Mi Pro Issue 109 - June 2009

No. 109

• JUNE 2009 • WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

PRINT • ONLINE • MOBILE

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PROFESSIONAL FOR EVERYONE IN THE MI BUSINESS Dave Weckl, Terry Bozzio, Jojo Mayer and Vinnie Paul endorse Sabian cymbals

THEY CHOSE SABIAN SABIAN CHOSE WESTSIDE

WHY?

PLUS: MUSIC FORCE KEMBLE BOSE HOOTERS SHEET MUSIC

INSIDE HOW S L A I C I F F O GUIDE

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

ISSUE 109 JUNE 2009

COVER STORY

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • PRINT 31 Virtually recession proof, there has never been a better time to stock sheet music. Leading players reveal the benefits

MORE THAN BUSINESS

15

When Sabian appointed Westside as its strategic partner (and subsequently its UK distributor) eyebrows were raised among the drum trade. The two sides explain the reasoning of the partnership

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • AMPS 21 NEWS 6 Ashton becomes a Force, Kemble & Company to close, Newmoon Insurance, Music Man hits the mid-range

DISTRIBUTION 10 Music Force and Engl, Active and Ortega, Hiwatt chooses Freestyle

8

The UK does nothing better than make guitar amps. Here’s a rundown of some of the mass of launches this year

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 Westside percussion sales team, Bisonette at Drumfest

BOSE 27 Audio giant revamps its top MI seller

LIMS SHOW GUIDE 37 Everything you need to know about the London show

10

I WOKE UP THIS MORNING 63 Sennheiser’s marketing man takes us through his day

CODA 88 The last word in MI Pro – and all the fun of the industry

65 NEWS 65 World Guitar’s team, The Firm’s first conference

HOOTERS 68 A retailer that goes a lot further to do things right

68

70

FRONT LINE 69 Our spy behind the counter

INDIE PROFILE 70 Mansons of Exeter – the Mecca of guitar stores

PRODUCTS ACCESSORIES 72 DRUMS 74 BASS & GUITAR 76 BACKLINE 77

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miPRO JUNE 2009 3

‌more than just a gig bag!

Style!

Distributed by Telephone + 44 (0)1483 238720 Visit us during LIMS: Stand H2, 11 - 14 June 2009 at Excel, London or online www.fusion-bags.com

EDITORIAL

Summertime blues?

S

The encouraging words seem to have stopped and the trade is hunkering down for a harsh summer.

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omething of a special issue this month, I am sure you will agree – yes, this is the 101st issue of MI Pro I have worked on… Oh and it’s a special LIMS edition, too. Pages 37 to 58 contain everything the MI professional will need to help him or her around the show, from stand to stand and event to event. There’s even a recap on travel and accommodation for those of you who still haven’t booked your tickets or rooms – you will have about a week left once this mag hits your desk.

Judging by the words and whispers that filter through the MI Pro office and by which I gauge (utterly unscientifically) the general state of the industry, it would appear that the recession is finally starting to bite the industry as a whole, compounded by the good weather of April. Until that cruellest of months, people remained very upbeat about business, but now those encouraging words seem to have stopped and the trade is hunkering down for a harsh summer.

This means that there has never been a better time for there to be a significant trade show for the UK – and it’s you that will make it significant by simply being there.

It is also a good time to make the most of your stocking options. This is the major reason why this issue contains a sector spotlight on the sheet music market (page31).

It might be strange to some, but music in print and music books never seem to suffer to the extent of instrument sales. It’s probably the simple fact that a musician is a musician and will always be on the lookout for new repertoire or to find ways of improving techniques, but for whatever reason, with the multitude of options available, there is something for any store to sell through, however specialised. All of the major publishers will be at the show, so there’s more reason to get along.

Summer is traditionally the quiet season for MI, so the positioning of LIMS at its beginning means that clues can be garnered there to make the best of it – and also to get plans in place to really cash in once the busy autumn to Christmas market kicks in, in September. No man is an island, John Dunne said, and a retail outlet less so. Get along and build some new bridges.

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

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Andy Barrett mipro@intentmedia.co.uk

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NEWS

The Force is with Ashton UK supplier rebrands operation to better portray its expanding market position and promote products equally

TO ACCOMMODATE its growing family of international brands, Ashton Music has rebranded as Music Force Distribution as part of an overall restructuring of its business.

The company is investing in new technology systems, a new website and taking on additional staff in key areas. The name change is seen as a complement to these updates.

Explaining the reasons for the change, Jon Gold, Music Force’s

MD, said: “When we started over three years ago, Ashton was our sole brand and the company was a subsidiary of Australis Music.

Following the management buyout in 2007, however, by me and Roger Seekings, the longterm plan was to build on our success and become a fully fledged distribution company.

“While Ashton remains a key part of our business, the trading name doesn’t really reflect what the company has now become.

With the addition of three more established brands in GigSkinz, Indie and Engl already this year, we felt that the time had come for a new name that best represents what we now are and one that gives equal prominence to all of our brands, while being less confusing for our customers.”

He continued: “We have also invested greatly in a new customer service management facility that will come into effect at the beginning of July and a

new website that can also be accessed by our retail partners – seven days a week, 24 hours a day – to check stock, place

extremely grateful to our loyal team and our retail partners who have helped us achieve so much over the past few years. We fully

“We felt that the time had come for a new name that best represents what we are now and one that gives equal prominence to all of our brands.”

Jon Gold, Music Force orders and download manuals, artwork or price lists.

“These are exciting times for our company and we are

intend to repay that loyalty with even more support and improved service for them. With the infrastructure in place, we will

look to add more brands in future if they complement and enhance our existing portfolio.”

With this announcement made on June 1st, the very first public (and trade) outing for the newly branded company will be the London International Music Show to be held at the Excel Centre in London on June 11th to 14th. The brands mentioned above will be on show, as will Ashton, Sparrow and Mariner. The new website can be found at www.musicforcedistribution.com.

All other contact details remain the same.

MUSIC FORCE: 01780 781630

Newmoon for MI insurance Former Allianz executive launches music trade-centred insurance with introductory offer for retailers and repairers GARETH JONES, formerly general manager of Allianz and a director of British Reserve, has started Newmoon Insurance, a new specialist musical instrument insurer. It will be targeting musical instrument retailers and repairers with, the company explained, an

British Reserve business over to Pet Plan, I felt passionately that we should try to retain the experienced team that had provided the retailer market with service and claims handling,” said Jones. “The Newmoon team understands musical customers and our

“Our team understands musical customers and our products have been designed to meet their needs.”

Gareth Jones, Newmoon Insurance ‘exclusive arrangement’ to offer one month free insurance on all instruments they sell or repair.

“With the closure of the Allianz office and staff redundancies at Tunbridge Wells, together with the transfer of the Allianz and

6 miPRO JUNE 2009

products have been designed to meet their needs, with premiums starting as low as around £15 per year.”

“We want to work with retailers to expand our repair network and to add real value.

We offer retailers the opportunity

to earn commission on both new and renewed policies, which we sell to customers as a consequence of leaflets displayed by the retailer. My team and I hope that retailers will remember the service we provided them in the past and support us now by signing up with Newmoon,” he added.

The free insurance offer is only available to participating partner retailers and repairers.

Newmoon Insurance offers policies suitable for all kinds of musicians, from touring professionals to beginners and students. It covers instruments against loss, theft and accidental damage, with no excess and includes options for public liability and personal accident cover. Further details can be found online at www.newmoon insurance.com or by phone.

JONES: “We hope retailers will support us now and sign up” “We are confident that we will offer excellent value and we are determined to operate a fair and ethical claims service –

something we know is important to retailers,” concluded Jones.

NEWMOON: 0845 072 8540

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NEWS

Kemble & Company to close Last British manufacturer to cease production from October 2009 as part of Yamaha’s global manufacturing strategy FOLLOWING the announcement in March of the impending 30day review of the Kemble & Company manufacturing operation in Milton Keynes, the Yamaha Corporation of Japan has decided to close the factory as of October 31st 2009.

The decision was made by the corporation as part of its global manufacturing strategy and was one that was based ‘purely upon economics’. The Kemble brand will, however, continue into the future, manufactured at one of Yamaha’s Far Eastern plants.

“Two and a half years ago, Yamaha had six piano factories, in Taiwan, China, Indonesia, the USA, Japan and the UK,” explained Mark Rolfe, the director of the piano division of Yamaha Music Europe. “Last year the US factory closed and this year Taiwan and now the UK operations have closed.

“I think it is important to stress that this is no way a reflection upon UK manufacturing, the craftsmanship involved nor the products being made. The midpriced piano market has been

Kemble. “Most of the buying decisions are made because of sound and look and we will be faithful to the high specification of our pianos. In our research sound was considered by most purchasers of Kemble to be much more important than being made in England.”

“This is in no way a reflection upon UK manufacturing, the craftmanship involved nor the products being made.”

Mark Rolfe, Yamaha Music Europe The Kemble factory may close, but the brand will live on heavily squeezed – and that is where Kemble operates.”

“The problem is that to manufacture in the UK, you need to be either high volume or high end – and Kemble is neither,” said Brian Kemble. “It is the same as in 1986, when Yamaha stepped in to save the Kemble business. In fact, the volume of Kemble pianos being made then was greater than now.

ABRSM rebrands Music qualification association unites activities and creates bolder customer facing image THE ASSOCIATED Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, has launched a new brand identity that it hopes ‘reflects the perceptions of ABRSM’s stakeholders’, after a two-year international process of research and consultation.

The association’s marketing manager, Ben Selby, told MI Pro that the rebranding was more than a mere logo change: “We consulted thousands of people and while the overall perception was generally positive, it was clear that we needed to be a little bolder in our way of facing the outside world.”

As a result, the three logos representing the different divisions of the organisation have been replaced by a single, more simple and striking logo and

The all important issue of dealer margin came up and retailers were reassured that the current Kemble contract conditions, which allow for a very good dealer margin, would be upheld. “Yamaha recognises the value to our customers of being a Kemble dealer and wants

“We were losing money then and we would lose money now as a standalone business.”

A dealer meeting was held for the Kemble dealer network on May 7th, where three main issues were raised and confronted. First, there was the concern that Kemble pianos would no longer be made in the UK. “I explained that, sadly, the UK is not an option,” said

The second concern then was the maintenance of that popular Kemble ‘sound’. “I reassured the dealers with an explanation about the sound difference of the Kemble KC173,” continued Kemble. “The KC173 is made in Japan for us, but it has a very different sound from the C2 on which it is based. I think the key thing is to look at the products and then judge them.” He added that the fact that European components will be used is an important consideration.

to do all that it can to continue those benefits,” said Kemble.

The UK’s Kemble dealers, although sad about the factory closure, are prepared to support the Kemble brand. The outlined scheme, they felt, offered a solution to their mid-range needs and they recognised the importance of the brand in UK. All of them are equally keen, however, to see that the actual pianos are faithful to the Kemble sound.

KEMBLE: 01908 371771

Future’s first half profit drops 70 per cent Six-month revenue dips, but UK office enjoys slight profit rise

there’s also been an overhaul of the language style the association uses – particularly visible in the in-house publication, Libretto, and on the revamped website, which has benefited from a simpler layout and bolder imagery.

The association also brought together its disparate marketing departments last year into one, under Selby.

ABRSM: 020 7636 5400

FUTURE PUBLISHING has revealed a year-on-year drop of 70 per cent in pre-tax group profits for the first six months of its fiscal year. Despite this, the UK office enjoyed a three per cent profit rise in the period, with the downturn firmly fixed on the tough market conditions in the US. The group posted a £1.2 million pre-tax profit for the six-months to March 31st, 2009, compared to a £4.1 million figure a year before.

Revenue for the period dropped two per cent to £76.6m.

Results were affected by weaker advertising revenue in the US and disruption to US

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newsstand distribution following a dispute among wholesalers and distributors, the firm said.

The official statement added that the problem was “now largely behind us.”

Future’s UK business, which comprises 68 per cent of group revenue, reported a three per cent rise in profits – but revenues dropped by six per cent.

“The underlying strength of our special-interest business, our ability to mitigate revenue disappointment swiftly, and continuing progress in our strategy all give me confidence that when the economic storm does finally clear, Future will be well-positioned to benefit,”

said the statement. “While our outlook for the second half must remain cautious, we are still on course to meet expectations for the full year.”

miPRO JUNE 2009 7

NEWS

Strings & Things announces Sterling Ernie Ball Music Man makes latest and definitive move into mid-price market THE STERLING by Music Man line of guitars and basses is now shipping. The new range, introduced by Ernie Ball Music Man, is a licensed product line, manufactured in Indonesia, distributed worldwide by Praxis Musical Instruments of Orange, California and in the UK through Strings & Things.

The new line features classic Music Man designs, parts and components and is designed and approved by the Music Man team. Four guitar models and three bass models were originally introduced at the 2009 Winter NAMM Convention and received a very positive response from dealers and players alike.

Working closely with the Music Man team, many parts and components are identical to the USA instruments. The bass pickups use the same bobbins and covers (supplied by Music Man), are wound with the same wire and with the same number of turns per pickup.

inspection and set-up takes place in California.

Ernie Ball Music Man has conducted a few experiments with entry-level and mid-priced guitars in the past, notably the OLP licensed entry level instruments and the more recent Ernie Ball Music Man made Sub range.

The company feels that now it has the blend of US design and quality control that it desired, combined with Far Eastern manufacture and pricing, pretty much spot on.

The instruments begin at around £400 and rise to about £700, marking them firmly in the mid-priced section of the

market, but with the added value of being Music Man approved and checked instruments.

The four guitar models are the AX20 (based on the Axis Super Sport), the AX40 (based on the Axis), the Silo 20 double cutaway and the JP50 John Petrucci signature model, which utilises the same forearm and contouring found on the USA version.

On the bass front, there is the Ray 34, a remake of the classic four-string Stingray model and the Ray 35, which is the fivestring version.

The last instrument on the list is the SB14, based on the Sterling model, but with a downsized basswood body.

STRING & THINGS: 01273 440442

The new line features classic Music Man designs, parts and components and is approved by the Music Man team.

The three-band active bass preamp offers boost and cut to treble, mid and bass frequencies and the instruments have a solid wood construction – no laminates. The components are made in Korea and final

Adam Hall appointment for Eminence products

Medusa reflects relaunch strategy

Trevor Riley takes up responsibility for supplier’s latest line

Re-established speaker manufacturer, Fane, decides to return to a backline classic

ADAM HALL UK has appointed Trevor Riley as its product manager for Eminence loudspeakers, with a remit to establish focused marketing and sales activities for the prestigious brand.

Riley, who will report to Adam Hall’s general manager, Andrew Richardson, has worked within the electronics industry for 30 years, 25 of which were in sales and the last 14 as sales director.

“Trevor is perfect for the job because he brings a wealth of experience and professional organisation to our company,” commented Richardson. “His business acumen is without question and his drive, determination, ability and sense of humour set him apart from the crowd.

“He will fit in extremely well within this industry because of his sense of humour. Generally, you will hear Trevor coming before you see him. That’s the kind of big character this industry loves.”

THE NEWLY relaunched speaker maker, Fane, has announced the return of its Medusa series of backline speakers.

The Medusa was integral to many classic British amps of the 1960s, including Hiwatt, Jennings, Sound City, WEM, Vox and Laney and the relaunch, the company claims, remains completely faithful to the original blueprints and incorporates the same British manufactured cones, made in exactly the same way as the originals 40 years ago.

“Old Fane speakers were selling for a fortune on eBay,” remarked Neil Barnes.

“People believed they could no longer be duplicated, so we went back to the handwritten archives. We identified a number of speakers we knew could be winners if we could make them again, so we went to see if we could still get the original Muller cones and found they still had the tooling.

“As a result, we can make exactly the same speaker, right

8 miPRO JUNE 2009

Trevor Riley (left) is welcomed by Andrew Richardson (right) “I have always enjoyed a new challenge and joining Adam Hall with the opportunity to be involved with an industry legend such as Eminence was an opportunity that I couldn’t miss,” added

Riley. “I hope I can bring a lot to what, for me, is a new industry and an exciting market. I very much look forward to being a part of it at Adam Hall.”

ADAM HALL: 01702 613922

“We can make exactly the same speaker, down to the original frames.”

Neil Barnes, Fane down to the original Sheffield steel frames.”

Interested parties, whether retailers or OEM, should contact Fane by email or at the phone number below.

FANE: 01924 224618

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DISTRIBUTION • NEWS

Music Force adds Engl Amps Fast-growing UK distributor gains Engl amps and now hopes to repeat its US success ENGL AMPLIFICATION has joined the rapidly increasing list of brands distributed by Music Force (Ashton Music) in the UK. Announcing the deal, which is effective immediately, in an official statement, Ashton said the new agreement will see Engl widely available in the UK and Ireland and being supported by a dedicated field sales team, service centre and major marketing campaign. The latter will include a large presence at next month’s LIMS show, where there will be live demos and guest appearances of some of Engl’s leading endorsers. LIMS will also see a world exclusive – the launch of the new Engl Fireball amp head.

Commenting on the move, Ashton Music MD Jon Gold said: “I have long admired the Engl brand and the quality it stands for. Its growth in the USA and Europe over the past few years has been phenomenal and we

L to R: Engl’s Chris Schlossarek, Ashton’s Roger Seekings and Jon Gold

“I have long admired the Engl brand and the quality it stands for.”

Jon Gold, Music Force

are very excited about the prospect of working with the Engl family and key UK retail partners to replicate this success here.

“We have some great initiatives planned to help reward and support the existing dealers, which is our initial objective, before introducing other quality retailers to the joys of Engl at LIMS and afterwards.”

Chris Schlossarek, Engl’s MD, said: ‘We are very excited at the prospect of bringing Engl to the next level in the mother country of rock n roll and we now have a partner that shares the same passion, ideals and vision as Engl.

We are very confident that the future of the brand and its customers in the UK is going to be very exciting and rewarding for all and the forthcoming London show is a great place to start.”

MUSIC FORCE: 01780 781630

Hiwatt goes Freestyle for supplier New distributor for historic British amp maker HIWATT UK has announced that the UK distribution of its products has been awarded to Freestyle Music with immediate effect.

Freestyle will hold stock of the full range of products with UK custom, hand-wired models continuing to be built to order.

Mark Lodge, the general manager of Hiwatt, said he sees this as a strategic move in the development of the brand in the

UK and looks forward to working closely with Freestyle.

Phil Pilsworth, MD of Freestyle Music, added: “It is a fantastic opportunity to work with Hiwatt, a brand name with legendary status. And, with the number of high profile users growing daily, the future is exciting. We’ll be exhibiting Hiwatt at LIMS, to introduce Freestyle as the UK distributor of this iconic brand.”

FREESTYLE: 01924 455414

Phil Pilsworth and Mark Lodge shake on the deal

Sandarac chooses Dupont Stringed instrument specialist takes on French luthier’s guitars and amps SANDARAC will be launching the French brand Dupont guitars and amplification systems from stand D12 at this year’s London International Music Show (LIMS).

They might be new to the UK market, but Dupont instruments have been played by well-known artists such as Eric Clapton and Steve Miller and the range of products includes a jazz archtop (the Be Bop) guitar, along with the Auditorium and ABJ flat 10 miPRO JUNE 2009

tops, the folding ‘Volante’ Double Bass, a retro Jaxx Stimer amp and a retro Selmer style pickup (as played by Django Reinhardt).

In tribute to the new line, the Sandarac stand will be themed as a jazz cafe and visitors will be able to hear all the gear being played by top instrumentalists from the jazz world, who will be dropping by for a jam on the public days,

and also to catch up on all the jazz news from Jazzwise Magazine, which will also be available on the stand.

Sandarac chose last year’s LIMS to launch its innovative battery-less, rechargeable pickups and is the UK supplier for a range of orchestra stringed instruments and classical guitars.

SANDARAC: 01787 238350

Active to distribute Ortega UK gains guitar range from Meinl stable ORTEGA GUITARS, the classical guitar brand owned by the Meinl company, has appointed Active Music as its UK distributor – Active is also the UK distributor for Meinl’s cymbals and percussion.

Commenting on the acquisition, Active’s Lee Worsley said: “Our partnership with Meinl is strengthened by the addition of this fantastic line. The range consists of a number of lines and designs that are now being offered from one source to the UK trade, along with some modern twists to the classical design.”

In addition to conventional classical guitars, Ortega incorporates unusual design features such as coloured bodies, cutaways, truss rods and electric pick-up options. There are also mandolins and ukuleles available.

Retail prices range from £139 to £3,199. All of the instruments come with a gig bag and are supported by colour packaging.

Retail marketing is backed up with a full catalogue, comprehensive website, product DVDs (complete with product images and text options for web use) and full product training on offer to all stores taking on the line.

Worsley concluded by saying: “The Ortega range offers retailers a great opportunity in a market where product choice is limited by offering innovative designs, along with full marketing support, great margins and consistent quality and supply.”

ACTIVE MUSIC: 020 8693 5678

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PROFILE • DISTRIBUTION

MI Pro asks the team at Hardcase how business is doing, about the impact of the failing economy and whether technology can ever replace traditional retail...

Year Established: 1992 Number of employees: Nine. All located in Chesterfield.

Is business up or down compared to last year?

UK sales are up on last year’s end-ofyear figures, whereas the export end of year total is slightly down. The European market, along with some of the Baltic and Eastern European countries, is still growing and has remained a good market for us over the last several years. Where we struggle is with deep sea markets – mainly North and South America, plus Canada. Exchange rates coupled with high freight costs and the current economic climate are making market penetration a little awkward, which is very frustrating as we receive many requests on a daily basis for Hardcase products.

Which are your best selling lines?

The 14-inch snare drum case is the biggest seller, but sales of all models in the distinctive corporate black with gold webbing (which we are extremely proud of) seem to keep growing. We recently introduced a new range of colours which are capturing the end-users’ imagination, plus our fully-lined Hardrock range never ceases to amaze with sales growth.

Apart from your products, what are your strengths as a distributor?

We are actually the manufacturer and because we only have a small team we take great pride in being able to offer and provide a more personal/one-to-one service. Plus our commitment to detail by each team member is paramount.

Do you think it’s been a particularly tough year for retailers?

Yes, especially with the internet becoming a major player in the retail market. I also feel that the national media don’t help the cause with too much scaremongery about the nation’s economy – in fact, about the global economy overall.

The country as a whole is aware that the economy is in trouble but the press keep pushing the knife in even deeper.

Is the internet the biggest challenge facing the industry today?

It certainly is very high on the list where sales are concerned, but it’s part of everyday life. Technology is moving forward all the time, which is fantastic, but call me old fashioned as I still prefer to pop into your local High Street music store, have a chat and take a closer look at what they have to offer. Musical instruments and equipment are tactile and I feel that part of the enjoyment in making music is checking out, listening and having a play with gear before making a decision. It would be a great shame if retail outlets were to disappear.

In a perfect world, what product lines would you add to your portfolio?

This is a difficult one to comment on as there are so many areas where we know our technology could be adapted to produce a suitable case.

What are your aims for the next 12 months?

Quality, support and new products where possible.

CONTACT DETAILS Address: Broombank Road, Chesterfield Ind. Estate, Sheepbridge Lane, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9QJ Phone: 01246 451234 Fax: 01246 572457 Email: sales@hardcase.com Contact: Dave Eyre – UK Sales Manager/Artist Relations

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DRUM NEWS

Westside confirms percussion team UK supplier flying Sabian’s flag with recognised, experienced and specialist drum division sales team now in place WESTSIDE DISTRIBUTION, the UK distributor for Sabian, has confirmed Jay Lewington and Dave Stewart as area managers for its percussion sales and brand management team.

Based in Leigh-on-Sea, Lewington, who set up PMT’s House of Drums and has a CV including American Percussion, Active Music and Arbiter, will be handling Sabian sales for the south. Nuneaton-based Stewart, formerly manager of Glasgow’s Drum Central and sales manager for Pearl, handles the north.

Both are active drummers, with Lewington’s band playing original material, while Stewart, whose career credits include Camel, Fish (Marillion) and Deacon Blue, occupies his spare time with sessions.

“With significant investment in brand marketing and promotion, plus the great team of Jay Lewington and Dave Stewart on the road, Andy Gillespie co-ordinating from our Glasgow office and a steady supply of inventory to fill the orders, Sabian customers around

Mikedolbear.com Billy Cobham exclusive

STEWART AND LEWINGTON: Longtime friends of Sabian

the UK are now enjoying the high standard of service they deserve,” said Westside’s director, Phil Hay. “Choosing Jay and Dave – both longtime friends of Sabian – and teaming them with Andy Gillespie is a reminder that focused brand management is an attribute that makes Westside Distribution a great choice to represent Sabian in the UK,” added Sabian’s senior marketing manager, Wayne Blanchard.

Westside: 0141 248 4812

Gregg Bissonette to perform at Drumfest 2009 drum show adds another top drummer to roster of impressive artists

Jazz legend talks to drum specialist website about his 40-year career at the drumkit THE MIKEDOLBEAR.COM website has posted an extensive interview with the jazz drumming legend, Billy Cobham. In the interview, Cobham explains how he sets up his kit (Cobham plays the ‘open hand’ technique), talks of his most influential teacher (the late Louis Bellson) and his approach to composition.

“First and foremost my natural tendency was to be comfortable – I didn’t want it to be work,” he explained.

“My dad was a pianist and he knew many New York musicians. They told me I had to play traditionally. When I asked ‘Why?’ they said, ‘Because that’s the way you do it’.” Needless to say, Cobham soon abandoned this approach.

As well as the interview, the mikedolbear website lists ‘appraisals’ of Cobham’s work and influence, from drummers at the very top of their game, such as Gary Husband and Derrick McKenzie.

Drum City new store TO CELEBRATE the opening of its ‘bigger and better’ drum shop, Drum City invited all customers and music fans to attend the launch day on May 30th.

The day gave those attending the chance to meet some special guests, including Steve White,

Craig Blundell, Darrin Mooney and Pete Riley. The store also put on some opening offers for customers to take advantage of.

The store’s new contact details are: Drum City, 42 High Street, Romford, Essex RM1.

Drum City: 01708 747700

ONE OF THE MOST acclaimed session drummers, Gregg Bissonette, known for his wide range of styles from rock to jazz, latin to funk, joins the roster of artists set to perform at Drumfest 2009 on July 12th at the NIA, Birmingham.

Bissonette has performed and recorded with a variety of artists including Santana, James Taylor, David Lee Roth, Toto, Joe Satriani, Don Henley, Hans Zimmer, Brian Wilson, Celine Dion, Steve Vai – and even Spinal Tap. Bissonette long held the ambition to play with his brother, Matt (a pro bassist) in a band. In 2003, the dream came true when the brothers were asked to play in Ringo Starr’s Band. They did a tour of the US promoting Starr’s album "Ringo Rama". In addition to playing drums while Starr sang, the drumming pair also played double drums on Beatles hits.

For more information on Drumfest visit drumfest.net.

PMT: 0121 3595056

BISSONETTE: Who hasn’t he played for?

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

VISIT WWW.MIKEDOLBEAR.COM FOR MORE DETAILS. 12 miPRO JUNE 2009

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SABIAN • COVER FEATURE

Go west, young man There was surprise among the drum retail fraternity when Sabian chose Westside as its new UK distributor - but there was a lot more to the deal than simply selling cymbals. MI Pro talks to the Sabian and Westside teams to hammer out the full story…

S

ome saw it coming, but Sabian’s announcement earlier this year that Westside Distribution was to be its new exclusive UK distributor was still a real left hook. Though Glasgow/Londonbased Westside had been appointed some months earlier as the ‘strategic logistical partner’ for the Canadian cymbal brand, surely Sabian wouldn’t quit a legendary distribution giant with extensive retail reach (Arbiter), in favour of an outfit specialising in guitar-related brands? But it did. And – almost serendipitously – it turned out to be a union forged on friendship, trust and respect, rather than Sabian hopping on board with a big-name percussion distributor – many of whom were likely knocking on its door. At its core, though, it was a bold new direction for big brand distribution in the UK. The UK-based Sabian director of sales and marketing, Jackie Houlden, gives his synopsis of what happened: “An ongoing situation with our former distributor resulted in UK dealers not being able to access Sabian product on a reliable basis.”

As simple as that? “Other than we tolerated a deteriorating relationship until it eventually forced our hand, yup, that’s it.

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“Our challenge then was to find a distributor Sabian could partner with, not just someone to simply stock and sell.

Having seen Westside operate in its strategic logistical partner role, there was no doubt it deserved a shot at the fulltime gig. Together we’re now increasing the market value of the Sabian brand in the UK. That’s what matters,” he asserts.

“Our real concern was the management of the Sabian brand and the effect on its value in this market,” interjects Sabian’s senior marketing manager, Wayne Blanchard. “Westside understands the value of a great brand. It knows how to sell them and it knows how to manage them. Just look at its portfolio: MesaBoogie, Martin, Levy, Elixir, Schecter and Aer. In a passionately personal and aspirational business like music, people don’t buy products, they buy brands. And Westside knows brands.”

Its seems that Westside recognised that Sabian was a big brand. “Just look at its current ‘What’s Your Sound?’ ads,” says Westside’s director, Phil Hay. “Spend time with its cymbals. It’s all brilliant stuff, rooted in years of traditional hand craftsmanship, innovative design and creative marketing. Sabian is all about

creativity and quality, two key points behind any major name. We love this brand and our focus is on maximising its potential for our dealers.”

Though lauded in the guitar trade, Westside was all but unknown to percussion dealers. “That was never a deterrent,” says Houlden. “We wanted a distributor who would partner with us to build the brand, service the market, assist the media – really do the job that needs to be done.”

“Yes, people were asking why we chose Westside,” adds Blanchard, but one could also ask ‘why did Westside choose Sabian?’ After all, it has a portfolio of high-profile brands and a tremendous reputation in the guitar industry – it certainly didn’t need to be getting into cymbals.”

For Sabian, Westside represented the opportunity to sidestep the usual manufacturer/distributor relationship and collaborate with a highly effective partner with ideals and energy for branding that matched its own. “It’s focused. It’s friendly.

It plays a clean game – and Westside cares,” observes Houlden, himself known for the sort of Glaswegian tenacity that suggests he isn’t easy to please. “Westside

understands core values, resource investment, communication and stimulating dealer and consumer awareness about its brands. In short, it does brand management and value creation very, very well.”

It’s an opinion that runs throughout Westside’s other suppliers, too. Guitar strap guru Harvey Levy of Levy’s Leathers agrees: “Westside are the best. I couldn’t design a better distributor if I tried.”

Similarly, Chris Martin, of CF Martin Guitars, says: “Westside was a young company when met, but even then we sensed a level of business acumen that has since proved we made the right choice.” Ditto Randall Smith at MesaBoogie: “Phily and Jonny seem like downto-earth guys with good basic integrity.

We relate to them because they seem like us. We share the same values.”

Such kudos suggests a massive, resource-rich structure, but it's not like that, says Hay. “For Sabian we have a tight team of highly respected specialists to manage the brand, support the dealers and supply the goods. Even the most critical dealers are now happy to get a call from Westside or have reps Jay Lewington or Dave Stewart walk through their doors, miPRO JUNE 2009 15

COVER FEATURE • SABIAN

16 miPRO JUNE 2009

Bob Zildjian has always put quality first

Westside’s Andy Gillespie manages logistics

probably because they recognise that we offer answers for their business concerns.

Then there’s Andy Gillespie managing logistics from our head office. Like Dave and Jay, Andy has an extensive percussion background and a mind that is very capable of rationalising and reconciling business with reality. He’d previously done a lot of project work for Sabian, so he’s like a secret weapon, primed to respond to any situation. We also have strong and very close support from Sabian.”

Westside sits under the steely grey, rumbling skies of central Glasgow, a stone’s throw from the busy Argyll Street and the murky waters of the River Clyde.

Anonymous to the point of being invisible, it’s easy to miss the building. This sort of anonymity almost caused Sabian to overlook Westside.

Holden says: “If it weren’t for Wayne introducing me to Phil a few years ago, we would likely have a different distributor.” Blanchard has known Hay since 1976, when the latter was drum manager for James Grant Music in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The introduction of Hay and Houlden was quite innocuous – a family luncheon. “I felt they should know of each other, if only because they lived in the same city. And… well, just in case.” As for the low profile of his company, Hay confirms this is by intent. “We’re all about the brands,” he says. “It’s not about Westside. We aren’t selling Westside, dealers aren’t selling Westside and the customers in the shops aren’t buying Westside. No, we’re selling brands and the customers are buying brands. So why focus on anything but those brands?”

This ‘brands first’ philosophy was the magnet that attracted Houlden’s attention: “That ability to focus on what matters most is just one of Westside’s many assets.”

Hay is a quiet man. But behind that reserve is a mind working overtime. Along with London-based partner Jonny van der Schoot (alias Jonny X), he had a vision of distributing Sabian long before meeting Houlden. “I really wanted percussion in our portfolio and Sabian was where I wanted to start.”

While the restless shifting of brands from distributor to distributor (witness the seismic changes resulting from the acquisition of Kaman by Fender) has prompted some to claim distribution is a risky business, Westside continues to make the traditional approach work.

Hay is not worried by this trend of brand migration. “Our portfolio consists of personal brands, not big corporations.

They’re owned by people, not shareholders and banks and we deal directly with those people.” As for issues such as the panEuropean approach adopted by the likes of Fender and Yamaha, he sticks true to type.

“I can only say that Westside is totally committed to its brands. We like to feel that by doing a good job there is little need for them to adopt a pan-continental approach. Sabian is a perfect example of a brand that is very workable in the UK. Managed correctly, it has the potential to be a real profit driver for its dealers.”

The brand strength Hay admires likely exists because when Sabian was launched in 1981, it had a singular vision, summed up in the slogan ‘the finest cymbals for the finest drummers’. That happened when Robert (Bob) Zildjian was forced out of the Zildjian family business because, he maintains, he was a vociferous opponent of a plan to put quantity before quality.

“There were things I cared about that they didn’t care about,” Zildjian says, being uncharacteristically tactful. “As far as I was concerned, we could make better cymbals, but my father and brother weren’t www.mi-pro.co.uk

SABIAN • COVER FEATURE

Westside’s area sales managers: Dave Stewart (left) and Jay Lewington (right) interested – they just wanted to make more cymbals. So for me, it was a quality issue.” The parting settlement offered two options: “A big pile of money and get the hell out of the business. Or a small sum and keep the Zildjian (AZCO) plant in Canada. They figured I’d screw everything up and nobody would hear anything more from me.”

But they were wrong. Retreating to the AZCO plant he’d set up in 1968 in eastern Canada, Zildjian kicked his ideas into gear.

“We had 15 of the best craftsmen. It’s hard to believe, but that small team was making 40 per cent of Zildjian’s output.

They did all the difficult stuff, like thin crashes, chinese cymbals and the K Zildjian line, which was hand-hammered back in those days.” For a name, Bob Zildjian looked to his offspring. “We came up with Sabian, from the first two letters of each of my kids’ names: Sa (Sally), Bi (Billy), and An (Andy).” And the Zildjian A series cymbals made in Meductic became the AA (“Yeah, twice as good,” laughs Zildjian) and the K became HH (“All the hand hammering guys stayed with Sabian.”) Having been the Zildjian company’s link to the international business world, many distributors readily aligned themselves with Bob Zildjian and his new company.

The first 11 years saw Sabian continue along its traditional path, with a heavy reliance on marketing to define its brand.

Then, in 1993, it introduced AAX, a new series cited as the ‘first modern cymbal’.

With its ‘dynamic focus’ design and modern bright sound, AAX was an immediate hit and would prove to be the catalyst for a brand-defining move that would point the company in a more creative direction. “We were no longer just making cymbals; now we were designing them and putting out new sounds that really excited drummers,” says Zildjian.

AAX was followed by the darker sounding HHX and other lines, all designed in the Sabian Vault. “Our innovation is relevant,” proclaims Zildjian. “We’re not www.mi-pro.co.uk

into gimmicks, which is why Dave Weckl, Neil Peart, Jojo Mayer and other drummers who know their stuff play our stuff.”

The Sabian company sees its name as synonymous with innovation. Taking that a step further, Blanchard says this is the key to understanding the true vision and value of Sabian: it is ‘the modern, innovative cymbal brand… with traditional of roots.’

The company was also the first cymbal maker to win three MIPA awards for ‘Outstanding Cymbal’ (HHX, HHX Evolution, HHX Legacy).

Sabian’s Jackie Houlden and Westside’s Phil Hay have high hopes for their partnership strategy. Houlden and his UK and European team of Nadine Metayer, Christian Koch and Bruce Parry were joined by Blanchard, who flew in from Canada. Phil Hay and Jonny X were there with Westside’s percussion marketing manager Andy Gillespie and the sales team of Dave Stewart (formerly with Pearl) and Jay Lewington (formerly with Arbiter). Blanchard’s comment from the day appeared to sum it up for all involved: “It’s like putting a new band together – and we’ve got the best players in town.”

“ Sabian now gets the attention it warrants and we see this as a profit-making partnership between Sabian, Westside and the UK dealers.”

Jackie Houlden, Sabian Fast forward to 2009 and the Sabian announcement that Westside was its new UK partner. If that wasn't big enough news, the following day’s headlines delivered the real clincher. Arbiter, Sabian’s longtime distributor, was going into receivership. “There were some very good people at Arbiter,” offers Houlden, “but…”

In a recent day-long session, just a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge, Sabian and Westside defined their combined

Westside is rapidly converting doubters.

“When the change was announced,” says Pete Lewis of the SoundAttak store, “we simply shook our heads. But Jay Lewington is great, orders are delivered on time and Andy Gillespie’s been a big help. Westside has turned out to be everything Sabian said it would be – which is fantastic.”

So is this a new approach to business partnering? “It may be,” laughs Houlden.

“At least from our experience. These are

people we know, respect and enjoy doing business with because they get the business done.” It’s Westside’s ability to ‘be the brand’ that works for the dealers.

Even matters such as Sabian’s artist relations and media product reviews have been given a new priority to put things back into perspective.

Westside wasn’t the only distributor to solicit the Sabian account. Houlden comments: “We appreciated their interest.

It’s not like they weren’t qualified or tempting, but Westside – because it wasn’t a percussion distributor – struck us as being more suitable. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but we started to realise that we would rather be in a oneof-one situation than one-of-ten. Sabian now gets the dedicated attention it warrants and we see this as a sustainable profit-making partnership between Sabian, Westside, and the UK dealers.”

So what’s in the wings for Act Two? “All I will tell you,” Hay says, “is that we won’t be doing some of the things people will expect us to do. We’re only interested in maximising the value of our brands and ensuring the success of our dealers, so don’t expect any unnecessary flag waving from us.” Which, according to Houlden: “suits Sabian just fine, thank you very much.”

WESTSIDE: 0141 248 4812

miPRO JUNE 2009 17

Join us on Stand H16 at LIMS, 11-14 June 2009

GUITAR AMPS • SECTOR SPOTLIGHT

Amp Duty While no records are kept, NAMM and Musikmesse 2009 might have produced more new guitar amps than ever before – hundreds of them.

Rob Power takes a look at the arrivals and what they have to offer…

T

here can be little doubt that after a new guitar, a new amp is one of the most satisfying things a guitarist can purchase. After the scrimping and saving and endless test sessions in the shop, walking away with that all new, yet to be blown up amp really is a thing of beauty.

The tonal possibilities flood the mind, whilst the creative matching of favourite axe to new amp with a few pedals thrown in for good measure allows new combinations, new sounds and happier players. Amplifiers are the essential conduit for the electric guitarist, essential to rock n roll and a great big barrel of fun

besides. Here, we’ll be taking a stroll through the market to find out what’s making the most noise in the world of guitar amplifiers…

MARSHALL Marshall is the biggest name in British amplification and, as is befitting such an institution, has plenty of new product to take a look at. The Haze range provides portable, all-valve tones for pro guitarists looking to replicate their studio sounds while out on the road. Comprising the Haze 40 combo and the Haze 15 head, these are slightly smaller than average,

allowing players to have that extra bit of portability when gig time rolls around and there’s only a car on hand instead of a van. The Haze15 contains three ECC83 preamp and two 6V6 power amp valves, which are bolstered by a Marshall eq section. The MHZ112A and B speaker cabs have been designed specifically for the Haze15 head and produce the thick bass and full mid frequency response required.

Both cabs come loaded with a 12" Celestion G12T-66 Marquee speaker, developed for the Haze Series and capable of delivering the amp’s wide tonal range.

Megadeath’s Dave Mustaine has gained a piece of Marshall history in the form of the 1960DM signature cabs. Hand built in the UK, the cabs are hand-sealed with the baffle fixed inside the housing and loaded up with G12-V30 Marshall Celestion custom Dave Mustaine Vintage Speakers.

This sealed construction gives tightly focused, aggressive projection to the sound and is sure to prove popular among the legions of Megadeath fans out there.

HIWATT Having become home to the mighty Hiwatt, Freestyle has a genuine British amplification legend in its hands and is sure to find plenty of success with it.

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One need only glance through the list of previous and current players – Noel Gallagher, the Arctic Monkeys and The Who to name but three – to get an idea of the quality inherent in the Hiwatt brand. Its line-up includes the formidable Hi-Gain series, home to the High-Gain Ser 50 head and combo. Aiming to marry the best parts of Hiwatt’s traditional qualities with newer technologies, the series was developed alongside intense research and customer feedback to appeal to as wide a portion of the market as possible.

Accutronics reverb, an FX loop, push/pull normal and bright settings and the classic tonal qualities of Hiwatt’s Custom series are all present and correct, making for an amplifier that has class to spare.

STAGG Stagg remains one of the names that up and coming musicians are most familiar with, thanks to the staggering amount of kit the brand covers. Its guitar amplifier range offers up reliable, easy to use, affordable amplification that is a great starting point for players looking to purchase that all important first amp. The 40 GA DSP, for example, retails at well under £200 and features two channels with 16 internal DSP effects and a three miPRO JUNE 2009 21

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • GUITAR AMPS

band eq, ideal for the first timer looking to find an introduction to amplification that is versatile and pleasing to the ear. Slightly further up the chain is the Stagg 60 GA R, booming out 60 Watts with a spring reverb, effects loop and two channels selectable via the front panel or a footswitch. Stagg’s amps continue to sell well and usher many guitarists into the wonderful world of amplified sound and should not be underestimated in terms of both customer appeal and sales volume.

ASHTON Ashton’s Bluetongue range is an affordable, quality way for guitarists to get their hands on some unmistakeable valve action. The Bluetongue 50 has a surprisingly full and rich tone, with its single 12” Celestion Seventy80 speaker being pushed to the limit by a pair of EL34s. Spring reverb, hi and lo input jacks, two channels and a three band eq show that you don’t need to be selling out Wembley every night in order to get your hands on some fine amplification. The Bluetongue 100H head is the perfect companion to the VQ240 Quad and combines all the features of the 50 with twice the power and is worth it for guitarists looking for a set up that won’t require the sale of a major internal organ.

KUSTOM The Kustom range continues to appeal to the ears and pockets of many a guitarist and there are a few new models around for fans to sink their teeth into.

Kustom is set to expand its high-end guitar amps with the imminent introduction of the Sport Coupe and Double Cross 100-Watt valve amp. The Sport Coupe is a Class A valve combo with an 18-Watt output from a single 6L6 valve feeding its single 10-inch speaker, which shares many of its features with its bigger brothers, including XLR out with speaker emulation and vibrato and tremolo.

The Double Cross is a feature-packed 100-Watt valve amp, with two lead channels and a rhythm channel in a high gain, high output format.

Kustom is also introducing Celestionloaded extension speaker cabinets.

Designed to match the Coupe’s looks, these 12-inch and 2x12 cabs are crafted from a single sheet of birch to ensure big, rich tonal qualities.

Meanwhile, the High Voltage (HV) hybrid series generates the tone and response of classic valve amps, but with less weight and a more achievable price than many all-valve designs. HV series combos aim to provide professional tone, features and boutique styling in versatile and, importantly, affordable packages.

Kustom’s HV100T combo represents the top-of-the-line High Voltage HV combo. 100-Watts of power and two 12inch Celestion speakers provide tight, highvolume valve tone with total control. The heart of the HV100T is its 12AX7based valve preamp. There’s a neat, variable speed

rotary speaker effect available here too, with a built-in octaver.

LANEY There’s plenty on offer from Brit brand Laney, which has been busy putting together a whole new range, as well as upgrades, to satisfy the needs of gear hungry electric guitarists.

First up is the Cub range, which has its feet firmly planted back in the early days of tube amp production. The Cub 8, which features a single-ended Class A design and is loaded with a single ECC83 in the preamp section and a single 6V6GT in the output section, generating five Watts of much sought after tube tone. With a simplified control panel housing a tone control, a volume control and hi and lo inputs, it’s easy to see what the company is looking to do with this range – back to basics indeed.

There’s plenty on offer from Brit brand Laney, which has been busy putting together a whole new range as well as upgrades.

The range also features the Cub 10, a Class A/B amp that produces 10 Watts from a preamp loaded with two ECC83s and a pair of 6V6GTs. The preamp complement comprises a tone control, volume and gain. With both amps retailing for well under £250, there is a great opportunity here for guitarists looking for vintage tone on a budget.

Also of interest from Laney is the new LH50. The rejuvenated LH50 offers 50 Watts of Class A/B valve tone and a power amp loaded with a pair of EL34s, while its ECC83-loaded preamp comprises twin channels each with their own dedicated drive control and three band eq.

PEAVEY Currently performing well for Peavey is the Vypyr range, which, with a tube version soon to hit the market, looks set to continue being a popular choice among the Peavey faithful and doubtful alike.

One big feature on the new Vypyr is the 24 amp models it includes, which cover the clean and distorted sounds of

22 miPRO JUNE 2009

12 popular amps, alongside 11 editable stomp box models and 11 post amp racktype effects. An on board looper and built in USB output alongside a MIDI I/O makes this a pretty versatile beast.

Also new to the Peavey line-up is the 6505 112, introduced at NAMM as a smaller brother to the high gain 6505, this is the first time it has been available in a 1x12 combo and as the full size version is played by the likes of Trivium and Bullet for My Valentine, it’s a good bet that this will prove to be awfully popular. With five select 12AX7 preamp valves and a pair of 6L6GC power-amp valves providing the tonal foundation for the combo, patented circuitry, such as Peavey's resonance control, allows players to tweak the sound to taste. Additionally, both the lead and rhythm channels feature independent three-band eq, pre/post gain controls and presence and resonance adjustment.

ROLAND A raft of new amps have cropped up from Roland recently, including the Cube 80X, a further expansion of the massively successful Cube range. Taking a step up from the Cube 60, the 80X is, as you might have guessed, 80 Watts worth of Roland goodness funnelled through a high performance 12-inch speaker. As is to be expected from any Cube, this is a versatile amplifier, which includes a looper, built-in reverb and delay with tap tempo, an automatic tuner and the ever handy auxiliary input for connecting up MP3 players and blasting away.

Elsewhere at Roland, a clutch of ultra mobile mini amplifiers have appeared, giving buskers in search of a great sounding portable amp new hope. First up is the Microcube R, which is essentially a new paintjob for the Microcube and features seven amp models, six DSP effects and a digital tuning fork. The Mobile Cube is a battery powered stereo speaker that can be used to amplify pretty much anything from electric guitars to WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • GUITAR AMPS

keyboards and computer audio. It is also laden with features and has built-in effects. The last of Roland’s new additions to the mobile end of its line-up is the Cube Street, once again battery powered and packed out with dual digital power amps and a pair of neodymium speakers underneath a slanted cabinet design.

ORANGE Orange has a long history of launching innovative products and 2009 has been a particularly busy year, with plenty of new gear unveiled to the waiting world.

January saw the launch of the next generation of the Tiny Terror concepts, including the Tiny Terror hardwired and new Dual Terror, a twin channel 30-Watt head, switchable from 30 to 15 or seven Watts, giving more choice and sound options than the original.

Further to the (now oft impersonated) innovation of the Terror series, Orange also proves that it can pose with the best and has made its (previously) exclusive white vinyl cosmetics available for sale for a limited run. The stunning white finish has already been used by artists as diverse as Madonna, Monte Pittman and The View and under the avalanche of requests, the UK maker is offering its amps and cabs at the same price as existing Orange gear.

LIMS will also see the unveiling of Orange’s new Crush Pix amps, which have had the full overhaul treatment and are ready to rock once more.

MESA BOOGIE Mesa Boogie has long been home to amps small in stature, but big in sound that know, above all else, how to make the sort of rock n roll noise that grabs you and throws you around the room. A couple of new additions to the range further cement the brand’s reputation for innovation and, importantly, tone.

The Mark V, the latest in Mesa Boogie’s much loved Mark range, continues the series’ tradition of packing an awful lot of amplifier into a relatively small space.

Calling itself a ‘Simul-Class’ power amp, it features the ability to choose between three power and three operating class options, with channels assignable via 10, 45 or 90-Watt power switches. Three fully independent channels with nine modes, a footswitchable five band graphic eq and an aluminium chassis are only a fraction of the features on offer here and, of course, quality is well to the fore.

The Electra Dyne is another demonstration of Boogie’s Simul-Class idea. The amp offers two power tubes operating in Class A/B producing 45 Watts or four tubes on the Simul-Class power that blends the best of Class A and Class A/B to produce 90 Watts. Mesa Boogie has, once again, demonstrated how much it knows its amplification onions.

STIMER/DUPONT As part of its new deal to distribute Dupont guitars, Sandarac gains by default the rather splendid Stimer retro jazz

combo. As the owner of the Stimer trademark Michele Dupont decided to bring back this distinctive, iconic valve amplifier and accurately reproduce the original tonal quality of the old masters, such as Django Reinhardt. The result is the Stimer M.10, made by hand in Dupont’s Cognac workshop. The combo is constructed of parts made to the original specification with original components. It’s a 12-Watt combo with a 12-inch speaker and distinctly Hot Club de Paris looks – as it was designed specifically for Rerinhardt back in the 1930s. Dupont also makes its own brand Le Jazz combo, a 20-Watt jazzer that is more than suitable for other styles of play as well.

RANDALL For those about to rock, Randall pretty much ticks all the boxes. Loads of tube driven power, big, credible name endorsers – Metallica’s Kirk Hammett for one – and a range of tones from sweet and full of sustain to frankly brutal distortions. The RM100M is a great indicator as to what the MTS range is capable of. Three independent, modular channels that can be loaded up with the player’s choice of preamp to give a wide range of rhythm, lead and hi-gain choices. MIDI connectivity thanks to in/thru jacks is an extra bonus, while players can also select and reconfigure presets, channels and external effect via a footswitch. A userfriendly power tube bias section also

makes replacing and biasing tubes a simple task. The RM 100M is sure to be a huge hit with guitarists who know exactly how they want their amp to perform.

HAYDEN Providing further proof that no-one makes guitar amps like the British, Hayden might be the new brand on the block, but the nods to classic tones, while modern circuitry keeps things distinctly up to date, makes for a series of amps and combos that axemen (and ergo retailers) would do well to consider.

The latest offering from Hayden is the Mofo, which is almost hydra-like in the number of nods it manages to perform. A tiny metal box of an amp, this 30-Watt all-valve power pack provides bell like clean tones with real depth to plexi-esque classic rock crunch, right up to full on metal mayhem. With four, cascaded gain stages and the footswitchable Mofo mode for even more gain, the amp has four EL84 valves and eight and 16-Ohm speaker outputs, which means it can drive a wide range of cabinets from a boutique single 12-inch in the studio right up to a 4x12 on the concert stage.

The Mofo is the latest in the Hayden UK Hand-wired series, which also includes the Petite and Cotton Club models. The Peacemaker series gives users (and dealers) the opportunity to get their hands on the same, impressive sounds, but at Far-Eastern-manufactured prices.

CONTACTS

MARSHALL ..............................................................................01908 375411 EMD (STAGG) ..........................................................................01293 862612 ASHTON ..................................................................................01780 781630 JHS (KUSTOM)........................................................................0113 286 5381 FREESTYLE (HIWATT) ...........................................................01924 455414 HEADSTOCK (LANEY) .........................................................0121 508 6666 PEAVEY ...................................................................................01536 461234 ROLAND ...................................................................................01792 702701 ORANGE ...............................................................................020 8905 2828 WESTSIDE (MESA BOOGIE) ...................................................0141 2484812 SOUND TECHNOLOGY (RANDALL) ....................................01462 480000 HAYDEN ....................................................................................01245 441155 SANDARAC (STIMER/DUPONT)...........................................01787 238350 24 miPRO JUNE 2009

WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

The new MoFo by Hayden is an all-valve guitar amp with a whole lot of attitude.

But unlike other mini guitar amp heads, the MoFo is definitely not a one trick pony.

From stunning bell like clean tones with real depth to plexi-esque classic rock crunch, right up to full on metal mayhem, the 30 watt MoFo head does it all.

MORE FROM THE NEW 2009 HAND-WIRED RANGE

PETITE 2

PETITE 5

COTTON CLUB 7/15

COTTON CLUB 15/30

SPEAKEASY COMBO

SPEAKEASY 212 RIG

CLASSIC LEAD 80 COMBO CLASSIC LEAD 80 RIG

BOSE • COMPANY PROFILE

Black is back Bose’s revolutionary L1 system was riding high before Sound Control’s collapse. But what is possibly audio’s most innovative company has rebuilt its UK dealership team and is set to make waves with an exciting new model.

It wouldn’t say no to more retail partners, either. Bose’s Andy Rigler and Sue Harrison talk to Gary Cooper…

T

here are surprisingly few truly iconic brands in music, considering its significance in peoples’ lives – certainly not on the scale of the Apples, Sonys and BMWs of this world. But one of the few is Bose – the pioneering US company founded in 1964 by Amar G Bose, a professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Bose has never taken the easy route to solving audio problems and its unconventional products have earned it a place as a globally recognised icon.

The company’s involvement in the performing side of the entertainment industry began in the 1970s with a range of small PA speaker systems that revolutionised high-end portable PA. But the company’s reluctance to churn out endless new products for the sake of it, coupled with its equally historic tendency to high prices, gradually rendered Bose less

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of a force for music retailers. Until 2003, that is, when the astonishing L1 system made its debut. Billed as a personalised amplification system – it is, in effect, a highly portable in-line vertical array. At a stroke it challenged the very concept of the oft-used point source speakers, mixer,

market, Bose decided that it had to be sold by the company’s traditional method – don’t read the specifications, listen to the product – which meant it needed specialist demonstrators. Cue an exclusive deal with Sound Control, which was, apparently, going just fine until the

“When Sound Control folded we lost impetus, but we were already talking to other retailers at the time – with Sound Control’s blessing.”

Andy Rigler, Bose power amps and monitors for small and medium gigs and was received with incredulity at first and then widespread acclaim.

Realising that the L1 was very different from anything else on the

retailer’s collapse a year ago. Faced with having to build a new dealer network almost overnight were Bose’s business development manager, Sue Harrison, and Andy Rigler, who is the company's live music market specialist.

We began by asking how Bose had picked up the pieces following the Sound Control debacle.

“The reason why we’d gone for Sound Control was because we needed a partner who could relaunch us quickly and effectively back into the MI marketplace – and, clearly, size came into play,” says Andy Rigler.

“We hadn’t lost our way, but we weren't quite as popular as we had been, so the brand had to be re-launched and it was important that a product like the L1 had nationwide coverage. We had a lot of support from Sound Contol in that respect,” adds Sue Harrison.

“Sound Control was absolutely the right partner at the start,” insists Rigler. “When it folded, what we lost initially was a lot of impetus, but we were already talking to other retailers at the time – with its knowledge and blessing.”

miPRO JUNE 2009 27

COMPANY PROFILE • BOSE

Nonetheless, come April 30th when the retailer collapsed, Bose found itself with a highly acclaimed system to sell, but one that needed real expertise on the art of the people charged with explaining it to the public. Rigler estimates that they lost three or four months worth of momentum, but says that since then Bose has assembled a new team of specialist retailers. What is particularly interesting is that it hasn’t yet reached the optimum number – though both Rigler and Harrison stress that they aren’t far from being fully covered.

“By the time of last year’s LIMS, we’d signed-up the main people that we wanted to have,’” Rigler says. “So we now have 36 stores and 29 accounts – our furthest north is in Aberdeen and our furthest west is Sound Pad in Torquay and Barnstaple.” They admit that central London remains a problem, however – which is ironic considering that anyone gigging in the capital would find an L1 perhaps the most useful piece of equipment they could possibly own.

GOOD THINGS IN SMALL PACKAGES One possible reason why Bose needs a few more dealers is the potential about to be generated when the latest development of the L1 system becomes available in a few weeks’ time – the L1 Compact. In a vaguely Darth Vader’s helmet-shaped enclosure, the L1 Compact threatens to change a lot of people’s idea of what constitutes the perfect solo performance system. Armed with the basic box (light enough for even a child to carry), the L1 Compact system features a 14-inch line array and offers two set-up

configurations: extended (68-inches tall) with two poles carried in a small shoulder bag, for larger venues, or collapsed (17inches tall) for smaller venues. It can even be placed on a table to operate. The system uses no leads, other than a mains cable and is simple enough for granny to use – featuring a single eq control, a jack socket, an XLR socket and a pair of phono inputs.

All this, coupled with the inimitable Bose styling, makes the L1 Compact a

“Even though there’s a recession, the understanding of the concept has got around.

You don’t get a lot of product, but you do get a lot of quality and value.”

Sue Harrison, Bose natural for any wine bar soloist – but it is also going to have a huge appeal for schools, colleges, community centres – in fact anywhere where high quality sound and ultra-portablity are needed.

And if the prospect of selling the L1 family isn’t tempting enough, there is also access to some other Bose products, which have a similarly high ‘I have to have one of those’ factor, including headphones and in-ear phones, plus some of the company’s stylish iPod player systems. As potential profit generators outside of the typical MI arena, they can’t have many peers.

“We’re not in a hurry to sign people,” insists Andy Rigler.

28 miPRO JUNE 2009

“They are partners – not stores – we work together and the whole model is a partnership.”

Almost every distributor today seems to say something similar, but in Bose’s case it is clearly meant. It’s not a case of ordering a few boxes and waiting for customers to ask for one. Bose insists that its products are well displayed and encourages retailers to put the L1 not in with all the rest of the PA gear but, perhaps, on its own in with the guitar

section. It makes a lot of sense, too, as guitarists will want to hear one as soon as they see it. And that is, as ever, Bose’s secret weapon. Don’t read the specifications – listen to the product – and once someone has heard an L1 and grasped the idea, a sale can be very close. And to help make that happen, a Bose trained member of staff (called a ‘Bose champion’) is expected to be in every store.

But how attractive is a premium product like the L1 in a recession? “Price tends to be one of the less important things to us,” Rigler says. “We’re in a recession, but sales are holding up.”

“We’re two or three years into creating an awareness of this new concept,” says Sue Harrison. “We’re at the stage now where, even though there’s a recession, the understanding of the concept has got around. A lot of people are seeing it at events and actually, when you compare it to the cost of a traditional set-up, it’s not actually that expensive.

You don’t get a lot of product, but you do get a lot of quality and a lot of value.”

And what musician could possibly regard not getting a lot of PA product to hump into a van at midnight as a bad thing? Bear in mind, too, that Bose buyers tend to be older, wealthier, willing to pay for quality and protective of their backs.

The solo performer who buys a Taylor or a Martin without needing artificial respiration is just the buyer Bose is after for the Compact – while a three piece band of older guys playing nicer venues would be spot-on for the larger L1 systems. That said, even DJs are starting to buy L1s – apparently finding them ideal for wedding gigs and the like.

“And then there’s the corporate world,” adds Andy Rigler, explaining how many systems are being sold for presentation use. Sue Harrison, meanwhile, points out the tremendous potential in schools for a multi-use system like the Compact or the Model 1, which can be used throughout the establishment, undertaking countless tasks, while always being easy to use.

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND Bose says it is looking for an unspecified number of new dealers – but that’s likely only to be in single figures. True, it requires a real commitment and understanding to sell and, equally true, it won’t be right for the majority. But there is also that special factor in the deal which is hard to quantify – that selling an international icon like Bose suggests to a customer that he or she is dealing with an altogether classier kind of establishment.

It’s the same for the end-user, when they are booked to play in a luxury bar or corporate environment. Instead of turning up in a rusty Transit with a mixer, a pile of gnarled boxes, miles of wires and a scrapyard of tottery stands, they arrive in a car with a sleek, stylish black box that somehow manages to fill the room with crystal-clear sound, almost regardless of where in that room, a listener is positioned. It’s not a sales pitch that will appeal to every retailer, nor to every customer, but it doesn’t take a genius to see for whom it would.

With consumer advertising in Acoustic and Performing Musician, plus an amount of regional live promotional events, Bose has got behind its L1 range in a big way and seems to have not just recovered the ground lost after Sound Control's failure, but even to have made headway since.

With a presence at LIMS, the Bose brand is firmly back in UK MI. Where will L1 go from here? The one thing you can say with safety is that there will be the way everybody else does it and then there will be way Bose does it. That’s one of the ways you get to be an icon.

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SHEET MUSIC • SECTOR SPOTLIGHT

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bene

With High Street figures for April looking up, it is probably to be expected that reports from MI say that things are finally getting a bit tight. With sheet music holding firm, Andy Barrett discovers that stocking some could be the best thing you do in these troubled times…

A

s many had expected, the bite of recession has taken a while to nibble through to the MI trade, but now it seems the squeeze is well and truly on. Any theories as to why musical instruments fare so well when downturns hit are merely that, theories, but some do seem to hold water.

During this crunch, many people have put plans for the two big spends (houses and cars) on hold. So while estate agents and the automotive industry have been having a torrid time of it, the third element on the personal spending list, leisure and hobbies, has enjoyed some continued spending. Whether it is people returning to playing music or taking it up for the first time, there was something of a rush on instruments during the latter part of 2008.

With that rush now seemingly over, stores have to focus on the staples of their

Hal Leonard’s European sales and marketing director, Mark Mumford, makes the point: “Education is a constant – a very stable sell through. But this doesn’t happen by itself. We invest a lot and work hard to get teachers and, from there, students to buy. This brings a continual stream of customers and it keeps us expanding and growing. Now around 50 per cent of Hal Leonard’s catalogue is education.”

“At times like these, I think the smaller, instrument-specific stores – particularly rock and pop – are starting to find things a little more difficult, but bigger stores with sheet music departments and sheet music specialists are doing well,” comments Roberto Garcia, the sales and marketing director at Schott. “Schott and Boosey & Hawkes are very geared towards education and classical and we have seen no real changes.

“Education is a constant – a very stable sell through. But this doesn’t happen by itself. We invest a lot and work hard to make sales.”

Mark Mumford, Hal Leonard trade to keep the cash flowing. For MI, these staples are accessories and sheet music – two spheres that seem all but immune from the pains of recession.

For sheet music, this seems to be fairly accurate if one looks at the attendance of the main publishers in the UK as far as major trade shows are concerned. They were all at Frankfurt and they were among the first to book their spaces for the London International Music Show. Are they really doing well in a struggling market, or is it simply a case of bravado in the hope that appearances can hoodwink economic forces?

The publishers are adamant in their position that sales are indeed holding out, but reading between the lines one can see that there is a specific area maintaining this position. It boils down to three words (if one is to conform to the adage): ‘education, education, education’. www.mi-pro.co.uk

“The peripatetic market is normal, so I think it is fair to say that education is holding the fort at the moment. We attend all of the education shows and there are the same number of delegates attending and there doesn’t appear to be any pessimism in that market at all.”

“There are rumours that budgets might be cut in the future, but certainly not for next year. This means schools are still buying for the classroom, so I suppose you could say that education is key, but it goes further than that,” suggests Phillip Littlemore, FM Distribution’s sales director.

“Even when times are hard, parents will forfeit their own luxuries to let their kids do what they want to do, whether that is playing football or learning the trumpet. It is worth saying that there are an awful lot of good publishers out there making an awful lot of good product and it is being bought. Sheet music is still selling.” miPRO JUNE 2009 31

SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • SHEET MUSIC

ABRSM, of course, deals almost exclusively in educational material and has the benefit of its own syllabus to which teachers are somewhat captive. The association’s marketing manager, Ben Selby, while sensing things might be proving a little difficult for instrument sales, also sees educational materials as the most buoyant in the market at present. “I think by its very nature, education is more resilient than pop, for example, and it stays strong through recessions. It was the case in the ‘90s and seems to be holding true now.”

As for his captive market, Selby points out that this means more work and expense, but that the trade definitely benefits from it, too. “We change the syllabus regularly up to every two years for some courses, but this is largely expected by the teachers. They need to keep their subjects fresh and interesting. We have recently updated our technical requirements too, and this supports the publications behind that. With about 95 per cent of our sales going through the trade, however, there are a lot of positives.”

Generally, then, things are looking good for those selling sheet music in any significant amount and anyone looking for a boost in turnover might do well to discuss the possibility of stocking educational titles (if you aren’t already).

Perhaps one of the most important things to consider is that music publishers are anything but exclusive. Information, advice and choice are available in spades from any of them.

MEL BAY With Chris Statham, Mel Bay UK’s MD, up to his eyes with maintaining the colossal growth of his two year-old operation, while hiring new staff and moving office simultaneously, word from the American tutor specialist is that business is positively booming.

At LIMS, Mel Bay will be offering the usual incentives to come along and 32 miPRO JUNE 2009

personally place trade orders during the show, including a free gift for each trade order, along with the chance to win a ‘credit crunching’ £350 credit note for one lucky trade account. Mel Bay will also be exhibiting its UK distributed catalogues, namely Walton’s, Mally’s and Mayas Music, AMA Verlag, AMPD (All Music & Publishing, Australia) and Sasha. Rodney Branigan will be performing on the stand, demonstrating his unique ambidextrous two-guitar technique and promoting his brand new DVD. New titles for June include an Irish Mandolin tutor from the School of… series, a Bodhran tutor (Bodhran: The Basics) and the First Jams Ukulele book. As well as a new Encyclopedia of Bass Arpeggios, the publisher is also touting a

of the big closures in the past year or so).

“It’s a month-by-month thing,” he continues. “We talk to all our dealers and some are up and some are down. Overall, April was a slower month, what with Easter and the good weather, but there are no real signs of things slowing. We’ve got a strong schedule planned and you’ll be seeing some key titles soon.”

For June, Music Sales will see the release of the new Gigbook range, an A5 format, red vinyl covered chordbook with melody notation, following directly in the wake of the popular Little Black Book series. On the tutor side of things, there will be the Junior Complete Guitar player, aimed at the eight to 12 year-old market, which, Hargrave explains, will fill a definite gap for youngsters to teach themselves

“I think by its very nature, education is more resilient than pop, for example, and it stays strong through recessions.”

Ben Selby, ABRSM new bass tutor DVD, focusing on African bass styles with The African Bass Bible.

MUSIC SALES Healthy sales are not limited to the UK. “The UK is steady for us at the moment,” explains Music Sales’ Chris Hargrave. “But as the biggest sheet music publisher in Europe, it is worth looking at the wider picture. France and Germany are having a fantastic time, with Germany in particular enjoying the benefits of our publishing schedule. We have a publisher, Bosworth, which targets the German market and it is having an exceptional year. We also had a really successful Frankfurt – again, mostly because of European customers.”

Hargrave went on to comment that growth in the UK was largely down to existing accounts, particularly the larger outlets (despite having been hit by some

and will use both current and back catalogues.

Finally, the Really Easy Piano Tutor fits into the Really Easy series of compilations and artist-based titles, but now using the catalogue for learning purposes.

HAL LEONARD Hal Leonard, in the main, nestles very happily in the Music Sales distribution stable as far as Europe is concerned, but with such a diverse catalogue (and orchestral music shipping out through Studio Music) the company has a lot to say for itself as regards its activities and publications.

“It is so important for us to get the message out that a £1,000 investment brings a quick, positive return,” says Mark Mumford. “In times when cash flow is a problem, sheet music really comes to the

fore and I would seriously recommend dealers to consider a change of tack.”

Mumford says that while there is unpredictability on the pop market, there are titles such as the recent Twilight musical (not to mention the Guitar Hero and High School Musical books that fall into similar categories) that simply take on a life of their own. “They are hard to predict, but they add a lot of weight to the argument for stocking,” he adds. “With the success of the wider brand of these publications, simply having these books in your shop window can generate business.

“The strength of Hal Leonard is not just the creativity of product, which it is very good at, but our ability to expand the appeal of the brand. You have to let people know who you are and where you are – really promote yourself.”

The next batch of titles worth watching include the Kings of Leon’s new album and a collection of ‘audition’ songs from the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection (for men and women) and taking the education theme slightly left of field, a series of DVDs aimed at Pro Tools users, showing how to get the most out of the audio workstation program.

Of special note for Hal Leonard is the exceptional coffee table The Story of Paul Bigsby: Father of the modern electric solidbody guitar. The title alone gives an indication of how controversial this book could be, as it illustrates, quite compellingly, how Bigsby (he of tremolo fame) actually preceded Les Paul (and Gibson) and Leo Fender to the manufacture of the first electric guitars as we know them today.

SCHOTT Aside from the educational aspect of Schott’s and Boosey & Hawkes’ business, both publishers have their roots firmly in the classical tradition, as well as some of the healthiest jazz lines around. “There is a lot for dealers to look at,” says Roberto Garcia. “The classical pocket scores and www.mi-pro.co.uk

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SECTOR SPOTLIGHT • SHEET MUSIC

piano books are holding up extremely well.

People can’t really afford to buy new instruments at the moment, but they can afford to buy new music and it’s keeping the market going.”

New titles from the Schott stable include the rather excellent Exploring Jazz tutors by Ollie Weston for sax, trumpet and flute intermediates. Weston includes step-by-step lessons of key concepts, while avoiding jargon and getting straight into improvisation. Each book also comes with a live jazz trio CD for accompaniment.

For Booseys, Christopher Norton continues in his prolific manner with two new books in the Microjazz series, Microswing and Microlatin, containing 20 new pieces of piano miniatures, aimed at helping the learner to gain new repertoire with some moderate challenges.

Continuing with education, B&H also has the new Voice Coach series, with selections and notes by Mary King. While labelled as a ‘coach’, the series will compile into a collection of repertoire that itself teaches technique and interpretation. Each piece is discussed at length and suggests methods of approaching their performance.

house, trade-facing magazine) or our new website, both of which are simpler and bolder in their imagery.”

High in the section labelled ‘push’ at ABRSM is the new publication Raising an Amazing Musician: You, your child and music, a book that targets parents who want to bring music into the life of their children. No musical knowledge is assumed and advice and support is given, though the 20 short chapters, on how to support a child musically from birth to early adulthood. It’s well worth considering this one, whether you’re a retailer or a parent.

FM DISTRIBUTION With the sheer weight of catalogues and titles on its books, Faber Music Distribution is never allowed the luxury of taking anything for granted. “You have to work hard for every sale,” says Phillip Littlemore. “This is why we work closely with our retailers through good reps and good products.”

It’s a simple system, but it clearly works as Littlemore goes on to report good sales right across FMD’s catalogues, not just Faber. The company has been concentrating on promoting itself to the

“You have to work hard for every sale. That’s why we work closely with our retailers through good reps and good products.”

Phillip Littlemore, Faber Music From the classical repertoire comes Boosey’s Vuelvo al Sur, a book of tangos for accordion, piano, clarinet and more, arranged by James Crabb. The book takes ten pieces by the Argentine master of tango Nuevo, Astor Piazzolla, including two pieces from the soundtrack of the film Sur. ABRSM Fresh from its recent image overhaul and high on the celebrations of its 120th anniversary this year, the Associated Board has consolidated its marketing and sales structure, as well as having revamped its corporate look. “It’s a lot more than just a logo change,” explains Ben Selby. “We spent a good couple of years consulting teachers and traders and everyone connected to us to get an idea of how we are perceived overall. The result was, happily, generally positive, but there was an obvious need for us to be bolder in the face we portray to the customer and the outside world.

“Previously, we had three logos, representing the three arms of the board, but the outside world saw us as one organisation, so we have created a single image. We have altered the language we use, too, which will be very noticeable when you look at Libretto (ABRSM’s in34 miPRO JUNE 2009

consumer of late with e-shots to peripatetic teachers and schools and is getting a lot of response from that.

Littlemore is also looking forward to LIMS and, following on from the last point, is looking at the show as a consumer activity, with any trade business done seen as a bonus. For those who think that sheet music is not a sexy sector of MI, try suggesting such to Littlemore. “Yes, you will get crowds gathering around for a new guitar launch or for some showy, gimmicky demo, but people don’t go to shows with £500 in their pocket to buy a big product. The extra bit of cash they might take with them is for the smaller items that really make the event special.”

Aside from the hope that the new Green Day album will be ready for LIMS (which depends upon getting the thumbs up from the band – never an easy task), Faber will be showing the new Ukulele Playlist book (yes, ukes are still going very strong), a guitar tab and notation edition of Queen: Greatest Hits, an Authentic Playalong series edition of Rush: Guitar, with every note of six numbers of the prog rockers and Nirvana: Complete Chord Songbook. The You’re the Voice series continues with ten songs in the style of Katherine Jenkins and The Piano Sessions: Contemporary ballads are worth a look.

CONTACTS MEL BAY: ..............................................................................020 8323 8010 MUSIC SALES: ......................................................................01284 702600 HAL LEONARD (EUROPE): ...................................................01494 730143 DE HASKE: ..............................................................................01536 260981 STUDIO MUSIC COMPANY: ...................................................01582 432139 ABRSM: ................................................................................020 7636 5400 FABER: ....................................................................................01279 828989 SCHOTT: ................................................................................020 7534 0744

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LIMS • SHOW GUIDE

Being there...

W

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWW.ACCESSTOMUSIC.CO.UK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.mi-pro.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWW.ARIAUK.COM miPRO JUNE 2009 39

SHOW GUIDE • LIMS

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

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

WWW.BANDM.CO.UK

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

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

WWW.BREITKOPF.COM

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

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

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

WWW.CASIO.CO.UK

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

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

WWW.SF-MUSIC.CO.UK

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

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

WWW.BOSE.COM/MUSICIANS

CHAPPELL OF BOND STREET: R14

DAVE KING ACCOUSTICS: C24

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

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

WWW.COLLINGSGUITARS.COM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWW.DOLPHINMUSIC.CO.UK

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

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

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

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

40 miPRO JUNE 2009

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

WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

SHOW GUIDE • LIMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

42 miPRO JUNE 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWW.GEAR4MUSIC.COM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HEADSTOCK: STAND J4

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWW.INDIEGUITARS.COM

WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

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LEARN MORE: DADDARIO.COM/EXP

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

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

SHOW GUIDE • LIMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INTERMUSIC: STAND F3

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

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

WWW.MARSHALLAMPS.COM

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

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

ME GUITARS/EDGE CRAFT: K96

MUSIC SALES: STAND B10

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

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

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

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

MUSIC TECH MAGAZINE: STAND F12

MERTON COLLEGE: STAND C16 MOOSE GUITARS: STAND J22

LIMS • SHOW GUIDE

new updated range of the Orange Crush Pix amplifiers.

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

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

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

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

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

www.mi-pro.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWW. SHURE.CO.UK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

LIMS • SHOW GUIDE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWW.TAYLORGUITARS.COM TC ELECTRONIC: F3A miPRO JUNE 2009 51

LIMS • SHOW GUIDE

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

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

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

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

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

WWW.UMP.CO.UK

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

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

WWW.WORLDRHYTHM.CO.UK

VANQUISH SOUNDS: J22A

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

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

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

ready to help visitors with their music making techniques.

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

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

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SHOW GUIDE • LIMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

54 miPRO JUNE 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

professional-sounding finished product using tools accessible to anyone.

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

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

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

professional-sounding finished product using tools accessible to anyone.

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

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

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

composing music for film and television.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LIMS • SHOW GUIDE

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

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

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

www.mi-pro.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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LIMS • SHOW GUIDE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHOW GUIDE • LIMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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We are also pleased to tell you of the following Special Discounts on all orders placed at the show (min £500.00 trade) • Swing Bass 25% off UK trade • Rotos 40% off UK trade • Jumbo King 40% off trade • All Tru Bronze sets we are offering 50% off UK trade. (241 deal) Please Note: These deals ONLY apply to orders taken at the show.

New Products for 2009 Come and see us on booth H12 to check out the New NEXUS coated range.

• Also, all orders over £500.00 (*trade) will be entered in to our NAMM 2010 prize draw.

steve diggle - the buzzcocks paul allender - cradle of filth

Rotosound worldwide sales are up 27% over the last 8 months so a big thank you to all our customers! We ARE currently busy building MORE new string winding machines!

dave pybus - cradle of filth

Due to the overwhelming demand this year we are unable to offer the 241 as per normal.

eva gardner - pink

alex hutchings

guthrie govan

Endorsee appearances include Steve Diggle (Buzzcocks) Paul Allender and Dave Pybus (Cradle of Filth). Guthrie Govan and Alex Hutchings will be playing throughout the show in conjunction with Bluesjamtracks.

June 11 - 14 Excel, London

into the music

www.rotosound.com www.myspace.com/rotosoundmusicstrings

dave spurr - the fall

See us at LIMS - Stand H12

PERSONNEL

New MD for Logic System Company’s chief becomes technical director LOGIC SYSTEM has announced details of key management and director level changes in the company.

Jeff Dawson (pictured), who joined the company recently, has been appointed as managing director, enabling Chris Scott, who now takes the role of technical director, to focus on product development and growing the export business. Sue Ellis remains in her role as operations director.

“Jeff has considerable management experience that will benefit the company and prepare us for growth,” said Scott.

“I am delighted that the existing directors and shareholders have the confidence in my abilities to be able to

make this appointment,” added Dawson.

“Logic System is a great company, with fantastic products. Freeing Chris to spend more time doing what he does best can only be a benefit to us and our customers.”

LOGIC SYSTEM: 01427 611 791

Steve Preston joins Synergy Industry veteran on board to handle South STEVE PRESTON will now be working with Synergy Distribution to sell the agency’s brands to dealers in the south of the UK. Preston’s experience includes time with Exclusive Distribution and as the founder of British American Distribution. Preston has also worked for P&R Howard, Arbiter and Carlsbro.

He joins Synergy as the firm sets out to secure an exclusive network of dealers for its latest brand, Lakewood Guitars, signed

up at the Musikmesse (pictured).

SYNERGY: 0121 270 6485

The Capo Company

The G7TH Performance Capo precision engineered for perfect intonation

www.G7th.com In Pursuit of Excellence

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miPRO JUNE 2009 61

PROFILE

I WOKE UP THIS MORNING

STEVE DALTON Marketing and Communications Manager, Sennheiser UK

Sennheiser’s Steve Dalton talks to MI Pro about his team strategies, communication and how to plan ahead for big projects...

M

y day normally starts at around seven o’clock, when I’m woken up by my Blackberry. As soon as the red light starts flashing, I know that’s the start of the day for me. I have a quick look through what came in overnight, which gets me into gear pretty quickly.

I’ll have breakfast at around half past seven, then I’m out the door for eight o’clock. I live in Reading so I have to travel over to High Wycombe every morning, which can take a good 45 minutes. I’m into the office just before nine o’clock.

My role is quite varied and it requires a lot of thought – I have a team below me, so I need to come up with creative strategies about how we’re going to launch new products, or look at point of sale or marketing initiatives to put forward to the global marketing team.

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The drive to work is good for a bit of ‘me’ time to have a think through everything. I love my job – it’s a really dynamic role – it just means that sometimes I need a bit of alone time to think everything over.

Although I might have been planning what I need to be doing for the last hour or so, that can change in an instant. I pass our sales and marketing director’s desk every morning, so my day can change from my plans to his.

Once I’m in the marketing department, I could be doing quite a lot of different things. As communications manager, I look after the communications for aviation, the music industry, and for the consumer electronics division. We have a sister company called Sennheiser Communications that do

telecommunications products – BT headsets and telecoms equipment for call centre work – so I could be sitting down with the product manager for consumer electronics and working on POS for Dixons, or I could be briefing an agency for an ad campaign in the telecoms market.

We’ve got a huge marketing plan, so everything is documented and the whole team knows the direction, but as for putting meat on the bones, it’s on a dayby-day and week-by-week basis. There’s a lot going on in the team, and my guys are heavily stretched so there’s a lot of demand for us. But it’s very varied, as our job involves PR, online advertising, offline advertising, events, everything.

I spend some time in London, and once a month I go to Germany, as I am part of a global marketing communication team. We

get together every so often and discuss new initiatives, new ways to talk to our customers and new ways to educate them about our products.

This year, there’s a big project we’re working on: the British Music Experience.

It’s a 90-minute interactive tour on the history of British music, which includes memorabilia and instruments from the past. It’s good for Sennheiser as we can show the customer, young or old, that we’ve been around for a long time, that we’re a sturdy brand with a good reputation and that we’re a family company – we’re still family owned. We wanted to get that across and get it to the consumer in a relaxed environment. We’ve got a vocal booth set up, where you can sing your heart out, get recorded and uploaded to the web, so it’s a lot of fun.

miPRO JUNE 2009 63

RETAIL NEWS, OPINION, DATA

HOOTERS

NEWS First conference for The Firm, new 2twenty2 scheme, Yamaha goods stolen

BEHIND THE COUNTER Hooters Windsor celebrates ten years and MI Pro looks behind the scenes

INDIE PROFILE

Our undercover retail agent doesn’t fear price rises

Mansons Guitar Shop, Exeter

Smith rejoins Pumfrett World Guitars store takes back product manager from Sound Technology, finishing off the perfect team

The stunning interior of World Guitars. Inset: Jeff Pumfrett (left), Mark Smith (right) SOUND TECHNOLOGY’S former guitar product manager, Mark Smith, has hopped back over the counter after ten years with the UK distributor to rejoin Jeff Pumfrett at his World Guitars store in Stonehouse, Gloucester.

Smith started working with Pumfrett when the latter was still the owner of the Machinehead guitar specialist outlet in Hitchin some 18 years ago. “He came in and asked for a job,” recalled Pumfrett. “I told him I didn’t have one, but then Smithy said he would work for very little, so I hired him straight away. I took him on for three months and eight years later he was still there.”

Sound Technology offered Smith a job at its Letchworth head office and Pumfrett told him it would be a good move.

“Working with Sound Tech was really valuable experience and I enjoyed it, but it’s great to be back in retail,” remarked Smith. “I’ve come round full circle, but it is

65 www.mi-pro.co.uk

really exciting to be at World Guitars – this has to be the best looking shop in the UK.” The story goes that Smith and Pumfrett met (as they regularly do) a few weeks ago and the suggestion was put forward that Smith might like to return to retail.

“It was as simple as that,” said Smith.

Pumfrett earned his reputation as the owner of Machinehead Music in Hitchin

After 18 years Bennett decided to join World Guitars as a complete career change. He brings to the operation, Pumfrett said, “a personality that shines through. Just don't ask him anything technical about guitars.”

World Guitars occupies a unique and attractive showroom, which is a converted

World Guitars occupies a unique and attractive showroom, which is a converted Victorian magistrates court house of immense character. and is widely thought of as one of Britain’s top indie music retailers. His partner, Bruce Bennett, is the former proprietor of the George Inn of St Briavels, Gloucestershire.

His pub/restaurant/hotel became regarded by some as the west country’s finest establishment for high quality cuisine.

Victorian magistrates court house of immense character and atmosphere.

The shop is one of Europe’s most comprehensive stockists for PRS Guitars and also carries a select range of Vigier, ESP, Musicman, Tom Anderson and Collings electric guitars. It is one of the 35 outlets

in the UK to carry Gibson and Epiphone.

On the amp side, the shop sells the Mesa Boogie, Engl, Cornell and Matchless brands and it cites Patrick James Eggle, Taylor, Larrivee, Collings, Martin and Gibson as its favourite acoustic guitar brands.

“We have over 30 years of experience in high-end guitar sales and service,” said Pumfrett, “and we check all audio goods before despatch and all guitars are set up to perfection.” The business ships worldwide and offers a next day, fully insured, UK service on all items in stock.

Pumfrett concluded: “I now have exactly the team I’ve always wanted since I started World Guitars and I am genuinely delighted – what’s more, Smithy is much better with computers than me, so I’m hoping I won’t have to wrestle with them any more.”

World Guitars: 01453 824306

miPRO JUNE 2009

RETAIL • NEWS

Firm’s first conference Stratford-upon-Avon sees consortium’s meet for members and suppliers THE FIRM buying consortium held its first annual conference on April 21st for all its members at the Barceló Billesley Manor Hotel near Stratford-upon-Avon.

Normally, the only time the members get to meet each other is at the AGM, so the group put on an event where members could network outside of the more official atmosphere.

Suppliers were invited and presentations by Active Music, Alesis, Black i Distribution, Casio, New Moon Insurance, Shure and Sound Technology filled the day. Over 38 delegates attended the conference.

Tony White from Bonners Music, The Firm’s chairman, opened the event with a presentation on the workings of the consortium, followed by Ian

Homeworld break-in in Hertfordshire Playsomething of Ware has £20,000 worth of instruments stolen and damaged

The Firm’s conference looks to be the first of many Barnes, one of the directors, who spoke about the financial figures.

Another director of the group, John Hulke, reported that the day was a great success and it will be coming back next year.

“The Firm is a pro-active group and while purchasing lies at the

heart of what we do, this event shows there are many benefits other than a good bargaining lever to be gained,” commented Hulke. “If retailers would like to know more about The Firm, they should get in touch.”

THE FIRM: 01903 744872

PLAYSOMETHING of 27b Baldock Street, Ware, in Hertfordshire had its Yamaha Homeworld broken into at approximately 11.30pm on Saturday May 2nd.

A number of Yamaha keyboards and digital pianos were stolen and some digital pianos damaged, amounting to over £20,000 worth of stock.

Oliver Dixon, the manager of

the store, told MI Pro that none of the keyboards had any power supplies, music rests, manuals or boxes.

If anyone comes across any of these instruments or has any information, they should contact PC Phil Rosier at Hertfordshire police on 0845 330 0222 or Oliver Dixon.

PLAYSOMETHING: 01920 460646.

2twenty2 launches demo scheme New supplier offers participating dealers the chance to optimise stock THE NEW SALES agency responsible for brands such as Native Instruments, 2twenty2, is launching a new scheme designed to make it easier for dealers to equip their stores and demonstrate the latest products from NI, Arturia, Celemony, XLN Audio and EKS. 2twenty2, headed up by former Arbiter and Turnkey managers Stephen Parker, Greg Prendergast and Cedric Coudyser, said the new scheme aimed to ensure that all participating dealers optimise

their stock, time and expertise to deliver the best possible product demonstrations across all of these brands.

2twenty2 is asking dealers to participate in a survey to ensure they take full advantage of available demonstration software and hardware for their lines.

Dealers will either receive a survey form by email or can request a copy from info@2twenty2.com. When the forms are completed, 2twenty2 will work with each brand to ensure that the required

demonstration products are supplied to the relevant dealers.

Demonstration versions of hardware products can be purchased at discounted prices and these items can be rotated every six months to ensure that stock is turned and to minimise dealers inventory cost.

Demonstration versions of software are available free of charge (in the majority of cases) for dealers and separate offers are available for staff to use personally (on request).

2TWENTY2: 0845 299 4222

The Yamaha PSRE413 was just one of the keyboards stolen

Have you seen these keyboards?

The following keyboards and stage pianos were stolen from Playsomething…

Yamaha PSRE413 – serial number: YBOM08263 Yamaha DGX230 – no serial number at present Yamaha PSRS550 – silver serial number: BBOP01088 Yamaha PSRS700 – serial number: GBRCOJ01022 Yamaha PSRS900 – serial number: GBRCNP01082 Yamaha Tyros 3 (including speakers) – serial number: BAOO01144 Yamaha P140 (dark oak) – no serial number at present Yamaha P85 (silver) – no serial number at present

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.

66 miPRO JUNE 2009

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RETAIL • HOOTERS REPORT

Doing it right As Hooters’ Windsor branch celebrates its tenth anniversary, Andy Barrett takes a look behind the scenes at a company that has, slowly but surely, moved up into MI’s big time by always being committed to its customers and dealers…

I

had a long wait to interview Brian Connor about the Hooters chain of stores and the Robertson International manufacturing and distribution umbrella, but for the best of reasons. He was busy with a customer. Nothing unusual there, perhaps, except after some 17 years of Tuba Talk and Hooters he really doesn’t need to do that. His company is more than capable of hiring sufficient staff to keep Connor, his brother Eddie and partner Mark Grayson firmly settled in the office, travelling around their stores and franchises or keeping track of their manufacturing suppliers in the Far East.

But it’s not their style.

“I’m never happier than when I’m on the front line, selling musical instruments to my customers,” says Brian Connor. “It’s the basis of what we do and, right from the start, I have had something of a knack for it. It’s where I’m most comfortable.”

In fact, Brian Connor was the last of the three bosses to join the team, having moved down to Watford to help out with Eddie’s Tuba Talk store on the St Alban’s Road after the shop opened in 1992, selling tubas, euphoniums and gigbags.

From such humble beginnings the shop consolidated and, after the closure of another local MI store, Hammonds, Tuba Talk received the boost (and extra staff, particularly manager Peter Gates) it needed to expand and moved to Watford’s Harlequin Centre. Within two years it had opened a branch in Harrow, then another in 1998 in St Albans. 1999 saw the Windsor store open and then in 2000 the first franchise in the Selfridges department 68 miPRO JUNE 2009

store on Oxford Street, London opened. All but the Harrow store are still running.

“We bought the Selfridges store from a guy called Alan Jons at a Yamaha dealer dinner,” explains Connor. “This was something really different for us, but we were determined to make it work. It took about five years to earn any money there, but we stuck it out.”

It has proved to be a wise choice.

Among the other franchises in the store, HMV kept a very close eye on the Hooters MI department and three years ago approached the Connor brothers and Grayson to talk about opening a franchise

that began to change in 2005 with the establishment of Robertson International.

Of course, Hooters still stocks brands from regular suppliers, but now the Robertson digital pianos and wind instruments and the Blast ranges of electric guitars and drums have given the triumvirate a new string to its bow.

“Essentially, we import and sell to retailers, including Hooters, Selfridges, HMV and a few MI stores. It’s a very level playing field for anyone who wants to get involved, but what we don’t want is to see the brands online and getting discounted. We are willing to consider

“I’m never happier than when I’m on the front line, selling musical instruments to my customers. It’s the basis of what we do.”

Brian Connor, Hooters within its larger stores. This resulted in a pilot scheme in HMV’s Cardiff store and this year will see Hooters in HMV in Peterborough.

“For various reasons, the Cardiff store didn’t work out, but we have become close to HMV – not least through plans to move into the same unit in Selfridges – and both sides really want to make the scheme work,” says Connor.

For the first 12 to 13 years, the success of the Hooters chain was based very much on standard MI retail fare – buying from suppliers and selling through, while fighting to maintain the best margins possible. All

anyone who wants to take on the lines, but they have to take responsibility for them. Blast has been brilliant for us, so the last thing we want to see is anyone trashing it.”

For Robertson International, the phrase ‘doing things properly’ arises a lot and this lies at the basis of everything the team does. From the understanding that everything connected to a brand needs to be pretty much perfect before you can go to market with it, to establishing and maintaining that reputation through onsite quality control and instrument set-ups at the new Hemel Hempstead showroom,

the company has made every effort to do it right. And that includes guarding retail prices through its own stores as well as independent dealers.

One of the big success stories within the already successful Robertson and Blast lines is the grand player piano, which has two or three models scattered around Selfridges. “These pianolas are shipping right around the world now,” he explains.

“It’s a fantastic product and we are actively looking for two or three dealers in the UK to take this on.” Connor is also involved in the development of the pianos, which means the product is constantly being upgraded.

Anyone interested in seeing how all of this works could do a lot worse than go to Hooters’ Windsor store, which celebrated ten years of being in business on May 8th.

Aside from the fact that manager Chris Drinkwater has been there for seven years and his assistant Phil Simpson since day one (the third, Kevin ‘Wookie’ Griffiths, has been at the shop for five years), you can see that the Blast and Robertson products make up a significant portion of the shop’s business – and as we know, any store that lasts ten years in MI is obviously doing something right.

“We’re full steam ahead with our products and our franchises,” says Connor.

“Of course, there are never any guarantees in business, but we think we’ve got the mix pretty much right. Hooters as a brand is recognised and respected and I’m sure Blast and Robertson are very close behind.”

ROBERTSON INTERNATIONAL: 01442 234204 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

BEHIND THE COUNTER • RETAIL

How to survive price increases This month our intrepid undercover MI retailer reveals that price rises aren’t necessarily the end of the world for shops...

S

o, another month rolls by and the world around us continues to behave like a child seeking the attention of grown ups. It kicks and screams and causes all manner of fuss so that us normal, hardworking people have to stop what we’re doing and worry a bit about everything. It gets in everywhere and it is, frankly, a bit of a pain. On the upside though, we just took delivery of a massive batch of new effects pedals and that excites us all in our sheltered, guitar-shaped world so, on balance, things are pretty much okay.

It would seem that the key word for the last month or so, the recurring theme that has lodged itself into my head like the annoying yet catchy tune that I heard on the radio this morning, has been pricing. The only way is up, as Yazz once sang, and if there’s one thing that electro-pop pioneers of the ‘80s knew about, it’s the pricing structure of the MI business.

It’s understandable really, considering the pound’s nosedive into the depths of economic hell. Passing these price hikes on to the customer has been the number one conversation starter in recent weeks, although bizarrely not one that has caused much in the way of wrath.

A Blitz-type spirit pervades our customer base – a sense

likes of Fender and Yamaha (huge sellers at our place) having to gradually up the prices of things and everybody else following suit to a greater or lesser extent. At our shop, we’ve always been on the richer end of the price spectrum anyway, a service-based covenant that our customer base seems to understand and support, yet it is still galling to

agree, but with a £500ish price tag that you’d have thought would warrant some serious thinking about before purchase.

Not so. We haven’t been able to hold on to any we’ve had in for more than a day at a time.

Price rises are, I suppose, part and parcel of the next couple of years as we hopefully stumble towards some sort of economic recovery (or failing that, a new world order where we all give up and let the cats have a go at running things for a while) and certainly a sign of the times. It’s just one that, thankfully, our wonderful customers understand a whole lot better than we expected them to.

A Blitz-type spirit pervades our customer base – a sense that yes, things are bad, but that’s okay, we can pull through together. that yes, things are bad, but that’s okay, we can pull through together. And importantly, they don’t seem to blame us – they don’t feel we’re doing it to get at them and they’re still buying things. Joy. All the big names have been caught up in it though, with the

have to increase the numbers, there can be no doubt about it.

Still, a bit of good oldfashioned salesmanship, and a kettle that is never, ever given time to breathe, has meant that even though we are a small shop based in a tiny village with next to no passing trade and

NEXT MONTH... the most basic of websites, we are chugging along nicely. Take, for example, Fender’s rather wonderful Baja Telecasters.

Great guitars, as anyone who has played one will no doubt

I’ll be taking a look at the terrifying world of online retail, as our shop takes its first lamb-like steps into the wider world of e-commerce.

Until then…

International Exhibition for Musical Instruments and Services ɻਝ ɐࣵ ਝ჌ᅥኂࢄᙴผ

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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miPRO JUNE 2009 69

RETAIL • INDIE PROFILE

MANSONS GUITAR SHOP EXETER

Is business up or down compared to this time last year?

It’s up. I think the ripples of the recession were bigger last year than this year for our industry and there was more uncertainty.

What do you think is the most important lesson you’ve learned during your time in the business so far?

That there is never just one lesson to learn.

Do you advertise the shop locally?

Yes. Much of our local promotion comes from our guitar show, Manson’s Guitar Show. It runs in October and is heavily promoted locally and nationally.

What is the biggest challenge facing you?

This year it will be matching the demands of customers and exhibitors of last year’s Guitar Show. When members of Led Zeppelin, The Darkness, The Stranglers and Jethro Tull are in attendance (as they were last year), that’s a tough act to follow.

In fact that’s the constant challenge: once you’ve created something positive – be it a solid customer base, reputation or whatever, the challenge is in maintaining it.

Do you have an online presence?

Absolutely: www.mansons.co.uk. It serves as an information reference and a sales resource for us.

What is your main strength?

It’s the Manson ‘package’ really. We have great staff. They are all experienced, knowledgeable and immersed in music outside of the shop environment and therefore able to relate well to customer needs. We also have a genuine commitment to customer service, exciting stock and excellent facilities including a workshop that can carry out anything from minor repairs to full restorations or custom builds. Working with some talented bands and musicians has helped reinforce this message.

Given the power, what would you change about the industry?

I’d love to see, hear and feel more ‘music’ and less ‘industry’. A slightly utopian ideal, but it is the reason the shop exists. However, when the industry part becomes essential, there are some areas where it needs to start getting as professional as some other organisations.

FACTS & FIGURES Address: McCoys Arcade, Fore Street, Exeter EX4 3AN Phone: 01392 496379 Owners: Hugh Manson and Adrian Ashton Established: 1992 Employees: Lucky 13 Best selling lines: Fender, Gibson, Manson (guitars/accessories), Marshall

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MIA NEWS an update from your industry trade association

Music for All goes to primary schools with aim of ‘making more musicians’ Charity gives valuable taster lessons to young students with assistance from Korg, Ashton and Stentor...

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usic for All (MfA), our industries’ charity, has just completed a two-day tour of primary schools in the Croydon area.

With the full support of the local Music Service, each of the schools were identified with a musical ‘need’ and the charity then visited with a range of instruments and teachers so that they could give the children some memorable ‘taster’ lessons.

Approximately 500 children took part in this programme and Music for All received some wonderful feedback from both the schools and the pupils. We will keep on monitoring this with the Music Service to see whether the event translates into extra demand for teaching (and for instruments, of course). This is naturally a key part of measuring the success of such ventures.

Brasswind, violins, guitars, drums and keyboards were all taken to the schools

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and children were given rotating sessions of ten minutes so that they all had a good opportunity to try all the different instruments and find out which might be best for them.

Special thanks must also be given to Korg, Ashton and Stentor, which kindly

Music for All would also like to gratefully recognise the support that NAMM has given in helping Music for All go to schools.

The format was relatively low cost as MfA simply took ‘pull up’ display materials, and instruments, which was all

“Through doing these events, we might‘ve inspired 500 children to have a go and become our customers of the future.”

Rob Castle, Korg supplied instruments and teachers. The Korg and Ashton teams were able to give expert advice and to show the children how to start making music there and then. The teams were also supplemented by local music teachers from the Music Service and ISM.

that was needed to engage the students.

Interestingly, using the industry charity (MfA, in this case) proved a good way to get into the school without it appearing overly commercial. The school did not feel in any way ‘threatened’, because it was dealing with a charity and not an

instrument supplier. Not that there would be anything wrong with that, of course.

Having said all that, we still found creative ways to tell the schools about the brands they were using once we were there. As Korg’s Rob Castle says: “Through doing these events, we might’ve inspired 500 kids to have a go and become our customers of the future.”

MfA also gave each school a full range of Get Alive! brochures and the new Quality Instruments for Education booklet to ensure that plenty of additional information was left behind for those who were interested.

There are a number of MIA members who could benefit from repeating this format under the Music for All banner.

Please do contact us if you are interested.

For more information about Music for All, please contact Paul McManus at paulmc@mia.org.uk www.musicforall.org.uk

miPRO JUNE 2009 71

NEW PRODUCTS ACCESSORIES

G

BACKLINE G BASS & GUITAR G DRUMS G PRINT

PRODUCTS • ACCESSORIES GODLYKE PA-90 POWER ALL DELUXE POWER SUPPLY KIT $POA They say: The world's first 2,000mA, single outlet power supply designed specifically for guitar effect users.

For: Guitarists, bassists, stomp box and effects users Range: Godlyke power supplies Spec: Universal supply sensor (100V to 240V), nine Volts @ 2,000 milliamps, powers up to 11 pedals, variety of jumper cables that allow connection of phone plug, reverse polarity, digital and battery-only pedal types, ten-foot, 18gauge output cable, low noise.

From: Godlyke +1 973 777 7477

BOSS TU 88 MONITOR TUNER/METRONOME £59 They say: Brings stylish, portable, and accurate LCD tuning to musicians at an affordable price.

For: Musicians Range: Boss tuners 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: Roland 01792 702701

GATOR GPE GUITAR CASE £108.95 They say: Ideal light weight guitar case for gigging at home and abroad.

For: Guitarists Range: Gator cases Spec: Military grade polyethylene outer, black powder coated valance and hardware, surface mounted impact diversion latch housing, protective neck cradle, velvet plush interior, EPS protective foam open cavity.

From: Freestyle 01924 455414

GATOR G-MEDIA PRO STUDIO BACKPACK £168.95 KORG BA-40 & HA-40 SPECIALIST TUNERS £22.99 They say: Offers a sleek design and Korg's renowned accuracy.

For: Bluegrass and Hawaiian players Range: Korg tuners Spec: BA-40 bluegrass tuner: modes for banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, resophonic guitar, bass. HA-40 Hawaiian tuner for ukulele and steel guitar. Both with speaker, folding stand, E0 to C8 pitch range.

From: Korg 01908 857100

QUIKLOK LAPTOP STAND £114.95 They say: The total solution for using your laptop live or in a studio.

For: Computer musicians Range: Quiklok stands Spec: Free-standing tripod laptop holder, steel construction, adjustable height, tilt, width & depth, does not interfere with side inputs, pull-out mouse tray, available as accessory to Z & X frame keyboard stands.

From: Freestyle 01924 455414

They say: Now you can take your studio anywhere – safely.

For: Musicians, producers, engineers Range: Gator bags Spec: 1880 denier nylon exterior, PE reinforced rack section, aluminum valance and threaded rack rail, padded laptop storage section, external accessory pocket with 2 internal pockets, hideaway backpack straps with chest strap, ventilation channel.

From: Freestyle 01924 455414

QUIKLOK Z70 KEYBOARD/MIXER STAND £135.95 They say: Folding tiers make this stand extremely compact for the easiest of transportation.

For: Keyboard players, engineers Range: Quiklok stands Spec: Foldable tiers, width and height adjustable, single-tier rapid set-up Pro ‘Z’, 71cm to 119cm width, 71cm to 90.5cm height.

From: Freestyle 01924 455414

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miPRO JUNE 2009 72

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

DRUMS • NEW PRODUCTS YAMAHA 9500C BASS PEDAL £177

DRUM WORKSHOP ECO-X KITS £POA

They say: In design for two years for a simple construction, but enough adjustments for unique settings.

For: Drummers Range: Yamaha drum accessories Spec: New spring tension adjuster with cleaver self-lock, footboard adjuster, hoop clamp mechanism, all drum key adjustable. Available as diurect and chain drive and single and double pedals.

From: Yamaha 01908 366700

They say: Bamboo never sounded so good.

For: Drummers Range: DW X-shell Spec: Bamboo and birch ‘eco-friendly’ shells, DW X-shell technology, available in natural bamboo and desert sand finishes.

From: Morico 01992 461089

YAMAHA OAK CUSTOM X KITS £POA They say: Designed for the European market and tailored to suit the needs of the more aggressive player.

For: Drummers Range: Yamaha Oak Custom Spec: 100 per cent oak shells with ‘air seal system’ construction, shallow toms, 20” un-drilled bass drum, dark chrome hardware, white or black sparkle finishes.

From: Yamaha 01908 366700

YAMAHA ABSOLUTE SERIES KITS £POA They say: Ten years on and the innovation continues.

For: Drummers Range: Yamaha Absolute kits Spec: Thin ply North American maple or Japanese maple shells, ‘enhanced sustain system’ tom mounts, projection air holes in toms, new sizing and shell set configurations, new finishes.

From: Yamaha 01908 366700

KORG NANOPAD RHYTHM CONTROLLER £63 They say: A small pad controller that’s big on control.

For: Drummers, musicians, producers Range: Korg nano controllers Spec: 12 high-response pads, chord trigger function, X/Y pad for roll and flam modes, MIDI control change signals, Korg Kontrol editor, user assignable ‘scenes’.

From: Korg 01908 857100

MAPEX 700 SERIES HARDWARE £65.49 They say: This exciting new hardware series is packed with various user friendly features.

For: Drummers, percussionists Range: Mapex hardware Spec: Boom stand with multi-sustain felt and plastic felts, Super-Glide Stepless cymbal tilter with Accu-Lock tilter handle, new wing nuts with clamp-style memory locks.

From: Korg 01908 857100

RIM RISER RIM RISER £12.99 They say: One of the percussion hits of the Winter NAMM show.

For: Drummers Range: New product Spec: Cross-stick performance enhancer for easy rim shot technique, easy fit and removal, available in chrome or black with full fitting kit and instruction, suits any playing style.

From: MSC 01562 827666

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

VISIT WWW.MIKEDOLBEAR.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.

NEW PRODUCTS • BASS & GUITAR

ARIA AD80CEMB ELECTRO ACOUSTIC DREADNOUGHT £959

CORT T-SERIES BASSES FROM £329

They say: High-end, laden with features, while yet again carrying the realistic and attractive price tag expected of Aria.

For: Guitarists Range: Aria electro-acoustics Spec: Engelmann spruce top, solid rosewood body construction, Fishman Ellipse Matrix Blend pickup system, abalone trimmings, mahogany neck, Florentine cutaway, rosewood fingerboard.

From: Aria 01483 238720

They say: All those well used clichés, ‘up front’, ‘in yer face’ and ‘by the throat’, are all applicable to these affordable, power-house basses.

For: Bassists Range: Cort basses Spec: Four models in range. T74 and T75 (four & five string) with 3-piece, bolt-on, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany bodies, EMG & EMG-Z humbuckers, 3-band active eq. T34 and T35 with agathis body and black covered pickups.

From: HC Distribution 01803 523794

YAMAHA SG 2000 LIMITED EDITION £2,199 They say: Built to be the ultimate electric guitar.

For: Guitarists Range: Yamaha electric guitars Spec: Handmade in Japan, neckthru construction, coil-tap humbuckers, brass block under stop-tailpiece bridge, maple top, mahogany body, maple & mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard.

From: Yamaha 01908 366700

TAYLOR SPRING LIMITEDS FROM £2,159 They say: Spring is in the air, as is a limited series set to make each strum even sweeter.

For: Guitarists Range: Taylor limited editions Spec: 700 series with sitka top and Madagascar rosewood back & sides.

400 series with sitka top and Tasmanian blackwood back & sides.

T5 with organic, satin top of ovangkol and sapele body.

From: Fender 01342 331700

76 JUNE 2009 miPRO

TAYLOR T3 SEMI-HOLLOW BODY ELECTRIC £2,679.99 They say: Melds the sleek lines and shape of the T5 into a semi-hollowbody.

For: Guitarists Range: Taylor electrics Spec: Sapele body, quilt maple top, chrome hardware, Taylor Style 2 humbuckers, stop tailpiece, three way toggle, pull/push coil tap. Also T3/B with Bigsby trem.

From: Fender 01342 331700

WASHBURN D9 DREADNOUGHT £129 They say: The D10’s precocious younger sibling.

For: Guitarists Range: Washburn acoustics Spec: Dreadnought body, laminate spruce top, mahogany back & sides, rosewood fingerboard & bridge.

Also available D9CE with WT-92 tuner preamp system.

From: Sound Technology 01462 480000

INDIE STANDARD ORGANIX £459 They say: Void of any varnish, lacquer or paint, this twin humbucking guitar is bad to the bone, or rather bare to the bone.

For: Guitarists Range: Indie electrics Spec: Mahogany body, maple neck, custom natural ‘aged’ (sandable) finish, wax potted humbuckers.

From: Indie Guitar 01635 579300

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BACKLINE & FX • NEW PRODUCTS 2009 has seen more amp launches than you can shake a mic stand at

ASHDOWN BTA400 BASS HEAD £1,599 They say: Delivers raw power and sophistication in equal measure.

For: Bassists Range: Ashdown bass amps Spec: 400W valve amp, ABM EVO III preamp, eight KT88 valves, sub-harmonic generator, built-in compressor, rotary plus slider eq (20dB of cut/boost), FX loop, line input, fourway footswitch.

From: Ashdown 01245 441155

ORANGE DT30H DUAL TERROR HEAD £493.89 They say: Giving more choice and options shrunk into a size that belies its power.

For: Guitarists Range: Orange Terrors Spec: Twin channel (including new ‘fat channel’), 30W head, switchable to 15W or 7W, Class A circuitry, compact metal construction, ships with padded gigbag.

From: Orange 020 8905 2828

DIGITECH TIME BENDER £299 They say: Combines a mind-blowing array of delay options together with intelligent harmonies.

For: Guitarists Range: Digitech footpedals Spec: Ten delay types incl analog, digital, moving head tape, fixed head tape, dynamic (ducking delays), reverse & time warp, also tone control, modulation, multiplier, tap tempo and repeat pingpong patterns.

From: Sound Technology 01462 480000

They say: Peavey is making its highly respected, high-gain 6505 amp as a combo for the first time.

For: Guitarists Range: Peavey Spec: Five 12AX7 preamp valves, two 6L6GC power amp valves, two channels with independent three-band eq, mic-simulated direct interface, resonance control, 12” Sheffield speaker.

From: Peavey 01536 461234

MARSHALL HAZE SERIES PORTABLE AMPS £549 & £439 They say: For the musician who demands an honest clean sound, a driving blues tone and some biting rock.

For: Guitarists Range: Marshall Haze Spec: Range comprises 40W Haze combo (MHZ40C – £549) and 15W Haze head (MHZ15). Combo with one Celestion G12-66 Marquee 12" speaker. Both with three ECC83 preamp valves, two channels, three-band eq.

From: Marshall 01908 375411

HARTKE AK 410 CLASSIC BASS CAB £485

VOX TONE LAB ST MULTI-FX £206

They say: Hartke revisits the traditional paper cone driver with the new AK 410.

For: Bassists Range: Hartke cabs Spec: Four 10” 125-Watt paper cone drivers, 500W handling, 1” titanium compression driver, ualchamber, sealed cabinet design, Speakon & 1/4-inch inputs, removable casters.

From: Korg 01908 857100

They say: The latest addition to their popular Tone Lab line of Valvetronix multi-effects modeling pedals.

For: Guitarists Range: Vox Tone Lab Spec: 50 presets, 50 user assignable patches, 20 ‘song specific’ patches, 12AX7 valve, 33 amp models, 11 amp models, 25 stomp box and racj FX models, ASIOcompatible USB interface, chromatic tuner.

From: Korg 01908 857100

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PEAVEY 6505 HIGH GAIN COMBO £TBC

miPRO JUNE 2009 77

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 SAXOPHONE UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01892 662 533 SOAR VALLEY MUSIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0116 230 4926 STAINER & BELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 020 8343 3303 STEVE CLINKSCALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0157 225 885 T TEAC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01923 438 880

SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT

MARKETPLACE INDEX

Cort out One of the world’s most prolific guitar manufacturers maintains its reputation through design and simple good service. And new products are on the way...

F

or decades, Cort has maintained longevity with a continuing flow of new and innovative guitar lines, focusing on high quality and affordability. Today, Cort is globally recognised as one of the world’s number one guitar manufacturers, producing nearly 2,000,000 units per year.

The first half of 2009 has already witnessed superb reactions from the public, music media and magazine reviews on the latest Cort guitars.

These include the four and fivestring T series bass guitars, the Luce series of small-bodied acoustics and the award-winning KX5 solid-bodied electric guitar, all of which feature the company’s new electro-static finishing process and are the first of a selection of new products that are scheduled for release during 2009, including a new line of guitar and bass practice amps.

Cort’s UK and Ireland distributor is HC Distribution, based in Carlow in South East Ireland.

“In this difficult economic climate, it’s become more and more evident that people are switching to the Cort brand because of the quality and the affordability at various price points, so it’s important that we ensure every guitar is 100 per cent,” says director Ian Collins.

“On arrival to HC Distribution, each and every bass, electric and acoustic guitar is thoroughly inspected in-house for any shipping movement, given a final set up and tested before onward delivery to the stores. This invokes confidence and a trust between us and the store owner, who can then assure his customers of the high quality of Cort guitars.”

07923 573 759 cortinfo@hcdistribution.com www.cort-guitars.co.uk

V TOM & WILL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08450 945 659 V VARSITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0131 557 4310 W WIND PLUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0116 243 1698 WORLD RYTHM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01242 282 191

CLASSIFIEDS: MINIMUM 12 MONTHS - ONE ANNUAL CHARGE QUARTER PAGE £1,295 78 JUNE 2009 miPRO

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MI MARKETPLACE ABROAD REPRESENTATION

ACOUSTIC DISTRIBUTION

For full dealership details contact your local area representative

IRELAND & N.I Walter Hennessy

087 2596183 SCOTLAND & NORTH EAST Steve Clinkscale

07958 351712 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 sales@hcdistribution.com www.cort-guitars.co.uk www.myspace.com/cortguitars

ACESSORIES AND GIFTWARE

LONDON & SOUTH EAST Ian Collins

07836 237337

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

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miPRO JUNE 2008 79

MI MARKETPLACE

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CLASSICAL GUITARS

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miPRO JUNE 2008 81

MI MARKETPLACE GUITAR PARTS

r, emier Guita The UK’s Pr er Parts Suppli p m A & s s a B

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• Amp Cabinets • Amp Kits • Capacitors • Grill Cloth • Pots • Hardware • Speakers • Resistors • Transformers • Transistors • Valves • Tubes ... and much more ! ! !

DISTRIBUTION

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To order call 0870 442 3336 Low call rate 0845 345 59

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Order online @:

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ETHNIC AND FOLK

ETHNIC AND 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

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miPRO JUNE 2009 83

MI MARKETPLACE GUITAR ACESSORIES

INSURANCE BUSSINESS

BRITAIN'S FINEST BOUTIQUE EFFECTS Rothwell effects pedals are truly hand-made here in the uk and built to the highest standards. The cases are hand polished and the electronics carefully assembled by skilled uk workers. The circuit design is innovative and original (we don't do clones, repros or mods) and the sound is the sound of classic rock guitar - pure tone.

Our pedals are quickly gaining a reputation for superb quality and are being played on some of the world's biggest stages. The Hellbender (overdrive) and Switchblade (distortion) are currently being heard by thousands of fans on Justin Timberlake's world tour, played by Mike Scott (also Prince's main guitarist), who says "you make truly great, great pedals".

Why not join our growing list of uk and international dealers and stock Britain's finest boutique effects pedals.

WWW.ROTHWELLAUDIOPRODUCTS.CO.UK 01204 366133 MUSIC PUBLISHERS

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

84 miPRO JUNE 2009

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MI MARKETPLACE OCARINAS

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

PIANOS AND HARPSICORDS

MORLEY Co t r Lt be d Ro

020•8318•5838

Grand & Upright Pianos by Elysian, Grotrian-Steinweg, Bechstein, Monington & Weston and other famous makers

Making Music in Schools Since 1983 UK made rainbow ocarinas from Ocarina Workshop are easy to play and great fun to teach with.

John Morley Clavichords, Spinets, Harpsichords, Virginals & Celestes

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.

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

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

34

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G AT

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www.morleypianos.com 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

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01562 827666 sales@musicshipping.co.uk www.musicshipping.co.uk WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

miPRO JUNE 2009 85

MI MARKETPLACE PERCUSSION

PROMOTIONAL

www.focusmerchandise.co.uk

REPAIRS

86 miPRO JUNE 2009

SAXOPHONES

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MI MARKETPLACE WHOLESALERS

WIND INSTRUMENT ACCESSORIES

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

...for the repairer pads, cork, felt, springs... essential supplies for your repair business 0116 243 1698 sales@windplus.co.uk www.windplus.co.uk

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Adam Hall...........................................................................64 Anglo Spanish Guitar .........................................................5 Aria ........................................................................................5 Ashdown .............................................................................26 Ashdown .............................................................................35 Ashton.................................................................................23 Audio Technica ..................................................................66 Casio....................................................................................36 Dawson ...............................................................................49 Fane .....................................................................................20 Freestyle .......................................................................51, 57 Fusion ....................................................................................4 G7th......................................................................................61 Godlyke ...............................................................................52 Gremlin................................................................................73 Hardcase ...........................................................................56 Headstock...........................................................................70 House Music.......................................................................63 JHS ......................................................................................33 Lamba ..................................................................................14 Leisuretec ..........................................................................62 Marshall .........................................................................2, 38 Mel Bay ...............................................................46 & 47, 91

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Messe Frankfurt ................................................................69 Music Sales ........................................................................30 New Moon............................................................................61 Orange ................................................................................25 Peavey.................................................................................67 Roland .................................................................................92 Rotosound ..........................................................................60 S.Johnson .............................................................................3 Sandarac..............................................................................61 SCV ......................................................................................75 Soar Valley ..........................................................................13 Sound Technology.......................................................Cover Strings & Things ...............................................................59 Studio King ........................................................................50 Summerfield ......................................................................43 Swipe ...................................................................................53 TEAC ................................................................................9, 41 Trinity Xtras .......................................................................55 Westside ........................................................................11, 29 Yamaha .......................................................................18 & 19

TO ADVERTISE IN MIPRO CALL DARRELL CARTER ON 01992 535 647 miPRO JUNE2009 87

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...

BLUE MEN SING THE WHITES

RETRO

Washington DC, May 14th and NAMM along with the Blue Man Group presented Senator Lamar Alexander with the Support Music Advocacy Award for his work with music education in the US. Left to right in the photo (winning the uncomfortable pic of the month award) Richard Riley, Lamar Alexander, the Blue Man Group, Chip Averwater (Chairman of NAMM), Paul Cothrane (Vh1 Save the Music Foundation), Matt Goldman (founder of the Blue Man Group).

(Photo by Ron Thomas)

SEE YOU, JIMMY Never mind the Horlicks, May 9th saw Intent Media’s managing director, Stuart Dinsey (pictured centre right), take to the stage with his recently reformed punk ensemble, Eastside Jimmy, at the Club 85 venue in Hitchin. Eastside Jimmy was supporting cult punk heroes of the 1980s, Chron Gen at the charity event. The gig was absolutely packed (and not just with Intent Media employees) and the proceeds all went to aid research into cystic fibrosis.

JUNE 2006 Cover Stars: Fender celebrates its 60th anniversary and the world gathered round to express its love of a couple of guitars that, despite the multitude of models, has remained virtually unchanged throughout.

News: BMF reports record pre-registration, Stradavari violin gains new record at Christies, £30 million promised to UK schools for music education, organ discovered on top of Ben Nevis.

Features: BMF preview, sector spotlight on the flightcase business and electric guitars, RCF speakers.

Products: Bentley 118 upright, Yamaha B1 piano, Pearl BSX Masters kit, Rivera Knucklehead Tre amp, Danelectro Fab pedals, Vox Cooltron pedals, Vintage Metal Axxe.

Number one singles: Sandi Thom – I Wish I was a Punk Rocker, Nelly Furtado – Maneater.

Number one albums: Orson – Bright Idea, Sandi Thom – Smile It Confuses People, Keane – Under The Iron Sea

88 miPRO JUNE 2009

MORTON TO ENDURE AFRICA LIMS show director, Clive Morton (pictured below right) is to raise money in a charity bike ride across Africa, joining 99 other riders from around the world on the Enduro Africa Challenge.

The charity ride (on a Honda CTX – pictured below Morton) is along 2,000 miles of South Africa’s east coast over ten days and is designed to push the riders to their limits of their endurance and technical ability.

To fully qualify for a place on this ride, Morton has pledged to raise £3,500 in sponsorship money for Enduro’s nominated charity, the UNICEF Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign. This is specifically targeted at preventing mother to baby transmission of HIV, which in the world’s poorer countries results in half of all HIV-positive babies not living long enough to see their second birthday and a third not even living beyond a year.

The money raised will ensure pregnant women with HIV receive the right medicine and care to prevent them passing HIV onto their baby. Given this medicine and care, the chance that a mother with HIV will pass the virus to her baby drops to less than one in 50.

Morton’s expenses on this challenge have already been paid, so any money raised would go straight to UNICEF’s campaign and will be hugely appreciated.

To make a donation towards the pledge, contact Morton at clive@mbinteractivegroup.co.uk.

SEND YOUR PICTURES TO CODA@INTENTMEDIA.CO.UK WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

MARSHALL WITH AC/DC AT THE NEC Marshall, of course, got in on the recent AC/DC show and, being a huge AC/DC fan, Paul Marshall wasn’t going to give up a chance like that. He had already seen them at the O2, but this time he was going to meet the band and check out their Marshall stacks…

“We turned up during the afternoon, not long before sound check, but long enough to have a good look around the stage. Our guide was Angus’s tech Takumi (who we should mention also looks after

THE LAST WORD IN MI PRO

Ritchie Sambora). Takumi took time out from preparing Angus’ guitar to show us under the stage, as well as on it and round the back of it. We got a hint of the show to come – a rather large train on hydraulics, canons, bells and even an unusually deflated looking ‘Rosie’.

“The day was full of jaw dropping moments, but the first was the amps being used. Angus was using JTM 45s and 1959s, a couple of banks of them, while Malcolm (whose tech is Geoff ‘Bison’ Banks) was using very early Marshall amps. His main two on stage were a 1964/65 100W and a 1992 superbass

(circa 1973). These were all powering a large number of 4x12s loaded with greenbacks. No messing about here, this is all live and incredibly loud. They turned it all up for sound check and as they ripped into a couple of well known tracks, the stage felt physically alive when you were standing on it. This, of course, just made the anticipation even more unbearable than before.

“We had to go back to artist catering for a cup of tea to calm down a little after that. The full report and Artist chat will be in the next issue of Marshall Law out later this year.”

MI ICON

A

s the main export after pints of the black stuff and the fabled ‘craic’, traditional Irish folk music nowadays holds a place of honour among the ethnic music of the world. Instantly recognisable and uplifting, yet often melancholy and full of beautiful melodies. Despite the intricate guitar and mandolin parts, one of the instruments that has come to define the sound is the bouzouki.

Greek in origin and a decendant of the lute, the long-necked three-course six string is as distinctive looking as it is sounding.

Recognised as one of the first fretted instruments, the bouzouki has been around since at least the fourth century BC and has been in a state of constant evolution since.

It was given a further lease of life in the 20th century thanks to some forward thinking Irish players. Used to flesh out the sound between the thicker acoustic guitar and the mando or banjo, the bouzouki plays in the gaps, puncturing the sound with countermelodies and chordal work.

POWER UP The nation’s youth messed their skinny jeans last month when The Libertines reformed after five years apart. Yep, the trilbied troubadour Pete Doherty took to the stage with Carl ‘The Other One’ Barat and Gary ‘The Drummer’ Powell at London’s Rhythm Factory. But, who’s that on the undercard? Yep, support was provided by Thee Unstrung, featuring the talents of MI Pro’s associate editor, Rob Power. According to eye-witness reports (that’s Rob, obviously), they blew the place apart and sent Doherty scurrying back to the crackpipe for comfort...

Bouzouki Its history is an interesting one, as the Greek instrument was never designed to be played among the pubs and clubs of Ireland.

Introduced to the genre by Johnny Moynihan, a stalwart of the hard drinking and hard playing Sweeney’s Men – themselves the stuff of folk myth and legend – in the late 60s, the striking sound of the slender necked bouzouki was swiftly taken up across the country.

Finding its way into the hands of Dónal Lunny and Andy Irvine of Irish supergroup Planxty, as well as Christy Moore, the sound of the bouzouki was integrated even further into the sound of the music. Its tones became cemented in the new tradition of Irish folk that was bursting into life at that time all across Ireland.

Still employed today by a number of Irish players and enthusiasts, the mixed heritage and distinctive sound of the bouzouki, alongside its history and popularity, makes it a true MI icon that has been recognised through the ages to today.

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IN ASSOCIATION W ITH

MI SPACE

T? HOW DID THEY DO THA Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody As one of the biggest selling singles of all time, clocking up over two million copies shifted to date in the UK, Queen’s mighty Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the most intricate, bizarre, and brilliant pieces of work ever produced by a rock group.

The recording of Bohemian Rhapsody was no small task. After learning the parts over a three-week rehearsal, Queen retired to Rockfield studio in Monmouth in August 1975 to begin what was to be an arduous threeweek process that would push the available recording technology to the very edge.

With producer Roy Baker at the helm, Queen worked through the backing track before the more difficult task of the vocals.

With the operatic middle section, of the

famous ‘Gallileo’ line, taking a week to complete in itself, the band spent between ten and 12 hours a day laying down track after track of vocals.

Working on a 24 track analog desk, the band squeezed on 180 overdubs, with engineers bouncing tracks down several times and repeatedly splicing increasingly worn out tape. A landmark for the pre-digital age of recording, Bohemian Rhapsody showed that whatever a composer dreamt up could be captured, (with a huge amount of technical expertise).

Bohemian Rhapsody went on to become a huge number one single and confirmed Queen’s status as one of the most original British bands of all time.

One of the most brilliant pieces produced by a rock group

Mark Mumford Company / job title: Hal Leonard Corporation - Director European Sales & Marketing Years in the industry?

20 - Started in the print dept of Rose Morris Music Store in Feb 1989.

S E IK SOUNDAL GREENDAY Former snot nosed jokers turned chart-conquering punks thanks to the massively successful American Idiot, Greenday have a new album coming, a tour and an army of new fans. Here’s the gear to get the sound…

First single bought?

From New York To LA - Patsy Gallant... the disco daze of 1977.

Favourite album?

Impossible to choose, but wishing it was summer all year long it would include Santana's Supernatural.

Currently listening to?

Just downloaded Hiromi's Sonicbloom: Beyond Standard.

Technical wizardry and fun jazz to listen to.

r– Billie Joe Armstrong – vocals and guita Paul Junior Fernandes S-type (blue), Gibson Les er TV 59, Marshall Super Lead 100, Fend Tortex Bassman, Hiwatt Custom 100, Duplex Ball Ernie , rums plect m custo m .88m .76 to Super Slinky strings. ture Mike Dirnt – bass – Mike Dirnt signa head, 00 M-20 ie Boog Mesa sion, Fender Preci Boogie Mesa Boogie 6x10, custom cab, Mesa er Pro 18” cab, Mesa Boogie 2x10 cab, Fend 1200 head, Fender Pro 810 cab. e set in Tre Cool – drums – Leedy custom mapl 22" 16"× s, head Remo with n nitro e white marin 16"×18" bass, 9"×13" tom, 16"×16" floor tom, Standard floor tom, 6.5"×14" Leedy Broadway ial hiSpec K/Z 14" (incl als snare. Zildjian cymb thin hats, 19" K dark crash, 19" A medium s. crash). Zildjian Tré Cool Signature stick

Favourite musician?

Jacqueline Du Pre - an inspirational and gifted performer, but Quincy Jones for all round genius.

Which instruments do you play?

Flute, piano and always trying to improve my guitar strumming.

Are you currently in a band?

Have been in various classical and jazz groups, but not at the moment.

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NEXT MONTH

A full run down of all the goings on at LIMS, JHS, Yorkshire’s finest, on the cover and a run through of that most competitive (and modern) market in the MI world today: the humble gig bag. Of course all the hot news and chilled comment will be there, too.

EDITORIAL: ANDY BARRETT mipro@intentmedia.co.uk ADVERTISING: DARRELL CARTER darrell.carter@intentmedia.co.uk WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK