MMR April 2008

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

April 2008

Spotlight

Beyond Icons– the

Dealers Turn to Alternative Guitar Brands

Accessories Merchandising: Small Goods, Big Profits Frankfurt Music Fair Report

Cool Cat = COOL CASH! When your customers buy “true bypass” effects…they often buy them direct from the “boutique” pedal makers…paying $200-$300 each…and you get “ZIP”!

VIBE $69 But now Danelectro gives you a healthy “slice” of the “boutique pedal pie”!

Our new “Cool Cat” line features 9 effects, each with absolutely stellar tone. And every Cool Cat effect features true bypass, metal cases, and metal jacks. At prices from $29 to $69 list. And to help you turn Cool Pedals into Cool Cash, you get dealer discounts up to 50+32!

To start the Cool Cash flowing your way, just order the "Cool Cat Dealer Starter Kit." Each Kit contains: ✔ 1 each of the 9 pedals ✔ 1 pedalboard/case (use for demos or sell it) ✔ 2 FREE collectable coffee mugs COOL CAT BOARD $99 Holds 5 “Cats.” Includes ✔ 30 FREE Cool Cat stickers DC Supply and all cables.

All True Bypass!

DRIVE $29

TREMOLO $49

METAL $49

DISTORTION $49

PLUS:

2 FREE PEDALS of your choice…up to $70 in FREE goods, an EXTRA 25% discount!

Or…Even better: Order 2 Starter Kits…get 5 FREE PEDALS of your choice… up to $175 in FREE goods, an EXTRA 32% discount!

Call your Danelectro distributor today…and get your share of the Cool Cash!

© Cool Cat 2008

www.coolcattone.com

METAL II $39

FUZZ $39

CHORUS $59

FREE SWAG! Each Dealer Starter Kit Includes:

®

“Finicky About Tone”

TRANSPARANT OVERDRIVE $49

• 2 Free Coffee Mugs • 30 Free Stickers • 2 Store Posters FROM

®

Contents Photo: Michael Kelly Guitar Co., Clearwater, Fla.

42

APRIL 2008 VOL.167 NO. 4

Features 30 Accessories Roundtable: Small Goods, Large Returns Dealers and suppliers explore effective accessory merchandising and their pivotal role as a profit center in a challenged marketplace.

42 Seeking Alternatives in Guitars Tight margins, onerous buy-in requirements, and multi-channel distribution strategies on the part of some of the best-known guitar companies are among factors motivating dealers to seek out new and different guitar lines. Store owners and managers discuss this intriguing market shift.

50 Dealer E-Survey: Fretted Instrument Trends

58

An email survey of more than 4,600 U.S. storefronts shows a majority of dealers actively cultivating new sources of supply in guitars, basses, and other fretted instruments.

56 PRS Adds Acoustics A leader in electric guitars, PRS now delves into the acoustic world.

The output will be limited to Private Stock models at the outset, but production models are on the horizon.

58 Guitar and Gear Showcase A look at innovations in guitars and other fretted instruments, amplifiers, pickups, effects, and accessories premiering at January’s NAMM Show and last month’s Frankfurt Music Fair.

80 Frankfurt Music Fair, Prolight + Sound Shows Roll Along

80

The annual international shows attract a combined attendance of 112,000 and 2,500 exhibiting companies during their four-day run at sprawling Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany.

85 RPMDA Convention Preview Messe Frankfurt GmbH/Helmut Stettin

Billed as “The Boston Print Party,” the Retail Print Music Dealers Association sets up shop in the Hub of the Universe for its annual confab.

www.MMRmagazine.com

88 Wood Violins’ Mark Wood, Man on a Mission

Departments 4 Editorial 6 Upfront 22 Industry Notes

24 Stats 26 People 91 Supplier Scene

104 Classifieds 112 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 ©2008 by Symphony Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved. Printed in USA.

2 MMR

APRIL 2008

Editorial

®

Volume 167, Number 4, April 2008 PUBLISHER Sidney L. Davis sdavis@symphonypublishing.com EDITOR Don Johnson djohnson@symphonypublishing.com

In the Rough

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kevin Mitchell kmitchell@symphonypublishing.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER Christian Wissmuller cwissmuller@symphonypublishing.com

A

s a non-golfer, I guess I always assumed it was an industry that just sailed along, gaining aficionados and raking in the profits. After all, it’s a sport closely allied with affluence and corporate upward mobility (closing the big deal on the course, etc.) It always has its stable of high-profile stars and, in Tiger Woods, a mega-star these days. And there is no apparent end to revenue streams emanating from golf equipment, country club memberships, and apparel. A regular money machine.

Ah, but not so. According to a recent article in the New York Times, the total number of people who play golf has declined or been flat every year since 2000. Worse yet, the real hard-core golfer universe – those who are out on the links 25 times or more a year – has dropped by about a third over the last nine years.

For those who derive their livelihood from the golf business, the really hard part is they are not sure exactly why this decline has taken place. The economy? Reluctance on the part of today’s potential golfers to abandon their families on the weekend to play 18 or maybe 36 holes? Too many courses built to woo an expected bonanza of babyboomer retirees? They ponder these and other possible factors, but the golf folks just don’t know. Meanwhile, the reality is that three million golfers give up the sport every year, and fewer than that are taking it up.

Certainly, golf and music making are two different breeds of cat, but one parallel can be drawn: you can’t simply assume your particular pastime will forge ahead indefinitely based on its intrinsic merits or track record.

At a recent meeting of the Guitar & Accessories Marketing Association, Guitar Center CEO Marty Albertson spoke out strongly on behalf of GAMA’s long-running program to instruct music teachers to teach guitar. Albertson particularly lauded the initiative because it appealed to a business person’s mindset: you can tabulate return on investment based on the number of teachers prepared by GAMA to teach guitar, the number of classes the teachers initiate, and the number of young guitarists these classes turn out as, it is hoped, lifelong players … and music products consumers.

Some other market-development initiatives currently afloat – NAMM’s Recreational Music Making and Wanna Play? or the Percussion Marketing Council’s push to interest more girls in drumming -- may be a little harder to quantify in terms of ROI or other bottom-line business measurements. In some cases, they call for a “great leap of faith” as opposed to a dollars-and-cents calculation of outcome.

The alternative to supporting continuous market development is to assume people love music, will always want to make music, and will find a way to do so.

But how perilous is this sit-back approach? Just ask the golf industry.

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Rick Kessel rkessel@symphonypublishing.com ADVERTISING SALES Tom Kelly tkelly@symphonypublishing.com Iris Fox ifox@symphonypublishing.com CLASSIFIED AD SALES Maureen Johan mjohan@symphonypublishing.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Laurie Guptill lguptill@symphonypublishing.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Michael Rueckwald mrueckwald@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

djohnson@symphonypublishing.com

MMR

APRIL 2008

Tune Tech’s line of high profit margin instrument tuners are making the world a better place one string at a time!

Fully functional bright backlit diode technology makes quick tuning issues simple and easy no matter how dark the stage is! Upgraded sensors and special “sharp/flat” indicators (TT-1000) produce accurate tuning without interference from any unwanted background or ambient noise.

TT-500

TT-1000 Black

TT-1000 Silver

Available from these fine distributors:

800.475.7686

800.243.7276

800.999.5558

800.299.9035

Upfront NAMM Hits the Road with 4 ‘Town Hall Meetings’ NAMM is embarking on a four-state NAMM Town Hall Meeting tour this spring to meet face-to-face with dealers, manufacturers, and reps to discuss the changes and issues facing the industry today.

NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond will take to the road Apr. 29, with his first stop in the Los Angeles, Calif., area. Additional meetings will be held in or around Washington D.C., Chicago, Ill., and Boston.

The open-forum event is also a chance to learn about NAMM’s current activities including its consumer-facing public awareness campaign, Wanna Play?, which is designed to engage people of all ages in making music, and the association’s ongoing work to strengthen school music programs.

This year’s regional tour intends to meet three specific objectives: Communicating NAMM’s mission • to music products dealers • Opening up a two-way dialogue about industry issues

•

Discussing how NAMM can better serve its members and the industry.

The 2007 town hall meetings held in Flushing, N.Y., Nashville, Tenn., Atlanta, Ga., Orlando, Fla., and Austin, Texas, were well attended and offered attendees the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding about the work NAMM does in an environment outside of the NAMM Show setting.

This year’s slate of meeting is: Apr. 29, Pasadena Hilton, Pasadena, Calif.; May 16, Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, McLean, Va.; May 20, Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, Ill.; and May 21, Crowne Plaza Boston-Natick, Natick, Mass.

NAMM encourages attendance by NAMM members and non-members, and welcomes industry manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, and reps to attend.

The Town Hall Meetings run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with breakfast and lunch provided by NAMM.

Pearl Artists Unveil Signature Snare Drums On opening morning of this year’s For more information of the new NAMM Show, Pearl unveiled their three signature snare drums, please visit new signature snares with help from the www.pearldrum.com artists themselves. Morgan Rose of hard rock band Sevendust, Jimmy DeGrasso of Alice Cooper and Megadeth, and Mike Mangini, Berklee professor and international clinician, all debuted their drums and spoke about their input and inspiration for each drum. Members of the Five-Star Drum Shop group and the press corps From left: Morgan Rose (Sevendust), Jimmy DeGrasso (Alice Cooper, Megadeth), Mike were also on hand for the Mangini (clinician and Berklee professor), and Pearl president/CEO Terry West at the unveiling. introduction of the new Pearl signature snares.

6 MMR

For more information, contact Judy Dodds, NAMM director of membership, at judyd@namm.org.

Kloc Named Buffet U.S. Sales & Marketing Director Buffet Crampon USA, Inc., the North American distributor for Buffet Crampon woodwinds, Besson brass, and Antoine Courtois brass musical instruments, has announced François Kloc has been appointed director of sales and marketing for North America.

Kloc joined Buffet Crampon in 1995 and moved to the U.S. in 1997 to work as woodwind product specialist for Buffet Crampon/Boosey & Hawkes before becoming manager of woodwinds North America for the Music Group Inc. (Buffet Crampon.)

A graduate of the Institut Technologique European des Metiers de la Musique, François Kloc began his apprenticeship at age 15 in 1983. His career has spanned from manufacturing posts with Mignot, Rigoutat, Loree, Buffet Crampon, Schreiber, and Keilwerth, to marketing. As a technical advisor, he has had the unique advantage of working with international artists and meeting musicians and retailers personally throughout the world. Offering clinics and authoring technical articles, Kloc both advises and facilitates by incorporating the input of the people that make the music happen, the company notes.

APRIL 2008

i want a vendor that figures out ways for ME to make a profit.

that ’s why I sell mapex.

TONY WILLIAMS 2112 Percussion, Raleigh, NC

© 2007 Mapex USA, Incorporated.

The Saturn Series is one the world’s most critically acclaimed drum series and is now available in glass glitter wrapped finishes like Cosmic Krush.

For more information about becoming an Authorized Mapex Retailer, call 888-627-3987 or e-mail mapex@mapexdrums.com

USA.MAPEXDRUMS.COM

Upfront Honors & Accolades

… reps, partners, dealers saluted

Seymour Duncan Salutes Haspod Ziggy Haspod of Monster Marketing took Seymour Duncan’s Rep of the Year Award for 2007. The award was given at a recent ceremony in Santa Barbara which capped a day of product training for all Seymour Duncan sales reps.

Rick McClendon, Seymour Duncan’s vice president of sales, presented the award. According to McClendon, “Ziggy has been an outstanding performer since he began working for Seymour Duncan in the ‘80s. There’s no questioning his commitment to our dealers as he places as much emphasis on sell-through and service as he does on sell-in. His outstanding performance is a reflection of the trust his dealers have placed in

him. Ziggy has truly partnered with Seymour Duncan and is an asset to our organization.”

Haspod’s firm, Monster Marketing, represents Seymour Duncan products in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii. Part of Haspod’s success in attaining Rep of the Year Rick McClendon and Seymour W. Duncan flank Ziggy Haspod of Monster Marketing, stemmed from forming Seymour Duncan’s Rep of the Year for 2007. relationships with dealers on behalf of Seymour Duncan’s stompbox line. Says Haspod, selling Seymour Duncan stompboxes at “It was pretty easy, really. Once dealers MAP, the orders came in big-time. Getsaw the kind of margins they could make ting reorders was a no-brainer.”

Yamaha to Eminence ‘Million Dollar Club’ Yamaha Corp. of America recently received a citation from Eminence Speaker recognizing the two firms’ longstanding relationship. Eminence inducted Yamaha into its Million Dollar Club, which celebrates its most loyal customers. Sound

Audix Names Sweetwater Dealer of Year At the NAMM Show, Audix presented Sweetwater Sound, Ft. Wayne, Ind., with a plaque citing the company as the Audix 2007 Dealer of the Year Award. From left: rep John Amstadter, Sweetwater president Chuck Surack, Sweetwater’s Mike Brinker, John Grabowski, and Jeff Radke and Audix co-founder Cliff Castle .

8 MMR

engineers from Yamaha collaborated with their counterparts at Eminence to design both the low- and high-frequency drivers used in Yamaha’s top-of-the-line Club V Speaker series.

Last year, Yamaha Corp. of America produced a DVD entitled “The Inside Story: Yamaha Club Series Loudspeakers” which details the manufacture of the Club Series and also serves as a plain-language primer to the intricacies of speaker design and the physics of sound reproduction.

A free copy of the video can be requested by logging on to www.yamaha.com/ Eminence Speaker president Rob Gault is flanked by John Schauer and Wayne Hrabak of Yamaha’s Live Sound division. insidestory.

APRIL 2008

DO OVER 3 MILLION PEOPLE KNOW SOMETHING YOU DON’T? If you’ve never played a Young Chang piano, then the answer is yes, they probably do.

Over 3,000,000 Young Chang pianos have been sold around the world. What do these people know?

They know Young Chang offers the best value in the industry.

They know Young Chang offers quality craftsmanship and service ďƒžrst; as well as a commitment to making a piano that both looks and sounds beautiful.

Whatever they know, you can expect nothing less from one of the largest piano... read more at

XXX ZPVOHDIBOH DPN

Upfront Hanser Music Group Partners with St. Louis Sales Team Hebron, Ky.-based Hanser Music Group has announced their recent partnering with US Music Sales LLC in St. Louis. US Music Sales LLC is a newly formed rep firm specializing in musical instrument phone sales and customer service across the U.S. The group consists of five professionals with a combined experience of over 75 years in the music products industry.

Craig Breckenridge, Mark Cahn, Chris Clausen, Pat Kennett, and Aaron Williams

offer a wealth of knowledge and experience in the music business. Each covering territories familiar to them, they From left: Chris Clausen, Aaron Williams, Mark Cahn, Craig Breckenridge, Pat Kennett. are already at work taking orders and providing customer service US Music Sales representatives can be for the products and lines of Hanser Music reached via the following toll-free numGroup including Davitt & Hanser Accessobers: Craig Breckenridge, 866-902-1256; ries, Kustom Amplification, Michael Kelly Mark Cahn, 866-902-1257; Chris Clausen, Guitars and Mandolins, Traben Basses, BC 866-902-1255; Pat Kennett, 866-902-1258; Rich Guitars, and Rockfield Pickups. and Aaron Williams, 866-902-1254.

Baden Donates Guitar to Fire Victim T.J. Baden, owner of Baden Guitars, recently presented an A-style rosewood acoustic Baden guitar to Ian Johnstone, a young guitarist whose family lost their Escondido, Calif. home during a wildfire last October. Also lost were Johnstone’s three guitars.

After seeing the effect the gift had on Ian, T.J. Baden said he wants to help musicians who are in similar straits. He

suggested guitarists who have lost their instruments under similar circumstances should contact him through the company Web site, badenguitars.com.

“If there are other people out there who are like Ian, and we could make a difference, we’d like to meet them,” Baden commented. “It’s a situation where it would seem harder not to help someone than to help someone.”

Baldwin Lays Off 34 at Arkansas Plant According to an article in the Trumann Democrat, Baldwin Piano, Inc. recently announced the layoff of 34 employees at its Trumann, Ark., manufacturing facility.

The move was the result of Baldwin’s decision to have the Trumann operation now focus only on the Baldwin Custom House line.

The Baldwin Custom House line features both Gallery and Exotica Collections and targets high-end customers.

The average price of pianos in the new line is $60,000. Prices begin at $50,000 and can reach $150,000. Each piano will be hand-signed and hand-numbered.

According to the Democrat article, com-

pany executives described the line as an innovative and creative approach to hand-built, limited-edition pianos, with innovative new design techniques.

Employees who were let go in the reorganization reportedly received a severance package including six weeks’ salary and insurance coverage.

GUARNERI VIOLIN FETCHES RECORD PRICE Russian businessman Maxim Viktorov recently paid a record price for a violin made by Guiseppe Guarneri, eclipsing the $3.54 million auction record paid for Stradivari’s 1708 “Hammer” violin at Christie’s in New York in 2006. Privately pur10 MMR

chased through the Sotheby’s auction house in London, the price of the Guarneri acquisition was not disclosed.

The Guarneri instrument, built in 1741 and once owned by Belgian composer Henri Vieuxtemps,

reportedly has not been played in public for more than 70 years. Viktorov said the violin would return to the stage at the Moscow State Conservatory for a performance by Pinchas Zukerman.

Source: Reuters

APRIL 2008

of all things yamaha Yamaha is proud to announce the launch of a new online multimedia experience, The Hub. Building on the awardwinning Yamaha Podcasts concept, The Hub is a great resource for all of your Yamaha needs.

With media related to diverse Yamaha products such as Synthesizers, Trumpets, Steinberg software, Marching Percussion, Clavinovas and Guitars, The Hub brings the breadth of Yamaha content into one easy web interface.

Subscribe to product-specific free podcasts, download content for your iPhone or iPod and grab product brochure PDFs and reference materials - all free and easily accessible.

Featuring access to exclusive product sneak-peek Summer NAMM 2008 product videos and backstage Yamaha Artist interviews and clinics, we invite you to explore The Hub of all things Yamaha.

www.yamahahub.com

Upfront Brownies Points for Fender Fender headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., was invaded in late January by Brownie Troop #368. The field trip, designed to inspire the 7– to 8-year-old girls to appreciate and create music, featured live musical instrument performances, Rock Band video game demonstrations, and an impromptu “Brownie Board Meeting” – which included a mock research and development meeting and branding session in the guitar company’s main conference room.

Gibson Alleges Patent Infringement in ‘Guitar Hero’ Games Gibson has told Activision Inc. that its popular “Guitar Hero” video games infringe one of Gibson’s patents. Gibson said the game violates a 1999 patent for technology to simulate a musical performance. A copy of Gibson’s patent included in the court filing showed a method for simulating a live performance using a musical instrument, a 3D headset with stereo speakers, and a pre-recorded concert.

“Based on our preliminary analysis, the ‘Guitar Hero’ software (including any expansion packs) and the guitar controller provided by Activision being used as a musical instrument (packaged with the

software or sold standalone) are covered by the ... patent,” Gibson’s law firm said in its January 7 letter. “Gibson requests that Activision obtain a license under Gibson’s ... patent or halt sales of any version of the ‘Guitar Hero’ game software.”

Subsequently, Activision fi led a lawsuit asking the U.S. District Court for Central California to declare Gibson’s patent invalid and to bar it from seeking damages.

Gibson made its claims in the Jan. 7 letter sent to Activision, a copy of which was included in Activision’s lawsuit. Gibson has been a high-profi le partner in the

“Guitar Hero” games, with Activision licensing the rights to model its controllers on Gibson guitar models and to use their likenesses in the game.

“Gibson is a good partner, and we have a great deal of respect for them,” Activision general counsel George Rose said in a statement. “We disagree with the applicability of their patent and would like a legal determination on this.” Activision said its games did not infringe Gibson’s patent, and that by waiting three years to raise its claim, the guitar maker had granted an implied license for any technology.

Denny Senseney to Retire; Lorie Supinie Acquires Kansas Dealership Wichita, Kan. On Mar. 31, Senseney Music, Inc. will celebrate two milestones.

Denny Senseney will retire after a 30year career as a music retailer, and Lori Supinie will become the new owner.

Senseney recently announced the promotion of Supinie as president of the corporation. On Mar. 31 Supine will assume full-ownership and assume her new role as chair and CEO of the full-line retail music company. Senseney Music operates from one 25,000 square foot location.

Lori Supinie has played an important part in the growth of Senseney Music for the past 12 years, most recently serving as executive vice president, general manager, and COO. She previously served as corporate controller and CFO. She received her MBA Degree from Southern Illinois 12 MMR

University and later earned her CPA desmany dedicated, talented, and loyal emignation. Supinie currently serves as vice ployees who came to work each day with president/secretary of the Retail Print the sole purpose of working together to Music Dealers Association (RPMDA.) improve our service to others. I owe much “As I approach this event, I am conto many in this industry who I have had fident of the abilities of Lori to continue the privilege of working alongside, and to find ways to grow the music education whom I count as my best friends.” marketplace in our region,” commented Senseney. “Her passion for this industry, combined with her instincts for people, systems, and service will certainly be rewarding to watch succeed.

“For me, I could not have imagined the wonderful experience building a service-oriented music education business turned out to be,” he continued. “Whatever success we enjoyed was because of the Denny Senseney Lori Supinie APRIL 2008

Upfront CHINA’S CONSUMER PRICES HIT 11-YEAR HIGH China could start exporting inflation after consumer prices hit an 11-year high in January, signaling an end to the days of ultra-cheap Chinese goods. Rising costs of fuel, food, and raw materials are forcing some Chinese manufacturers to raise their prices. It is likely that musical instruments produced in the country will be affected.

“We are taking for granted that China will provide cheap products forever, but I think we are probably about to see the end of an era,” said Dong Tao, an economist with Credit Suisse in Hong Kong. “China is exporting inflation in a big way. The rest of the world will feel that.”

The Chinese currency continues to appreciate, with Morgan Stanley predicting it could increase by as much as 10 percent this year. Labor costs also continue to rise, and this winter’s snow storms proved a major disruption, exacerbating shortages of food and fuel and disrupting transport and power.

Stanley Lau, deputy chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, said, “There are about 70,000 factories in the Pearl River Delta today.

Many of them are talking about reducing their workforce or even shutting down. We expect more than 10 percent of these factories will be closed in a year or two.”

Source: MI-Pro Weekly Digest (UK)

14 MMR

Jim Cavanaugh to President of Cavanaugh Co. The Cavanaugh Company announces the appointment of Jim Cavanaugh as company president. Cavanaugh, 33, is only the third company president and is taking over for his father, John V. Cavanaugh, who will become the company’s chairman.

“I look forward to continuing my father’s legacy and leading our business into even greater ventures,” said Jim Cavanaugh.

In 1997, Jim Cavanaugh graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Florida State University. During

The Cavanaugh Company’s Jim and John Cavanaugh.

summers, he continued working in his father’s company as a machinist where he made Super-Sensitive orchestra strings.

Also while in college, Cavanaugh cooped at Midco International, the former distributor in Effingham, Ill. Upon graduation from FSU, and while collecting a machinist degree from the Sarasota County Technical Institute, he entered the Cavanaugh Company as its vice president and directly oversaw the acquisitions of Black Diamond Strings and Bari Woodwind Supply. He also spearheaded the company’s use of automated string winders, which increased production and quality.

The Cavanaugh Company is the parent company of Red Label Strings, SuperSensitive Strings, Black Diamond Strings, and Bari Reeds and Mouthpieces. The Company is headquartered in Sarasota, Fla., and employees 67 people.

Keyboard Concepts Debuts California Superstore Keyboard Concepts has announced the opening of a piano superstore located on the 101 Freeway in the brand-new Agoura Design Center. The company’s Ventura County/Northwest Los Angeles County store had been located in Thousand Oaks since 1997, and is now twice the size as a result of the move.

Keyboard Concepts’ five Southern California locations are the exclusive dealers for Yamaha Pianos, Disklavier, and Clavinovas. Keyboard Concepts, as well as David L. Abell Fine Pianos, also has exclusive representation for the Bösendorfer, Schimmel, and Knabe piano lines.

Dennis Hagerty, president of Keyboard Concepts, states, “Our approach combines superb customer service resulting in a high volume of sales, and concentrating on premium pianos for teachers, advanced players, and professionals. The inventory of used, reconditioned and restored pianos, including Steinways, is second to none in Southern California.”

The superstore will also feature a large sheet music, software, and accessory department to serve the musical community from the San Fernando Valley to Santa Barbara.

APRIL 2008

Steinway’s Q4 Sales Up 14% On Mar. 5, Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc. (NYSE: LVB) announced results for the quarter and 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2007.

Revenues jumped 14% for the quarter, to $121.3 million, and overall gross margins improved 220 basis points from 30.4% to 32.6%. Operating income more than doubled to $15.6 million from $6.3 million in the prior-year period.

For the quarter, the company posted Basic EPS of $0.91 compared to $0.13 in the prior-year period. For 2007, Steinway generated Basic EPS of $1.81 compared to a Basic loss per share of $0.08 in the prior year. Adjusted EPS was $1.82 compared to $0.77 in 2006.

Band revenues for the quarter surged 30% primarily as a result of improved availability of professional horns from the company’s Elkhart brass plant. Unit shipments of woodwind and brass instruments climbed 13% as compared to the prior-year period. The improved sales mix also contributed to an increase in gross margins for the quarter, from 15.9% to 18.1%.

The continued improvement in sales of professional instruments in the second half of the year offset performance in earlier months, resulting in sales of $171.1 million for 2007, topping the prior year. Gross margins also improved, from 18.6% to 20.0%, due to increased shipments of higher-margin professional instruments.

Worldwide piano sales for the quarter increased $4.8 million, or 7%. Demand continued to be strong overseas where fourth quarter unit shipments of Steinway grand pianos rose 7% and unit shipments of mid-priced pianos increased 16% over the prior-year period. Domestically, Steinway grand unit shipments declined 4% primarily as a result of soft sales at company-operated stores. Piano gross margins improved from 37.5% to 41.3% in the quarter due to a better mix of higher priced instruments.

Year-to-date piano sales were up 10% led by the exceptionally strong performance of the company’s overseas busiAPRIL 2008

ness. Piano gross margins rose from 35.4% to 37.9% primarily as a result of the larger proportion of sales from the company’s higher-margin overseas operations as compared to 2006.

Discussing fourth quarter results, CEO Dana Messina stated, “We are very pleased with our overall performance this quarter. We saw significant increases in both sales and gross margins in both of our operating segments.”

Regarding pianos, Messina said, “Our overseas piano operations had a very good quarter, posting a 19% increase in revenue. This more than offset a 7% decline in domestic revenue. For the quarter, worldwide unit shipments in the mid-priced segment decreased 10% in 2007 while unit shipments of Steinway grands increased modestly.”

Turning to band operations, Messina said, “This quarter, we achieved sales and gross margins in line with the fourth quarter of 2005, indicating that the impact of the ongoing strike at our brass plant in

Elkhart is becoming less of a factor in our financial results. More important, the feedback from our dealers on the quality of the product coming from our Elkhart brass facility is both gratifying and a source of great pride to our employees engaged in the production process.”

Discussing his outlook for 2008, Messina said, “With production of professional brass instruments back on track, we should have a healthy increase in band sales this year. As we announced in December, we expect approximately $1.0 million of outof-pocket expenses as we transition our Kenosha [Wis.] woodwind production to our Elkhart woodwind facility. We expect to incur approximately $2.0 million in additional costs in 2008 as we wind down production in one plant and ramp up in the other. Over the long term, this consolidation should help us gain efficiencies and improve profitability. Looking at our piano business for 2008, the U.S. market is expected to be soft but we expect Europe and Asia to have a solid year.”

Premier, Grover Pro Debut U.S. Distribution Pact Premier Percussion announced that new joint venture for its U.S. drum set Grover Pro Percussion is the exclusive distribution shortly.

U.S. distributor for Premier Percussion’s Premier’s drum sets will now be marching, orchestral, and pipe band distributed in the U.K. by The Arbiter products. “There is no one more experiGroup, effective July 1. enced in this area and we are delighted to work with Neil Grover and his team,” said Premier marketing director Colin Schofield at a Frankfurt Music Fair press conference on Mar 13.

Grover, based in Woburn, Mass., will commence Premier distribution effective April 1. Premier said Colin Schofield, Premier marketing director; Nigel Sims, Premier managing director; Neil it would announce a Grover, Grover Pro Percussion president; and Bill Spiers, Premier chairman.

MMR 15

Upfront Hal Leonard to Acquire De Haske Hal Leonard Corp. has reached an agreement in principle to acquire a majority equity position in Holland-based De Haske, Europe’s leading print publisher of instrumental music. The companies anticipate the deal – negotiated by Hal Leonard president Larry Morton and De Haske co-directors Jan de Haan and Garmt Van der Veen – to close in the coming weeks. Terms were not disclosed.

An accomplished composer and a conductor of concert bands and brass bands, Jan de Haan started De Haske in 1983 in Oudehaske, Holland, selling solely his own compositions. He subsequently added works by many successful young composers, including his brother Jacob de Haan and Belgian composer Jan Van der Roost. After a short time, the publishing house outgrew its original facility and moved into a larger space in Heerenveen, in the north of Hol-

land. De Haske quickly made a name for itself in many countries around the world.

In 1989, the company opened its first international branch in Switzerland, followed in rapid succession by offices in Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

De Haske is co-owned by De Haan and Van der Veen. De Haan will sell his shares in the company, but will remain a creative adviser and exclusive composer, moving into a consultancy capacity. Van der Veen will retain a minority equity position in De Haske. He will become managing director, overseeing De Haske’s operations.

Hal Leonard senior vice president Herman Knoll will move to Holland during the ownership transition period to work closely with Van der Veen.

Hal Leonard and De Haske have worked together since the spring of 1999. Hal Leonard has exclusively distributed in North

America, Australia, and other international territories publications from De Haske and its high-profile imprints: Curnow Music Press, Fentone Music, and Anglo Music, as well as their recently acquired Dowani publications for classical musicians. De Haske has distributed in Europe certain segments of Hal Leonard’s educational music catalog, particularly concert band and wind ensemble arrangements. De Haske has also translated flagship Hal Leonard methods – Essential Elements, the Hal Leonard Student Piano Library, and FastTrack, among others – into various European languages for sale abroad.

Hal Leonard chairman and CEO Keith Mardak comments on the acquisition, “We’ve worked with De Haske for nearly a decade, and have always had the utmost respect for their operations. This is a perfect opportunity for us to expand our global reach, particularly in the distribution of our band and orchestra catalog.”

Larry Morton states, “Hal Leonard and De Haske are among the few companies that thrive as publishers and distributors.

We are very excited about the ramifications of this agreement, both in increasing sales of Hal Leonard publications around the world, and creating new De Haske publications for sale in the United States.”

PEARL RIVER GOLD PIANO Ed Note: In the March issue of MMR page 77, the Pearl River GP198 piano was incorrectly identified. The piano is available in a clear butterfly top. In addition to the gold version, the piano is available in blue and pink or silver satin.

16 MMR

APRIL 2008

advertorial

A Conversation...

Bernard Van Doren discusses the new Flow Packs and other issues.

Michael Skinner: Bernard, it's always interesting to me to see how new ideas like the Flow Pack started. How did this come Bernard Van Doren about?

Managing Director Bernard Van Doren: It actually started in the United States. I was on a dealer tour with you and noticed that in many of the stores the dealers were storing reeds in very unfriendly places where heat or the lack of humidity could damage the reed due to warping which will have an adverse affect on its performance. My concern was that the musician could receive reeds with our name on it that would not play like we wanted them to.

I knew then I had to design a system that would help the dealers present a higher quality product to our musicians. The Flow Pack is the end result.

MS: So what exactly does the Flow Pack do?

BV: Cane is very sensitive to hygrometric changes and that is why our factory is regulated. The new packaging maintains the proper hygrometry of the reed during the transportation of the reed from our factory all the way to when the musician opens it. This is the first time this has truly been done. So now if the dealer is not exactly sure where to store his reeds, we can still insure that the reed the musician opens is factory fresh and at its optimum performance level. Remember, the Flow Pack is extra protection. Once opened, the reed will react to their hygrometric environment exactly as before.

MS: What has been the response?

BV: So far we have heard very positive comments from our musician friends like Jon Manasse, Claude Delangle and many more. The new packaging, of

course, is different to accommodate this innovation, but the more you use the new packaging, the more you will appreciate it.

MS: Yes, the packaging is larger and looks very different.

BV: Yes it does. It is because each reed is now packaged individually in the Flow Pack packaging. We needed to make the box to fit the Flow Packs. We understand the packaging is different, but we think it's worth it to insure that every time you open a Flow Pack you have a reed that is factory fresh.

MS: I agree. I've heard from many musicians that the reeds are playing very well. Do you have any concerns regarding the packaging with regard to the environment?

BV: This is an interesting question because we are very concerned with our environment. Let me give you a few examples: From the beginning – The cane used to manufacture reeds is a 100% natural plant. We use no fertilizer or pesticide during its growth and no chemical components during its transformation into reeds. Any leftover cane resulting from reed manufacturing is completely reused as either compost in our plantations or fuel for the boiler that heats our factory. Our high performance boiler, gives off only water vapor and CO2 into the atmosphere. It is important to note that this CO2 exhaust is of plant, not fossil origin and that its atmospheric evacuation contributes in no way to the greenhouse effect.

Inside the new box – The reed protector is 100% recyclable and has the PP5 mark on the edge of the protector. The film we use to protect the reeds is very important. If we use any other type of packaging or method, the amount of waste is much more. It is a recoverable packaging (in the form of energy recovery as it has a high calorific ratio in incineration).

The new box – the paper we use

From a recent interview by Michael Skinner, President, DANSR, inc.,the U.S. importer for Vandoren Products

comes from trees planted expressly for paper production and does not contribute to deforestation. Moreover, trees are systematically replanted in each section as they are felled. We have also replaced toxic inks, fixatives, developers and solvents, with others less polluting in nature (for example, the use of offset inks instead of habitual UV inks).

Inside the factory – we use electric vehicles to move around our factory and finally I am happy to tell you that I drive a hybrid vehicle.

MS: Wow! So it would seem to me that every step of the way, you not only found ways to protect the reeds, but to protect the environment.

BV: Yes, it's true.

MS: Are there any additional advantages to the new packaging?

BV: Yes, in recent years we have seen the increase in counterfeit products that concern us very much. The level of sophistication required to create this packaging and product makes it difficult to copy. Again, our goal here is to create the best product so musicians can continue making the beautiful music for which we are so passionate.

MS: Thank you Bernard!

For more information on Flow Packs or the environment, consult the Vandoren website at www.vandoren.com

Upfront Fender, Ford Team Up for Diabetes Charity Ford Motor Company and Fender Musical Instruments Corp. made some noise together at the recent 37th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz., which racked up more than $88 million in sales and a recordsetting attendance of 280,000 automotive lifestyle enthusiasts.

A highlight of the weeklong event was the auction where a limited-edition 40th Anniversary Ford Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustang coupe and matching Fender Stratocaster raised $550,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The 540-horsepower Mustang is one of approximately 1,000 built, and is the first and only car offered with a “segmentexclusive” glass roof complete with Shelby’s signature racing stripes frosted on the glass.

The Stratocaster, first of a 100-piece limited-edition run (serial number 000), features a replica of Carroll Shelby’s autograph, plus the Cobra logo, Shelby hood stripes and a hand-painted “GT500KR” body graphic. The guitar’s neck has a “Powered by Ford”

custom graphic on the back, and the fingerboard has “GT500KR” and “Shelby” mother-of-pearl inlays at the 7th and 12th frets.

The guitar’s hardshell case is custom-embroidered with Ford and Shelby graphics.

Throughout the weeklong event, Fender’s specially created environment within the Ford booth featured hourly live musical performances and daily Stratocaster giveaways on the main stage.

Guests could also play guitars and basses, recording their sounds onsite into Ford USB flash drives that could then be played back in Ford vehicles equipped with the Microsoft SYNC audio system.

There was also a “Fender-ized” Mustang customized with a prototype Fender car audio system developed by Fender Licensing partner Panasonic Audio Systems and a built-in Fender G-DEC 30 guitar amplifier in the trunk.

Do high quality pianos cost a lot?

NO. W Y M A N PIANO COMPANY

www.wymanpiano.com info@wymanpiano.com Nashville, TN USA

615. 356. 9143 or 941. 661.0200 18 MMR

APRIL 2008

&RVBMT .BSHJO ,VS[XFJM CSBOE JT POF PG UIF NPTU SFTQFDUFE CSBOET JO UIF NVTJD JOEVTUSZ 8JUI PVS OFX QSPQSJFUBSZ UFDIOPMPHZ PVS JOTUSVNFOUT BSF OPX EFMJWFSJOH RVBOUVN MFBQT JO TPVOE RVBMJUZ UIF EFNBOE GPS UIF ,VS[XFJM TPVOE JT SBNQJOH VQ UP BO BMM UJNF IJHI %FBMFST BOE NVTJDJBOT BSF SF EJTDPWFSJOH UIF MFHFOEBSZ ,VS[XFJM TPVOE 'BET DPNF BOE HP CVU TVQFSJPS TPVOE RVBMJUZ PVUMBTUT UIF UFTU PG UJNF "TL BOZ ,VS[XFJM PXOFS

ɩF ,VS[XFJM QSPEVDU MJOF JT OPU KVTU LOPXO GPS JUT MFHFOEBSZ TPVOE CVU BMTP GPS JUT TVQFSJPS NBSHJOT JU EFMJWFST UP EFBMFST NBLJOH ZPVS TBMFT FĊPSUT XFMM XPSUI UIF UJNF BOE JOWFTUNFOU #VU EPO U KVTU UBLF PVS XPSE GPS JU 4FF XIBU TPNF PG UIF OBUJPO T UPQ SFUBJMFST IBWF UP TBZ BCPVU NBLJOH NPOFZ XJUI ,VS[XFJM

i8F BMM LOPX UIBU FBTZ TBMFT BSF OPU FBTZ JG UIFSF JT OP QSPmU BU UIF FOE PG UIF EBZ 'PS BMNPTU ZFBST 4XFFUXBUFS IBT CFOFmUUFE GSPN UIF WBMVF PG UIF ,VS[XFJM CSBOE ͳFJS FYDFQUJPOBM NBSHJOT IFMQ NF KVTUJGZ UIF FĉPSU OFDFTTBSZ UP EJĉFSFOUJBUF PVSTFMWFT GSPN UIF SFTU PG UIF QBDL

* N WFSZ FYDJUFE BCPVU UIF OFX QSPEVDU MJOF 8F SF BMSFBEZ TFFJOH BO VQTXJOH JO JOUFSFTU BOE TBMFT w - Chuck Surack, President Sweetwater Sound

i,VS[XFJM IBT BMXBZT IBE HSFBU QSPEVDU JO UIF QBTU ͳF OFX QSPEVDU IBT QSPWFO UP OPU POMZ CF BO JNQSPWFNFOU JO SFMJBCJMJUZ CVU UIF NBSHJOT BSF TPNF PG UIF CFTU XF IBWF JO PVS LFZCPBSE EFQBSUNFOU w - Alan Levin Washington Music Center

i8F XFSF JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF 1$ 9 T RVBMJUZ BOE EJWFSTJUZ PG TPVOET BU 8JOUFS /".. ,VS[XFJM JT DMFBSMZ NBLJOH JOSPBET UP SFDMBJN UIFJS IJTUPSJDBM QPTJUJPO BT UIF WBOHVBSE PG QSP LFZCPBSE QSPEVDUT ͳBU DPVQMFE XJUI TUSPOH QSPmU NBSHJOT BOE NBSLFU EFNBOE NBLF ,VS[XFJM B XJOOJOH MJOF w - Gene Joly, Executive Vice President, Merchandising Musician’s Friend Inc

Kurzweil Music Systems

19060 S. Dominguez Hills Dr., Ramcho Dominguez, CA 90220

www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com

Upfront Trade Regrets: Billy Wennlund, Lowrey Organ Executive Billy G. Wennlund, a longtime veteran executive in the home organ business, passed away on Feb. 19. He was 81.

Wennlund was associated with Lowrey Organs for over 19 years. His career with Lowrey bridged both Chicago Musical Instrument Co. (CMI) and Norlin Music’s ownership of the organ manufacturing company. He held a number of positions, including vice president of marketing and product development.

During his tenure with Lowrey, Wennlund spearheaded some of the brand’s most innovative and successful models including the low-priced, high-volume “Teenie Genie” series. His aggressive product development program helped Lowrey achieve a dominant position at the peak of the home organ market in the U.S.

For many years, Billy Wennlund worked side-by-side with his late brother, Don Wennlund, who focused on sales. Don did “the pitch” and Billy did “the demo.” Their joint product introductions and presentations at Lowrey’s annual NAMM Show breakfast meetings were legendary.

He also was well-known outside the U.S. He played a key role in pioneering Lowrey’s international development, especially in the South African market.

In addition to possessing a great sense of humor and being a gifted speaker, Wennlund was a fine musician and talented organist. After service in U.S. Navy, he joined Wurlitzer, where his brother also worked. Several years later,

he and his brother successfully operated Fowler Music, a piano and organ dealership in Joliet, Ill., before joining CMI and Lowrey in 1964.

A native of DeKalb, Ill., he retired from Norlin Music in 1983 and eventually relocated to central Missouri. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Lou, and his daughters, Cindy and Karen.

Donations in Billy Wennlund’s memory can be made to: Dogwood Animal Shelter, 1075 Runabout Dr., Osage Beach, MO 65065.

Condolences can be sent to: Mrs. Mary Lou Wennlund, 1191 Kays Point Rd., Lake Ozark, MO 65049.

Wholesalers of:

Juzek Stringed Instruments Bows Cases Strings Accessories

P.O. BOX 1415 STOWE, VT 05672 1.866.846.5461 20 MMR

sales@metmusic.com APRIL 2008

In 1864 Antonin Petrof built his rst concert grand piano. Since then his family has continued in the same tradition of expert instrument craftmanship. Petrof Piano Company of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic is extending their international success to the U.S. market and has announced the formation of PETROF U.S.A., LLC, a new factory owned subsidiary that will be responsible for all sales, distribution and marketing in the United States beginning December 1, 2007.

PETROF’s great success for the past 140 years and current sales records in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, Iceland and Asia have afforded the company the ability to produce new, improved and tested scales and furniture styles that will be offered in the U.S. The high standards of the PETROF company will be maintained and dealers should know that they can expect in-depth inventory, nancing and service never before experienced.

Petrof U.S.A., LLC. 5400 Lawrenceville Hwy Suite B1 & 2 Lilburn, GA 30047 O) 770-564-4974 F) 770-564-4978 www.petrof.com

Industrynotes Yamaha Groove All Stars NAMM Show Concert Yamaha’s Groove All Stars concert recently returned to the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, Calif., featuring some of the world’s most accomplished drummers backed by a house band playing Yamaha guitars, basses, keyboards, percussion, and horns. Yamaha Drums then took the show on the road with appearances in Mexico and at Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany.

Always one of the hottest tickets among attendees of the NAMM Show, this year’s Groove All Stars concert sold out.

The evening’s master of ceremonies, longtime Yamaha artist Rick Marotta, has recorded and toured with James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Steely Dan and Paul Simon,

and also composed the theme to the television show “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

Drummers who performed included: Tommy Aldridge, Tom Brechtlein, Gerry

The Yamaha contingent backstage: rear: Joe Testa; middle: Rick Young, Mitsuru Umemura (president, Yamaha Corp. of Japan), emcee Rick Marotta; front: David Jewell, Yoichi Oba. Left: The Yamaha Groove All Stars at their recent concert in Cerritos, Calif.

Photo: © Rob Shanahan

Brown, Teddy Campbell, Keith Carlock, Ndugu Chancler, Wolfgang Haffner, Akira Jimbo, Russ Kunkel, Shannon Larkin, Jerry Marotta, Rick Marotta, Russ Mill-

er, Chris Parker, Dafnis Prieto, Antonio Sanchez, Oscar Seaton, The University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band, Tony Verderosa, and Dave Weckl.

Quotable

“For Led Zeppelin, whose music is so rhythmic, hard, and loud, the perils of undertaking a reunion in late middle age are greater than they might be for, say, Bob Dylan or Neil Young, who began their careers sounding like old men.”

Dec. 24 & 31 New Yorker article on Led Zeppelin’s reunion concert in London, by Sasha Frere-Jones.

ON STAGE

Kanstul Musical Instruments is the exclusive supplier of brasswinds to The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Herald Trumpets. The Army Herald Trumpets have performed for presidents, prime ministers, and royalty, in addition to ceremonial fanfares for the Olympic Games and for the United Nations. Kanstul has

also supplied instruments to the Canadian Forces, including the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific Fanfare Trumpets. Additional fanfare trumpets made by Kanstul have been presented to the King of Malaysia at his ascension to the throne last year and to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in honor of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, longtime Neumann KMS 150 users, were “Runnin’ Down a Dream” during their halftime show performance at Super Bowl XLII. Band members were all on Sennheiser 300 G2 personal monitors, as were pre-game performer Alicia Keys and National Anthem singer Jordin Sparks.

(Photo: (c) Getty Images)

22 MMR

APRIL 2008

the Right POP

for YOUR Store

Sennheiser makes it easy to add on microphone sales for every piece of gear you sell in your store with the new Right Mic POP! Colorful hang-tags on products help pre-sell your customers on which mic they’ll need to capture every nuance of the gear they crave. Three-sided POP checkout counter displays and a fold-out brochure reinforce The Right Mic message while cards in your display case highlight the features, benefits and applications of Sennheiser’s evolution mics.

Add web-resources, promotional incentives and a vigorous national ad campaign and you’ve got an in-store promo that’ll rock your register.

Call your local Sennheiser Rep to find out what The Right Mic can do for you!

www.sennheiserusa.com

HZcc]Z^hZg :aZXigdc^X 8dge IZa -+%")()".&.% AVi^c 6bZg^XV/ IZa *'"**"*+(-"&%'% 8VcVYV/ IZa *&)")'+"(%&( Ç lll#hZcc]Z^hZg#XV

Stats MI SalesTrak® Snapshot: Electronic Keyboard Prices $2,500

Source: MI SalesTrak®

$2,000

The numbers represent US retail sales in music stores, based upon SKU-level POS data from a sample of over 425 online and brick-and-mortar outlets. For further information contact: info@misalestrak.com

$1,500 $1,000 $500 $0

Dec-06

Jan-07

Feb-07

Mar-07

Apr-07

May-07

June-07

July-07

Aug-07

Sept-07

Oct-07

Nov-07

Dec-07

Dec-06

Jan-07

Feb-07

Mar-07

Apr-07

May-07

Jun-07

Jul-07

Aug-07

Sep-07

Oct-07

Nov-07

Dec-07

Digital Console Pianos $1,881

$1,642

$1,460

$1,814

$1,573

$1,654

$1,622

$1,946

$1,915

$1,769

$1,848

$1,956

$2,079

Digital Slab Pianos

$695

$746

$769

$825

$783

$804

$783

$764

$739

$678

$733

$677

$659

Synthesizers

$711

$811

$828

$810

$732

$835

$836

$772

$824

$855

$830

$773

$734

$1,595

$1,505

$1,518

$1,536

$1,654

$1,544

$1,652

$1,541

$1,652

$1,611

$1,645

$1,526

Portable Keyboards

Workstations $1,643 $286

$342

$367

$355

$339

$324

$324

$357

$343

$315

$341

$304

$272

MIDI Controller Keyboards

$168

$169

$167

$170

$173

$177

$168

$173

$173

$174

$175

$170

$173

NAMM Global Report:

MMR Web Poll:

How likely would you be to want to learn to play an instrument if the instruments cost less to rent or own?

What is the Impact of ‘Guitar Hero’ Games?

Will players of these virtual-music-playing games be converted into real music makers?

Absolutely -these games are a great boost to our business.

31%

14%

20%

10%

25%

5 Very Likely

4

3

2

1 Least Likely

While almost one-third of those surveyed indicated they would want to learn to play if the cost involved were less, one-quarter said cost was not an important barrier.

(Source: U.S. Gallup Poll commissioned by NAMM. Data compiled in early 2006. )

24 MMR

A few gamers will move on to real music lessons.

No -- the games have very little to do with actual music making.

22.41%

50.0%

27.59%

Editor’s Note: This data was collected on MMR’s Web site, www.MMRmagazine.com, during late December 2007 and January 2008.

APRIL 2008

Holy Stain Stereo Memory Man with Hazarai It’s an echo, multi-tap delay, reverse echo, and performance looper with up to 30 seconds of loop time, all in true stereo!

Featuring tap tempo, vintage tape echo filtering, and 8 programmable presets... it’s got all the Hazarai. Destined to be one of the most inspiring tools on your pedalboard.

Righteous multi-effect possibilities emerge when Reverbs, Pitch Shifting and celestial Tremolo meld with pure analog Drive and Fuzz.

The brilliance of the Stain lies in the dynamic interaction of its controls – create novel tonal metaphors. Stain the hearts of your fans!

Stereo Pulsar

Micro POG

Gorgeous undulating stereo tremolo and panning.

Selectable vintage triangle or square waveforms.

Use Shape control to transition from negative to positive saw tooth and adjust pulse width.

Make your 6-string ring like a 12. Make your 4-string bass pump like an 8.

Convert your guitar into a convincing bass. Generate organ-like harmonic structures with fast, glitch-free polyphonic tracking.

Stereo Electric Mistress Generate panoramic Axis: Bold As Love textures.

Manually flange or freeze sound in Filter Matrix mode.

Use Chorus with Flanger for rich modulations. Colorful and seductive in stereo!

LPB-1

Q-Tron +

Soul Preacher

A linear power booster that lets you control the gain and saturation of any amp. Put the LPB-1 in front of any sound effect and dramatically increase definition.

The phattest, funkiest envelope filter ever made. Attack Response Switch and added Effects Loop allow you to invent totally new sounds.

Three selectable attacks coupled with silky, long sustain, blend in perfect harmony to create one of the finest guitar compressors ever built.

youtube.com/user/ehpedals myspace.com/ehpedals www.ehx.com

2 Ways to Get

MORE BAND FOR YOUR

BUCK

People American Music & Sound appoints Michael Palmer national sales manager for Allen & Heath products in the U.S. Palmer is a 20-plusyear veteran of the audio Palmer industry, having held positions as director of sales and marketing for Radian Audio Engineering and previously as a sales management executive at Guitar Center. Palmer’s principal responsibility is to strengthen the sales focus on Allen & Heath’s premium line of mixers as well as expand the growth of new products such as iLive, iDR and XONE. Leslie Butts is named national accounts manager for the Ludwig Drums division of Conn-Selmer, Inc. He will be responsible for all sales and service needs Butts of national retail accounts.

•Economical Price •Superior Quality •Reliable Durability •Made in USA Red Label Strings & Bari Esprit Mouthpieces are proven sellers during band season.

Get Yours Today 1800 375 3234

CavanaughCompany.com

The Harman Pro Group recently promoted Michael MacDonald to the newly created position of executive vice president of marketing & sales.

McDonald MacDonald rejoined the Harman Pro Group in January 2007 as executive vice president of marketing. From 2003 until 2007 he was founder and president of Pilot Business Strategies Inc., a consulting firm that served a number of professional audio, video, and security companies.

Ed Alves, former director of domestic sales for Taylor Guitars, has joined Poway, Calif.-based Timberline Guitars as executive vice president and managing partner. A 25-year industry McDonald veteran, Alves also served as a DSM with Yamaha and Fender, and began his career in retail management with Guitar Showcase, San Jose, Calif.

Brendan Topolewski has been named to a newly created position of sales coordinator at Antigua Winds. He will be responsible

26 MMR

for most aspects of Antigua’s sales support efforts in brand building, dealer development, and customer relationships. Topolewski holds a Bachelor of Science degree Topolewski in Business Administration from Plattsburg State University and has five years of retail experience in management, sales, and rentals with one of the largest band and orchestra retail stores in San Antonio, Texas.

DBL Distributing LLC , the consumer electronics accessories wholesaler that recently has branched out to MI and audio lines, appoints Tim Coakley as Coakley senior vice president of merchandising and purchasing. Over a 25-year career in consumer electronics, he has held marketing and merLee chandising positions with CompUSA and goodguys!

The company also promotes Rich Lee to director of purchasing and names Bob Gregory buyer for pro sound and home audio.

Gregory Sal Cardello has been promoted to district account manager for RS Berkeley Instruments. Cardello has over 40 years of marketing experience in the industry.

He is most known for his prior position as vice president of sales for Leblanc, a division of Conn Selmer Musical Instruments, and he was in the sales department at King Musical Instruments for 19 years.

In his new role, Cardello will be developing and executing sales growth strategies, assist in managing the company’s current client roster as well as helping to build an additional client base.

Breaking News Find it in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site, www.MMRmagazine.com APRIL 2008

The Global Leader in Piano Manufacturing

:PVOH $IBOH JT QSPVE UP IBWF CFFO DIPTFO BT UIF TPMF TVQQMJFS PG QJBOPT GPS UIF #FJKJOH 0MZNQJDT 5IF TFMFDUJPO DPNNJUUFF WJTJUFE PWFS NBOVGBDUVSFST BOE GBDJMJUJFT BOE TFMFDUFE :PVOH $IBOH GPS JU T FYDFMMFOU NBOVGBDUVSJOH DBQBCJMJUJFT BOE DPNNJUNFOU UP RVBMJUZ BOE TPVOE 8BUDI GPS UIF UISFF QSFMJNJOBSZ DPODFSUT MFBEJOH VQ UP UIF 0MZNQJDT GSPN .BSDI VOUJM +VOF BMM QMBZFE PO :PVOH $IBOH QJBOPT *O BEEJUJPO UP UIF HSBOE BOE VQSJHIU QJBOPT GPS UIF #FJKJOH 0MZNQJDT QSF DFSFNPOZ :PVOH $IBOH IBT CVJMU UIF m STU QJBOP GPS UIF CMJOE *U XJMM CF EFCVUFE BU UIF .VTJD $FSFNPOZ CFGPSF UIF #FJKJOH 1BSBMZNQJDT 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO BCPVU PVS QSPEVDUT WJTJU

XXX ZPVOHDIBOH DPN :PVOH $IBOH /PSUI "NFSJDB 4 %PNJOHVF[ )JMMT %SJWF 3BODIP %PNJOHVF[ $" 1IPOF 'BY

APRIL 2008

A Note from Joe... /NE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO CHANGE THE MINDS OF MILLION PEOPLE┬ИWITHIN OUR INDUSTRY S BUDGET┬ИIS BY CONDUCTING AND PROMOTING SCIENTIlC AND MEDICAL RESEARCH .!-- RECOGNIZES THE NEED TO MAKE ALL !MERICANS AWARE OF THE BENElTS OF MUSIC MAKING AND AS YOUR ASSOCIATION WE RE COMMITTED TO THE ONGOING SUPPORT OF MUSIC RESEARCH THAT ILLUSTRATES THE LIFELONG BENElTS THROUGHOUT THE LIFESPAN

News

ADVERTORIAL

THE &REEWAY ┬▓ R TE F !

G IN O ' E R E┬┤ ┬▒7

Everyone BeneямБts from Music Making=Student Success

PRESCHOOL & YOUNG CHILDREN

STUDENTS & TEENS

s 0LAYING MUSIC POSITIVELY AFFECTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN S COGNITIVE SKILLS s )T BUILDS CONlDENCE SELF

DISCIPLINE AND INSPIRES CREATIVITY s #HILDREN WHO MAKE MUSIC HAVE SHOWN IMPROVED SPATIAL TEMPORAL REASONING WHICH IS THE FOUNDATION OF LATER SUCCESS IN MATH AND SCIENCE s )T HELPS KIDS CONNECT BETTER WITH THEIR PEERS SHOW GREATER CAMARADERIE AND TEAMWORK SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE FEWER lGHTS

s 0RINCIPALS REPORT THAT PARTICIPATING in music education encourages and motivates students to stay in SCHOOL LONGER CONTRIBUTING TO HIGHER GRADUATION RATES s 2EPORTS SHOW STUDENTS IN MUSIC APPRECIATION SCORED POINTS HIGHER ON VERBAL AND POINTS HIGHER ON MATH THAN STUDENTS WITH NO ARTS PARTICIPATION s 3TUDENTS IN THE ARTS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE MORE COOPERATIVE WITH TEACHERS AND PEERS MORE SELF CONlDENT AND PRODUCTIVE

AND BETTER ABLE TO EXPRESS IDEAS D s -USIC MAKING HELPS STUDENTS S

DEVELOP SKILLS VALUED IN TODAY S V WORKFORCE SUCH AS CRITICAL R

THINKING CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING N AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION D

4HE IDEA THAT MANY CONSUMERS┬ИPARENTS

CAREGIVERS TEACHERS CORPORATE !MERICA

GOVERNMENT OFlCIALS ADULTS AND SENIORS┬ИREALIZE HOW MUSIC EDUCATION HELPS STUDENTS LEARN AND THAT MUSIC MAKING CONTRIBUTES TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF ALL PEOPLE IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR CAUSE )N THE EARLY S .!-- FUNDED RESEARCH BY 'ORDON 3HAW REALLY STARTED WHAT IS A HUGE MOVEMENT TODAY TO MORE FULLY UNDERSTAND MUSIC S ROLE IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT -ORE RECENTLY THE .!-- &OUNDATION FUNDED MORE THAN MILLION FOR RESEARCHERS TO CONDUCT AND SHARE MUSIC BRAIN RESEARCH &ROM THE 3OUNDS OF ,EARNING PROJECT EXAMINING THE ROLE OF MUSIC EDUCATION IN THE LIVES OF SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN TO THE 3OUNDS OF ,IVING PROGRAM EXAMINING THE ROLE OF ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN MUSIC FOR CHILDREN YOUTH ADULTS AND SENIORS IN HEALTH AND WELLNESS WE HAVE PROOF THAT MUSIC MAKING BENElTS PEOPLE OF ALL AGES 7ITH SOLID RESEARCH IN HAND .!-- S PUBLIC RELATIONS VEHICLE SHARES THE INFORMATION WITH !MERICAN HOUSEHOLDS 9OU VE READ IT SEEN IT HEARD IT THE BENElTS OF ACTIVE MUSIC MAKING HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF NEWS REPORTS

DOCUMENTARIES AND MOVIES 4HIS HAS RESULTED IN A MAJOR SHIFT IN THE PUBLIC S PERCEPTION OF THE ROLE OF MUSIC IN BOTH EDUCATION AND HEALTH AND WELLNESS┬ИAND MARKET GROWTH ) CAN T TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES ) VE HEARD FROM .!-- -EMBERS THAT PARENTS SAY @) WANT TO BUY THIS INSTRUMENT┬И) VE HEARD IT HELPS THEM IN SCHOOL OR ADULTS SAY @) WANT TO GET BACK INTO MUSIC MAKING BECAUSE ) HEAR IT S GOOD FOR MY HEALTH -USIC BRAIN RESEARCH IS A TOOL TO HELP DRIVE CONSUMERS TO MAKE MUSIC AND BUY YOUR PRODUCTS 4HE MORE RESEARCH WE PROMOTE THE MORE WE CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT THERE S FUN┬ИAND POSITIVE BENElTS┬ИTO MAKING MUSIC

ADVERTORIAL

NAMM News IS PUBLISHED BY .!-- 4O KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST BREAKING INDUSTRY NEWS SIGN UP FOR OUR 0,!9back Digital E NEWSLETTER AT playbackdigital@namm.org

Making Music 2ECREATIONAL -USIC -AKING )NCREASES 1UALITY OF ,IFE

ADULTS & WEEKEND WARRORS

SENIORS & RETIREES

s 2ECREATIONAL -USIC -AKING HELPS REDUCE BURNOUT IN THE WORKPLACE

WHICH LEADS TO DECREASED EMPLOYEE TURNOVER s )N ADULTS IT CONTRIBUTES TO IMPROVED MOOD STATES s !CTIVE PARTICIPATION IN MUSIC MAKING EVEN REVERSES THE IMPACT OF STRESS AT THE $.! LEVEL

s 0LAYING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT EXERCISES THE BRAIN AND HELPS TO lGHT MEMORY LOSS s 2ECREATIONAL -USIC -AKING HELPS REDUCE STRESS AND LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE s -AKING MUSIC CAN STAVE OFF DEPRESSION AND LONELINESS s -USIC PARTICIPATION PRODUCES INCREASED HUMAN GROWTH

hormone e (HgH) among active OLDER !MERICANS M

June 20-22, 2008 Nashville, TN

Hotel and Badge Registration Hi^g Ghp ppp'gZff'hk`

MERCHANDISING

Small Goods,

Large Returns … dealers, suppliers explore effective accessory marketing

Jim Cavanaugh

David Via

Ted Eschliman

Ron Allman

Kevin Bolembach

Rob Turner

Kenya Austin

“T

here’s been a paradigm shift over the last 10 years in regard to accessories,” says Ted Eschliman of Dietze Music, the four-store Nebraska dealership. “There was a time when you would sell a big-ticket item and then throw a bunch of things in - strings, straps, and so on. That was easier to do when we were making 40 points on an instrument. Now that we’re making 28 points or less, we don’t give accessories away.”

30 MMR

APRIL 2008

Dietze Music has retrained to do just that in recent years because the stakes are so high, or as Eschliman puts it, “I have to tell employees that if we don’t make points on this small stuff, it might lead to staff cuts and they’ll find themselves working alone on a Thursday night.”

With their attractive margins and turns, many dealers view accessories as a firewall that can stand between surviving and running off track. While too often items that sell for $8 take a back seat to those that sell for $800, it doesn’t negate their pivotal role in securing a store’s overall long-term financial health.

In other words, it’s time to sweat the small stuff.

State of the Small Stuff The conventional wisdom is that if you can’t count on much else when the economy is going south, you can rely on accessories. Of course that’s not a onesize-fits-all characterization.

“Here’s the deal: when the economy goes down, we do really well,” says Rob Turner, founder and owner of EMG, Inc., the California-based pickup manufacturer. “That’s because people are limiting the amount of money they are spending on instruments, and accessories are a great way to experiment and have fun. A pickup, for example, is a great choice for that sort of thing.”

That said, Turner says EMG specifically does well year ‘round. Interestingly, APRIL 2008

Turner notes tax refund season can be “We had a huge last year, partly because particularly strong. “Instead of spendof growth in the market and partly being $800 or whatever on another guitar, cause customers are upgrading their a musician can spend less than $100 and mouthpieces. Secondly, in general, acliterally have a new guitar. A new pickup cessories tend to roll higher in times like can do that.” these.”

David Via, D’Addario’s vice president For Zildjian product manager Ron of sales, reports that they are seeing a Allman, the accessories business has bump in accessories, and “accessories been more about consistent growth then tend to be a little more recession-proof cyclicality: “Many of our accessories are in general, so we’re seeing modest inessential to drummers, such as cymbal creases.” cleaning polish, cymbal and drumstick “We see a lot of pobags, and cymbal tential for accessories felts.” this year, especially Hot Rod That coming out of the sucGuitar cessful NAMM Show in January,” says Jim David Via says Cavanaugh, president it’s helpful when of the Cavanaugh the dealer recognizCompany (which ines that accessories cludes Super-Sensienhance the sound tive strings, Black –Rob Turner of their customer’s Diamond strings, and instrument, and are Bari Woodwind supmuch more than just an afterthought. plies.) “It was the best show we’ve had in For example, it should be instilled in cusat least five years, mostly because we’re tomers that strings and drumheads are delivering a better product.” They are not items that just need replacing when also working to get more information they break. “It’s like oil in a car,” Via says. about their product to the end consumer “You don’t wait until oil is completely through mailers. “We’re also getting out drained before getting an oil change. more to see dealers,” he adds.

You change the oil as part of a regular “There are two reasons we’re expemaintenance plan. Same with accessories riencing a bump in sales,” says Michael such as strings, drumheads, and reeds.

Skinner of Dansr, Inc., distributor of When degradation of performance starts Vandoren and Denis Wick products.

“Instead of spending $800 on another guitar, a musician can spend less than $100 and literally have a new guitar. A new pickup can do that.”

MMR 31

setting in, it’s time for a tune-up and a selection of accessories placed out in the change-out.” front center of the store. In addition to a “While guitar sales are strong for us generous selection of strings, and cables, too, right now, we are finding that people Fazio also features a lot of guitar parts. are wanting more and more to accessorize “We do extensive repairs, so we like their guitars,” says Melanie Beers, Sam to display a depth in repair parts,” Fazio Ash’s product manager says. “Having whole and a 20-year veteran with displays of parts on the the dealership. “Sammy sales floor keep people [Ash] and I worked tocoming in.” Especially in gether to increase the seslower economic times, lection because we were he finds having all those seeing people were changknobs, tuning keys, and ing up their guitar, adding pickguards readily vis–David Via new knobs, etc. There are ible gives players ideas of people who want to cusdressing up or even just tomize their guitar, make changing out their curchanges to it … so if you need a guitar rent guitar or bass and giving it a differpart, come to Sam Ash!” she laughs. ent look.

Mike Fazio, of Fazio’s Frets and Friends Fresh from the NAMM Show, Beers of in suburban St. Louis just moved a few Sam Ash adds they brought in some new miles down the road from his original pickups from the show and are seeing an location into bigger digs, which enabled increase in that area as well. That is not him to expand considerably. One thing always as easy a sell – but there are ways that hasn’t changed is an unusually large to make it easier.

“Accessories tend to be more recession-proof in general.”

“The best way to display a pickup is to have a guitar line that already has it installed,” advises EMG’s Turner. “We do a lot of OEM products, and that’s the best you can ask for. Otherwise, we also do a lot of Strat-style replacement systems. We have prewired systems on a pickguard, and it takes little energy or time to install one of our systems. It’s a simple way to not only demonstrate the product, but typically sells the guitar, too.

“Our recommendation is to install of couple of pickups in a guitar and hang them on the wall, because in the end you’ll most likely sell the guitar – or at least give people a chance to really hear the difference a new pickup can make.”

He adds speakers are also similar – if there’s not a way to let the customer hear it, it’s a much harder sell.

Everyone would agree that the industry’s proliferation of accessory products is daunting, but to paraphrase Mae West, apparently “too many drumsticks is wonderful.”

You Want Clothes With That?

Apparel Dresses Up a Store – and Sells “Getting the smaller stuff on the floor is always difficult, and I think one of the difficulties is that so many companies making similar things,” says Sabian’s Wayne Blanchard. “Sabian tries to introduce items that have a relevance to the type of customers our brand attracts. This can including anything from a Sabian water bottle, to a cymbal bag, to practice pads and mutes …. And of course we always maintain a line of clothing.”

It’s been said that d e a l e r s might not

32 MMR

be taking full advantage of the potential of clothing as an accessory.

Blanchard, who has worked in clothing retail, has strong thoughts on the matter. “I understand the emotional value you can create with a piece of clothing, and I think a lot of people in the music trade don’t understand the possibilities,” he says. “Essentially, everyone who buys a Sabian cymbal is a customer for a Sabian T-shirt or hat. It’s a brand people want to be associated with, and it’s the love of the brand that makes them want this stuff.”

He surmises that dealers can be discouraged from going into apparel by such things as inventory management concerns. Also, many stores have limited floor space and aren’t equipped to display fashion-type items. Others likely feel it would be better to put a $40 pedal in a spot instead of a box of

$10 pins. “That said, there’s a lot of room for creativity both in terms of accessories offered and their displays,” Blanchard notes.

If variety, and good merchandising, particularly with smaller-ticket items, is successful, the retailer can create a positive experience that prompts repeat business, Blanchard says. “Because accessories and clothing items are definitely secondary, I think the dealer has to make the effort to introduce the customer to these items.” This can include literally training sales people to point out items as in, “Hey, did you see these cool shirts/sticks/water bottles” or whatever it is.

Finally, he advises that with some accessories, like clothing, they can be part of a pitch -- “Buy 10 sets of sticks, and I’ll give you a T-Shirt.”

“This can be done instead of discounting and, in many cases, giving away a ‘free’ accessory to sell something else is more profitable,” he concludes.

APRIL 2008

Dietze Music’s Eschliman backs that up: “I’m stunned by the amount of drumsticks I have to replenish,” he says. “The big thing for us is Zildjian sticks. I’ll order 12 boxes and think I’m done for a while, and the next month I’m having to replenish them already.” Having a variety of marching sticks is increasingly becoming necessary as well, he adds. “It’s almost like a fashion thing. It’s amazing how consumer-able sticks are. I think our total stick collection is three times what it was ten years ago. Same with strings. But it’s no problem because we still sell them.”

And then there are pedals …

“It’s funny because I thought the market was fairly saturated 10 years ago,” says Kevin Bolembach of Godlyke. “But we’ve seen nothing but new entries every year.

“It’s kind of weird with Godlyke because we straddle the fence between hand-built, boutique-type products and mass market products – we’re quality, but we’re higher turn than a hand-built manufacturer.” But he adds that despite how many pedal choices are out there, there are plenty of “pedal heads” who can’t try enough distortion and compression boxes.

APRIL 2008

Since NAMM, Dietze is stocking some new pedals, like Electro-Harmonix pedals. Part of the decision to take those

on was to have something new and fresh in their store – another important key to doing well with accessories: make sure

MMR 33

glass, pain in the ass. On the floor, sell “Many dealers face the challenge of more.” finding the space to put all the accessory Cavanaugh is also of the opinion that products that are offered them,” Zildjian’s accessories behind the counter and under Allman says. “Given limited space, dealers glass aren’t the way to go. want the strongest-selling And aware of how counter brands. In addition, Zildspace is at a premium, they jian’s Artist Series cymbal are offering POP displays and drumstick bags feathat are easy to deal with ture products developed and take up little room – with some of the biggest their rosin display features names in drumming such great visibility for the conas Travis Barker, Adrian sumer and is easy for the Young, and Tommy Lee. –Jim Cavanaugh dealer to keep stocked.

These products have the Fazio, too, is not a fan of added consumer pull askeeping accessories under or sociated with these artbehind the counter in his St. Louis operation. ists.” He adds that they typically provide “If you went to a candy shop and you had to merchandizing suggestions to specific ask someone about everything, you probdealers to “help them create the optimal ably wouldn’t bother,” he reasons. Not that accessory mix for their store.”

Fazio’s is a self-service operation -- the sales Specifically about displaying drumstaff is always around to strike up a conversasticks, Allman says that their stick distion. It’s just a sale will more likely be had if a plays allow customers to easily identify conversation starts with “tell me more about the Zildjian brand in the store and then this” after a customer has put his or her hands clearly look at the product offerings. on the product as opposed to “can I see that Kenya Austin, Yamaha product manthing behind you, third peg to the left?” ager for accessories, points to a perhaps But Fazio’s store has the luxury of space unlikely source for inspiration: Internet and takes advantage of it. Others don’t. retailers.

“We see a lot of potential for accessories this year.”

customers have something new to check out when they stop by.

All in the Merchandising Godlyke’s Bolembach has a catchy (if PG-13) phrase that cuts to the chase on small goods merchandising: “Behind the

34 MMR

APRIL 2008

“You can’t leave an online retail page without being asked to add an accessory,” she points out. “I started buying a camcorder online, and I got asked to buy an extra battery —twice! Internet dealers have perfected this art of the add-on, and brick-and-mortar dealers can do just as well with the same concept.”

The key, says Austin, is getting the accessories “right in their face,” and training sales staff to talk up all the available options all the time. “And that’s where manufacturers can get involved with ef-

fective POPs.” Austin also stresses putting accessories by the instrument they are accessorizing. For example, Yamaha offers a POP for keyboard covers that dealers like because it’s also the box the covers ship in. Six covers can be placed right by the keyboards and it’s completely self-service. When it’s empty, the retailer just replaces the box. Also, Yamaha has a new POP for its Air Cell Straps that fits in slat walls and can be merchandised alongside the guitars themselves.

Dansr Battles Gray Market

APRIL 2008

Happy Days are Here Again!

D’Addario takes you back to a simpler time when tone was pure…

PURE N I CK E L that is.

D’Addario & Company, Inc. I Farmingdale, NY 11735 USA I www.daddario.com D’Addario and XL are registered trademarks of D’Addario & Company, Inc. or its affliates in the United States and/or other countries. © 2008. All rights reserved.

The weak U.S. dollar is causing concern for many in the industry, and for Michael Skinner of Dansr, it’s also causing headaches.

“It’s unfortunate, and we’re not happy about it, but the situation of the weak dollar has created a ‘gray market’” with some unscrupulous people buying Dansr products and selling them in places they aren’t suppose to be sold. We’ve seen a lot of products move sideways.”

Certain dealers and distributors are purchasing Van Doren products, for which Dansr is the exclusive U.S. d i s t r i b u t o r, and turning around selling them overseas against agreements.

“I think there’s a chance for a lot of people to Michael Skinner sell overseas, just because the pricing is such that money can be made by doing it,” he explains. But his company has a charter agreement to only sell Van Doren products in the U.S., which they of course want to honor and maintain.

“We’re looking at a number of ways to slow and curtail these gray market actions,” Skinner concludes. “We have some plans in place, but I don’t think we can ever completely stop it. But we’re investigating and taking steps.”

“For Yamaha, it’s coming up with display-ready packaging,” she continues. One such merchandising aid is the new Keyboard Integrated Selling System (KISS). Created to be set up near the portable keyboards, it incorporates headphones, pedals, dustcovers, and more.

“Our accessories are based on what will turn around and complement the products,” she adds. Yamaha is aware that dealers have a lot of choices, including creating their own house brands, so “in order to be a full-line supplier, we have to offer them

Experience the original sound of the electric‘50s.

MMR 35

more than just our brand. We offer merchandising, logistics, fulfillment -- it’s very competitive and we stay on top of it all because we can be replaced very quickly.� She adds that many of Yamaha’s district managers come from retail and understand the challenges many dealers have working with limited wall, shelf, and floor space.

Bolembach of Godlyke points out other solutions exist for dealers, like fi xtures from String Swing and other similar companies. “They have affordable displays for pedals that make it easy for the guitarist to plug in and play,� he notes.

YZh^\c hZi

X ^ h h V a 8 Ygjb XdcXZgi gjb hiVcYh hcVgZ Y

^\]i A^\]ilZa hiVcYh XnbWV \^\\^c\ [dg i]Z Zg Ygjbb

V Z CjÇ:g a W V i g d \an e Y^c\ 6bVo^c e Åddg hiVc iVWaZid ]dcZ hiVcYh b^Xgde cŸh Bjh^X^V X]V^gh Zcih [dg hijY ^dcVah egd[Zhh

d[ V Xden E^X` je bZbdgVi^kZ djg Xdb cc^kZghVgn &'*i] V XViVad\

36 MMR

Trends “With Vandoren, we are blessed with some tremendous technology,� says Dansr’s Michael Skinner. “The company has come up with new packaging that provides reeds so fresh it’s as if they just came from the south of France where they are made.� Sensitive to the trend of “going green,� he adds that while the box these individually wrapped reeds come in are physically bigger then the old boxes, it’s all made from recycled products. “The cellophane can be burnt with virtually no emissions, and the plastic sleeves can be recycled. It’s all more environmentally friendly than our other packaging.�

The end result is a smaller “carbon footprint.�

Trends at D’Addario include a surge in their EXP coated strings, and their entrylevel violin strings continue to gain market share. “Our Planet Waves cable products continue to see an increase in sales, too – people are understanding that what you put into the cable should be exactly what you hear when it comes out of it,� comments David Via. “Customers want to leave effect elements for the amps and pedals!� Also, like many others making drumheads, D’Addario is pushing for drummers to replace the bottom head.

And speaking of drums, their HQ products have seen resurgence of late, with more drummers picking up hi-hat and snare mutes than ever. “Heavy metal is the trend and has been for the last seven or eight years,�

EMG’s Rob Turner says. “We promote a lot of heavy metal artists and people tend to buy what their favorite players are playing. I did when I was a kid!�

Fazio is proud of his selection of strings, which he says is the largest of any store in a multi-state area, adding that a trend is the musician wanting more choices, period. “We’re a gigantic Elixir dealer, and carry GHS, Fender, and D’Addario in depth, too,� he says. As an example, he notes the store carries the GHS Nashville High Strung Set, which is unusual and not every store carries them. He’s glad he does because one customer drives from Alton, Illinois to his store, about an hour’s drive, to get those strings. “I don’t even know how many music stores he passes to get those strings from us, but it’s a lot -- and he comes out often, too.�

But trends in accessories can be subject to local tastes – very local, according APRIL 2008

to Ted Eschliman. “It’s interesting to me to have one thing be hot at one of our stores, and not moving at all at another that’s not even six miles away!” Otherwise, he says they work hard to stock the smart accessories for their smart customers. “That’s where we have the edge over the cyberworld, and even the big-box mass merchants. We don’t take a cookiecutter approach.” An example, he says, is the Planet Waves Grip Master, which helps the guitarist give his or her fi ngers a workout. “You’re not going to find that at Best Buy.”

Exploiting the Higher End Offering higher end accessories seem to be a trend, too: “Our Rico Reserve reeds have been a real success,” says Via. “Rico is historically perceived to be more of an entrylevel reed, but professionals are looking at the Reserve reeds. The entire clarinet section of New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra is currently playing our Rico Reserve Bb reeds.”

“High-end straps are picking up a bit, and to me it’s a fashion statement,” Beers

says. “At Sam Ash, we’re just starting to ate a preeminent Vandoren presence,” offer Franklin Straps, and what a beautiSkinner states. ful job they do.” While there is defi nitely If a guitarist is looking at a basic pedal, an increase in those willing to spend Bolembach at Godlyke suggests showing more on exclusive, higher-end straps, the them a higher-end one before they make guy or gal who is playing the bars on the their purchase -- though there’s no guarweekend are mostly stickantee that will always caping with the good quality, ture the larger sale. “It’s moderately priced straps, not too difficult to conshe adds. vince someone that one Front and center at pedal sounds better than Fazio’s, the fi rst thing you another, but if he or she see when you walk in the has ‘x’ amount of money store is a huge selection and they need an overof straps. “I like to keep drive unit, they will likely –Ron Allman a great array of beautimake a decision based on ful leather straps,” Fazio price.” says. “These players who Maximizing Profits are buying $1,500 to $5,000 guitars need Cavanaugh says that talking with a special strap to go with it.” the dealer about Super-Sensitive’s prodDansr is offering an “elite program” ucts and getting to know them and their with Vandoren that Skinner attributes needs personally, is one way his company to 18% growth in those products in the is working to increase sales and profits of last six months. First tried at Paige’s accessories. In addition, they are expandMusic in Indianapolis, it reaches out to ing their product lines. With the Black those better and more serious players Diamond strings, they are offering a jazz and opens them up to higher-end reed flat wound series for both electric and accessories. “It allows the dealer to cre-

“Given limited space, dealers want the strongest-selling brands.”

®

w w w . b a d e n g u i t a r s . c o m

jensentone.com guitars APRIL 2008

MMR 37

bass guitars. Specific products are being We actually formulated eyelets to create created and marketed for the Flamenco more warmth and clarity.” and bluegrass marD’Addario’s exkets, too. ample of reaching out “We’ve redeto the dealers is with signed the Supera Rico Reserve deal.

Sensitive red laFor 475 participating bel, and the string dealers, they are ofcomposition,” he fering an opportunity says. “Some just that allows customers –Kevin Bolembach think of the vito try the reeds with brating length of no risk. If they like the string, but we’re researching eyelets it, they will be sent another one; if the and looking for new materials for that. customer doesn’t like it, they will refund

“Behind the glass, pain in the ass.

On the floor, sells more.”

Important announcement for the local indie scene

The world’s fastest growing guitar brand has the innovators of “indie” saying...

“I get it” Bill Nelson Earl Slick Chris Spedding Colin Newman Buddy Miller Pete Shelley

Stan Ridgeway Chris Difford Andy Gill Robyn Hitchcock Dean Wareham Mick Karn

Eastwood dealers “get it” phone 905-702-8291 38 MMR

www.eastwoodguitars.com

their money. “We have 100 dealers participating in the program now,” David Via reports, “and we’re confident we’ll get the maximum participating.”

Otherwise, D’Addario is “always trying to find compelling strategic promotions that will increase business for dealers, as opposed to just giving a discount, which is a short-term hit,” says Via. Additionally, the company has reimplemented MAP pricing for accessories. “It’s something we previously had on cables and tuners. Last year we expanded MAP to reeds and strings, then we suspended the program last spring due to the ongoing FTC investigation.

However, last fall the Supreme Court ruled in favor of manufacturer’s rights to preserve their equity position within the market as reflected in the market’s advertising of the manufacturer’s products. Therefore in 2008, we reactivated the program, and have expanded it across key models within nearly all our brands - D’Addario Fretted, D’Addario Bowed, Planet Waves, Rico, and Evans.

MAP is not applicable for PureSound and HQ. To my knowledge we’re the only company that is applying MAP to accessories, and we welcome other companies to consider similar practices.

Accessories are not all alike. Just like the old advertisement, ‘Ask for original General Motors parts’, we want customers to understand the quality and value that D’Addario & Company’s products represent,” Via concluded.

Dansr is also coming up with new merchandising tools. Skinner says they took the initiative to create a wire-based rack for their mouthpieces. “It has a nice product pusher that’s a glide, not a spring,” he says. “It’s designed to take up as little space on the wall as possible.

That’s a big plus.”

Advice “Advertise that you have the accessories,” says Michael Skinner. “Too few dealers today think of identifying themselves as a go-to place for accessories.

Doing that, and then talking about it, making a big deal about it, particularly during this time period, I believe is wise.

Yes, accessories are a long-term investment, but they pay off.”

One thing Cavanaugh encourages dealers to do is to bundle – say, take a set of new guitar strings and couple it with polish and picks.

APRIL 2008

we re not just pickups anymore

© Seymour Duncan 2008

TM

“The best advice is to ask our sales force for help,” says Allman, specifically saying Zildjian’s are extensively trained and knowledgeable. “They have the best feel for what is working, what is hot, and what the holes are in the dealer’s assortment.”

“Retail stores should definitively pay more attention to the accessory counter, especially when the economy is slowing,” Rob Turner says. “I always recommend training personnel on all the accessories, too. It takes a guy behind the counter who has some knowledge of the product. EMG always does well when there’s a guy behind the counter who says, ‘Oh yeah, I use this – this is the greatest.’ Unless a customer already has his or her mind made up before they walk in the store, people always buy on recommendations like that.

“What you don’t want to do, though, is only recommend what you have in stock.

That’s dangerous for customer relations.

Help the customer get what he needs or what he’s asking for, not what you want to sell him or her.”

“Margins are good with accessories – that’s a given,” Ted Eschliman says.

“But where you really win is serving the customers. It’s not just having the accessory, it’s knowing what it does for a player’s playing and how it can improve it.

“Accessories are not a luxury any more – this is where we make our margin,” he adds emphatically. “People aren’t going to get a capo online. It’s like people at a football game – they aren’t going to shop hotdogs online! It’s there, it’s warm, they are in the mood – and that’s what accessories are to the music retailer.”

APRIL 2008

www.seymourduncan.com - (800) S-DUNCAN

Amplification Tools for Acoustic Musicians

®

For dealer inquires, call 805-9649610 • www.dtar.com

MMR 39

FRETTED

Looking for … margins, terms, quality drive trend toward guitar alternatives

What a difference a year makes.

When MMR ran an article on guitar trends last year, everything seemed to point to sticking with the “tried and true.”

Now, as revealed in this month’s dealer esurvey [page 50] and in speaking with a half-dozen dealers on the topic here, there is clearly a movement to take on a develop new guitar lines. For many, it’s mostly a business decision as some of major guitar suppliers have stepped up their buy-in requirements and terms. Abetting the trend to “look around” is the reality that Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) has become the new retail, and in the process done a number on dealer margins for six-strings.

“I would say a 33% margin is pretty much the average these manufacturers

Reese Marin 42 MMR

Adrian Demain

are asking us to make on their instru“These guys are hungry to do busiments,” says Steve Hanson, owner of SM ness,” says Terry Lewis of Michigan-based Hanson Music in Salina, Kan. “With [a Firehouse Music. He also remarks that retailer’s] fixed cost of insurance, utilities, Firehouse sees the value in offering more wages, and with operating choices to its customers. costs going up and marMany independents like gins going down, I don’t offering quality guitars see how independent that aren’t seen in every stores can survive workother store, particularly ing on those margins.” the big boxes, both within A “take-it-or-leave-it” and outside of the music stance by vendors may be products industry.

-- Steve Hanson, understood from a busiSM Hanson Music, Salina , Kan. A Matter of Survival ness perspective, espe“We will not survive cially as some of the larger in this industry working with 20% to makers have increasing costs and large 33% margins that manufacturers expect marketing budgets themselves. But dealers us to work with,” declares Hanson. The are repeatedly commenting it’s refreshing small- town Kansas store has been active to do business with up-and-comers who in the community of 46,000 since 1972, take a decidedly more retail-friendly point but today, he notes, “There are quite a few of view.

“We will not survive … working with 20% to 33% margins that manufacturers expect us to work with.”

David Jenkins

Steve Hanson

Terry Lewis APRIL 2008

Options -brands we don’t carry anymore. Manufacturers are putting so much pressure on retailers and trying to tell us what to do.”

His response was to turn to brands who can give him better margins, including Hagstrom. Greg Bennett is a line he’s had for a while, but more recently Hanson Music has further expanded its selection of that brand’s guitar models. “Those two brands [Greg Bennett and Hagstrom] are the first we show when someone walks into the store because with them we can stay in business,” he states flatly. Hanson also reports he is going to start doing some private-label guitar products by this summer as well.

The Kansas dealer says people still come in and ask for a Fender or Gibson, but he make sure he shows them other brands that are similar in style and features. He says his customer has typically just heard the more famous companies make good guitars, so he and his sales staff merely educate him or her about other good guitars out there. It doesn’t always work, but overall his store is better off fi nancially, he asserts.

Salina is a farming community suffering from a prolonged drought in addition to the challenges of country’s overall soft economy. Last December saw sales down 35% from 2006. None of this, or the fact APRIL 2008

that he’s been a loyal successful dealer for more than three decades, seems to matter to some suppliers.

Upon telling one that he simply couldn’t meet the new buy-in demands required for a product he’s successfully sold for years, the rep shrugged and said, “I guess we won’t have any representation out there then.”

“This is stupid!”

Hanson says. “There’s no other dealer carrying this particular manufacturer’s instruments for hundreds of miles, and now they want to throw that away because I don’t want a $6,500 custom guitar. I asked him, I have five of your $4,500 guitars, but you want to cancel with us as a dealer anyway?

There’s something wrong with this. And we were one of the first dealers in the state to carry this particular line! They don’t appreciMMR 43

“ … you can get a great guitar for $600, $800 that sounds good and doesn’t look like a copy of another guitar.”

-- David Jenkins, True Tone Guitars, Santa Monica, Calif.

ate that we help build that brand from the ground up. I have a perfect credit rating and I don’t plan on jeopardizing that.”

Terry Lewis of Firehouse Guitars wanted more choices, more options. The five-store Michigan chain has long merchandised ed Gibson and Fender but has recently added Michael Kelly, Schecter, Blueridge, and ESP’s LTD models.

The ease of doing business with some of these lesser-known makers has factored in his decision too – he just recently stopped carrying Gibson because of the large buy-in the company required, which Lewis describes as “ridiculous.” Customers still come in for the über big names, but he’s finding that just by showing them alternatives, he’s getting the sale. “Those people who look at a Michael Kelly go, ‘Wow, that looks great – what is it?’ And those are great $400 and $500 guitars.”

The lines he chooses to carry and promote must meet requirements for quality, price point, and come into his shop set-up and ready to go.

That these instruments aren’t seen in Guitar Centers is of great value to him, he adds. But Lewis also identifies a line drawn in the sand – or rather, in the age demographic chart: “Kids drive this market, and they love the ESP’s LTDs, for example. Those are definitely bringing in new customers. I don’t see any brand loyalty with these kids, especially those 20-something and younger. If they are over 30 though, it’s nearly impossible to have them consider other choices.”

Like That? Try This At Buffalo Brothers Guitars in Carlsbad, Calif., Adrian Demain just took 44 MMR

on Benedetto guitars to mix in with his Gibson, Guilds, Martins, and Taylors.

Known for higher-end jazz arch tops, the Benedetto is reaching out to new dealers – and many are reaching back. “Bob Benedetto literally wrote the book on building arch top guitars, and has a great reputation in the guitar building community,” Demain says. “They approached us about carrying their instruments, and it seemed like a great addition.”

Previously, Buffalo Brothers held off on carrying Benedetto because they were exclusively at very high-end price points, but as of late “they are offering guitars the working playing can afford, and yet they still are great-quality instruments,” he comments. As to how that’s working for them, Demain says they got two in on a Thursday, sold one Friday morning, and the second one was sold by Monday.

For a longer time, Buffalo Brothers has carried Don Grosh guitars, which Demain says contribute to the overall draw to his store: “We have a good selection of instruments, and having high-caliber instruments like Don Grosh and Benedetto guitars definitely adds to our overall appeal. Plus, there are not a lot of dealers around carrying those lines.” Santa Cruz APRIL 2008

is another name found at Buffalo Brothers that’s a high-quality guitar not found in every other store.

Demain adds that while the big three acoustics – Taylor, Martin, and Larrivee – are the store’s bread-and-butter, it’s great to be able to offer customers “a more refi ned instrument alongside a model that is highly recognizable. I will occasionally tell a customer ‘if you like that guitar, you should try this one.’

For example, if someone is looking at a Fender Custom Shop guitar, I’ll also show him or her a Don Grosh. It’s not a matter of which guitar is better, but a matter of being able to appeal to different tastes.

“It’s like a good pair of shoes – all of them don’t work for me. And the same guitar won’t sound the same in someone else’s hands.”

But don’t be misled that the big guys are making it impossible to get their iconic axes in a smaller store. Lifesong, in Quarryville, Pa., opened just two years ago and boasts Yamaha, Taylor, and Fender lines. The distinctive store has a coffee shop, a reading area, and Christian books, art, and recordings. But it is also a full-fledged MI store with pro audio, guitars, drums, keyboards, and recording equipment.

“It was a challenge with a lot of those lines,” recalls Derek Deibler of Lifesong.

“I guess a lot of them get calls from momand-pop shops and it’s hard to get them to take you seriously, and then you have to get through the buy-in and stocking requirements. Of course I understand – you don’t want to have people selling Fenders out of their garage.”

To mix things up a bit, Lifesong is also stocking Daisy Rock guitars. “I saw Daisy Rock’s owner [Tish Ciravolo] at one of the breakfast panels at NAMM in 2007, and we were intrigued with what she had to say, and went to the booth,” Deibler remembers. “It was a leap of faith, but I was sold after hearing her talk. We didn’t have anything specifically for girls and thought it was a neat concept. At Christmas time they were excellent – we couldn’t get them in as fast as they were going out the door.”

Another line found at Lifesong is Kaman’s Jasmine, which the dealership has had from the beginning. Despite the Kaman Music’s size, it was easy for the start-up store to begin a good relationship, Deibler says. The conditions to take APRIL 2008

on Jasmine were easy, too: it was, “Here are a couple of guitars, try them.” The entry-level acoustics priced as low as $99 have since gone on to be one of the store’s best sellers.

Of course, some guitar makers are “absolutely” easier to deal with than others and that influences what is on Lifesong’s floor, he says. The manufacturer demanding a $80,000 buy-in with 18 new instruments coming in every month doesn’t work for many of these smaller stores in smaller markets. Flexibility, says, Deibler, “makes all the difference.”

Yet the big brands are still key to their success.

“I’m going to say that most of our customers are brand-driven,” he relates. “But I’ll cross-sell if I feel strongly enough about the product.

If I feel something else is available that will get them more for their money, I’ll suggest

looking at it. But if somebody wants a Taylor, they want a Taylor.

“Personally, I believe there are products every bit as nice as the big brands … but as someone told me, this is fashion industry, and it really is.”

Variety is the Spice of Sales David Jenkins, sales manager of True Tone Guitars in Santa Monica, Calif., wants to appeal to the discriminating, yet open-minded taste of his customers.

On the True Tone floor are a good selection of Eastwood and Reverend guitars, for example.

“We’ve always been fans of Reverend and have done really well with them,” he relates.

“We’ve been with Eastwood since the end of 2006, and they are doing well too. They make a lot of cool stuff.” With both of these makers “you can get a great guitar for $600, $800 that sounds good and doesn’t look

MMR 45

like a copy of another guitar,” Jenkins points out. “At that price point there are a lot more choices than their used to be, that’s for sure.

“We have a real affi nity for the guitarist, and like to have the more off-beat instruments.”

There certainly is a lot of variety for anybody walking into True Tone. Gibson, Gretsch, Fender, Martin, G&L, and Guild are mixed in with Reverend and

“I believe there are products every bit as nice as the big brands … but this is fashion industry …”

-- Derek Deibler, Lifesong, Quarryville, Pa. Eastwood in addition to Blueridge, RainSong, Jay Turser, and other brands.

Jenkins agrees with Firehouse Music’s Lewis that the new generation of players isn’t necessarily as brand-loyal as their elders. Also how these young customers get their music -- and see what instruments are being played -- has changed.

“There’s a lot more music on the Web, and a lot more people getting into playing because of what they see on their computer,” he observes. And what they see there tends to be more individual players playing a wider variety of guitars.

“We’re a professional guitar shop, and high percentage of our customers are professionals, but there are a lot of kids just saving their money wanting one of our guitars, too. That’s where Eastwood and Reverend come in. But not just them – Mexican-made Fenders are fantastic guitars under $1,000, and Gibson too is making more budget versions of some of their popular guitars. Epiphones are a great value, as well.”

Still, the key is variety.

“We’re not the type of place where you just see one or two of something, and then we tell you can order something you don’t see.”

As for different manufacturers requiring different dealer agreements and terms, Jenkins takes a philosophical stance. “Every manufacturer is trying to do the best job they can, make the best product and market it as best they can. We have a good relationship with all our manufacturers, and we need each other.”

46 MMR

APRIL 2008

At Bellevue American Music in Bellevue, Wash., guitarists see all the familiar guitars with Fender, Gibson, Guild, PRS, Ibanez, Martin, Taylor, and Peavey … or will they?

“Even with the brands people are familiar with, you won’t see many of the models we have elsewhere,” says Reese Marin, president of the store whose roots date back to 1984. “People regularly walk in and go, ‘My gosh – I’ve never seen this kind of selection anywhere, not even on the Internet.’” At Bellevue American, the player fi nds a wealth of custom orders, one-of-a-kind guitars, and limited editions. If Martin comes out with a series of which there are only 50 built in the entire world, you can bet at least one ends up at Bellevue American Music, Marin states.

“Vendors, sales managers, and clinicians who come here for business end up staying and playing our guitars because we make it a point to stock things that most people just hear about, not see,” Marin adds. “The Roland guys recently came here for a clinic and workshop, then sat here for hours playing the guitars!”

APRIL 2008

Having five big-box stores in the Seattle area dictates the need to differentiate, Marin believes, and that means having uncommon models from wellknown makers being on their walls as well as guitar brands not seen in every other store.

Duesenberg was added in January 2007, and Marin says they have been very successful with them. “The people who work here are players and performers with experience on stage, and our bar is set very high,” he says. “We see products come and go, but we have an eye for quality,” so taking on a new line is not something that’s done lightly.

Composite Acoustics is another line Marin is glad to have. “We’ve been with them since day one,” he says. “The quality of the product is great. When they first brought their guitar to us, we played it, evaluated it, understood the concept, and got along famously with the people. They are an amazing company, and we sell a lot of their guitars.”

He adds that the relationship he has with all his vendors is terrific and key to their success. But,

bottom line, Marin seems like a kid in a candy store ….

“We’re just spoiled musicians -- we buy guitars as though we want to own them, those we’d be proud to own as a player.”

“These [newer] guys are hungry to do business.”

-- Terry Lewis, Firehouse Guitars, Grandville, Mich.

MMR 47

A NEW ONLINE COMMUNITY BRINGING TOGETHER JAZZ EDUCATORS, PERFORMERS, STUDENTS, AND FANS!

JazzPlayer.com is now live – visit www.JazzPlayer.com to sign up and create your individualized profile and start connecting with fellow jazz aficionados and scholars.

Brought to you by the publishers of

FRETTED

Dealers Map

New Directions in Fretted Brands T

he results of an email survey of more than 4,600 U.S. storefronts (both full-line and specialty guitar shops) showed a majority actively cultivating new sources of supply in guitars, basses, and other fretted instruments.

Nearly 80% of respondents report adding brands in the electric and acoustic/acoustic-electric segments over the last two years, while just under 60% are merchandising electric basses with new brand names.

This adventurous spirit is less evident in non-guitar fretted products where more than 70% have made no additions over the last 24 months.

Having a line not stocked by the competition (indy, national, and Internet retailers) was cited by 76% of respondents as a reason for taking on new fretted brands, followed by price/quality considerations (64%), and margins (60%.)

Will the trend continue? Apparently: Over 90% say they will continue to consider new brands in the future.

50 MMR

APRIL 2008

Dealers Speak Out We asked retailers for comments on the current fretted market as well as their views on the role of newer or lesser-known brand names within the category …

The new electric brands we have added provide options to the customer outside the big three. The “upstarts” offer great colors, configurations, and value to our customer and the chance to have something that is still somewhat unique at a very reasonable price.Instead of throwing ridiculous buy-in requirements at us, these newer companies are just thrilled to do business with us. What a very refreshing change of scenery indeed!

Terry Lewis Firehouse Guitars Grandville, Mich.

We would like to see brands that support people getting involved in playing music, not just the aspect of selling commodities … and try to make it profitable and fun as well.

Dave Miller Buddy Roger’s Music Cincinnati, Ohio

We use MI SalesTrak info to find out what’s selling and then work backward to what we have available that matches the price point or feature set of the popular time. Seems to work well and doesn’t force us to have too many vendors to keep happy.

Peter Sides Robert M. Sides Family Music Center State College, Pa. Logos sell, but an okay instrument that looks slick and professional outsells brand names that look like a turd. Of course, it still has to be a decent instrument ...

John R. Giovannoni The Music Room Palatine, Ill.

The bass guitar market is much more accepting of new products than the guitar market. While there is more acceptance in the guitar market than in the past, it is still dominated by a handful of very common product types (single-cut, Strat/Tele-style …)

James Bethea The Perfect Bass, LLC Baton Rouge, La. Too many Stratocasters from all brands.

Fred Shuman Durdel’s Music Toledo, Ohio

I sell Fender accessories ... why don’t they have an electric guitar (import) student line with the Fender name somewhere on it for the independent stores? They do it for Sam’s Club, Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, etc.

Vincent Ruffini A-K Music Lower Burrell, Pa.

I’m surprised by the quality and variety of fretted instruments -- primarily guitars -- that are being made in China. The customers are very willing to try and buy these instruments, not to mention the price point is much better than some of the other major brands. The laminates don’t go over very well in our location, however.

Cindy Pickin’ Porch Music Store Conway, Ark.

With the non-music box stores -- Costco, Target, Toys R Us, Sam’s Club -- and department stores (Sears, Penny’s, etc.), it has all forced the real music stores to become more aggressive through brand development on a personal market level.

The suppliers all realize the Internet has been good and bad. While the brick-and-mortar stores are struggling to stay open, we see a decrease in storefronts each year. With the present trend, we may see the implosion take place sooner than expected -- too much product and not enough space to offer it for sale. Not until we have real franchises for local markets will

Have you added any brands of electric guitars in the last two years?

Have you added any brands of acoustic and/or acoustic-electric guitars in the last two years?

Have you added any brands of electric basses in the last two years?

No

No

20.3%

22.2% Yes

79.7%

No

Yes

77.8%

40.7%

Yes

59.3%

Most mentioned among 62 brands reported:

Most mentioned among 52 brands reported:

Most mentioned among 42 brands reported:

Greg Bennett/Samick/Silvertone Michael Kelly • Reverend Hagstrom • Ibanez • Schecter

Ibanez • Michael Kelly Blueridge • Takamine

Ibanez • Stagg • Roscoe Musicman • Warwick • Washburn Dean

APRIL 2008

MMR 51

Dealers Speak Out this industry start to grow again. We sign a franchise that states our territory, yet any one can buy online and have products delivered into our backyard at a savings and pay no sales tax.

Harry Gillum Showtime Music Bridgeport, W. Va. We might have to add more lines if Fender and Gibson don’t stop selling guitars to Bed Bath & Beyond and other box stores.

Robert Tompkins Alto Music Wappingers Falls, N.Y. It’s very hard to make a living selling just frets and MI-related products in today’s world. I’m in my 40th year and had to make some BIG changes to make that milestone. I’ve always been a combo MI store, but we also now do the Lowrey Music Wellness Program.

A very good and profitable business.

Don Middleton Don’s Music Land, Ltd. Peoria Ill. Customers need to know that buying a fretted instrument from a reputable dealer is the key to getting a “better deal” and ultimately a better instrument. A local dealer will provide the added value of setting up a fretted instrument. An Internet competitor will more than likely not do so and just ship

Have you added any brands of other (non-guitar) fretted instruments in the last two years?

No

70.9%

Yes

29.1%

Most mentioned among 21 brands reported: Hohner • Goldtone • Kala Ukuleles Deering 52 MMR

the customer what’s in the box they received from the manufacturer. Typically, the problem with brand names is that people think that the brand name alone will assure them quality and value. In reality, a non-brand name product that is set up properly may very well exceed the playability and tone of a market leader.

Brand names do, however, bring customers into the store and they will undoubtedly be hit by any Internet search engine.

Michael Ferrucci Fine Fretted Friends Livermore, Calif.

I love the history of those name brands I carry, but cannot turn the numbers on them to make any money and they are not historically the same instrument (although sometimes better) that they were. And we must remember we are not museums: we need to sell what we can make a profit on!

Greg Weast Columbia River Music The Dalles, Ore. We have eight or nine music stores on this island that carry guitars, so we try to get things no one else is carrying.

Most of the stuff from China is getting so good it almost doesn’t matter what the brand is.

Mark Scrufari Coconut Grove Music Kailua, Hawaii

Margins need to be better. I have a music store in a small town competing with the Internet and catalogs. The manufacturers really don’t care if the dealer sells the instrument to a customer face to face or if the dealer has to resort to selling online to “dump” the product just to pay the invoice. I think dealers dumping on eBay just to keep numbers up to get better margins are only hurting the value of the manufacturer’s product. Lots of dealers get around selling for MAP on eBay buy simply listing the [new] item as “like new” or “mint condition” ... which makes my product on my showroom floor valueless.

Joe Thurman Thurman Music Fort Madison, Iowa The key to survival for independent stores will be the ability to add value to lower-priced and lesser-known instruments through in-house set-up and personal guarantees of warranty. I can repair every instrument I sell -- fretted or otherwise -- and as owner and repairman, extra costs to the business are minimal. My personal guarantee of EVERYTHING I sell has allowed me to prosper for 28 years. As I tell my customers, “You get to yell at the same person every time.”

Dave Caldwell Caldwell Connection Whitestone, New York City

I have added fretted instrument brands for the following reasons: To have something the competition does not:

76%

Attractive price/quality ratio of the instruments:

64%

Better margins than many leading brands:

60%

Attractive terms (discounts, buy-in requirements, support etc.):

38%

APRIL 2008

I would consider adding new fretted instrument brands in the future.

No (or no response)

9.9%

Yes

90.1%

I read all the trade magazines and see so many editorials written by store owners who are trying to understand why some manufacturers seem to be moving away from small independent stores. I have finally decided that they just don’t feel they need our business.

APRIL 2008

To me, applying a “one size fits all” policy in terms of buy-ins and stocking requirements is not practical or good for my business (or the manufacturers).

We are all familiar with the 80/20 rule: 80% of business comes from 20% of our customers. In my experience, regardless of the type of industry, this rule applies. But, jeez man, that still means there is 20% to be picked up from all of us “little guys” …

Again, the only thing I can assume by this is that the collective 20% of business that small, one-store independents can bring to a company is just not worth their time. I know this is just “business.” But let’s face it, those of us who have been in this industry for any length of time (myself 24 years) have seen our fair share of major blunders and very poor decisions made by supposed “industry leaders.” Remember Mars Music? I can’t tell you how many of my reps told me, “Mars is going to change the way we all do business.”

Hmmm, maybe they were speaking of all that distressed inventory that became available during the bankruptcy!

The fact is our industry is trying to model itself after other, completely unrelated industries. It seems fewer and fewer manufacturers of MI products are being run by execs that came up through this business. With a few exceptions, most of these established brands have turned to “outsiders” who are more interested in running up stock values so they can make a load of money before they sell out than they are in developing a long-term plan to grow their business.

One final comment. Recently I was approached by a longtime customer who likes my set-up work on guitars. I had set up a Strat for him and a friend of his loved the way it played. This was a garden- variety U.S. Strat. This friend had bought a PRS Custom at GC (120 miles away) and if this PRS had ever been set up, one couldn’t tell. My customer told me his friend wanted to trade his PRS

MMR 53

Dealers Speak Out for my customer’s Strat. He asked me if I could make the PRS play any better. I guaranteed him that in about 20 minutes I could have it practically playing itself.

My customer made the trade and I did what I told him I could.

The point of that story is that there is now a fellow in my town who feels a $1,000 Strat is a “better” guitar than a $3,000 PRS. Why? Because my shop provides expert service, personal attention, and support that a mega-store like GC simply cannot. We are not selling toasters here, folks. Our customers need guys like us on the front lines making sure they get the most out of their purchase. I will always feel that placing a properly set-up instrument into a customer’s hands AND providing a place he can continue to receive service is the only way this business will survive. But, once again, that is making the assumption that some of these companies are looking at long-term success.

Mike Andarakes Great Neck Guitars Wichita Falls, Texas We will not survive in this industry working with a 20 to 33% margin that

the manufacturers expect us to work with. We are changing most of our lines to reflect a 40 to 45% margin.

And it is working! I have been in business for 36 years and quite frankly I cannot believe how some of the manufacturers are treating us! We built them to where they are, and now they have no respect for who got them there.

With one major guitar builder, in order to stay a dealer we are required to have on the wall 22 pieces of their choosing (including guitars over $5,000.) Yet, in asking why GC doesn’t have but four guitars in each of their two stores, we only get, “We’re working on that.” Do you know how many times I have heard that? We have been stocking 18 different guitars in that line, yet it is not enough for them now. We were one of the first dealers in the state, we were instrumental in building the brand, and this is what we get? I have lost respect for many of big-name brands the last few years, and it’s no wonder.

We survive in a city of 48,000 people.

A farming community, we have been in a drought for five years, had two major floods last year that completely isolated the town for a time, and in January of

this year we had an ice storm so bad that we once again were declared a disaster area by FEMA. Our economy is, and has been, bad, to say the least.

We will survive by looking at other brands, because the major manufacturers are no longer willing to understand and work with us when we are down a bit. Plus, our credit rating is and has always been ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! They always get paid first!

Steve Hanson S.M. Hanson Music Inc. Salina, Kan. Providing new and higher-end options for customers gives us a way to stand out from the crowd.

Brian Meader Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center Wheaton, Md. We really like working with some of these new suppliers. They don’t sell to big-box or on the Internet. They don’t give “special prices” to GC. Reverend Guitars are, in my opinion, the new Fender. And so easy to work with!

Shannan Wilkinson SEACO Music Sumter, S.C. There are many very good guitar lines out there and they all have their niches, but we are forced to choose what gives us the most coverage for the inventory dollar. We as retailers are catering to such a small portion market that it’s impossible to do justice to all the brands that may be deserving.

We have selected those we think are harmonious with one another and that cover as many types of players as possible.

Jim McDonald Samuel Music Effingham , Ill. Still running with mostly known brands, but will consider any brand/ product to achieve goals of better profitability and turns.

Russ Beacock Beacock Music Vancouver, Wash.

54 MMR

APRIL 2008

Every Music Dealer in the U.S. In the Palm of Your Hand!

New For 2008!

Directory of

Musical Instrument Dealers A must for every musical instrument manufacturer, importer and sales representative A city-by city list with name, address and telephone number of stores throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, PLUS—a separate listing of the nation’s top chain headquarters. Email and Fax numbers when available.

The ONLY directory of its kind available anywhere!

MUSICAL T INSTRUMEN DEALERS

STATE

HIGHLAND MUSIC 3000 CLAIRMONT AVE S

LORNA MUSIC 3241 LORNA

RD

MIKES MUSIC CENT 2324 1ST AVE ER N MUSIC ALLEY 113 LORNA BROO K VLG SAVAGE DRUM S 2710 YELLOW HAMMER HL SOUND ADVIC E INC 3004 4TH AVE S

A complete listing of dealers featuring the following product categories: AP DP EK OR BO DR SR RE FR PM DJ KA

Acoustic Piano Digital Piano Electric Keyboard/Synth Organ Band & Orchestra Drums/Percussion Sound Reinforcement Recording Equipment Fretted Instruments Print Music DJ Equipment Karaoake Products

MUSICAL T INSTRUMEN DEALERS

34 ..............MT ......

Montana ......

39 54 ..............AL .....1 .........NE ......

Alabama .......

Nebraska..........

33 ......49 ..........AK ....... ...NV ....... ...... ....... ...... ka Alas Nevada ......

50 .....1 0 ..AZ .....6 ....... re.........NH Arizona ..............

New Hampshi .....94 ALA 216 A J.....BAM ..............AR.. ....N RAILROAD BAZANew Jersey ............

Arkansas .......

87EIDSO AR ..1,0 1207 8 CA .....5 DP .......

EK N ST .......

BO.NM DR SR RE FR ...... ......

PM DJ California .......

250-232-5201 New Mexico.. FAX: ATHENS 150 250-232-5201 ....520 ETOWAH MUSIC .............CO.... ............NY CO Colorado .......

414 4TH New York ......DR SR RE FR PM 0 ..CT .....139 ST NW ...25 .......

C 256-53 ....... ....N 8-7788 AUBURN GUITA ATTALLA Connecticut.

Carolina ......

R SHOP Nort PEhTHE 758 ..22 E GLEN N AVE .............DE..... .....ND .....25 ......

334-82 1-6818 Delaware .......

AUBURN North Dakota..

FAX: 334-821-0074 ........5 ...356 mbia ...DC ..OH E-MAI MARK ......L:...... @AUBURNG JACK’S MUSIC District of Colu UITAR.COM Ohio ............

28 E 150 N HOYL DR SR FR BAY AVE ..........FL......4 .....OK....104 251-58...... a ......

Florida ..............

0-8380 hom Okla MINET TE E-MAIL: INFO@ ....282 34 JACKS .OR ....1 MUSIC ...............GA WEBS ......

ITE: ......

WWW.JACKSMUS .NET Georgia .......

AFFORDABLE on.........

IC.NET .47SOUND &Oreg LIGHT INC .......

2ND AVE S DR SR ..........HI1304 .......PA.....418 nia.......

Hawaii ..............

205-25 1-7635 PennsylvaFAX: BIRMINGHAM ......45 205-251-7662 .ID..

ALAN .............. ....RI ........37 S DISCOUNT ...... d....

MUSIC Idaho...........

Islan 1407 MONTGOME Rhode DP EK OR DR 83 RY HWY SR FR 23 C ...........IL ......3 205-408-4132 ..........SC ....1 BIRMINGHAM Illinois ..............

Carolina.

ARTS MUSIC 11 INC South FAX: 205-979-0084 .....2 SHOP .........IN ......SD ......18 4647 HIGHW AP DP ota.

AY 280 S STE Indiana ..............

EK......

BO DR SR RE Sout O h Dak FR PM 205-995-8376 18 BIRMINGHAM ......IA......107 ....2 ....... .TN FAX: ...... .......

205-99 ......

5-8377 e.....

Iowa .......

E-MAI Tennesse L: ARTSBHM@A 00 .....1 OL.CO KS WEBSITE: WWW M 65 ....... .......BIRMI .......TX .....4 NGHAM PERC Kansas.......... s .................. .ARTSMUSICSHOP.COM USSIO Texa 1615 MONT ER DR ...142 N CENT 79 ..............KY.. GOMERY HWYSTE 158205-823..............UT ......

9911 ......

Kentucky .......

BIRMINGHAM Utah ......

FAX: 205-823-9911 88 E-MAIL: RUSS ........VT .......32 .............LA .......

TIX@AOL.CO ......

Louisiana ....... BURNING BUSH PRODUCTIO Vermont ......

M NS 211 LORN SQ 2 SR RE FR PM ....201 ...........MEA......4 ...VA ....... ......

205-82 ....... e ......

2-8588 ......

Main BIRMINGHAM Virginia.

FAX: 205-822-2252 122 D....

ELLIS......M 2 PIANO ...22 A & ORGAN ....... tonPM...............W Maryland ....... 1550 MONTGOME hing EK OR WasDP RY7HWY 1 205-979-4463 .........MA ....23 .............WV .....5 BIRMINGHAM FAX: inia 205-97 Massachusetts.... t Virg 9-2229 Wes E-MAIL: DAVID MI .....265 FRETT @ELLISPIAN WI ....163 .......

INSTR .......ED ......O.COM TS Michigan....... 2906 LINDENUMEN onsin ............

FR PM Wisc AVE 8 ...16 1 205-879-6489 ..............MN .......WY .....2 BIRMINGHAM ...... ......

FAX:ming Minnesota.....

205-87 9-6434 Wyo GUITAR GALL ERY ......76 .MS 2080....... .......

VALLEYDALE BO SR RE FR .............1,068 RD STE 7 ......

PM ......

Mississippi.... ada Can 205-44 4-9430 ...189 BIRMINGHAM FAX: 205-444-9830 TOTAL 9,727 ...............MO Missouri .......

E-MAIL: GGBH

STATE

Bonus: 1,288 Canadian Dealers!

Dealer Product Categories

M@BELLSOU TH.NET SR FR 205-254-3288 E-MAIL: LITEE X@RICHNET .COM

SR FR PM 5205-823-9399

BO SR FR 205-251-0005 FAX: 205-251-0030 DP EK OR SR FR PM 205-988-3688 FAX: 205-733-8371 205-824-0756 BO DR SR FR 205-254-8003 FAX: 205-833-2219

8

BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM

Please reserve my copy of MMR’s 2008 Directory of Musical Instrument Dealers.

35611-4419

35954-2203 36830-5017

Enclosed is my check for $_________($199 per copy) Return to MMR, 21 Highland Circle, Suite 1, Needham, MA 02494 Fax to: 781-453-9389 • Email orders to: mprescott@symphonypublishing.com

36507-4828

35233-1404

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

35216-3606

35242-5032

35216-4975

35216-5439

Company:__________________________________________________________________ Street: _____________________________________________________________________

35216-4582

35209-2516

City:________________________________________State:_________Zip: _____________

35244-2000

35205-1113

Bill my credit card

T Visa

T Mastercard

T American Express

35216-5403 35203-4302

Card No.___________________________________________________________________

35216

35216-3428 35233-3008

Expires ___________ Authorized Signature ______________________________________ Quantities are limited. Reserve your order today.

FRETTED

PRS Adds Acoustic

… Private Stock models to start, full production on the horizon

Paul Reed Smith guitars … unplugged?

“There’s always room for another good, well-made instrument,” declares PRS’s Joe Knaggs. “We definitely have gotten requests from our dealers and from

our customers over the years to make a good acoustic guitar. Now we’re looking forward to working on it, creating something innovative … the whole process is

The PRS Private Stock team: Brian Lutz, Eric Granroth Paul Miles, Joe Knaggs 56 MMR

great for PRS because it is taking us down a path that allows us to think differently.”

As reported in the March issue of MMR, the first PRS Private Stock acoustics – dubbed the Chesapeake line -- had a “soft launch” at the NAMM Show in January. It’s something that has been a long time in coming, according to Knaggs, who is director of R&D and the Private Stock department.

In fact, the roots of acoustic project traces back to 1990. That year Paul Reed Smith partnered with guitar maker Dana Bourgeois for a brief foray into acoustic guitar. Fast forward: “About five years ago I built an acoustic guitar for myself,” says Knaggs, who has been with PRS for 23 years, and friends with Paul Smith since they were both kids. “I built two prototypes. The fi rst turned out well, but then I changed up the shape and the bracing pattern for the second one and it turned out awesome. I play that guitar all the time and it just sounds beautiful.”

APRIL 2008

Thus the Chesapeake line was born.

Knaggs named them Chesapeake for the famous bay near their Stevensville, Maryland headquarters and where he and Smith grew up. The individual models will pay homage to the Native American tribes who were indigenous to the area. The two models shown at the show were the Potomac and the Patuxent. They are similar, but the Patuxent is a cutaway.

The models are currently being built-toorder by hand.

Further Expansion The acoustics will not come with pickups, says Knaggs, and PRS is currently deciding what route to go with that. For now, though, he electronics won’t be built in. If it’s anything, it’ll be a bridge or soundhole set up. “We’re going to build these guitars solely as acoustics, and we won’t be cutting into them.”

The Private Stock department is where a lot of their new models for production are born, he points out: “That’s where our archtop guitars started, our Gary Grainger Bass started, our Singlecut Hollowbody … most of our recent produc-

APRIL 2008

tion models began as Private Stock products.”

Knaggs says coming out with acoustics has everyone at PRS energized. “We’re having constant meetings about it,” he relates. “Paul and I and many others talk every day and we’re constantly discussing what a PRS production acoustic guitar would be like. There’s no definite timeline on it, but we’re working diligently on it.

It’s exciting.”

Yet is the market ready for another high-end acoustic guitar?

“There is a risk, sure, but there are risks in anything,” he says. “That’s why we’re taking it slowly, building a bunch of different acoustic guitars before we proceed. Overall, we feel it’s a good move.

Paul [Smith] obviously has to feel good about it, and he does. The marketing department feels it’s the right thing to do, too. It’s a good time for us to do this.”

In not completely unrelated news, PRS has begun an expansion of their headquarters that will more than quadruple the size of the operation. The expansion is scheduled to be completed in the next year or so, and should allow them the opportunity to produce Private Stock acoustic guitars along with other lines of products in larger numbers.

So full-scale acoustic guitar production is a matter of “when” not “if.”

For now, though, there is only the “Chesapeake” model. But also looming on the horizon is a separate project involving acoustic guitars that Smith has been working on for several years. Prototypes of those are currently in the hands of several name artists.

For Knaggs, and everyone else at PRS apparently, the acoustic future does indeed look bright for PRS.

“There is a risk, sure, but there are risks in anything.

That’s why we’re taking it slowly, building a bunch of different acoustic guitars before we proceed.”

MMR 57

Fretted Products … a look at innovations in guitars and other fretted instruments, amplifiers, pickups, effects, and accessories premiering at January’s NAMM Show and the Frankfurt Music Fair in March.

Tech 21 ‘Character’ Pedals Tech 21 releases the Character series of pedals. By simply twisting a few knobs, the guitarist can build sought-after tones or hot-rod his or her own. From vintage clas-

sics to modern icons, every variation is delivered in the distinctive voicing of that amp style.

According to Tech 21, each Character Series ped-

al is more than a stompbox. Each can be used as a stand-alone pre-amp to drive a power amp, a studio mixer, or a PA system, with the SansAmp cabinet emulation -- even straight into a computer soundcard – or they can be plugged into your guitar amp. www.tech21nyc.com

New Devil Custom, Hollywood Classic from Schecter Revamped for 2008, the new Devil Custom’s double-cutaway mahogany body features deep sculptured contours, accenting the guitar’s sinister lines. A highly figured solid burl maple top adds to the “looks that kill.”

A 25.5” scale three-piece mahogany neck is set into the body with Schecter’s UltraAccess neck joint, allowing access to the upper range. The 24-fret ebony fingerboard is inlaid with a “devil’s eye” at the 12th fret. The Devil is armed with the EMG 81/85 active humbuckers setup.

Other upscale features include a TonePros locking TOM bridge with Schecter’s string-through-body ‘V’ tail.

Grover tuners and a Graph Tech nut add to the tuning stability.

The Devil Custom is available in two transparent finishes: Blood Red Burst and Dark Amber Burst. MSRP is $949.

58 MMR

Billed as Schecter’s most upscale Diamond Series model to date, the new Hollywood Classic features a 25.5” scale neckthrough-body multi-laminate maple neck. The wings are carved from a solid, thick flamed maple top over a mahogany back. The 24-fret ebony fingerboard is adorned with a mother-of-pearl Schecter ‘crest’ emblem at the 12th fret.

The heart of the Classic’s versatile tone is the Seymour Duncan humbuckers combo of the Custom Custom (SH-11) in the bridge and a ’59 model in the neck position. Both pickups are custom-wound to allow the player to tap each pickup via the push/pull on the Tone control.

The TonePros TOM bridge locks into place for solid intonation and tuning stability, which is further enhanced by the Grover Tuners and the Graph Tech TUSQ nut.

Available in black and red transparent finishes. MSRP is $1,399. www.schecterguitars.com APRIL 2008

Showcase Danelectro ‘Cool Cats’ The new “Cool Cat” collection is comprised of nine models, all featuring true bypass (3 PDT), metal case, metal jacks, and pricing from $29 to $69 suggested list.

Models include Distortion, Tremolo, Metal, Metal II, Fuzz, Drive, Chorus, Transparent Overdrive, and Vibe. The Cool Cat Board holds five Cool Cats and includes DC supply and all cables. It lists for $99. www.coolcattone.com

Alfred’s Rock Charts Guitar 2008

Wood’s ‘Viper’: A Violin for Guitarists Wood Violins has found a way for guitarists to explore the bowed string world: put a six-string fretted Viper in their hands. Not only will they be able to play violin, viola, and cello all in one instrument but they can experience the expressiveness of the bow which creates everything from singing infinite sustain to crisp staccato attack; effects that have previously been available only through the use of special electronics. Add a distortion pedal and there’s no end to what sonic heights can be attained, the company notes.

The Viper comes in four-, five-, six-, and seven-string versions, available fretted or fretless and, with its patented chest supAPRIL 2008

port system (the instrument floats on the body), allows players freedom of movement.

Frets on a violin are the brainchild of Mark Wood, who invented them to address the need to pinpoint pitch on bowed stringed instruments while also creating a “visual mapping system” to explore chordal work.

String players are drawn to every combination available to them while guitarists are turned on by the sixstring fretted version, which can be tuned just like a guitar. The seven-string model in particular sparks the imagination by letting players experience violin, viola, cello, and bass all in one instrument. www.woodviolins.com

Alfred introduces a new songbook celebrating the best songs of the year: Rock Charts Guitar 2008: Deluxe Annual Edition. The all-new edition includes songs from hit artists such as Evanescence, Finger 11, Seether, Nickelback, Buckcherry, The Shins, Paramore, Plain White T’s, and many more. Music includes lyrics and authentic guitar Tab. Rock Charts Guitar 2008: Deluxe Annual Edition is now available for $24.95. Titles are: “9 Crimes” (Damien Rice); “Australia” (The Shins); “Call Me When You’re Sober” (Evanescence); “Chasing Cars” (Snow Patrol); “Colony of Birchman” (Mastodon); “The Dark Eternal Night” (Dream Theater); “Far Away” (Nickelback); “Far Cry” (Rush); “Halo II” (Halo); “Hey There Delilah” (Plain White T’s); “How Long” (Eagles); “Into the Night” (Santana); “Malignant Narcissism” (Rush); “Misery Business” (Paramore); “Our Time Now” (Plain White T’s); “Phantom Limb” (The Shins); “Radio Nowhere” (Bruce Springsteen); “Rockstar” (Nickelback); “Someone to Love” (Fountains of Wayne); “Sorry” (Buckcherry); “Starlight” (Muse); “Supermassive Black Hole” Muse); “Traffic and Weather” (Fountains of Wayne); and “Within Me” (Lacuna Coil.) www.dealer.alfred.com MMR 59

Fretted Products Showcase New Look, Sound for Yamaha CPX, APX The new Yamaha APX500FM, CPX500 and CPX500FM acoustic-electric guitars feature standout sound quality and craftsmanship that is virtually untouchable at their price points, largely due to the fact that they are manufactured in Yamaha owned and operated facilities that adhere to many of the same standards and practices as the company’s high-end handcrafted line.

The APX500FM, a thin-line acoustic-electric, is a f lamed maple top ver-

sion of the Yamaha APX500.

It also features eastern mahogany back and sides, die-cast tuners, and the proprietary System55T preamp which includes the workhorse one-way piezo pickup, three-band EQ, adjustable midrange control, and onboard tuner.

The CPX500 is a Yamaha Compass (medium jumbo)

model with a spruce top, eastern mahogany back and sides, die-cast tuners, and System55T preamp, and is the full-bodied big brother to the APX500 model. The CPX500FM features a flamed maple top.

The CPX500, CPX500FM and APX500FM guitars are expected to ship in spring 2008. www.yamaha.com

Gretsch Celebrates 125 Years In celebration of its 125th anniversary, Gretsch is releasing several new guitar and

amplifier models, including the Custom Shop Chet Atkins G6120 125th Anniversary Limited Edition guitar in transparent orange finish over real gold leaf. This model features gold-plated hardware and TV Jones Classic pickups. The guitar, which is limited to 25 pieces worldwide, includes an anniversary strap and belt buckle hand-tooled by leather craftsman Tom Nix; the MSRP is $12,500.

Gretsch is also releasing the G6118TLTV 125th Anniversary model, which features the ultra-rare jaguar tan top and metallic gold back and sides. It is the first

model to include the new “ML” bracing, which synchronizes the vibration of the top and back for increased acoustical openness in tone. The MSRP is $3,450.

Other new models include the G6136DL David Lee Limited Edition artist model, which is based on the White Falcon guitar and is limited to 30 pieces worldwide with a MSRP of $5,250, the G5235 G. Love Corvette artist model (MSRP $1,400), and the Electromatic G5222 amp, which features five watts, two tubes, and two inputs for a MSRP of $195. www.gretsch.com

Peavey Pro 2000 Bass Amplifier The Peavey Pro 2000 bass amplifier features 2,000 watts of power, extensive EQ options, and switchable operation in Stereo, Mono, Bi-Amp, and Full-Range/Sub modes.

The amplifier head features dual preamps — one tube and one solid state —with a pre-gain blend control that can dial in a unique mix of distinct preamp tones. The amp’s three-band EQ section, with parametric mid, enables incremental adjustments in the frequency range (from 200 Hz to 2 kHz) and “Q” (wide to narrow) in the vital mid-frequency range, and also features shelving lowand high-EQ options.

60 MMR

The four-way mode switch selects Stereo, Mono, Bi-Amp, and Full-Range/ Sub modes. When the amp is switched to Stereo, Bi-Amp, or Full-Range/Sub modes, the Pro 2000 puts out 1,000 watts into 2 ohms per side. In Mono mode, it automatically bridges the two amps to create a 2,000-watt amp that drives 4 ohms. In Bi-Amp mode, users can adjust the frequency distribution between two cabinets with the Balance control (left/low to right/high); the crossover frequency is adjustable from 100 Hz to 1 kHz.

The Pro 2000 is built around a lightweight, universal voltage switch-mode power supply that is compatible with worldwide mains voltages from 100 to 240 volts at either 50 or 60 Hz, drastically reducing weight while making the amplifier even more versatile. Additional features include DI, mute, input pad, master volume, thermally controlled two-speed fans, and Peavey’s exclusive DDT™ anti-clipping speaker protection. U.S. MSRP is $1899.99 www.peavey.com

APRIL 2008

5*3&% 0' 4611-*&34 5&--*/( :06 8)"5 50 #6: "/% %*$5"5*/( :063 ."3(*/ 4BNJDL 64" (JWFT $POUSPM #BDL UP UIF *OEFQFOEFOU %FBMFS t :PV DPOUSPM ZPVS HVJUBS EFQBSUNFOU CZ PõFSJOH UIF XJEFTU BSSBZ PG HVJUBS TUZMFT GSPN POF PG UIF MBSHFTU HVJUBS NBOVGBDUVSFST JO UIF XPSME XJUIPVU MBSHF NJOJNVN PSEFST PG QSPEVDU ZPV EPO U XBOU #VZ XIBU TFMMT

*G ZPV EPO U CFMJFWF VT KVTU BTL TPNF PG ZPVS GFMMPX JOEFQFOEFOU EFBMFST BCPVU UIF NPTU QSPmUBCMF MJOF JO UIFJS TUPSF $POUBDU +PIO )BXLJOT 7JDF 1SFTJEFOU .* %JWJTJPO +)BXLJOT!TNDNVTJD DPN FYU 'BY

t /P SFUBJM QSJDJOH UP TFU ZPVS TUSFFU QSJDF BU UP iPõw B mDUJPOBM OVNCFS )PX NBOZ HVJUBST EP ZPV TFMM BU GVMM SFUBJM 4BNJDL 64" EPFT OPU QMBZ HBNFT XJUI i BOE BOE B MPMMJQPQ JG UIFSF JT B GVMM NPPO PO 5VFTEBZT w 4.$ PõFST UIF CFTU OFU QSJDJOH BOE WBMVF TP ZPV DBO NBLF NPOFZ t 0VS (SFH #FOOFUU MJOF IBT PWFS OFX HVJUBS TFSJFT BOE PWFS NPEFMT BU UIF NPTU DPNQFUJUJWF QSJDJOH JO UIF JOEVTUSZ 5IFSF JT OP MJOF XJUI B CSPBEFS BQQFBM t 0VS TVQQPSU QSPHSBNT JODMVEF QSPNPUJPOBM FWFOUT DMJOJDT EFBMFS USBJOJOH BOE BO BEWFSUJTJOH DPPQFSBUJWF QSPHSBN GPS 57 SBEJP BOE JOUFSOFU :PV FWFO IBWF ZPVS PXO SFHJPOBM BSUJTU QSPHSBN BOE UFBDIJOH TUVEJP QSPHSBN t " DPNQSFIFOTJWF OBUJPOBM BE DBNQBJHO TVQQPSUT ZPVS MPDBM NBSLFUJOH t /P CJH CPY TUPSFT OP NBTT NFSDIBOUT 5IF CFTU ."1 BU NBSHJOT t $PNQSFIFOTJWF nPPS TBMFT USBJOJOH DPNQMFUF XJUI UIF NPTU FEVDBUJPOBM DBUBMPH BOE XFC WJEFP USBJOJOH BWBJMBCMF GSPN BOZ HVJUBS DPNQBOZ

XXX (SFH#FOOFUU(VJUBST DPN

Fretted Products Showcase Music Wizard Guitar Prototype Music Wizard Group has unveiled the prototype of Guitar Wizard. Forming a partnership with U.S. Music’s SoundTech Professional Audio Division, the companies have combined to develop a gaming package that can teach aspiring rock stars how to play real music on a real guitar. The product will include both the SoundTech Ediface Digital Guitar Interface and the patented

8): *4 5)*4

5)& 1&3'&$5 '*345 (6*5"3 The perfect ďƒžrst guitar, that is how teachers are describing the Michael Kelly VisionaryTM V-5.

For a new player, the action can easily be set super low - to the point of the strings practically sitting on the frets.

Then, as a student gains ďƒžnger strength and develops their calluses, the height can easily be raised to a custom level.

7JTJPOBSZ™ 4FSJFT - The Ultimate Custom Acoustic Guitar

XXX 7JTJPOBSZ"DPVTUJD DPN

62 MMR

Guitar Wizard software, allowing people to play and learn on their PC or Mac with their existing acoustic or electric guitars by converting the guitar sounds to digital for live interactive video game play. Virtually any guitar can be used with the SoundTech Ediface and virtually any song will be able to be used with the Pro software package. www.musicwizard.com

The Loar Hand-Carved 1920s Replica Archtop Modeled after American designs from the early 20th century, The Loar’s new archtop guitar is hand-carved from select, graduated woods and features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish and unparalleled acoustic projection.

The Loar Hand-Carved Archtop (LH-600) is an authentic replica of the original archtop acoustic guitars from the 1920s. This all-solid model features a top that is hand-carved from graduated spruce, and hand-carved back and sides made from highly flamed maple.

The LH-600 also features a hand-rubbed, vintage tobacco sunburst finish with nitrocellulose lacquer for superior acoustic projection, a one-piece mahogany, Gotoh tuners, and a compensated adjustable ebony bridge.

With its exceptionally loud tone, carved body, and vintage design, this new archtop attracted considerable attention at the NAMM Show in January.

Dealers are advised to order early for April delivery. The LH-600 has a list price of $1,195 and includes a featherweight case. The Loar, a division of The Music Link, specializes in handcrafted musical instruments inspired by the Golden Age. www.themusiclink.net APRIL 2008

make it your new

standard Now available in satin nitro finish

Stop by a dealer near you to try the Standard and to experience PRS. Š 2008 PRS Guitars, Photo by Marc QUigley

Fretted Products Showcase Timberline’s T Series Lineup From Canadian custom builder and luthier Kevin Hall comes a new custom-designed forward-shifted, scalloped-X-bracing system for Timberline Guitars. The 19 all–new solid wood

Elixir Strings Launches Cable Line Elixir Strings introduces Elixir Cables, the company’s first fretted instrument accessory outside of guitar strings. According to Elixir, the cables deliver tonally transparent instrument cables, providing clearer high frequencies and smoother, more balanced mids. The cables are available in lengths of 10, 15, 20, and 30’ (both right and straight angle jack plugs are available.) www.elixirstrings.com

T Series Guitars, available in four series, feature Grover machines, 5mm abalone rosette, pinstripe binding offsets, bolton short–scale 24.9� neck, ebony bridge, fretboard and bridge pins. An arched-top Tolex hardcase with embossed Timberline logo is included. Pickup options are available from L.R. Baggs and Fishman. Each series includes dreadnought, dreadnought cutaway, concert cutaway, and auditorium cutaway body styles.

The satin-finish 30 Series features solid Canadian Sitka spruce soundboards and mahogany back and sides. The 50 Series adds gloss fin-

ish and contrasting rosewood binding. The model T55Ac features a Pacific red cedar solid top and cutaway.

The 70 Series guitars offer solid Javanese rosewood bodies with contrasting Indonesian mahogany binding. The T75Ac model features a Pacific red cedar solid top and cutaway.

The Flagship 80 Series crowns the line with solid rosewood bodies, Engelmann spruce soundboards, and a premium trim package including a custom Timberline mother-of-pearl 12th-fret inlay. The cutaway model T85Ac is available with an abalone-edged solid Pacific red cedar soundboard.

Timberline Guitars come standard with a lifetime limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. www.timberlineguitars.com

:FBI " GSFUUFE FMFDUSJD WJPMJO *U T DBMMFE B 7JQFS 1VU JU JO B NPOTUFS QMBZFS T IBOET m MJLF TBZ .BSL 8PPE m BOE JU QSPEVDFT GBDF NFMUJOH TISFE B MJDJPVT SJGGT GSPN TUBDDBUP BUUBDLT UP TXFFU TJOHJOH JOĂ OJUF TVTUBJOT 1VU B TUSJOH GSFUUFE 7JQFS JO BO BDDPNQMJTIFE HVJUBSJTU T IBOET UVOF JU MJLF B HVJUBS BOE UIF SFTVMU NJHIU KVTU CF UIF NBHJDBM TPVOE UIFZ WF CFFO MPPLJOH GPS UIFJS XIPMF MJGF /PQF UIJT JTO U 8PMGHBOH T WJPMJO .BSL 8PPE JOOPWBUPS &NNZ XJOOJOH DPNQPTFS BOE FMFDUSJD WJPMJOJTU GPS 5SBOT 4JCFSJBO 0SDIFTUSB XBOUT ZPV UP LOPX UIBU OPUIJOH TISFET MJLF POF PG IJT 7JQFST

ÂĽ 8PPE 7JPMJOT *OD

4P XIBU BSF ZPV XBJUJOH GPS

64 MMR

5IF 7JQFS DPNFT JO TUSJOH NPEFMT

4USJOHT XJMM OFWFS CF UIF TBNF

7JTJU 8PPE7JPMJOT DPN BOE MFBSO NPSF BCPVU UIF 7JQFS BOE PVS GVMM MJOF PG FMFDUSJD WJPMJOT WJPMBT BOE DFMMPT

APRIL 2008

Fretted Products Showcase First Act Adam Levine, Bamboo Models The Adam Levine Signature Models, of Maroon 5 fame, has two new models, one that has an MSRP of $150, and the other with an MSRP of $2,800.

Also new is the Eco-Friendly Green Bamboo Guitar, which comes from the company’s Custom Shop. It was created

for Guster’s Adam Gardner. Constructed of bamboo (the fastest-growing plant on earth), this electric guitar combines unique construction, good tone, and exceptional quality in an affordable and very playable instrument. www.firstact.com

Sierra Compass Travel-Size Sierra Guitars introduces the newest addition to the Sierra Guitar line, the Sierra Compass. The Sierra Compass ST10 is a travel-size acoustic guitar that was introduced at the 2008 NAMM Show.

This scaled-down 34” guitar serves as a great travel instrument, a comfortable guitar for beginners, or as a quality instrument for anyone looking for a fun and easy-to-manage smaller-sized guitar. Featuring a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides for a warm and natural tone, the Compass incorporates die-cast machine heads and is available in a natural satin finish. The guitar also displays a signature compass-shaped inlay on the 12th fret marker, unique to each Sierra Guitar series. A padded Sierra gig bag is included. Suggested retail is price is $399. www.sierraguitars.net

66 MMR

APRIL 2008

CANVAS CVS30 CVS30FM

The Canvas Vintage 30.

Put a strap on it and it balances perfectly and has just enough heft to offer a big, phat sound without pulling your back out. An arched ame maple top accents the select mahogany body for looks and tone galore. The bolt-on hard maple neck has a shape reminiscent of a classic 60’s design. Two Alnico5 Zebra-stripe pickups give the player full control over the amount of drive into the front of the amp, without concerns about the guitar sound breaking up.

Visit us at Namm Upstairs room 204C

Toll Free 866-473-5864 ASC 5300 Ontario Mills Parkway, Suite 100 Ontario, Ca 91764 Phone: 909.484.7498 Fax: 909.484-7890 www.cavasguitars.com

© 2007 America Sejung Corp. All rights reserved.

Fretted Products Showcase Ernie Ball Music Man Releases Guitar Trio

Ambrosonic Ambrosonic announces a new series of electric guitars with MP3 Recording, DSP, and USB options already installed. These high-end electric guitars are made of swamp ash and quilted maple tops will retail at around $3,000. www.ambrosonics.com

Ernie Ball Music Man announces three new models: the Sterling 5, the Bongo 6, and the Limited Edition 2008.

The exclusive characteristics of the Limited Edition 2008 include a brand-new, warm sequoia gold fi nish that is complemented by gold hardware. A limited edition mother-of-pearl inlay adorns the 12th fret. Also included is a custom lizardback case lined with a plush golden fabric. Available for a limited time, the 2008 Limited Edition enhancements will be available on all Music Man instruments.

The Sterling 5 features a compact body with a faster profi le (maple or rosewood) neck, sculpted neck joint, and a smaller profi le 4+1 headstock configuration. It has an ash body, three-

band active EQ, and Music Man’s massive humbucking pickup. It’s available in ceramic humbucking, doublehumbucking, and humbucking–single pickup configurations.

Featuring a unique body and neck concept designed in conjunction with BMW U.S.A., the Bongo 6 marks the debut of Ernie Ball Music Man’s fi rst full-scale six-string bass. Featuring a slender-profi le neck and string spacing that’s equivalent to the company’s popular Bongo and Stingray 5 series instruments, the Bongo 6 has a 34” scale, bolt-on neck configuration, and 24 frets as well as a basswood body, 18-volt preamp, four-band EQ, and neodymium magnets. www.ernieball.com

Burriss Amps Royal Bluesman Burriss Amps and Effects Pedals introduces the Royal Bluesman, touted as one of the world’s smallest, full-featured, custom, hand-wired tube amplifiers. At 18 watts and only 14 pounds with a 11.5” x 6.75” x 7.13” footprint, the class A Royal Bluesman is hand-wired, tube-powered and feature-laden, including: reverb with dwell and mix; vibrato; series loop and/or parallel returns; and a line level input that allows the guitarist to play along with music from an external music source. It is housed in a custom chassis and made in the U.S. www.burrissamps.com 68 MMR

APRIL 2008

Fretted Products Showcase Facelift ‘Instant Guitar Makeover’ Accessory Guitar accessory Facelift has secured U.S. distribution via both Kaman and Musicorp, with a product launch in their second-quarter catalogs.

“Although we already have distribution deals in the UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Canada, and across Europe, America is the most important market for our product, without doubt,” says Mike Hrano, of Rockano Productions Ltd., the UK-based manufacturer of Faceflit.

The inspiration behind the Facelift was a simple one: to transform the appearance of a guitar instantly, but not permanently. MAP is $29.99.

Following two years of research and testing, the guitar “make-over” accessory was soft-launched at the London Guitar Show in May, 2006. Two months later, the Facelift received an Official License from Fender.

The Facelift, a custom-cut removable and re-usable vinyl overlay for guitar bodies, was the brainchild of Rick Parfitt of the UK rock band Status Quo, and is produced by his company, Rockano Productions Limited.

“The concept came one day as I sat strumming in a dressing room on a UK tour in 2003,” recalls Parfitt. “I thought

how great it would be if a product was available that could change the way any guitar looked in an instant.”

Parfitt and his business partner Mike Hrano spent months developing a prototype before taking it to Fender in the UK, where interest in Facelift was immediate.

After visits to Fender headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., the product was ready to roll. “Our relationship with Fender has been absolutely integral in the evolution of our product,” says Hrano. “Indeed, we were commissioned to produce some custom-made Facelifts for use by Fender in its “Make History” re-launch campaign for the American Standard Series during January.”

Initially, the Facelift has been developed to fit two particular guitars shapes only, the Fender Telecaster and the Fender Stratocaster, with nine available designs per model.

“Our plan is to increase the range to incorporate many more designs and, more important, more guitar shapes as we go along,” says Hrano.

Developed to quickly change the appearance of any guitar, the Facelift is a durable, yet disposable product which

combines precise technical specification, creative engineering and startling simplicity. It can be used and re-used and applied in seconds to instantly transform the look of any guitar, new or old.

For more information, contact Mike Hrano in the UK at 01923 896 975 or at mikehrano@guitarfacelift.com.

Web site: www.guitarfacelift.com

Unk U.S.-Made Guitars UNK Guitars, a new guitar company based out of Toms River, N.J., is making “100% Made In The USA” guitars at an affordable price. The patented U- shaped or forked headstock is a design element that maintains the fi nest sound quality, the company states.

Paul Unkert, the luthier who worked at Kramer Guitars from 1979 to 1982, built 10-13 Frankenstrats for Eddie Van Halen including the artist’s “Hot For Teacher” guitar. Unk Guitars are available in poplar, korina, and mahogany bodies. Ebony, rosewood, birdseye, and curly maple fingerboards are offered along with Floyd Rose and Stetsbar tremolo systems. Three models are available: Unk Standard (two humbucker), Unk Special (two P-90), and Unk Jr. (one P-90.)

70 MMR

APRIL 2008

Fretted Products Showcase Alternative Butterfly, DooDad Guitars The Alternative Guitar and Amplifier Company releases two new guitars, the Butterfly and DooDad models. Featuring 24¾” scale heelless maple set necks and solid bodies constructed from agathis with an ebony fingerboard, both sport a Kahler tremolo bridge, genuine bone nut, two-way truss rod and nickel frets. In addition, the Butterfly has tulip tuners, mother-of-pearl parallelogram inlays, two EMG-HZ humbucking pickups, two volume and two tone controls, pickup selector switch, plus chrome hardware. The DooDad benefits from Grover Mini Rotomatic machine heads, motherof-pearl diamond inlays, 22 frets, a single EMG-HZ humbucking pickup, one volume and one tone control, and chrome or black hardware. The Butterfly is offered in gold and metallic red, the DooDad in metallic red, metallic silver, and black. www.thealternativeguitarandamplifiercompany.com

Crate V100H Head Using four 12AX7 preamp tubes and four EL34 power tubes to deliver 100 watts (RMS) of Class AB power, the Crate V100H head can switch from 100 watts to 50 watts with a flick of the finger. The V100H also uses two separate headroom palettes to lay the foundation for its vintage or flat-voiced boost function. It features separate three-band EQ for each of the Clean and Overdrive channels, and the spring reverb come with level control

72 MMR

New Designs for Redland AxeMat and two inputs, Bright and Normal. An optional footswitch is also available to control channel select, boost, and reverb.

The V100H has a street price of $499. www.crateamps.com

Redland Music Products has introduced 20 new designs for its AxeMat™ premium guitar repair mats.

AxeMats, featuring high-resolution photographic images of popular guitar models, make the perfect work surface for guitar maintenance and repair. The images are permanently dyed into the supple top fabric, and will never crack, fade, or wash off. The mats are backed by high-density urethane to cushion and protect instruments and the work surface underneath. Measuring 19” x 29” to accommodate any size guitar, these durable mats are easy to clean, lay flat, and easily roll up for storage in the clear tube provided.

Other Redland accessories recently introduced at the NAMM Show include a complete line of products for guitar care, including Premium Guitar Cleaner, Guitar Wax, and Lemon Oil Conditioner. All are environmentally safe, and contain no harmful solvents or silicone. Also introduced were a professional-grade guitar tool kit, and microfiber polishing cloths that feature popular guitar images. www.redlandmusic.com APRIL 2008

Fretted Products Showcase Eastwood Messenger Based on ’67 Model CABLES BUILT FOR THE PROS

INTRODUCING TWO ALL-NEW LINES OF SUPERIOR QUALITY AUDIO CABLE :

PREMIUM GRADE MADE IN USA NEOPRENE® RUBBER JACKET NEUTRIK® X-HD CONNECTORS BELDEN® WIRE HIGH BANDWIDTH LOW CAPACITANCE 5-YEAR UNCONDITIONAL WARRANTY

INDUSTRIAL GRADE AES/EBU DIGITAL COMPATIBLE HEAVY-DUTY CONNECTORS PLIABLE PVC JACKET HIGH BANDWIDTH LOW CAPACITANCE 1-YEAR UNCONDITIONAL WARRANTY

BUILT TO LAST WITH UNCONDITIONAL REPLACEMENT WARRANTIES WITHSTANDS TEMPERATURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMES MAINTAINS FLEXIBILITYEASY TO WRAP & UNWRAP

DEALER INQUIRIES ENCOURAGED

find out more at

cableup.com 74 MMR

Eastwood Guitars releases a new version of a rare and collectable American-made guitar, the 1967 Messenger. The original Messenger guitar was developed more than 40 years ago in California by a small company named Musicraft, Inc. and is now best known as the guitar of choice of Grand Funk Railroad’s Mark Farner in the early 1970s.

The original Messengers had aluminum necks that were “tuned” like a tuning fork, but the original design was prone to feedback problems. The new

Eastwood version captures the seductive look of the original, but simplifies the design, featuring dual mini-humbuckers and a set maple neck with 25 ½” scale, rosewood fretboard with side dot markers, and maple body in a hollow-body design with a center block. www.eastwoodguitars.com

Alvarez Yairi WY1T Acoustic/Electric Alvarez Yairi announces the Standard Series WY1T, an ultrathin-bodied acoustic/electric guitar designed for recording and live performance environments where high SPL without feedback is paramount. Available in three fi nishes -- black, wine red, and tobacco sunburst -- the single-cutaway, folk-style WY1T features a flamed maple body (except for the black model) and “sound hole–free” solid Sitka spruce top with hand-scalloped braces, herringbone trim, and eb-

ony bridge. The instrument’s naturally seasoned mahogany neck is topped with an ebony fingerboard with abalone inlays at the 12th fret and on the headstock, which also sports nickel die cast tuning pegs.

The WY1T benefits from a custom Fishman Aura IC system with four discrete “sound images” derived from vintage and contemporary studio microphones. All three styles of the guitar list for $2,699.99 and include a hardshell case. www.alvarezgtr.com

Hal Leonard Guitar Aerobics Hal Leonard presents Guitar Aerobics, a 52-week, one-lick-per-day workout program for developing, improving, and maintaining guitar technique. By Troy Nelson, senior editor of Guitar Edge magazine, Guitar Aerobics is designed to keep guitarists’ chops finetuned. Musical styles covered include rock, blues, jazz, metal, country, and funk. Techniques taught include alter-

nate picking, arpeggios, sweep picking, string skipping, legato, string bending, and rhythm guitar. The exercises in the book/CD pack will help players increase speed and improve dexterity and pickand fret-hand accuracy. The accompanying CD includes all 365 workout licks plus play-along grooves in every style at eight different metronome settings. www.halleonard.com APRIL 2008

Godlyke Power-All Basic Power Supply Godlyke, Inc. has released the PA-9B Power-All Basic Kit, billed as “the world’s first 1700 mA, single-outlet power supply designed specifically for guitar effect users.” Designed to eliminate the need for batteries as well as multiple “wall-wart” adaptors or power bricks, the Power-All system can power the entire pedalboard from a single power supply that takes up only one outlet.

The Power-All Basic Kit provides nine volts DC at 1700 milliamps, more than enough current to power dozens of effect pedals, including up to three Line 6 Modelers. The kit can power five pedals out of the box, and comes complete with a variety of jumper cables that allow connection of phone plug, reverse polarity, digital, and battery-only pedal types.

The Power-All’s circuit design offers the lowest noise floor of any digital power supply on the market, says Godlyke.

It also automatically converts any input voltage to 9 VDC, allowing the Power-All to be used anywhere around the world.

Built to stand the rigors of the road, the Power-All features professional-grade construction and comes with a lifetime warranty. www.godlyke.com

The Easiest, Most Affordable Solution For Powering Your Pedalboard!

�

EMG 707TW Pickup Based on the company’s active EMG-707 model designed for seven-string guitars, the new EMG-707TW offers players the familiar dual-coil sound and has the added advantage of single-coil mode incorporated in the same pickup. Using the company’s exclusive triple-coil arrangement and dual internal pre-amps for two pickups in one, the EMG-707TW employs Alnico magnets throughout the design. In addition, this new nine-volt active pickup with dual active pre-amps assures players a balanced output from both dual- and singlecoil pickup sounds. Another feature is push/ pull volume/tone controls enabling players to switch from the clarity of a single-coil to the fullness of a humbucker. www.emgpickups.com APRIL 2008

1.7 Amp current capacity can power over 20 pedals, including up to three Line 6 Modelers!*

�

Takes up only one outlet space – Frees up more room for your pedals!

�

Converts any mains voltage to 9VDC – Use worldwide with no transformer.

�

Can power many keyboards and other 9VDC gear.

�

No 60 cycle hum, extraneous noise, or heat dissipation.

�

Professional-grade construction.

Comes complete with Cable-5 daisy chain connector and 8 assorted jumper cables – Nothing more to buy!

ALSO AVAILABLE: � PP-1 Power-Pump Voltage Converter � UTA-1 Universal Travel Adaptor Kit

LIFETIME WARRANTY: The last power supply you’ll ever need to buy! * Line 6 is a registered trademark and its usage implies no endorsement by or affiliation with Godlyke, Inc.

� Cable-5 Daisy Chain Connector � Power-All Jumper Cables with

Straight and Right-Angle Plugs � PA-9E Power-All Euro � PA-9UK Power-All UK

W W W . G O D LY K E . C O M

MMR 75

Fretted Products Showcase Gary Kramer Delta Wings Gary Kramer Guitars announces two new Delta Wing models: the Simulator T and Simulator R. The Delta Wing is a stylish and uniquely shaped design built ergonomically from the player out. The design begins with the ergonomic top arc. The arc uses a player’s body frame to, without adjustment, place the guitar’s neck and body in perfect balance and playing position.

Second, a shortened bottom cutaway provides effortless access to the Delta Wing’s 24 frets. And last, there is comfortable forearm support provided by contours

that naturally place the hand and wrist in a perfect picking position.

The T model features a stringthrough-body design and a Tunomatic bridge setup and a rosewood fi ngerboard and is available in metallic red, pitch black, and classic white and lists for $1,349. The R model is equipped with a licensed Floyd Rose locking tremolo system and maple fi ngerboard and is available in pitch black, classic white, and viper yellow and lists for $1,449. www.garykramerguitar.com

D’Addario Updates XL’s D’Addario announces new packaging for their XL line of strings to bring acrossthe-board consistency to the line, combined with instant visual recognition of the attributes of the various strings

SHUBB

within the XL family. Each sub-brand will maintain its unique identification and feel. In fact, all packaging within the electric brand family will now have distinctive fonts to distinguish each subbrand — for example, Pro Steels, Nickel Wound, Half Rounds, Pure Nickel, and

Chromes. Another consumer-friendly adjustment: gauges will appear in consistent colors across the various types.

In addition, tone and feel descriptors will be added to packaging for each string type. www.daddario.com

the

CAPO

Resilient like your fingertip,

so it will not create tuning problems. www.shubb.com • shubb@shubb.com 707-876-3001 76 MMR

Ashdown Little Giant Bass Amps Despite fitting into the front pocket of an average bass guitar gig bag, the Ashdown Little Giant 350 and 1000 bass amps punch out more than their weight.

Weighing in at 6.6 lbs. and 7.7 lbs., respectively, they deliver a combination of power, tone, and useful features.

Both the 350-watt (fluorescent green) and 1000 Watt (fluorescent orange) models measure 8.27” x 2.6” x 12.2” (including an internal power supply) and feature switchable active/ passive instrument inputs, seven-band semi-parametric EQ, deep and shape switches for instant access to killer sounds, and an EQ in/out switch, along with an input level control and meter, output level control, and power switch.

The amp’s back offers a pre/post switchable balanced DI output, FX send and return, line input and output, and a pair of combination Speakon/Jack speaker outputs.

The U.S. suggested retail for the Little Giant 350 is $499; the Little Giant 1000 is $599.99. www.power-music.com

APRIL 2008

Peavey AG RiffMaster Controller The Peavey AG RiffMaster Guitar Controller is a genuine life-size Peavey guitar modified for play with guitar-based music video games on the Playstation®2 computer entertainment system. The AG RiffMaster features the sleek finish, dimensions, and feel of a real Peavey guitar, providing a authentic music video game experience. Crafted from natural maple, the neck features five colored fret buttons

located among real frets and position markers on a rosewood fretboard. The strum bar is strategically placed above the pickup and allows players to transfer smoothly from note to chord without missing a beat, while the whammy bar features a smooth, sturdy spring. The guitar strings have been removed, but the headstock of the controller has real tuners for extra visual appeal. www.peavey.com

Recording King Resonators Recording King introduces new metal-body resonators with a champagne matte finish option for a look reminiscent of American bronze antiques. With nickel-plated brass bodies, hand-spun Continental cones and the clean, expressive metal body tone, these resonators are aimed at blues and bluegrass players.

The Style-O (RM-998M) model features a 9.5” hand-spun Continental cone with either a diamond or round hole cover plate. The Tricone (RM991-M) model has three 6” Continental cones and is available with square or round necks. They start at an MSRP of $699. www.recordingking.com

Traben Bass Bridge System Traben Bass introduces the Chaos Internal Bigger Bridge system. Visually, the Chaos is a bridge that, while still larger than most industry

standard bridges, is smaller than a typical Traben bridge, but still provides the same mass as the Phoenix series, which is Traben’s biggest bridge version. The external and internal bridges are tightly connected to each other as well as the body to maximize performance. www.trabenbass.com

Deering Banjo Ships Mahogany Model

Warwick & Framus Inlays

Deering Banjo is now shipping the Sierra mahogany banjo with maple and mother-of-pearl inlays gracing the fingerboard. The Sierra bears delicate, natural, unstained maple in leaf and vine inlays surrounding the genuine mother-of-pearl dot inlays on the ebony fingerboard. Deering Banjo Company is offering this upgraded model without a price increase: The new Sierra has a suggested retail of $2,549. www.deeringbanjos.com APRIL 2008

Warwick and Framus Guitar Custom Shops are offering new special fingerboard inlays in their guitars. Available upon request for Framus Guitars as well

as for Warwick Basses as Custom Shop options are the Single Eagle Head, Single Standard Crux, Single Curved Crux. www.warwick.de

MMR 77

America’s Premier Guitar & Bass Parts Supplier

Delta Series

by GOTOH 1:21 ratio

Fretted Products Showcase Stash Picks’ ‘Top Five Reasons’ Stash Picks, Inc. believes in its products’ ability to deliver quality, creativity, and profit to the music store. The Simi Valley, Calif.-based company offers its “top five reasons” to merchandise the Stash Picks lineup: 5.

4.

3.

The products are made in the U.S.A. to support American ingenuity and American industry.

Attention-getting display: Stash Picks are never out of sight because they sit on the countertop.

The Stash Picks Assortment Tin: all versions are offered in one tin. Con-

sumers try them all, and then pick the one they like.

2. Stash Picks bags make repeat customers: All pick models are packaged in bags and the company throws in an extra one for fun.

1. Merchandising support: Stash Picks has added player’s guides to all the tins and bags for easy playing instruction and their Web site features a store locator on the home page. www.stashpicks.com

StepMax Replacement Tremolo AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF FINISHES & STYLES

Send $4 US for COLOR CATALOG 13027 Brittmoore Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77041

The StepMax Company introduces the StepMax, a new dual-action, non-floating, direct replacement guitar tremolo. This tremolo eliminates the balancing of string and spring tensions. There are no additional springs needed to hold the tremolo in neutral. It decks in the neutral position and comes back to a full stop after high and low pitch bends, with a smooth tran-

sition to both modes. Unlike with other designs, no drilling or routing is necessary, and the StepMax pulls the strings straight back, not down to the fretboard. It decks to body of guitar for better sustain, and it is capable of a full-step bend and beyond. It is available in natural satin, with colors on request. www.stepmaxtrem.com

SKB Roto Molded Double Guitar Case SKB has developed the 1SKB-26RW double guitar case with wheels. It is rotationally molded of impenetrable, lightweight LLDPE plastic, providing maximum impact resistance, and is designed to accommodate two guitars in gig bags for added protection. A molded-in valance with a gasketed seal and pressure equalization valve comply with military standards, making the case watertight and dustproof. www.skbcases.com 78 MMR

APRIL 2008

The Ultimate Handheld Vocal Mic Introducing...

Pearl

Vocal

Indiana Guitar ‘Arietta’ Acoustic-Electric The Indiana Guitar Company, a division of SHS International, has added a new acoustic electric f-hole cutaway named the “Arietta”. This guitar is available in either a gloss back or white finish and features f-hole sound holes, sleek headstock, on-board active electronics, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, sealed die-cast tuning keys, and bound top, back, and neck. Street price is $179 and the guitar is backed by a written 10-year warranty. www.shs.int.net

Newly developed suspension system reduces handling noise to an absolute minimum Medium-sized single diaphragm capsule provides high acoustic transparency Handles SPL up to 144dB

Breaking News

Available Spring 2008

Find it in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site,

violetusa.com

www.MMRmagazine.com APRIL 2008

Handcrafted in Latvia

MMR 79

TRADE EVENT

Frankfurt Music Fair, Prolight + Sound Roll Along … German shows draw 112,000 attendees, 2,500 exhibitors

W

ith the daily bombardment of unnerving news about the United States economy, perhaps it’s not the worst thing in the world to get out of town for a while and perhaps gain a fresh perspective.

This year’s Frankfurt Music Fair and its sister show, Prolight + Sound, provided just such a change. As Americans endure the blows of the home mortgage crisis, sky-high fuel prices, stalled job growth, lackluster retail sales, and the anemic dollar, the Frankfurt shows underlined that it’s a big world out there and not everyone is singing the blues.

Like the blockbuster NAMM Show in January, the 2008 Frankfurt Music Fair and Prolight + Sound shows weighed in

with some impressive records in marked contrast to the gloom-and-doom that too often shrouds the music products business these days. When the shows closed on Mar. 15, organizers reported attendance of 112,000 for the three trade days and one public/trade day. Detlef Braun, member of the board of management at Messe Frankfurt said, “Both trade fairs have marked a new record, both in terms of exhibitor and visitor participation.

The trade, industry, musicians, and service providers gathered in Frankfurt in a very dynamic mood and will bring back home loads of new contacts and orders.

This vibrant atmosphere was in the air from the very first trade day, and together with the huge exhibitor participation -- 2,500 companies on site -- the Music Fair and Prolight + Sound 2008 results demonstrate the leading and motivating function of the shows in the world - even

in their third and second decades of existence, respectively.”

The 112,000 visitors, four percent ahead of last year’s turnout of 107,600, came from 126 countries. The top visitor nations on hand from Europe were of course led by host country Germany, followed by Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, France, Italy, Great Britain, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, and Greece. From beyond Europe, the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Israel, China, Australia, Brazil, and Canada were the leaders in Frankfurt attendance.

Over the last two decades, there have been times when American-made products have been prohibitively expensive on the export market owing to a robust U.S. dollar. Back then, exhibiting in Frankfurt was not so much a matter of writing business, but of showing the flag and keeping a stiff upper lip.

Players Music Accessories’ Lisa Phillips and Jodi Ann Parker.

Rana Singh and Vaclav Hnilicka of Amati-Denak.

Michael and Kari Sanden of Sanden Guitars flank Jeff Sazant of Tanglewood Guitars.

80 MMR

APRIL 2008

Mike & Janet Kropp with David Kowalski and Petr Uykydal of NS Design.

Bob Archigian and Richard Cocco of E. & O. Mari/La Bella.

Andrea Picha with Julie and Tim Pfouts of SIT Strings.

This was not the case at the 2008 events. As the U.S. dollar hit a record low during the course of the Music Fair, it only underlined the mantra that madein-America is a bargain. “Export business to Europe is good,” reported one U.S. orchestral manufacturer. “In fact, it’s good just about everywhere.” The owner of a California electronics company that already exports about 70 percent of its yearly output marveled at the fact he was receiving inquiries at the show about doing OEM manufacturing in California from various offshore manufacturers.

“It’s as if suddenly we’re like China and have low-cost labor in our favor.”

The other side of the coin, of course, is that the strong euro and other major currencies have driven up prices of imports to the U.S. A Spanish guitar maker summed it up: “It’s very tough right now selling into North America.” Chinese manufacturers, many of whom in the past have held the line on increases in order to maintain market share, are also reluctantly upping their prices to reflect markedly increased energy and labor costs.

Despite this unbalanced global price scenario, the overall mood in Frankfurt was one of optimism. However, as was the case in Anaheim, the fair demonstrated the straitened situation in the global piano industry. While the U.S. APRIL 2008

Aquarian’s Roy Burns.

Gary Burgett, Kirk Burgett, and Tom Lagomarsino of PianoDisc/ Mason & Hamlin.

Gregg Stein and Heath Tougas at the Numark exhibit.

Sheryl & Tevis Laukat of Cannonball Musical Instruments with Teemu Korpikoski of Puupuhaltinet Woodwinds.

Peace Musical’s Anita Liu.

Zildjian’s John Sorenson, Craigie Zildjian, and John DeChristopher.

Garth Giesbrecht and Harvey Levy of Levy’s Leathers.

DEG’s Mark Shaffer.

Olavur Olsen, Katrim Jorgensen, and Trondur Enni, music educators from of the Faroe Islands, visit with Peter La Placa of PJLA Music Sales/Marketing.

Bob King of Gold Crest.

MMR 81

Short Takes:

The M.I.P.A. prizes were again awarded at this year’s show in approximately 40 product categories based on votes from editors of numerous consumer music magazines around the world. In addition to product awards, the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jim D’Addario, CEO of J. D’Addario & Co. This year’s Frankfurt Music Prize was awarded to Cuban alto saxophonist and clarinetist Paquito Rivera. Rivera, 60, is famed for his fusion of Latin American music and jazz. The artist has recorded more than 30 solo albums and this year was nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album.

Many were saddened to hear of the passing of Wilhelm-Peter “Charley” Hosenseidl, who died on Mar. 2 at the age of 62. Joining Messe Frankfurt in 1981, he became Frankfurt Music Fair manager two years later. During his tenure with the music show, he oversaw the launch of the Prolight + Sound show in 1995.

In 2000 Hosenseidl was appointed brand development manager and was instrumental in the launch of Music China and Prolight + Sound Shanghai in 2002 and 2003, respectively, as well as the organization’s first Prolight + Sound event in Russia.

Charley Hosenseidl retired in 2005 but, as a lifelong musician and entertainer, he stayed active as a performer until the end.

82 MMR

Manuel Rodriguez Jr. and Manuel Rodriguez of the Spanish classical guitar company Manuel Rodriguez & Sons. The senior Rodriguez announced his retirement at Frankfurt, where he has exhibited for 30 years.

Hans Hermann and Pekka Rintala of B-Band.

Daughter-father team of Sabrina and Horst Wittner of Wittner GmbH.

Taylor Guitars’ Bob Taylor with a model from the new Taylor SolidBody electric guitar lineup.

Farley’s Essentials’ Michael Farley and Ron Lankford.

Don Rhodes, E.M. Winston, and Rick Kessel, MMR.

Irwin and Michael Berg of Humes & Berg Mfg.

economic woes easily explain U.S. consumer distaste for making big-ticket purchases, the piano swoon is more widespread for many piano makers.

“This is the worst I’ve ever seen it,” said a senior executive of one of the largest companies.

As such, a number of prominent piano makers (and longtime exhibitors) bypassed Frankfurt this year, prompting organizers to move the piano salon to a more confined space within the Musikmesse complex of halls.

In pianos as well as some other product segments, it was also apparent that the very successful Music China show (also under the aegis of Messe Frankfurt)

has, in some cases, “cannibalized” its European counterpart. We heard from number of American and European exhibitors that their trade show strategy now calls for exhibiting at the NAMM Show, bypassing Frankfurt, and then showing their wares to the international trade again at Music China in October.

Like NAMM and Frankfurt, the Shanghai-based show offers the incentives of reaching a broad international trade customer base, but also affords the opportunity of reaching the growing institutional market in China, and catering to a fast-developing middle class of Chinese consumers with a taste for imported products in general.

APRIL 2008

A beautiful postwar BMW sedan was an attention-getter at the Warwick/Framus stand.

At the annual Sabian/Vic Firth reception, Casa Veerkamp of Mexico took top honors as the Sabian North American Distributor of the Year.

From left: Andy Zildjian, Walter Veerkamp of Casa Veerkamp, and Sabian’s Peter Stairs and Bob Zildjian. Belgium-based AB Music captured the European Distributor of the Year award.

Burkhardt Stein of Grotrian Pianofortefabrik.

Petrof Pianos’ Al Rich and Zuzana CeralovaPetrofova.

Sabian also honored globetrotting clinician and goodwill ambassador Dom Famularo with its Lifetime Achievement Award. From left: Willi & Bob Zildjian, Dom Famularo, and Andy Zildjian.

American DJ’s Scott Davies.

John Hornby Skewes (JHS): Dennis Drumm, Trev Wilkinson, and Geoff Whithorn, guitarist for Procol Harum. The UK-based company continued its rollout of the Fret King and Vintage guitar lines showcased earlier this year at NAMM.

Buffet Crampon’s Antoine Beaussant and Francois Kloc.

APRIL 2008

John Musselman, Peter Ponzol (Peter Ponzol Mouthpieces), and Jim Klingler of American Way Marketing.

Gordon O’Hara and Bee Bantug of Retail Up!

The always popular Tora Bora Boys tune up for a performance at the Saga Musical Instruments stand. From left: David Gartland, Silvio Ferretti, Don Moser, and Richard Keldsen.

MMR 83

Jason How and Nigel Clutterbuck of Rotosound.

Ray Noguera of Laconia Music Center, New Hyde Park, N.Y. with John Cavanaugh of Super-Sensitive Strings and Jeff Saltzman of EMMC.

After debuting as a standout “photo op” at the NAMM Show, the Ibanez “Silver Surfer” crossed the Atlantic to star at the Hoshino exhibit.

Roland Corp. president Kaz Tanaka details the company’s new relationship with Spanish guitar maker Jose Ramirez, which will employ the Roland AP-1 preamps on its acoustic-electric models.

Susan Kenny and Roberta Gillette of Powell Flutes/Sonare Winds.

Pro-Mark’s Pat Brown, Brigitte Bauthier, and Susan & Maury Brochstein.

The August Foerster family: Stephanie, Anna, and Wolfgang, at the Foerster Pianos exhibit.

Bryndon Bay, Bill Bay, and Jeff Ponte of Mel Bay Publications.

P. Mauriat Saxophones’ Pete Jeffryes, Jessica Kao, Scott Brooker (U.K. artist), Alex Hsieh, and Elisa Chan.

Behringer: Dominique Agnew (NAMM), Uli Behringer, Ron Koliha, and Scott Garside.

Hering Harmonica’s Maeine Moritz and Alberto Bertolazzi.

Mark Pozzo, Alan Vater, and Dayne Marshall of Vater Percussion.

Konig & Meyer: Michael Wamser, Gabriela Konig, Heiko Wolz, and Robert Jessbergers.

EMG: Rob Turner, Andrew Farrell, B. Singh (Sara-Trans Export Corp., India), Jasbeer Singh (SaraTran), and Hap Kuffner.

84 MMR

APRIL 2008

PRINT

RPMDA Heads East Boston Location, Planned Events a Big Draw

“I

t’s always exciting to be back east again,” says an exuberant Madeleine Crouch, executive director of the Retail Print Music Dealers Association (RPMDA).“A few years ago we were in Philadelphia, and prior to that it had been almost 20 years since we’d been in the region.” The Philadelphia show had been their biggest convention yet, and Crouch attributed that partly to being in a historical city with lots of to do. Based on that success, they wanted to return to the northeast “as soon as possible.”

Holding it in Boston, April 23–26, has worked. The exhibit hall sold out “faster than ever before,” and over 300 people are planning to attend. The event’s proximity to such a dense population is allowing RPMDA to reach out to potential new members, too. “We sent out mailers to retailers in the region to let them know we’re in their neighborhood, and to give us a try.”

Dubbed “The Boston Print Party,” the event is being held at the Seaport Hotel, which is on the waterfront and within walking distance of Quincy Market. The challenge with the location is that Boston, as do many big cities in the northeast, has a reputation for being a bit pricy, which has kept the organization from holding its annual event there more often. RMPDA has softened that by providing those who APRIL 85 MMR 2008

attend with a coupon book full of deals from publishers—if used shrewdly, it can actually pay for a portion of one’s, if not the entire, trip. Thrown in are free continental breakfast each morning, lunches on Thursday and Friday, and a Saturday night banquet, all which makes it easier on attendees’ pocketbooks.

Couch says that enticements include extra events arranged for the conventioneers. There’s a motor coach tour of the town’s distinctive neighborhoods, including Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the Midtown Cultural District, Chinatown, and the South End, which boasts the largest neighborhood of Victorian-style homes in the country. Fenway Park is on the route for those who want to see the home of the Red Sox, and there will also be a walking tour of famous historical sites in the city.

Another option available to attendees is a ride out to the nearby town of North Easton, home of Robert King Music Sales.

A tour of the office facilities, which are housed in an old church, will include showing off the company’s original printing press. A dinner at nearby Ames Hall will be highlighted by a chamber music concert.

Of course, then there is the convention itself ...

“We have some great speakers and interesting programs designed to appeal to our diverse members,” she says. “It’s been called a three-day graduate-level seminar in print retailing.” The event’s opening speaker is Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, who will discuss

how to close the gap between buyers and sellers. Brian Chung of Kawai will be the closing speaker in a session titled “How Can the Music Industry Really Communicate with the Teaching Profession?” Couch says Chung has a real vision for music making as a hobby and wants the industry to reach out to those who just want to open up a pop book and play for the sheer enjoyment of it.

Sessions on the history of music engraving, how to make the most of musical gift items as add-on sales, and creating a successful corporate culture within your operation are a few of the other subjects of sessions. But it’s not all nose-tothe-grindstone fare: “We like to keep things light-hearted and fun as well as educational.

Saturday morning we have Justin Locke, double bass player for the Boston Pops for 18 years, discussing his hilarious experiences based on his book Real Men Don’t Rehearse.

It’s a laugh-out-loud book, and that will be a really enjoyable session.”

None of that is to get in the way of the business at hand, of course.

“I truly believe the music industry is different than other industries because we’re selling something that can enhance a person’s life in a positive way and you can’t approach the business as if you were selling plumbing supplies. And nowhere else do you see suppliers and retailers working so closely together. I can say with pride at RPMDA, everyone is working together for the same goal for a winwin situation.”

“I can say with pride at RPMDA, everyone is working together for the same goal for a win-win situation.”

APRIL MMR2008 85

Retail Print Music Dealers Association (RPMDA) Convention April 23-26, 2008

Seaport Hotel • Boston, Mass.

The following companies have booked to exhibit at the RPMDA Convention in Boston as of Mar. 1, 2008.

ABRSM Publishing Ltd. Alfred Publishing Co. Alfonse Leduc/Robert King Music Sales, Inc. Arpeges-Diffusion IMD Barenreiter Beckenhorst Press, Inc. Boosey & Hawkes, Inc. Breitkopf & Hartel C. Alan Publications C.F. Peters Corp.

Carl Fischer Music Cherry Lane Music Co., Inc. ECS Publishing Faber Music Frederick Harris Music Co. Ltd. G. Henle Verlag GIA Publications, Inc. Hal Leonard Corp.

Heritage Corporation J. Jennings Publishing Co. Jackman Music Corp.

Jazz Path Publishing Kendor Music Inc. Last Resort Music Publishing, Inc. Lorenz Corp.

Masters Music Publications, Inc. Mayfair Montgomery Publishing Mayfair Music Publications, Inc. Mel Bay Publications, Inc. Music Gifts Company of England, Inc. Music Sales Group NAMM Neil A. Kjos Music Co. Northeastern Music/Roncorp Oxford University Press Publications Chant de Mon Pays Inc. Retail Up! Music Santorella Publications, Ltd. Schaum Publications, Inc. Shawnee Press, Inc. Soundforth Tempo Press Theodore Presser Co. Tri-Technical Systems, Inc. Willis Music Co. 86 MMR

RPMDA Print Preview MMR asked publishers to send in some new titles they will be highlighting at the show. Here are a few to look out for …

Northeastern Music Publications The new Advanced Band series expands Northeastern Music Publications’ catalog to all grade levels of performance. There are 16 new issues in this series, with music from performance grade level 3 to 5+. Three of the new compositions were written for concert band and the Boston Brass Quintet. The concerto, Mystic Dance, was written for J. D. Shaw, the F horn player of the Boston Brass.

Nouveau Brass is Northeastern Music’s new series for brass solo and ensemble. All performance levels are available. A majority of music in this series is written for professionals playing for weddings and other venues. A special feature is music written especially for the Boston Brass by J. D. Shaw.

Just on the market and receiving rave reviews is the new beginning string method by Denese Odegaard, Simply Strings. The philosophy of this method is to go back to the days when the pedagogy did the work, not cute graphics, with so much on a page that the method looks complicated. Denese Odegaard has used and perfected this method for 20 years. The accompanying CD is a recording of the piano accompaniment for the songs in the book. It is a simple accompaniment and very easy for the young musician to follow. ¡Simplemente! Mariachi is described as the only mariachi method to teach students from the beginning how to play an instrument in mariachi style. This method is by Marcia Neel and her team of mariachi educators in the school system of Las Vegas, Nev. Northeastern Music Publications is now distributing Kevin Lepper Percussion. This series makes available music at all grade levels for percussion solo and ensemble.

For the last few years, Northeastern Music has produced books for the educator.

Three new books available for private and group lessons are The Complete Saxophonist,

by James Houlik and Eric Lauver, Melodic Etudes for Saxophone, and Melodic Etudes for Clarinet, by Ted Hegvik. Both authors are renowned classical saxophonists.

Kendor Publishing In March, Kendor Music issued Kendor Recital Solos, a series of solo books for

young (grade 1-2) instrumentalists – flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, horn in f, trombone, baritone t.c. and b.c., and tuba.

Each contains 10 solos, many of which have been previously published in single editions and appear on several state contest lists. Each solo book also includes a CD featuring two recorded tracks for each piece – one with a professional soloist accompanied by piano, and one with the piano accompaniment only.

The solo and piano accompaniment books will be published separately.

Hal Leonard Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology – Vol. 5.

The popular series has been expanded, and this edition includes many songs not found in other collections. The 40 songs in each volume are in the original keys, excerpted from vocal scores and piano/conductor rehearsal scores. Includes both recent shows and a deeper look into classic musicals.

At a Glance series. This is a new instructional book/DVD series for musicians.

This series pairs instructional DVD lessons, each taught by a professional guitarist, with a coordinating book for a comprehensive learning experience. Each book features several lessons pertaining to one topic, and the DVD lessons feature onscreen music. The lessons include valuable tips and information, and popular song examples help to demonstrate the concepts in action. Five volumes so far have been released: Beginning Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Guitar Chords, Guitar Scales & Modes, and Guitar Shred. All retail for $9.95.

Stuff! series. This series offers full tips and tricks for musicians. Styles such as rock, jazz, blues, R&B, and funk are represented through demonstrations of auAPRIL 2008

thentic grooves appropriate for each style. The accompanying CD includes many of the examples in the book, performed both in solo format and in a full-band setting to hear how concepts fit in with other instruments and ensembles. Titles in the series currently include Stuff! Good Piano Players Should Know, Stuff! Good Guitar Players Should Know, Stuff! Good Bass Players Should Know, and Stuff! Good Drummers Should Know. Each book is 114 pages, comes with CD, and retails for $19.95.

25 Great series. This series provides a look at the genesis of rock and blues guitar and of pop saxophone.

These book and CD compendiums provide solo transcriptions in standard notation and tablature, lessons on how to play them, biographies, equipment, photos, history, and much more. The accompanying CDs contain full-band demonstrations of every solo in the book. The CD is enhanced with Amazing Slow Downer software so you can adjust the recording to any tempo without changing pitch.

tors that many prospective students do not come prepared with adequate audition experience. Currently books are available for flute, clarinet, and trumpet players.

The Art of Violin Playing has been the treatise on playing the violin for almost eighty years. Book 2, by Eric Rosenblith, has carefully translated the text to make it more accessible to a contemporary audience. It has been newly engraved and typeset.

Beginning Hand Drumming: A Guide to Recreation and Wellness by Jill Sager, is a new instructional DVD that is an easy-tofollow guide to the basics of hand drum-

ming. It includes an instructional booklet that guides the viewer through the process of learning to play the hand drum. All of the lessons are thorough and user friendly, and it is aimed at a range of users such as drummers of all ages, private drum teachers, music therapists, and recreation centers.

Meeting the Needs of Students for More Than 25 Years ...

Our Best-Selling SV-175 Cremona Violin!

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-15 Octagonal Bow and the TL-33 deluxe rectangular Travelite case.

Carl Fischer Progressive Duets for Strings Volumes I and II is for violin, viola, cello and bass, and is based on the similarly titled series for winds.

Composed and arranged by Doris Gazda and Larry Clark, this collection of duets will be useful in a variety of performance situations and is a way for the student to build ensemble skills with a colleague or teacher.

Protocol: A Guide to the Collegiate Audition Process, compiled and edited by Larry Clark and Daniel Schmidt, is aimed at students who want to ace that college entrance audition. It is created to combat a common criticism from college-level instrucAPRIL 2008

Cremona SV-175 Violin Outfit: •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-15 bow with ebony frog Still

169

$

Suggested Retail

SV-175

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

MMR 87

PROFILE

Wood Violins’ Mark Wood—

Man Mission on a

I

nternationally acclaimed violinist Mark Wood has played with stars as big as Celine Dion, Billy Joel, and Lenny Kravitz, and is lead violinist for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He has half a dozen CDs on his own and is an Emmy-winning composer. But that’s only part of the story.

Increasingly Wood has focused his attention on two of his other vocations. As a manufacturer, his company, Wood Violins, is offering more electric bowed instruments, including a new mass-produced model that will retail below $800. Education is also taking increasingly dominant role in his life – he’s turning kids on to the Gospel According to Electric Violin. Under the slogan “Finally – it’s cool to play the violin,” Wood is creating new players and new customers for new instruments.

88 MMR

APRIL 2008

Wood at work: reaching young string players is high on the artist’s priority list these days.

And, as his unique violin playing is often compared to some of rock’s greatest guitarists, it’s not a stretch for him to put frets on a violin.

“All our instruments are available with frets,” he notes. “Why? One, it introduces guitar players to the violin; it makes it friendly for the player. Second, string players can learn to play chords easily on a fretted violin. Finally, when you’re playing at high volume, it’s much easier to play in tune when you have frets. And as we know, nothing is more horrifying than a violin being played out of tune!”

He says his biggest challenge of the last 10 years as a manufacturer is getting the idea across that putting a pickup on a violin does not make it an electric violin – “it just makes a violin loud. I want to motivate and inspire string players like guitar players are inspired.

People like Steve Vai and David Gilmour, have changed the way we thought of guitar.

They really motivate [the market] …

APRIL 2008

“String players are the sleeping giant of the musical instrument industry, my friend.”

Speaking recently from a hotel room in Kansas City, Wood was on the road not only as a performer, but as an educator and clinician. He says he has worked with over 1,000 string players in the past two weeks. “I’m working with universities, high schools, middle schools, even elementary schools – you gotta get them when they are young,” he emphasize. “I do master classes at Julliard and Eastman, and I’m honored to do those, but unfortunately those string players can’t always understand the new techniques. That’s the struggle for me. I’m going to nur-

ture the younger generation so that in 10 years we can take over the world!”

Part of Wood’s strategy for global domination (at least the string instrument playing realm) is based on the model of guitar players.

Putting frets on a violin, and creating electric instruments with five, six, and seven strings is opening the electric string instrument to a whole world of players.

“Guitars are a billion-dollar business; strings just $53 million,” he comments.

“What’s wrong with this picture? We should have a billiondollar industry for strings, too.”

Wood points out that improvisation is completely left out of the typical string player’s education. “[Improvisation] is

“String players are the sleeping giant of the musical instrument industry, my friend.”

MMR 89

where the magic happens, yet thousands of string players don’t know how to do it -and I was one of them! You can get all the way to Julliard and not even know what key you’re playing in. You just play your part and go home. To me that’s very narrow.”

Reinventing an Instrument Wood, appropriately, comes from a family of wood workers. His grandfather was the architect who built the main building where Ford cars were built in the 1930s. Another family member built furniture for Amelia Earhart. His father made religious furniture for temples and churches, and the wood shop was just a few minutes from his home in New York.

“I would ride my bike down to the shop and just started trying to build violins,” Wood says. Already a prolific string player at 10, he initially just wanted to build a “cooler looking” violin. He quickly realized that acoustically the traditional shape of a violin was that way for a reason -- but as for electric versions, the possibilities were limited only by the imagination.

Not that Wood neglected his traditional studies: Julliard recognized his talents at the viola and gave him a scholarship. During his time there, Eddie Van Halen burst onto the scene. “I thought, ‘I got to play like that on the viola,’” he remembers.

So Wood dropped out of school, moved back home, and began reinventing not only the instrument, but also the

pedagogy that went with it. Soon the one-of-a-kind instruments he created -- the extra strings, the double necks - drew almost as much attention has his playing.

“When I got my record deal, the struggle for me was that at first I wanted to be the only guy to play these odd instruments,” he says. “Then I was a guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1992, and all these requests for the instrument came in.”

“Guitars are a billion-dollar business; Strings just $53 million.

What’s wrong with this picture?”

Thus was the beginning of making his seven-string Viper, with frets, along with a patented support system, available for sale. The instrument is actually the entire string family, and is able to play a sevenoctave range. “It’s insane, but somebody had to do it!” he laughs.

Working with partner Joe Domjan in a spacious barn on Long Island, they would build their high-end instruments, which could cost $5,000 or more. “That market was a small demographic,” he says. “But we weren’t addressing more than 90% of the market.” This has led to the recent significant advancement for Wood Violin: the Stingray SV-4.

“It’s aimed at the entry-level market, and priced at about $800,” Wood says. “This includes the instrument, bow, case, headphones, pre-amp, and a specially designed amp, the first amp we know of that has been designed by a violin player for violin. Also, a Wood Wah pedal is included because you need a wah pedal.” To complete the turnkey package, the customer also becomes privy to a “secret” Web site that features downloadable play-along tracks.

“There’s a Revolution Happening” For his new line of lower-priced instruments, he says, “I’ve created an experience where almost immediately the player is exploring exciting new territory -- every component of the Stingray SV-4 turn-key experience connects and resonates with the performance of a new sound and new music.”

For retailers, it’s a matter of whether or not they want to part of “the most exciting 90 MMR

and fastest-growing part of the industry,” he contends. “There’s a revolution happening, and when you look at sales of electric violins in just the last 10 years, it’s astounding how fast it’s going. Every new string player is demanding more from their string experience, and just like guitarist typically have an acoustic guitar and a couple of electrics, that will be what violinists want.”

Ready and willing to straddle both the traditional and more contemporary

string worlds, Wood proudly tells that he’s been recently elected to the board of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA.) Passionate about everything he does, Wood especially gets excited when talking about his role as an educator. “It’s an honor to get to do what I do, and I see a great opportunity,” he says. “It’s all about the music -- that’s what inspires me.

Every day I wake up in a different hotel, sometime not even knowing exactly where I am, but I never question that I have a purpose in this.”

Wood Violins receive daily emails and calls about how his workshops have inspired a player. Common too are stories of kids just about to put the violin down for good, but who are now embracing it as never before because of one of his appearances.

Just recently, he was working with a large student orchestra and randomly pulled a 17-year-old girl from the back to work with. “Out of nowhere she responded to the music and the electric violin,” Wood recalls. “She was shy at first, but then she was rocking out on Led Zeppelin and by the end of the workshop she was on cloud nine.” Wood learned later that only the day before his workshop the young woman had tried to commit suicide. A teacher who knows her well went so far as to say Wood had saved the girl’s life.

“When things like that happen, that truly makes me feel something is happening here that is on a higher level,” he says. “I don’t take it lightly.”

For more information, visit www.woodviolins.com.

APRIL 2008

Supplierscene RS Berkeley To Unveil Regina Carter Violin Collection

NS Design Offers New Bass Cello

RS Berkeley announces that the company will be working closely with violinist and MacArthur Fellow Regina Carter to cre-

The NS Design four-string CR4 bass cello offers authentic upright bass tone with a 34� bass guitar scale and standard bass tuning. The CR4 uses the NS Polar Pickup System for a natural acoustic upright sound, as well as an arched fingerboard so the instrument can be bowed as well as plucked. Custom EMG magnetic pickups add smooth, electric bass tones into the mix.

The bass cello is supplied with a deluxe padded gig bag and the Boomerang Strap System. www.nedsteinberger.com

APRIL 2008

ate the Regina Carter Violin Collection.

The collection will include violins modeled after Joseph Guarneri and Antonio Stradivari. Carter will work closely with luthier A.J. Pantalone on the instruments and will personally inspect each model. She is also currently touring in support of her new release I’ll Be Seeing You: A Sentimental Journey. Carter has performed with jazz luminaries such as Wynton Marsalis, Marian McPartland, and Kenny Baron, along with pop stars Dolly Parton and Billy Joel. She became the first jazz musician to play on a violin owned by violinist Nicolo Paganini. www.rsberkeley.com

MMR 91

Supplierscene On-Stage Stands Camera/Recorder Adapter On-Stage Stands releases the new CM01 video camera/digital recorder adapter. Attach this innovative adapter to any 5/8” 27-threaded microphone stand to support a video camera or digital recorder with standard ¼” threaded female inserts. This

universal adapter also holds document cameras for classroom applications. The adapter’s ball head allows for independent pan and tilt with 360-degree pan movement and 180-degree tilt. It also features

an over-sized locking knob, neoprene rubber mount platform, and nickel-plated construction. The CM01 supports up to six pounds and lists for $20. www.onstagestands.com

Zildjian Releases Two New Sticks Adrian Young of No Doubt has redesigned his Zildjian Artist Series drumstick for 2008. The redesigned model creates a unique-looking stick: the back half of the stick is black with Young’s name printed on the stick in signature “No Doubt” text in a silver checkerboard graphic, while the front half is white.

Complemented by a black nylon tip for

extra durability and clear projection, this hickory stick is 16.5” in length and 0.585” in diameter.

Zildjian also introduces the Antonio Sanchez Artist Series drumstick. It is 16.25” long with a 0.550” diameter and is suited for jazz, funk, or fusion. Sanchez has played with the Pat Metheny Group, Chick Corea, Joshua Redman,

and Michael Brecker. His model combines a standard shaft with extra length and a heavier front end, which allow for heavier hitting when the music demands it. The stick features a barrel tip for excellent stick defi nition and full drum tones, and is finished with Sanchez’s “Diablo” signature in metallic red. www.zildjian.com

Attention Guitar Dealers Hot new DVD Series Display and Sell

“Talkin’ Guitars” See How Martin Guitars are made.

1 ½ hour DVD Video

Retail Price $17.95 dealer price $9.00, $ 8.00 in qty. 10 or more

Other episodes: Arlington Guitar Show, upcoming: George Gruhn, Bugs Henderson, Archtops w/ Tom Van Hoose, Scotty Moore.

For more info, and to order call (918) 724-2642 92 MMR

APRIL 2008

Dava Launches Jazz Grips Following the popular Dava Grip Tips, new Dava Jazz Grips offer players exceptional quality, feel, and tone.

When Dava brought out the first picks with a completely rubberized grip in 2005 they became an immediate hit with players and dealers alike. “Dava picks are one of our best-selling brands,” says Michael Lee Ostrander, guitar department manager for Grandma’s Music & Sound, Albuquerque, N.M. “We go through a cabinet of Grip Tips in a week and a half.”

With popular demand for the Grip Tips running high, musicians began asking for the same pick in a jazz-sized

model and Dava responded by adding the smaller Jazz Grip to its patented lineup.

Jazz Grips come in three different materials -- nylon, delrin, and ultem -- to provide players with a variety of tones.

The rubber grip is the same thickness as the pick so there’s no bulky feel, in fact, quite the opposite. Players get a tight, snug fit with all the grip and confidence they need for the ultimate playing experience. An unexpected benefit is that they’re great for kid-sized hands, too. Dava Jazz Grips list for $1.25 ea. www.davapick.com

MUSIC STORE OWNERS

We Offer Solutions To Your Cash Flow Needs!

Aim Gifts Purses & Luggage Aim Gifts announces its new line of purses and luggage. They have a highquality, uniquely designed weather-resistant PVC fabric, which is fully lined and includes brass zippers. Included are a 17” shopper, handbag, 12” tote, and 20” and 24” suitcase. www.aimgifts.com

WITH PRIVATE LABEL INSTRUMENTS

RENT-TO-OWN Do you need capital? For Expansion? Fall Dating?, etc?

Let us be your Bank down the street.

We will turn your rental receivables into working capital!

RETAIL FINANCING We deal only with music stores and have programs that will give you approvals and increase retail sales.

National Music Funding 4095 AVENIDA DE LA PLATA OCEANSIDE, CA 92056

Phone 800-981-6874 Fax 888-660-0798 dennisnmf@earthlink.net

APRIL 2008

Your Name Here Your Name Here

Your Name Here Your Name Here Your Name Here

Have Your Store Logo on Flutes, Saxophones, Trumpets Clarinets…

Send us a logo and your order, and it will be ready in 3 days!

Completion of assembly in our New York warehouse. One year warranty included, $50 one time set-up, and $5 per instrument.

AMERICA LONGXING INC.

3300 Northern Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11101 (718)706-0828 ■ FAX (718)706-0128 www.huntermusical.com MMR 93

Supplierscene Talkin’ Guitars TV Concept Debuts Talkin’ Guitars, a designed-for-television program dedicated to advancing understanding, appreciation, and enthusiasm for guitars, is now available.

John Southern, a Tulsa, Okla.-based photographer and musician, is writing, directing, and producing the shows.

Currently formatted on DVD for retail sales, each show will feature a one-onone interview with notable figures in the guitar world, a guest performance, and a guitar lesson using

(Chordmaster • Tuner • Metronome) With over 7000 chords, a precision tuner and metronome, the Planet Waves CTM is the quintessential guitar reference tool.

For more information go to

Available at your favorite retailer or at www.planetwaves.com

D’Addario & Company, Inc. - Farmingdale NY 11735 USA Planet Waves and Music Utility Company are trademarks of D’Addario & Company, Inc. or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. © 2008. All rights reserved.

94 MMR

Southern’s copyrighted “Guitarcam”, which allows the viewer to see fingerings from the guitarist’s view – at full- and half-speed to simplify learning.

“As the name Talkin’ Guitars implies, we will literally be giving voice to the guitar through interviews and visits,” Southern said. “By design, Talkin’ Guitars’ landscape will be broad and varied, but will always involve promoting knowledge, understanding, and playing enjoyment for the guitar enthusiast. Talkin’ Guitars is suited for an audience as young as 12 but will be enjoyed by older players/collectors as well.”

The first show was taped at the Arlington (Texas) Guitar Show, the biggest guitar show in the world. Southern interviewed Alan Greenwood and Gil Hembree of Vintage Guitar Price Guide as to instrument values, as well as Tom Wittrock, an expert on the f 1959 Les Paul “Burst” electric guitar which can sell for as much as $300,000 in the vintage market. Will Ray, of Hellecasters fame, is the guest guitarist.

Subsequent shows will feature Scotty Moore, lead guitarist for Elvis Presley, Chris Martin, the CEO of C. F. Martin, and George Gruhn, owner of Nashville’s Gruhn Guitars and a noted authority on guitars.

The initial shows are designed for a 30-minute television time slot. Southern said that future shows could easily be expanded to a full hour. The initial shows will be made available to MI stores and chains as well as to individuals. The retail price is $18.95 each and can be ordered directly by phoning (918) 724-2642.

Asked to compare Talkin’ Guitars to other shows, Southern said, “There is simply nothing out there like it.” He added that he expects Talkin’ Guitars to become for guitar enthusiasts what the Speed Channel’s American Muscle Car and Car Crazy programs are to car aficionados or PBS’s Antiques Road Show is to those interested in collectibles of all kinds.

John Southern encourages inquiries from individuals, MI stores, television stations, and other media. Email johnsguitarshop@aol.com APRIL 2008

New Violet Design Mics

IK Multimedia Teams with Yamaha

FDW-Worldwide announces two additions to the Violet Design microphone line. The Pearl Vocal, a live condenser handheld, and The Wedge, a large cardioid condenser studio microphone, are both designed “to create an impression on even the most fastidious of audio gurus,” states FDW. Pearl Vocal is a high-end condenser vocal microphone. It boasts a full audio spectrum with detailed highs, articulated vocal presence, optimized low-end response, and a unidirectional polar pattern that reduces ambient noise and acoustic feedback. Its internal shockmount system, coupled with its sturdy construction greatly reduces external and handling noise. The 21mm single diaphragm, composed of calibrated film, is irregularly sputtered with an exclusive gold alloy formula and accurately tensioned on a specially made backplate. Pearl Vocal’s internal electronics are based on a fully discrete, Class ‘A’ solid state transformer-less circuit. A stable connection is always present through a gold-plated XLR output connector.

The Wedge condenser studio microphone has a large dual-diaphragm capsule designed for professional recording at the highest level. It brings a neutral yet detailed sound with transparent highs, near-flat low-end response, and a smooth midrange with optimized slight presence bump centered at 3kHz. Its wedge shape effectively reduces plosive sounds and other noises such as wind or breath. The Wedge’s capsules are made of high-quality, 6-micron Mylar film, while the diaphragm is precisely tensioned and adjusted on backplates and sputtered with Violet Design’s exclusive gold alloy mixture. This process allows The Wedge to give a faster impulse transient response without sound coloration or low-frequency reduction, and enables it to handle louder sound pressure levels. Like the Pearl Vocal, The Wedge uses a Class ‘A’, fully discrete transformerless circuit. It can be used in a wide range of studio applications and is especially effective for recording drums. www.violetusa.com

IK Multimedia announces that a special edition of IK Multimedia’s SampleTank, with sounds from over $3,500 worth of IK’s award-winning virtual instrument products, will come bundled inside the Yamaha X-Factor DVD, which ships with

APRIL 2008

all Yamaha music production products.

This includes Miroslav Philharmonik, SampleMoog, Sonik Synth 2, SampleTron, Studiophonik, and SampleTank 2.5. www.ikmultimedia.com

MMR 95

Supplierscene Willis Music Adds to Teaching Little Fingers to Play Willis Music and Hal Leonard release two new supplementary titles to the Teaching Little Fingers to Play method: Teaching Little Fingers to Play Disney Tunes and Teaching Little Fingers to Play More Disney Tunes. Written

by John Thompson, this series is among the biggest-selling piano publications of all time.

The pieces include optional teacher accompaniment. Titles in the first book include “The Bare Necessities,” “Can You Feel the Love

Beautiful...

Inside and Out Becker stringed instruments are precisioncrafted in Romania following centuries-old European tradition. All are fashioned from select, aged northern Carpathian tonewoods, hand-finished to bring out their tonal and visual beauty, and professionally set up in the USA to our exacting standards.

With those advantages, why not try Becker in your program?

Old-World Craftsmanship For Today’s Young Musicians Visit Becker online at www.BeckerInstruments.com Kaman Music Corp., P.O. Box 507, Bloomfield, CT 06002

96 MMR

Tonight,” and the “Mickey Mouse March,” among seven others; the second in the series features “Circle of Life,” “Colors of the Wind,” “A Whole New World,” and others. www.halleonard.com

Colorado Case Adds Flute/Piccolo Bag Colorado Case Company expands its Cavallaro line with a new backpack- style case holding a flute or piccolo, along with music, laptop, and more.

The case can be carried like a briefcase or a backpack. The outside features a horizontal pocket and a vertical pocket for access when carried as a backpack, as well as a removable shoulder strap. Inside, the case is lined with shearling material for cushioning and style. There is a separate internal compartment for a flute or piccolo, along with an assortment of dividers for holding small items like business cards, pens, and keys. www.coloradocase.com

Clarinet ‘Squeak Terminator’ Dosch Music announces the Squeak Terminator, which helps show beginning clarinet players the proper embouchure for playing their instrument, virtually eliminating all embouchure-related squeaks that are frequently produced by beginning players. Developed by music teacher Warren Dosch, it was tested on his students over many years. The spacer device, made of FDA-approved materials, is placed on the clarinet mouthpiece or around the ligature. It retails for $5.95. www.squeakterminator.com APRIL 2008

‘Shackle’ Drum Rugs Shackle weighs 5.5 lbs. and the large weighs in at 9.3 lbs.

MSRP for the 4’ x 4’ Shackle equipped with two Velcro stoppers is $79.95 and is available with a red or white vinyl piping. The 6’ x 6’ size is available with a wide variety of colors for the pip-

ing along the border and has an MSRP of $129.95.

Drum Axis also is in the process of making a stick bag that will have the feel of a 1970s chopper seat. For more information contact Drum Axis at: (310) 909-8549. Fax: (801) 730-4337, www.drumaxis.com

19 All New Handcrafted Solid Wood Acoustic Guitars Starting at $698 US Retail

1 8 0 0 •

7 1 7 •

LM Gunslinger Guitar Straps The new Gunslinger straps from LM Straps give guitarists some real ammunition on stage.

Available in heavy duty, easy sliding nylon or pinstripe wool, the Gunslingers are also made extra long. They feature an innovative way to have extra picks right where you need them. Gunslingers feature full-grain leather ends and are also available with side release buckles. www.lmproducts.com APRIL 2008

9 9 5 2

www.timberlineguitars.com

Jeff Klinkefus is a Southern Californiabased custom drum rug manufacturer/ designer and avid drummer. He consulted with numerous professional drummers searching for the perfect drum rug design. After many prototypes, Klinkefus developed the “Shackle” drum rug.

Drum Axis (formerly Wild Rugs) has unveiled two versions of the Shackle models with built-in Velcro tie straps so that when folded and in transit the 4’ x 4’ rug measure only 25”x10”x4” and can also be used to stow sticks, hardware, or other accessories. The product comes with one pair of the plastic Velcro stoppers (colors vary), a 3” wide strip of Velcro positioned at the rug’s tip to insure no bass drum drift during performance.

The standard 4’ x 4’ size is the company’s most popular version. The other model Shackle, a custom order, has all the same features in a larger 6’ x 6’ size.

Principally designed for live performance use, the rugs can be used in a studio environment as well. The smaller

Now Interviewing Quality Independent Retailers Across America

We Asked! usb(mini)

AC

DC 21mm

8mm

20amp

30mm

30mm

POWER

20mm

20mm

MMR 97

Supplierscene Hamilton’s Double Shelf Music Stand Utilizing the same double shelf desk as its KB1FS, Hamilton Stands has announced the KB95ES-1, Encore Double Shelf Music Stand. The desk is constructed of steel and made with rolled edges that resist bending,

deep corner gussets, and reinforcing ribs for rigidity and long life. The second shelf offers ample room for articles such as bows, rosin, sticks, mal-

Not your ordinary POP FILTER! Innovative design and professional engineering have led to the creation of Air Pressure Dispersion Technology™ the most effective method for ensuring pop-free recording - available exclusively from Music Accessories.

Thanks to A.P.D.T™ �Air Pressure Dispersion Technology�, our Split Screen Pop Filter eliminates unwanted explosive �P� and �B� consonants to satisfy the most discriminating customer.

1st screen diffuses air

Split Screen Pop Filter

Opening between screens disperses air �relieves pressure�

Our pop filters are engineered to perform.

2nd screen diffuses any remaining air pressure and passes full-range vocals

ALSO AVAILABLE

Contact us today for program details and to learn more about becoming an authorized dealer.

800-266-7225 or music-accessories.net

98 MMR

lets, pencils, and erasers.

It is lined with black felt to reduce noise. The stand is engineered for stability and features Hamilton’s E-Z Just clutch, a tapered fit between the lower tube and base that will not wobble, and a riveted and welded hub-and-foot construction. The suggested retail price is $62. www.hamiltonstands.com

Mapex Launches “My Pro M” On Website Mapex announced the launch of its new MY PRO M program now available on the Mapex USA website (http://usa.mapexdrums.com/my-pro-m). MY PRO M allows consumers to go online and choose from a wide range of Pro M components and a widely expanded range of finish options to create their own custom configurations. The Mapex Pro M series features all maple shells in a wide range of component sizes. For the first time, consumers can order a Pro M configuration with chrome or black chrome hardware and can choose from any of the Saturn series lacquer finishes. Users must register and declare a “preferred dealer” at the time of registration. Once a user has completed a set-up, they can then send it to their preferred dealer for a quote. Mapex dealers can determine a selling price and then contact the consumer to complete the order. When the drum set is completed it is then shipped to the dealer, where the kit can be inspected and prepared for pickup by the customer. usa.mapexdrums.com/my-pro-m APRIL 2008

Ernie Ball Music Man Adds Two Models Ernie Ball Music Man announces the arrival of two new Ball Family Reserve instruments as well as a trio of new color options for all Reserve instruments. Featuring all the standard features of the Albert Lee Signature guitar, the Albert Lee BFR boasts a southern ash body with a book-matched maple top, a mahogany tone block, and a sleek maple neck. The guitar is solely offered in Pink Burst, which Music Man has brought out of retirement exclusively for this guitar. The MSRP starts at $3,500. Toeing the line between a guitar and a bass, the John Petrucci Baritone BFR touts an alder

body with a book-matched maple top. A 27.5” scale instrument, the instrument is equipped with one DiMarzio custom humbucker pickup in the neck and one DiMarzio D-Sonic humbucker pickup in the bridge. The MSRP is $4,199. Music Man also introduces three colors for the BFR series, all with a “burst” configuration: tobacco burst, emerald burst, and amethyst burst. www.ernieball.com

BBE Sound Wah Pedal The new wah pedal from BBE Sound is based on a 1967 Class A circuit design featuring a “halo” inductor which the company has re-engineered and tuned to re-create those sounds made famous by players such as Clapton and Hendrix.

The halo is essential to its unique vocallike qualities. In addition, a custom designed potentiometer provides a natural sweeping response while BBE has also added a “harmony” control allowing players to tailor the wah sound to their individual tastes. Apart from an on/off LED indicator, as with all BBE pedals, the wah incorporates true hardwire bypass for a clean signal path when the effect is bypassed. http://www.bbesound.com APRIL 2008

You Answered! usb(mini)

AC

DC 21mm

8mm

20amp

30mm

30mm

POWER

20mm

20mm

MMR 99

Supplierscene Stewart Copeland Signature Kit from Tama Stewart Copeland, Tama’s longest-term drum endorser, now has a signature set to go with his signature snare. However, unlike his signature brass-shelled snare, his “Return of the Rhythmatist” starclassic maple kit is limited to only 50 sets worldwide, approximately 15 of which are destined for the United States. The Police Blue Sparkle

set is based on the specs of Copeland’s own kit used on the 2007 Police world reunion tour. Two versions, Complete and Standard, will be available. The S112S standard 11-piece kit lists for $9,750. The S142S complete 14-piece kit lists for $12,800. Optional hardware/stand packages start at $2,180. www.tama.com

SilverFox Announces Two New Stick Models SilverFox has added articulation of the redesigned “XT” (eXtreme Tip) acornshaped tip. The generous dimensions of the acorn provide a full-bodied attack.

The new SilverFox silver logo is placed just about where the thumb sits on the stick. Strengthened by SilverFox’s exclusive Duracrylx finish, the result is solid stability with increased punch and defi-

100 MMR

nition. The updated SilverFox 5B hickory stick is versatile, with its overall length of 16 3/16” and .5” L x .38” W acorn tip.

Strengthened with the Duracrylx fi nish, the 5B is perfect for rock drumming. www.BestStick.com

APRIL 2008

Bach Instruments Increase Availability Conn-Selmer announces the increased production of traditional models, such as the TR300H USA trumpet, as well as the introduction of three new U.S.-made instruments. The new models include the TR301 USA trumpet, the CR301 USA cornet, and the TB301 trombone. The trumpet and cornet each feature a nickel-silver receiver and red brass mouthpipe for durability. Each also features a one-piece valve casing, monel pistons, first slide thumb saddle, and adjustable third

slide finger ring. The trombone features a sturdy nickel-silver handgrip and braces and chrome-plated nickel-silver inner slide tubes to better hold slide alignment. The eight-inch bell and outside slide tubes are made of traditional yellow brass. www.conn-selmer.com

Pro-Mark Names New Product Endorsers Pro-Mark welcomes the following drummers to its family of endorsers: Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin/Foreigner), Chris Corsano (Bjork), Dom Howard (Muse), Garrett Goodwin (Carrie Underwood), Arthur Latin II (Harry Connick, Jr. ), Steve Clifford (Circa Survive), Aquiles Priester (Hangar). Also joining the company’s roster of endorsers are the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corp. www.promark.com

Washburn’s New Mandolins For Washburn’s 125th anniversary they are introducing two new vintage-styled mandolins. These mandolins feature a worn/used look as well as aged hardware and a thinner satin finish for a broken-in and well-played feel. Only premium woods like solid flamed maple and solid spruce have been used in crafting these instruments.

Both feature aged hardware, ebonite tuner buttons, a hand-carved solid spruce top, and solid flamed maple sides and back. The M118SW is a Florentinestyle mandolin. Retail price is $1,349.90. The M116SW is an A-style mandolin; retail price is $1,149.90. www.washburn.com

APRIL 2008

Come & Get It! 7 DC & 7 AC Outlets Computer Controlled Sequence All AC/DC Outlets 7000 Joules Reduce Noise, Heat & Waste Firmware & Software Upgrades

MMR 101

Supplierscene Roland Releases New SH-201 Materials Roland announce the release of two exclusive new downloadable SH-201 patch collections at its Web site, www.

RolandUS.com. Located on the Current Promotions tab of the What’s New page, the new patch collections are free. The patch downloads, entitled Bass Collection and Pads & Atmospheres, re-create some of the best-loved synthesizer

sounds from the past 25 years. The Bass Collection offers sounds from 1970’s funk through the 1980’s industrial/new wave scene, with classic house, techno, and jungle basses and more. The Pads & Atmospheres Collection features smooth, fat pads to sweeping fi lters and sound effects. www.RolandUS.com

Troops Receiving TalkingTab TalkingTabs is sending thousands of free Play-It-Now Tunes, which are audio guitar lessons for popular songs, to be packaged with the next 500 guitars being shipped to Iraq by Operation Happy Note. Included with these guitar song lessons will be the

102 MMR

TalkingTabs All-Audio Guitar Instruction: Complete Beginners series. This beginner guitar course provides over 20 hours of easy-to-follow audio instruction delivered on CD. www.talkingtabs.com

The Music Link Offers Marketing Tool The latest version of The Music Link’s dealer-minded marketing tool is out. Marketing Essentials 2008 is a CD-ROM filled with valuable content to drive sales and provide dealers with creative methods to advertise the best of what The Music Link has to offer. The CDROM features hundreds of high-resolution product images, logos, hang tags, and the 2008 catalogs available in PDF format. It also has the latest product brochures that dealers can print and photos for all the latest products. Marketing Essentials is available free to active dealers. www.themusiclink.net

APRIL 2008

Mighty Bright Duet 2 Music Light Mighty Bright has adapted the XtraFlex Duet light to provided double the light of the original Duet and offer more versatility with its AC adaptability. It is suited for large music stands, two- and three-page music scores, music books, and choral folios. The light contains

four Super LEDs, which provide three times the bright white light of a standard LED and last over 100,000 hours. Two separate lighting heads each contain two LED bulbs, both with their own on-off

switch, offering the option to use one or both lights on each head. Outfitted on two heavy-duty gooseneck arms, the light is energy efficient and wireless, with a strong, large-opening clip. www.mightybright.com

Hal Leonard Releases West Side Story Publications

www.MMRmagazine.com

Hal Leonard has released two new publications to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the musical West Side Story. A deluxe and completely revised piano/vocal selections songbook is now available, and the first-ever authentic transcription for concert band of Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances is due out soon. The revised edition features all-new, re-edited music engravings of 13 songs for voice, piano, and guitar, including five songs never before available outside of the full vocal score of the musical (including “Jet Song,” “One Hand, One Heart,” and “Gee, Officer Krupke”).

The songbook also includes photos from the

original Broadway production—some never before in print; excerpts from the “West Side Story Log” Bernstein kept during the show’s composition and pre-Broadway development; and even facsimiles of Bernstein’s manuscript drafts.

In 1961, Bernstein extracted and reordered musical selections from West

Side Story for a New York Philharmonic gala. The result, Symphonic Dances, has become one of the most popular and frequently performed of Bernstein’s orchestral works. No authorized transcription of the suite has existed until now. www.halleonard.com

Find Breaking News in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site!

APRIL 2008

MMR 103

Classifieds Accessories

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

For Sale

Business Opportunities

BIGGEST MUSIC SCHOOL in the HOUSTON AREA FOR SALE 25 Teachers; 500-plus students and 2-story bldg. in prime real estate location with music store and rental space!

Distributors Welcome

• 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 more information Call broker at 281 359-2593 or Owner at 832 445-5668

Instruction

Guy Lee’s

“How To Make a Living Teaching Guitar” Guytar Publishing

www.guytar.com Business Opportunities

CLASSIFIEDS on the MOVE! check www.mmrmagazine.com for daily updates!

For Sale Music store for sale in small town of Deer Park, WA. Seller wants to retire!

Will sell building, inventory, and existing customer base for $159,000 with attractive owner contract terms. Approx. 20% down payment and you can go to work in this existing business. Building is older home converted to retail space in thriving business area.

Call Jim Palmer Jr. - Real Estate Marketplace N.W. 509-276-5445 104 MMR

www.mmrmagazine.com APRIL 2008

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

Business Opportunities

CLASSIFIEDS on the MOVE! check

www.mmrmagazine.com for daily updates!

APRIL 2008

MMR 105

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

Help Wanted

Due to our rapid expansion, Tycoon Percussion has the following positions open:

DIRECTOR OF SALES Director of sales candidates must have 7-10 years sales experience in the music products industry with specic knowledge of the drum and percussion market. This position will require travel within the USA as well as limited international travel.

INSIDE SALES ASSOCIATES

Tycoon Percussion has multiple positions open for inside sales associates.

Successful candidate will have a minimum of two years retail, wholesale or telemarketing experience in the music products industry.

All positions will be full time and located in our USA headquarters located in Chino, CA. Please e-mail your letter of interest along with a current resume and salary requirements to jobs@tycoonpercussion.com To view our web-site, visit www.tycoonpercussion.com No phone calls please.

Merchandise Studios, Consoles, Spinets Lot Pricing: $195-$350 Solid, Reconditionable Pianos. Some have Benches.

JAY-MART PIANO WHOLESALERS P.O. Box 21148 • Cleveland, OH • 44121

800-411-2363

Fax: 216-382-3249 • Email: jaymartpianos@sbcglobal.net “The Piano Store For Piano Stores” 106 MMR

APRIL 2008

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

Merchandise

Help Wanted

CASES CASES CASES Factory Direct!

Any ATA Case For $99 Mixers, Amps, Heads, or Keyboards www.newyorkcasecompany.com

877-692-2738

Sales Manager for The Cavanaugh Company

ACCORDIONS: All sizes —

over 100 in stock — new & used.

Regular, Electronic, MIDI, etc.

JOHN GAUNT, Distributor, 1248 S. Highland Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 443-4113.

The Cavanaugh Company is seeking an aggressive Sales Manager for its three divisions of the company, Super-Sensitive Musical String Co., Black Diamond Strings and Bari Woodwind Supplies.

This position would be responsible for growing existing accounts and generating new business with dealers and distributors.

Have strong sales background and knowledge of the Music Industry and ability to develop these markets.

Education Sales Manager for The Cavanaugh Company

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

The Cavanaugh Company is seeking an aggressive Education Sales Manager for its three divisions of the company, Super-Sensitive Musical String Co., Black Diamond Strings and Bari Woodwind Supplies.

This position would be responsible for developing relationships and sales within the educator market of the Music Industry.

May have the option to work from a satellite ofce.

The ability to travel and able to communicate with music teachers, professional musicians and other industry professionals.

Contact: Jim Cavanaugh 941-371-0016 ext 2118 Jim@cavanaughcompany.com Fax: 941- 378-3617

YAMAHA–KAWAI & MORE

CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED PIANOS

Asian High Quality No other supplier offers superior service before, during and after the sale.

You get what you pay for!

www.mmrmagazine.com

Merchandise

GUARANTEED LANDED QUALITY

1-800-782-2694 North American Music 11 Kay Fries Drive Stony Point, NY 10980 Fax: (845) 429-6920

FINANCING AVAILABLE

www.mmrmagazine.com APRIL 2008

MMR 107

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

Merchandise

300,000 Piano Lovers!

That’s how many unique, piano loving people visit PianoWorld.com every month.

Be smart, advertise your piano or music related business where your new customers are hanging out.

PianoWorld.com Home of the world famous Piano Forums.

For more interesting statistics and advertising information: Visit www.PianoWorld.com/advertising ... Now!

equatone@earthlink.net

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

Miscellaneous 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

CLASSIFIEDS on the MOVE! check

www.mmrmagazine.com for daily updates!

108 MMR

APRIL 2008

Product Distribution FDW-Worldwide, the exclusive distributor of Violet Design and Nevaton microphones in the Americas and the exclusive international distributor of Cable Up pro-line cables and accessories is seeking to establish new strategic partnerships with manufacturers exploring the outsourcing of their sales and marketing operations.

We operate out of a 75,000 square foot facility in Wisconsin and provide a wide range of services including sales, marketing, customer service, credit, service, warehousing, and shipping.

We have sales representatives positioned throughout the USA and Canada and can react immediately to expand your current distribution.

Contact Garry Templin, Brand Manager, at 615-308-7808 or visit www.fdw-w.com for more information.

www.mmrmagazine.com

Repair Tools REPAIRS BAND INSTURMENTS SINCE 1946.

Competitive prices, 100% satisfaction GUARANTEED Dealer inquiries invited.

Write or Call: PHILLIPS MUSIC CORPORATION 17668 State Highway B Kirksville, MO 63501

660 665-5889 FAST TURN-AROUND ON STOCK REPAIRS NATIONWIDE NAPBIRT member, 25 Years Experience Contact: Dan Rieck, 801-733-4243 dan@utahwoodwindrepair.com

Repair Tools 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

APRIL 2008

MMR 109

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

Repair Tools BAND INSTRUMENT REPAIR Complete woodwind/brasswind repair, from rental return service to complete overhauls. Dealers welcome. All work guaranteed. Member of NAPBIRT. Quality Repair Service PH #574-268-5360 email: mwebb451@embarqmail.com

Sales Reps Wanted REPS WANTED

Codel Enterprises J3 and Aslin Dane Guitars, Basses and Amps Seeking ambitious guitar reps.

Major territories open.

High commissions Best Dealer Buying Program Contact 860 408-1441 or lamb@codelenterprises.com

Sales Representatives Wanted!!

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.

For Classified Sales Call Maureen

800-964-5150 ext. 34 mjohan@symphonypublishing.com

Sales Reps Wanted

Michigan-based Brass, Woodwind and accessories line. Join a great new organization with an “artist-endorsed” product.

Competitive Commissions with incentive.

Contact: db@dymusicusa.com 734-384-1705

www.mmrmagazine.com

School Sales Reps Wanted INDEPENDENT SALES REPS Sales Reps Wanted Band & Orchestra Instruments Most territories open A Great Job! AMERICA LONGXING

(718) 706-0828 Ask for Paul

SHIPPING YOUR PIANO

with Lone Wolf Trucking

is a “grand” idea!

An independent, long-distance Mover specializing in coast-to-coast residential Relocation.

1-800-982-9505 Alamogordo, New Mexico. 88310

ICC MC-256289

Used Instruments Used 4 Less Music

over 2,000 used parts and 400 used instruments.

50 – 70% less than new.

Repaired with one year guarantee or not repaired.

Brand names Clarinets and utes from $50 Alto saxes from $250 Everything from piccolos to Sousaphone Clarinet & Flute repad $69 Call Jimmy Hayes 800 559-4472

Seeking Employment Pianos/Digitals/Organs I Don’t Sell, You Don’t Pay Closer for hire!

20 years experience Outside promo specialist timfeager@msn.com • 561-379-4718

Services LOCAL & NATIONWIDE PIANO MOVING • CRATING • STORAGE •

(800) 222-2888

(310) 830-3362 (FAX) • http://www.pianomove.com

110 MMR

Services

Breaking News

Find it in the Hot News section of MMR’s Web site, www.MMRmagazine.com APRIL 2008

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

Vintage Instruments

Wanted To Buy re ’ We ing

y os u B ian P

We are buying grands — and smaller verticals Honest - Professional - We Sell Nationwide JAY-MART PIANO WHOLESALERS P.O. Box 21148 • Cleveland, OH • 44121

800-411-2363

Fax: 216-382-3249 Email: jaymartpianos@sbcglobal.net “The Piano Store For Piano Stores”

Wanted USED TUBAS ANY CONDITION-CASH PAID

CLASSIFIEDS on the MOVE!

THE TUBA EXCHANGE 1825 CHAPEL HILL RD. DURHAM, NC 27707 1-800-869-8822 WWW.TUBAEXCHANGE.COM

check www.mmrmagazine.com for daily updates!

WE, BUY, SELL, TRADE and ship worldwide.

Written APPRAISALS available.

GRUHN GUITARS, 400 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

(615) 256-2033

fax (615) 255-2021

www.gruhn.com

www.mmrmagazine.com

Vintage Showcase WE, BUY, SELL, TRADE

What’s it worth?

We buy, sell, trade, consign and appraise fine guitars, banjos and mandolins.

629 Forest Ave., S.I., N.Y. 10310 Phone (718) 981-8585 mandolin@mandoweb.com www.mandoweb.com

and ship worldwide.

Written APPRAISALS available.

GRUHN GUITARS 400 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

(615) 256-2033 fax (615) 255-2021

www.gruhn.com

Call Maureen Johan 800-964-5150, ext 34 or mjohan@symphonypublishing.com

for Special Offer Details!

MARCH 2008

MMR 111

Adindex COMPANY NAME

E-MAIL/WEB ADDRESS

PAGE

A Allparts Amati’s Fine Instruments America Longxing Inc. American Way Marketing LLC Anderson Silver Plating ASC

www.Amatis.uscom www.huntermusical.com info@americanwaymktg.com www.sejungusa.com

78 40 93 100 102 67

B Baden Guitars Benedetto Guitars Bourgeois Guitars Breezy Ridge Instruments Ltd.

www.badenguitars.com www.BenedettoGuitars.com www.pantheonguitars.com www.jpstrings.com

37 99 34 78

www.cableup.com www.cedist.com www.compositeacoustics.com www.conn-selmer.com

74 37 92 13

www.daddario.com www.daddario.com www.davapick.com www.drumaxis.com www.drumnetics.com www.jimdunlop.com www.eastwoodguitars.com www.emgpickups.com www.coolcatone.com

35 94 79 92 77 16 38 33 33

G George L’s Godlyke Inc. Godlyke Inc. Good for the Goose Products Grover

www.georgels.com www.godlyke.com www.godlyke.com www.chopsaver.com www.grotro.com

46 34 75 103 39

H/K Hall Crystal Flutes Inc. Hamilton Stands Inc. Hanser Music Group Kaman Music Corp.

Kenny G Saxophones/ Golden Sound Distributors LLC Ken Smith Basses Ltd. Kurzweil Music Systems Kyser Musical Products Inc.

www.hallflutes.com www.hamiltonstands.com www.hansermusicgroup.com www.kamanmusic.com

45 36 62 96

www.goldensounddist.com www.kensmithbasses.com www.youngchang.com www.kysermusical.com

101 46 19 95

www.lacemusic.com usa.mapexdrums.com www.meiselmusic.com sales@metmusic.com www.middleatlantic.com www.morrellmusic.com mpathx.com mpathx.com

47 7 49 20 98 103 99 101

L/M Lace Music Products Mapex USA Inc. Meisel Stringed Instruments Metropolitan Music Co. Middle Atlantic Products, Inc. Morrell Music Dist. Co. MPathX MPathX 112 MMR

MPathX

mpathx.com

PAGE 97

N Nady Systems Inc. NAMM National Educational Music Co. National Music Funding New Sensor Corp.

www.nady.com www.namm.com www.nemc.com www.nationalmusic.com www.newsensor.com

77 28-29 41 93 25

P P & D Wholesale Petrof USA PianoDisc

www.PDWholesale.net www.petrof.com www.pianodisc.com

79 21 5

PRS Guitars (Paul Reed Smith) Real de los Reyes Redland Music Products Rockano Productions Ltd.

www.prsguitars.com www.realdelosreyes.com www.redlandmusic.com www.guitarfacelift.com

63 68 70 65

www.sagamusic.com www.samickguitar.com www.schecterguitars.com www.sennheiserusa.com www.seymourduncan.com www.shsint.net www.shubb.com www.skbcases.com www.pedalsnake.com www.stashpicks.com www.stringswing.com www.eleuke.com www.cavanaughcompany.com

87 61 71 23 39 5 76 69 91 72 3 18 26

www.timberlineguitars.com; www.tkl.com www.treganguitars.com www.unkguitars.com

91 97 1 73 53

S

D/E D’Addario & Co. D’Addario & Co. The Dava Co. Drum Axis Drumnetics Dunlop Manufacturing Inc. Eastwood Guitars EMG Inc. Evets

E-MAIL/WEB ADDRESS

R

C Cable Up CE Distribution Composite Acoustics Conn-Selmer

COMPANY NAME

Saga Musical Instruments Samick Music Corp.

Schecter Guitar Research Sennheiser Electronics Seymour Duncan Pickups SHS International Shubb Co. SKB Corp.

Stage Magic, Inc. Stash Picks Inc. String Swing Mfg. Inc. Stringnet Co., Ltd Super-Sensitive Musical String Co.

T/U Talkin’ Guitars Timberline Guitars TKL Products Corp.

Tregan Guitars Unk Guitars

V/W V2Go Vandoren Violet Design Visual Sound W.D. Music Products Inc. Waves Wood Violins Wyman Piano

www.v2gotech.com www.vandoren.com violetdesignusa.com www.visualsound.net www.wdmusic.com www.waves.cim www.woodviolins.com www.wymanpiano.com

57 17 79 cov 4 66 54 64 18

www.yamaha.com www.youngchang.com www.youngchang.com www.zildjian.com

11 9 27 cov 3

Y/Z Yamaha Corp. of America Young Chang Young Chang Avedis Zildjian Co.

APRIL 2008

zildjian

D.N.A.

we’ve got selling cymbals & drumsticks

Ú !VEDIS :ILDJIAN #OMPANY

down to a science.

We are proud to introduce our new ‘go-to-market’ strategy called Zildjian DNA! By achieving excellence in Display, New Products, and Assortment, we can offer business benefits to you everyday through better inventory management, cash flow and more sales to your Customers! As we all share the same objectives for our businesses, we feel that our new DNA Program is the crucial link in our partnership as we look to the future. Contact your Zildjian Sales Representative or our award winning Customer Service Department at 1.800.229.8672 to learn more about how to put this program to work for your store.

3).#%

zildjian.com

p

Powers virtually ANY 9v pedal on the market today, from BOSS to Zoom even Line 6 pedals*

p

Only takes up ONE spot on your power strip

p

Powers an ENTIRE pedalboard with optional MC8 daisy-chain cables (up to 1700mA!)

p

Competitive retail price, better dealer margins

p

WANT MORE? You’ve got it! The new 1 SPOT® Combo Pack includes: 1 SPOT® Power Supply PLUS (1) MC8 Cable, (2) CBAT Battery Clip Converters, (2) C35 3.5mm Converters and (1) L6 Line 6 Converter

4922 Port Royal Road B-11 Spring Hill, Tennessee 37174 1.931.487.9001 www.visualsound.net p

p

*Brand names listed are trademarks of their respective companies and have no affiliation with Visual Sound.