lighting might have seemed completely beyond the pale, but with the Parbar, Lamba argues, it isn’t only easy to understand and use, it is very affordable. The complete Parbar mkII kit, when it is launched at the end of May (lighter, easier to set-up and operate and with a higher light output), will sell at an anticipated street price of around £299. “We feel this will give MI retailers something new and innovative to offer their customers in this tough economic climate,” Frost says. “It has a lot of diverse applications as well – for bands, soloists and the performance industry, of course, but also for installations and the educational market. It’s a product that retailers can make good margins on, too,
which is something Lamba has always been very aware of.” Lamba’s evolution from being a distributor of other people’s brands to servicing just its own – Kam – may not have received an awful lot of attention in MI, but it was, nonetheless, a carefully thought-out strategy and foreshadowed the growing number of MI distributors in the UK which have also decided that, while distribution per se works for some, it can be a pretty insecure way of earning a living.
Sales director Denis Phoenix of hearts that all we were doing was building someone else’s brand,” he says. Kam isn’t solely about LED lighting products, of course. The brand encompasses a wide range of PA gear, too, and is intriguingly well-placed in what has become, in recent months, a very changed market in the UK. With the demise of Carlsbro and the changes at Wharfedale, coupled with the move of some Chinese suppliers, which have been trying to push their brands up into the reaches of ‘almost pro audio,’ the ‘working man’s PA’
“We feel the Parbar mkII kit will give MI retailers something new and innovative to offer their customers in this tough economic climate.” Gerry Frost, MD, Lamba As Frost says, with the increasing number of takeovers and buyouts today, while you may have a perfectly good relationship with a company whose products you distribute, that can disappear overnight and leave you effectively stranded and unable to service and support a product range. He points to the venture capital-backed buyout of one of the companies Lamba used to do tremendous business with as a potential case in point. Lamba saw the writing on the wall when that company was sold and decided it was time to get as much control over its own business as it could – hence the decision to concentrate on Kam. That said, Frost is quick to stress, if the right product comes along, Lamba wouldn’t automatically rule out distributing it for someone else, but owning its own brand is now seen as the way ahead. “We were a very successful distribution company, but we always felt in our heart
market has suddenly started to look, if anything, under-supplied and a company able to offer Kam’s range of affordable PA gear has begun to operate in a lesspopulated market. Being able to succeed depends on getting that product right and more than a few suppliers have come to grief in recent years by being over-reliant on their Chinese suppliers. Designs aren’t always right, quality control has been a major problem in some areas and supply issues (particularly in recent months, as financial turmoil has hit Chinese manufacturing – as even the mighty Loud Technologies found to its cost) have meant that it mattered not just to have Chinese sources, but the right Chinese sources. Gerry Frost feels that Lamba has got this right: “There have been a lot of opportunities in recent months in the speaker and amp business. Because of the buying-power we have, with a big export market, it does make us very competitive WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
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LAMBA • COVER FEATURE
in the UK. That export market growth has been pretty phenomenal lately, too. We’ve recently taken on Steve Schiffman – an icon in the industry – as our international export manager and the Frankfurt show was a huge success for us, with over 40 new distributors coming on board, bringing us up to over 60 distributors worldwide. What that does is give us a lot of influence and buying-power with our Chinese suppliers.” Lamba takes its Chinese connection seriously, not buying badge-engineered products, but designing them in the UK and having strong and long standing relationships with suppliers overseen by Chinese shipping and logistics manager, Steven Sun, at the company’s head office in Dunstable, as well as Lamba’s own staff based in China. “We recognised several years ago that it is important to be able to speak the language and understand what is required to do business properly in China,” Frost says. “Paul Bierton, our director of product development, Frank Irish and I go to China numerous times every year to make improvements to our product range, keep an eye on our stringent QC procedures and to find new and higher quality manufacturers.” One spin-off from Lamba’s buyingpower in China has been the development of a healthy OEM business, where retailers and other companies in the UK can use Lamba’s leverage to their own advantage. Rather than taking the gamble of going it alone and finding a 20 or 40 foot container of rubbish arriving on their doorstep, companies can contract Lamba to get the right products for them, branded however they want. It has been, Frost says, a very useful adjunct to his business – and one that is growing, as companies see the advantages of utilising a larger, more experienced company's expertise and knowledge. Meanwhile, back at Kam, one of the things distinguishing the approach Lamba has taken to its own brand is a willingness to spend money on promotion. Where some rivals seem to feel that money spent on advertising and marketing is a luxury, Lamba takes the view that it is essential, Frost reveals. “It has always been a major strength of Lamba and Charles Ward, who
is our brand manager, has ensured that our promotional activities are second to none in the industry. In fact we’re probably one of the largest advertisers within the UK industry, with about 18 magazines that we currently advertise in on a regular basis.” Lamba’s efforts are particularly impressive here and are backed up by a long list of events promotions and associated activities. Though most of these tend to be in entertainment areas, the company is also very present in the MI market and is willing to help retailers that want to get on board what it believes is one of the few currently growing market sectors – lighting. SEE THE LIGHT Frost says: “The lighting market is a large growth area within the entire music industry – applicable to so many situations – particularly with lasers and the Parbar system. Lamba excels in helping dealers with evening and weekend shows to stimulate new customers. We’ll help in any way that we can to promote those evenings and bring in some extra turnover with healthy profits for retailers.” This article began by suggesting that one of the things that sets Lamba aside is that it is less a follower of industry curves and twists than a predictor of them and this is borne out by a revelation from Frost that the company is shortly to begin UK manufacturing. After an era in which UK businesses had relentlessly outsourced production to countries with cheap labour, the idea has been mooted in recent months that the UK might be a good place to start making products again. But Lamba, true to form, had already worked that out and has a range of high-tech amplification products on the way, which will be not just designed in the UK, but made here too. “We’re actually working on many UK projects, which we can’t discuss at this stage, for obvious reasons, but this one
is near fruition,” Frost reveals. “This will put us at the forefront of technology and will enable us to be genuinely proud of UK manufacturing once again. Our market research tells us quite clearly that many retailers and a lot of our end-users would be proud to get behind a British-made product range. After many years of R&D, we are very close to launching.” Though it may not have been on the tip of everyone’s tongue as a major MI supplier, Lamba has been heading in this direction for some years, adding products that mean it has a lot to offer music retailers – whether they are looking for PA products applicable to the gigging and smaller installation markets or for this intriguing potential growth area of affordable and convenient lighting. Lamba has a track record to be proud of and every intention of providing the MI industry with more profitable, innovative and reliable products long into the future. LAMBA: 01582 690600
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INTERVIEW • CAROL BARRATT
Treasure Chester Chester Music has almost grown hand-in-hand with Carol Barratt since she created the popular Chester the Frog to bring piano learning to a wider audience. Andy Barrett discovers that her innovations continue – and with a specific aim…
W
hen Music Sales bought Chester Music in 1988, it was widely appreciated that the European publishing giant had scooped a reputable back catalogue of educational titles, not least the popular Chester the frog piano tutor, but whether the company had viewed the famous frog’s creator, Carol Barratt, as an ongoing asset is not known. If it hadn’t been, it certainly is now. Although she describes herself as a composer first and foremost, Barratt adds the qualifier that she is a composer for music education and one very quickly realises that this is the foundation of everything she does. “I suppose I was very lucky,” she explains. “Although my parents were relatively poor, my mother was supportive and music education at school was free, fun and varied. It stands to reason that when you learn to read and write, you need to know what sounds the letters stand for – it’s the same with music. You have to know your dots and your theory, but it’s all got a bit bland. Learning can and should be fun, but that doesn’t mean that you ignore the theory or that you only use show songs and pop music. “I think parents and teachers need to be a bit stronger sometimes. Parents think they know what their children want and they tell the teachers. The result is that a lot of teachers are scared to cover classical music, whether by the great composers or by contemporary ones.” This aversion to narrow-mindedness goes right back to Barratt’s earliest days as
26 miPRO MAY 2009
a published composer. She continues: “I had been teaching for a while and was trying to find books for children that were more like colourful reading books with a theme and an easy thread to follow. “I went to Chester Music to explain my ideas. The team showed some interest and I came up with Chester the Frog. Even then, I ended up paying for the colour separation myself because the company didn’t believe a colour print was viable.” This was 31 years ago, but Barratt’s thirst for innovation has not waned at all. Since the first Chester’s Piano Books there
Also for Boosey & Hawkes is the Bravo! series of tutors for the whole gammut of wind and string instruments. This adds up to more than 70 books in print today and underlines the passion with which Barratt views music education and the need for variety. “All I can do is fill the gaps I see,” she says. “Perhaps it’s not for me to rail against teachers – although I worked as one for years – but the whole system seems to have got lazy. Whether it is simply taking children along to classical concerts or reintroducing music education
“Perhaps it’s not for me to rail against teachers, but the whole system seems lazy. Lead children to new pastures and they will love you for it.” has been Chester’s Easiest Piano Course for four to five year-olds and there is a raft of accompanying Chester books covering exercises and repertoire, including the Chester’s Easy Peasy Theory Sets (“These are my pride and joy,” she beams). Last year Barratt re-thought her Chester’s Easiest Piano Course and now Books 1 and 2 are available as special editions, with exercises and sight reading as well the normal contents. Beyond her work with Chester, there has also been the acclaimed Boosey & Hawkes publications of At the Piano, a collection of original piano pieces for more advanced or adult players, inspired by the music of Béla Bartók.
at teacher training colleges or approaching asymmetric time signatures earlier, it all boils down to leading the children to new pastures – and they will love you for it. But there has to be more effort made. Maybe I am one of the last who insists on reading music and teaching theory, but for me not teaching these is absurd. Why wouldn’t anyone want to find out more about what they like? We all like music.” Being married, as she is, to the acclaimed composer Karl Jenkins, one is tempted to ask whether she would like to compose or even perform larger, more serious pieces. “I have written words for Karl – I still do – and we have also performed together.”
Barrett has approximately 80 titles in print, including many Chester books The future, then, will see Barratt pursuing her ideas as to how to make learning music an enjoyable task, which when it comes to some of the drier aspects of the ‘science of the art’, is certainly a challenge. “I’m writing a book of scales at the moment – for Chester – which is quite a task. Fortunately, I have an excellent editor in Rachel Lindley at Music Sales . We go through the material very carefully – we even find ourselves saying things like ‘oh, no. Chester would never do that.’ What are we like?” As far as Chester Music is concerned, one would suspect she is like the very best assets a living catalogue could hope for. MUSIC SALES: 01284 702600 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
MI Pro Vintage/Fishman
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FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON FISHMAN EQUIPPED VINTAGE ELECTRO-ACOUSTICS AND OUR VINTAGE DEALERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Worldwide Trade Distributors:
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SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • SAXOPHONES
Saxy beasts With a nature all of its own (is it brass? Is it woodwind?) the saxophone has been a constant in the MI trade since its heyday in the mid-20th century. With quality ever improving at the entry-level and the professional market in something of a state of flux, there has never been a better time to consider selling saxes. Andy Barrett dusts off his ligature…
J MICHAEL This Japanese brand has been in the UK for around ten years thanks to the UK and Ireland supplier FCN Music. The brand has steadily grown and is now acknowledged
28 miPRO MAY 2009
YANAGISAWA Despite the continuing increase in global demand and the limited manufacturing capacity of Yanagisawa saxophones, it is pleasing to know that it has not gone down the route and trappings of mass production and out-sourcing parts. Apart
from the pads, every component of Yanagisawa saxes is manufactured at the Tokyo factory to keep the tightest of grips on quality. Recent trends in the saxophone have been more cosmetic than mechanical and Yanagisawa has taken this on board with a new antique finish to emulate the horns of the past. Barnes & Mullins keeps a limited amount of 991 and 992 series, unlacquered altos and tenors in stock.
The Yanagisawa 9332J models are known to turn heads
YAMAHA Yamaha covers just about every angle conceivable in the sax world. Its saxes are considered by many to be the best and it offers a full range from the Custom and Pro models, to Intermediate and Standard series. Some of the major pluses that have made the brand so popular are, from the most basic instruments, a highly accurate intonation and a quick response. Prices range from a few hundred quid up to thousands. Yamaha has recently launched a dedicated online resource for sax players, plugging the Custom range. The website showcases the instruments in an informative and intuitive online environment while offering saxophone related information and exclusive video
footage, top tips and interviews with many of Yamaha’s artists, including George Shelby, Otis Murphy and Peter Weniger.
Stagg is always working on ways to improve its sax range
in the educational sector as supplying robust reliable instruments. The most popular instrument is the AL500 – a good starter student instrument at £369. The AL780 is a better student instrument for those going on to higher graded exams, while the AL980GM goes a step further for long-term advanced use. Another gem is the Curved soprano sax – a lovely little instrument suitable for smaller hands and at £460 very affordable. J Michael saxes are good for both sale and rental purposes and FCN is keen to point out that there is a full margin for the dealer while still being affordable. FCN checks all the instruments once they arrive in the UK, carries a large range of spare parts and can normally turnaround parts to dealers immediately. It also offers technical advice from an in-house brass and woodwind technician.
J Michael is particularly strong in the education sector
W
ith retail still holding out against the pressures of the recession, spare a thought for the saxophone retailer. While the boom years of the instrument are still within the living memory of many, sales have been pretty flat, with some barely notable exceptions, for years. However, the saxophone, with a little time, care and effort, is still an option well worth considering for a dealer looking for a new line. With many Chinese-made models achieving playable quality (although this is still an area that gets many hackles up among the high-end guard) there is an ease in supply and prices that are hugely attractive to the customer. One does have to be careful, though, as there are as many dodgy saxes from the Far East as there are excellent ones. On the pro side of things, people still think automatically of the so-called big four – Selmer, Yamaha, Yanigasawa and Keilwerth – but challenges are coming in strong from the likes of P Mauriat and the Swiss ‘boutique’ manufacturer Inderbinen. Selmer, of course, remains the ‘Steinway of saxes’ and despite the greatest efforts of the many pretenders, the brand still wears the crown. With the entry-level pushing expectations up, however, the pretences of the professionals are becoming ever more detailed and eyes are regularly being cast more widely. The market is changing.
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ANTIGUA Barnes & Mullins, of course, also handles the Atigua saxophone catalogue in the UK. While seen primarily as an entry level and student range, the US manufacturer is pushing hard on its 4000 series of saxes, which it also refers to as its Pro range. The Pro Power Bell tenor (named after the extra-wide flare on the bell), for example, offers contemporary design, premium materials, impeccable craftsmanship and road-worthy reliability, as well as a ‘closely guarded’ annealing process. STAGG Say ‘Stagg’ and think ‘entry-level’. Well, things are moving on for EMD’s sax range, at least. On top of the expected £450 to £700 models, which are instruments that are in themselves constantly being upgraded and improved, the brand now has a flagship instrument on the shape of the 77-SB baritone. This heavyweight beauty clocks in at £2,355 and takes the Stagg brand on to a new level. Besides this, there is the extremely popular 77-SA alto with high F-sharp key and a rocker octave key mechanism, as well as a tenor version and the SS sopranos in curved or straight models. P MAURIAT Putting in a very respectable challenge to the ‘big four’ pro sax manufacturers, P Mauriat (supplied to the UK through saxophones.co.uk) is causing ripples of approval throughout the pro artist world. Models such as the 66R and the 76 are being hailed as ‘the new Selmer’ with their vintage lacquer, flared bell, abalone key touches and fine engraving, combining
with a very rich tone and fluid payability. Interesting to note that one pro on the web was very excited about switching the neck of a 66R with that of the 76 and discovering something of a Holy Grail for himself.
The Antigua 4000 series is part of the firm’s Pro range
These models also have a fast and reliable modern action. Snake Davis, who spent most of his life playing vintage horns, switched to Yanigasawa four years ago and has a whole set of series 992 bronze saxes. The demand for the 992 bronze series and the 993 series solid silver saxes continues to grow with the addition of the 9933 models. These comprise of solid silver crook and bell with a brass body and bow, synonymous with the vintage Silversonic Super 20 of yesteryear. The -9932J custom alto and tenor, referred to as the Peter King models, continue to turn heads.
Yamaha is a very popular brand with a wide selection of saxes
SAXOPHONES • SECTOR SPOTLIGHT
ODYSSEY JHS’ brand is another of those that has gone from strength to strength, indeed scooping the ‘best seller’ top slot in MI Pro’s dealer survey in February this year. For less than £400, punters can buy the OAS130 alto sax outfit with its polished gold, clear lacquer brass body, engraved bell, power forged keywork, stainless steel rods, springs and pins, pearloid keycaps, high F# key, double braced pad cup on low C, fine tuning adjustment and adjustable thumb rest. All of this with JHS sales and support behind the brand makes it a real tempter for those looking to get into the sax market – and, of course, ideal for the beginner player.. JUPITER Another entry-level to semi-pro brand is the ever-growing Jupiter range. Made in Taiwan and supplied in the UK through Korg, these instruments come in several lines: student models, the Artist series and the Professional line. Jupiter makes soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones in each line. Its Artist and Prohorns in particular have a very good reputation and its student horns are considered to be good, too. The 989 Artist tenor, for example, has a hand-hammered brass neck, goldlacquered body and keys, an engraved bell, high F#, front F and tilting G# to Bb table keys. EARLHAM Earlham saxes weigh in as an extremely attractive option for the student, being eminently playable instruments, with a tone that really does belie the sub-£700 price point. On top of this, players are increasingly attracted by the sometimes stunning finishes the instruments are available in. UK supplier Bill Lewington also supplies all instruments with Rovner ligatures, which adds a nice touch for those looking for that little bit of added value to their purchase.
CONTACTS SELMER (VINCENT BACH)................................................020 8358 8800 EARLHAM (BILL LEWINGTON) .............................................01268 413366 JUPITER (KORG UK) ............................................................01908 857100 ODYSSEY (JHS) .....................................................................0113 286 5381 P MAURIAT .................................................................SAXOPHONES.CO.UK STAGG (EMD) ..........................................................................01293 862612 YANAGISAWA/ANTIGUA (BARNES & MULLINS) ..............01691 652449 YAMAHA ................................................................................01908 366700 J MICHAEL (FCN)...................................................................01892 603733 www.mi-pro.co.uk
miPRO MAY 2009 29
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PROFILE • FANE
Fane and fortune News of the rebirth of the Fane brand might well be met by the cynical as more evidence of a once great name falling into disrepute at the hands of eastern manufacturers. Not so, discovers Gary Cooper. This is the real thing...
T
he news, just before this year’s Musikmesse, that father and son team Arthur and Neil Barnes were about to relaunch Fane loudspeakers will have brought a smile to the lips of anyone who values Britain’s MI heritage. Though founded in the 1950s, Fane came to prominence in MI a decade later, when its speakers were found in backline amplifiers from companies such as Selmer, WEM, Laney and Orange. With Goodmans out of the picture early on, there were just two speakers used by the band of British amp makers: Celestion and Fane. It was Yorkshire-based Fane that was favoured by the majority of the ‘new generation’.
intimately tied-in with those of fellow Yorkshiremen, Audio Factors, which had acquired the Custom Sound brand and also handled UK retail sales of Fane. Both companies were, in fact, owned by Audio Fidelity, which owned a group of audio companies of which Fane was the cash cow. In 1989 Fane was put up for sale and though Arthur Barnes made a valiant effort to buy the company, he was pipped at the post by Wharfedale (in its preChinese form). Wharfedale was unable to make a success of the venerable brand and it passed to Adam Hall. You can’t, of course, keep a Yorkshireman down, so Barnes, by now
“The aim is to have a loudspeaker manufacturer that Britain can be proud of. We didn’t want a range of speakers with the Fane name on it.” Neil Barnes How Arthur and Neil Barnes came to own the brand is one of those stories that walks a tightrope between fairytale to true (Yorkshire) grit. Arthur Barnes was recruited as an engineer in 1966 and worked on Fane’s shop floor as press shop foreman. He went from there to production manager and ended-up as the company’s managing director during an era when Fane was a tremendous success, both at home and internationally. Things began to go sour for Fane during the 1980s. The company’s ownership had become a complicated affair, its fortunes
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working with his son, Neil, whom he had brought into the business in 1987 to take over selling Fane to UK dealers, went to visit Bob Gault, founder of US speaker maker Eminence and, as a consequence, set about establishing Eminence beyond its home shores. Becoming uncomfortable with running a brand they didn’t own, the Barnes team then purchased one of Britain’s unsung audio engineering manufacturers – Precision Devices. Following this, the wheel finally came full circle two years ago when they were able to buy Fane.
Father and son: Arthur and Neil Barnes took the long route to achieving their dream Back home (literally, as they transplanted Precision Devices from Cornwall to Castleford) the Barnes team built a new factory and set about achieving the best of both possible worlds, starting with a clean sheet in terms of production facilities, but also recruiting some of the workers who had built the original Fane products. Among them was Susan Goodyear, who had been with Fane since the 1970s and whom they hired to run production. (The lady who today winds the coils of this latest incarnation of Fane speakers, has also been doing this for over 30 years, Barnes says.) Determined to get the sound that had made Fane so successful in the past, workers with intimate knowledge and experience were brought back to help get Fane ready for this year’s Frankfurt relaunch – appropriately, just as Fane celebrates its 50th anniversary.
“Owning Fane meant a lot to us as a family,” says Neil Barnes. “All of a sudden we now have two businesses: Precision Devices, which makes Rolls Royce quality speakers – the finest in the world, used by the likes of Funktion One – and Fane, which has a wonderful heritage in music.” The plan has been, Neil Barnes says, to get Fane back on track, both as a supplier to manufacturers, and to retailers for what is, he feels, still a very lucrative market: the replacement speaker business. “The first job was to look after our OEM partners. We’d got to make sure we were building the speakers on time, every time for customers such as Tannoy, Funktion One and HiWatt. The aim is to have a loudspeaker manufacturer that Britain can be proud of. We’ve got a great music industry in this country and a great heritage in loudspeakers, but there was a real danger that Britain wouldn’t have a
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FANE • PROFILE
key loudspeaker manufacturer owned by a British company. So we spent the first year getting the products and supply right and now we are ready to start the next phase. “To achieve that, we had to open a facility in China as well. That manufactures components such as pressed steel chassis, which enable us to compete in every area of the market. What we wanted was not just a range of speakers with a Fane badge on them, but made in exactly the same way as we would have made them in England. It took some time to do that, but this year, with the UK factory in place, we are ready to start.” The result is two distinct series: the Chinese-made Sovereign models, which duplicate the traditional Fane quality and the Professional series, made in Yorkshire. “There are 17 Sovereign models on pressed steel frames aimed at the OEM market and the replacement and upgrade market,” Barnes says. “These are still important markets. People have to be able to offer speakers for a guy that has blown a driver in his cab or wants to upgrade to something better. There are a lot of people who are looking to upgrade, but don’t currently have a lot of choices available. “The components made in Yorkshire go to the pro audio marketplace – PA hire companies and to companies that are still manufacturing quality equipment here in the UK, like Funktion One and HiWatt.” It’s worth emphasising the close friendship between that other Yorkshire (albeit by adoption) company, HiWatt and Fane. Right back to the amp maker’s earliest days with founder Dave Reeves, HiWatt has been associated with Fane, with links including so many British bands from the ‘golden era’ that continues today with a new generation of HiWatt endorsers being shared with Fane. “Also in the catalogue are new models in the Medusa series, which was an original concept Fane had in the 1980s. We were looking at the elements that needed to go into the new distribution line and came up with a 1,500-Watt, 18-inch driver we describe as an 18 XB on steroids – a second generation of Colossus.
www.mi-pro.co.uk
“Part of that research came about because I also had good contacts with the American boutique amp market, which is passionate about the old Fane tone. Old Fane speakers were selling for a fortune on eBay, with people believing they couldn’t be duplicated, so we went back to the hand-written archives. We identified a number of speakers we knew would be winners if we could make them again. We went to see if we could still get the original British-made Muller cones and found they still had the tooling. We found that we could still make exactly the same speaker – even down to the same precision Sheffield steel frames.” The result caused a minor sensation in US boutique circles. New speakers that matched the legends, as well they might, being made by the same people using the same materials. Fane’s plan from here, Barnes says, is to put the brand “back where it belongs”. They are looking to recruit MI retailers that can see the opportunities. We’ve got a magical brand in British speaker history. It’s owned by people that have that history close to our hearts and who have been commercially successful in selling loudspeakers. “We’re looking to set up Fane dealers that can sell the product and impart that knowledge to the guy in the street. We’ll be selective, to allow the dealers to make money, we’ll be doing some expensive, targeted advertising to the end-users and this will add value for the OEM manufacturer. We want to invite any guitar stores that feel Fane is an opportunity for them to contact us and get on board.” The combination of the Fane brand and the Barnes gift for marketing and sales suggest that the 50 year old champion might be about to make a significant comeback. There is a general air of wanting to champion British brands about, once again, and it’s hard to think of many that are as rich in rock n roll legend as Fane – even harder to think of those that remain in British ownership. FANE: 01924 224618
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SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • MICS
Mic’d up There’s a huge selection of microphones out there for confused retailers and punters to plough through – but luckily, they don’t have to, as Rob Power tracks down the best of the bunch in the wired microphone sector…
F
or those of us who have spent most of our musical lives somewhere to the side of or behind the singer, it’s easy to forget that they of the huge ego, tight trousers, backstage histrionics and gear-moving avoidance also have an instrument to worry about. Two really, if you count their fragile voice boxes,
microphone to the ignorant: battered ones that people use live, and fancy ones that producers and engineers get all hot under the collar about in the studio. One type you might get away with spilling half a pint over, the other you certainly will not. There’s more to it that this simple division though – much more – and with a
There are two types of microphone to the ignorant: battered ones that people use live and fancy ones that producers and engineers get all hot under the collar about in the studio. which give bands a centre point for the songs and a target for the pint pot slingers to aim for. Vocal chords aside, what we’re driving at here is, of course, the microphone. Many of us might never have considered the humble microphone much past the battered old SM58s that are the mainstay of most live venues across the UK. There are basically two types of
32 miPRO MAY 2009
wealth of manufacturers out there clamouring for the consumer’s increasingly unsure attention, it can be difficult to decide which mics to stock your shop with. Which, handily, is where MI Pro steps in. So, without any further ado, here’s a rundown of what’s what in the wired (that is to say, not wireless) microphone market. Enjoy…
AUDIO TECHNICA With a huge reputation, a wide range of mics covering all price points and an impressive list of endorsees that includes the likes of Metallica, Alesha Dixon, Gwen Stefani and Linkin Park, Audio Technica is a big name in the microphone field, and rightly so. Its popular Artist series, which now comes with an impressive lifetime warranty (something that is unique to Audio Technica), continues to go from strength to strength. The ATM610 gives a good idea of what the range is all about. A hypercardioid dynamic vocal mic with extended range and multi-stage grille pattern for protection against plosives and sibilance without compromising highfrequency response, this is a high quality microphone designed to provide the best possible response for professional vocalists, at an achievable price point. At the entry level, the Midnight Blue series has a number of excellent options for well under £100, including the MB1K, a dynamic, unidirectional vocal mic with high output. The first rung on the ladder of this range, it’s certainly a good
introduction to the world of microphones for the naïve first-time buyer. SHURE As probably the best-known microphone brand in the world, Shure’s legacy is already assured thanks to the legendary and ever-present SM58 and its highly useful little brother the SM57. However, the company continues to produce excellent, innovative products that are at the forefront of market trends and carry the Shure mainstays of excellent sound reproduction, rugged quality and plenty of features. The latest successes from Shure come in the form of the PG27 and PG42, a pair of microphones that have been designed with the home recording market in mind – an important and ever-growing sector which is seeing increasing numbers of musicians realise that home recording doesn’t need to mean a compromise in sound. Equipped with large-diaphragm capsules, the PG27 and PG42 provide clear reproduction of instruments and vocals and are durable enough for
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everyday use and practice, while remaining sophisticated enough for advanced recording. Both are available in USB and XLR configurations and have already proved hugely popular with the target market. SENNHEISER Another big hitter in the microphone market, Sennheiser’s award-winning Evolution series is a steady seller and has been used by some of the biggest names in the market. The e935 gives a good representation of the range. This vocal mic was developed in conjuction with sound engineers with the idea of cutting through high on-stage levels, and the research clearly worked as this is the mic now favoured by the likes of the Ting Tings and the Arctic Monkeys, among others. German-made, with a tough metal body and advanced shock mount design, it has a hum-
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compensating coil and is a consistant seller. On the instrument side of things, the e908 is a hugely versatile and popular mic that is available in four variants, covering off drums and percussion, wind instruments, saxophones and trumpets, and is yet another Sennheiser mic that has found a home with some big name artists, with fans including Take That and George Michael. An integrated shock absorber eliminates handling noise, while a quick and flexible setup is catered for by the included mounting clamps and long-necked, flexible booms. PEAVEY Peavey announced for the first time at NAMM this year the successor to its original MSP1 microphone pack. The first gig pack was designed for vocalists and, having hit the market four years ago, was due a refresh. The new MSP2 microphone pack is again designed for musicians on the move, but now features a PVi 2
dynamic cardioid microphone with decreased handling noise. Like its predecessor, the updated gig pack includes a fully adjustable, tripodstyle boom stand that works equally well with vocals, acoustic guitars, amplifiers, drums or whatever else can be dreamt up. Accessories include an XLR-to-XLR (or XLR to Jack option) cable, a mic stand clip and a protective nylon mic bag, all zippered in a durable gig bag. Importantly, this promises to offer a great margin to the retailer and chances for the much-loved add-on purchases at the counter. Peavey recently announced the RAB ribbon microphones, which offer an affordable option to retailers within what can be an incredibly high-end section of the market. JHS As one of the biggest distributors out there, you’d expect JHS to have its fair share of mics on the market, and you’d be right. It does a swift line of business with its GYC brand,
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SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • MICS
a name that has proved popular for musos on a budget and looking for a decent quality, low cost solution. The range features a number of uni-directional dynamic mics, with each including carry cases and cables. Of interest in the GYC range is the GM55, an affordable 50s-style mic that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the hands of the King in his early days, and
company that has sliced out a decent share of the market with its positive attitude to marketing and good quality product to back it up. The DMP100 drum mic set is a solid collection of four dynamic drum mics in a heavy duty, moulded case that will allow soundmen without the deepest pockets a chance to get some decent sounds from even the shoddiest of drumkits.
The GM55 is an affordable 50s-style mic that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the hands of the King in his early days and gives retro fans a chance to sound great without spending a fortune. gives retro fetishists a chance to look and sound great without having to shell out a fortune. Also worth a look is the GYC drum kit mic outfit, which features a range of dedicated drum mics and mounts, all presented and kept safe in a neat padded ABS case. ASHTON A good spread of low cost options are available from popular Aussie brand Ashton, as might be expected from a
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The DM20 aims to fill the role of a beginner’s microphone. A sub-£30 price point should ensure that, while a wide range and an 80Hz to 12kHz frequency response, alongside a protective hard case, makes this a safe option for first time buyers. A more advanced version is also available in the form of the DM100. Well suited to performance, the super cardioid polar pattern fights unwanted feedback and squeal.
AKG AKG is yet another big hitter in the microphone world. A brand that brought its first microphones to the market in the late 1940s and has seen innovation and growth every decade since, its current line-up certainly reflects the decades of experience that have led the company to this point. The C 5900M is a case in point. A condenser mic meant for live applications, it features a spring steel wire-mesh grill that ensures it’s not going to be broken easily and an internal spider shock mount for handling noise suppressions. A switchable bass cut filter minimises background interference and general stage rumble, while an output level selector lets you boost the microphone’s output level to drive less sensitive outputs. This is a high end microphone for professional applications and it comes inclusive with a stand adaptor and a hard shell road worthy case. STAGG As one of the most popular brands at the lower end of the market, and with its name across a huge number of products, there is no surprise that Stagg has plenty to offer in the microphone sector. First up is the Stagg MD1500BKH Pro Stage, which
with a retail price just under £30 is an affordable entrance into the world of microphones, without customers having to worry that build or sound quality has been compromised. It features a cardioid polar pattern, with a frequency response of 60Hz to 16Khz, and is built to take the sort of battering any singer worth his salt will inflict on any of his favourite mics. At the higher end of things for Stagg, nearing the £100 mark, is the PGT-80H, a multi pattern studio condenser mic that has plenty to offer customers looking for something that can offer versatility and results in one package. The PGT-80H features a dual, one-inch gold plate diaphragm, pressure gradient transducer, multi-polar pattern (Uni/Bi/Omnidirectional),10dB attenuation pad and low-cut filter switch(-12dB/oct), and also includes a shock-mounted cartridge, rugged metal housing and IntegrMesh grille. AUDIX Placing the emphasis soundly on excellent sounding, built-to-last microphones, the US-based manufacturer Audix has been
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building a name for itself since it was established in 1984, and has put together a roster of endorsers that includes some mighty big hitters, such as Katie Melua and country legend Willy Nelson. The pick of the Audix range includes the flagship D6, a product which is fast becoming one of the most highly rated drum mics out there. Suited to stage, studio and broadcast applications, the D6 is characterized by a cardioid pickup pattern for isolation
and feedback control, and is equipped with a VLM (Very Low Mass) diaphragm for natural, accurate reproduction. Lightweight, compact and easy to position, with a wide frequency response of 30Hz to 15kHz and the ability to handle sound pressure levels in excess of 144dB, it’s easy to see why the D6 is well suited to lower frequency applications. On the vocal mic side, the OM7 is a steady seller for Audix, a microphone which features the ability to provide unprecedented gain before feedback on concert level stages without sacrificing sound quality. The OM7 has proved resistant to feedback on extremely
loud stages and is well suited to singers that cup the microphone with both hands – one for the screamy front men. PICK AND MICS There’s plenty of choice out there and a good spread of excellent quality options at truly achievable price points – all important in these belt-tightening times. The boom in home recording and the growing popularity of live music means that there is plenty of demand for mics that can do the job in both settings – the name of the game here is sound quality, versatility of use and reliability, undoubtedly the holy trinity for any music maker making their merry way in the world.
Fortunately, microphone manufacturers are increasingly clued up to the fact that the lowly home recording and toilet venue gigging schlup should be as important to them any arena filling diva, and so we have an excellent range of products to choose from at pretty much every level of the market. Thanks to the high levels of attention to solid construction and excellent response, even those on the tightest of budgets can afford something that will not just do the job, but do it well and at a price that won’t make eyes water – which means that nobody has to resort to £20 Argos mics in their musical endeavours, and hooray to that.
CONTACTS
The Artist series from Audio Technica is just one example of a great microphone range that could appeal to musicians visiting your store
AUDIO TECHNICA: ..................................................................0113 277 1441 SHURE: ................................................................................0208 808 2222 SENNHEISER: ...........................................................................01494 55155 PEAVEY: ..................................................................................01536 461234 JHS: ..........................................................................................0113 2865381 ASHTON: .................................................................................01780 781630 SOUND TECHNOLOGY (AKG): ............................................01462 480000 EMD (STAGG): .........................................................................01293 862612 SCV (AUDIX): ........................................................................020 8418 1470
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PROFILE
I WOKE UP THIS MORNING
CHRIS RUDD
General Manager, Gremlin
Working for the Sussex-based folk instrument supplier means that there is never a quiet moment, although there is sometimes time for a beer...
I
normally wake up at around 7:30, then I’ve got my two lovely kids to deal with. I’ll get them ready for school and drop them off at school for nine and then I’m off for about half an hour’s bike ride, get home for a full breakfast and get into work for around ten. The ride is a great excuse to eat more food. When I get in, first up is tidying up the odds and ends from the night before and then getting down to my emails, which takes me most of the day on and off, because I have to deal with purchasing, product improvements and the ongoing orders I’ve got with all our suppliers. I tend to clear them at the start of the day, but from then on it’s a constant job keeping up with them as they come in.
The only obvious problem this year has been the increase in pricing. Most people have had their heads screwed on and expected it. Then, really it’s whatever happens – the job I’m in is very varied. It’s part sales calls, part accounts and when we have deliveries it’s about checking the quality of instruments. Most Mondays there’s an afternoon meeting that I attend where we look at marketing matters and general everyday job specs, what’s happening, what plans are for the next week or so. As general manager at such a small company – there are four of us that mainly work here – my job really is a bit of everything, from purchasing to sales to marketing ideas to setting up instruments. WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
We have a new range of Ashbury mandolins and each one is set up and looked at before they are sent out and that’s something I also do. I would say I’m an average player, but I know what to look for and how to set up instruments. I never have a fixed routine, apart from making sure I keep on top of enquiries and purchase orders. I’m always looking out for any discrepancies on stock levels and things like that and I also deal with our manufacturers. At the moment I’m working on a new range of stringed instruments with our factory in Vietnam, so I normally Skype there early morning – their afternoon – to go through instrument specs, picking the right strings, the right machineheads and woods, that sort of thing. This is a big project for us at the moment. Another part of my job is visiting the factories to help increase the relationships we have with those guys. We’re very busy at the moment and I can find myself still here some nights until up to eight o’clock. We’re kept on our toes and it’s never boring. The year has been very upward looking so far, with the only obvious problem being the increase in pricing. Most people we’ve spoken to have had their heads screwed on and expected the price rises. The next few months will see us continue to work on the Ashbury range, as well as putting together new Blueridge marketing and a new Gremlin catalogue. We’ve also got some festivals to look forward to – we’re quite heavily involved in those – as well as LIMS, which is swiftly approaching. After work, I don’t play with any bands at the moment, but I do play at home for pleasure. Once I’m home, I’ll have a meal with the family before putting the kids to bed. After that, I’ll either crash out or, once or twice a week, head out and drink large amounts of beer. I’ve got a great job that is never boring and keeps me nice and busy, so I’ve got no complaints. miPRO MAY 2009 37
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RETAIL NEWS, OPINION, DATA
LOCATION REPORT
NEWS Yamaha zero per cent finance, major retailers at LIMS
The rolling hills of the Home Counties come under scrutiny
BEHIND THE COUNTER Our new secret columnist reports from the front line
INDIE PROFILE Nottingham Guitar & Drum Centre
Full steam ahead for combined retailer and education show Drumfest, Guitarfest and National Rock and Pop Festival combine for second year, with government funding turned down
JULY 10TH THIS year will see the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, open its doors on the Drumfest, Guitarfest and the National Rock and Pop Festival, in an event that the show’s organiser, PMT, is touting as the ‘biggest music retail event of the year’. As well as the three combined shows, PMT is also sponsoring the Stick it to MS world record attempt in aid of the MS Society (see drum news, page 12).
Guitarfest 09 and Drumfest 09, was again able to provide funding to ensure this important and much loved event goes ahead for at least another year. The schedule of the event will take the form of the Friday (July 10th) being devoted to the Rock and Pop Festival as ‘education day’. The festival was created to give young talent a venue for performance that is safe, secure and provides professional expertise and equipment.
PMT and the show’s sponsors again stepped in to ensure this much loved event goes ahead for at least another year. PMT stepped in to maintain the existence of the National Rock and Pop Festival after the children’s music charity was unable to secure government funding for the second year running. The MI retail chain, along with the sponsors of
38 miPRO MAY 2009
All the stands will be open to those faculties wishing to purchase and discuss any of the products on display. Pupils can explore the ‘school-yard’ area where they can experiment with the instruments and other equipment provided.
Workshops on the day will be free of charge with nominal ticket process for the evening’s concerts. The Saturday will be the turn of Guitarfest, with the organiser promising the event to be the best yet. Leading guitar and amp manufacturers will be exhibiting and all the stands (for drums as well as guitars) will be open to the public. Tickets will be £15, with concessions and under-12s getting in for a tenner. Sunday hands over to all things beatable as the tub thumpers gather for the Drumfest, which will be taking place for the 11th time this year.
Again, all the top manufacturers will have their best and latest kit on show. Tickets are priced the same as for the Guitarfest. Doors for both shows will be open from 10am to 5pm. Drummers wishing to participate in the Stick it to MS charity event should contact Rick Prince at rickprince@stickittoms.com and be ready to contribute £10 for the honour of being in the Guiness Book of Records. Further information can be found at the PMT website at pmtonline.co.uk.
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NEWS • RETAIL
Major retailers at LIMS MIA announces partners for innovative ‘retail village’ at London show THE MIA HAS announced the names of the first four retailers who will be taking part in this year's LIMS show. Confirmed today are Andertons, Guitar Village, Absolute Music Solutions and Chappell’s of Bond Street. The four shops cover a wide area of the UK's MI market and will be retailing from a dedicated area in the hall, where they will be restricted to selling products on show from the show’s exhibitors only. MI Pro understands that discussions are under way with up to six other retailers that are also considering taking part. The MIA's Paul McManus said: “We are really proud to have these first four retailers confirmed for the retail village. These are significant businesses, well known and respected with both trade and public alike. Strategically, they also cover the
GAK scoops Epiphone global recognition Brighton store wins Epiphone’s monthly award
breadth of the musical genres that LIMS represents. This means, of course, that the public can now purchase rock, orchestral and technology products at the show.” In a change to the original scheme, a new, smaller, stand format is being added to accommodate retailers who would like to participate, but don't feel able to commit to one of the original three sizes offered
(Gold – ten by ten metres, Silver – seven by ten metres and Bronze – five by ten metres). The newly available stand size measures three by ten metres. All stands cost £100 per square metre and come with warehouse space. Stands, therefore, cost £10,000, £7,000, £5,000 or £3,000 respectively, plus VAT. Those interested should make contact asap. LIMS: 0845 270 6800
Stefan Taylor (left) and Gibson’s Ray Miller THE GUITAR, Amp and Keyboard Centre in Brighton has been given Epiphone’s international dealer of the month award. The award goes to stores that offer the very best of sales of the guitar brand in terms of both quantity and quality. GAK first opened its doors in 1991 when a local guitar player, Gary Marshall, decided there was
a need for a serious music store in the area. Shortly after that, the store took on the Epiphone line and has since watched it become the top selling brand in the shop. The store’s top Epiphone salesperson, Stefan Taylor, received the award from Ray Miller of Gibson UK. GAK: 01273 665428
Yamaha pianos: zero per cent finance New scheme hopes to bring in ‘deferred customers’ as MI giant establishes a precedent for piano supply in the UK YAMAHA MUSIC UK has announced an new finance plan for piano dealers, aimed at creating incentives for buyers and customers that might have deferred purchases as a result of the credit crunch. The scheme, in association with MIFCO (The Musical Instrument Finance Company), offers customers a zero per cent interest finance package.
In a letter sent to its dealers, Yamaha’s acoustic division explained: “In an economy which demands us to be as proactive as possible and source new business, this plan offers a solution, presenting the best possible deal for customers. As the climate tightens there are many people who have deferred a piano purchase, having decided to buy – but not yet. Much of
BOZON: Committed to dealers
the piano market demographic will also be seeing their mortgage payments reducing, leaving extra money to spend at the end of the month. This is an ideal opportunity to visit this group of customers.” This is the first time Yamaha has offered such an incentive on pianos and the company will be supporting the scheme with a range of nationwide consumer
PR and promotions and providing its dealers with a range of point of sale and consumer materials. “We are committed to our valuable partnership with piano dealers and will endeavour to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure our mutual commercial objectives continue to be met,” commented Yamaha’s Charles Bozon. YAMAHA: 01908 369230.
A Lifetime of Satisfaction In 2007, we introduced a unique Lifetime Warranty* across our 40 Series studio microphones and in 2009 we are going a step further and extending this offer to include both our Artist Elite and Artist Series ranges of wired microphones. Unsurpassed in the market, our Lifetime Warranty offers genuine added value to every sale and reinforces our commitment to unbeatable customer service. Call us today on 0113 277 1441 – and experience more. *Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.audio-technica.com/warranty for full details.
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LOCATION REPORT • RETAIL
Berkshire As the summer months approach, our intrepid location reporter takes a leisurely stroll round some of the finer parts of the Home Counties and the some-time home of the Queen to boot…
MR MUSIC Based in a rather posh retail park, Mr Music is what can only be described as an exemplary music shop. Well placed, well advertised and in a beautiful location that’s primed to take advantage of Taplow and Maidenhead’s Saturday shoppers, it is cleverly stocked and presented. Split over two levels, with a glassfronted teaching facility at the back, it’s a modern, clean shop with knowledgable and friendly staff. Upstairs caters for most of the guitars – we’re looking at the obligatory Squier, alongside some Vintage, a smattering of Dean and a few Fender electrics. On the acoustic side of things, a forest of Tanglewoods also hides a few Martins, some Freshman products and even the odd Recording King. On the amplifier side, the big hitters are in place – Marshall, Roland, Laney, Line 6 – all out to be played and displayed. The ground floor, nicely decorated with a few classic album covers, is home to a good range of Yamaha keyboards and various acoustic pianos, as well as an excellent sheet music section which WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
covers off just about everything that the bussing instrumentalist hell bent on grabbing a few books for extra practice could need. All in all, Mr Music is a nice little shop. HOOTERS The Hooters chain has a few branches now, including this one in Windsor, a
None of this is helped by the fact that the main brand on the shelves is Blast, a name that relatively few of us are familiar with, and for good reason. Stack after stack of cheap and nasty Chinese knock-offs line the walls, and unfortunately these are not good guitars. A cursory run of a thumb along the side of a neck resulted in some nasty scratches,
Hooters is marvellously placed to take advantage of what is clearly a very busy spot. Once inside, however, you feel a bit let down. stone’s throw away from Queen Liz’s occasional residence. Situated in a classy shopping centre thronging with tourists as well as plenty of locals, Hooters is marvellously placed to take advantage of what is clearly a very busy spot. Once inside, however, you can’t help but feel somewhat let down. The standard bits and bobs are all there – a few Squiers, a smattering of Tanglewood and Ibanez, and plenty of accessories – but the whole place feels very sterile.
and one hates to think what these hastily finished instruments would do to eagerto-learn hands. It’s a real shame, as this store really is brilliantly placed, and in a clearly affluent area. Some nice stock across the board could really fly of the walls here, but it would seem the management are intent on shifting sub-standard copies. Largely disinterested staff and a strict ‘look but don’t touch’ policy really didn’t help things either. A shame.
LANGLEY GUITAR CENTRE A great reward for those who make the journey round the back streets of Langley to find it, Langley Guitar Centre is quite simply an excellent second-hand shop, full of some great finds with genuinely enthusiastic and friendly staff. Although its location leaves a little to be desired – it is tucked out of the way on a residential street – it is a treasure trove of well priced second-hand guitars, pianos and other little gems. A couple of lovely vintage Epiphones, alongside some classic Vox, Eko, Gibson and Fender guitars, adorn the walls, while beginners are not left out with a fair spread of junior league instruments populating the front of the shop. A family-run business that has been that way for over 40 years, it feels cosy and welcoming, with all the pride and attention to detail you would expect from a well-established guitar shop. With clean instruments, good displays, a spotless shop and a cluster of excellent instruments, this is a music store that any player worth his salt could while away many an hour in. miPRO MAY 2009 41
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RETAIL • BEHIND THE COUNTER
Avoiding the Brown stuff In a new regular feature, MI Pro’s undercover shop worker reports direct from the frontline, starting with some good news...
B
ritain is, apparently, broken. Knife-wielding thugs swarm our streets, while Google has decided to become Big Brother overnight. There’s a nasty war going on in Afghanistan and the country’s favourite celebrity headline generator and aspiring Princess Diana has shuffled off this mortal coil. Oh, and somebody broke the economy. You’d be forgiven for thinking that there is no hope, and we’re all best off staying indoors, watching Jeremy Kyle in our pants and eating too many biscuits. However, from the confines of a music shop, things look very different. The neon lit interior of my shop, for example, is an oasis of calm when all around is going increasing berserk. It is a comfy world of idle chit-chat, off-key banter, odd requests and mad questions – where customers will happily while away the hours discussing the merits of
coated strings or deciding whether they really need another delay pedal for their straining effects board. The shop inhabits a strange alternate dimension where the availability of Epiphone Casinos is of paramount importance, passers by think absolutely nothing of shelling out £150 on their lunch break, banjo tunings are regularly discussed and the only real problem is whether the tech will have that Jackson ready by Saturday. While the world outside is seemingly collapsing, a steady stream of punters defy the newspapers and fight their way past feral youths and crashing stock markets to buy three packs of strings and another capo. A recession is not only looming but smashing in our front doors and looking down the back of the sofa for change, but the shop is remarkably steady.
Of course this could change overnight, but so far, so good. No matter what the media says, people are still spending money. Well, musicians and aspiring musicians are anyway. The simple lessons of music shop life still remain: Keep a clean shop
with a varied selection of stock and a smiling face behind the counter and the rent will continue to be paid. It doesn’t make much sense, but then not much in the world of the shop-bound muso really
as long as he likes on a weekly or even daily basis (it happens), then the need becomes a burning desire that culminates in the best part of a thousand pounds landing in our till. And believe me when I say, it
Once a guitarist has decided he needs a new guitar, he will go through hell and high water for it. does. Musicians are oblivious to the world at large. The need for a new amp or a steady supply of Super Slinkies outstrips all other necessities. Once a guitarist has decided he must have a new acoustic guitar, he will go through hell and high water to get it. Nothing will sway him from his ultimate goal of owning a 000 Martin, because you see he doesn’t just want it, he needs it. If his local guitar shop is happy for him to try out as many different variants for
happens more regularly than you might think. Of course there are problems. It’s not all rosy – how could it be? Prices are going up, the internet persists in being a problem and getting hold of stock can be an enormous pain. Not all customers are kept happy and not every day is as busy as we might like, and God only knows where we’re going to get hold of any Gibsons. All that and the kettle has been broken for a week. See you next month.
DEALERSHIPS AVAILABLE How Indie dealerships work… 1. You choose any 8 guitars from the range, any price point. 2. 4 of the 8 are supplied as free issue guitars and 4 are invoiced, you choose. 3. We only invoice free issue guitars after they are sold by you. Pay 30 days later. 4. You choose free issue replacement guitars and we send them free of charge. 5. You replace your purchased guitars only after you sell them. 6. We will exchange any guitars that do not sell, no need to discount as nothing sticks! You can share in the success of the fastest growing guitar brand in Europe… …with the confidence that all indie guitars are unique and non competitive to any other brand. There is no catch… We simply believe in working with you to help sell great guitars. You can visit the showroom to view our guitars or we will bring them to you…
CONTACT US NOW on 01635 579300 or visit www.indieguitars.com ps. If we sell a guitar online you will get the sale!
42 MAY 2009 miPRO
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RETAIL • INDIE PROFILE
NOTTINGHAM GUITAR & DRUM CENTRE NOTTINGHAM
Is business up or down on this time last year? We have just moved into this store, so we had a great boost in business once we moved in. Overall though, I’d say it’s about the same. We got a great lift last year as well, as we won the award for the best retailer for the Take It Away scheme at the MIA awards, so we’re very proud about that. Do you advertise locally? We are in the Yellow Pages. We do specialist stuff as well, as we do a lot of product for marching bands so we’re in some of those magazines, although we’re not in rhythm or anything like that. Do you have an online presence? Yes, it works as a shop front for us, but we don’t sell online at the moment. A lot of stores do well on that side of things, but we don’t do it. We’re thinking about it, deciding whether it’s justifiable. What do you consider to be your main strength? Definitely our customer service, alongside our product knowledge and friendly staff. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned during your time in the business so far? From a business point of view, I would say managing finance. It is important that you don’t over stretch, as a lot of people seem to make that mistake.
What is the biggest challenge facing you? Getting over the internet. It’s a big challenge for any city centre store. People come in to see gear and try it, and there’s always the daunting thought that they’ll take the benefit of our staff knowledge and time, then take their money straight online. It doesn’t happen all the time, we have a lot of customers that don’t do that, but there is definitely a percentage that do and it is very frustrating. Given the power, what would you change about the industry? I guess if I had to change anything, pricing on internet would be the one. It needs to be policed properly. There are plenty of lines we don’t do as we can’t make money on them. I can’t understand why it can’t be sorted out. For example, with Apple Macs, if you want to buy one, you can’t search round for one that is a better deal, the prices are all the same. In this industry, people are chucking things away with a five per cent margin. By the time we’ve covered our overheads and staff costs, people aren’t going to buy it from us as it looks way too expensive. Companies say every week, they are doing new things to combat it, and companies are trying to do it, but it’s not happening. I’ve friends in other businesses making 35 per cent. If I’m selling a £119 product at £10 off the retail price, it will sell. But the people who do it at £79 for £5 profit are ruining the industry. We can’t match prices.
FACTS & FIGURES Address: Cranbrook Street, Nottingham NG1 Phone: 0115 841 4148 Owners: Andrew Cammiss and David Fletcher Established: 1999 Employees: Two Best selling lines: Mapex drums, Ibanez guitars
44 miPRO MAY 2009
WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
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MIA NEWS an update from your industry trade association
LIMS retail update Retailers are confirmed for the show and a new stand package is now available
T
he ‘retail village’ at the forthcoming LIMS show in June continues to progress and develop and the MIA would like to thank the many businesses and individuals that have helped the association formulate the policy on such an important issue to both the industry and to the show’s consumers. Regardless of which retailers are investing in the show, the MIA is encouraging all exhibitors to fully promote all their authorised dealers to the general public. Not everyone will want to make a purchase at the event and it is important that every customer is clear as to the nearest retailer for the brand they wish to buy. The show will be attracting people from a wide geographical spread and the event’s organiser wants the whole network of UK retailers to benefit from the event. There are now four confirmed retailers for the show: Andertons, Guitar Village, Absolute Music Solutions and Chappells of Bond Street. These shops cover the full breadth of the musical genres and will be
46 miPRO MAY 2009
offering a professional service to the customers who visit the event wishing to purchase. All stands will be in a dedicated area of the hall and will only sell brands that are exhibited in the main halls of LIMS. Up until now there have been three sizes of stands available to MIA retail members and there are still a limited number left for any stores that would like to be involved. The packages available are Gold (ten by ten metres), Silver (seven by ten metres) and Bronze (five by ten
metres). And in response to requests from smaller retail members, new three by ten metre stand spaces are now available in limited numbers. All stands cost £100 per square metre and come with warehouse space included. Stands, therefore, cost £10,000, £7,000, £5,000 or £3,000 respectively, plus VAT. Any retailers who are interested in exhibiting at the show should contact Bev Channell as soon as possible at bev@channellevents.com. BEV CHANNELL: 0845 270 6800
www.mi-pro.co.uk
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NEW PRODUCTS ACCESSORIES
G
BACKLINE G BASS & GUITAR G DRUMS G PRINT
PRODUCTS • ACCESSORIES
GUITAR TECH STRAPS £6.99 They say: One cheap but effective way to get a quick 'change' fix is to get yourself a new strap. For: Guitarists, bassists, fretted instrument players Range: Guitar Tech straps Spec: Two-inch width webbing straps, leather end pieces for strap button fit, Access All Areas, Call Security! and Whatever designs. From: JHS 0113 286 5381 Alesis Audio Link offering a panoply of variations for interconnectivity
ALESIS AUDIO LINK USB CABLES £POA They say: Connect analog audio sources directly to their computer. For: Musicians Range: Alesis interfaces Spec: Quarter-inch jack to USB cable, analog audio source direct to computer, 16-bit, 44.1kHz audio via AD conversion, mono recording, 16.5 feet length. Also Mic Link (XLR to USB) and Line Link (dual jack/USB). From: Numark 01252 341400
ASHDOWN PEDAL BOARD £99 They say: A convenient and affordably-priced new pedal board and powering system. For: Bassists, guitarists Range: Ashdown accessories Spec: Board for up to six Ashdown pedals, self-adhesive velcro strips supplied, switch-mode mains power with DC supply of up to eight 9V pedals, ships with cables and shoulder bag. From: Ashdown 01245 441155
WITTNER TAKTELL ANIMAL PENDULUM METRONOMES £76.99
KORG AW-2 & AW-2G TUNERS £49.99 They say: Popular with musicians of wide-ranging genres for their superb functionality and convenience. For: Musicians Range: Korg tuners Spec: Clip-on chromatic tuners, double ball-joint, backlit display, A0 to C8 tuning range, internal mic or Piezo sensor. AW-2 with two clips (large & small) for band & orchestral. AW-2G with adjustable-angle clip pad for guitar headstocks. From: Korg 01908 857100
BOSS TU 12 BW BRASS & WOODWIND TUNER £79.99 They say: Brass and wind instrument players can now experience the quality tuning of a Boss tuner. For: Brass & woodwind players Range: Boss tuners Spec: Chromatic tuner, needle-type meter, LED tuning guide, expanded tuning range, Quick Response mode, reference tone, contact mic, music stand clip. From: Roland 01792 702701
They say: The fun way to get children more interested in the benefits of using a metronome. For: Young musicians Range: Wittner metronomes Spec: Mechanical pendulum style metronome, tempo range 40 to 208bpm, wind-up mechanism, available in penguin', cat and owl designs. From: JHS 0113 286 5381
STAGG HGB2-UK S UKULELE SOFT CASE FROM £25 They say: Strong, rugged and reliable – and above all, protective. For: Ukulele players Range: Stagg accessories Spec: Black nylon covering, top & bottom reinforcement wood frames, shaped expanded polystyrene interior, accessory & music pockets, nylon web handle, adjustable shoulder strap. Also available in concert, tenor and baritone sizes. From: EMD 01293 862612 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
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NEW PRODUCTS • BACKLINE ASHDOWN ALL ACCESS PRACTICE AMPS FROM £89 They say: Successfully delivering trademark Ashdown performance in a rehearsal setting. For: Bassists Range: Ashdown bass amps Spec: Four combos in range, all with bass, middle & treble controls, pre-shaped 'deep' switch, headphone out, extension speaker out. Tour Bus 10 (£45). After Eight 15Watt, 8" BlueLine speaker (£89). Perfect Ten 30-Watts with10" speaker (£125). Five Fifteen 100 Watt with 15" BlueLine speaker (£169). From: Ashdown 01245 441155
ARIA SERIES 10 STOMP BOXES FROM £44.95
STAGG 250 GARH UK GUITAR AMP £240 They say: A hard-hitting, high powered amp for the rock beast within. For: Guitarists Range: Stagg amps Spec: 250W solid state, two channel (clean & dirty) amp, independent volume controls, threeband eq, reverb, master volume, FX loop, aux in, Speakon outputs for speakers From: EMD 01293 862612
ELECTRO-HARMONIX VOICE BOX $POA
They say: Provide superb options for cash strapped guitarists, but the sound quality is unsurpassed. For: Guitarists Range: New Aria product Spec: Nine models in range: SD 10 short delay (£64.95), DT 10 distortion, OD10 overdrive, PH phaser, UM 10 ultra metal, FL 10 flanger, FZ 10 fuzz, H 10 chorus, CP 10 compressor (£44.95). Metal casing, nine-Volt battery or DC power supply. From: Aria 01483 238720
HARTKE HY DRIVE 5410 £661.25 They say: A groundbreaking speaker and a professional bass amplifier in one portable, roadworthy enclosure. For: Bassists Range: Hartke Hy Drive Spec: Four Hy Drive bass speakers with paper & aluminium cones, 500W amp to four Ohm speaker system, 12AX7 tube preamp, bass & treble shelving with mid peak eq and built-in limiter. From: Korg 01908 857100
They say: Will give you your backing vocalists, following your every nuance and emotion. For: Musician/vocalists Range: EH effects Spec: Two to four-part harmonies from vocals in same key as accompanying instrument, reverb, 256 band articulate Vocoder, nine programmable presets, Gender Bender for male/female modification, mic pre with phantom power & gain. From: Electro Harmonix +1 718 937 8300
PEAVEY JSX 50 AMP £TBC They say: A wide new tonal palette that allows them to express an abundance of sounds and styles. For: Guitarists Range: Peavey JSX Spec: 50W amp, 12AX7 preamp and two 6550 power valves, two channels (clean & crunch), threeband eq, master & gain controls, boost switch & sixway attack selector on crunch channel, MSDI micsimulated XLR DI, FX send & return. From: Peavey 01536 461234
48 miPRO MAY 2009
FENDER BAND MASTER VINTAGE MODIFIED AMP £569.99 They say: Introduced with the classic Fender valve amps in mind. For: Guitarists Range: Fender valve amps Spec: Band-Master VM, 40W all valve head, DSP effects, two 6L6 power tubes, two 12AX7 preamp tubes, clean channel with pre-gain tone control, drive channel with post-gain eq. Also available, VM 212 enclosure (£279.99). From: Fender 01342 331700 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
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It’s time to go Acoustic! DO YOU LIKE TO STOCK INSTRUMENTS WITH A GREAT TURNOVER AND A HIGH MARGIN?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO INCREASE YOUR APPEAL WITH A MORE VARIED RANGE OF INSTRUMENTS?
DO YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THE FOLK INDUSTRY BOOM? ...THEN THE GREMLIN FOLK DEALERSHIP IS FOR YOU! The Gremlin Folk Dealership offers you an easy way to keep in stock our most popular models in our most popular instrument lines. We adapt the range to suit your shop and your requirements, and include the very best selling items we have in stock with the most general appeal. The range is made up of the most popular acoustic folk instruments in the UK and includes Accordions, Ukuleles, Mandolins, Whistles, Bouzoukis and Autoharps. You can complement the range as much or as little as you like with additional items from our extensive catalogue. The Folk Dealership package costs around £1200 and qualifies you for a 7.5% discount on everything from our Folk range.* Don’t forget we offer a 5% prompt payment discount too!
Call or email today for full details or to start putting together your Core Folk Package! *Excluding selected special items on which discounts are not available. Terms & Conditions Apply.
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
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NEW PRODUCTS • BACKLINE HAYDEN CLASSIC LEAD 80 £1,950
VOX BIG BAD WAH £172
They say: Free of superfluous gimmicks and straight to the sound of 70s British rock and more aggressive, modern tones. For: Guitarists Range: Hayden guitar amps Spec: 80W head and combo, two channels (medium to high gain and sustain), presence, bass, middle and treble controls, dual master volume, FX send & return. Combo with two 12” speakers. From: Hayden 01245 441155
They say: Vox expands the Joe Satriani guitar effects line with the introduction of the baddest wah yet. For: Guitarists Range: Vox/Satriani effect pedals Spec: Dual wah pedal with two independent wah modes, wah1 for ‘British tone’, wah 2 editable for user tones, drive knob for gain on wah 1, voice switch for traditional to ‘dark’ voicings. AC adapter or 9V battery powered. From: Korg 01908 857100
HAYDEN COTTON CLUB COMBOS FROM £829 They say: Build to make signature sounds more accessible. For: Guitarists Range: Hayden guitar combos Spec: Both amps with single-ended, and push-pull mode switching, EL84 output valves, channel two boost. 7/15: 7/15W, 12" Celestion G12M Greenback speaker. 15/30 15/30W, two 12" Celestion G12M Greenback speakers (£999). From: Hayden 01245 441155
ROLAND CUBE 80-X COMBO £349 They say: The most powerful guitar amplifier in the Cube series line-up. For: Guitarists Range: Roland Cube Spec: 80W amp with 12” speaker, two channels (clean & lead), looper and solo functions (setting memory), ten Cosm amp models, six Roland effects (incl spring reverb), tuner, aux in. From: Roland 01792 702701
ORANGE BT500H TERROR BASS AMP £493.89
ORANGE SMART POWER BASS CABINETS FROM £499 They say: Pound for pound deliver more power and more volume than any other currently on the market. For: Bassists Range: Orange speaker cabs Spec: Isobaric loudspeaker construction, neodymium Eminence speakers, three models: three new models are the SP210 (600W), SP212 (600W) SP410 (1,200W). SP210 30cm wide. Also OBC810 bass speaker cab with eight 10” speakers. From: Orange 020 8905 2828
50 miPRO MAY 2009
They say: You can feel the rumble, tremor and quake, but when you see the size you will find it hard to believe. For: Bassists Range: Orange Terror bass amps Spec: Smaller than Tiny Terror, 5kg weight, 500W hybrid amp, Class D solid state circuitry, twin valve 12AX7 preamp From: Orange 020 8905 2828
PEAVEY 3120 HIGH GAIN £1,182 They say: Tones from crisp and clean to total high-gain saturation. For: Guitarists Range: Peavey guitar heads Spec: Three-channel, all-valve amp, 120W, lead & rhythm channels with gain and volume controls and active three-band eq, clean channel with passive three-band eq and volume, master volume. From: Peavey 01536 461234 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
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DRUMS • NEW PRODUCTS
PRO AFRICA GHANA DJEMBE FROM £117.50
NATAL CLASSIC SERIES SPECIAL EDITION CONGAS £695
They say: Made in Indonesia by craftsmen trained by Senegalese artisans. For: Percussionists Range: World Rhythm Percussion Spec: Hand carved, mahogany shell, goatskin head, made for performance and studio, three models: 50cm x 24cm/10” head, 60cm x 30cm/12” head, 65cm x 38cm/13” head. From: World Rhythm 01242 282191
They say: Exact replicas of the 1960s Natal congas used by artists as diverse as John Bonham and T Rex. For: Percussionists Range: Natal congas Spec: Fibreglass construction using original Natal moulds, steel comfort hoops, red on black ‘splatter’ finish, 11-inch conga and 12-inch tumba. matching bongos and matching guiro also available. From: MSC 01562 827666
SABIAN VAULT ARTISAN CRASH FROM £378 They say: Designed to produce dark, traditional tone enhanced with the benefit of modern projection. For: Drummers Range: Sabian Vault Artisan Spec: Thin/extra-thin model in 16” and 18” (£445) sizes, high-density hand hammered, jumbo-peen radial dimpling, wide-blade lathing, B20 bronze, natural finish (brilliant optional), two-year warranty. From: Westside 0141 248 4812
THIS PAGE IS SPONSORED BY MIKEDOLBEAR.COM, THE LEADING ONLINE RESOURCE FOR EVERYTHING DRUMS.
VISIT WWW.MIKEDOLBEAR.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.
International Exhibition for Musical Instruments and Services ɻਝ ɐࣵ ਝᅥኂࢄᙴผ
13 – 16 October 2009
Shanghai New International Expo Centre, China
live for the music • over 40,000 distributors, dealers, retailers and musicians from 91 countries • over 1,100 exhibitors showing a broad product mix of both western and traditional Chinese instruments • set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most exciting and rapidly-developing music product markets For information, visit www.musikmesse.com Or email music@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com
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NEW PRODUCTS • PRINT
BOOK OF THE MONTH Author: Bobby Owsinski How to Make Your Band Sound Great Target: Bands and performers Comment: These sorts of books tend to come around every few months or so (How to make it big, how to survive the music industry, how to sound good live or in the studio and so on) and while many have some good advice, they usually make for dull reading and tend to barricade themselves off from elements of the business that are equally important. In this tome, Owsinski covers live and studio, promotion and management,
getting a good sound (in different situations), covers the needs and wants of each musician in the band and, most importantly, constantly returns to the importance of the right attitude. Don’t be a flake, be prepared, bring spare kit, don’t piss off the venue and many, many others, all underlined with the few that have got it right and the hoards that get it wrong, time and time again. The underlying message of the book is that ‘you are just another band and no-
one is interested in you, unless you can make them interested’. Manners, acumen, practicality, sense and sensitivity are all touched upon, but then there is the fact that, however good we think we are, the final decision is not ours. Artists hoping to make it need to make it as simple for themselves as possible, but should never come across as simple – it’s a tightrope to walk, but this book can really help. Hal Leonard (Music Sales): 01284 702600
Artist: Creed Guitar Anthology
POPULAR
Target: Guitar Series: Authentic Guitar Tab Edition Comment: The best songs from the three multi-platinum albums from the Florida-born post-grungers: Human Clay, My Own Prison and Weathered, all (as with all of Alfred’s Authentic Tab Editions) lovingly and precisely reconstructed, with every bend and tuning alteration detailed. The appearance of this book now will go a long way to fuelling the rumours (denied by the band, despite their You Tube teasers) that 2009 will see a reunion. Alfred (Faber): 01279 828989
Artist: Various Top of the Charts 2009 Target: PVG Comment: The first of the year’s chart hit compilations (always a sure seller, but for a limited period of time), this book covers the likes of Duffy, The Ting Tings, Lily Allen, Take That, Girls Aloud and more. A precisely transcripted PVG version with at least one song for the repertoire collectors. Faber: 01279 828989
Author: McDermott/Kramer/Cox Ultimate Hendrix
Artist: Alicia Keys You’re the Voice Target: PVG Series: You’re the Voice Comment: The You’re the Voice series is now one of the most comprehensive collections of singers’ songs, made for the auditioning singer, the karaoke aficionado or the simple hobbyist. Here a run down of ten of Keys’ biggest and best known numbers that have contributed to her 20 million-plus album-selling career. Neatly and simply laid out, this is a must for the fans and a good option for those seeking quality repertoire. Faber: 01279 828989
Target: General Comment: With Hendrix on the cover, sales go up – this is a truth universally acknowledged, but when the book is a factual, day-by-day run through of the great man’s professional career from 1963 to 70, compiled by Hendrix’s official archivist, his producer and his friend and bassist, there is bound to be even more pull. All gigs, all sessions and every significant meeting is listed here, with background woven in. This is an objective run-through of the career of one of rock’s greats. Backbeat: 020 7720 3581
EDUCATION Author: Serrano & Whitehead Flamenco/Classical Target: Guitar Comment: The writers set out to teach the basic techniques shared by two styles, with classical training seen as an essential for Spanish aficionados. Excellently illustrated with finger positions, advice and information and, of course, a run through of theory and playing to a quite high standard. Mel Bay: 020 8323 8010
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Author: Don Latarski The Guitar Scale Picture Book Target: Guitar Comment: This excellent, dictionary-style reference book from Alfred dedicates each page to the different forms of a specific scale, covering everything from major, harmonic and melodic minor and pentatonic to blues, diminished and whole tone scales. All are clearly laid out, but also each with its own little introduction as to the form and usage of the scale. No guitarist who doesn’t know everything in this book should be without it. Alfred (Faber): 01279 828989
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NEW PRODUCTS • PRINT
Artist: Tim Quinn Fluid Soloing Book 1 Target: Guitar Comment: An interesting take on soloing (for rock guitar, the introduction says, but it needn’t end there) as Quinn takes students through arpeggios designed to cover chord changes and thus add that fluency that the best soloists seem to perform with ease. Once the initial exercises have been practised, the book leads on to blending arpeggios and then the fun really begins. Years worth of work in one book. Recommended. Mel Bay: 020 8323 8010
Target: School ensembles (Grade 2) Series: Discovery Plus Band Comment: Although not listed as such on the ‘cover’, this song from the High School Musical series of films is arranged for Hal Leonard’s Flexband, which enables schools and others to make the most of the instrumentalists (or instruments) they have available. The folder contains sheets for pretty much an entire orchestra, including extensive percussion and a convertible bass line, as well as the conductor’s sheet. Hal Leonard (Studio Music Company): 01582 432139
Author: Martin Röttger Studies for Cajon
Artist: Carter Burwell (arr Edward Lee) Bella’s Lullaby Target: School ensembles (Grade 2 to 3) Series: Flex-Band Comment: The main theme from the hit movie, Twilight, scored by Edward Lee for small, unbalanced or incomplete bands, including scores for brass, woodwind, strings, as well as percussion and alternate bass instruments, all united under the complete conductor’s score, these Flex-band pieces provide contemporary music for schools, but assume nothing about what might be available in terms of instruments or musicians. Hal Leonard (Studio Music Company): 01582 432139
Author: Hugo Pinksterboer Tipbook Guitar/Vocals/Violin Target: Guitar/Vocals/Violin Series: Tip Book Complete Guides Comment: This new series from Hal Leonard is a serious contender for book of the month, with a book for each of the instruments above and a thoroughly comprehensive run down on anything you need to know about them and a lot you never realised you should know. From an overview of the instrument to tips and tricks on playing, musical theory, derivatives and a lot more, these are essential little tomes for beginner, intermediate or even advanced players and singers. Hal Leonard (Music Sales): 01284 702600
Author: Ronald Lynn Wood Moderne: Holy Grail of vintage guitars Target: General, vintage guitar enthusiast Comment: A quite bizarre book following the history (although oftentimes the myth) of Gibson’s equally bizarre Moderne guitar of which many rumours circulate, including that the guitar never existed. Wood turns up proof of six being made by Gibson in 1958 at the same time as the original Flying Vs and another six or eight in the early 80s. He then sets about tracking them down. It’s a fascinating journey that guitar geeks will not be able to put down. Hal Leonard (Music Sales): 01284 702600 54 miPRO MAY 2009
Artist: Anders & Hassman (arr Brown) Can I Have This Dance
Target: Percussion Comment: A book that does what it says on the cover, straight and simple, a collection of rhythmic exercises for the budding cajon player, beginning with seating and playing positions and then moving into the tabulated playing. Röttger calls the drum ‘the smallest drum kit in the world’, ideal for playing acoustically without drowning anyone out, making it ideal for rehearsal. This book bases its styles on pop and rock rhythms, but the book goes a lot further than that. Mel Bay: 020 8323 8010
Author: Jeff Rona The Reel World: Scoring for pictures Target: Composers Series: Music Pro Guides Comment:As a film, TV and video composer of many years standing, Rona is the ideal person to take the aspirant through the tips, tricks and pitfalls of composing commissioned music for multi-media. With explanations on how to get started, what makes a good score, all of the electronic sequencing, production, editing and notation software available, methods of file sharing and collaboration – well, just about everything the budding composer could hope for. Hal Leonard (Music Sales): 01284 702600
Author: Frances Vincent Myspace for Musicians Target: Musicians Series: Thomson Course Technology Comment: Probably surprising that it has taken this long to get a book dedicated to the power of free online marketing via social networking sites, particularly following the work of acts such as Arctic Monkeys and Lily Allen, but here it is at last… At last? Well, you have to be careful. As is often the case with books such as these that cover every angle, there is weeks of reading to get through everything. That said, those with patience will pick up no end of useful ideas. Hal Leonard (Music Sales): 01284 702600
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MI MARKETPLACE
THE PLACE FOR BUSINESS
MI MARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES CALL DARRELL CARTER ON 01992 535647 A ALLPARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0870 442 3336 B BARNES & MULLINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01691 652 449 BILL LEWINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01268 413 366 C COVERNOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0121 327 1977 F FOCUS MERCHANDISE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 020 8245 9035 FCN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01892 603730 FUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0113 3200 304 G GHANA GOODS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0117 955 8668 GUITARRAS DE ESPAÑA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0117 973 3214 H HC DISTRIBUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 00353 5991 34268 HERGA MUSIC SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 020 8861 1590 HOT ROX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0115 987 3163 L LEED REPRESENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01243 378050 LEISURETEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01525 850 085 M MADAROZZO™/CBAC LTD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 020 8816 8368 MARSHALL AMPLIFICATIONS . . . WWW.MARSHALLAMPS.COM MCELLAND/GREMLIN MUSIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01273 491333 MELBAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +44 (0)20 8382 8010 MUSIC SHIPPING CO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01562 827666 O OCARINA WORKSHOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01536 485963 ORANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0208 905 2828 P PIANO LOGISTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0208 561 4321 R ROBERT MORLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 020 8318 5838 ROTHWELL AUDIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01204 366133 S SOAR VALLEY MUSIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0116 230 4926 STAINER & BELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 020 8343 3303 STEVE CLINKSCALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0157 225 885 T TEAC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01923 438 880 V TOM & WILL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08450 945 659 V VARSITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0131 557 4310 W WIND PLUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0116 243 1698 WORLD RYTHM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01242 282 191
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
MARKETPLACE INDEX
Wind Plus: everything the wind specialist needs Since the late 1980s, Wind Plus has worked as a hub for the little bits and pieces that are crucial for the wind retailer and the technicians and repairers...
W
ind Plus is celebrating its 20th year in business with a new website at www.windplus.co.uk, where woodwind repairers and music shops can now place their orders online. Wind Plus is a family business that specialises in the supply of workshop consumables for the woodwind repair trade. They have a large range of pads for all woodwind instruments and many other items. The company tries to offer as wide a range of pad types as possible, so that all repairers and players preferences can be catered for. This month, for example, Wind Plus is offering an additional range of clarinet pads from Prestini in America. The new website is laid out in a way that makes ordering a long list of different pad sizes and types very quick and easy. There are many excellent images. To complement this core business, Wind Plus distributes the Kölbl range of cleaning accessories for woodwind and brass and is the UK distributor for Légère synthetic reeds. The Kölbl products are handmade in Germany and are of excellent quality. They include mouthpiece and snake brushes for brass, cleaning swabs, slings and case covers for woodwind. Légère synthetic reeds are suitable for all saxophone and clarinet players.
They have the advantage of needing no warming up prior to playing and sound like a great cane reed. They have proved very beneficial to players with an allergy to cane reeds. Alto and Tenor sax players have the option of the ‘studio cut’ reeds, which are aimed at jazzers. You can easily get the strength just right, as all the reeds come in quarter strengths. To view trade prices for the accessories and reeds on the company’s website, music shops need to submit a short online application for a username and password. Repair materials can be ordered without this requirement. For further information please contact: Gill Horton T: 0116 243 1698 F: 0116 292 8170 www.windplus.co.uk gill@windplus.co.uk
Wind Plus is the one-stop shop for everything brass and woodwind
CLASSIFIEDS: MINIMUM 12 MONTHS - ONE ANNUAL CHARGE QUARTER PAGE £1,295 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
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ABROAD REPRESENTATION
AMPLIFICATION
To find out more about the JVM Series and other Marshall products contact: Marshall Amplification plc Denbigh Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK11DQ www.marshallamps.com
ACESSORIES & GIFTWARE
56 miPRO MAY 2009
CLASSICAL GUITARS
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MI MARKETPLACE
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DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION
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MI MARKETPLACE
58 miPRO MAY 2009
DISTRIBUTION
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DISTRIBUTION
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MI MARKETPLACE GUITAR PARTS
The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Guitar & Bass Parts Supplier
Pick a part ...bridges, necks, bodies, electronics, frets, inlay dots, pickups, knobs, switches, pickguards, tools scratchplates, strings, screws, nuts, saddles, tailpieces ...and much more!!!
ABM, Badass, Bartolini, Bigsby, CRL, CTS, Danelectro, Earvana, Electrosocket, Fender, Gotoh, Graphtech, Hipshot, Hofner, Jim Dunlop, Lace, Leo Quan, Moses, Razor,
To order call 0870 442 3336
Schaller, Sperzel, Sprague, Switchcraft & Wilkinson.
Low call rate 0845 345 5951
Order online or find a local dealer @:
www.allparts.uk.com or email us: info@allparts.uk.com DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION
Your Choice
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Core to Your Business
D)
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Leisuretec Distribution Limited
Power - Squared - www.leisuretec.co.uk Unit L3 Cherrycourt Way
T: +44 (0)1525 850085
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Leighton Buzzard
F: +44 (0)1525 852285
Bedfordshire LU7 4UH
sales@leisuretec.co.uk
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MI MARKETPLACE DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION
For full dealership details contact your local area representative
IRELAND & N.I Walter Hennessy
087 2596183 SCOTLAND & NORTH EAST Steve Clinkscale
07958 351712 NORTH WEST ENGLAND & WALES Roger Williams
07816 298925 EASTERN ENGLAND & MIDLANDS Mark Hedge
07776 167336 SOUTH WEST ENGLAND Gary Charman
07787 517007
HC MUSIC DISTRIBUTION LTD
00353 5991 34268
LONDON & SOUTH EAST Ian Collins
sales@hcdistribution.com www.cort-guitars.co.uk www.myspace.com/cortguitars
ETHNIC & FOLK
07836 237337
ETHNIC & FOLK
GHANA GOODS WEST AFRICAN PERCUSSION WHOLESALE AND RETAIL PO Box 95, Fishponds Bristol, BS16 1AG Tel: 0117 9354132 ghanagoods@clara.net
www.ghanagoods.com
60 miPRO MAY 2009
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MI MARKETPLACE GUITAR ACCESSORIES
PIANOS AND HARPSICORDS
Ro
t ber
MORLEY Co Lt d
020•8318•5838
Grand & Upright Pianos by Elysian, Grotrian-Steinweg, Bechstein, Monington & Weston and other famous makers
BRITAIN'S FINEST BOUTIQUE EFFECTS
John Morley Clavichords, Spinets, Harpsichords, Virginals & Celestes
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 INSURANCE BUSINESSES
Antique, Modern & New, Rental, Repairs, Sales lists & colour brochures on request.
34
EN
Robert MORLEY & Co Ltd. Piano & Harpsichord Makers Established 1881
G AT
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A
www.morleypianos.com MUSIC PUBLISHERS
Excellence in Music
s 3UPERB RANGE OF 1UALITY 0RODUCTS s %XCELLENT 3ERVICE s 'ENEROUS $EALER -ARGINS s #ONTACT US ./7
Office 2.05, Argentum s 2 Queen Caroline Street s Hammersmith, LONDON W6 9DX 4ELEPHONE .O s UK Sales Freephone: 0800 432 0486 Fax Number: +44 (0)20 8323 8306 s E-mail: salesuk@melbay.com
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MI MARKETPLACE MUSIC PUBLISHERS
OCARINAS
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
www.ocarina.co.uk PIANO MOVERS
PERCUSSION AND DRUMS
MSC ONLINE www.musicshipping.co.uk
Extensive Product Information Secure Dealer Only Section Public & DEALER Forums Online Ordering
THE MUSIC SHIPPING CO.
Drum and Percussion Accesories
NEXT DAY DELIVERY
01562 827666 sales@musicshipping.co.uk www.musicshipping.co.uk 62 miPRO MAY 2009
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MI MARKETPLACE PERCUSSION
PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE
www.focusmerchandise.co.uk
WHOLESALERS
WIND INSTRUMENTS
TOP 10 BEST SELLERS NASHVILLE ACOUSTIC GUITARS . . . . . . . . . . . . £50.00 retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £27.50 trade ex vat NASHVILLE ELECTRIC GUITARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . £99.95 retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £54.97 trade ex vat ARK HEAVY DUTY MUSIC STAND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . £18.50 retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £10.18 trade ex vat DOLMETSCH DESCANT RECORDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . £6.99 retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £3.84 trade ex vat STEINHOFF 108B UPRIGHT PIANO . . . . . . . . . . £1795.00 retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £987.25 trade ex vat RAVEN STUDENT TRUMPET OUTFIT . . . . . . . . . £140.00 retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £77 trade ex vat NASHVILLE ELECTRO ACOUSTIC BASS . . . . . . . £125.00 retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £68.75 trade ex vat STERN VIOLIN OUTFIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £75.00 retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £41.25 trade ex vat MAXTONE BONGOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £29.95 retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £16.47 trade ex vat NASHVILLE 5 STRING BANJO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £99.95 retail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £54.97 trade ex vat
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N WITH IN ASSOCIATIO
PRO THE LAST WORD IN MI 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
ON THE BOOTH MAY 2007 Cover Stars: Henry Juszkiewicz goes off on one regarding his ideas for securing music copyright on the internet, while having a welcome dig at Steve Jobs as he confirms Gibson as a guitar and technology company. News: Arbiter announces in-house trade show, Gibson buys up Tronical technology, Playmusic rises from its own ashes. Features: Musikmesse report, Adam Hall, Sheet Music, Proel International. Products: Lodestone guitars, Fender Electracoustics, Mesa Espress amps, Allen & Heath Mix Wizard, Korg R3 synth Number one singles: McFly: Baby’s Coming Back, Rihanna (feat Jay-Z): Umbrella Number one albums: Arctic Monkeys: Favourite Worst Nightmare, Linkin Park: Minutes To Midnight
The years go by, but some things remain constant, such as Dr Jim Marshall (right) putting his signature to Marshall posters and merchandise at Musikmesse. The queue stretching down the aisles for MI Pro’s Man of the 20th Century was as long as ever and the man himself was in as fine a fettle as has ever been, signing for his fans for hours on the three trade days of the Frankfurt show. Robb Flynn (above) was also signing for fans on the third day of the show, although the real treat for rock fans was when the guitarist and front man for Machine Head, who was at the show launching his Epiphone signature guitar, got on the Marshall stage with the Chris George band for a few impromptu numbers. “It was really something to behold,” says Paul Marshall. “Those lucky enough to be on the stand at the time were treated to a really special performance. What is more, Robb went back to signing for an hour or so afterwards and he would have gone on all niught if we had let him.” One of the biggest names at the show was Dave Mustaine (bottom right), who was launching his new signature Marshall cabs – Marshall’s first signature cabs. As well as signing for hours on the stand, Mustaine took the chance to get some down time of his own (as he is pictured doing here) checking out some of the equipment in the privacy of the Marshall sound booth. Mustaine also won himself a lot of friends at the Marshall dinner on the evening of the first day, where he demo’d his new cabs with a calm and humility that belies his on stage persona.
SEND YOUR PICTURES TO CODA@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK 64 miPRO MAY 2009
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IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Page 2
THE LAST WORD IN MI PRO
AROUND THE SHOW
SATRIANI STOPS THE SHOW
It wasn’t all Marshall at Frankfurt, although you would have been forgiven for thinking it was. On the Dean booth was a whole section dedicated to Dave Mustaine and his signature guitars from the American maker, but, of course, everything was rigged up through a Marshall stack, including thoise new Mustaine signature cabs. Also, Paul Gilbert (inset) took the opportunity to trade solos with Chris George in the Marshall sound booth. Although not scheduled on the stand, the former Mr Big guitarist asked whether George and the band could learn some numbers to play together – and play they did.
Midday on April 3rd at Musikmesse saw the Vox stand bring pretty much all traffic in that area of the hall to a standstill as Joe Satriani (above) ook any questions regarding his work with the amp (and now stomp box) manufacturer. Satriani admitted to feeling uncomfortable having to stand on stage without any sort of prop other than a microphone, but he spoke clearly and enthusiastically about his three pedals, the Satchurator distortion, the Time Machine delay unit and the Big Bad Wah pedal.
MI ICON
E
Gibson J200
veryone from Elvis to Noel Gallagher has played one and it is instantly recognisable thanks to its resonant tone and gorgeous good looks – that’s right, this month’s MI Icon is none other than Gibson’s big-hitting, high-end mammoth, the SJ200 jumbo acoustic. Introduced in 1937 as a top of the range, full bodied acoustic, designed to be heard and project a meaty, powerful sound that would give acoustic guitar players a real chance to be heard above their bandmates, it didn’t really hit its stride until well after the war, when players across the US began to appreciate the full curves and beautiful thick tone that poured out of the guitar. As appealing to the eye as it is to the ear, the fact that Gibson continues to produce so many variations of the SJ200 to this day is a testament to its classic design. The 'King of the Flat Tops' has become a perennial favourite among a huge variety of players, comfortable in any genre and the mark of a guitarist who knows where to go
when looking for a beautiful tone that will age like a good wine. Still a flagship Gibson instrument, it's high price point is entirely justified – one need only consider how much older models can go for – thanks to the winning combination of cracking looks and and the sort of tone that, once ‘played in’, is distinctive and utterly sweet. Nowadays, the SJ200 is constructed by Gibson's longest serving craftsmen in Bozeman, Montana, the dovetail neck joint marries the neck to the body in a way that makes the instrument sound and feel like it was carved from one piece of wood, while the types of lacquer used give it a violin type finish over time. With both Elvis Presley and Pete Townshend having a signature models and current models including everything from a studio version up to master built customs, the SJ200 is sure to be around for a long time to come and will no doubt continue to be one of the most lusted after acoustic guitars in the world.
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IN ASSOCIATION W ITH
MI SPACE
MARSHALL DINNER The Marshall, Mustaine and Aldrich show continued into the night of the opening day of Musikmesse, with the traditional Marshall dinner, laid on for global distributors and dealers, friends and a few lucky members of the press. Clockwise from top left, Dr Jim Marshall shares a word with Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, who then showed potential as a calm deonstrator with his new signature cabs. Mustaine then settled for a natter with his peer, Doug Aldrich of Whitesnale, before Aldrich himself took the new Haze range of amps through its paces. Following the demonstrations and a fine dinner, Dr Marshall then presented his distributors with awards for their work and dedication to the brand for the past year. It was a night to remember gauged against any criteria.
James Dove Company / job title: Ashton Music, brand manager. Years in the industry? One year (and five months to be precise).
S E IK L A D N U O S BLUR Blur's place in pop history is already assured, but with a comeback tour this year, including Glastonbury, your customers will want to get their sound...
First single bought? This Beat is Technotronic’ by Technotronic (I was only seven years old – I’m not proud of it). Favourite album? Screamadelica by Primal Scream.
l guitar – Damon Albarn: vocals and occasiona Shure SM58, Fender Mustang vocals – Graham Coxon: guitar and backing head, 1959 Super Lead, 60s reissue Marshall NSBoss , Plate Hot THD e, rbrak Powe Marshall BF-2, Dod 2, CS-2, DD-3, DD-2, VB-2, PN-2 and o Rat IIs, Punkifier, 1960a Shin-Ei Fuzx, two ProC Teles er Fend ge vinta various new and hall Alex James: bass – Ampeg SVT 2, Mars Man c Musi us vario l, peda er Shredmast Stingrays and Fender Precisons er kit, Dave Rowntree: Drums – Pearl Mast tom, 9" 13"x tom, 8" 12"x , 14"x6.5" snare Zildjian 22"x16" bass drum, 16"x16" floor tom, is Aved 18" t, hi-ha Beat k Quic " cymbals,14 is medium crash /ride, 20" K heavy ride, 19" Aved crash /ride, 16" Avedis medium thin crash
Currently listening to? White Lies, The Best of The 13th Floor Elevators, Seasick Steve and The Level Devils. Favourite musician? Paul Weller. Which instruments do you play? Guitar and bass guitar. Are you currently in a band? Yes, The Beautiful Sleazy. We’re playing at the Indie Guitar Festival this year (www.myspace.com/thebeautifulsleazy – shameless self promo I’m afraid).
SUBSCRIPTIONS MI Pro has a monthly circulation of well over 6,000. It is distributed to all MI retailers and industry professionals plus carefully selected pro audio executives and resellers.
66 miPRO MAY 2009
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NEXT MONTH
June means, of course, LIMS and MI Pro, the official trade media partner for the show, will have both an extended magazine and extended distribution at the show. Sector spotlights will cover the printed music market and guitar amplifiers. EDITORIAL: ANDY BARRETT mipro@intentmedia.co.uk ADVERTISING: DARRELL CARTER darrell.carter@intentmedia.co.uk WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
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