MMR March 2010 ISSUU

w w w. m m r m a g a z i n e . c o m

March 2010

NAMM Show 2010 Report Summary, Product Introductions, Press Conferences, Awards Presentations, ‘Best & Worst’

Piano & Keyboard

The Recession Within the Recession

NEW, DIGITAL VERSION www.mmrmagazine.com

Contents Cover design by Laurie Chesna.

MARCH 2010 VOL.169 NO. 3

Features 22

Storefront: Island Music In September of 2008, Hurricane Ike leveled Robert Donavan’s Island Music in Galveston, Texas. Through tenacity, dedication, and considerable support from customers as well as partners within the industry, today Donavan’s back up and running.

Upfront Q&A: Jake Connolly MMR speaks with the head of Connolly Music Company, now celebrating their 40th year.

Fretted: Floyd Rose – Getting a Lock on the Guitar Market Legendary innovator Floyd Rose talks about the genesis of his revolutionary double locking tremolo system and we hear from director of marketing, Andy Papiccio, about new and upcoming projects at the company.

THE PIANO & KEYBOARD MARKET 34 Report: The Recession Within the Recession Perhaps more than any other segment of MI, piano sales have been hit hard by recent economic woes. MMR checks in with key piano & keyboard suppliers to discuss recent trends and to find out what strategies are working in a challenging retail climate.

New Piano & Keyboard Products

2010 NAMM SHOW 46 Attendance at over 87,500 in Anaheim

It would be stating the obvious to describe the past few years as having been “challenging” (“bleak” and “worrisome” are perhaps more on the mark), so signs of life evident at this Winter’s NAMM get-together are cause for celebration. 250 first-time exhibitors, an uptick in attendance, and a palpable improvement in overall mood give many hope for the coming year.

Dealers’ Choice Awards Winners of the 2009 Dealers’ Choice Awards were presented with their trophies at the NAMM show.

Best & Worst Overpriced popcorn, free parking, spotty cell signal, and cheap pitchers of beer – MMR shines a critical light on the sights and sounds from this year’s gathering in Anaheim.

Departments www.MMRmagazine.com

4 6 16 18

Editorial Upfront People Letters

105 112 114 120

New Products Supplier Scene Classifieds Advertisers’ Index

MMR Musical Merchandise Review® (ISSN 0027-4615) founded in 1879, is published monthly by Symphony Publishing, LLC, 21 Highland Circle, Suite 1, Needham, MA 02494 (781)453-9310, publisher of School Band and Orchestra, Choral Director, Music Parents America and JazzEd. All titles are federally registered trademarks and/or trademarks of Symphony Publishing, LLC. Subscription Rates: U.S.A., US possessions, one year $32; two years $40. Canada one year $80; all other countries one year $159. Single issues $5 each. May Supplier Directory $35. Periodical-Rate Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER/SUBSCRIBERS: Send address change to Musical Merchandise Review, P.O. Box 8548, Lowell, MA 01853. Periodicals circulation is directed to music dealers and retailers, wholesalers and distributors, importers and exporters and manufacturers of all types of musical instruments and their accessories, related electronic sound equipment, general musical accessories, musical publications and teaching aides. The publishers of this magazine do not accept responsibility for statements made by their advertisers in business competion. No portion of this issue may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Copyright ©2010 by Symphony Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved. Printed in USA.

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MARCH 2010

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Editorial

Volume 169, Number 3, March 2010 PUBLISHER Sidney L. Davis sdavis@symphonypublishing.com

Best Tools For Schools

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Rick Kessel rkessel@symphonypublishing.com EDITOR Christian Wissmuller cwissmuller@symphonypublishing.com

everal months ago this column commented on a discount chain that engaged its store managers in the merchandise selection process by bringing them to trade events with a single mandate: fi nd new products for your store. The products invariably had a better than average sell-through as the managers “worked the floor” with end caps, signage, and employee encouragement. With this thought in mind, and the encouragement and support of NAMM, the “Best Tools For Schools” project was launched at Winter NAMM. For the past few winter events the trade association has targeted music educators as a viable group to meet with dealers and suppliers at the Anaheim venue. This year our music education publications, School Band and Orchestra and JAZZed sponsored a panel of educators (see page 80) who presented the “Best Tools For Schools,” as selected by the music educators. Their mission: to fi nd innovative solutions and opportunities for music learning. While we furnished a “ballot” with ten categories ranging from “Best for Beginners” to a “Special Teacher’s Choice Award,” the fi nal choices were a compendium of items ranging from a guitar hands cleansing location (honorable mention) which panelist Karen Childress-Evans noted would be “great” for violin strings, to Muzundrum (“Coolest Game”) by Philomuse. The majorities of the items was not from the industry major players and were selected from some unlikely sources (i.e. Jammit, an app for the iPhone by OEM exhibited at the Premier Guitar booth!). To state the obvious, the educator and dealer are partners, their mutual involvement in trade gatherings has a common goal: increased student participation in music performance. On a final note, we are taking the liberty of quoting Alta Loma Music’s Pete Gamber who wrote in a column for Music Inc., “ I took this opportunity (NAMM) as a local retailer to introduce area band directors to new companies they’d never considered or even known about. From band instruments to publishers to software, the NAMM show is Candy Land for these instructors.”

Mea Culpa Tim Kletti, Music Go Round director, has taken us to task (and rightly so) for the January editorial in which we inadvertently identified the chain as “Merry Go Round” and for placing quotes around the word, “chain.” Our intent was to signify that Music Go Round is a company of franchise operated units as compared to a traditional “chain.” This could have been expressed in a more direct manner. (See Letters on page 18.) We also heard from several individuals regarding a video which appeared in a recent e-newsletter. The clip was of a campaign song written by veteran retailer Joel Menchey for a candidate running for state office. The video was sent as a matter of public interest in an outside activity by a member of the music community. This was not an endorsement of the candidate, the political party represented, or the views expressed. When it comes to videos, perhaps we are best served by sticking to piano-playing cats and airlines damaging guitars…

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Eliahu Sussman esussman@symphonypublishing.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Denyce Neilson dneilson@symphonypublishing.com ADVERTISING SALES Iris Fox ifox@symphonypublishing.com CLASSIFIED AD SALES Maureen Johan mjohan@symphonypublishing.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Laurie Guptill lguptill@symphonypublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Andrew P. Ross aross@symphonypublishing.com Laurie Chesna lchesna@symphonypublishing.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Melanie A. Prescott mprescott@symphonypublishing.com ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Popi Galileos pgalileos@symphonypublishing.com WEBMASTER Sanford Kearns skearns@symphonypublishing.com SYMPHONY PUBLISHING, LLC Xen Zapis • Chairman Lee Zapis • President lzapis@symphonypublishing.com Rich Bongorno • Chief Financial Officer rbongorno@symphonypublishing.com Corporate Headquarters 26202 Detroit Road, Suite 300, Westlake, Ohio 44145 440-871-1300 www.symphonypublishing.com PUBLISHING, SALES & EDITORIAL OFFICE: 21 Highland Circle, Suite 1, Needham, MA 02494 (781) 453-9310 Fax: (781) 453-9389 www.mmrmagazine.com

sdavis@ symphonypublishing.com

4 MMR

MARCH 2010

Upfront We Want the Airwaves! – FCC To Clear The 700 Mhz Frequency On Jan. 15, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking prohibiting the further operation, distribution and sale of devices that operate in the 700 MHz frequency band. As previously reported in MMR, this area of frequencies, once used by television channels in the UHF band of transmission, has been widely used by wireless microphones and other wireless data transmission devices. The FCC decision clearly dictates that unlicensed devices cannot continue to op-

erate in this band as they may cause harmful interference to public safety entities and next generation consumers devices that will be utilizing the 700 MHz frequency. Current users of equipment that use the 700 MHz frequency have until June 12, 2010, one year from the DTV transition, to change to complying equipment. The 700 MHz band is to be used for communications services for public safety and the deployment of next generation 4G wireless devices for consumers.

Through the Commission’s Web site, customers who have purchased wireless mic systems and other related devices that utilize the 700 MHz band can learn whether their equipment is currently operating in the prohibited band and whether their devices may be retuned to operate on another band. You can also call 1-888-CALL-FCC to ask questions regarding this transition. MMR will be following up on these developments in the coming months.

Eight New NAMM Board Members Elected NAMM held its Annual Meeting of Members on January 16th during the 2010 NAMM Show. After introducing past presidents in attendance, reviewing the new annual report and recapping highlights of the year, chairman Tom Schmitt called for the nomination of the new slate of the NAMM Board of Directors. The following NAMM Members were elected for service from 2010 to 2013: •

Michael Canning is a professional manufacturers representative and the president of Cadon Technical Sales, which represents a variety of companies in the music products industry.

•

Dana Messina is the chief executive officer of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc., one of the world’s premier music products manufacturers, located in Waltham, Mass. Gordon Wilcher is the founder and senior partner of Owensboro Music Center. Mark Ragin is the chief executive officer of U.S. Band & Orchestra Supplies, Inc./St. Louis Music in St. Louis, Mo., a combo/band and orchestra distributor. Carol Calato is the vice president of J.D. Calato Manufacturing, a maker of percussion accessories located in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

•

Peter Hix is co-owner of Hix Brothers Music, a combo store with locations in Aurora and Batavia, Ill. Steve Judge is the owner and president of Griggs Music Inc. in Davenport, Iowa, a full-line chain of two stores established in 1903. Chuck Surack is the president and founder of Sweetwater Sound of Fort Wayne, Ind.

NAMM 2010 Best Communities for Music Education The NAMM Foundation is again conducting a nationwide search to determine the Best Communi-

Tom Schmitt, Carol Calato, Michael Canning, Peter Hix, Steve Judge, Dana Messina, Mark Ragin, Chuck Surack, Gordon Wilcher, and Joe Lamond. 6 MMR

ties for Music Education, recognizing cities that exemplify a commitment to music education. To submit your school or district, visit www.nammfoundation.org. MARCH 2010

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Upfront Gibson Responds to Price-Fixing Claims In a recent press release addressing the lawsuits in California and Washington D.C. that allege of a conspiracy between Gibson Guitars, Yamaha, Fender Guitars, NAMM, Guitar Center, and others to secure higher retail prices, Gibson described the claims as, “wholly without merit.” “These lawsuits stemmed from an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission that lasted several years and was not pursued by the FTC after they concluded the investigation. The allegation that Gibson participated in

any scheme to artificially inflate or fix prices is wholly without merit,” the company says in a press release. The statement goes on to add that, ironically, the costs incurred in defending against the allegations could lead to higher prices for the end user: “Unfortunately, that process will undoubtedly result in high costs to many organizations that, like Gibson, strive to provide music lovers everywhere with quality instruments, and aggressively compete on price.”

Five-Star Honors Sabian’s Terri Shaw The Five-Star Drum Shops group honored Terri Shaw, US sales manager for Sabian, as their Vendor Partner of the Year at the recent NAMM show.

Explained Rob Birenbaum, Five-Star manager, “We don’t give out regular awards. In fact, we’ve only done this once before in our 10-year history. But, we like to recognize people when they distinguish themselves, as Terri always has.” The Five-Star Drum Shops group is a non-profit organization of independently owned specialty percussion stores in North America that are dedicated to advancing the art and science of drumming. For more information, visit www.fivestardrumshops.com.

Korg USA Launches Online Marketplace Korg USA recently announced the launch of its new online store at shop.korgusa.com. Starting immediately, visitors to korg.com also have a “Buy Now” option for Korg’s entire product line. Clicking the “Buy Now” buttons brings visitors directly to the online store, where they can make a purchase at any time, day or night. In partnership with eCommerce vendor Shopatron, the customer’s order will be shipped via the participating retailer in closest proximity. Products will, “generally be in buyers’ hands within three to four business days,” according to the company. In the future, buyers will have the added option of in-store pickup. “Korg users are passionate about their gear, so it is no surprise that we see such a high online presence for product research, and a ‘buy now’ option was the next logical step,” stated Korg USA’s president, Joe Castronovo. “In offering online purchase fulfi llment, it is vital that we serve these customers with safety, security, convenience and cost-effective pricing, which is exactly what shop.korgusa. com offers. The program also serves our dealer network by driving sales to their stores, and calling on them to do what they do best in their markets.”

Peavey & Muse Establish Alliance Peavey Electronics and software and hardware platform specialists Muse Research and Development have established a collaborative strategic alliance to introduce innovative new products to the global marketplace. “We are very excited to establish this relationship with Muse Research and 8 MMR

Development,” said Hartley Peavey, founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics Corporation. “Peavey is heavily invested in the future of virtual instrumentation, and products like our awardwinning ReValver™ modeling software are

leading the way. With the Receptor™, Muse Research created an entirely new paradigm for musicians.”

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Upfront Follow-Up: Daddy’s Junky Music’s Mall Store In December, MMR ran a story on Fred Bramante’s unique idea to open up a seasonal store to catch the holiday mall crowd. Bramante was inspired by the Halloween novelty & costume stores which seem to pop up each year around September and thought that a temporary holiday store just might be what Daddy’s Junky Music needed to cash in on the December rush. Fred’s daughter Candi Bramante was excited to test out the concept. “This is definitely a test run for us. The exposure alone — obviously, with that many shoppers — is quite extraordinary for us and it will certainly give a lot of visibility to our company and the store down the street as well,” said Candi. “We’ll see how it goes and I’ll tell you at the end of December whether it worked or not,” said Fred. So, as promised, here’s the follow-up and the good word on temporary holiday digs. First things first: was the store a success? “It was interesting,” says Bramante. “We just did it for two months — November and December. November was disappointing but December was better than we thought. If you look at the season, I would have to say that that was one of our highlights. So overall, it was worth it.” Candi agrees. “We kind of went in there with blinders on not knowing what to expect and it came out great. The mall store we had was less than a mile away from our regular full time store in the Burlington, Mass. area and it definitely kicked up both traffic and sales in the regular Burlington store.”

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While they haven’t decided if a seasonal store is going to become a holiday tradition, the Bramante’s are optimistic. “If it’s something that we feel would work for us again in the future, I can’t see why we wouldn’t do it,” says Candi. This particular space in the Burlington mall store was a former Ritz Camera so it had all of the wall slats and everything we needed. We didn’t need to go in and build anything in there. I think that that may have affected our decision on whether or not to go in there. But, we didn’t have to do anything but fi ll it with gear. So we’ll have to see next year if another space like that becomes available,” explains Candi. Although Fred does recommend that other retailers take a look at his approach to holiday sales, he told MMR that, “it’s not a snap of the fingers”. Bramante informed us that staffing could be difficult because mall stores must adhere to mall hours. “The amount of traffic going through — including a lot of ‘lookers’ is high. So it’s fairly labor intensive but for the month of December, it absolutely worked. It was not a typical Daddy’s store in the sense that we didn’t have a lot of used gear in the store,” says Fred. “It was pretty much a holiday store and it was just under 2000sqft and if somebody wanted something more we directed them to our other store. As a result, their traffic numbers were up so we felt like that was positive too and clearly some good things came out of it.”

Sam Ash Donates $25G Les Paul to Auction Sam Ash Music donated a $25,000 Gibson Jeff Beck Les Paul to the silent auction benefiting Musicares at the 2010 Person of the Year concert. The event honored Neil Young and was held on Friday January 29, 2010 in Los Angeles. Over $4 million dollars was raised at the event. Each year, Musicares raises funds to provide financial, medical and personal assistance to artists in need. More than 20 artists performed including Elton John, James Taylor, Dave Matthews, Crosby Stills and Nash, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sheryl Crow at this Grammy weekend event hosted by Jack Black. “We are delighted to support this incredible organization that has done so much to provide assistance to professional musicians who fi nd themselves in dire circumstances,” says Richard Ash, CEO of Sam Ash Music. Sam Ash Music donated an autographed Jeff Beck 1954 Oxblood Les Paul, one of only 50 ever produced. MARCH 2010

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Upfront Spitzer, Others Aid Haiti “Larry Thomas (formerly of Guitar Center) and I are partners in a side business that rents out helicopters,” explains Eric Spitzer of Sam Ash Music. “We have 14 around the country and our friends, Barry and Patricia Horowitz, who have done disaster relief and humanitarian work before said, ‘Why don’t you get involved with us?’ and it was just a natural progression.” “Getting involved” meant, in this case, arranging for one of those 14 helicopters to bring aid to the remote Haitian village of Jacmel. “There’s no way to get food from Port Au Prince to the village of Jacmel,” says Spitzer. “The bridges are all out because of the earthquake, the roads are down, et cetera. I contacted Brian Parker, the pilot who was flying the helicopter closest to the area, and Larry and I decided that we were going to donate enough money so that this helicopter could be diverted and take these supplies to Jacmel. “It’s amazing what has happened so far,” says Patricia Horowitz. “This kind of started with my extended family and some friends coming up with the idea of adopting specific families for the holidays in lieu of giving each other presents. We were all just burnt out with the holiday thing and Pilot Brian Parker

this seemed like a way to help people instead of giving meaningless stuff to each “When the Haitian earthquake happened, it just seemed like an opporPatricia Horowitz tunity to help even though Eric Spitzer and Barry Horowitz the reality was that we could with thanks. One of the members of this only help a small group of people, so we defamily is the police chief in Jacmel and he cided to identify and ‘adopt’ some families. is helping to identify more people with the Our intention was limited and small, based greatest needs.” on the reality that we are not philanthropists or wealthy people – just regular people who wanted to help in our small way. I’ve been in crisis management for years and was head of victims services at ground zero during the terrorist attacks in Argentina in the ‘80s. I identified some families in an area about 45 minutes outside of the capital that was hard to get supplies to. Eric found Musiquip, Inc. has been appointed the out that he had a contact, Brian Parker, alnew exclusive U.S. distributor for Tready in Haiti flying relief Rex Engineering. missions and contacted T-Rex is a Danish manufacturer him. Eric arranged and of effects pedals for guitar and bass. donated flight time and The company blends hi-tech innovaBrian donated his persontion with old-world craftsmanship al time to fly. This changed in producing its products, which are everything. Brian was able now sold in some 45 countries around to access supplies already the globe. Popular models include the in Haiti and get them to Replica delay, Room-Mate reverb, MiJacmel, the target area of chael Angelo Batio signature overdrive, our effort. We have aland Mark Tremonti signature phaser. ready heard from some of T-Rex also offers the FuelTank family the families on the ground of power supply units. and they are overwhelmed

Musiquip to Distribute T-Rex

SLM Partners with Alvarez, Schreiber, Keilwerth St. Louis Music (a division of U.S. Band and Orchestra Supplies Inc.) has announced a strategic alliance with LOUD Technologies Inc. Under the terms of agreement, St. Louis Music (“SLM”) will serve as the exclusive sales, marketing and post-sales support agent for LOUD’s Alvarez brand of guitars in the United States starting February 1, 2010. Distribution of the Alvarez brand outside the U.S. remains unchanged. 12 MMR

While LOUD will retain brand ownership and lead ongoing brand and product management, SLM will assume responsibility for all domestic Alvarez inventory, distribution, pre-sales guitar shop work, sales, marketing and post-sales warranty support and service. SLM also announced it is the exclusive U.S. and Canadian distributor of Schreiber clarinets, oboes and bassoons; Keilwerth saxophones; and York brass instruments.

“We’re proud and excited to be distributing these famous brands and products in the brass and woodwind arena,” says Mark Ragin, chairman and CEO of SLM. “Keilwerth, York and Schreiber are world-renowned instruments, and we look forward to representing them in the U.S. SLM will meet the demand for these products in North America and make the brands more accessible for dealers, educators and consumers.” MARCH 2010

$ 5,941,118.36 $ That’s the retail value of orders forwarded to music dealers through the Hal Leonard Shopping Cart and Digital Retailer programs in 2009

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Upfront Trade Regrets: Paul Specht MMR joins in mourning the loss of longtime industry heavyweight, Paul Specht of Hoshino on February 9th. Paul’s Leukemia, from which he had seemingly bounced back quite successfully, had recently reemerged and he had been forced to undergo further treatment. Paul is survived by his son Stephan and longtime companion Kay Brockwell.

Ramona P. Lewis

We Do

Ramona Lewis was a beloved figure in the MI world, having spent the last 36 years manufacturing and distributing George L’s Music Products. Ramona is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Lewis (Charles Williams), and Leesa Lewis Gifford, and grandsons, Kahler and Karrington Williams.

Ed Thigpen Ed Thigpen, also known as “Mr. Taste” for his remarkable touch as an innovative drummer, was not only a renowned jazz performer, but also a staunch advocate for music education. Thigpen wrote method books and provided countless clinics in the hope of inspiring others to make music. Ed Thigpen passed away on January 13th.

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One of Gibson Guitar’s most accomplished and dedicated luthiers, James “Hutch” Hutchins, who spent 45 years at Gibson, passed away from an undisclosed illness on January 26. “Hutch” as many of his Gibson friends called him, had a career that’s spanned two states, three changes of ownership, and thousands of priceless Gibson guitars. Hutch began his career in the original Kalamazoo, Michigan plant, making a name for himself there before transferring to Nashville in 1983. He had worked every job from maintenance to pattern making with an unflinching attention to detail and an abiding pride in the Gibson name. “Hutch” chose the Gibson family as his own often defining the company’s legacy, heritage and tradition by the many guitars and people he touched on a daily basis. He was 72.

www.mmrmagazine.com 14 MMR

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People KMC Music, Inc. has named industry veteran Joe Vasko as vice president/general manager of Latin Percussion. In his new role, Vasko will oversee all aspects of Latin Percussion’s operations located in Vasko Garfield, N.J. He will report directly to Ed Miller, president of KMC. Vasko joins Latin Percussion directly from Mapex USA, where he also served as vice president/general manager. Prior to Mapex, Joe held positions at Vic Firth and Warner Brothers Publications. In addition, Joe is also a member of the NAMM Board of Directors and serves on Modern Drummer magazine’s advisory board. Middle Atlantic Products has promoted Mike Baker to be its new president. Company founder Bob Schluter will continue as chief engineer and CEO.

Baker has served as executive vice president of sales and marketing and CFO for the last five years, and has been with Middle Atlantic since 2001. Prior to joining the company, Baker served in various financial and operational leadership positions in the manufacturing industry. In his new role, Schluter will be increasing his focus on product R&D and communicating directly with customers.

Ashly Audio has added Todd K. Smith to the position of western regional sales manager. Based in Colorado and reporting to John Sexton, national sales manager, Smith will oversee and expand mar- Smith kets west of the Mississippi for Ashly Audio. Rock Clouser has been named national sales and marketing manager for the Stringed Instrument Division at Conn-Selmer, Inc. Clouser will be responsible for all domestic and international sales of Glaesel, Clouser Scherl & Roth, and William Lewis & Son stringed instruments and accessories. In addition, he will be instrumental in the coordination of all marketing strategies for the stringed instrument brands. L-ACOUSTICS has announced the appointment of Scott Sugden to the newly created post of head of US Touring Support. The announcement comes from L-ACOUSTICS Head of Touring Support Florent Sugden Bernard to whom he reports. Over the past two years, Sugden had been contributing to L-ACOUSTICS US’ success as an independent contractor. Now officially a full-time staff member, Sugden will continue to be based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. WorldWide Music Services, a new print music distributor based in Chicago, recently announced the hiring of Nathan Ersig as president/CEO.

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Ersig’s experience includes eight and a half years with West Music in Coralville, IA, where he served in a variety of roles including print music team lead, director of purchasing and inventory analyst. Ersig also spent two and a half years with Music & Arts Center in Frederick, MD, where he was sr. buyer for print music/special purchasing. Additionally, the company announced that Phil Smith has been named director of sales/marketing. A 25-year veteran of the music industry, Smith most recently served as associate sales manager at The Music Sales Group.

PreSonus recetly announced that Mark Stone has joined the company as its national sales director. A long-time industry veteran, Stone has worked for more than 25 years in the record Stone industry, in manufacturing, and as a touring and recording musician. Wyman Piano Company/OrlaUSA has announced the appointment of two new regional sales managers as it expands the distribution of the new Orla digital pianos and Wyman acoustic pianos in the USA. Craig Smith, music industry veteran with over 40 years experience at both the wholesale and retail levels, has joined Wyman Piano/ Orla USA as a regional sales manager. In his new assign- Smith ment, Craig will be responsible for sales and distribution of Wyman pianos and Orla digital pianos in the Midwestern Region as far south as Texas and Louisiana. Joe Bednar has been named as regional sales manager for the Northeastern Sales Region. In this newly expanded region, Joe will be managing the development of a sound Bednar and structured dealer network, as well as handling Wyman/Orla sales and distribution throughout the Northeast United States from Maine to North Carolina, and the eastern provinces of Canada. MARCH 2010

Letters Just wanted to let you know I think you and the staff do a bang up job. Genuinely enjoy reading your articles. I have one topic for you: can NAMM go back to being just a manufacturers trade show once again? Seriously, why allow distributors to have booths at a manufacturers trade show? Again, great work, big fan. Dave Lopez Odyssey Innovative Designs

In reviewing your Editorial in the current edition of MMR magazine, I believe you are referring to our chain in your first paragraph…but I can’t be sure. Your facts seem a bit askew: 1)

You refer to us as “Merry Go Round” which is a retail clothing store chain that was in operation during the ’70s-’90s. The fi led for bankruptcy in the middle ’90s. We are in fact called “Music Go Round,” a chain of health MI retail stores that have been operating since June 1993.

The word chain is in quotes while describing us in the first sentence… is this meant to say you don’t view our brand as a chain? If we are not a “chain,” what do you feel we are? Or, were you using quotes around the word chain for some other literary reason? You refer to our chain as having 81 locations at the end of 1999. At the close of 1999, we had 65 total locations (as published in our Franchise Disclosure document). We never had a larger number of store open than that. I am not sure where you get your numbers from, but they are clearly incorrect.

Your message in the letter is very negative and foreboding. While it is your right to publish what you feel, I for one, can say our brand is in a much better financial and “health” situation at the end of this decade than we were 10 years ago. As we are publicly held, I cannot share specifics, but while our store count may be 44 percent lower, our average store sales for 2009 will be percent higher than a decade ago.

A message to Felice Mancini from the Johnson Family Dear Felice: Congratulations on receiving the Don Johnson Music Industry Service Award. Our family was pleased you were recognized this year because of your commitment to providing budding musicians with a solid music education. These tireless efforts from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation ensure that these students will have continued access to decent musical instruments, and also help them feel condent to stay motivated and nd their voice through the beauty of music. We wish you continued success with MHOF and future endeavors and that opportunities given these deserving students will be a gift that lasts a lifetime. Best Wishes, Charlene, Hilary and Rosamund Johnson

18 MMR

Finally, I am confused if this was intended as an insult, a type-o or purely an oversight. If I can be so bold, before going to print with your next letter, I would suggest reviewing your text and confirming your statistics. Our brand has been featured as a top ten chain in your magazine for 10+ years and holds your publication in high regards. We would hope that a publisher like yourself would not stoop to tabloid-like journalism to raise the blood pressures of retailers in our industry. It has not raised ours…but did warrant a letter to correct false information. Thanks for your consideration. Tim Kletti Director - Music Go Round

ED NOTE: Our apologies to the Music Go Round chain, Merry-Go-Round was a retail apparel chain that has since gone out of business. The quotes surrounding the word “chain” should have been explained further. Music Go Round is a franchiseebased company and we meant to indicate that the company was not a traditional “chain” in the sense that all units are company owned. The comparison of the number of units was based on our published information in the December 1999 issue of MMR. We stand corrected. The intent of the editorial was to show the changing retail landscape which mirrors the general retail picture. While industry dollar volume has increased dramatically during the past decade, the total number of retail outlets (stores that predominantly sell music products) has decreased from a high of 9,500 to slightly more than 8,000.

After 103 years, the Blessing Company has been sold to the Powell Flute Company, and E.K. Blessing President Randall Johnson is leaving the music industry. On behalf of the Blessing network of retail dealers, we pay tribute to one of the nicest guys the music industry has ever

MARCH 2010

Hear what the pros have to say. Then hear for yourself.

Everything Audio Network By Jon Chappel

By Jack Kontney

By Mike Rivers

“The PCM-M10 is a solid, roadworthy professional recorder with excellent sound and loads of features. With its excellent onboard mic sound, and the sleek and compact design, serious audio pros who want superb sound quality in a featurepacked package will find that the Sony PCM-M10 more than fits the bill.”

“The Sony PCM-M10 handheld digital recorder is everything a musician or sound engineer might want as a tool for documenting rehearsals and shows, including long battery life, tripod mount, ergonomic design, inconspicuous size and capacious memory. But it’s much more…”

“At $300, the PCM-M10 is well priced considering its sound quality, feature set, and ease of use. It is well suited for casual and professional recording applications, and, in between, serves as a handy music player. I think it’s a winner, and so does the Everything Audio Network, which has tagged the M10 with its Stellar Sound designation.”

Dave Sperling DP, Music Documentaries & Videos “The M10 adds a huge amount of functionality in a small and extremely affordable package. The design is exceptionally well thought out. All the controls are in just the right places when I hold it in my hand. The ease of adding (and synchronizing) a stereo track to my video from a different perspective makes the M10 a must-bring for any concert or live event. Every guitar and camera case should have one living in it!”

Brooke Rudnick Specialty Event & Music Videography “Sony’s PCM-M10 puts high-definition sound in your pocket. This small handheld recorder’s amazing battery life enables you to record pristine audio all day. Built-in microphones mean no extra cables or adapters, and backlit controls make it easy to see levels and functions in dim light environments. For great audio in almost every shooting situation, the PCM-M10 recorder is a sound investment.”

Robin D. Berg President, BEI inc. HDTV & Digital Film Production “So I just voiced an episode of Speargun Hunter using only the M-10 and the on-board stereo mics. I put it on a stand, used pop filters and studio monitor headphones and the results are absolutely startling, there is zero detectable noise to my ears and the quality is superb. This is what I will use to VO all of my shows, it is too darn good and easy. Someone would have to fight me to take it away from me now.”

To learn more about Sony’s award winning handheld digital recorder:

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Letters known. I have dealt with the E.K. Blessing Company since 1947. Under Randy’s tenure, the Blessing Company has proven that great quality and competitive pricing can be achieved in the United States in spite of our congressmen and senators compromising American manufacturers with NAFTA and Free Trade Agreements. Frankly, we need to buy American made products, localize rather than globalize. We now have to compete with ten to thirty cents an hour labor from offshore. Our country was built on building things…manufacturing. I don’t see any way our country can make it just as a service oriented economy. Randy helped build the American dream as a manufacturer and in turn helped retailers build our dreams. Randy has been the epitome of outgoing concern and benevolent loving care for his dealers. He always went the extra mile to help our industry and dealerships in every way he possibly could, sometimes to his own detriment. We dealers could always depend on him to support us on special promotions and if a dealer experienced a problem financial or otherwise, Randy’s reply would always be, “How can I help?” He was the friend you could depend on to never let you down. Of all the musical instrument manufacturers that I have known in the last 63 years, I would have to put Randy right up there at the top of my list. We retailers wish the best for Randy in whatever path life takes him… he has earned and deserves the best… all we retailers love you, Randy! Thanks for everything. Jim Darby Owner, Capitol Music Montgomery, AL

Breaking News

Find it in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site, www.MMRmagazine.com 20 MMR

MARCH 2010

Storefront Hard Work & Helping Hands Get Island Music Back In Business On September 13, 2008, at 2:10 a.m., Hurricane Ike made its final landfall on Galveston, Texas, bringing a Category 5-equivalent storm surge and gale-force winds exceeding 120 miles. Robert Donovan, owner of Island Music on Galveston Island, returned to his store after the hurricane to assess the destruction that was left in Ike’s wake. Donovan, who didn’t have flood insurance, discovered his musical instruments and entire inventory drowning in eight feet of water. He recalls, “It looked like a war zone. Everything was covered in mud. All of the windows in the downtown area were broken, doors wide open, just all kinds of stuff everywhere. The military had come in by that time, and it really felt like a war zone.”

More Than Just a Store After getting a look at the damage, Robert left Galveston Island and, along with everyone else, was not allowed to return until three weeks later. “Everything sat there, in that mud and water, soaking for almost a month.” When he went back, Donovan pried his shop’s swollen doors open to find everything piled up in mud on the floor. With the help of some friends, he began the slow process of cleaning up the mess. “At that point, we were done; it was over. I was out of business,” he recalls. “I had no insurance. I was dealt a

hand, and that was it. It didn’t really get to me until I saw a young boy in the distance riding a bike through all of the mud and muck. He rode up to me and I said, ‘What are you doing down here? It’s not safe to be out here.’ He said he had to come to check on my store and see if it was okay. I told him it was done, that we lost everything. He just looked at me and started to cry. I got this big lump in throat and realized that the store was more than an outlet to sell guitars. It had more meaning. I remembered when I was little kid, hanging out in the local music store. I loved it. And this kid enjoyed time in my store – this was a positive thing in his life, and it was gone.”

“I got this big lump in throat and realized that the store was more than an outlet to sell guitars”

22 MMR

Faced with the loss of his business and damage to his own home, Donovan needed to rebuild and start over. Some of Island Music’s biggest customers were local churches. They, too, had suffered damage from the storm and Robert decided he wanted to help them get up and running again. It wasn’t only altruism that motivated him to approach local parishes; he knew they were loyal customers, and if he was going to start at the beginning, it should be with them. Donovan began to assist local churches with their insurance claims, helping with inventory and putting a value on their musical equipment. “I thought I would help them to pull wires, get them set up, and sell them the equipment they need because, hey – I’ve got to eat. I told them that I wouldn’t charge them any labor costs. They asked why, and I told them that if my neighbor’s house was destroyed, and they needed my help, I wouldn’t charge them.” MARCH 2010

Garage Rock

Turning Point

Robert also knew that if he wanted to rebuild Island Music, he needed to maintain his presence as an MI dealer in the community. He cleaned out his small garage and turned the space into a makeshift shop of sorts: “I ordered some strings, accessories, and a few guitars. I operated out of that garage for 11 months. We only opened on Friday and Saturday, but it kept me connected. I didn’t bail out on the community – they still had a place to come to and get their drum sticks or guitar strings.” Moving into the garage came neither quickly nor easily. Prior to opening the makeshift storefront, Richard was putting in long hours of labor at the churches. He explains, “It was very physical work. I was climbing up on stuff all day. I was literally working until I dropped. I had days every now and then when I would wake up feeling like I was the only person that Ike affected. There were times when I felt I couldn’t go on. One day I was working in church and the preacher came in and handed me a check for $11,000. I said, ‘What’s this for? I haven’t done any work yet.’ And he said, ‘This is to get you started again. You have to eat. You’ve been servicing my church for years. I know you’re honest; you know what you’re doing. I know you won’t run out on me with $11,000. So get the ball rolling.’”

The generous advance given to Donovan by the church was certainly helpful, but the work began to slow down as Galveston recovered from the storm, and Richard’s money began to run out. One day he received a call from Joe Iacobellis of Clear Tone Strings. “He called to see how I was doing. I told him things weren’t going so well,” Richard recalls. “He asked if I was able to salvage any of the guitars I had in the shop when Ike hit us. I did save some guitars, but I explained to him they were all in a pile and had been soaked. Joe asked, ‘Can you clean them up?’ I told him I didn’t know. Then he said to me, ‘I’ll tell you what, Robert – I’m going to send you 100 sets of Clear Tone Strings. Now get off your ass and start cleaning those guitars up.’ That was my turning point. I laughed after I hung up the phone with Joe, and thought: I’ve been in this business longer than that kid’s been alive. But, he put me in my place – I had to get off my ass and go to work!” Richard was able to repair and clean the damaged instruments, get them working, and display the revamped models on a fence outside of his garage. The local newspaper took notice and so did the music community. To his surprise, Richard sold every single one of the guitars in no time. Robert eventually moved out of the garage. After running into Steve, the

MARCH 2010

owner of the building that had housed Island Music before Ike, Richard was back in a legitimate storefront, two doors down from the old one. “I said, ‘Thank you Steve, but there’s no way in the world I could afford the rent,’” Donovan recalls. “Steve replied, ‘Yes, there is a way. You tell me what you need, what you need me to do to make it happen, and I will do it.’” From that point on, Island Music was officially back. As Donovan says, “It’s been a struggle, but we’re still here. It’s rough, but times are rough for everyone.”

After the Storm Business may be sluggish, but Robert and Island Music have gone from complete ruin to being back in business with a new outlook and business model. Prompted by the encouragement from his friend Joe at Clear Tone Strings, Donovan is now utilizing social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Tumblr. Before the hurricane, Robert didn’t want a computer in the store, and the business’ phone had rotary dial. After Ike, he realized that he needed to reach out beyond his local community, and that meant using technology and the Internet. In addition to the social networking sites, Island Music now has a Web site and, in the near future, Donovan plans to host clinics and concerts and broadcast them online.

MMR 23

News Note from Mary

ADVERTORIAL • MARCH 2010

visit us online at www.namm.org music teachers, young people have the baseline skills to become lifelong music makers and music business majors become future industry leaders. Advancing access to music education and music learning at every stage of life is the cornerstone of NAMM’s mission and is central to our music education advocacy efforts.

Music Education: Something Our Industry Can Must Believe In I am passionate about music education and its importance for every person. And, as an industry, I believe that we have a vested interest in ensuring that music education is included in our nation’s schools core curriculum. Musicians, music teachers and parents of music makers, as well as music researchers, can tell you that playing a musical instrument has many benefits: it positively affects the development of children’s cognitive skills and helps them succeed in school and in life. It has been proven that music making builds confidence, self-discipline and inspires creativity. And playing music also increases productivity and helps kids and teens connect socially with their peers. Many of our Members have focused on serving their community school music education programs and working closely with local educators to be sure student’s needs are being met. By opening the door to music education early, the overall music industry benefits—families become customers, students become great

During our last SupportMusic Coalition Web cast (viewable at www.nammfoundation.org) at the January 2010 NAMM Show, our guest Quincy Jones told a story about how he ﬁrst touched a piano as a 10-year-old; it changed his life forever. It was in his school music program that he played the trumpet, followed later by the trombone so he could be in the front of the band nearer to the baton twirlers! Whatever the motivation, all children must have this same opportunity to learn and play music. In the months ahead, schools across the country will be engaged in difﬁcult budget discussions about funding music education. I encourage all NAMM Members to get involved with their school and community to ensure that music education is championed and supported. Now is the time for the entire industry to attend and speak at a school board meeting, host a meeting for music parents in their stores and speak with other businesses in the community about the importance of funding music programs. Who knows? The music program you help save may inspire the next Quincy Jones!

Mary Luehrsen NAMM DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

To get involved today and access tools, resources and a connection to the SupportMusic Coalition, visit www.SupportMusic.com. And to learn more about what NAMM is doing to help, visit www.nammfoundation.org.

“The passion students feel about music resonates for a lifetime, leaving them a better person than they were before.”

“The arts can help students become tenacious, team-oriented problem solvers who are conﬁdent and able to think creatively.”

ELIZABETH ROCHE FOSSIL RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL '2!$% s !'%

ARNE DUNCAN U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

NAMM News

March

2010

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Celebrating the Local Community Music Store

UpfrontQ&A Jake Connolly

Connolly Music Company at 40 Years Founded in 1970 by John Connolly, Jr. (originally as “Connolly & Co., Inc.”), Connolly Music Company is now celebrating its 40th Anniversary. Best known for distributing such brands as Thomastik-Infeld and König & Meyer, the company remains a family owned enterprise, with John’s son Jake now at the helm. MMR recently sat down with Jake Connolly to discuss the business’ history, the changing climate of MI, and some current and upcoming developments at Connolly Music Company.

MMR: Talk a little bit about the evolution of the company. Your father had worked at WM. R. Gratz prior to going out on his own, correct? Jake Connolly: WM. R. Gratz was the exclusive distributor of products such as Hofner, Paesold, Bohm & Meinl, Kohlert, Thomastik-Infeld and others. My father, John Jr., was hired to be the general manager starting in the mid 1950s In the mid 1960s, after the passing of William Gratz, his wife decided to sell off the company. My father, while just welcoming the birth of his fourth child (me) and starting to build a house for his family, decided to start his own company in 1969 and John M. Connolly & Co., Inc. was born. John Jr. purchased some of the lines from the Gratz Co. and set up an office in Northport, NY. At that time, Thomastik-Infeld had just developed the world’s first synthetic string – a material named Perlon which, given the initial cool reception to this new “plastic” string, was given the prophetic brand name of ‘Dominant’ by Mrs. Infeld, who was running Thomastik-Infeld at the time alongside her son, Peter. She stated to my father when he approached her with the idea of acquiring the exclusive US distribution of the 26 MMR

Thomastik-Infeld division that she hoped that wasn’t the only line he was taking on because, in her words, “You could never make a living just distributing strings.” Connolly & Co. has always sold several other instruments, accessories, and fittings, however Thomastik-Infeld has always remained the cornerstone. The tremendous success the companies shared together as the Dominant string became the unrivaled market leader for decades surpassed both my father’s and Mrs. Infeld’s wildest expectations. Thomastik-Infeld also developed the first steel string for bowed instruments years earlier (1919)– another revolutionary product – however musicians were looking for the as yet alternatively unattainable warmth & lush sound provided by gut. Adaptors would also be awarded the benefits of longevity and consistency with this new product – and none of the disadvantages of gut. My father, who foresaw the potential of this newfangled string, took the significant risk of convincing the multitudes that what was new was, indeed, an improvement. And convince them he did.

MMR: Can you describe your own early role in the company and how you eventually came on board full time?

JC: A common occurrence in the Connolly household was for the kids to sit in front of the TV and package strings into envelopes. Although free labor was required, my father didn’t impress upon his children the need for a successor. Taking a free-to-be-you-and-me approach throughout our growing years, it was a bit of a surprise when dad suddenly announced during dinner (and my senior year of college) that he was selling the business and if anyone wanted to purchase it they were free to do so. Sharing my father’s ability to see a risk and take it, I put my name in the hat. Now I just needed a loan. Apparently my love of risk was not matched by the bank and a sleek, red 10-speed didn’t qualify as collateral. I started working full time in 1991 and fi nalized the purchase of the company in 1994 when I was 24 – after a personal loan was issued and later paid in full. My father moved to Arizona to pursue his retirement in 1997. MMR: What about remaining a family owned institution makes Connolly unique? JC: I try to carry on my father’s key corporate values: that a company has to be run well for all of its partners, suppliers, customers, and employees. I’m also like many MARCH 2010

of our dealers who own privately held, family run companies who maintain certain family values in the business environment.

MMR: Describe some of the approaches Connolly has taken to successfully broaden the lines you represent – including, but not limited to, high profile endorsement relationships.

JC: In order to create greater product insight & awareness within the marketplace, we decided to insure that the message was being communicated directly. Part of the mission to refine the marketing message and create a base of influence was accomplished

through purchase of wholesale company G. P. Nordenholz Comp. The ability to learn directly from dealers what they needed most in terms of service and products and to in turn develop that to provide greater performance for the manufacturers Connolly

JC: Connolly Music Company’s values of passion, performance and partnership can be seen throughout many initiatives over the years and remain a consistent driving force in day-to-day and strategic operations. Developing solid efficiencies in warehousing, importing and fulfillment & shipping to provide an optimum experience for customers boast such benefits as same day shipping and a 99.9% order accuracy rating. The addition of over 40 sub-distributed lines to the core source brands (which currently include Thomastik-Infeld, Koenig & Meyer, The Realist, Heinrich Gill, Wolf & Coda Bow) provide significant convenience of selection to the mix – along with expert advice on the wide array of products. Carrying a deep and wide inventory is also a contributing factor to our success. Constantly striving to find new ways to forge win-win partnerships with our customers, we implemented programs such as Power Points, Connolly’s customer loyalty program which affords an accumulation of points that can be redeemed in a variety of ways to satisfy individual customer needs such as free shipping, additional discounts and/or extended dating. Working out a satisfying MAP program in conjunction with our partners help to ensure the value of the brand and support the dealers who market Connolly products. Forthcoming is Connolly’s B2B direct order entry site – open 24/7 for added convenience and record keeping ability. MMR: With the continued expansion of the online market and evergrowing presence of big box outlets, how is Connolly approaching the current MI retail landscape? MARCH 2010

MMR 27

UpfrontQ&A represented was critical to maintaining expertise and street knowledge. Connolly expends significant resources on consumer and supply chain marketing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; focusing on advertising, direct mail, attending consumer, educator and trade shows, website development and providing dealers with tools to help market to their consumers. A current and newer initiative that focuses reaching the end user head on (including educators, students, players & luthiers) involves a clinic tour where the experts from Thomastik-Infeld in Austria along with our in house experts hit the road and visit universities, conservatories, youth orchestras and gather luthiers together to give what has been called a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fascinating education on the relationship between an instrument and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stringsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Providing musicians with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;information they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know they needed to knowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; yet enabled them to improve their sound, armed with the imparted technological information has

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met with resounding success in the various US states they have taken place in including New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Ohio and Texas to name a few. More are forthcoming. Educating the consumer and allowing them to make the best choices for themselves, we believe, will foster increased success at our customer level.

MMR: Are there any upcoming projects of note that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to outline? JC: The goal of being the foremost expert and leader in the best-in-class musical accessories market with an emphasis on the orchestral arena is now extending to include bowed instruments with the recent distribution arrangement for German Made highest quality violins with the Heinrich Gill and Bernd Dimbath lines and the new Realist Violin by David Gage (the only truly acoustic amplified violin).

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Additional bow lines from German bow masters include Sebastian Dirr, Herbert & Christian Wanka and the new Georg Werner line of bows (to be released in March). There has always been an emphasis on best-in-class products and many of these are European made products, so the current inclusion of additional synergistic lines follows a strong lineage, all the way back to Thomastik and including the more recent addition of world class Koenig and Meyer stands â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the inventor of the in-bell wind instrument stand that fits inside the bell of the instrument which is among their many other innovations. (K&M is also celebrating their 60th anniversary). We are always open to finding new synergistic products that will enhance offerings to customers and provide additional value.

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MARCH 2010

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Floyd Rose – Getting a Lock On the Guitar Market

hen talking about inventors in the guitar world, few names that have changed the landscape of guitar playing as much as Floyd Rose. After conceiving the revolutionary double locking tremolo, Rose could’ve kicked back on a beach and watched the dollars role in,

The Original Floyd Rose Like most companies, Floyd Rose started as a one-man show. “Back in the early ‘80s, Floyd was a musician,” says Andy Papiccio, director of marketing. “And, being a musician and an inventor, he came up with the Floyd Rose tremolo, which he used to make by himself. He sold them to a bunch of high-end artists out in the Seattle area and, all of a sudden, he came into a relationship with Kramer. Kramer picked up the product and worked closely with Floyd in getting the tremolos developed and worked into a manufacturing process and started the worldwide distribution of Floyd Rose. From there – in the 80’s there were a lot of big hair bands, a lot of 30 MMR

but being the innovator that he is, Floyd refuses to stop and is constantly tweaking, reworking, and reinventing tremolos for the needs of modern guitarists. After a successful NAMM show, MMR decided to give a call to the guys at Floyd Rose to talk about the past, present and future of the company. guitar heroes – the Floyd Rose tremolo just took off. During that time there weren’t too many big hair bands or guitar heroes who didn’t play the piece. Here we are in 2010 and it’s pretty safe to say that Floyd Rose is a household name in the guitar world. It’s a real icon. It’s in the NAMM museum and has been influential in the guitar market and the music business over the tenure of the product. Floyd is probably one of the few successful guys who had a patent and rode the patent the whole length of the patent which is still highly in use.” “The first thing I patented was the original version without fine tuners,” explains Rose. “The second patent was for the fine tuning version MARCH 2010

and then the pro version. Usually, when I find a problem related to guitars, I look at it as troubleshooting. If there’s something that doesn’t work the way I want it to, I ask myself, ‘What exactly is the problem?’ I always knew from playing guitar and using a tremolo before that the problem was the friction of the strings rubbing the nut and bridge saddles. When you go down on the tremolo the strings move over the nut and over the bridge a little bit and then when you release the arm there’s some drag there and it doesn’t always come back in tune.” At first, Floyd tried to lubricate the nut to decrease the friction. “When that still did not work to my satisfaction, that’s when I realized that you had to stop the movement if you want 100 percent elimination of the friction.” How do you get no friction? “Well if there’s no movement, there’s no friction,” says Rose. “So, I glued a string in place with crazy glue and that actually worked for a moment until it broke free, but it actually came right back to tune so right then I figured out within ten minutes what had to happen. I had to clamp it and then from there it’s a matter of engineering. I wasn’t an engineer, so I had to start learning how to make things out of metal and went into it just one thing at a time,” says Rose.

Growing Pains: The Speedloader Floyd’s next big invention came in 2004 when he announced the release of the Floyd Rose Speedloader. “The Speedloader tremolo was another take on the double locking tremolo,” says Papiccio. “This time it used a patented string that Floyd developed. The string was precut, pre-tuned, pre-sized, so you would just snap the string in and the guitar would be in tune with very little fine-tuning. This eliminated

MARCH 2010

the whole extra time in trying to set up a double locking tremolo and it did away with your machine heads so this was a big step,” explains Papiccio. “It’s a sensational bridge and anyone that has a Floyd Rose or is an avid Floyd Rose player – once you put one of the Speedloader’s in their hands – they get it immediately. The downside for us is that the timing may have not been right in 2004 to today. But it’s still a bridge that’s in Floyd’s portfolio of inventions and I believe that sometime in the near future you’ll see that thing pop up again when the time is better for the product.” “I actually started really seriously thinking about it when I was a judge at a guitar competition here in Seattle,” says Rose. “Steve Vai was performing and he broke a string on stage and since he had just flown up there for himself and didn’t have a guitar tech or anything he looked down at me and said, ‘Where’s Floyd Rose when you need him?’ He had to talk while he took a wrench out of his pocket to change the string. He’s very good at it so it took him about five to ten minutes while he’s talking to change the string get it tuned, get it clamped and all of that,” says Rose. For Floyd, Steve’s bad luck set off a light bulb. “I’d always wanted to be able to quickly change strings and I had already worked on double bullet end strings for another guitar project I was working on and that’s how it was born,” he says. “When we started selling them however, the problem turned out that if I didn’t show them how to change a string they didn’t quite get it. On the Speedloader bridge, there’s

a little setscrew on the nose of each saddle and that does the job of what the tuning keys used to do. People didn’t know about the set screw because it’s hard to see if you don’t know what to look for. When people would run out of range with the fine tuners they wouldn’t know what to do. That happened on the original Floyd Rose as well but the common knowledge is out there and anybody working in the store could tell you that you have to unclamp it, retune it and then clamp it. With the Speedloader, the knowledge didn’t get out there. The other downside was that you had to use the Floyd Rose Speedloader strings. Dean Markley made those strings for me and we were going to’ have other manufactures make those in the future but by that time, they weren’t selling because people were afraid of them because they didn’t know how to use them.”

“It’s pretty safe to say that Floyd Rose is a household name in the guitar world.”

Moving on: The Future of Floyd Rose Although the Speedloader wasn’t as successful as they had hoped, Floyd and Andy are excited about the future. “Floyd currently is reinventing a retrofit Floyd Rose for the Les Paul,” explains Papiccio. “Actually it’s for any guitar that uses a Tune-O-Matic stop tailpiece,” says Rose. “I don’t know if you ever saw the one that we put out in the Kramer days that Schaller actually designed, but it didn’t work unless you used really light gauge strings and nobody’s ever been able to design one that would work as a top mount with no routing, until now. I

MMR 31

finally figured out a way to do it so we’re going to be tooling up for that soon. Most Gibsons are made with a Tune-O-Matic tailpiece, so hopefully Gibson will offer them from the factory at some point. It will look almost like the Original Floyd Rose but very low profi le, which is very hard to do,” says Rose. “We also launched – at the 2010 NAMM show – a line of new Floyd Rose guitars. We have a line called the International series and a line called the Discovery series. All the guitars are designs and feels from Floyd and all composed of the Floyd Rose double locking Original Floyd Rose tremolo on it,” says Papiccio. In addition to the launch of the new line of guitars, Floyd Rose debuted an allnew titanium bridge. “Every part of the bridge, down to the claw, the string retainer, the plate the saddles – everything is titanium,” says Papiccio. “The response at the show was overwhelming – everyone was pretty interested in seeing it. They’re pretty enthused as titanium seems to be somewhat of a buzz in our industry and for us to come out with this whole bridge is the ultimate for a lot of people. A few other companies have tried to make titanium parts to hotrod your bridge. They’ve tried to change out the block underneath or change the saddles, but no one has been able to do the whole bridge. It’s already out to a few well-known artists that will be giving it the test ride and we’ll get some real response

32 MMR

from them and we think it’s looking very promising. It’s another new and innovative bridge by Floyd.” Floyd informs MMR that we can expect to see a series of new inventions from Floyd Rose coming out over the next 18 to 24 months. “We have another bridge that will be debuting by the June trade show but I can’t talk to much about that one yet cause the patents are being applied for,” says Rose. “We have separate venues here,” say Papiccio. “Obviously, we have the Floyd Rose tremolo which is a component in itself. At the current moment, we’re very successful selling the Floyd Rose tremolo. It’s still a very popular tremolo on many OEM guitars so that item itself sells through as guitar companies have double locking tremolos on their guitars. That side has been fairly healthy and as long as the guitar market stays where it’s at and as long as the guitar business is doing good we have a place in the guitar market,” says Papiccio. The company’s other venue is their new line of guitars. “We just launched them and we will be picking up a series of reps throughout the United States as well as some international and foreign distribution,” says Papiccio. “Our marketing strategy there is the fact that we have a lot of well known artists that are playing our tremolos and that we offer a very good guitar for the money with a very good name. Currently today, playing our bridges are Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Motley Crue, Aerosmith... I literally could get out an artist roster list and read down the names and you would probably find not too many of them not using it.” As long as there are guitar heroes, Floyd Rose will have a venue for moving product.

MARCH 2010

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The

RECESSION RECESSION Within the

What will the next decade hold for the piano market?

Joshua Messner

Burkhard Stein

David Skidmore

James Reeder

Paul Calvin

Ron Losby

Tom Lagomarsino

While the entire MI industry has suffered with what many now refer to as the Great Recession (capital G, capital R), the piano market could be considered the recession within the recession. The housing freefall has affected piano sales disproportionately, digital pianos housed in attractive consoles are more appealing than ever, and financing for the dealer and the consumer is increasingly elusive. Jim Reeder of Blüthner has his feet squarely in both worlds, as he’s also been a piano retailer in Lansing, Michigan since 1967. “Being a diversified operation has been a great factor in keeping our financial statement in the black and keeping our restoration center in full operation,” 34 MMR

he says. “Yes, I would like to see the retail come back to what it was a number of years ago. The truth is, there are still customers for pianos in the waiting. Because of the economic unrest in our state of Michigan, playing and learning to play the piano is as popular as ever.” Selling pianos in that

state requires a positive attitude, indeed: “Rather than having nearly 20 percent unemployment, I look forward to the 80 percent still employed as a blessing and we will still be there to supply their musical needs,” he says. “The marketing opportunities are still 80 percent great!” MARCH 2010

The Past: A Rollercoaster Ride Mason & Hamlin’s Tom Lagomarsino sums it up judiciously: “The last decade was an incredible time to be in the piano industry; a roller coaster fi lled with highs and lows. It was a decade of decline in terms of the piano industry and a decade of change in terms of how we do business within the industry.” Bert Neidhardt, president of German American company, which distributes Bohemia pianos, notes that the piano market has especially shrunk in the last three years of the last decade. Looking back, the best years for imports from Europe were from roughly 2000–2005. “Grotrian Piano Company can state that the sales within the last decade have been stable compared to the same period of the previous years,” reports Burkhard Stein, managing director. “That means we have not had a loss like most of the other German piano manufacturers.” Dave Skidmore of Bechstein says housing sales is the barometer. “If housing sales are up, it affects just about everyone that provides products or services for the home,” he says. “Of course the converse is true when there is a slump. As we look how this has affected our sales recently the most obvious thing we’ve noticed is the mid price level product has shown the largest change.” Entry-level instruments are doing “okay” as is the high end, “thankfully those customers are still there, though not as many.” Steinway president Ron Losby says that when one takes a closer look at the last decade, particularly housing, the run on real estate did not translate to an equal boom in the piano industry as it has traditionally done. “What this tells me is that there were a lot of people overextending themselves.” Going forward, a more realistic loan structure combined with more cautious home buyers will lead to home sales to people who can actually afford them. “These people will be able to put furniture and pianos in them.” These same people are going to be getting MARCH 2010

to be different, and the industry should not count on the return of the housing market alone to refuel business, he warns.

The Cash Calamity

back to the basics, especially the 40- to 60-year-olds, and that will include pianos. “Though anything purchased will be well-considered and not on impulse.” Yamaha’s Paul Calvin, GM for YCA piano division, says they are cautiously optimistic that there will be some gain in acoustic piano sales as the housing market improves. “However, growth is not so much tied to housing as it is to ready access to financing. Many pianos historically have been purchased through home equity loans, which have dried up this past year.” The absence of this source of funding will cause the housing recovery

“We will never reach the same level of sales we had 10 years ago” Bert Neidhardt, Bohemia

“I remember when a dealer could have the option of applying from one of at least three different finance companies for their floor plan needs,” recalls Reeder. “Using good common business sense, the dealer expanded his gross sales and profits, while at the same time, the manufacturer received payment for his product, resulting in a well oiled machine.” The machine is decidedly less well oiled today with the dearth of customers. For manufacturers, the question has been, Can they slim down their business enough to survive? “Floor planning is practically non-existent anymore, compared to just a few years ago,” say Annekatrin Förster of August Förster pianos – and that goes for European dealers as well as those stateside. Al Rich of Petrof says he’s been preaching that third party financing was going to contract and in some cases go away entirely. “I have been suggesting since 2000 that dealers talk to their local financial institutions and work out something with them that would allow them to buy inventory on a regular basis. Few have done it, but those who were able to have weathered this fi nancial crunch better than those who have not.” “Theoretically, one of the companies that can finance a flooring plan for Bohemia is GE, but in reality, they are practically not financing anything,” Neidhardt says. “Our dealers have to look for other financing, which is not easy these days. I hope the situations with the banks will improve here, and GE can get back into the business on a larger scale.” He adds that there are also possibilities that new lending companies will emerge, though he doubts that will happen in the immediate future. “It seems now in 2010 we must pick up the pieces,” he says. “The residue of the MMR 35

earth shaking year of 2009 leaves little to build upon, but there is hope for better things to come in the piano industry.” The industry must now work together to strengthen dealers’ shaky legs. The “physical therapy” of providing the dealer with even a limited amount of inventory financing may be what it takes to inspire a fertile recovery. “Many of the stronger piano manufacturers have stepped up to the plate by providing a form of temporary financing,” Reeder says. While inventory fi nancing has never been the industry’s favorite main course, there needs to be a resurgence in retail fi nancing in all markets in order for America to regain it financial standing, retail fi nancing included. Not all are affected. Grotian’s Stein reports that as their products are in the upper hemisphere of price range, those interested in the German-made pianos aren’t concerned with financing as much, so they’ve gotten through relatively unscathed. “Usually those buyers can afford to buy this kind of instrument.” Lagomarsino says that Mason-Hamlin is reaching out to assist dealers with floor inventory, which is fostering better and stronger partnerships. “Some dealers have improved their business by lowering inventory levels and creating higher inventory, which in turn produces better cash management and cash flow.”

Yamaha has gotten involved in a big way. “Last month, we got aggressive and announced Yamaha Flooring, a new program to fi nance dealer inventory in order to provide options for our dealer network,” Calvin says. “Yamaha Flooring is being made available to dealers, on approved credit, for financing Yamaha Pianos, Disklavier, Clavinova, AvandGrand and Modus.” Bechstein is another company that has established a dealer-financing program. “It’s already proven to be a valuable third party financing vehicle for many of our dealers,” Skidmore reports.

The Demise of the Dollar “On my desk every morning, the first thing I see on the computer is the exchange rate gadget showing the U.S. dollar against the Euro,” sighs Skidmore. “It’s not a pretty sight.” But he adds that Bechstein has been fortunate as they’ve been able to forestall price increases coming from Europe. “However the value of the dollar problem doesn’t precipitate from there, which is a discussion for an entirely different interview… Next!” “The American dollar is so weak against the Euro that it’s made Petrof pianos more expensive,” Rich laments. It has lead to a twist in buying suppliers: While the instruments are made in the Czech Republic, the wire is now being bought

from the U.S. because its cheaper, as opposed to border-sharing Germany. Neidhardt points out that all imports from Euro zones are universally affected by exchange rates; in fact the dollar doesn’t even have to literally fall to affect pricing. “This is something that nobody has any influence on, and the fluctuation can’t be controlled by any manufacturer in the world.” Those not complaining about the weak U.S. dollar are those who make their instruments in this country. Lagomarsino says that 2009 sales results of Mason & Hamlin indicate a huge shift in overall sales. “While we see domestic sales continue to decline, we see a dramatic increase in export sales,” he says. “Will this continue, and get bigger? It could get better or worse depending on the value of the U.S. dollar and the cost of labor here in the U.S.” The future? With a weak dollar this could change over time and hopefully it will if U.S. companies can keep our labor costs competitive with other overseas markets. “We see great potential in the global market.” Reeder says that European piano have always been posed for growth. “The real situation, however, is that the company might have been a failure before it was purchased and there is more to building a name that new ownership. But don’t we all like to see a wonderful old product continue to be manufactured? Blüthner

Advice & Observations What Successful Dealers are Doing Not a checklist – but some things to think about… Steinway’s Ron Losby says that the first thing everyone needs to do is look inward. “A lot of us got caught up with a cost structure dinosaur – too bloated, too much showroom floor, too many people on the payroll,” he says. Dealers doing well are getting out of the showroom and getting to the “center of influences.” This not only includes teachers, technicians, and schools, but dance studios, hotels, and even that cruise line. “When I have trouble reaching a dealer because he’s always out of the showroom, that’s usually one who is doing well.” “I find it interesting that the more successful the dealer is with sales of our pianos, the more limited is the scope of brands offered in his or her establishment,” Jim Reeder of Blüthner says. “We see dealers whose goals are to be large in their scope trying to accumulate every brand of piano, but haven’t the faintest idea how to operate and finance their goals. A manufacturer will eventually need to give up on such a dealer who ends up with no or lim-

36 MMR

ited sales of the product. We respect the dealer who is dedicated to our product, even if he or she sells just a few pianos this year. Next year sales will increase for them.” Tom Lagomarsino of Mason & Hamlin says his more successful dealers are partnering with the strongest manufacturers, acquiring products to best compete in the market, and jettisoning lines that are not profitable to sell and thus tie up potential cash flow (and customer/ salespeople mindshare). “Staying focused seems to be the order of the day.” “The business has changed in such a way that dealers need to do things that create buyers,” Rich says. When someone off the street says that while they have a piano but don’t play, they almost always express a desire to. Going forward, businesses that offer lessons, that have a strong music program, will get the sales. “That’s how the business has changed – people have gotten away from that.”

MARCH 2010

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is achieving success in its marketing in the world markets, but, as with everyone else, success is relative to the economy of those markets. It is family owned and in its fifth generation of operation.” “Our company is growing,” Skidmore says. “That’s unique for our industry and our times. With the purchase of the factory in the Czech Republic, Bechstein has become the largest manufacturer of pianos in Europe. With our new W. Hoffmann pianos, we are doing extremely well in many European markets. We are making inroads with dealers that haven’t had a steady supplier of this caliber of European product. We have pre-launched the brand already here, and our formal launch will be later this spring. “More and more consumers are discovering what a fi ne piano it really is,” he continues. “Our distribution channel in the U.S. is larger than it ever has been, and getting larger. For the salesperson, there is a lot of satisfaction in the sale.” Stein points out that you can’t lump all the European pianos together, that each has its own sound, history, and philosophy of instrument building. “There will always be a market for high-end instruments from different manufacturers in the whole world.”

The Tenacity of Technology “We will never reach the same level of sales we had 10 years ago,” says Bohemia’s Neidhardt bluntly. “There’s more electronic instruments in the market and not everybody is learning to play a real piano.Therefore, the general market for musical instruments has changed. But there

Steinway Model D 38 MMR

Steinway Hall

will be a solid market over the next decade [for acoustic pianos] – it will just be at a lower level of what it was 30 years ago.” Petrof is making efforts to further improve their instruments in terms of workmanship, materials, and technology. “You always hear piano company’s talk about having a ‘test lab’ but we literally have an acoustic laboratory with testing chambers. Last year we developed a new generation of pianos with significant advanced enhanced by piano building technologies.”

“Technology doesn’t stand still and neither does the player piano industry,” Lagomarsino states. Companies have incorporated changes in manufacturing techniques to accommodate modifications to pianos and efficiently added technology to the process. This significantly lowers the cost for dealers and customers. “There’s an emphasis on delivering technology that best serves the wants and needs of our customers and what they are used to having in their homes and businesses. This includes streaming media performances, high definition piano performances, compatibility with home networks, as well as media players, and a number of ways to play a piano, USB thumb drive, SD card slot, DVD, bluray, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, et cetera.” While making an impact in the market, digital keyboards will not do to acoustic pianos what the CD did to eight-track tape. “More traditionally minded customers will continue to demand lower line acoustic pianos for their beauty and value,” Calvin says, though he adds that digital pianos are growing in popularity due to competitive price points and greater versatility. “In the past, used pianos filled that low-price segment. Today, digitals give customers the ability to get started playing at an affordable price. At the same time, the availability of digital pianos can certainly help drive the upper segment just as used pianos drove the sale of higher-priced pianos in the past.” Further, technology-driven instruments represent the future of the piano business, simply because they can compete more fiercely and are more relevant MARCH 2010

in our increasingly high-tech world, he says. “Yamaha is championing the era of the ‘networked’ instrument–tech driven acoustic pianos that easily connect to the Internet, and to other similarly equipped instruments. This opens up a world of possibilities from group interaction and participation to enjoyment of endless song performances piped in from an online songbook which plays your instrument or teaches you how to play. For example, we are now conducting video conference-driven master classes over the Internet, where a top pianist is in one city playing our Disklavier piano, and the performance is recreated note for note on another Disklavier in a remote university or music school.”

The Not-So-Sleeping Giant Since Steinway has for 130 years had a factory stateside that mostly serves the North American buyers, and a factory in Germany to serve Europe and beyond, the dollar’s decline has not had much affect on their high-end in general. “Sales of our OEM products built in Asia have been very positive,” Losby says. “Since we sell those pianos in dollars it’s actually helped. Having two factories like we have has allowed us to be resilient to various economic downturns.” But he knows it’s challenging for the German piano makers. “My heart goes out to them. If we have a [U.S. built] Steinway grand that retails for $120,000, and brought in the same instrument from Germany, that

German one would cost nearly double that. And that’s all exchange rate.” One thing that will have a great impact on the piano industry in the coming decade is China. “There’s anywhere between 50 to 100 million new music makers every year there, depending on what statistic you want to look at,” he says. “I’ve spent time there and the joke is, if you see a kid on the street who is not carrying a violin, they are taking piano lessons!” Serious as a heart attack is the sheer amount of music makers being created, many of whom will make their way beyond China’s border. “While I was there, I heard of Conservatories adding an extra 500 practice rooms. That’s one reason why I’m optimistic long term.”

Q&A with American Sejung Corporation’s Josh Messner Founded in 2001, American Sejung Corporation (ASC) has invested in their company and the building and distribution of three lines of pianos: George Steck & Co., Falcone, and Hobart M. Cable, which are built in China under Korean management. Joshua Messner recently joined the company as corporate/west coast sales manager. MMR: What’s your background prior to joining ASC? Joshua Messner: I have been in the entertainment/ musical industry most of my career. I have worked for both Panasonic and Warner Brothers in their optical disc facilities in several management and sales support roles. I have an extensive background in live audio engineering and production. And of course I’m a musician. MMR: What do you see as the strengths of ASC? JM: ASC is committed to the music industry not only here in the U.S., but worldwide. Our strengths span the globe from our parent company in Korea, to our manufacturing in China, and finally to our domestic office in California and distribution center in Kentucky. I believe that we are properly structured and have the right products and team to endure the current economy and continue growing our brands in the U.S. MMR: What aspects are you interested in improving on? JM: It is my goal this year to become a closer partner with our dealer network in an effort to understand their specific needs, struggles, accomplishments, and ideas. We will do this through focusing on three key initiatives: Partnership, Quality, and Service. We will also be improving on some of our brand marketing this year in an effort to clearly separate our lines offering a specific value and “story” for each brand. MMR: What do you see as challenges to the piano retailer today, and what is ASC’s approach going to be to meet them?

MARCH 2010

JM: Most dealers agree that one of the largest threats is the shift in American culture away from early childhood piano lessons that lead to lifelong customers. Piano retailers have been forced to go outside the box to lure back potential buyers with unique incentives and in some cases offer free lifetime lessons! As time and buying patterns change, it has become apparent more than ever before that we need to be creative and continue to think beyond the ordinary. MMR: …and the future of ASC as you see it? JM: The future will be what we make it! While many retailers have had a tough couple of years, I have had many report growth in sales. So what’s the difference? I truly believe it is a willingness to change, think “outside the box,” and develop strategies that will draw consumers back into the stores. Retail stores that are growing are the ones who are changing the way they market, sell, inventory, advertise, and support the consumer after the sale. Gone are the days of the late 1990s through the mid 2000s, when consumers were flocking to retail stores to “buy the perfect piano for the corner of the room.” Times are changing and will continue to change, it is up to each of us individually whether or not we will be flexible, creative, and keep a positive outlook. The family here at ASC is committed to change, and remains excited to work closer than ever before with our dealer network to support their ideas, and as team, celebrate the outcomes.

MMR 39

Stein says that the music playing populous of China is warming up to European-made instruments. “That gives us the chance to sell instruments to these new markets, in addition to selling them in established ones,” he says. “The Asian markets, especially China, will become over the next few years important to us as the desire for high quality European instruments increases there,” Förster states. “Already, Chinese musicians in North America love August Förster instruments. “Blüthner has always been an international minded company,” Reeder says. “Early on, the founder, Julius Blüthner, established great success in exporting his pianos to the continents where western music was esteemed. So it is today. China is an important market.” For Bohemia, China is also an important emerging market. “Slowly but surely they are looking into European instruments.” But China’s market may remain elusive, if only because of the prolific number of Chinese piano makers – while not quite

the attaining the ubiquity of Starbucks, their numbers are significant. Lagomarsino notes that many small manufacturers exclusively distribute their pianos within their local province. (Elsewhere is another story: “We have seen more activity in the Middle East as well and are happy with the progress Mason & Hamlin has made their in the last three years.”) Petrof has increased their position in China and that has resulted in more sales. Specifically, they’ve made a strong thrust in the upper market there. But they are also noticing an increase in sales of their instruments to Russia, and are capitalizing on that. France and the Scandinavian countries are two other places where they’ve seen an increase in sales.

Selling in the Next Decade Yamaha’s Calvin contends that customers have become savvy and well informed. “They can even search for the best price and product benefits on their smartphones while standing in the store,” he says. “Consequently, salespeo-

ple need to be better equipped with product knowledge on features, advantages, and benefits.” They have invested considerable resources into Yamaha Online University, an education resource that allows dealers to find, play, and download videos, and to test their knowledge about Yamaha products. “By becoming a subscriber, sales associates will never be caught in a position where the customer knows more than they do.” While most agree that the customer is smarter, how to deal with him or her remains old school. Losby says that now more than ever the sales person needs to be genuine, honest, and forthcoming. “We’re not speaking to completely uninformed customers – though in some cases we’re talking to misinformed ones,” he says. A decade ago a potential buyer would go to 10 stores; today it’s a matter of surfi ng the Internet. He then relays this personal experience: He was looking at a real estate agent’s site and spotted a blog where the feedback was decimating. “The new take on the

Kawai’s Brian Chung: Looking Beyond the Status Quo “We’re seeing that the [challenging] status quo continues to be sprinkled with a few bright spots, but not many,” says Brian Chung. “We’re all plugging along at a steady pace and waiting for that up tick that we want to happen sooner than later.” Chung, Kawai America Corporation’s senior vice president, adds they’ve been monitoring promotional efforts closer. Certain initiatives do better than others, but at this point, there’s no pattern or predictability. There used to be events that were faithful performers, but the times call for nothing to be taken for granted. He is clear on what dealers need: customers. Kawai is aggressively advocating Recreational Music Making (RMM) for adults. “We know it’s a long-term proposition, but there are many active RMM dealers who are successfully creating new customers today.” Chung is hearing that as many as half of RMM students eventual buy instruments, including acoustic pianos. “So, my hope is that all piano dealers will begin to see RMM as a significant opportunity.” He quotes a Time Magazine essayist as saying, “To suffer alone is tragedy; to suffer together is an opportunity.” He’s hoping many retailers will see the current tough economy as a reason to try something new that can increase demand for the products Kawai offers.

Chung reports trending is continuing for families purchasing digital pianos instead of lower line new or even used acoustics. But the feel and sound of an acoustic doesn’t diminish in importance. “Our new CA93 has a wooden soundboard called the Soundboard Speaker System that resonates to create tone just like an acoustic piano,” he says. “The sound is amazing. It’s even better than our previous CA91, which won MMR’s Dealers Choice Award a few years ago. When you add a terrific action with wooden keys and the same type of movement used for an acoustic piano action, how can you blame a customer for giving a digital piano serious consideration?” The company as a whole is improving their outreach to retailer customers via their recently redesigned Web site. The new site allows customers to buy certain digital pianos online. This way, Kawai can provide service to customers who can’t find a local dealer or live in a remote area. Yet the online purchase system still strongly supports their authorized dealer network by awarding each sale to the nearest stocking dealer. “The customer gets a fair price and dealer support. And our dealers gain access to customers whom they might never see without this online promotion. It’s a real win-win.”

“To suffer alone is tragedy; to suffer together is an opportunity.”

40 MMR

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“There is less high-pressure/old-school old adage is this: Make a person happy, techniques being used out there,” Lagoand he or she will tell one person; make marsino says. “Salespeople in most cases a person unhappy, and now potentially are better equipped with knowledge and hundreds know about that because of a sales skills to handle new millennium cuspost on a Web site!” tomers who educate themselves about an “We think there is not a big change in instruments features, benefits, strength selling techniques, and also not a conand weaknesses, technoltrast with the potential ogy, et cetera” customers,” Stein says. “If Skidmore says that someone is looking for a true successful selling high end grand piano and comes down to three has the chance to play one main components. “The of our instruments next retail customer ‘buys’ you to other brands, he or she first, the company you will be convinced about represent second, and the the quality.” product third. It’s simple “I don’t like to use the but it’s not easy. This year word ‘evolved,’ but maybe Jim Reeder, Blüthner Bechstein plans to spend ‘revolved?’” queries Reeder. more individual time The dealer who is on top with sales staff on the floor. Honing the of it, as in making every contact count by basics is a key ingredient to success.” having in place a developed and profesBasic tenants of marketing are also sional sales program in place, will fair betbeing challenged. ter. “However, I call it back to the basics by “My personal feeling is that dealers showing a honest, sincere interest in the should rarely advertise in newspapers,” customer and his or her needs. The dealer Losby says. He says they still see it in New must also respect and love the product.” York City, where there’s a large subwayAlso don’t understate the emotional aspect riding population who ride in the hole in – that person who grew up with grandma the ground reading the daily while on the loving to play piano so much will think way to work. “But in L.A., I’m completely “now it’s my Jimmie’s or Sally’s turn!”

“The truth is, there are still customers for pianos in the waiting.”

42 MMR

against it.” The retailer’s Web page is the new shop window. And now customers proverbially press their nose against it in the comfort of their own home. “They let their fingers do the walking [on computer] – but not the Yellow pages way!” he laughs. “Today’s buyers can’t be reached by most traditional approaches to marketing,” Calvin states. “Outbound techniques are getting more expensive and less effective. By stark contrast, today’s buyers are starting their purchasing process online, which means you need to make sure customers looking for the products and services you provide fi nd your site in search engines.” As social media marketing becomes more important, he’s seen more dealers join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter and other social communities, aggressively talking up their piano offerings and programs. “At the same time, dealers are telling us that they are having success with direct mail. In the end, it will be a combination of online and targeted direct marketing that wins the day.”

The Next Decade “We feel that there will be a steady recovery for the business,” Calvin says. “Profitable results will come to those who embrace the changes in the marketplace, and adapt their selling and marketing techniques to the new world conditions.” Stein says that Grotian is well prepared to face the challenges, and as soon as the next few months the piano market will begin to recover. “Our company has a size which makes us flexible in every way. In difficult economic situations, sometimes the only aim is to survive, but I think that after another few months the market will recover and that the aim will not be only to survive, but also increase sales an the business.” “Ten years ago could we have predicted our current situation?” Reeder asks rhetorically. “Our government is grappling to try to solve insolvent corporations and banking institutions. It remains to be seen how rapidly the economy returns or even to what extent it returns to. As a dealer that now has experienced curtailed financing of inventory and curtailed customer financing, it remains a difficult road to travel; but travel I must, because that is my choice. This year has proven that, despite everything, good is always greater than evil.” For Bohemia, the last few months have shown more demand for higher-end MARCH 2010

instruments. Not as good as it was at the beginning of the last decade, but better then it has recently. It ultimately won’t affect what they do because as European instruments are mostly made by hand, there will also be a finite number of them available, and there will always be demand from highly professional players for them, Neidhardt says. Lagomarisino: “I predict very slow yet steady and gradual growth and improvement for the next year, but little margin for error.” Förster finds their future in their past: “We are proud that we have been a family owned business for more than 150 years and we’re looking forward to serving our customers throughout this next century and beyond.” “We have a young and vigorous management team at the factory,” says Rich. “Susan Petrof is a smart, energetic, good person to do business with. She has surrounded herself with young intelligent people in marketing and sales and is quite enthusiastically moving forward.” Otherwise, “I think the industry is ours to lose. If we don’t start MARCH 2010

promoting [aspects] of piano other than how cheap we can make them, we lose.” Retailers with lesson programs are the “horse that draws the wagon,” and he notes how the violin market came back because of an emphasis on creating music programs. Specifically, Rich sees another flat year with real increases in sales not coming until 2012. “At that point, hopefully I’ll be retired and riding around on my tractor on my farm in Ohio!” Losby likely sums it up for many when he says: “It will take a long time to get back to where we were in the last decade. But we will, because music making is fundamental to human life. That’s why I’m optimistic over the long term.”

Yamaha Avant Grand MMR 43

PRODUCT SPREAD

PIANO &KEYBOARD Pearl River’s Ritmüller Grands Pearl River Piano Group’s Ritmüller line now features two new concert grands - GH212R and GH275R. The seven feet GH212R and nine feet GH275R are the crown jewels in the Ritmüller line and are positioned to appear in the fi nest performance venues. The seven feet GH212R features a tapered solid spruce soundboard, Renner concert grade hammers, multi-laminated beech pin block, and a functioning duplex scale. The nine feet GH275R features a one-piece continuous unibridge, a Strunz tapered solid Alpine spruce soundboard, Renner concert grade actions and hammers, and Oberhessischer Siberian spruce keys with ebony wood sharps. www.pearlriverpiano.com

tures oak-finish side panels inlayed with rosewood, coordinating with rosewood drawknob stems, and rosewood sharp keys on the keyboards and pedalboard. The drawknob faces are maple, with sequential numbering and reeds engraved in red. The console has a lighted, acrylic music rack/pedal light package, parallel keybeds, and square-style keycheeks. In addition to the Schlicker stop list, this custom organ includes six alternate stop lists, any of which can be invoked in a few seconds. www.allenorgan.com

Alesis’ Special Edition Blue Analog-Modeling Synthesizer Alesis’ micron se, a special blue version of its analog-modeling synthesizer is being offered in limited production. The micron is an eight-voice analog-modeling

Allen’s Two-Manual French Terrace-Style Console Allen Organ Company has designed and built a custom French terrace-style two-manual 37-stop organ with their Quantum technology. The console fea-

synthesizer. The micron can be used as a synth on stage or in the studio, and offers hundreds of preset Alesis sounds. The micron also contains a sequencing section with phrase, step, and drum sequencing, an arpeggiator, and stereo effects. The 44 MMR

37-key micron has two multi-mode fi lters, three envelope generators, and two LFOs. The micron has 24-bit audio outputs and inputs via balanced connections. Each of the micron’s voices contains two fi lters, and each fi lter can be one of the following different types, each with its own character and sonic flavor. Each of the micron’s voices contains two LFOs, each of which offers rate, depth, shape, and tempo sync, and three envelopes: Amp Envelope; Filter Envelope; and Pitch/Modulation Envelope. Users can further control and create with the micron’s full compliment of stereo effects. www.alesis.com

Korg SP-170 Digital Piano Korg is adding the SP-170 to its SP line of digital pianos. The SP-170 offers a streamlined design, revealing no visible controls and features a duo of concert grand piano sounds. Numerous velocity layers are used to capture nuances of playing dynamics, allowing the instrument to respond expressively to every touch. Eight additional sounds complete the palette of keyboard tones: Electric Piano (x2); Harpsichord; Clav; Vibraphone; Pipe Organ; Electric (Drawbar) Organ; and Strings. While the SP-170 never requires tuning, it offers adjustable tuning that can be matched to other instruments, and it can also be transposed into any musical key. As with every Korg SP digital piano model, the SP-170 features a full 88note piano-style keyboard - three touch curves match the key response to any MARCH 2010

mechanisms that reproduce the unique touch of an acoustic grand piano. The Ivory-Feel keys (featured on the HP307, HP-305) are said to replicate the natural appearance, texture, and moisture-absorbing properties of actual ivory

playing style. The newly-developed, Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) reproduces the touch and graduated weight of acoustic piano keys, while keeping the unit’s weight down to 26 pounds. Completely self-contained, the SP-170 includes a built-in sound system with a pair of full-range oval speakers housed in an internal bass-reflex cabinet. Dual headphone outputs allow for private practice plus parent/child or student/ teacher use. These outputs also enable connection to recording equipment or an external amplifier. A matching music rest and sustain pedal are both included, and an optional color-matched stand is available. The SP-170 can be used as the master keyboard (input device) for computer music software via the MIDI output. The power switch and volume knob are located on the back panel; all other operations are quickly performed using the keyboard itself. The SP-170 is available in two colors, black and soft white. It will be available April 2010 with a retail price of $600. An optional matching stand will also be available with a retail price of $125.00.

and ebony keys. Each HP-Series SuperNATURAL Piano model includes Twin Piano Mode, which splits the keyboard and pedals into two parts with the same octaves. The lineup is available in three finishes - polished ebony (HP-307 and HP-305 only), satin black, or rosewood.

sampling technology for realism and Super Articulation 2 Voices that allow pianists to play non-keyboard instrument sounds. Replacing the Clavinova CVP400 Series, the CVP500 Series is suited to both beginner and advanced musicians. Yamaha’s exclusive Internet Direct Connect feature instantly downloads the latest new content directly into the instrument via an Ethernet/LAN connection. The CVP500 series features MP3 audio file playback with the ability to incorporate MP3s into user panel settings.

www.rolandconnect.com

www.clavinova.com

Casio’s Celviano AP-220

Pearl River’s Ritmüller Grands

The AP-220 from Casio’s Celviano digital piano line features 16 AiF tones and is said to reproduce the complex sound of a grand piano due to advanced sampling technology. The scaled hammer-action keyboard with 88 touch response, weighted keys is based on the keyboard of a concert piano. A third sensor in the keyboard allows

Pearl River Piano Group’s Ritmüller line has added the GH212R and GH275R concert grands. Pearl River has re-design and re-engineer the entire Ritmüller line under the supervision of master piano designer, Lothar Thomma. The new seven feet GH212R features a tapered solid spruce soundboard, Renner concert grade hammers, multi-laminated beech pin block, and functioning duplex scale. The nine feet GH275R features a one-piece continuous unibridge, Strunz tapered, solid Alpine spruce soundboard, Renner concert grade actions and hammers, and Oberhessischer Siberian spruce keys with ebony wood sharps.

www.korg.com

Roland’s SuperNATURAL Roland’s HP-Series SuperNATURAL Pianos combines elements of the V-Piano with Roland’s multisampling-technology. All the new HP models - the HP-307, HP305, and HP-302 - feature the new SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, which unites Roland’s V-Piano technology and 88-key stereo multisampling technology. This sound engine delivers variations in tone from pianissimo to fortissimo, decaying sounds that linger and fade naturally without looping, and sound transition from note to note across the keyboard. The natural touch of the PHA III (HP-307) and PHA II (HP-305, HP-302) keyboards come from the use of hammer MARCH 2010

www.pearlriverusa.com

players to use particularly fast techniques without the notes sounding unnaturally cut off. The AP-220 also features an integrated metronome, two headphone connections, and a USB/MIDI connection. www.casio.com

Yamaha’s Clavinova CVP500 Series Yamaha’s Clavinova CVP500 Series of digital pianos offer Yamaha Pure CF

PianoDisc SilentDrive-HD PianoDisc’s SilentDrive-HD features a faster processor and streamlined architecture that boost both velocity and timing accuracy. Increased internal memory capacity retains all settings and improves reliability and compatibility regardless of which PianoDisc player system is used. The new design is earth-friendly and eliminates the use of lead solder and other harmful substances. www.pianodisc.com MMR 45

The 2010

NAMM SHOW: Rebounding Numbers, New Exhibitors, and an Overall Upbeat Vibe in Anaheim …Nearly 1,400 exhibitors, attendance over 87,500

“W

hile no one is predicting a quick turnaround, our

Members who attended NAMM seized the high ground of the highly anticipated recovery,” notes NAMM CEO Joe Lamond, and his thoughts are echoed by many of the exhibitors whom we spoke with in Anaheim. “Many of us walked into NAMM still nervous about the economy,” observes

46 MMR

MXL Microphones’ Mary Ann Giorgio. “But four days later, we walked out of the show feeling better about the future. Our booth was consistently busy and attendees seemed more optimistic and inquisitive about new product than the previous year. It’s naïve to say that we’re out of the woods but if this year’s NAMM is any indication, we may all be breathing just a little easier in 2010.” Marc Boomer of Dana B Goods adds, “I agree that the vibe was more upbeat and positive. There was more interest in our pedal and mic lines than in the past.

But there were less new dealer inquiries this year. It was good to see our old friends and dealers ordering up, though, for sure.” For the most part, numbers back up these cuatiously optimistic sentiments with NAMM reporting 87,569 registrants (up two percent from 2009) and 1,373 exhibitors at this year’s winter gathering (including just under 250 first-time exhibitors — a NAMM show record). While most seemed to be in agreement as to the overall “tone” in Anaheim (“positive” and “upbeat” were already

MARCH 2010

the most overused words by dinnertime, Thursday), many did note that actual dealer presence on the convention floor seemed lacking. Peter Choi of Kahler International says, “The only reason our company attended Winter NAMM 2010 was to show the industry that we were still alive and that we had made it through the Economic Recession of 2009. We were expecting a very low turn out and no new interest in our line, much like Summer NAMM 2009. On the contrary, this show ended up being one of our best shows. We picked up two huge

MARCH 2010

international Distributors in China/Malayasia. Our product was seen in more booths than ever before and our future looks bright. However, buyers and retailers were pretty much non-existent. The traffic at our booth was very slow and no one placed any orders within the USA. This is the first time at a NAMM show that this has happened for us.” But, as Grace Newman of Connolly Music adds, even shifting attendance trends can be taken advantage of and, again, the overall picture seems to be looking up: “While dealer attendance

did seem to be down, we felt that what we might have missed in quantity, we gained in quality as visitors were committed, positive and purchasing. Optimism appeared to reign supreme, and were able to generate significant interest around our programs and new products. 2010 is already off to a pretty good start and we’re hearing the same for many of our dealers as well.”

Breakfast of Champions On Thursday, NAMM president/CEO Joe Lamond welcomed industry leaders

MMR 47

John Gerzema at the Friday NAMM U breakfast.

NAMM Breakfast of Champions: NAMM Chairman Tom Schmitt, Tom Bedell, Remo Belli, Chris Martin, NAMM President/CEO Joe Lamond, Yoko Ono and Quincy Jones.

Joe Lamond welcomes Richard Riley to the NAMM U Breakfast Session.

and music celebrities to the opening day of the NAMM U Breakfast of Champions, held at the Hilton Hotel in the Pacific Ballroom to standing room only attendance. Lamond continued his tradition of casual but entertaining and insightful interviews with intriguing industry personalities new (Tom Bedell of Two Old

George Whalin addresses the Saturday NAMM U Breakfast attendees. 48 MMR

Hippies) and old (Chris Martin of Martin Guitars, Remo Belli of Remo). Joe opened the event by congratulating all those attending for merely being there after such a tough year. Chris Martin, chairman and CEO of Martin Guitars, recalled his early history with his grandfather and father Johann Martin and his apprenticeship at age 15. Martin Guitars is celebrating its 175th anniversary, and Martin credits the many craftspeople for the company’s past and continued success. Yoko Ono, musician and John Lennon’s widow, was attending NAMM to celebrate John Lennon’s 70th Birthday Celebration and show her continued support of the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a mobile recording studio that gives students across the country free hands-on access to music and the digital arts. She presented a $200,000 check to the non-profit group. Lamond and Ono also broached the subject of the new “Rock Band” Beatles Edition game. Ono saw it as an opportunity to introduce a new generation of people to the music of the Fab Four.

Tom Bedell opened his first retail store in Spirit Lake, Iowa in the early 1960s. At age 18, he was the youngest exhibitor at a NAMM show. Tom joined his family business, sold it in 2008 and bought a small guitar shop in Aspen, Colorado with the proceeds from the sale. With the children grown, Tom and his wife Molly started their new company, Two Old Hippies which includes Bedell and Great Divide guitars. The room also gave up a rousing welcome when Quincy Jones took the stage. Jones was this year’s NAMM Grand Marshall. “The number one thing we have to do is reinvent the record business,” Jones announced. “I can say that because I’ve been in it for 60 years.” He spoke with great urgency about the importance of music education – and not just being able to play, but also understanding the history. “There are a lot of kids growing up out there who don’t know about Louie Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie et cetera,” he lamented. “Everybody else in the world knows about these people [but not us]. It has started bothering me that young people in the U.S. don’t really know about jazz. So I thought maybe there was something I can do about it.” Lamond got a big laugh when MARCH 2010

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for his extraordinary contributions to school music and arts programs. Author George Whalin opened the Saturday morning NAMM breakfast by challenging retailers to think “outside the box” in our changing economy. New strategies for retail operations are “all about change,” he noted and that the lack of desire and inability to change is ultimately the downfall of many retailers today. George recounted stories of his experience managing the original Guitar Center in California in the ‘60s. He noted current consumer spending habits and suggested retailers to access what needs to be changed, strategize and transition towards profitability. St. Louis Music Inventor Graham Lyon, holding his new instrument, the Clarineo, gave demonstrations in the St. Louis Music booth.

he quoted Jones as being on record as saying at times like this, it’s important for everyone to leave egos at the door. “Yes, leave your ego at the door, and allow space for God to walk through,” Jones said. Jones said how music is taught in schools needs to be changed as well. He emphasized that the culture of music making can go a long way to help troubled kids as well. It’s important for all growing up in America to “know where music came from, and how we’re connected to it.” Remo Belli, founder and CEO of Remo percussion instruments, recalled more than 50 years in the industry. Currently, Remo is widening the scope of music in health and wellness with his study, “Composite Effects of Group Drumming in Music Therapy.” Remo believes there is a deep connection between music and the human condition. The Remo Recreational Music Center offers seminars, workshops, clinics, kids drum circles, concerts, classes and wellness programs. The topic of the NAMM U Breakfast on Friday was the Post-Crisis Consumer, hosted by John Gerzema of Young & Rubicam Group. John is the author of “The Brand Bubble,” the looming crisis in brand value and how to avoid it. John theorizes that there is a profound shift in core values which is effecting economic and consumer branding and projecting an image in relation to the musical instrument industry. Richard Riley, former Secretary of Education under Bill Clinton and former Governor of South Carolina was presented with NAMM’s Music for Life award MARCH 2010

Meet the Press The trusty press conference – a staple of any trade show. There were plenty at NAMM and, at their best, big news and product are rolled out; at their least, at least there’s a free cup of joe for the bleary eyed journalist. Here are just a few of the press happenings. Over at LOUD, there was a marriage and a parting of ways.

LOUD’s Greg Young took the stage to announce an agreement with Avid, resulting in licensing the use of Mackie’s new Onyx-I Series Firewire Recording Mixer with the popular Avid Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software. The “divorce” announced was amiable: LOUD is handing off sales, marketing, and post-sales support of Alvarez guitars to St. Louis Music (SLM). On hand was SLM president Mark Ragin, who was notably pleased to be trusted with the brand. The move was not unexpected, as LOUD had already sold the vast majority of what it had acquired when it purchased St. Louis Music in 2005 to Ragin in 2008. Details of the deal weren’t finalized until the first day of the show, with Alvarez guitars and promotional material being shown in LOUD’s booth in the morning, then being shuffled to the SLM booth by that afternoon. Also shown off were new Ampeg products, including two new heads added to the SVT-PRO series, the SVT-7PRO, and the SVT-8PRO. CLARINEO: Graham Lyon and Brendan Murray at the Clarineo press

Second Annual Don Johnson Music Industry Service Award “A personal highlight of the show for me was seeing MMR choose Felice Mancini from the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to receive this year’s Don Johnson Music Industry Service Award,” says NAMM CEO Joe Lamond. Here Sid Davis presents the 2010 Don Johnson Music Industry Service Award to Felice Mancini. Felice is the executive director of Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation which distributes new and repaired musical instruments to music programs in poor, inner city schools. The foundation also raises funds and evaluates applications for grants. Felice is the daughter of composer, conductor and arranger Henry Joe Lamond, NAMM, Mancini. congratulates Felice Mancini.

MMR 51

conference.)had a demonstration of the Clarineo by its inventor, Graham Lyons. The new instrument has the fi ngering and feel of a Clarinet, but is built for smaller hands and younger minds. Associate Brendan Murray was on hand to explain that the instrument is light, virtually indestructible, and can play a critical role in preparing a player as young as five to play clarinet, sax, and even oboe or bassoon. Murray made the case that the instrument, which has a MAP price of $159, allows retailers to reach a previously untapped market. Casio had a session featuring Mike Martin, director of marketing, who held forth a celebration in honor of the company’s 30th year in the music instrument business. The booth had splashes of Casio keyboard product of yore, but it was their new products, particularly their Celviano digital pianos, that drew excite-

ment. The AP-220, AP-420, and AP-620 are aimed at the more discriminating consumers, he explained, and the instruments all feature traditional design houses, new stereo grand piano sounds, and an enhanced “ivory touch” keyboard. “Our business is actually up,” Martin said. His take on the reason for that is while the economy was putting the squeeze on consumer’s wallets, money that does make it out is spent on products that offer value. “Casio has always equaled value for the money.” He added that the Privia line of digitals, now in its sixth year, also experienced growth last year, and “continues to evolve into an award-winning product.” Graphtech’s Dave Dunwoodie was showing the company’s new guitar bridges, the ResoMax NV series, which he pitched as offering “tone of steel.” The bridges are being offered to guitar

Kawai Awards Reception 2010

Dealer of the Year Large Market Evola Music Center, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Jim Evola

Dealer of the Year Kawai Canada Music Merriam Music, Oakville, Ontario Alan Merriam

Top Digital Piano Market Performance Large Market Lacefield Music, St. Louis, Mo. Cathy Krubsack

Top Sales Perfomance Single Location Kim’s Piano, Garden Grove, Calif. Benjamin Kim

52 MMR

makers and to retailers who want to offer guitarist the chance to buy the bridges to improve their instrument. His enthusiasm for the new products was obvious, which he realized at one point, pausing to grin and say, “this might sound silly, but these bridges are my life!” Remo introduced several new items at the 2010 Winter Namm Show. Much of their visible focus was on some new, cosmetically enhanced drumhead designs, along with a new line of world percussion frame drums. Said Remo VP of Sales & Marketing Bob Yerby, the company’s goal at this point is to “stick to brands that are strong and solidified in [their] business.” Remo’s Tattooo Skyns are a new line of drumheads that feature tattoo-like patterns around the exterior of head. The proprietary technology used to create these was designed to enable the image to be embedded into the head without affecting any of its sonic properties or, importantly, durability. Created in collaboration with tattoo artist Corey Miller of TV’s L.A. Ink, there are two different images to choose from, and they are currently being manufactured for snare drums in single ply, 12mm suede fi lm in 13-inch and 14-inch sizes, and for bass drums in a 22-inch Powerstroke3, which features a 10mm fi lm and a 10mm inlay ring for overtone control. Other new products from Remo include: the Ambassador X drumhead, which uses the same fi lm as the coated Ambassador line, only 20 percent thicker, allowing for increased durability while maintaining tonal range; two newly designed djembes; and a line of global frame drums and tambourines featuring instruments like the Irish bodhrán, the pandeiro, the riq, and the Persian daf. Yamaha used the 2010 Winter NAMM Show to unveil the new CP line of digital stage pianos and the DTX series

Mitsu Umemura, Yamaha president. MARCH 2010

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Phillip Saisse tries out Yamaha’s CP1 digital stage piano.

of electronic drums. The CP1, the flagship model of the newly designed professional series, features weighted wooden keys and a spectral component modeling technology to accurately recreate sounds from a number of classic Yamaha pianos. The weight of the piano hammers is controlled with the touch of a button, and the range of onboard sounds and effects are designed to make the CP1 an

Zak Bond demos Yamaha’s DTX electronic drums.

extraordinarily versatile, top-of-the-line keyboard instrument. The DTX Electronic Drums, featuring Yamaha’s proprietary DTX-PADs with Textured Cellular Silicone (T.C.S.) technology, were designed to offer musicians an expressive playing experience. The T.C.S. head uses a proprietary manufacturing process that introduces small air bubbles into foamed silicone,

reportedly providing increased playability and feel. “Drummers need equipment that not only feels good to play, but sounds good, too,” said Bob Terry, marketing manager, Yamaha Electronic Drums. “The new DTXPADS, combined with Yamaha’s advanced sound technology, deliver an instrument that will appeal to the most discriminating acoustic and electronic kit players.”

NAMM on Wheels! This year’s show in Anaheim featured a number of exhibitors making good use of attention-getting vehicles

Alan Poster of Ace Products’ 1968 Corvette Stingray convertible.

The doubledecker bus at Ashdown Amplification’s booth always makes an impression. Hallmark Guitars showcased The Batmobile from the classic, kitschy ‘60s television show to promote its Wing-Bat guitar model.

MARCH 2010

Two Old Hippies made a splash with their psychadelic VW Bus.

MMR 55

The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith speaks at the PMC press conference.

The Percussion Marketing Council held a press conference on Friday, January 15th to announce a new Percussion in the Schools dealer promotion featuring celebrated drummer Chad Smith. Music dealers can nominate their local school districts for a PMC prize package that includes a clinic with the member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and super-group Chickenfoot by e-mailing winchad@aol. com. The nomination should include an essay of 300 words or less explaining why their district should host the event. After a brief introduction by his brother, Hal Leonard marketing and sales manager and PMC executive committee member, Brad Smith, Chad spoke about how he remembers a school assembly sparking his own love for rock and roll – when a presenter played the drum break in Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” Now, Chad is hoping that by going into schools and working with students, he can inspire them to follow a similar path. This is part of the PMC’s 20/10 initiative, where they hope to visit 20 schools, presenting in-school educational percussion concerts to 10,000 students this year. Since 2007, Percussion in the Schools has hosted programs in 41

schools and 12 libraries, connecting with over 20,000 students. At the PMC’s annual meeting the following morning, Saturday, January 16th, a number of the Council’s initiatives were reviewed. In addition to the aforementioned accomplishments of the Percussion in the Schools initiative, which were met with great enthusiasm, the PMC’s implementation of International Drum Month and the Roots of Rhythm campaigns were also very well received. During International Drum Month (November), anyone interested in drumming was able to redeem a coupon for a free pair of drumsticks from a local music store. Coupons were available online and in a number consumer music magazines. PMC chairman Karl Dustman called the efforts a “slam dunk.” Dr. Craig Woodson, the director of the Roots of Rhythm workshops, reported that there had been five ROR workshops since May of 2009, helping provide approximately 75 teachers with a foundation in teaching rhythm through world percussion or homemade instruments, and integrating music into the teaching of other subject areas. Dr. Woodson estimates that these 75 teachers have, in turn, reached approximately 45,000 students. Roland previewed its 2010 product lineup with Dennis Houlihan, president of Roland US, announcing Roland is “Ready to Connect” in a synchronized, world-wide launch at the press preview party held in the company’s Arena exhibit space. Chris Halon, Roland’s director of product management, introduced the V-Piano Evolution System Program Update, adding

The Roland Battery Band, performing on all battery-powered instruments. 56 MMR

Zildjian R-D specialist, Paul Francis.

two new models to the V Piano line. The Octapad SPD-30, a digital percussion pad and the TD-12KX V Drum Kit were also debuted. Paul Youngblood, president of Boss, unveiled the AC Series of battery powered musical products, including the AC33 guitar amp and the ME-25 Mulitple Effects Processor. The press party ended with the Roland Battery Band performing on the company’s battery powered musical products. Zildjian introduced a number of new K Rides (22” K Constantinople “Bounce” Ride designed with jazz great Kenny Washington, 22” K Constantinople Thin Ride – Overhammered, 20” K Light Flat Ride), Effects Cymbals (16” and 18” K EFX, 8” and 10” ZHT Trashformers, 13” and 15” Oriental Crash, 14” and 20” A Custom EFX), and a 22” ZHT Ride. Sabian used the NAMM show to announce their acquisition of Gon Bops and a continued association with Little Kids Rock, while Dennis Houlihan, also introducing several new cymbal products. president of Sabian acquired Gon Roland U.S. Bops from Drum Workshop, Inc., and established the wholly owned subsidiary, Gon Bops, Inc. Andy Zildjian, president and CEO of Sabian, will become CEO of Gon Bops, Inc., and will be responsible for oversight and strategy of the brand. Lane Davy, vice president at Sabian, will assume the role of executive director of Gon Bops, Inc., and will execute the strategies and oversee the day-to-day operations. Mike ConMARCH 2010

Innovation to the First Power The New Antigua® BS4240BG Black Nickel PowerBell® Baritone Saxophone After 5 years of extensive research and development, Antigua has crafted a revolutionary and innovative new baritone saxophone. The end result of this exhaustive research is an extremely versatile and durable handcrafted saxophone that has incredible power, tone, intonation, and quality. The BS4240BG Black Nickel Baritone Saxophone by Antigua is the new standard.

• Exclusive PowerBell Design • Beautifully Hand Engraved Bell • Power Forged Keys • Double Action Table Keys • High F# Key & Low A Key • Drawn Tone Holes • Deluxe Heavy Duty ABS Case with Wheels

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sizes and models, each featuring deep, large-peen hammering and pinpoint lathing. Sabian also introduced AAk and HH/HHX Gospel, Praise & Worship packs, and a Vault Artisan Traditional Suspended Symphonic cymbal for orchestral percussionists. Joe Hibbs, product manager for Mapex USA, introduced a revamped line-up of Black Panther snares, as well as the newly designed Falcon bass drum pedal, at an event just before the opening of the showroom floor on Thursday, January 14th. For 2010, Sabian’s Bob Zildjian, Don Lombardi from Drum Workshop, Akbar Moghaddam of Mapex USA has reduced Gon Bops, Andy Zildjian of Sabian, Drum Workshop’s Chris Lombardi, and Sabian’s the number of Black Mike Connell and Lane Davy announce Sabian’s acquisition of Gon Bops, Inc. from Panther models down to Drum Workshop. 14 newly designed snare nell, executive vice president and CFO of features and improvements drums, each featuring a Sabian Ltd., will assume the role of CFO that have forever changed Latunique finish, sound, and of Sabian Inc. and Gon Bops Inc., and as in instruments. We are excitcharacter. They utilize such will oversee and manage the finaned about not only expanding Davis Wish, founder of Mapex’s new Sonic Saver cial functions of these companies. Top distribution, but continuing Little Kids Rock. hoop, which, according to instrument designer Akbar Moghaddam to focus on ground-breaking Hibbs, “bridges the gap continues with Gon Bops, Inc. as direcdesigns that represent clear between flanged and dietor of Production and R&D. improvements in meeting the needs of cast” hoops, as well as a smooth pistonGon Bops, Inc. will be run as a sepamusicians.” style snare throw-off. rate concern from the cymbal business, David Wish, founder of Little Kids The newly released Falcon bass drum with its own distribution network and Rock, was present at the Sabian booth to pedals are fully adjustable and easy to artist program. Through an ongoing accept a donation of 100 cymbals for his customize. Yet, stressed Hibbs, makworking relationship with Drum Worknon-profit organization. “If our children ing adjustments on these pedals is not shop, manufacturing in California will can’t depend on us today, it’s unfair for us overly complicated and the Falcon will continue uninterrupted. Relationships to expect to be able to depend on them for perform right out of the box. The other with current suppliers will continue, althe future,” he said, referring to the critical unique feature of the Falcon bass drum lowing a continuous flow of products. nature of supporting educational efforts. pedal is that it was designed to have a “We’re excited to begin a new chapter Among the new products that Sabian smaller footprint than other compain Sabian history,” said Andy Zildjian. unveiled are a new line of entry-level rable pedals on the market, making “Gon Bops instruments are a perfect cymbals, designated SBr. Produced it easier to fit between the snare drum blend of vintage craftsmanship and infrom a special-formula brass alloy at stand, hi-hat stands, and drum legs or novative thinking. Since its founding in the Sabian plant in Canada, the budgetother pedals. In spite of that, Hibbs 1954, the company has pioneered several priced SBr is available in a full range of states that the Falcon’s narrow footplate

Artist Dom Famularo performs on new Mapex products. 58 MMR

Mapex USA’s Joe Hibbs. MARCH 2010

Ralph Goldheim demonstrates the Novation Launchpad.

American Music & Sound’s Gabriel Whyel.

doesn’t compromise the pedal’s strength or sturdiness. American Music & Sound used an in-booth gathering to announce that, as of January 1st, 2010, they are now the exclusive American distributor of beyerdynamic Pro Audio Products, including

the company’s vast line of microphones, headphones, and related products.

“Music City,” Here We Come Once again, Summer NAMM will be held in Nashville. If the positive vibes and up-tick in numbers experienced in Ana-

heim carry through to the summer months and translate in a healthier market, overall, we can expect a similarly strong showing at the 2010 midyear gathering. Summer NAMM will be held June 18-20, 2010 in Nashville, Tenn. for more information, visit www.namm.org.

The New Young Chang Young Chang unveiled their completely redesigned Young Chang and Weber keyboards, plus showed off new products from their Kurzweil line, coordinating pointedly with their 50th Anniversary. On hand were most of Young Chang’s luminaries, including CEO B.J. Park and president Vincent Choi. Vice president Bruce McNeil discussed his recent visit to their two factories in Asia, and shared his impression of how the work is being done. He explained that the new vision included a melding of the best of the “old ways” with the possibilities that new technologies offered. Acknowledging a need to do “everything differently,” the company is rejecting a “cookie-cutter” approach. He explained that Young Chang pianos were redesigned with the jazz player in mind – a brighter sound, more cutting tone. The Webers will feature a warmer tone to appeal to the classical player. McNeil then handed the floor over to piano designer Delwin Fandrich.

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Fandrich is entering PowerPoint-driven lechis fifth decade in the ture on every aspect of business, and is a forthe redesign showing mer director of R&D of the difference. HelpBaldwin. He spoke with ing illustrate it all was great passion of this pianist Corey Allen, arproject, and gave credit ranger/keyboardist for to the management the Manhattan Transteam of Young Chang fer, who demonstrated for supporting such a VP Bruce McNeil at the various instruthorough make over. ments. the Young Chang/ Issues of tone bal- Weber/Kurzweil press After Fandrich’s sesance, bass, and most conference.) sion, Allen moved over of all sustain, were adto the Kurzweil section dressed. No aspect of the instruand demonstrated the new X-Pro ment was too small or too large Series. Again and again it was reto be taken back to the drawing inforced that Kurzweil was setting board. “You can’t make pianos out to reclaim its position in the like they were made in the 1920s,” world market. Allen stressed not Fandrich stated, pointing out that only the quality of sounds but also in addition to labor cost being the ease of use. “I don’t like scrollunmanageable, many of the raw ing through layers to get the sound materials used are near imposI want – I want to just hit a button,” sible to get. So the challenge is he said. “These keyboards are exworking better with what is availtremely user friendly.” able within reasonable economic Echoing a new era of openness, limits. Allen pointed to one of the keyYoung Chang was not satisfied boards saying it was still underdewith just saying their new pianos velopment. “Please, come up and were better, but gave Fandrich play it and let us know what we free reign to provide a fascinating can do to make it better.”

MARCH 2010

Yamaha Piano Dealer Breakfast Retailers gathered for the annual Yamaha breakfast the second morning of NAMM, though what they got with their scrambled eggs and French toast was anything but typical. The lights dimmed for an entertaining from animusic.com, the computer animated music house. Pianist Frederic Chiu performed on the Yamaha CFX, the result of 19 years of R&D, and proclaimed that the instrument had “incredible sustain.” Then the work began. Following was a parade of Yamaha dignitaries who all struck a similar theme: No more business-as-usual. Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) president Hogan Osawa took the podium, pledging to continue to “strive to be the best supplier in every market we sell. We will continue to listen to you [the retailers] and the market.” He ended thanking the retailers for YCA’s 50th year in America. Senior vice president Rick Young said that the company is stepping up aggressively to create an even wider portfolio of choices. “Consistent with the Yamaha philosophy, we have adopted a total piano strategy that will feature more comprehen-

Yamaha president Hogan Osawa at the Yamaha’s Dealer Breakfast.

MARCH 2010

sive products.” But more, better products aren’t enough. “We now have 15 district managers who will continually bring new ideas to the market, and we bolstered our internal sales team to provide consumers with the royal treatment.” There will now be an online education concierge available to round out the “holistic approach” to doing business in the next decade. YCA is stressing a unified message that ensures a positive customer experience no matter where a customer buys whatever Yamaha instrument. “We are redoubling efforts to maintain our tradition of quality and craftsmanship.” In acknowledging that the financial crisis that has made getting credit harder than ever, Young spoke of the new Yamaha flooring program. “It will be offering more competitive rates, and we hope many of our dealers will take advantage of it.” Up next was Tom Sumner, senior vice president, who spoke of the need for a quality website. Wanting to lead by example, he showed off their own redesigned site, which has already reaped benefits. “Now customers are able to get to the product they want very quickly, and they are staying longer. “Every single day our web team is changing something on our site,” Sumner said. The good news is that the company is increasing their conversion rate – that is, how many actually go from looking at a product online to finding a local dealer who has it. The challenge is an embarrassment of riches: With so many products, how do you get customers excited about the one they would be interested in? “We work hard to make sure we have the right mix of products and customers like spotlights,” he says. In one instance, after spotlighting one of their new trumpets, they

SVP Rick Young at the Yamaha Dealer’s Breakfast.

saw a conversion rate of 1,240 percent. Another aspect they’ve addressed is their dealer locator tool. “It’s very important. When the customer does want to go try something out, we want to make sure that when they drive to their designation, they have a good experience.” A bad experience would include going to a piano store thinking a synth will be on hand and being disappointed it’s not. So a more sophisticated system is in place to ensure the right customer gets to the right retailer. Paul Calvin, VP/GM of the Keyboard Division, took the stage next and spoke how Yamaha takes seriously the partnerships and relationships they’ve built over the years, and how it’s made their 50th Anniversary possible. “It’s not just what you do, it’s who you do it with,” he declared. “We’ve gone further with you then we ever could have gone alone.”

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On the Second Floor: Keyboard Manufacturers Look Forward to the New Year “One word: challenging,” Gary Green, sales director for Pearl River U.S., says of the current business climate. “In this industry, there are lots of piano companies and too few prospects. It’s no longer just about the product anymore – it’s who has the fanciest financing terms.” He spoke about the progress the company has made in terms of increasing the quality of the Pearl River instruments coming out of China. “We have the best product, and now we have the resources to ‘build a better mouse trap’ so to speak.” An effort to get dealers to take a good look at their instruments, and the price/ value ratio of their offerings is key. Green knows it can be done because it worked on him: “I was going to get out of this business,” he sighs, noting that he previously worked for Steinway. But Pearl River convinced him his work wasn’t done. “The thing is to just get people to sit down and play!” he smiles. “Pianos need to touch your soul. If it doesn’t inspire you to play, its just furniture.” He did speak candidly about the company bringing out the higher end Ritmuller pianos. “Truthfully, they brought it out too early. The instrument wasn’t where it needed to be. But they quickly realized that and they addressed [the issue]. Now The Piano Book says it’s the best of its class.”

Chris Vance (president of Perzina) with Daniel Merriam, Marti Gordon (Perzina), and Alan Merriam. The Merriams are Canadian distributors. 62 MMR

Green was one of the many who are advising their dealers to invest and develop good websites. “The first thing I do is look at the dealer website.” He adds that even when they develop one they think is good, have a young person go through it and give an evaluation. Capture emails. On the eve of show, Green told the rest he honestly didn’t know what to expect. Not leaving anything to chance, he’s even building relationships with piano technicians who can be good advocates and even sometimes provide successful sale leads. The Mason-Hamlin booth had a good deal of traffic, and vice president Tom Lagomarsino said the show was good for them, buoyed by continued interest in the iQ products of sister company PianoDisc. Keeping up with technology, the new versions of their player system are iPod-friendly, and have embraced the video possibilities of new technology. In the Hailun room on the second floor, president Basilios Strmec spoke with great enthusiasm and optimism. “We’ve had a good run, and we have enjoyed great dealer loyalty,” he says. “Our higher-end instruments have done better then other models.” Their 168 and 178 models were especially getting attention because of their redesign, he added. Marketing-wise they continue to stress the personal touch. For example, those who purchase a new instrument receive a beautiful glass piano music box. “This was picked out by the wife of Hailun Chen,” he says. “Some might think it’s a little corny, but we hope people will see it as a nice personal touch.” Strmec was glad to be picking up new dealers during the show, too. “In the Southeast and in the West we’ve opened a few,” he said. “Many have sat on the sidelines for years thinking of taking

on Hailun products, and are now planning to do it.” But they are going to be reaching out more to end consumers soon: They are in the process of launching a new website, Hailun-usa.com.

Andy Cerone, Frank West, Bob Ashroth, and Jim Wieda).

It was all smiles at the Piano Empire booth, which sells Perzina pianos. They continue to emphasize that their vertical and grand pianos are among the best made today, but at a much better value. “We finished the year trending up,” said Frank West of Lowrey. Their well-tapered program has attracted 18 dealers – some who have increased their Lowrey offerings, and some who are brand new to the line. They are also aggressively going after those dealers who are struggling with profit margins. Displayed prominently in their booth is an ad that says: “I need to sell 96 guitars to get the same amount of cash as one mid-level Lowrey organ.” “The challenge is getting people in the program,” West said. “They don’t know they want the product” until they are in a class. So they are telling their dealers to get out in the community, get people to come in, and get them coming back. As for 2009, West no doubt spoke for many dealing in keyboards when he said that 2009 is going to be like the 13th floor of a building: “We’re going to pretend it didn’t exist.” MARCH 2010

iMSO Ramps Up iBuy Group Honors Crafter, Curt Mangan, Hanser, and Samick Members of the Independent Music Store Owners (iMSO) group met at NAMM on Tuesday. When the group was founded in 2007, it wasn’t initially meant to be a buying group, only one that shared information and tips on what worked and what didn’t on the retail floor. But quickly members wondered aloud if they could wield their numbers in a way that would lead to more attractive bottom lines. Last year they launched their iBuy program, the goal being to develop relationships between manufacturer’s and the group overall that would result in more purchasing power. “Some companies have been able to work with us,” Gordy Wilcherof Owensboro Music, Owensboro, Ky. said to the group, adding though that others haven’t been able to yet for a variety of reasons. “And we will go back to them later. But continued use of the program will only strengthen our position, and help us get to that 40-plus margin we need to see to stay alive.” Right now, par-

ticipating in any of the iBuy deals is open to anyone, though “there will be a time in the future when dealers are required to pay our $25 a year fee to join the group.” iMSO “splurged” and purchased four awards to reward suppliers who have been especially successful in working with the group: Crafter USA, Curt Mangan, Hanser Musical Group, and Samick all received “Honored Supplier” awards. This will be an annual event. The group talked about the growing pains the group is experiencing. Jeff Simons of Watermelon Music, Sacramento, has been working hard on a rating system to help members determine which suppliers are “iMSO friendly” or not, and it was acknowledged that this is no easy feat. Much to the group’s enjoyment, member Chris Basile of South Jersey Music, Sewell N.J., was on hand to unveil “Indies Never Die” t-shirts. No doubt these shirts, along with the iSMO buttons, will be increasingly visible at NAMM shows in years to come.

K&M Stands’ Martin Koenig, Mike Freudenberger, Gabriela Koenig, Werner Scheurmann, and Heike Wolz.

Flaxwood: J-P Karppinen, Rick Nelson, Harry Orlove.

Kickport International’s Sammi Millender.

Dana Stirewalt of Groove Juice, Inc.

Carmen Speziale of Universal Percussion, Inc.

Stephen Murray of Kazoobie Kazoos.

Walt Ostermeyer of Flavor Reeds.

Blackstar Amplification: Craig Costigan.

Chris Martin, C.F. Martin shown with D28 1955 replica guitar built the year he was born.

Ohana Ukulele: Louis Wu.

Metropolitan Music: Adam Juzek.

Vic Firth of Vic Firth, Inc.

David Gage: Sam Finlay.

House of Troy: Betsy Levin.

KMC Music’s Mike Oken and Robert Racicot.

Sid Davis, MMR and Mary Jo Papich, president, Jazz Education Network.

Dave Gartland and Illiane Urosevuc, Saga Musical Instruments flank Nashville retailer, George Gruhn, Gruhn Guitars. 64 MMR

MARCH 2010

Happy Anniversary! V

MMR Salutes Companies Celebrating Significant Milestones in 2010 25 Years!

The PRS team receiving the MMR anniversary plaque for 25 years in business: Paul Reed Smith, Rebecca Eaddy, and Jack Higginbotham.

30 Years!

Richard Taninbaum and David McAllister, Rhythm Tech, with NAMM plaque marking companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30th Anniversary.

40 Years! Wolfgang Weiss, Heinz Kovace, Grace Newman, Kevin Reynolds, and Elisabeth Pohl of Connolly & Co. receiving their anniversary plaque.

35 Years! Artie Cabasso & Alan Cabasso with GCI Technologiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MMR 35th anniversary plaque.

25 Years! Receiving the MMR plaque for 25 years in business: American Way Mfg., Jon Musselman and Jim Klingler, with Phyllis Kohlenberg and Janice Klingler.

V V

30 Years! Casio presented by MMR with their 30 Year Anniversary Plaque.

66 MMR

MARCH 2010

Paul Reed Smith

Anniversary To celebrate 25 years, Paul Reed Smith reminisced at a press conference at the PRS booth with friends and fellow guitarists.

Heart guitarist Howard Leese.

MARCH 2010

Ted Nugent.

Latin jazz guitarist Al DiMeola.

David Grissom.

Carlos Santana.

MMR 67

Joe Barbieri, Dave Fournier, and Chris DeMaria, Fishman.

Reunion Blues Dave Andrus, Tim Sartori, John Maher, John Aralea and Brett Paley flank company’s Blue Corvette. Carol and Tom Concorde of FBT USA.

KMC Music’s Tom Ricksgers.

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UNK Guitars: John Duck.

Mark Gullo and Joe Zon, Zon Guitars.

Curtis Ferree, Theresa Ferree and Larry Gerhardt, Ferrees Tools, Inc.

Nathalie Boudreau and Keith Stickney, Tsunami Cables.

Jupiter Band Instruments, Inc’s Richard Breske.

Cindy Overton, Strings by Aurora.

MARCH 2010

Composite Acoustic: Laurie Abshire.

The Mel Bay Publications team: Chuck Phillips, Joff Ponte, Bryndon Bay, Rene Flores, and Chris Stratham.

Vijay Talwar and Abhi Chakrabart of Talwar Ltd.

SKB Cases: Kathy Galbraith and the R104 Audio and DJ Rack Case.

Grover Musical Products’ Dan Skutt and Chuck Kirschling

U.S. Music Corp. artist Nuno Bettencourt signs autographs.

John Teto, Korg USA

Mighty Bright: Michelle Mantyla.

Andy Papiccio of Floyd Rose.

Zildjian’s Craigie Zildjian.

Stan Morgan of St. Louis Music.

Roy Burns of Aquarian.

ToneRite: Hans Yeakel, Ryan Frankel, Agapitus Lye. MARCH 2010

Eminence Press Conference: Cobi Stein.

Voyage Air’s Shaun Maye, and Michael Ferrucci. MMR 69

Dealers’ Choice Awards Sound Reinforcement Line of the Year

Home Digital Keyboard Line of the Year

Jim Levesque and Mark Anderson of Yamaha accept the Dealers’ Choice Award for Product of the Year, the Disklavier from MMR’s Sidney Davis.

Wayne Hrabak and John Schauer of Yamaha receiving the Dealers’ Choice Award for Sound Reinforcement Line of the Year from MMR’s Sidney Davis.

Sid Davis presents Yamaha’s Dane Madsen with the DCA for Home Digital Keyboard Line of the Year, the Clavinova.

Recording Equipment Line of the Year

Pro Digital Keyboard Line of the Year

Pro Digital Web Site of the Year

Mark Wilder, Samson Technologies, holds the Dealers’ Choice Award for the Recording Equipment Line of the Year, the Zoom H4n.

Roland Corp’s. Chris Halon, receiving the Dealers’ Choice Award for Pro Digital Keyboard Line of the Year, the Roland RD Series.

Music People received the Dealers’ Choice Award for Best Web site L to R: Jim Hennessey, Jessica Wong, Sharon and John Hennessey.

Product of the Year

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MARCH 2010

DJ Line of the Year

Percussion Line of the Year

Acoustic Piano Line of the Year

The GCI Team Celebrates their MMR Dealers’ Choice Award for DJ Line of the Year.

Pearl’s Terry West accepts an MMR Dealers’ Choice Award for Percussion Line of the Year.

Rick Kessel of MMR presenting the Dealers’ Choice Award for Acoustic Piano Line of the Year (the K-3) to Mr. Kawai of Kawai Piano Co.

Electric Bass Line of the Year

Print Music Publisher of the Year

Bill Reim, Kiyotaka Yamada, Yuki Ozawa and Ed O’Donnell , Hoshino USA display the Dealers’ Choice Award for Electric Bass Line of the Year.

Hal Leonard Publishing was the recipient of the Dealers’ Choice Award for Print Music Publisher of the Year L to R: David Jahnke. Keith Mardak, Larry Morton and Doug Lady.

Accessory Line of the Year

Lighting Line of the Year

Band Instrument of the Year

John D’Addario III and Rick Drumm accepting D’Addario’s Dealers’ Choice Award for Accessory Line of the Year.

MMR’s Rick Kessel presents Scott Davies of American DJ with the Dealers’ Choice Award for Lighting Line of the Year.

Sheryl and Tevis Laukat of Cannonball Musical Instruments receiving their MMR Dealers’ Choice Award for the Band Instrument of the Year, the Cannonball A5L Alto Sax.

Acoustic Guitar Line of the Year

Electric Guitar Line of the Year

Software Line of the Year

Chris Martin, C.F Martin displays the Dealers’ Choice Award for Acoustic Guitar Line of the Year.

Henry Chiarelli and Henry Juszkiewicz of Gibson accept the Dealers’ Choice Award for Electric Guitar Line of the Year, the Les Paul.

Rick Kessel of MMR presents MakeMusic’s Ron Raup with the Dealers’ Choice Award for Software Line of the Year (Finale 2010).

MARCH 2010

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The Levy’s Leather’s Team: (b) Brett Marcus, Larry Greene, Ben Myron, Bob Richards, Tom Levy, Piers Munro, and Jeff Bard. (f) Harvey Levy, Amy Brennan, Corrinn Hunt and Garth Giesbrecht.

John Norris and Pat Bovenizer, Peterson Strobe Tuners.

Mark Dyke, Vic Firth, Inc. with Scott Atkins, Coast Wholesale.

LPD’s Scott Bowman, David Roof, and Sonia and Tom Vallis.

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Grover’s Chuck Kirschling and Richard Berger.

Graph Tech’s James Markus and Martin Jongejan.

MARCH 2010

Gator Cases – Jerry and Crystal Freed with Ken Fuente.

Raxxess: Steve Durkee, VP.

Don Rhodes, E. M. Winston.

ACESONIC USA’S Gary Diekow.

The Learning Dock’s Roy Vogt.

Eastwood Guitars: Michael Robinson.

Bob Yerley and Brian LeVan of Remo, Inc..

TKL: Kevin, Laurie, Tom and Donna Dougherty, Daneen Holcomb, Dennis Reamy.

74 MMR

Heil Sound: Bob Heil, President.

MARCH 2010

“I loved being in one big hall. The sounds from the instrument booths energized the hall and made the whole atmosphere exciting. I liked the convenience of being able to grab a quick bite to eat and sit down in the hall and talk with people, and the big banners made it so easy to find a particular place. This was an awesome experience.” – 2009 EXHIBITOR

Exhibit

“Friendly, informative, and well-designed and located.” – 2009 ATTENDEE

at The 64th Annual

Midwest Clinic December 14-18, 2010 McCormick Place West You are invited to join the world’s largest conference for instrumental music educators:The Midwest Clinic. Last year, the conference moved to McCormick Place West, a state-of-the-art facility. Attendees and exhibitors gave the dynamic exhibit hall rave reviews. This year, we hope to present our best show yet — with you. “I felt like a kid in a candy store in the exhibit hall. It was nice to have them all in one space.” – 2009 ATTENDEE

Information and Contract: www.midwestclinic.org/exhibitors

The Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference 828 Davis Street, Suite 100 Evanston, Illinois 60201 (847) 424-4163 • Fax: (847) 424-5185 info@midwestclinic.org

Immerse yourself in your craft. Listen, learn, and establish lasting connections at The Midwest Clinic.

Best & Worst of Show Awards Worst Price Gouging

It’s hardly news that most Disney- and Convention Center-area eateries are not the places to find a bargain, but the Marriott’s Starbucks really took it to another level this year: $4.30 for 35 grams (that’s slightly lighter than a handful of paperclips) of kettle corn. By contrast, MMR went out and purchased this nearly-200 gram bag of similarly hoity toity kettle corn for a whopping $1.99.

Best Wake-Up Call

While there’s a certain charm and unquestionable tradition to being woken up in the early hours by a noisy marching band while at NAMM, MMR’s editorial staff (not “morning people,” by any stretch), preferred the gentler approach provided by the early morning acoustic session in Hall E at the Flea Market Music booth.

Best “Look at Me” Approach

Best “First”

The 2010 show in Anaheim marked the launch of “Best Tools for Schools,” a series of awards presented by MMR’s sister publication, School Band & Orchestra. Check out which products were selected in the summary of the award selection and presentation on page 80. 76 MMR

This photo was snapped by MMR circulation manager, Melanie Prescott on Sunday. What we’ve got here is a hairstyle. That much is certain. Whether you think it’s deserving of a “Best” or a “Worst” nod, it’s certainly attention-getting, which was presumably the point. So… well done, I suppose.

Best Mexican Food

In contrast to pricing such as what’s outlined above, at only a ten-minute walk (if that) from the Convention Center floor, La Casa Garcia on 531 W. Chapman dishes up massive portions of delicious, legit Mexican fare at equally palatable prices. A great way to get a breath of California air, as well as take a break from the show (and the vendors’ prices).

MARCH 2010

Best Giveaway

Walking away with free swag is a NAMM tradition, and raffles for music gear and accessories are by no means out of the ordinary, but it’s not every year that attendees have a shot at winning a Volkswagen Bus. Two Old Hippies offered folks a shot at winning a specially painted ’65 VW Magic Bus.

In an unpleasant repeat of last year’s Winter NAMM jaunt, MMR’s team returned early Monday AM to find Boston once again in the midst of a snowstorm…

Best Dive Bar

Worst iProblem

MMR’s editorial team took advantage of arriving in Anaheim well ahead of the show’s opening day and ventured beyond the immediate Convention Center area to the Juke Joint Bar & Grill (about a half-hour cab ride away), where the dirt-cheap beers, 25-cent pool table, and slightly sketchy clientele made us feel right at home.

As the AT&T rep explained, the frequently spotty cell phone signal during NAMM week in Anaheim was due to the sheer volume of users who descended upon the area.

Best “Awww – Flowers!” Display Some of our staff were particularly taken with Kama Ukulele’s tasteful floral arrangement at their booth. V V

Best Shindig

Marshall Amplification pulled out all of the stops at their product launch/party on Wednesday night, treating guests to authentic BBQ and comfort foods, open bar, and a host of loud(!), big-name guitarists such as Allison Robertson of The Donnas and Zakk Wylde.

MARCH 2010

Worst Welcome-Home

Best Parking

Many were overheard complaining about not being able to find a parking spot at this year’s show (a good sign, in terms of attendance), but in-the-know conventionieers took advantage of the free parking available at the Garden Walk (shopping-food complex) within less than a mile of the Convention Center.

Worst Break

A tip of the hat is in order to Music Inc. editor Zach Phillips who, due to recent injury (he’s alright, folks!) was forced to cover the show on crutches. We hope you’re back up and running ASAP, Zach!

MMR 77

Jim and Jenny Hall, Hall Crystal Flutes.

RS Berkeley: Ken and Gina Fragner.

Tri Tech: Greg Cox, Ron Koppes, Bill Steppan, Brett Stoffel. John Gray.

Lee and Leslie Oskar visit the MMR Booth.

Fankie Hoo and Man Wong of Fandec International Musical Instrument.

S.I.T. Strings: Tim Pfouts, Eddie Speedy, Joe Husak.

Exclusive Wholesale Ordering now ONLINE at

www.grassrootsmusical.com Get Free shipping on all your online orders of $300 or more Use Promotion code: MMRFREESHIP when checking out Promotion valid now March 1st through May 1st

Contact sales@grassrootsmusical.com to get your Log In to view pricing and to order online Or call Toll free - 888-904-7277 Monday -Friday 10am - 6pm EST

78 MMR

(888-90-GRASS)

MARCH 2010

Steve Collings, Collings Guitar.

Michael Pedulla of MV Pedulla Guitars. Carol Calato and Dick Markus of Calato/Regal Tip

Sabianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bob Zildjian.

Jodi Ann Parker of Players Music Accessories.

Wolfgang Weiss of Thomastik-Infeld Vienna.

Jerry Chang of Tenon Industrial Company.

Epilog Laser: Amber Darby, Jon Stone.

Cindy Bigeh, Eric Johnson, Rose Gonzalez, Vernon Reid, Lofty Whitaker, Cliff Castle, and Phil Garfinkel of Audix Corp.

Experience Innovation

Introducing new designs and more features to provide superior accuracy, versatility and ease in tuning.

the ÂŽ

MARCH 2010

OnBoard Research Corp. 800-340-8890 www.tuners.com MMR 79

Presents

“2010 Best Tools for Schools” Awards

he 2010 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California offered music educators a unique opportunity to participate in the music industry convention featuring hundreds of instrument, accessory,

and software manufacturers, publishers, dealers, and artists. For the first time ever, School Band & Orches-

tra, MMR’s sister magazine invited educators to walk the NAMM exhibit halls in search of the most useful products for use in the classroom and with student musicians. Teachers and school administrators in attendance filled out specially designed ballots indicating their top choices in 13 different categories. On Sunday, January 17th, a panel of five educators, along with SBO publisher Rick Kessel, presented the winners of the 2010 Best Tools for Schools.

Best Tool for Beginners

Best Tool for Intermediates

Sound Innovations Method Book

Guitar and Piano for Dummies, 50 Guitar Licks You Must Know

Alfred Publishing’s new Sound Innovations Method Book has been described as “revolutionary,” in large part because of the customizable curriculum options offered in the “Director’s Choice” edition. www.alfred.com

80 MMR

eMedia’s Guitar and Piano for Dummies and the complete Guitar Lab DVD series of 50 Guitar Licks You Must Know are designed for individual study and may be used as a complement or supplement to coursework. www.emediamusic.com

MARCH 2010

Best Tool for Improvisation

Best Tool for Music Theory

Definitive Piano Improvisation Home Study Course

Essentials of Music Theory, Vol. 1-3

Designed for intermediate and early advanced players, the Definitive Piano Improvisation Home Study Course is a step-by-step course of study featuring 26 different improvisation techniques on six DVDs, two CDs, and a binder. www.yokewong.net

Essentials of Music Theory, Volumes 1-3 is an all-in-one series that includes concise lessons with short exercises, ear training activities, and reviews. It is available in three separate volumes or as a complete set. www.alfred.com

Best Innovative Tool

Best Notation Tool

BodyBeat Compact Pulsing Metronome

Noteflight

Peterson Electro-Musical Products new BodyBeat Compact Pulsing Metronome allows users to feel the beat via a light electronic pulse instead of exclusively using visual or audio cues, like standard metronomes. Coming soon is a new master metronome that will have slave pulse units â&#x20AC;&#x201C; perfect for classroom use. www.petersonemp.com

Best Recording Tool

Best Web Tool

SoundSoap Pro

YouTube in Music Education by Tom Rudolph and James Frankel

Biasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SoundSoap Pro is an advanced noise reduction and audio restoration program that can remove individual frequencies, eliminating hums, crackles, rumbles, and clicks from a recording. www.bias-inc.com

MARCH 2010

Noteflight is an online music writing program that allows users to write, view, print, and hear music notation right in a Web browser. www.noteflight.com

Noted educators and authors Tom Rudolph and James Frankel have published this handy volume which takes educators on an exploration of how to best utilize YouTube in the classroom and beyond. www.halleonard.com

MMR 81

Best Time Saver/ Assessment Tool SmartMusic Gradebook MakeMusicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SmartMusic Gradebook is a Web-based tool for distributing assignments, tracking student progress, and formulating grades based on customizable criteria. In a nutshell, Gradebook automates administrative tasks, allowing teachers to spend more time focusing on the music. www.smartmusic.com

Best Eco Friendly Tool Wheatware Wheatware is a company that manufacturers bio-compostable and biodegradable products out of wheat. Remarkably durable and sturdy, eco-friendly music products from Wheatware include drumsticks, guitar picks, and shakers. www.wheatware.com

Coolest Game

Best Gadget

Muzundrum: the Game of Musicians

Jammit app for iPhone

Muzundrum is a music-theory crossword game featuring 12-sided musical dice that are used to form scales and triads. www.muzundrum.com

OEm, Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jammit is an iPhone application that takes original recordings of songs and formats them with synced notation for play-along use. It is also capable of isolating individual tracks, such as the guitar, bass, drums, or other instruments. www.jammit.com

Best Rewards & Incentives

Honorable Mention

AIM Musical Gifts

Rhythm Ring www.rhythmring.com

AIM Musical Gifts offers over 10,000 musical gift items, including musicthemed pins, magnets, toys, stickers, and key chains. www.aimgifts.com

Guitar Hands Cleansing Lotion www.truemoisture.com Sound Disk Beanies www.www.aerial7.com Mixcraft 4, Spin It Again www.acoustical.com iZotope RX www.izotope.com

82 MMR

MARCH 2010

Connolly Music Company: Grace Newman, Jake Connolly, and Rich McKenzie.

Allparts’ Steve Wark, Greg Luna, and Sam Aboud.

Julie Cox, Jill Chapman, and Greg Cox of TriTechnical Systems.

Pete LaPlaca, PJLA Sales and Daniel Park, SAEEUM Musical Instruments.

Father and son team of Paul and Travis Thieman of String Swing Mfg.

Eric and Richard Cocco flank Bob Archigian, E & O Mari Strings.

Mark Wison and Rusty Membrano of OnBoard Research.

CAD Audio: Jeff Beck, Gary Dixon, Brig Carr.

A music teacher’s most complete guide to the power and excitement of YouTube.

L.J. Mechem LM Products

Phil Bettette of Yorkville Sound.

Steve Ridinger of Evets Corp.

Robert Racicot, KMC Music.

by Thomas Rudolph and James Frankel

4This book tells you how to record and edit videos, add effects, and upload content 4It describes the basics of video production as well as advanced applications for classroom use 4Offers over 50 strategies for integrating YouTube into the music curriculum 4Gives you tutorials on video and audio production and preparing and uploading content Price: $17.99

Item: 00332856

Contact your sales rep to order today!

Voted “The Best Web Tool” in the Tools for Schools Poll! 84 MMR

sales@halleonard.com

halleonard.com/dealers

800-554-0626

Tom Bedell and Joe Lamond pick the winner of the Bedell Bus Giveaway. MARCH 2010

Musicorp: Dan Roberts, Laura Pilcher, Rick Murray, Billy Bohanna.

N-TUNE: Phil Sudore, Sam Sudore.

Jeff Ivester and Joe Vasko of Mapex Drums.

Enrico Monace of Orla Italy, with George Benson and Tim Laskey of Wyman/Orla USA.

MARCH 2010

Jody Jazz: Jody Espina, Erika Harden, Naoki Iwane.

Crafter: Ryan Colton, Joe and Joey Arias.

HW Products: Liz Schaefer, Angela Koregelos.

Kyser Musical Products: Greg O’Haver, Nick Palmer, Bobby Haper.

Fanndec: Lawrence Lee, Wang Cuifeng.

Rotosound’s Dan Roeber, Kathy How, and Jason How.

MMR 85

H&F Technologies: Sonia De Santiago, Rafael Gutierrez, Paula McNamee, and HawRenn Chen.

Oscar Mederos of Tropical Music & Pro Audio.

Noteflight’s Joe Berkovitz.

Codabow International, LTD’s Jeff Van Fossen.

Charles Fisher of The Point Technologies

VocoPro: Bruce McGavin, Katarina Garcia, Tony Ko.

Cole Deloye (L) and Pete LePlaca (R) of F.E. Olds and Sons, Inc. with Simonetti Woodwinds’ Darrin Smith.

Mary Nell Chadsey of Super-Sensitive Musical Strings.

Manhasset Specialty Company’s Barry Heid. Marc and Michael Harris, Harris Musical Products.

Australian singer and guitarist, Orianthi, best known as Michael Jackson’s guitarist for his comeback concert series, This Is It, performs on the Lobby Main Stage courtesy of PRS Guitars. 86 MMR

MARCH 2010

STRAP ON SOME STAGG… Stagg proudly present their new premium range of guitar straps, available in three different lengths (M, L, XL), crafted by artisans from the finest materials available, for a lifetime of worry-free performance. Our straps are drop-dead gorgeous, comfortable and provide great, secure shoulder grip. With over 100 different designs to choose from, including etched, engraved, studded, rivetted, or braided. In Italian leather, suede or nylon. In sober black or a riot of color. For all styles, tastes, budgets and temperaments, your strap search stops here!

Distributed by EMD Music. • For further information, please contact EMD Music, Inc. usa@emdmusic.com • 866 871 5800 Toll Free • 877 231 6653 Toll Free Fax

www.staggmusic.com

Access Case and Bags; Marty Harrison, Kevin Leigh and Tom Walker.

Randy Wrights, Heidi Pacot and Bill Wenzloff of Morley/Ebtech.

Aurora Strings’ John Coniglio, Cindy Overton, and Chris Pelletier.

Richmond Chen and Alicia Wong, Accuracy Pro Audio.

Buffet Crampon’s Tim Ornato, Bruce Silva and Olivier Auclair.

Kimberly Lewis, Sandy Richter, Suzy Merritt, and Leesa Gifford of George L’s Musical Products.

Wendall Jones and Bill Hargrove of Jones Double Reeds

Ken and Bertie Cripps with Barry Heid of Manhasset Stands.

Les Schatten and Rod Rose of Schatten Designs.

Marc Horowitz, Les Silver, and Neil Lilien of R.S. Berkeley.

shsint.net

800.475.7686

TeachMe

a division of SHS International

88 MMR

MARCH 2010

Major Music: Isaac Frankle, Michael Mulqueen, Joe Medina.

Hal Leonard Corporation announced they are now distributing Avid audio solutions for computer musicians and audio professionals: Pro Tools digital audio workstations, Sibelius music composition software, M-Audio Axiom Pro USB MIDI keyboard controllers and Fast Track audio interfaces. Present at the NAMM press conference were Hal Leonard’s Brad Smith, Avid’s Eli Kalil, Hal Leonard’s Keith Mardak and Larry Morton, Avid’s Tim Carroll and Hal Leonard’s Doug Lady.

Tycoon Percussion: Quincy Yu & David Kelley.

FDW Worldwide: Shawn McLoughlin & Chris Walsh.

Philomuse: John Steiner, J.S. Fischer, Founder.

Jerry Donegan and Brad Baker of the Avedis Zildjian Company.

Rick Dietrich and Don Rhodes, E.M. Winston, LLC.

90 MMR

Peak Music Stands: Michael Prieto, Pamela Liu.

MARCH 2010

JAMES LOMENZO MEGADETH

NATE MENDEL FOO FIGHTERS

SHAVO ODADJIAN SYSTEM OF A DOWN

CARL DALEMO RAZORLIGHT

JACK DALEY LENNY KRAVITZ

JOSH WERNER MATISYAHU

ADAM CLAYTON U2

RICK SAVAGE DEF LEPPARD

GINGER POOLEY SMASHING PUMPKINS

PETE TURNER ELBOW

COLIN GREENWOOD RADIOHEAD

MARK KING LEVEL 42

MARTIN BLUNT THE CHARLATANS

JJ BURNEL STRANGLERS

TIM KINGSBURY THE ARCADE FIRE

GORDON MOAKES BLOC PARTY

RUSSELL LEETCH EDITORS

ROGER WATERS PINK FLOYD

PINO PALLADINO

GUY PRATT DAVID GILMOUR

JARED REYNOLDS BEN FOLDS

NICK HARMER DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE

THE ROXY LOS ANGELES

WOJTEK PILICHOWSKI

JAMES JOHNSTON BIFFY CLYRO

JESSE QUINN KEANE

NICK SEYMOUR CROWDED HOUSE

THE VIPER ROOM WEST HOLLYWOOD

Valve Series When Ashdown made a tube amp head, it was always going to be something very special. The BTA 400 partners a feature-laden ABM EVO III preamp with a sledgehammer 400W tube power section for truckloads of earth-moving bass tone. Hand-built at the Ashdown factory in Kentucky, US Series cabinets combine massive performance with exceptional value for money. There’s a full range of 1x15", 4x10" and 8x10" cabinets, plus a unique 6x10", all constructed from locally-sourced birch play and loaded with US-made drivers.

www.ashdownmusic.com

“

”

o F o M l a e r a is p m a This

Simon Neil

The new MoFo by Hayden is an all-tube 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.

www.haydenamps.com

NS Design’s Oz Baron.

Hamilton Stands: Willaim Carpenter.

Mary Ann Giorgio of Marshall Electronics.

WD Music Products: Larry Davis.

Howard Core: Norm Dennis, Tim Fisher, Jay Worrall, Alex Weidner, David Luce, Colin Hendrickson.

VIC FIRTH DEALER NEWS

5th Edition

Vic Firth’s Sales Support Helps You Earn More Money WEB FEATURES

NEW PRODUCTS

VIC FIRTH FEATURED ON CBS/ MSNBC—Did you catch Vic’s feature stories on CBS Sunday Morning and MSNBC’s “Your Business”? Chances are that your customers did! Watch them on our website: www.vicrth.com/aboutus

NEW PRODUCTS to increase YOUR sales include: signature sticks, stick bag designs and graphics, drum key, marching products and much more! You asked for a new package for the VF wire brushes. See all the new products and packaging at: www.vicrth.com/products/ newproducts.php

VICFIRTH.COM REDESIGN— Featuring a new clean, colorful look! Vicrth.com continues to set the standard for compelling, interactive web content. Check out the new “Exchange” community for a lively discussion between Vic Firth Education Team Members, Artists and viewers: www.vicrth.com/exchange ZORO AND DANIEL GLASS PRESENT “WE WANT THE FUNK”—Our latest educational poster features a historical perspective on the grooves and drummers that shaped modern music. Interactive web features include video lessons, transcriptions, and a discussion of 23 grooves from the 1940’s to the 1970’s: www.vicrth.com/ education/drumset/WeWantTheFunk.php VIDEO PODCASTS—The Vic Firth video podcasts have made the Top 25 iTunes “Performing Arts” listing since their inception 21/2 years ago. The library of drumset, marching and concert podcasts includes over 250 videos currently! Subscribe now at: www.vicrth.com/podcasts

PLAY ALONG CD Vic Firth has a NEW PLAY ALONG CD called “Hard & Heavy 2” featuring hits from Tomas Haake—Meshuggah, Scott Travis— Judas Priest, Will Calhoun—Living Colour, Carmine Appice—Guitar Zeus, Christoph Schneider—Rammstein and Alex Lopez—Suicide Silence (winner of best new metal band 2009). There are 18 artists featured!! Learn more about this double CD at: www.vicrth.com/products/ HardHeavyCD.php

Anthem Musical Instruments’ Brent Beech, David Kilkenney, and Jack Faas.

Musiquip’s Jeff Sazant.

Rockano: Neil Harris.

Peter Frampton at the Sennheiser booth.

Fender Guitars’ Justin Norvell.

EVENTS Which “A” list drummers visited the Vic Firth booth at NAMM for autograph signings? Want to see the VF artists perform at PASIC 09? Visit www.vicrth.com and ip through our new feature scroller!!! You will be amazed with the content of interviews, event coverage, lessons, etc. HARD & HEAVY2 PLAY ALONG CD

PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT How can you MAXIMIZE YOUR sales of Vic Firth’s new products? Take advantage of the merchandising displays offer by Vic at: www.vicrth.com/pop.php ZORO

92 MMR

Universal Percussion: Jim Brickley, Carmen Speziale, Chris Hartzell. MARCH 2010

Paul Rivera Jr. and Sr., Rivera Amplification, Inc.

NEMC’s Lorne Graham and Eugene Garb.

Daniel and Roger Greenburg with Pete Jeffryes and Lukas Ercanbrack of P. Mauriat Saxophones/ Monteverde Music Lace Music Products’ Troy Fleming and Jeff Lace.

Heidi Blackmer Robichaud of Earthworks Precision Audio.

Littlelite’s Randy Robertson and Bailey Winn.

Dean Markley of Dean Markley Strings.

Hannes Schimmel of Schimmel Piano Corporation.

Remo, Inc’s Michelle Jacoby and Sue Kincaid.

Wexler Music Company’s B.R. Wexler.

Gordon O’Hara of Retail Up.

Debbie Malave, Hanser Music Group

WHAT’S WITH THE BAGS UNDER YOUR EYES?

Why should you purchase Jammin· Lollipops?

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They’re fubarproof™! Presenting Ford DRUMVEE® cases. Militaryspec, waterproof digital Camo features 600 denier polyester with protective ½” closed-cell foam padding. Proprietary tom case design accommodates all tom-mounting systems. Snare bag allows for butt plate and throw-off. Padded inserts can be used selectively to secure drums of multiple depths. Hardware bags isolate stands to prevent scratching and denting. Cymbal bag houses rides up to 24”, hi-hats up to 16”. Stop ghting with your cases. Visit your Ford dealer today. Hooyah!

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MARCH 2010

MMR 93

Martin Ritter, Creative Bags and Cases shown with his newly acquired Hoyer Guitar line.

Michel O’Lee of Eleca International, Rebecca Argall of Charlie Argall Music, Lucy Law of Eleca International, and Charlie Argall of Charlie Argall Music.

Connie Smith and Mick Faulhaber, WardBrodt Music with Madeleine Crouch, (center) Retail Print Music Dealers Association.

Veronika Holisova and Al Rich, Petrof Pianos.

Scott Mount of MTS Products

Sharon and Mike Berg of Humes & Berg Mfg. Company, Inc.

U.S. Band & Orchestra’s Stan Morgan and Gail Rose.

Bill Reglein of J.J. Babbitt Corp.

EMD Music Inc.’s Dan Barker and Leonardo Baldocci.

527 Cummins St., Honolulu HI 96814 1-866-648-4026 www.bigislandukelele.com 94 MMR

MARCH 2010

Dave Boonshoft of Aguilar Amplification.

Iain Wilson of IBC Trading.

Godin Guitars’ Fred DiSanto, Robert and Janet Godin, Rich Bunze, and Kat Calder.

David Kelley at a Tycoon Percussion Press Event.

Supernatural Percussion’s Shawn McCain.

Getzen Company: Dave Surber, Mike Vax, and Mary Rima.

Hunter: Paul Chu.

Wittner: Horst Wittner.

Kahler International’s Peter Chan Choi.

Marc Boomer of Dana B. Goods.

Diplomatte Musical Instruments’ Amy Mao, Paul Sheldon, and Danielle May. MARCH 2010

MMR 95

Grammy award-winning musician, writer, arranger, and producer AndraĂŠ Crouch was interviewed by Mano Hanes, Riverphlo Entertainment. A documentary film currently is currently being produced on the life and ministry of Pastor Crouch. The interview was conducted in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;H.O.T. Zoneâ&#x20AC;? area where NAMM provided specialized â&#x20AC;&#x153;House of Worshipâ&#x20AC;? curriculum and events.

Competition Solo Series

NEW

Carl Fischerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anne Sobel.

Gary Mobley of Shubb Capos.

Cory Kerr, Chesbro Music Co.

Hoshino USA Inc.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pat Graham.

Available to dealers now! A full range of solos chosen from state contest lists across the country, written by 'MPZE 0 )BSSJT and &ENVOE + 4JFOOJDLJ for each of the twelve principal wind instruments and mallet percussion. These books feature 1MBZ "MPOH $%T with demonstrations by professional soloists on one track and piano accompaniment on the next track. A separate piano accompaniment book includes some solos in two keys and will work for any instrument in each compilation.

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8FTU 3PHFST $JSDMF t #PDB 3BUPO '- t 'BY t XXX MVEXJHNBTUFST DPN 96 MMR

Roger Greenberg, Pete Jeffryes, and Daniel Green, MonteVerde Music.

Always in style: Joe Vasko, Mapex and Sid Davis, MMR.

Tim and Lynda Elvy with Mark Kortschot of Legere Reeds. MARCH 2010

Flea Bass’ Devon Carter-Wells, Doug Williams, and Steven Hurley.

GCI presents The Next Generation. Ikey Cabasso, David Cabasso, & Isaac Cabasso.

Oasis: Steve and David Hepple, Mike Kirkpatrick.

Ryan Frankel and Augi Lye of ToneRite.

Concord International: Erik Carlson, Chi Yang.

Jessica Watts and Franck Bichon of BG Franck Bichon.

Alliance Rubber: Bonnie Swayze & Ron Sobel.

Amedia Cymbals: Ahmet Baykusak & Dominick Gagliano.

Micheal Doughty and Robert Bogin, Stentor Music Co. Ltd.

EMG, Inc’s Scott Ferrara with artist Devin Townsend.

Mark Costner and Judy Roan of Beechler Mouthpieces.

HUNTER

QUALITY BAND INSTRUMENTS FROM HUNTER

NEW YORK

DEG: Dave Clark, Mark Reynolds.

Mick Thomson of Slipknot with fans at the Ovation Guitars booth.

Bridgecraft: Bradley Weinholtz, David Chow.

Megadeath’s Dave Mustaine signs autographs at the Marshall booth.

Provide your customers with the highest quality instruments and the best possible price points. Hunter offers a full line of instruments that are made to the best standards. Call us today to find out how you can profit from Hunter Musical Instruments. Fast shipping available from our New York warehouse.

HUNTER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Harvey Levy (left) at the Annual GAMA Membership Meeting on Wednesday morning, introducing the panel for the “Navigating Adversity” discussion: Jack Long, Jonathan Lipp, Russ Beacock, and Alan Levin. MARCH 2010

3300 Northern Blvd. Long Island City, NY 11101 (718)706-0828 Q FAX (718)706-0128 www.huntermusical.com MMR 97

Harvey Levy of Levyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leathers Limited

Lauren Wallace and Basilios Stmec, Hailun Pianos.

Bob Waller of GHS Strings.

Andreas Gafke of B&S GmbH.

Artist Katja Rieckermann with Tevis and Sheryl Laukat of Cannonball Musical Instruments.

Joey Tosi, Dunlop Manufacturing.

Noreen Cravener of CE Distribution, LLC.

John Gresko of Direct Sound Headphones.

David Branly at the Tyconn Percussion Press Conference.

Dan Barker, Helen Pinneau, and Leonardo Baldocci of EMD Music. 98 MMR

MARCH 2010

New Sensor’s Meg Reichardt and Mike Matthews.

Alan Vater and Dayne Marshall of Vater Percussion.

Ben Parker, Benson Taylor, Mike Thorne and Jed Robertson of Chesbro Music Co.

House Band Gear’s Yule Jabara.

Chris Thomas of C.F. Martin Guitars.

Meeting the Needs of Students for More Than 25 Years ... Our Best-Selling SV-175 Cremona Violin! Ernie Ball’s NASA Astronauts.

Cremona bowed instruments have set the pace for the vibrant student and rental markets for over 25 years. Strict adherence to international sizing requirements, domestic educational set-up standards and continuous quality improvement have made Cremona Violins, Violas, Basses and Cellos proven sales leaders. Our best-selling, ebony fitted SV-175 Cremona Premier Violin Outfit has again been upgraded to include the new LaSalle LB-13 Octagonal Bow and the TL-33 deluxe rectangular Travelite case.

Fitness Audio: Robert Holombo.

Harpsicle Harps’ Pamela Rees.

Cremona SV-175 Violin Outfit: Mark Ingber and John Joseph at the Music Distributors Association “Show and Tell”

•Six sizes from 4⁄4 to 1⁄16 •Long lasting ebony fittings •Finetuner tailpiece for precise, easy tuning •Rugged TL-33 Travelite case •All-solid carved, graduated construction •Well-balanced LaSalle LB-13 bow with ebony frog

249

Suggested Retail

Sunlite: Roger and Jerry Kao, Chris Liao. MARCH 2010

SV-175

[800] BUY-SAGA www.sagamusic.com Dealer inquiries invited.

MMR 99

Celestion: John Paice, Kevin Shove, Paul Cork, Neville Ryan, Andy Farrow.

Ginger Lewis of Ultimate Support Systems with the Smart Car.

Todd Sucherman of Styx with Cliff Castle, Gael Smith and Cindy Bigeh of Audix.

Wayne Williams and Marty Stenzler, M&M Merchandisers.

Angelina Angrisiani and Tony Blair, Kay Guitars.

Jim Rockwell, LP Music and Paul Damiano, KMC Music.

Dave Surber and Tom Getzen of The Getzen Co.

Mark Costner and Judy BeechlerRoan of Remle Musical Products, Inc.

Amy Mao and Dr. Paul Sheldon, Paul Sheldon Global Productions.

Saga Musical Instruments’ David Gartland with Adrian Vandenberg of Whitesnake.

Alan Poster and John Maher of Ace Products.

GRK: Gary Kilday.

Get’m Get’m Wear: Adrian Galysh.

LPD Music’s Sonia Vallis.

Pearl River Pianos: Gary Green.

Performing artist Pete Lockett demonstrates new world percussion instruments from Remo.

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Keith McMillen of Keith McMillen Instruments.

Angelo Tordini of Reference Laboratory.

Larry Goldstien of Cort USA with the Gene Simmons Axe Bass.

Wilkins Guitars: Pat Wilkins.

DJ Jamerson at the American DJ booth.

Wood Violins: Laura Kaye.

Peace Musical’s Andre Cynkin

Gail Beacock, Beacock Music. Located in Vancouver, WA, Beacock Music is the largest independent music store in the pacific Northwest. Gail shared with PMAI members her thoughts on creating marketing around education to create traffic in the store. Beacock Music offers group and private lessons, and also has a café/coffee shop to create a social and relaxation area.

Three Brands. One Focus. Dependability Easy playability Affordable pricing Tonal responsiveness Quality workmanship

20TH Anniversary Model Bass signed by Ned Steinberger being donated to the NAMM Museum of Music Making– Ned Steinberger (left), and Gary Byer’s (right) flank Jatiana Sizonenko and Carolyn Grant of the NAMM Museum.

Trusted brand names from a trusted supplier. WAVES:Eddie Kramer. The Man Behind The Board. MARCH 2010

Ashdown Music: Dan Gooday.

www.BeckerInstruments.com www.Stentor-Music.com

MMR 101

Jesus Albert and Brad Weinholz of Bridgeport Musical Instruments.

Kirk and Mark Burgett of Wessell, Nickel & Gross.

The Ernie Ball crew.

Brazen Guitars: Phil Greenfield, Jim Capanis.

Sonora: Plutarco and Victor Toloza.

Mayones Guitars & Basses: David Dziewulski.

Dream Cymbals and Gongs: Andy Morris & Brian LaRue.

Godlyke: Kevin Bolembach, PJ Zitarosa.

Kenny Arnoff at the Gator Cases booth.

Scott Emmerman of Hohner, Inc.

Andrew Barta and Dale Krevins of Tech 21.

Don Lombardi with the Drum Workshop hockey-themed drum kit, commissioned by drummer Neil Peart. Peart will record a unique rendition of The Hockey Theme that will air during NHL broadcasts.

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Galaxy Audio: Brock Jabara. MARCH 2010

Jam Hub’s Steve Skillings.

©OrlaUSA 2010

www.mmrmagazine.com MMR 103

Chad Stewart and Mark Schafer of DEG Music Products, Inc.

Schilke Music Products, Inc.: Kevin Brown and Phil Baughman.

Musiquip’s John Kelley and Jeff Sazant.

Bohemia Pianos: Martina Bocanova, Marcela Schramlova.

Tom Lagomarsino and Gary Burgett of Pianodisc/Mason & Hamlin.

John and Toby Nady, Nady Systems, Inc.

Zhao Zhe and John Strand of Cherub Technology.

Safety-Ease: Daniel Geoghegan, Inventor & Richard Hastings.

Weaseltrap Records: Bob Kilgore & Marf Shopmyer.

Bourgeois Guitars: Bonni Lloyd and Dana Bourgeois.

M & M Merchandisers: Marty Stenzler, Chuck Franklin.

Michael Krumholz and Dave Chiappetta of Tone Gear.

Tim Elvy of Legere Reeds discussed the new Legere Signature tenor saxophone reed during a press conference.

Shuigen yao of the Guitar Folks Inc.

Find Breaking News in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site, www.mmrmagazine.com 104 MMR

Artist Ellis Hall performs at the Kurzweil suite. Brad Smith of the Percussion Marketing Council announces PMC’s Percussion in the Schools 20/10 Dealer Promotion initiative. MARCH 2010

Newproducts OOO&KMH=JK=FKALAN=&;GE

Alfred Remembers the King of Pop Alfred Music Publishing’s piano/vocal songbook, This Is It, Michael Jackson Guitar TAB Anthology and The Essential Michael Jackson, features some of the King of Pop’s hits as heard on the film’s official companion album, allowing his fans to play the songs as they sound on the recording with professional piano/vocal arrangements including guitar chord grids. The book features 17 of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits with complete authentic guitar TAB including the guitar work of Eddie Van Halen and Slash. www.alfred.com

Levy’s Platinum Collection Guitar Straps Levy’s is expanding its Platinum Collection guitar strap line for 2010. This year’s model is fashioned with simulated snakeskin in bright colors and features foam padding and soft leather backing. www.levysleathers.com

VocoPro’s V-BANK

store and play a digital library of music and video. With disc ripping capability, you can copy any non-copy protected CD, DVD or DivX discs that you own to the on-board hard drives. The V-BANK retails for $999. www.vocopro.com

Reference Laboratory’s Rock Cable Reference Laboratory’s Rock cable RIC-S01 R is recommended for musicians using guitars with active pick-ups, specifically for Rock music. This cable is designed especially for pick up acoustic impedance. The RIC-S01R ensures that the power and tone of your Rock guitar are transferred to the amplifier in all its sonic range. As for all the Reference Laboratory guitar cable series, the RIC-S01 R also has a double screen in copper besides a PVC semi-conductor. This PVC solution helps to avoid the creation of noise caused by sharp and sudden movements. www.referencelaboratory.com

MARCH 2010

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Saga New Cremona & Blueridge Models Saga Musical Instruments’ Cremona SV-130 violin outfit features solid ebony fingerboard and trimmings, solid spruce top, and solid maple back. The SV-130 outfit comes

The V-BANK from VocoPro is a dual deck multi-format DVD/hard drive system with DVD/AVI/Mp3 ripper. The VBANK features two 500GB hard drives, dual USB drive and SD card inputs, and put them all together with professional

digital key control, pitch control, add media ripping capability, and you have the V-BANK from VocoPro. This unit builds on VocoPro’s Media Jukebox technology to create a massive media vault to

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complete with a Brazilwood bow with genuine unbleached white horsehair. The case is a lightweight arched-top suspension model with black exterior and gray interior. The Blueridge BR-160-12 recalls the classic American guitars made in New MMR 105

Newproducts York in the late 1940s with its 17â&#x20AC;? wide body, incurved waist, and jumbo shape. The neck, with its fully-adjustable truss

rod, joins the body at the 14th fret. The guitar can be tuned at standard pitch or two or three semitones below. The sealed

w7+$7 )5,&.,1p 3('$/ 52&.6u

tuning machines have metal buttons and the peg head features designs in white mother of pearl and abalone. The top is solid, close-grained spruce and the back and sides are of solid Indian Rosewood. Herringbone wood inlay borders the top and the pick guard is our own â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dalmatianâ&#x20AC;? imitation tortoise shell. The Rosewood fret board has a design of pearl â&#x20AC;&#x153;diamonds and snowflakesâ&#x20AC;?, and the bridge is solid Rosewood. www.sagamusic.com

Bari Woodwind Synthetic Reeds

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Bari Woodwind Supplies adds two new strengths, medium hard (3.5-4.0) and medium soft (2.5 -3.0), to its synthetic composite reed line. Bari synthetic reeds come in two varieties: Bari Original which projects a clear, vibrant sound and Bari Star, which translates a warm and dark sound. Both Star and Original are available for Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and baritone saxophone. With the addition of the new strengths, Bari synthetic reeds are available in soft (2.0-2.5), medium soft (2.5 -3.0), medium (3.0-3.5), medium hard (3.5-4.0), and hard (4.0-4.5). www.bariwoodwind.com

String Swingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Instrument Tools String Swingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CC18 guitar jack and ferrule tool can be used to securely hold any

Âźâ&#x20AC;? receiver during installation or removal. It is designed to friction-lock from the inside of the receiver. The most convenient use is holding a pickup jack while tightening the nut to secure it in place. The CC31 pickup jack installation tool can be fed up through the jack in106 MMR

MARCH 2010

St. Louis Music’s Austin Series Bass St. Louis Music’s Austin APB200 Series electric bass is a solid “PStyle” model with classic shape, solid hardwood body and maple neck. The APB200 features a rosewood fingerboard, traditional split pick ups, and chrome machine heads. It comes with vintage style saddle bridge and is fitted with D’Addario strings. It is available in four colors: black, red, white, and sunburst. The retail price is $259. www.stlouismusic.com

a full range of movement, while keeping a secure hold on the instrument. While the custom-fit bushing remains on the instrument, the grip portion can be removed for storing and transporting the instrument. www.optechusa.com

KickPort for Cajons The Cajon KickPort compresses the airflow through its tube and then allows the rapid expansion of the air through its flared opening. The Cajon-Port is said to create greater separation and distinction between the cajon’s bass and snare

Tycoon Percussion’s Entry-Level Cajons The new cajons from Tycoon are handcrafted from premium-grade hardwoods, yet are positioned to be sold at a pricepoint under $100. Tycoon’s Supremo entry level cajon is designed for beginners and recreational drummers as well as serious players who are looking for value. Also joining Tycoon’s range of traditional, roundback, and electrified cajons is the new Acrylic cajon that combines a heavy-gauge, clear acrylic body with a traditional Black Makah Burl playing surface. www.tycoonpercussion.com

Neotech’s Trombone Grip The Trombone Grip from Neotech is designed to be adjusted to fit both the instrument and the musician’s hand, to provide comfort, balance, and support while playing. In order to achieve a custom fit for any style/size of trombone, Neotech’s Trombone Grip comes with three types of wraps (bushings) along with several neoprene shims to create a platform for the hand grip to snap on. Once the correct bushing type is selected and firmly attached, the hand grip is quickly affixed. It can be adjusted forward and back as well as at a slight angle. The grip incorporates a soft, durable neoprene strap which closes securely across the back of the hand. It allows for MARCH 2010

MMR 109

Newproducts sounds making the bass tone deeper and more like a bass drum. www.kickport.com

Grover’s New G3 Concert Snare Grover Pro’s G3 Concert Snare Drum features 10-ply maple shells, the choice

of six hand-rubbed lacquer finishes, chrome plated tube lugs, steel or die cast rims, the new Grover G3 triple strainer, and four types of snares: black coated cable, uncoated steel cable, high carbon spiral snares and an extra set of gold coated cables. The G3 snares are currently manufactured in both 5.5” x 14” and 6.5” x 14” sizes. Price ranges are $ 850 - $ 975. www.groverpro.com

Kala’s Travel Ukulele with Compass Kala Brand Music’s soprano ukulele features a liquid fi lled compass in the headstock. The new travel soprano with compass l KA-SSTU-FMCP features a solid spruce top, flame maple back and sides, rosewood fingerboard and bridge,

die-cast tuners with black buttons, maple binding, black and white purfling, and a liquid fi lled compass. Each Kala travel ukulele comes packed in its own custom Kala logo deluxe bag. All Kala Brand ukuleles come strung with high quality Aquila Strings. www.kalaukulele.com

Anvil and Calzone Cases The flagship of Calzone Cases’ iSeries is the Universal Electric Guitar case that fits a wide variety of instruments, including the Fender Stratocaster, and Telecaster, Gibson SG and Paul Reed Smith models. Calzone also introduced a new domestic dealer package designed to offer greater GPM on dozens of iSeries cases. Designed in conjunction with music veteran Jim Messina, Anvil’s new Light Flight cases 110 MMR

MARCH 2010

are designed to beat airline overage costs by weighing less than 50 pounds with instrument www.calzonecase.com

Vic Firth Hard & Heavy 2 Vic Firth’s new play-along CD Hard & Heavy 2 has been expanded to a two CD package which will also include a 24 page, full color booklet featuring the artist, band, new CD release cover art, and stick each drummer plays. Each song on the CD will be featured with and without the drum track for the drummer to listen to what their favorite artists play, and then play-along with the song with them fi lling in the drums. Some of the featured artists include: Tomas Haake, Meshuggah; Scott Travis, Judas Priest; Will Calhoun, Living Colour; Carmine Appice, Guitar Zuess; Christoph Schneider, Rammstein; and Alex Lopez, Suicide Silence. www.vicfirth.com

T-Rex’s Distortion pedal joins its existing Tonebugs Overdrive and Reverb siblings. Like the Tonebug Reverb and Overdrive pedals, Tonebug Distortion delivers the same T-Rex tone, and features

a retro design and rugged construction. T-Rex is scheduled to begin shipping the Tonebug Distortion and the Fuel Tank Chameleon in March 2010. www.musiquip.com

Dream Cymbals’ Pang Series The Dream Pang Series is designed to blend elements of a traditional china type, with that of a vintage style swish. The Pang Series cymbals are offered in the following sizes “10, “16, “18, “20, and “22. With three distinct playing surfaces and two mounting directions, the Pang Series provides versatility in percussion. www.dreamcymbals.com

T-Rex Engineering Adds To Its Fuel Tank Line The Fuel Tank Chameleon is built for players with a large number of diverse pedals. The Chameleon offers all the features of the other Fuel Tank power supplies, plus four separate voltage options. MARCH 2010

MMR 111

Supplierscene Kawai & Berklee Team Up Dozens of talented high school musicians made their way to the Los Angeles area earlier in the year to participate in the annual Berklee in LA program. While there, student pianists and fac-

ulty had the opportunity to play on several EP3 digital pianos supplied by Kawai America. Sponsored by Berklee College of Music, the Berklee in LA program attracts some of the top young musicians in North

America, offering guidance in songwriting, performance, production and music business. At the end of the program student performed their songs in a concert for parents, peers and friends. Students also had the opportunity to audition for scholarships for full-time studies at Berklee. For more information, go to www.berklee.edu.

Connolly Distributing Heinrich Gill & Bernd Dimbath Heinrich Gill and Bernd Dimbath instruments of Bubenreuth, Germany will be distributed exclusively in the U.S. through Connolly Music Company, of East Northport, New York. Connolly has also hired Rich McKenzie as national account manager.McKenzie, an industry veteran for over 30 years, was the president of United Workshops, the previous distributor for Heinrich Gill and Bernd Dimbath. For more information, visit www.connollymusic.com.

Casio Celebrates 30 Years with New Digital Piano Models Thirty years ago, Casio, an established company known for creating the fi rst electric compact calculator and computerized timepieces, announced it would enter the electronic musical instruments

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America’s Premier Guitar & Bass Parts Supplier

business with the first Casio electronic keyboard, the Casiotone CT-201. Today, the company’s latest keyboard additions are the Celviano and Privia digital piano lines. To find out more, visit www.casio.com

Trevor James Flutes in North America Worldwind Music based in Lenham, UK and Westwind Musical Products, a division of West Music Company in Coralville, Iowa, have announced a new partnership for the distribution of Trevor James Flutes in North America. Worldwind Music has developed Trevor James instruments based on extensive research and feedback from teachers and performers for the past 25 years. A new

Chris Howe, CEO, Worldwind Music Steve West, Chairman, West Music Cathy Miller, Vice President, West Music Jean Paul Wright, Managing Director, Worldwind Music

line of Trevor James flutes was introduced for the first time in North America at the Texas Music Educators Convention in February 2010.

Westwind Musical Products has experience with the manufacturing of flutes under the brands Westwind and PL West and currently distributes Miyazawa Flutes, Lyric Flutes, Hammig Piccolos, and Kotato & Fukushima Harmony Flutes throughout North and South America. For more information, visit www.trevorjames.com.

Delta Series by GOTOH 1:21 ratio

NS Design Celebrates 20th Anniversary at NAMM NS Design presented the Museum of Making Music, at NAMM, with the fi rst of a Limited Edition NXT upright electric bass, created in celebration of 20 th Anniversary of the founding of NS Design by Ned Steinberger. Museum curator Tatiana Sizonenko, along with and Carolyn Grant, museum executive director, accepted the bass on behalf of NAMM. Making the presentation to the museum were Ned Steinberger, founder of NS Design, and Gary Byers, managing director. Crafted in the Czech Republic, the anniversary bass is part of the NXT series which made its market debut in November 2009. The NXT incorporates the trademark shape, feel and construction of NS Design’s original CR series, and includes a patented Polar Pickup System. For additional information about the NXT bass and the other models offered by NS Design, visit www.thinkns.com.

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Some capos require that you manually apply the same amount of pressure each time in order to get acceptable results. Adjust the SHUBB capo once for your instrument and you will get the same results each time. learn more at: www.shubb.com/bestcapo 707-843-4068 info@shubb.com | www.shubb.com MMR 113

Classifieds To place an ad, please call Maureen at 800-964-5150 x34 or email mjohan@symphonypublishing.com

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Accessories

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Business Opportunities

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MARCH 2010

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Business Opportunities Booth # 3604

Call 877-727-2798 Ext. 4

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Contact Roger at 877-727-2798 Ext. 5

• Band and Orchestra Rentals • New and Like New Educator-Approved Brand Name Instruments • Personalized Rent-To-Own Program • No Franchise Fee or Inventory Investment • No Shipping Costs • High Commissions Paid the 1st of Every Month • Exceptional Service

For Sale

Help Wanted DANSR, inc., the U.S. importer of Vandoren reeds and mouthpieces, Denis Wick brass products and the master distributor of Hamilton Stands is in search for a National Sales Manager. The position is located in Chicago. For more information send a letter of inquiry and resume to: DANSR, inc. Att: Human Resources PO Box 571 • Champaign, IL 61824 Or email them to gregg@dansr.com

For Classified Sales Call Maureen 800-964-5150 ext. 34 • mjohan@symphonypublishing.com MARCH 2010

MMR 115

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Help Wanted

Merchandise

USED PIANOS at WHOLESALE PRICES consoles, studios, uprights,grands. DISCOUNT PIANO WHOLESALERS (323) 377-3644 ACCORDIONS, CONCERTINAS, & BUTTON BOXES new, used, buy, sell, trade, repair, tune, CASTIGLIONE DISTRIBUTING CO. 13300 E 11 MILE WARREN, MI 48089 PH # 1-586-755-6050 WWW.CASTIGLIONEACCORDIONS.COM

PORCHBOARD BASS The UCL-S PorchBoard Bass offers analog, clean bass rhythm with the tap of a foot. Durable passive magnetic sensor system and 3-way frequency response switch eliminates low-end feedback and delay. Features both 1/4 inch and XLR outputs. No batteries, wall worts or external power supply required. Includes carry bag. $299.95. www.porchboard.com (608) 752-2229

Oboes & Bassoons

We create the finest hand-crafted Oboes & Bassoons. Also replacement 5K Bassoon Bocals.

Linton Woodwinds Corporation, Jack Linton 1013 Alma St. Elkhart, IN 46514 U.S.A. PH: 1-866-220-2909 Fax: 574-266-7658 E-Mail: info@lintonwoodwinds.com www.LintonWoodwinds.com

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For Classified Sales Call Maureen 800-964-5150 ext. 34 mjohan@symphonypublishing.com 116 MMR

Home of the world famous Piano Forums.

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Visit the Classifieds on the Web: www.MMRmagazine.com

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Miscellaneous

For Classified Sales Call Maureen 800-964-5150 ext. 34 • mjohan@symphonypublishing.com MARCH 2010

BAND INSTRUMENT REPAIR VIDEO Save $$$ on repair expense. Earn extra income. Journeyman repairman offers “How To” videos on the repair of brass and woodwind instruments. For information write to: B.I.R.V. Co. 880 Slater Rd. Bellingham, WA. 98226 (360) 384-6707 MMR 117

Visit the Classifieds on the Web: www.MMRmagazine.com

Repair Tools

Reps Wanted BOW REHAIRING Expert Bow Service

Order forms,Pricing and Shipping label at:

www.bowrehairing.com Violin bows as low as $10.00 per bow in quantity incl. shipping (see website for details.) Large inventory of replacement parts both new and vintage. IRA B. KRAEMER & Co. Wholesale Services Division

“An industry leader since 1967” 467 Grant Avenue, Scotch Plains, N.J. 07076 Tel: 908-322-4469 Fax: 908 322-8613 e mail: info@bowrehairing.com

FAST TURN-AROUND ON STOCK REPAIRS NATIONWIDE NAPBIRT member, 26 Years Experience Contact: Dan Rieck, 801-733-4243 dan@utahwoodwindrepair.com

CLASSIFIEDS on the MOVE!

Sales Representatives Wanted!! Michigan-based Brass, Woodwind and accessories line. Join a great new organization with an “artist-endorsed” product. Competitive Commissions with incentive. Contact: toya@dymusicusa.com 734-384-1705

Services SHIPPING YOUR PIANO

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Reps Wanted

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Store For Sale

For 60 years we have provided musical instrument repair tools to technicians and musicians around the world. We have a wide selection of pads and other supplies in addition to our repair tools. Contact us today for a FREE CATALOG. 118 MMR

INDEPENDENT SALES REPS

Sales Reps Wanted Most territories open A Great Job! Hunter Music Instrument Inc. paul@huntermusical.com

FOR SALE Beautiful central Florida Well-known music store, Located 24 years on East Coast! All inventory/xtures, turnkey! Major brands, full-line. No real property. 8 + studios Owners have aging parents. Call PM only. Partner/investor okay. 321-725-3047

Breaking News Find it in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site, www.MMRmagazine.com MARCH 2010

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Vintage Instruments

MOVING?

Wanted To Buy Wanted USED TUBAS ANY CONDITION-CASH PAID THE TUBA EXCHANGE 1825 CHAPEL HILL RD. DURHAM, NC 27707 1-800-869-8822 WWW.TUBAEXCHANGE.COM

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(615) 256-2033

fax (615) 255-2021

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Adindex COMPANY NAME

E-MAIL/WEB ADDRESS

PAGE

A/B Al Cass Aldred Allpartsusic Publishing Amati’s Fine Instruments America Longxing Inc. American DJ Supply Inc. American Way Marketing LLC Anderson Silver Plating Antigua Winds, Inc. Aristides Instruments B.V. Ashdown Music Black Star Amplification BreezSong LLC

www.alfredl.com www.allparts.com www.Amatis.us www.huntermusical.com www.americandj.com info@americanwaymktg.com www.antiguawinds.com www.aristidesinstruments.com www.ashdownmusic.com www.blackstaramps.com www.JamHub.com

112 15 113 73 97 7 89 112 57 104 91 74 85

C/D Casio America, Inc Cecilio Musical Instruments Chesbro Music Co. Connolly & Co. D’Addario & Co. D’Addario & Co. Direct Import Assistance Corporation Discount Piano Wholesalers Dream Cymbals And Gongs Dunlop Manufacturing Inc.

www.casiousa.com www.ceciliomusic.com www.chesbromusic.com www.thomastik-infeld.com www.daddario.com www.daddario.com

41 68 33 95 32 49

jmtalty@hotmail.com

www.dreamcymbals.com www.jimdunlop.com

74 20

www.eastwoodguitars.com www.eleca.com www.staggmusic.com www.staggmusic.com www.fulldiscount.com www.fitaud.com www.forddrums.com

72 94 87 54 14 78 93

E/F Eastwood Guitars Eleca International EMD Music Inc. EMD Music Inc. FDW Corp Fitness Audio Ford Drum Company

G/H G7th Ltd. George L’s. Grassroots Musical Grossman Music Corp. Hailun USA Hal Leonard Corp. Hal Leonard Corp. Hayden Guitar Amps Limited House of Troy

www.g7th.com www.georgels.com www.grassrootsmusical.com www.grotro.com www.hailun-pianos.com www.halleonard.com www.halleonard.com www.haydenamps.com www.houseoftroy.com

106 42 78 100 11 13 84 91 107

J/K Jack Rabbit Technologies Jammin Lollipops Jazz Aids Jody Jazz Kala Brand Music Co. Keystone Electronics KMC Music, Inc KMC Music, Inc 120 MMR

www.jackrabbittech.com www.jamminlollipops.com www.JodyJazz.com www.kalaukulele.com www.keyelco.com www.kamanmusic.com www.kamanmusic.com

113 93 cov 2 72 29 101 53

COMPANY NAME

E-MAIL/WEB ADDRESS

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Kyser Musical Products Inc.

www.kysermusical.com

111

www.levysleathers.com www.LMProducts.com www.ludwigmusic.com www.rockbox.com www.meiselaccessories.com www.miamiaudiomusic.com www.midwestclinic.org www.musicpeopleinc.com www.musicorp.com

50 20 96 107 69 110 75 5 21

L/M Levy’s Leathers Ltd. LM Products Ludwig Music Publishing Co. Mayones Guitars Meisel Accesories LLC Miami Audio Music Corp. Midwest National Band Clinic The Music People Musicorp LLC

N/O/P NAMM www.namm.org National Educational Music Co. www.nemc.com www.tuners.com OnBoard Research Corp. Paul Shelden Global Productionspsgi@aol.com www.petersontuners.com Peterson Strobe Tuners www.muzundrum.com Philomuse

24-25 59 79 110 83 63

R/S Rockbox Roc-N-Soc Inc. Saga Musical Instruments Samson Technologies Corp. Seymour Duncan Pickups SHS International Shubb Capos SKB Corp. Sony Electronics Inc. Super-Sensitive Musical String Co.

www.georgels.com www.rocNsoc.com www.sagamusic.com www.samsontech.com www.seymourduncan.com www.shsint.net www.shubb.com www.skbcases.com www.sony.com

42 16 99 3 98 88 113 17 19

www.cavanaughcompany.com

105

www.teachmebassguitar.com www.tkl.com www.theStringCleaner.com www.ToneRite.com www.tycoonpercussion.com www.dansr.com www.dansr.com www.VicFirth.com www.VicFirth.com www.visualsound.net

88 1 90 65 28 109 27 63 92 cov 4

T/V The Learning Dock, LLC TKL ToneGear . ToneRite Co. Tycoon Percussion Vandoren Vandoren Vic Firth, Inc. Vic Firth, Inc. Visual Sound LLC

W/Y Waves Tool Company Westheimer Corp. Wilkins Guitars Winkler Woods Wittner GmbH & Co. KG Wood Violins (Mark Wood Music Product Wyman Piano Company Yamaha Corp. of America Yorkville Sound Inc.

www.waves.com www.WestheimerCorp.com www.wilkinsguitars.com www.bigislandukele.com www.wittner-gmbh.de

108 86 102 94 43

www.woodviolins.com www.wymanpiano.com www.yamaha.com www.yorkville.com

90 103 37 9 MaRch 2010