MIPro178

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FOR EVERYONE IN THE MI BUSINESS | ISSUE 178 | MARCH 2015

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01376 550033

Exclusively distributed by KORG UK www.korguk.com/takamine

Photo by David Bergman

For more information contact: North/Scotland/Northern Ireland

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Dave GrifďŹ ths e: dave@korg.co.uk

Tim Spurr e: tim@korg.co.uk

Matt Longbottom e: matt@korg.co.uk

m: 07887 854 339

m: 07889 217 951

m: 07788 310 710

12 MI PIONEERS Adolph Rickenbacker and George Beauchamp take centre stage in this month’s look at MI’s most pioneering individuals

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PROFESSIONAL • FOR EVERYONE IN THE MI BUSINESS NO. 178 • MARCH 2015 • WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

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TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENT SPECIAL We get up close and personal with some of the folk market’s leading lines...

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

THE SALES MAN P11

SEE PAGE 32

RETAIL PROFILE P41 MYSTERY SHOPPER P42

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IN THIS ISSUE

REGULARS: Analysis 6 • MIA 8 • Colin Rees 11 • Birketts 22 • Mystery shopper 42 • New Gear 45 • Backline 48

No. 178 • March 2015 13

THE MAIN

FEATURE Brian Cleary, Barnes & Mullins 7KH ˉ UPČ V MRLQW 0' gives us the lowdown on its recent acquisition RI 86 DPSOLˉ FDWLRQ giant, Peavey

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Body building MIA chief, Paul McManus, provides some unique insights LQWR ZKDW H[DFWO\ WKH MIA offers its members

MI Pioneers This month, we look back at the work of Rickenbacker pioneers Adolph Rickenbacker and George Beauchamp

The Fellowship Longfellow front man tells us about the band’s writing and recording processes and the high street

RETAIL

FEATURES

RETAIL ESSENTIALS

38 Retail advisory

24 Sheet music:

32 Traditional

Our board of retailers discuss their involvement, or lack thereof, in the phenomenon known as Black Friday.

Alfred Music chief, Andrew Higgins, RIIHUV DQ H[WHQGHG commentary on why we mustn’t overlook the importance of paying for printed music

This month, our retail essentials feature looks at the traditional instruments sector, including products from Stagg, Stageworks, Kona, Barnes & Mullins, Laka and Aria

board

42 Mystery shopper Colchester sets the scene for this month’s trip, as our man of mystery once again goes undercover

45 New gear

With the usual splurge of new products doing the rounds after NAMM, we check out some of the PRVW H[FLWLQJ QHZ OLQHV

A Cinderella story

22 Legal matters

Law specialist, Rafael Ruiz, provides yet more insight into the FRPSOH[ ZRUOG RI competition law

28 Drums and

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instruments

EDITORIAL COMMENT

A lot to learn SATURDAY , March 21st sees the return of National Learn to Play Day, which, now in its fourth year, looks set to be its biggest outing to date. By now you should all be familiar with how the event works, but for those who aren’t, I’ll outline it here. It’s pretty simple: MI retailers up and down the country open their doors to the public for one day to offer free taster lessons to new and lapsed musicians to get them playing an instrument and, hopefully, buying from their stores. Pretty simple, I’m sure you’ll agree. With more partners and venues looking to get involved than ever before, those who have yet to do so, may want to ask themselves ‘why not?’ There are no two ways about it - when an opportunity like this comes along, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever not to get involved. It may be a hackneyed point that’s been made time and time again, but we really do live in an age where retailers have to do HYHU\WKLQJ ZLWKLQ WKHLU SRZHU WR RIIHU EHQHˉ WV WKDW WKH ,QWHUQHW VLPSO\ cannot. So, if you’ve got the chance to acquire new, potentially longterm customers by opening up your shop for a day of free lessons, why on earth wouldn’t you? Face to face contact with those looking to get involved with music is something that can’t be sniffed at, so those interested should contact the MIA forthwith. Of course, many smaller retailers don’t have the space to operate such an event on their own VKRS ËŠ RRU 7KLV QHHGQČ W EH D SUREOHP DV D number of shopping centres, community centres and rehearsal/recording spaces are throwing their weight behind the event this year, so a lack of space doesn’t have to be an issue. Furthermore, this year, dealers have the option of running the event on the Sunday instead of the Saturday. And the really keen amongst you have the option of running it on ERWK VR WKH SURJUDPPH UHDOO\ LV PRUH ËŠ H[LEOH than ever. The growing number of participants year-on-year proves that this is an initiative that works, and it’s great to see so many getting involved. But there are still many that aren’t. So why not make contact with the MIA today and see how you FDQ EHQHˉ W IURP WKLV year’s event.

Daniel Gumble Editor dgumble@nbmedia.com

percussion

Our special focus zeroes in on the drums and percussion market

Follow us on Twitter @MIProfessional

ANALYSIS

London calling The new look Yamaha Music London represents something more for WKH -DSDQHVH JLDQW WKDQ MXVW D VQD]]\ /RQGRQ VWRUH UHˉWȨ

BY RONNIE DUNGAN IF YOU’RE looking for the benchmark in Yamaha’s new dealership programme, then its new refurbished store in London is the place to go. Formerly Chappell of Bond Street (which is of course, on Wardour Street), Yamaha cut the ribbon on its newly refurbished London store last month. 7KH WKUHH ËŒRRU EXLOGLQJ ZLOO QRZ EHFRPH Yamaha Music London, featuring the company’s complete line-up of instruments and PA gear. It has been designed to represent the zenith of Yamaha’s standards in musical instrument retailing, set out in its new terms and conditions, the much-vaunted Purple Book, last year. ,W LV <DPDKDȢV Ë‹UVW QHZ SDQ (XURSHDQ dealer agreement for more than 17 years. Having terminated all existing contracts in March 2014, dealers in more than 30 FRXQWULHV DFURVV (XURSH UHFHLYHG D QHZ VLPSOLË‹HG FRQWUDFW WKH ČĄ3XUSOH %RRNȢ WKDW outlined a new set of terms and conditions FHQWUHG DURXQG VSHFLË‹F FULWHULD IRU ERWK physical and online outlets required to represent Yamaha product and branding to “a suitable levelâ€?. Under the new terms and conditions dealers are granted a 25 per cent margin on Yamaha products on the condition that WKH\ PHHW D VHW RI Ë‹YH FULWHULD EDVHG RQ presentation of shop, display, staff training, advertising support and service. (DFK RQH RI WKRVH UHSUHVHQWV Ë‹YH SHU FHQW of that 25 per cent margin. And of course, Yamaha has to lead by H[DPSOH VR WKH QHZ /RQGRQ ËŒDJVKLS LV QRW MXVW D VLQJOH VWRUH UHË‹W LW LV WKH HPERGLPHQW of everything that Yamaha expects from all

of its revamped dealer network. So of course, it delivers above and beyond the average Yamaha dealership. Not only does it house the largest stock RI <DPDKD JXLWDUV LQ (XURSH IRU H[DPSOH but it also features stages for in-store performances and clinics. Speaking at the launch of the refurbished store, Yamaha UK’s managing director,

“Not only does it house the largest stock of Yamaha guitars in Europe, it also features stages for in-store performances.� Mark Rolfe, said: “Customers will not only be able to watch demos and talk to experts, but they will be able to pick up every instrument and interact with all the products, hopefully before they buy.� Store manager, Nigel Hill, also had this to say: “The Pro Sounds area will enable customers to watch demos and play the guitars and drums for themselves before they buy – bringing to life the Yamaha goal of sharing our passion for sound, technology and performance.� To visit the Yamaha London store, it can be located at the following addres: 152-160 Wardour Street London, W1F 8YA. For further information, please visit: http://www.yamahamusiclondon.com.

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Retail Essentials Traditional instruments

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The MIA is the trade body for the UK musical instrument industry, servicing and representing the interests of manufacturers, importers, publishers, retailers and supporting businesses.

MUSIC FOR All is a fully registered charity that has the simple mission of ‘Making More Musicians’. The charity is run by 15 volunteers from our industry and exists purely to help people, of all ages, to be able to play a musical instrument. Any monies that the charity raises are spent on helping to create these new musicians, especially those who are not fortunate enough to be able to afford instruments, or lessons to learn how to play. As you would expect, we try and drive all purchases into our MIA shops!

“The charity helps those who are not fortunate enough to be able to afford instruments or lessons.”

Music for All – a charity for our industry MIA chief Paul McManus tells us about the Music for All charity and how you can get involved in helping those who are not fortunate enough to be able to afford musical instruments or lessons...

HOW DO YOU DO THIS? The charity has three main priorities: z The National Learn to Play Day This is our annual event to reach out to the millions of members of the UK general public who have never played (or maybe used to play) by offering them free “taster” lessons. Critically for our industry, the event creates a whole new wave of musicians all keen to know and partake of their local music shop! z Grants to support individuals We are now helping people across the UK with grants that enable them to buy an instrument. These recipients typically would not have been able to do this without our support. z Grants to Community projects Our latest development is to be able to assist community projects with grants that enable them to reach more people. Both grant formats can now be done via the charity website.

HOW IS ALL THIS FUNDED? Our charity is very generously supported by many companies in the industry who either donate time, equipment or monies to help the cause. Indeed, for every pound we raise, the industry donates £2! Plus, we have been extremely fortunate to have the NAMM Foundation support our charity over many years. We are now getting support and donations from outside of the industry and the Media (GJH FRPSDQ\ DUH RIˋ FLDOO\ fundraising on our behalf. CELEBRITY SUPPORT We are lucky to have amazing support from a great range of musical celebrities. Jools Holland is our Patron and our charity Ambassadors stretch from Rick Wakeman to Rick Astley! HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED? z Join the Trustees or Management Group of volunteers who run the charity z Donate some instruments to us z Make a donation z Make us YOUR charity of the year z Is there a community project or individual in your area that we could help? WHERE DO I FIND OUT MORE? www.musicforall.org.uk 01403 800500 mfa@mia.org.uk

A jumpstart for beginners Now playing is more play, less work. You, your local teachers and their students will love Juno reeds from Vandoren, Paris. Unlike others, Juno Reeds are specifically designed to help students find early success by making it easier to play their instrument from the very beginning.

Who wants to sound like a beginner? As we all know, student’s don’t want to sound like beginners. But when the students sound better, they have more fun. And when they’re having fun, they’ll keep playing for longer.

Quality reeds for students. Using select cane grown on the Mediterranean basin, Juno reeds are given a specific cut that’s extra responsive for students, so they can improve faster. Just like the professional range of Vandoren reeds, once the reeds are precisely cut, each one is sealed in its own humidity balanced ‘Flow-Pack’, so when you take a Juno reed out of the box, it will feel and sound as fresh as the day it was made.

The perfect strength for all. Juno reeds are available for Clarinet, Alto Sax and Tenor Sax in strengths 1½ to 3, in boxes of 50 or 10, or on a handy 3 card. Then once the student is ready, the progression to Vandoren’s full line of professional reeds is simple and straightforward.

Exclusively available from Barnes & Mullins Ltd. Juno Reeds are designed and manufactured by Vandoren SAS France.

Voted the UK’s ‘Best Supplier’ 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014

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MI PIONEERS Rickenbacker

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THE SALES MAN

COLIN REES is a veteran sales trainer and business consultant with many decades’ worth of expertise in the bicycle retail sector.

Human nature - the number one sales killer? +DV KXPDQ QDWXUH HYHU PDGH DQ LPSDFW RQ \RXU VDOHV ˉJXUHV"

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COLIN REES

Sales trainer and business consultant.

VRPHRQH VD\V WKDW LV WKHUH DQ\ZKHUH WR JR" Human nature dictates there isn’t – what can \RX VD\" %XW VLW GRZQ DQG SODQ DV D WHDP IRU KDOI DQ KRXU DQG LW LV OLNHO\ \RX ZLOO EH DEOH WR SXW D QXPEHU RI EDUULHUV XS WKDW PD\ PDNH VRPH SHRSOH WKLQN WZLFH DQG VDYH VRPH RI those lost sales. 7KH ODVW DUHD RI KXPDQ QDWXUH LQVWDQFHV is where a sales person stands below a

“A big killer to a sizeable sale could be human nature.â€? GLVSOD\ RI SURGXFWV SRLQWLQJ WR HDFK RQH KH GHVFULEHV $JDLQ ZK\ WDNH LW GRZQ ZKHQ LW PLJKW QRW EH ULJKW IRU WKH FXVWRPHU DQG ,Č YH RQO\ JRW WR SXW LW EDFN <HW WKH SUDFWLVH RI SXWWLQJ SURGXFWV LQWR FXVWRPHUVČ KDQGV HYHU\ VLQJOH WLPH FDQ LQFUHDVH VDOHV E\ ˉYH SHU FHQW PDLQO\ EHFDXVH RQFH KROGLQJ LW LW LV YHU\ GLIˉFXOW WR JLYH LW EDFN Next time you are active with a customer, WKLQN EDFN DIWHU KH JRHV KRZ PDQ\ WLPHV GLG KXPDQ QDWXUH FDPH LQWR SOD\ ,I \RX KDYH QHYHU FRQVLGHUHG LW EHIRUH \RX ZLOO EH DPD]HG )RU WKRVH H[SHULHQFHG LQ VHOOLQJ LW FDQ EHFRPH D IDVFLQDWLQJ DUHD DQG FXOWLYDWHG WR EH RI JUHDW DVVLVWDQFH DV \RX FDQ SODQ VXFFHVVIXO VWUDWHJLHV Colinrees7@gmail.com www.colinrees7.wordpress.com

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MI Pioneers: Adolph Rickenbacker and George Beauchamp This month, MI Pioneers takes a look at the careers of Adolph Rickenbacker and George Beauchamp, and how they revolutionised the world of electric guitars... SINCE CREATING some of the very Ë‹UVW HOHFWULF JXLWDUV LQ WKH V WKH 5LFNHQEDFNHU ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &RUSRUDWLRQ FRQWLQXHV WR SURGXFH LWV LFRQLF JXLWDU OLQH DOPRVW D FHQWXU\ ODWHU %RDVWLQJ D GLVWLQFW DQG LQVWDQWO\ UHFRJQLVDEOH DHVWKHWLF 5LFNHQEDFNHU JXLWDUV KDYH ORQJ EHHQ VRXJKW DIWHU IRU ERWK WKHLU LFRQLF DSSHDUDQFH DV ZHOO DV WKHLU SHUIRUPDQFH TXDOLW\ ,QGHHG WKH EUDQG KDV SOD\HG LWV SDUW LQ WKH HYROXWLRQ RI PDQ\ JHQUHV Ë‹QGLQJ IDYRXU ZLWK HYHU\RQH IURP SRS JURXSV WR PHWDO EDQGV LQFOXGLQJ WKH OLNHV RI 7KH %HDWOHV 7KH :KR 0RW¸UKHDG 7KH -DP 0HWDOOLFD 5 ( 0 7KH 6WRQH 5RVHV .DVDELDQ DQG PDQ\ PRUH +RZHYHU ZKLOH WKH QXPEHU RI KLJK SURË‹OH PXVLFLDQV RXWË‹WWHG ZLWK 5LFNHQEDFNHU LQVWUXPHQWV PD\ KDYH SOD\HG D SDUW LQ PDLQWDLQLQJ WKH EUDQGÈ¢V SRSXODULW\ LW LV WKH SLRQHHULQJ RXWORRN RI FRPSDQ\ IRXQGHUV $GROSK 5LFNHQEDFNHU RULJLQDOO\ 5LFNHQEDFKHU DQG *HRUJH %HDXFKDPS WKDW XQGHUSLQV PXFK RI LWV VXFFHVV 7KH IRUPHU D KLJKO\ VNLOOHG SURGXFWLRQ HQJLQHHU WKH ODWWHU KDUERXULQJ D OXVW IRU D ORXGHU JXLWDU WKH WZR KHOSHG UHYROXWLRQLVH WKH JXLWDU LQGXVWU\ FUHDWLQJ RQH RI WKH ZRUOGÈ¢V Ë‹UVW HYHU IXOO\ HOHFWULF JXLWDUV 1920s ,Q WKH HDUO\ V /$ EDVHG VWHHO SOD\HU *HRUJH %HDXFKDPS ZDV LQ VHDUFK RI D ORXGHU HQKDQFHG JXLWDU FRPSDUHG WR ZKDW ZDV DYDLODEOH RQ WKH PDUNHW DW WKH WLPH :LWK LQYHQWRUV DOUHDG\ DWWHPSWLQJ WR FRQVWUXFW ORXGHU VWULQJHG LQVWUXPHQWV E\ DWWDFKLQJ DPSOLË‹HU

Above: Adolph Rickenbacker holding the Frying Pan

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Middle: John Hall, Right: Long-time Rickenbacker fan, Lemmy

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INTERVIEW: BRIAN CLEARY, BARNES & MULLINS

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INTERVIEW: BRIAN CLEARY, BARNES & MULLINS

6R Ë‹UVWO\ ZK\ 3HDYH\" It’s one of the truly iconic brands in our industry known the world over. When I was a sales rep I dreamed of having such a line to sell. :DV WKDW DQ RSSRUWXQLVWLF PRYH RU GLG \RX DOZD\V KDYH DQ H\H RQ DQ DXGLR UDQJH" A little of both, I guess. Albeit short lived, we’d previously enjoyed great success selling Line 6 as a subGLVWULEXWRU DQG ZKHQ WKDW Ë‹QLVKHG ZH GLGQȢW KDYH DQ DPSOLË‹FDWLRQ line to sell. There seemed little point in trying to build our own brand in such a competitive and sophisticated market so we went without. When news started to circulate in the UK market that Peavey were making changes in their European set-up I was keen to let Peavey know of our interest. :DV WKHUH RQH SDUWLFXODU SURGXFW UDQJH ZKLFK PDGH \RX GHFLGH WR JR IRU LW" For me, Peavey is about portable 3$ DQG EDFNOLQH Ë‹UVW DQG IRUHPRVW They indeed have many other excellent products to offer but WKHVH DPSOLË‹FDWLRQ SURGXFWV DUH WKH bedrock of their success and a very easy sell in a stable market. :KDW DERXW 7UDFH (OOLRW DQG %XGGD" 'LGQȢW IDQF\ WKRVH" I’d love to do both, and perhaps

we will have a structure in the future that allows for this. We can’t start with all the brands but if the opportunity still exists for us in the future, and we have the correct vehicle to market these lines, I would be very keen to look again. ,WȢV TXLWH D ELJ ORJLVWLFDO FKDOOHQJH , ZRXOG LPDJLQH +DYH \RX KDG WR Ë‹QG H[WUD VSDFH" It is quite unbelievable how fate can play such a part in these things. We were renting a 20,000 sq ft warehouse to our neighbour and two weeks before any Peavey conversations even cropped up he gave us notice. If he hadn’t I don’t think we could have done it. ([WUD VWDII" Inevitably yes, as our Peavey business grows. ,V LW VRPHWKLQJ RI D FDOFXODWHG JDPEOH IRU %DUQHV 0XOOLQV" Well, to be honest, all business has an element of gamble, but this opportunity is truly a no-brainer! :KHQ GR \RX H[SHFW WKH Ë‹UVW SURGXFWV WR VWDUW VKLSSLQJ IURP % 0" :H DUH KRSLQJ WR KDYH RXU Ë‹UVW deliveries in May. As we get closer to this time we willll be in a position to give customers better information.

:KDW GR \RX VHH DV WKH PDLQ FKDOOHQJH LQ PDUNHWLQJ WKH EUDQG" :KDW GRHV LW QHHG" Peavey has always been about good quality and affordable products that can perform and deliver for the professional, semi–professional and amateur. I think players already know this and we need to grow a network of retailers who consistently deliver this message and through experience know they have the support and supply to make their investment worthwhile. :KDW GLIIHUHQFH ZLOO WKHUH EH LQ \RXU DSSURDFK WR GLVWULEXWLQJ WKH EUDQG" Whether it’s a difference is not for me to judge, but we will approach Peavey as we do with all the brands, giving our level best to deliver an HIˋFLHQW DQG UHOLDEOH VHUYLFH WR RXU customers. :KDW GRHV WKLV GR WR \RXU SRVLWLRQ LQ WKH PDUNHW" There is no doubt that Peavey will VLJQLˋFDQWO\ JURZ RXU WXUQRYHU EXW the strength of Barnes & Mullins has always been with the support of our customers and our support of them. We have no intention of forgetting our core principles. We have been buying and selling musical instruments for 120 years and, to be honest, it isn’t really very complicated.

“Peavey is one of the truly iconic brands in our industry and is known the world over. When I was a sales rep I dreamed of having such a line to sell.�

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INTERVIEW: PAUL MCMANUS

Body Building MIA chief executive Paul McManus has overseen several key initiatives since joining the trade body 12 years ago, expanding its charitable campaigns and helping bricks and mortar dealers maintain their high street status. Yet, some remain unclear as to what exactly the MIA does for the industry. Daniel Gumble paid him a visit to paint a clearer picture of how it continues to serve the market and what it has to offer its growing list of members‌ LAST MONTH, an MIA-led coalition of brands and distributors helped secure additional concessions for creditors of the now defunct Digital Village. The result of 18 months’ hard work and collaboration with Sound Technology, Korg, SCV and Fender, the news not only represented D ZHOFRPH ˋQDO GLYLGHQG IRU '9 FUHGLWRUV EXW DOVR H[HPSOLˋHG WKH trade body’s considerable clout when sprung into action. And, while it may not be the kind of feel-good story with which the MIA would prefer to showcase LWV VHUYLFHV LW LV RQH WKDW FKLHI H[HFXWLYH 3DXO 0F0DQXV EHOLHYHV

“We can corral a lot of companies together for the common good. We can pull people together for a united purpose.�

demonstrates its far-reaching capabilities. “It’s like that old Yellow Pages saying; we’re not just there for the nasty things in life, but sometimes it’s the nasty things we need to be there for,� he explains. “We can corral a lot of companies together for the common good. It’s team work and we can pull people together for a united purpose and in that case there was a need for the industry to work together and challenge a situation to make sure that MI got the best outcome.� )RU RYHU \HDUV 0F0DQXV has been leading the charge at the MIA, helping increase its

H[WHQVLYH FKDULW\ ZRUN ZKLOVW HQVXULQJ WKDW LWV PHPEHUV UHFHLYH the best possible support on all fronts, be it in the form of schemes OLNH 1DWLRQDO /HDUQ WR 3OD\ 'D\ and Trusted Music Store – more of which later – or, indeed, in situations such as the DV fallout. A musician since his teens, McManus’s working life hasn’t DOZD\V EHHQ FRQË‹QHG WR WKH PXVLF LQGXVWU\ +DYLQJ VSHQW PXFK RI KLV teenage years and early twenties performing in bands, he spent the next two decades in the world of retail, placing his music career Ë‹UPO\ RQ WKH EDFN EXUQHU Ȥ,ȢYH DOZD\V EHHQ D PXVLFLDQ ČĽ

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INTERVIEW: PAUL MCMANUS

he states. “I started at secondary VFKRRO SOD\LQJ JXLWDU DQG LQHYLWDEO\ formed a school band. I then got into club bands, playing three nights a week and doing the Surrey circuit; liberal clubs, working mans clubs, that kind of thing. “Then I had a big career change and joined Marks & Spencer and, OLNH IRU PDQ\ SHRSOH LQ WKHLU V the music had to take a back seat. , GLGQȢW KDYH WKH EDOOV WR JR IRU WKH career in music; I wasn’t that good! I was the classic lapsed musician, of which there are millions in the UK.â€? So, what prompted a return to WKH PXVLF LQGXVWU\ DIWHU \HDUV away? And just how big a culture shock was in store? Ȥ,ȢG DOZD\V ORYHG SOD\LQJ PXVLF and, essentially, M&S changed. I’d EHHQ WKHUH IRU RYHU \HDUV DQG LW wasn’t the company I joined. So I GHFLGHG , ZDV JRLQJ WR OHDYH DQG , said to my wife, ‘there’s only one thing I’d consider doing if I was to OHDYH DQG WKDW KDV WR EH VRPHWKLQJ WR GR ZLWK PXVLFȢ , GLGQȢW KDYH D clue how I’d get into it or what I’d do, but my wife found a tiny ad

“There’s been a huge change in the industry and many shops have upped their game. But there is a long way to go if we are to make people realise they must go to their shops and not buy online.â€? in the Surrey Advertiser that said ‘Music Industries Association needs new secretary general’. I went for WKH LQWHUYLHZ DOPRVW RQ D ZKLP because it said ‘music’. Anyway, John Booth was president at the time and I clicked with him straight away and was offered the job. Ȥ, FRXOGQȢW KDYH KDG D ELJJHU culture shock. At M&S I had about VWDII ZRUNLQJ IRU PH DV , ZDV a regional manager. Then I came WR WKH 0,$ RIË‹FH DQG , ZDV the fulltime employee. “John Booth, to his credit, took me around a number of organisations and I can remember going to meet Noel Sheehan at Sheehan’s, Bob Wilson at Sound Technology, I went to Milton Keynes to see Marshall, Korg and Yamaha to understand some of our big companies, but I was always going to learn most from shops. Sheehan’s was great and I realised that Lee Anderton down the road – my nearest shop – was not a

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member, so I had to go and see him DQG VD\ ČĄ/HH LI , FDQȢW FRQYLQFH P\ ORFDO VKRS WKDW , ERXJKW P\ Ë‹UVW JXLWDU IURP WR MRLQ WKHQ ,ȢYH JRW QR hope!’ Lee then took a leap of faith and said ‘OK, let’s see where you go with this’ and has been a member HYHU VLQFH DQG LV QRZ D GLUHFWRU ČĽ Since then, the market has HYROYHG LQWR VRPHWKLQJ DOWRJHWKHU different from the one McManus returned to; such has been the LUUHYHUVLEOH LPSDFW RI WKH ,QWHUQHW “When I came, the Internet ZDV LQ LWV UHODWLYH LQIDQF\ IRU RXU industry. A lot of us in MI did not think that people would buy instruments unseen off websites. It was a huge thing that was starting to embed itself in our industry DQG \RX KDYH WR UHPHPEHU ZKHQ I came into the industry, we were still smoking and eating on shop ËŒRRUV PDQ\ GLGQȢW KDYH D ZHEVLWH – certainly not an e-commerce one – and this is just in the space of ten or so years.â€? The MI sector has also undergone something of a culture change during McManus’s tenure, with PDQ\ GHDOHUVKLSV KDYLQJ WR XS WKHLU JDPH LQ RUGHU WR VXUYLYH LQ WRGD\ȢV K\SHU FRPSHWLWLYH PDUNHW SODFH “It’s changed so much and the Internet is part of our world, whether we like it or not. The ecology of how many shops we had then, frankly, hasn’t changed; there’s still about the same amount of shops in the UK as there was then. There are fewer distributors now, and the pan-European model GLGQȢW H[LVW WKHQ VR QHDUO\ HYHU\ brand retailers wanted had its own

UK-only distributor. The whole European thing was still happening Č&#x; 7KRPDQQ \HDUV DJR ZDV QRW RQ our radar the way it is now. “There’s been a huge change and RXU EHVW UHWDLOHUV KDYH XSSHG WKHLU game dramatically in the retail proposition. I still think there’s an awful long way to go, particularly if we are to make sure people realise they must go to their shops and not buy online.â€? Despite the multi-faceted nature of the MIA’s work, there are still some who ask ‘what does the MIA actually do?’ It’s a question that can’t be answered in a single, snappy sentence, such is the GLYHUVLW\ RI EHQHË‹WV DYDLODEOH Ȥ:H KDYH D QXPEHU RI PHPEHUV that almost religiously renew their membership. They think it’s important the industry has a strong trade body. And the more members ZH KDYH WKH PRUH WKLQJV ZH FDQ GR 7KH\ DUH WKH WUXH EHOLHYHUV DQG we are extraordinarily grateful. “Then there are people that see any money going out of their business as an important commitment, so want to know exactly what they get in return. 7KDWȢV ZK\ ZH KDYH D ZKROH UDQJH RI PHPEHUVKLS EHQHË‹WV whether it’s free legal helplines or discounted insurance or discounted shipping. They are all designed to offset the cost of their membership IHH E\ VDYLQJ PRQH\ RQ WKHVH EHQHË‹WV $QG ZH KDYH WKLQJV OLNH /HDUQ WR 3OD\ 'D\ :H DOZD\V VWDUW by telling people this is what we do for the greater good; these are some RI WKH LQLWLDWLYH ZH WDNH WKURXJKRXW

the year, whether it’s Learn to 3OD\ 'D\ RU RXU IUHH %XVLQHVV Conference; and here’s the stuff we do day to day that should help the cost of running your business.â€? 2QH RI WKH PRVW UHFHQW LQLWLDWLYHV McManus has spearheaded is Trusted Music Store – a scheme that enables members to offer customers greater security when making purchases. Ȥ, EHOLHYH SDVVLRQDWHO\ WKDW ZH KDYH WR GR HYHU\WKLQJ ZH FDQ WR keep our shops trading on the high street. So we looked at whether ZH FRXOG Ë‹QG D VHOOLQJ DQJOH WKDW PLJKW ËŒH[ WKH SXEOLF WRZDUG 8. VKRSV (YHU\ DG RQ 79 DGYHUWLVLQJ a holiday, at the end says, ATOL protected, which the public understands means that if that holiday company went bust they would still get their money back. Trusted Music Store aims to do the VDPH IRU 0, FXVWRPHUV :HȢYH KDG DQ H[WUDRUGLQDU\ OHYHO RI VXSSRUW from all our suppliers, saying they would honour the spirit of the scheme that was if, God forbid, any TMS store went under, they would honour the warranties on those SURGXFWV IRU D PRQWK SHULRG ,WȢV not a nice subject to discuss, but IURP WKH SXEOLFȢV SRLQW RI YLHZ WKLV is something that says, ‘I should be buying here, my purchases are protected.’â€? 6R KRZ GR PHPEHUV JHW LQYROYHG" “There is an agreement that any MIA shop has to sign if they wish to be considered for the scheme and there are some conditions they need to agree to, like displaying the Trusted Music Store badge in their

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store and maybe online. In the same ZD\ DOO WKH VXSSOLHUV KDYH WR KRQRXU their agreements.â€? Another rapidly growing MIA VFKHPH LV 1DWLRQDO /HDUQ WR 3OD\ 'D\ Č&#x; DQ DQQXDO HYHQW DLPHG DW generating new business for retailers E\ LQYLWLQJ LQ QHZ DQG ODSVHG musicians for free taster lessons. Now in its fourth year (this year’s HYHQW WDNHV SODFH RQ 0DUFK VW LW has gone from strength to strength.

“We are the only trade body our little world has, so we should be able to do things for the greater good. That’s what we are here to do. If the MIA doesn’t, who’s going to?� “It has grown from one shop Matt Hankins in Market Harborough. :H SLORWHG LW ZLWK KLP LQ DQG it was a great success in getting to a whole load of the public that weren’t XVLQJ KLV VKRS RU HYHQ NQHZ LW ZDV there. It’s just grown since then, and WKLV \HDU PDUNV LWV ELJJHVW HYROXWLRQ as we are getting more partners, DV ZHOO DV PXVLF VKRSV LQYROYHG We had some recording rooms and UHKHDUVDO VSDFHV JHW LQYROYHG ODVW \HDU DQG WKLV \HDU IRU WKH ˋUVW time, some of the Yamaha music VFKRROV DUH JHWWLQJ LQYROYHG RQ WKH 6XQGD\ EHFDXVH ZH KDYH ˌH[HG LW WR 6DWXUGD\ DQG RU 6XQGD\ WR JLYH VRPH

of the businesses that can’t do one of those days that extra option. Ȥ2XU DPELWLRQ LV WR Ë‹QG D VSRQVRU we need a mobile phone company, a bank, or some big corporation to KHOS XV JHW WKLV WR WKH QH[W OHYHO ČĽ /HDUQ WR 3OD\ 'D\ LV UXQ LQ conjunction with music charity Music for All, of which McManus is &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 5XQ RQ GRQDWLRQV DQG WKH WLPH RI YROXQWHHU ZRUNHUV it is tasked with getting instruments into the hands of more players. “The charity has a mission of making more musicians. There’s /HDUQ WR 3OD\ 'D\ DQG RXU LQGLYLGXDO grants. And recently we introduced community grants, where we are now helping, say, a school that wants to put on music but has no means by which to do it. “The charity is getting a little ELJJHU HYHU\ \HDU :HȢYH KDG amazing support from the NAMM )RXQGDWLRQ 7KH\ KDYH EHHQ ZLWK XV IRU Ë‹YH RU VL[ \HDUV DQG ZH are now getting donations from WKH SXEOLF DQG ZHȢYH JRW D ORDG RI instruments generously donated by our distributors.â€? It is that kind of good will that underpins the philosophy of the 0,$ Č&#x; WR JHW PRUH SHRSOH LQYROYHG with music and to help those already LQYROYHG WR SURVSHU “We are the only trade body our little world has, so we should be able to do things for the greater good,â€? he concludes. “Whether it’s the charity at the altruistic end, challenging the XQDFFHSWDEOH RU Ë‹JKWLQJ WR NHHS HYHU\ SRVVLEOH VKRS RQ WKH KLJK street. That’s what we are here to do. If the MIA doesn’t, who’s going to?â€?

INTERVIEW

The Fellowship

6RXWK /RQGRQ LQGLH ˉYH SLHFH /RQJIHOORZ KDYH FRPH D ORQJ ZD\ VLQFH WKHLU ˉUVW JLJ LQ 1RW RQO\ KDYH WKH\ UHOHDVHG DQ DFFODLPHG GHEXW DOEXP DQG D FOXWFK RI VLQJOHV WKH\Č YH DOVR WDNHQ WR WKH URDG ZLWK DFWV VXFK DV .HDQH DQG +DOO DQG 2DWHV )URQW PDQ 2ZHQ /OR\G WHOOV Daniel Gumble DERXW WKH EDQGČ V EHJLQQLQJV JHDU DQG WKH VWDWH RI WKH KLJK VWUHHWȨ You started off essentially as a solo artist, performing open mic nights and writing from a traditional singer-songwriter perspective. How did you go about assembling the band and expanding your sound to such a degree? Assembling Longfellow was quite an organic process. The project started when I was in the midst of a dietetics degree and stranded on a campus in Leicestershire. I was at a complete loss when it FDPH WR Ë‹QGLQJ RWKHU PXVLFLDQV to play with. Many of the students were studying veterinary medicine and were musically incapacitated by study. The one plus side of this was that it was easy pickings when it came to shows and campus open mic nights. I think these early shows were absolutely vital in building my FRQË‹GHQFH DV D VRQJZULWHU DQG DV P\ DPELWLRQ JUHZ LW ZDVQȢW ORQJ before the band began to as well. About two years into my degree , GHFLGHG WKDW , ZRXOGQȢW EH KDSS\

without trying to make Longfellow P\ FDUHHU VR , HQGHG XS FKDQJLQJ Universities and subsequently moved down to London. It was whilst studying Commercial Music at the University of Westminster that I met Ali Hetherington (piano) and the real work started.

version of Pro Tools on an awful laptop at the time. I remember ZHȢG UHDFK D SRLQW ZKHUH WKH session would crash or refuse to open and that almost acted as a sign that the demo was complete. ,Q HDUOLHU SURMHFWV SURGXFWLRQ KDG always been a limiting factor for me; it was so expensive and always

Ȣ)RU PH FKRRVLQJ P\ ˉUVW JXLWDU ZDV D ULWH RI SDVVDJH , WKLQN GRLQJ WKLV WKURXJK WKH ,QWHUQHW PDNHV LW VWHULOH DQG IDU OHVV VSHFLDO ČŁ Did you have to adapt your approach to songwriting, or did the sound evolve organically? ,ȢYH DOZD\V DVSLUHG WR EH DQ expansive songwriter and I like to think the songs lend themselves to larger arrangements without much IXVV , VXSSRVH ZKDWȢV XQXVXDO with Longfellow is that Ali and I decided to produce all of the early GHPRV RXUVHOYHV ,ȢG JHW WKH VRQJ Ë‹QLVKHG DW D SLDQR RU JXLWDU DQG WKHQ ZHȢG VLW IRU KRXUV DQG IRFXV on the arrangement. I had an early

felt like a compromise. Having the freedom to produce ourselves was paramount in honing our sound and making the songs DFFXUDWHO\ UHËŒHFW RXU RZQ YLVLRQ for Longfellow. Tell us about your personal set-up. What gear do you use on-stage and in the studio? )RU WKH ODVW \HDU ZHȢYH EHHQ working with Andrew Britton DW 7R\ 5RRP 6WXGLRV %ULJKWRQ $QG\ȢV HWKRV XWLOLVHV DQ XQXVXDO

K\EULG RI DQDORJXH DQG GLJLWDO that has really helped us develop RXU VRXQG 2QH PLQXWH ZHȢOO EH recording on an Eavestaff mini SLDQHWWH WKH QH[W ZHȢOO EH GRLQJ something bonkers with a Kaoss pad. There are no rules when it comes to making a record with $QG\ LWȢV DQ LQVWLQFWLYH SURFHVV where we use anything we can get our hands on. No matter how ambitious our ZRUN LQ WKH VWXGLR EHFRPHV ZHȢUH SXULVWV ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR our live shows. We never want to depend on click or backing tracks WR EROVWHU RXU VRXQG VR ZHȢYH worked particularly hard to ensure ZHȢUH VWLOO DEOH WR UHSUHVHQW WKH scale of our recordings on stage. Drummer Tom [Warhurst] is endorsed by a new German brand 'UXP&UDIW XVLQJ WKHLU ËŒDJVKLS series 8 kit and a Roland SPDX pad. Ali Hetherington uses a Roland RD-800 and makes full use of its versatility as a stage piano. Guitarist James [Thomas] is a lover RI DOO WKLQJV )HQGHU ZLHOGLQJ a Custom Shop Tele through a

Fender Deluxe. His pedal board is KRPH WR D 6WU\PDQ %LJ 6N\ 0;5 &DUERQ &RS\ GHOD\ -$0 7XEH dreamer and T-Rex Tremolo. Bass-player Lewis Fowler is also a )HQGHU IDQ ZLWK D -DSDQHVH 3 %DVV and Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2-12T WR EDFN LW XS ,ȢP VWXFN ZLWK P\ voice but get to use a Gibson J-50 sometimes - my pride and joy. What do you like about this particular set-up? ,WȢV VR VLPSOH DQG GRHV ZKDW LW VD\V on the tin. I think many musicians tie themselves in knots when it FRPHV WR HTXLSPHQW EXW IRU QRZ DW OHDVW ZH WU\ WR NHHS WKLQJV DV minimal as possible. The emphasis with our music has and always will be the songs. I think people lose sight of that sometimes. Going back to the start, when GLG \RX Ë‹UVW EHJLQ OHDUQLQJ WR play music? I was surrounded by music from an early age. My father was a guitarist and my mother was a classically trained singer. I had dabbled with LQVWUXPHQWV IURP WKH DJH RI Ë‹YH EXW GLGQȢW UHDOO\ FDWFK WKH EXJ until I was about nine. What did you learn? Can you UHPHPEHU \RXU Ë‹UVW HYHU instrument? 'UXP NLW FDPH Ë‹UVW WKHQ , moved to guitar with the goal of accompanying myself singing. I started piano last at about the

DJH RI , VXSSRVH ,ȢP D MDFN RI PDQ\ WUDGHV PDVWHU RI QRQH Did you ever have any formal music education? If so, how would you describe your experience of it and how it has affected you as a musician? As I believe is the case with many FKLOGUHQ PXVLF WKHRU\ ZDV D KXJH deterrent in my younger years. I

My father would take me to Birmingham to gawk at guitars for hours. There was nothing quite like going to PMT or Sound Control at the weekend. In regards WR PHHWLQJ RWKHU SOD\HUV , XVHG to play drums for as many school productions as possible and later branched out to other amateur theatre groups. I was lucky that my secondary school had a great music

Ȣ, DOZD\V VHH D PXVLFDO LQVWUXPHQW DV DQ H[WHQVLRQ RI \RXU ERG\ DQG LWČ V YLWDO WR ˉQG RQH WKDW IHHOV DQG SOD\V DV QDWXUDOO\ DV SRVVLEOH 1R PDWWHU KRZ ZHOO DQ LQVWUXPHQW LV UHYLHZHG ZKRČ V WR VD\ LWČ V ULJKW IRU \RX"ČŁ just wanted to get playing and all those rules and boundaries felt like an unwelcome obstruction. I completed a Commercial Music degree in 2014 where I revisited VRPH RI WKRVH OHVVRQV WR Ë‹QG P\VHOI HTXDOO\ SHUSOH[HG ,ȢYH always held music in such high HVWHHP WKDW ,ȢP DIUDLG WR GLVVHFW LW ,ȢP ZRUULHG WKDW LI , OHDUQ DOO LWV LQV and outs that somehow its magic will be lost to me. Growing up, how important were music shops to you? Did you have places to go where you could try out instruments and connect with other players/artist?

department; there were so few students interested in music that those of us who were really stuck together and were nurtured by the staff there. I remember hitting the jackpot when my tutor wrote me a note to excuse me from PE to work on my songwriting. Who were your earliest LQËŒXHQFHV" :HUH WKHLU DQ\ particular artists that were responsible for making you pursue a life in music? , JUHZ XS OLVWHQLQJ WR 7RP 3HWW\ Jeff Lynne and Toto so all of my HDUO\ PXVLFDO LQËŒXHQFHV VHW WKH EDU SUHWW\ KLJK 7KH VDG WUXWK LV QRWKLQJ IXOË‹OOV PH OLNH ZULWLQJ

music. I deluded myself pursuing sensible career paths for many \HDUV EXW ,ȢP DIUDLG LW FRPHV EDFN WR WKH ROG FOLFKÂŤ WKDW \RX FDQȢW change who you are. Five years in ZLWK /RQJIHOORZ DQG LWȢV ORRNLQJ like it might just pay off. How crucial is it that future generations have physical shops they can visit in order to see and play musical instruments? ,WȢV HQWLUHO\ FUXFLDO , DOZD\V see a musical instrument as an H[WHQVLRQ RI \RXU ERG\ DQG LWV YLWDO WR Ë‹QG RQH WKDW IHHOV DQG plays as naturally as possible. :HȢUH DOO LQGLYLGXDOV ZLWK GLIIHUHQW WDVWHV DQG QHHGV VR QR PDWWHU KRZ ZHOO DQ LQVWUXPHQW LV UHYLHZHG ZKRȢV WR VD\ WKDW LWȢV ULJKW IRU \RX" A number of music shops have been forced to close since the arrival of the Internet. Do you think the absence of such outlets could have a detrimental effect upon the number of young people learning to play instruments in the future? ,WȢV FHUWDLQO\ JRLQJ WR EH detrimental in young people choosing the right instrument DQG XOWLPDWHO\ \HV , GR EHOLHYH this will lead to less children continuing to pursue music. )RU PH FKRRVLQJ P\ Ë‹UVW JXLWDU was like a rite of passage and I think doing this through the Internet makes it sterile and far less special.

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LEGAL MATTERS

RAFAEL RUIZ, PARTNER, BIRKETTS

Is selective distribution the key to staying in control? In this article, we consider what a selective distribution system is, when it can be used, and the pros and cons of doing so.

What is selective distribution? Many manufacturers want to be selective and impose restrictions on the type of sales outlet their products will be sold from. That is most likely the case with luxury brands, high-tech products, and those that require expert customisation. Restrictive criteria on where products can be sold are, in essence, anti-competitive, but are permitted if they meet certain conditions and if any retailer or wholesaler who meets those conditions, is entitled to join that distribution system. Firstly, the nature of the products concerned, must mean that the need for a selective distribution system with restrictive conditions on sales locations is legitimate. Secondly, the restrictive conditions that are imposed must: 1. Not go beyond what is necessary to achieve the legitimate aims of the system. For example, are there other, less restrictive, ways in which those aims could be achieved such as online tutorial videos, and is the aim really to protect an established quality brand and to give appropriate customer service? 2. Be non-discriminatory, qualitative (not quantitative) and applied consistently. Common conditions found in selective distribution networks include the need for suitably ‘attired’ premises and/or point of sales material to achieve an appropriate

retail environment for the brand; WKH QHHG WR KDYH VXLWDEO\ TXDOLˋHG and trained sales and after sales staff; the need to stock a wide range of products; and the need to have a suitable product service facility. It should be noted that it is GLIˋFXOW WR DUJXH WKDW D VHOHFWLYH distribution system is necessary in one part of the world, if similar conditions aren’t imposed on the sale of those same products in another. Likewise, it is hard for a manufacturer to argue that its

LWV SURGXFWV RIˌLQH 4. In certain circumstances to restrict the location and number of authorised bricks and mortar outlets. 5. To restrict all sales by its customers to retailers located within the selective distribution territory who aren’t authorised. 6. To restrict all sales by its customers to retailers outside of the selective distribution territory who aren’t authorised, but only if the product concerned has not been released for sale/launched in that

“For some manufacturers, a selective distribution system can allow them to regain control over their distribution network.� distributors/retailers must comply with the requirements of a selective distribution system when selling its products, whilst the manufacturer is making direct sales to consumers without complying with those same requirements. So what are the pros and cons of a selective distribution system? 7KH EHQHˋWV WR D PDQXIDFWXUHU are that it gives it the ability: 1. To control the quality of the bricks and mortar outlets from which its products are sold. 2. To control the quality of the websites from which its products are sold. 3. To require its customers to sell at least a certain absolute amount of

area yet. The disadvantages/limitations of a selective distribution system are that: 1. The manufacturer cannot restrict its customers from making sales to consumers anywhere. 2. Save in limited circumstances, the manufacturer must accept DQ\ GLVWULEXWRU ZKR VDWLVˋHV WKH selection criteria. 3. All authorised retailers must be free to sell and purchase the products from each other. 4. Save in limited circumstances, the manufacturer can’t restrict its authorised retailers from selling its products to anyone outside of the selective distribution

territory. This means there is nothing to stop unauthorised retailers and wholesalers from outside the selective distribution territory purchasing products from authorised retailers and wholesalers within it, and then selling them to unauthorised retailers, wholesalers or consumers within the selective distribution territory. The combination of the requirement for the ‘necessity’ of the selective distribution system, and the last limitation above, means that the piecemeal application of a selective distribution system in some territories, but not all, is often GLIˋFXOW WR MXVWLI\ DQG PDQDJH For some manufacturers, a selective distribution system can allow them to regain some control over their distribution network, but the disadvantages mentioned above mean it doesn’t work for all manufacturers, and in either case, not all products and brands have the necessary characteristics required for a selective distribution system. This article provides a summary, and is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Readers should take legal advice before applying the information in WKLV DUWLFOH WR VSHFLˋF LVVXHV 1HLWKHU Birketts LLP or the author, accept any liability for any reliance placed on the contents of this article.

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

MIPRO 23

MIRC 2015

Show business Returning once again to Northamptonshire’s Whittlebury Hall, this year’s MI Retail Conference and Expo (MIRC) will take place on Wednesday, June 17th.

WITH LITTLE more than three months to go until this year’s MIRC (MI Retail Conference and Expo), we are delighted to lift the lid on a couple of key announcements ahead of the show. Firstly, there’s the date and venue. Returning to the idyllic setting of Northamptonshire’s Whittlebury Hall, MIRC 2015 will be held on Wednesday, June 17th. Last year’s show was described by many as the best MIRC yet, so we’ll be looking to raise the bar yet again by delivering a stellar speaker line-up for the morning conference (names to be revealed shortly), along with an afternoon expo, which will allow dealers and exhibitors to connect and talk business. What’s more, our after-party, complete with free food and a limited amount of free drink, provides excellent networking opportunities in a friendly, informal environment.

As ever, entry to the event is absolutely free for retailers, which brings us to our next announcement. Each and every dealer who attends on the day will take home their very own VIP gift - a Veho Azuro 50W Bluetooth

“This year we will be looking to raise the bar yet again by delivering a stellar speaker line-up.” Soundbar, worth RRP £149.95. With regard to exhibitors at this year’s event, we can reveal that Yamaha including Line 6 will be featuring as a Key Partner for MIRC 2015. A regular supporter of MIRC, WKH ˋUP ZLOO EH ORRNLQJ WR VKRZFDVH

its range of Line 6 products and connect with the MI dealer network. Commenting on the company’s involvement this year, Yamaha UK managing director, Mark Rolfe, said: “Yamaha is pleased to again be a key supporter of the MIRC conference. This year we will be attending in a bigger yet different way. We will be taking a room to promote the great range of Line6 products and will be looking to reinforce the distribution network by partnering those positive & professional dealers who are looking to generate increased revenues by selling and promoting the line6 portfolio. Yamaha is planning to support and promote the brand in a strong way and the MIRC conference will be a major opportunity for us to share our direction with the dealer network so we urge the retailer channel to come

and talk to us.” Also on board as a Premium Platinum Partner is Barnes & Mullins, which will be presenting 3HDYH\ DPSOLˋFDWLRQ SURGXFWV DW WKH show. Barnes & Mullins associate director, Alex Mew, told us: “Barnes & Mullins are delighted to be able to show the superb range of Peavey DPSOLˋFDWLRQ WR WKH 8. WUDGH DW this year’s MIRC event. With a number of new exciting products shown at NAMM and Frankfurt shows, MIRC attendees will be able to get up close and personal with 2015’s most exciting innovations in DPSOLˋFDWLRQ ȥ Be sure to watch this space for more MIRC 2015 news. Next month we’ll be unveiling our line-up of conference speakers, along with more on this year’s exhibiting companies.

Registration is quick and simple and is now open at http://www.mirc-expo.com/dealer-registration For sponsorship enquiries, please contact Karma Bertelsen on 020 7226 7246 or kbertelsen@nbmedia.com

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

24 MIPRO

SHEET MUSIC

Sheet music: A Cinderella story As with most specialist sectors, sheet music, for many years, existed on its own terms, remaining largely unaffected by general market trends. These days, however, it is facing the strain of online competition just as ˉHUFHO\ DV WKH UHVW RI WKH LQGXVWU\ Andrew Higgins, director of sales and marketing at Alfred Music, tells us why it is more important than ever that we recognise the true value of the sheet music market‌ SADLY, ALL too often, UK PLC does not take sheet music very seriously. Politicians bang on about its value, but they hardly know what they mean; it’s just a numbers game, and our numbers, whilst important to us, are a small percentage of the whole. And who reads music anyway? We are something of a Cinderella industry; easily overlooked. High volume, low price: you need to sell a lot of books to make a living. But, for many of us working in the industry, it is a lifestyle, and one of the few where people (mostly talented musicians who still ply their trade semi-professionally) are truly proud of what they achieve and the work they do. Whether it is editing, marketing, selling, teaching or writing, we never forget we are truly fortunate to be using our talents on a daily basis to make a living. According to the latest MPA ˋJXUHV VKHHW PXVLF DFFRXQWHG for £76m of total MPR in 2013/14. A tidy sum, you might think, but when set against the music publishing industry as a whole, it is but a mere 8.4 per cent: a long way from the heady days (before I was born, I hasten to add) when sheet music was the basis of the charts and regarded as the main source of income for publishers and songwriters. But, things move on, and we must bend with the wind of change, or we break. That said, it can still be a nice little earner. Sheet music used to be immune to fashion. It has a long tail, a back catalogue, which would often cushion it against the vagaries of trend and marketing or recession. Teachers stuck with brands they could trust; dealers routinely ordered prior year quantities; artists relied on cherished editions for

performance perfection. They still do, but now there are imposters in our midst. The ‘off-shore’ online retailer, the ugly sister of commercial reality, has gatecrashed our private party with her low margin deals, tax-free income and territorial copyright avoidance skills. It is disappointing, though inevitable, to see this once oddly unique and exclusive enclave being swallowed up by the wider online commercial retail marketplace,

“Sheet music used to be immune to fashion. It has a long tail, a back catalogue, which would often cushion it against the various vagaries of trend and marketing or recession.â€? with its limited expertise and indefatigable desire for eking out maximum turnover and minimal SURË‹W ZKLOVW XQGHUPLQLQJ YDOXH Effectively, a sheet music book now costs 80 per cent of its 2005 value (or current RRP) and that 20 per cent has gone not to the retailer, the publisher, the wholesaler, or distributor, nor even to the online retailer, but to the consumer. I never heard a piano teacher complain about paying ÂŁ5.00 for a method book, but inexplicably they can now buy the same book at ÂŁ3.95? In this brave new globalised commercial world we have been compelled to give away 20 per cent

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

MIPRO 25

SHEET MUSIC

of our value for no good reason. Then there is the other ugly sister, the free download site. Not the peer-to-peer illegal type, nor even the legal ‘one-piece-at-atime’ version. They don’t help, but the latter at least pays a going rate and the former, well the MPA scrupulously close them down from time-to-time. If they get lucky. It is the legal download sites that cause the problem. The answer to many an orchestral librarian’s prayers: the rehearsing string section told to just log-in here and download your parts for free. There is no need to hire or purchase the Brahms Requiem charts for the performance in six weeks’ time; just download for free: a day’s rehearsal and a great performance! These sites are international: escape copyright; sidestep regulation; tax; royalty payments; and often they are government subsidised. They belong to the ‘education is free’ brigades who eschew commercial reality, that same commercial reality the rest of us (and them, if they were honest enough to admit it) depend on. Remember how they tried to apply this to the Internet? Look where that got them; click, click advertisement; click, click, advertisement; artists getting paid miserable sums for massive exposure; commercial giants eating their way through the past and offering rights holders crumbs. Even Wikipedia is sending out begging requests now. No income equals no new editions; no published editorial research; no new music. Performances become sterile; music becomes a museum piece; music withers on its vine. Crucially, musicians and educators themselves need to realise the value and role of the printed object, whether paper or authentic download and the MPA, MU, and MIA need to actively promote the ‘value of sheet music’. There is a frequent voice that espouses the following: ‘If music is out of copyright, it is free’. What this really means is that because Bach died in 1750 he now has no ownership of his music; however, the real term is. ‘Free for use’ - a subtle, but catastrophic misunderstanding: it still requires editing, engraving, packaging and distribution. And, because the editorial copyright is but 25 years, websites feel it reasonable (it is legal) to translate old editions into PDFs and invite musicians to download them gratis, leaving the publisher (and retailer) with no new potential purchaser

for their revised, updated, and researched editions. Orchestral leaders and teachers happily send players to these sites for precisely this purpose. Imagine if I went to a concert which included music by long dead composers (and let’s face it, most of them do) played by these very same musicians, and I refused to pay the entrance fee because it is ‘out of copyright’, a repeat performance of old music played from editions sourced for free. Would they let me in? The real problem is recognising the multi-layered structure of the

“Musicians and educators need to realise the value and role of the printed object, whether paper or authentic download, and actively promote the value of sheet music.” industry. Making sure the plenty of musicians out there, and especially the new generation, are taught how, and why they should buy sheet music; what their role and responsibility is to the industry, they may well one day seek to make their living in. Too many times we hear of teachers proudly sending their students to free ‘legal’ and illegal online websites to download their pieces or parts as if they’ve discovered a never-ending supply – it may be convenient, but they should know better! Someone pays in the end, and often with their livelihood. The MPA, MU, and MIA should support a campaign to raise awareness among the performing and teaching professions of the value of paying for music. All the great composers depended on publishing and publishers for their income, and we supported them so they could create the great music we all enjoy, and, if we are lucky, make a living from. We all need to work together to deliver music of high quality, both performance wise and editorially; music needs to breathe, be re-evaluated, re-examined, and re-interpreted; we need to teach professionals, teachers, students, and also amateur musicians, that a piece of music has a cost and a value: to deny one, is to lose the other!

15 – 18. 4. 2015

Hands on music Exciting trends and developments, all sorts of instruments and equipment, plus thousands of musicians and music-lovers – Musikmesse in Frankfurt is the largest international trade fair for manufacturers and distributors of musical instruments, sheet music, hardware, software and accessories. Come and visit Musikmesse 2015 and discover over 95,000 square metres of exciting new ideas. A new feature at Musikmesse is the B2B area for retailers, offering a stylish and relaxed atmosphere for business meetings. Find out more at: www.musikmesse.com info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

28 MIPRO

DRUMS AND PERCUSSION

Beat

generation As retailers continue to feel the sharp pinch of the recession, MI Pro provides a monthly snapshot of each sector of the market. This month, we catch up with some RI WKH PRVW SURPLQHQW ˉJXUHV IURP WKH ZRUOG RI GUXPV DQG SHUFXVVLRQ WR ˉQG RXW KRZ WKH VHFWRU LV SHUIRUPLQJ DQG ZKDW ZH FDQ H[SHFW RYHU WKH FRPLQJ PRQWKVȨ

ANDREW STREET

CEO and master craftsman, Liberty Drums PERFORMANCE this past year has been on a steady increase. Even with the economy the way it LV ZH KDYH H[SHULHQFHG JURZWK This is down to the key elements RI KRZ ZH PDNH GUXPV PDNLQJ our own shells has provided more VFRSH DQG ˊH[LELOLW\ LQ ZKDW WKH retailer and consumer want. Small kits have been on the rise since the launch of our Avant series in 2013. This has sparked drumhead companies to up supplies in 16� kick heads JHQHUDOO\ LQ WKH PDUNHW GXH WR WKH demand by other companies, too. &RPSDFW NLWV XVLQJ VKRUW VWDFN formations have seen an upward WUHQG DORQJ ZLWK FRPER NLWV As ever, it’s important to attract QHZ FXVWRPHUV EXW WKH XQVXQJ hero is retention of customers. These are the brand builders. In business, it is a known fact that LW LV ˉYH WLPHV PRUH H[SHQVLYH to attract new customers than to UHWDLQ H[LVWLQJ RQHV

JAY LEWINGTON

Drum division sales manager, Westside Distribution

THE PDUNHW LV VWLOO WRXJK DQG many specialist retailers are UHSRUWLQJ D VKRUWIDOO DJDLQVW FRQVHUYDWLYH WDUJHWV VHW IRU The sector has yet to see any real upturn, where other sectors DSSHDU WR EH LPSURYLQJ :H KDYH seen more key specialist stores JR LQWR OLTXLGDWLRQ RU FORVH GXULQJ 2014 and this has further reduced the UK bricks-and-mortar MI UHWDLOHU EDVH IRUFLQJ FRQVXPHUV online as their local stores close. Online business continues WR VKRZ JURZWK IRU D ORW RI UK retailers, especially those LQYHVWLQJ LQ WKLV DUHD RI WKHLU business, but many complain that footfall is down and they are H[SHULHQFLQJ D GRZQWXUQ LQ WKHLU sales in-store. In terms of sales, consumables KHDGV VWLFNV HWF DUH VWLOO D JRRG area of business for retailers, while acoustic kit sales still DSSHDU WR EH YHU\ ËŠDW

DAVE PASSERA

General manager, Wembley Drum Centre WE have VHHQ VRPH JURZWK in electronic kit business, but also a reduction in acoustic sales. Cymbals, hardware and accessories remain consistent, but, on the whole, there is no real JURZWK WR UHSRUW :H DUH FHUWDLQO\ VHHLQJ D VPDOOHU QXPEHU RI \RXQJVWHUV DQG EHJLQQHUV FRPLQJ LQWR WKH PDUNHW DOWKRXJK H[LVWLQJ SOD\HUV DUH FRQWLQXLQJ WR VKRS ZLWK XV A reduction in specialist retailers has focused the market towards us and in turn we have UHDSHG WKH EHQHˉWV :LWK UHJDUG WR PDUNHW WUHQGV electronic kit business has been JURZLQJ ZKLOH WKH HQWU\ OHYHO acoustic market is very quiet. 7KH PLG UDQJH PDUNHW meanwhile, remains stable, DOWKRXJK WKH KLJK HQG RI WKH market has slowed down. 2(0 SURGXFWV DQG H[FOXVLYH EUDQGV DUH GRLQJ ZHOO GXH WR value for money for the consumer.

CRAIG FENNEY

MD, The Music Shipping Company THE PDUNHW GLG QRW KDYH D JUHDW year in 2014, but the industry is VWLOO LQ D VKLIWLQJ WLGH RI FRQVXPHU EHKDYLRXU 7KH ELJ UHWDLO VWRUHV DQG WKH NH\ ,QWHUQHW VHOOHUV WRRN D VWURQJ VKDUH RI DYDLODEOH VDOHV UHVXOWLQJ in the specialist independent drum VWRUHV ORVLQJ SURSRUWLRQDO EXVLQHVV 7KH ,QWHUQHW VDOHV DUH KLJK YROXPH business of course, but not without PDMRU ULVN WR VHOOHUV 0DUJLQV DV ZH

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

MIPRO 29

DRUMS AND PERCUSSION

Pic Š David Phillips, www.armarketing.co.uk

DENNIS DRUMM

Managing director, JHS DRUM kit sales have remained steady and so too has SHUFXVVLRQ DOWKRXJK ZHČ UH VHHLQJ D OLIW LQ 5HJDO 7LS VWLFNV and brushes sales. That’s due to our new free merchandiser display unit. Both our tuned and un-tuned PP World and $QJHO HGXFDWLRQ SURGXFW VDOHV DUH VWURQJ DQG %RRPZKDFNHUV FRQWLQXH WR GR JUHDW EXVLQHVV :H KDYH KDG DPD]LQJ VXFFHVV

know, can be suicidal, which has been proven not just in the music industry but also similar product markets. I don’t think that there is any doubt that the drum accessory market has EHHQ OHVV DIIHFWHG WKDQ KLJK WLFNHW items by the economic downturn. Think ‘make do and mend’ rather than MXVWLI\LQJ D e SOXV VSHQG RQ VRPHWKLQJ WKDW WR PDQ\ SXUFKDVHUV LV technically a hobby item. Kit sales are ZHOO EHORZ PRVW VWRUHVČ H[SHFWDWLRQV and well below where many stores need them to be to maintain the shop’s viability. :H YLHZ WKH LQGXVWU\ DV EHLQJ LQ D VXUYLYDO RI WKH ˉWWHVW VFHQDULR $V D distributor, we are about to implement YHU\ LQQRYDWLYH FKDQJHV LQ WKH ZD\ that we operate with retailers, to WU\ DQG LQFUHDVH SURˉW PDUJLQV DQG sales volume for them. I think that many stores need to address how WKH\ FRPSHWH 6LWWLQJ LQ D GXVW\ VKRS FRPSODLQLQJ DERXW KRZ FKHDS WKLQJV are on the Internet etc. will not solve your problem. Retailers and suppliers QHHG LQQRYDWLYH SUR DFWLYH WKLQNLQJ WR stay alive.

BEN ALLDRED

Percussion specialist, D’Addario THE drum market has been WRXJK LQ UHFHQW \HDUV ZLWK VR PDQ\ HOHFWURQLF NLWV EHLQJ VROG EXW LW DSSHDUV WKLQJV PD\ KDYH stabilised now. The market has EHHQ FKDOOHQJLQJ EXW VWRUHV WKDW have responded to their drummers’ needs have done well. There are so many instruments that a drummer can add to their kit that are relatively cheap – cowbells,

tambourines, splash and trash cymbals. The accessories market, DV DOZD\V LQ WRXJKHU WLPHV KDV fared better. 3HRSOH VHHP WR EH PRYLQJ towards more bespoke and smaller VHW XSV QRW QHFHVVDULO\ XVLQJ WKH same brand across the full kit. Also, popularity of hand percussion – cajons, tambourines, shakers – in the acoustic community is LQFUHDVLQJ PRYLQJ DZD\ IURP WKH classic drum kit for smaller, more LQWLPDWH JLJV DQG VHVVLRQV ȣ EDVV GUXPV DUH FHUWDLQO\ JDLQLQJ popularity. As in any market, it is very LPSRUWDQW WR NHHS SXVKLQJ RXWZDUGV DQG JURZ WKH PDUNHW E\ HQFRXUDJLQJ QHZ PXVLFLDQV ,W LV the responsibility of everyone in this industry to do this. We’ve been successful at JURZLQJ RXU IROORZLQJ DQG FRQVXPHU HQJDJHPHQW IRU ERWK Evans and Promark via Facebook, 7ZLWWHU DQG ,QVWDJUDP E\ SRVWLQJ DQG VKDULQJ FRQWHQW WKDW SHRSOH really respond to.

“Brand owners need to make sure they are in touch with their customers’ needs and then set about satisfying those needs.â€? ZLWK RXU 6SRQJH%RE -XQLRU .LW and our new Beano version is VHOOLQJ UHDOO\ ZHOO WRR $WWUDFWLQJ QHZ SOD\HUV LV DV always, absolutely crucial. That’s why we did the Beano project, ZLWK WKH DLP RI DWWUDFWLQJ QHZ \RXQJ PXVLFLDQV ZKRP PLJKW otherwise spend their cash on D YLGHR JDPHV FRQVROH RU RWKHU non-MI products. Brand owners need make sure that they are in touch with their customers’ needs and WKHQ VHW DERXW VDWLVI\LQJ WKRVH needs. However, we also need to innovate and inspire, and WKDW LV H[DFWO\ ZKDW 6SRQJH%RE Beano and Boomwhackers do, IRU H[DPSOH For retailers, I would say that LWČ V PRUH DERXW FOHDQ EULJKW clearly labelled, modern display DQG PHUFKDQGLVLQJ DV ZHOO DV helpful and enthusiastic staff SURYLGLQJ D JUHDW IURQWOLQH consumer service.

MORE BRANDS! MORE SALES! This is Grand

Everything you would expect from a Meister, plus everything you wouldn’t

CORONADO

DUAL-TONE

Rock on Stage. Play at Home. Record at Night.

THUNDERBOLT

Check out Supro’s lineup of American-made amplifiers that honour the original circuits, while presenting value and performance unparalleled in today’s market, and a tone that is truly all your own.

The 1st Real Advancement in Pickup System Design In Over 80 Years.

Hear the Music, Protect Your Ears!

Stands and Clamp-on Holders

GLOCKENSPIELS

NEW RANGE

Double Flute/Clarinet/ Saxophone Stand

WHEN DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Drum Stick Clamp

Noise Reduction Rating

25 Note Glockenspiel

26 Note Glockenspiel

18

Decibels Baritone Sax Stand

Brass & Woodwind Accessories

Soprano Diatonic Glockenspiel

Sheet Music Clamp

Mic Holder

Aluminium case included.

MADE IN FRANCE

Thunderplugs filter sound ensuring you still hear the music properly, but protect your ears against damage when you wear them.

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The GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR 1965-2015 Exclusive Trade Distributors:

www.jhs.co.uk

14 Note Diatonic Glockenspiel TM

Drum Stick/Pen Clamp

Violin Clamp

Ideal for teaching children about basic musical harmony

MORE PROFIT! FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON JHS PRODUCTS AND DEALERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT YOUR JHS ASM OR OUR SALES OFFICE ON:

0113 2866 411

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

MIPRO 31

RETAIL

5HWDLO SURˉOH P41 Mystery shopper P42 New gear P45

Digital Village creditors receive final dividend

MIA-led Creditors Committee helps to secure additional concessions for creditors of the collapsed retailer CREDITORS of Digital Village, which collapsed in 2013, are set to UHFHLYH D ˋQDO GLYLGHQG RI S e as a result of 18 months’ work by a Creditors Committee, consisting of the MIA, Sound Technology, Korg, SCV and Fender, the MIA announced earlier this month. Over the past year and a half, the MIA-led coalition of leading MI brands and distributors has been involved in a concerted effort to help secure additional concessions. Creditors of the now defunct UHWDLOHU UHFHLYHG D S e GLYLGHQG on account of the Creditors

“The Creditors Committee has achieved a 68 per cent uplift for creditors.�

Committee’s extensive work. The extra dividends were secured after four major creditors made the decision not to pursue their respective claims, which therefore released an extra four pence for the remaining creditors. Furthermore, creditors will also receive an additional 11 pence in the pound, after the administrator agreed to reduce its fee. A statement issued by the MIA, read: “Without these efforts, the likely total dividend would have been S e EXW D ˋQDO GLYLGHQG ZLOO EH

paid soon and this is expected to be S e 7KLV PHDQV WKH WRWDO GLYLGHQG LV H[SHFWHG WR EH S e VR WKH Creditors Committee has achieved a 68 per cent uplift for Creditors. “There is much that could still be debated surrounding the nature of this particular administration, EXW ZLWK WKH SD\PHQW RI WKH ˋQDO dividend this draws a line under the episode,� the statement continued. “The coalition are delighted to have secured the best possible outcome for all the many companies in MI that were affected by the dramatic collapse of Digital Village.�

FIVE SECOND FACTS

The magic numbers in MI that caught our eye this month...

4

The fourth annual National Learn to Play Day takes place this month

50

JHS celebrates its 50th anniversary with a fortune cookie prize draw, that runs until May

20

Twenty performances will go through to WKH ˉQDO URXQG RI Sennheiser’s ‘D1 and Only’ competition

5

2015 marks the ˉIWK DQQLYHUVDU\ celebration of D’Addario UK’s opening

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

32 MIPRO MI PRO

RETAIL ESSENTIALS

STAGG SOPRANO EXOTIC UKULELE

Available in a number of options, this ukulele aims to provide players with enhanced tonal performance.

W

ith its solid cedar top, and rosewood back and sides, the Stagg Soprano Exotic Ukelele (USX-ROS-S) is designed to offer ukulele players optimised tonal qualities. The USX-ROS-S offers plenty of bite from the cedar top, paired with midrange and low overtones. With guitar-style geared machine heads, the instrument has been engineered to maintain tuning during performance. As well as the front ‘f’ holes, there is also a sound-hole on the side, which aims to serve as a ‘personal monitor’ for the player, making it suitable for band or orchestral work. The company offers this ukulele in the featured Red Rosewood, as well as Acacia, Zebra Wood and Spalted 0DSOH 7KH Ë‹ UP DOVR RIIHUV each model as electro/ acoustic, while Tenor and Concert sizes are available in this range. However, this Soprano is the smallest option. Each of the models FRPHV Ë‹ WWHG DV standard with Aquila strings. GBP Models within the range start at a retail price of ÂŁ100 and vary up to ÂŁ199. This is dependent on size, wood and electro options.

FACTS & FIGURES RRP: £114. Top: Solid, cedar Back and sides: Red Rosewood Neck & head: Mahogany Fingerboard & bridge: Rosewood Tuning pegs: *XLWDU VW\OH FKURPH ˉ QLVK Scale length: 349mm

Contacts Telephone: 01293 862 612 Website: http://www.emdmusic.com/

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

MIPRO 33

MI PRO

RETAIL ESSENTIALS

THE STAGEWORKS GEAR COMPANY U-STAND 7KH 8 6WDQG LV D OLJKWZHLJKW DQG H[WUHPHO\ SRUWDEOH XNXOHOH VWDQG IHDWXULQJ D VLPSOH Č&#x;IROG ËŠ DWČ PHFKDQLVP

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he Stageworks Gear Company launched the U-Stand at the end of 2013 with the aim of creating a slick, modern-looking ukulele stand at an affordable price. The lightweight SRO\FDUERQDWH VWDQG LV Ë‹ WWHG with rubber feet, along with instrument protection buffers to protect the ukulele on the stand. Suitable for Soprano, Concert and Tenor ukuleles, the U-Stand is engineered to provide players with the ideal ‘table top’ solution for securely displaying their ukulele. For those who like to get out and play, the magnetic locking system enables the XNXOHOH VWDQG WR IROG ËŒ DW allowing it to be packed away easily into a gig bag or carry case. The Stageworks Gear Company has designed the product with retailers very much in mind. The U-Stand comes packaged in a slim box, which can be hung simply using the plastic hanging hook provided with the product. The easy display pack enables the U-Stand to be easily displayed directly next to retailers’ ukulele displays in-store. The U-Stand is now available at RRP ÂŁ11.99 For ordering information, and all the latest trade offers, please contact The Stageworks Gear Company on 01438 730540, e-mail info@ stageworksgear. com or visit www. stageworksgear. com.

FACTS & FIGURES RRP: ÂŁ11.99 Design: Slimline Feet: Rubber feet and rubber instrument protection buffers Locking system: Magnetic Pick holder: Yes Display box: With plastic hanging hook - you can retail/hang your U-stand next to your Ukuleles for maximum up-sale potential Material: Polycarbonate Weight: 180g Size: 22cm x 18.cm Spread: 16.5cm

Contacts Address: The Stageworks Gear Company Ltd, Unit 8 The iO Centre, Whittle Way, Stevenage, SG1 2BD Telephone: 01438 730540 Email: matt@stageworksgear.com

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

34 MIPRO MI PRO

KONA UKULELES

RETAIL ESSENTIALS

Our focus on the traditional instrument market continues with a look at Kona’s Soprano and Concert ukuleles.

I

n a sea of affordably priced ukuleles on the market today, Kona aims to represent optimial value with two ranges of ukulele for beginner and professional players. The Soprano (21) range is aimed at beginners, with 11 uniquely coloured, easy to play models. Each one is manufactured from Linden Plywood with a Maple bridge, open geared machine heads DQG D JORVV Ë‹ QLVK Each instrument is designed to offer enhanced playability and tone at an affordable price. Key features include a hardwood Ë‹ QJHUERDUG ZLWK DFFXUDWHO\ positioned frets, nickel-plated guitar-style machine heads and a hardwood bridge. Kona selects top-grade materials and carries out strict inspections at every stage of production using in-house quality control methods. All Kona necks and joints are dowelled and glued under pressure to ensure ULJLGLW\ ZKLOH WKH Ë‹ QLVKHV are achieved under clean and controlled conditions. The more expensive, decorative models in the beginners range feature a VSDUNOH HIIHFW Ë‹ QLVK DQG D palm tree motif. The Concert (23) series is made from either a mahogany or spruce ply, with a rosewood Ë‹ QJHUERDUG DQG EULGJH DQG die-cast machine heads.

FACTS & FIGURES RRP: From £29.99 (Soprano) and from £57.99 (Concert) Materials: Linden plywood with maple bridge (Soprano); Mahogany or spruce ply with rosewood ˉ QJHUERDUG DQG EULGJH (Concert) Machine heads: Nickelplated guitar-style (Soprano); die-cast (Concert)

Contacts Address: Strings and Things Ltd, 2 1 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3HH Website: www.stringsandthings.co.uk

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

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RETAIL ESSENTIALS

BARNES & MULLINS EMPRESS BANJO 7KH (PSUHVV EDQMR LV DYDLODEOH LQ ERWK ˉ YH DQG IRXU VWULQJ YDULDWLRQV DQG DLPV WR GHOLYHU D KLJK HQG SHUIRUPDQFH

F

ounded in 1895 by one of the most celebrated Victorian era banjo duos and makers – Messrs S. Bowley Barnes & Albert Mullins – it is only natural that traditional instruments remain an integral part of the Barnes & Mullins product range today. Designed to deliver a high-end performance, and named in memory of the ship that claimed the life of Albert Mullins and many others in the early part of the 20th century, the BJ500BW (PSUHVV ˋ YH VWULQJ EDQMR clearly harks back to the heyday of Messrs Barnes & Mullins’ performing history. However, the instrument also comes loaded with a wealth of additional features DQG VSHFLˋ FDWLRQV The banjo’s walnut neck LV VDWLQ ˋ QLVKHG LQ RUGHU to ensure the player can move around the rosewood ˋ QJHUERDUG VPRRWKO\ DQG freely; the resonator comes ˋ QLVKHG LQ D EXUOHG ZDOQXW the hardware is chrome; a rolled brass tone ring adds to the tonal qualities of the instrument; and the chromed edge frames the Remo Vellum head. The Empress model is available in a number of different incarnations. These LQFOXGH ˋ YH VWULQJ IRXU string Tenor and a shorter scale Irish/Gaelic four-string model.

FACTS & FIGURES Model: BJ500BW Barnes & Mullins ‘Empress’ 5 String RRP: ÂŁ519 Type: Five-string Banjo ‘G’ Banjo Neck: Walnut Resonator: Burl Walnut Fingerboard: Rosewood Rim: Maple Bracket: 24Pcs Hardware: Chrome

ALSO IN THE RANGE: UBJ2 BARNES & MULLINS BANJO UKULELE OPEN BACK UBJ1 BARNES & MULLINS BANJO UKULELE BJ300 BARNES & MULLINS BANJO “PERFECT� 5 STRING BJ304GT BARNES & MULLINS BANJO “PERFECT� IRISH GAELIC 4 STRING BJ306 BARNES & MULLINS BANJO “PERFECT� GUITAR BANJO. 6 STRINGS BJ304 BARNES & MULLINS BANJO “PERFECT� TENOR. 4 STRING BJ400 BARNES & MULLINS BANJO 5 STRING. RATHBONE MODEL BJ400E BARNES & MULLINS BANJO 5 STRING ELECTRO. RATHBONE MODEL BJ500BW BARNES & MULLINS BANJO EMPRESS 5 STRING BJ504BWGT BARNES & MULLINS BANJO EMPRESS IRISH GAELIC TENOR BJ500M BARNES & MULLINS BANJO TROUBADOUR

ÂŁ199.00 ÂŁ239.00 ÂŁ249.00 ÂŁ249.00 ÂŁ249.00 ÂŁ249.00 ÂŁ399.00 ÂŁ469.00 ÂŁ519.00 ÂŁ519.00 ÂŁ639.00

Contacts Address: Grays Inn House, Unit 14, mile Oak Industrial Estate, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 8GA Telephone: 0161 668310 Web: http://bandm.co.uk/ Email: alex.mew@bandm.co.uk

36 MIPRO

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI PRO.CO.UK MI PRO

RETAIL ESSENTIALS

LAKA JOE BROWN SOPRANO UKULELE

7KH ˉ UPȠV /DND /. -%6 PRGHO KDV EHHQ GHVLJQHG LQ FORVH FROODERUDWLRQ ZLWK WKH DFFODLPHG PXVLFLDQ

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he Laka range is a collection of professional-spec instruments, available to players in both acoustic and electro-acoustic formats. A multi-instrumentalist, Joe Brown MBE has been active in the music industry for almost six decades and is respected and admired as a ‘musicians musician’ by a wide variety of artists across a range of genres. The Joe Brown Soprano ukulele has been specially designed in conjunction with the man himself, who is well known throughout the industry as a ukulele Dˋ FLRQDGR PHDQLQJ WKDW creating instruments that live up to his exacting standards is no mean feat. However, Brown was extremely happy with the results. Ȥ7KLV XNH LV D ˋ QH instrument, with perfect intonation,” he commented, “and I’m happy to lend my name to them.” The Soprano (LK-JBS £299) has an all-solid acacia top, back, sides and features maple binding and also features a nato neck, URVHZRRG ˋ QJHUERDUG DQG Grover machine heads. The ukulele comes complete with an attractive hard-shell brown leathereffect case with plush interior to keep it safe when not in use or on the move. Adding extra value to this Laka series of ukuleles is the fact that, to aid instrument tonal resonance and response, the ukes are ˋ QLVKHG LQ D WRQH IULHQGO\ RSHQ SRUH VDWLQ ˋ QLVK Furthermore, the Laka UDQJH RI XNXOHOHV LV ˋ WWHG with premium grade Italian Aquila strings for optimium playing performance and an even, balanced sound.

FACTS & FIGURES RRP: £299 Top: Solid Acacia Back: Solid Acacia Sides: Solid Acacia Neck: Nato Binding: Maple Machine heads: Grover Strings: Aquila Case: Hard case included

ALSO IN THE RANGE: LK- JBC CONCERT ACOUSTIC UKULELE

RRP £129

Contacts Address: John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd, Salem House, Parkinson Approach, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2HR, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0) 113 2865 381 Website: www.jhs.co.uk

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

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ARIA ABU-1 UKE BANJO 7KH ˉ UPČ V ODWHVW ODXQFK DLPV WR FRPSOHPHQW LWV JURZLQJ UDQJH RI IRON OLQHV

A

s a result of what it describes as the steady, continued growth in folk and acoustic instruments, Aria has launched its brand new ABU-1 Uke Banjo. Built on the strength of its Uke and Banjo series, and to meet demand from dealers, the product will sit alongside existing folk instruments within the Aria product portfolio. The ABU-1 is a maple wood, solid back instrument and comes supplied with its own cover. Citing the supply of Uke Banjos from China as being particularly sporadic, Aria decided to start production of its own product. What’s more, the ˋ UP H[SHFWV VDOHV RI WKH ABU-1 to be high, given the anticipated demand from retailers. The addition of the ABU-1 complements Aria’s existing and growing range of folk instruments, such as the Aria Uke and Banjo series, which includes the ACU-1 mahogany Concert Uke and WKH 6% ˋ YH VWULQJ %DQMR amongst others. Aria says that it has seen a similar uptake in the Pono Uke brand, with players investing in mid-to-highend instruments. Sourcing a reliable and consistent supply of Uke Banjos, from China in particular, has been an issue for sometime, says Aria, but it now has its own facility that is producing optimised product at a competitive price. As players have progressed from entry-level Ukes over recent years, moving through from Soprano to Baritone models, they have also looked to experiment with other folk instruments. $QG DV VXFK WKH ˋ UP LV responding to this demand.

FACTS & FIGURES Head: Remo Rim: Maple Neck: Maple Fingerboard: Rosewood Scale: 392mm Frets: 18 Flange: 8� Brackets: 12 Resonator: Maple Other: Gig bag

Contacts Address: Aria UK, Unit 2a Henley Business Park, Pirbright Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 2DX Telephone: 01483 238720 Email: www.ariauk.com

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

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RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

Q

Is Black Friday something retailers across the board should be considering in 2015, and what is the knock-on effect for the MI market?

Rupert Bradbury JG Windows

BLACK FRIDAY lives up to its name, and I wish it would go back to where it came from! Unfortunately it won’t, and therefore, we can’t avoid considering it. But whether we should use it as a promotional tool is a separate question. From our own experience in 2014, Black Friday was an extraordinary day in terms of sales, but that was almost regardless of whether we were discounting goods or not. People were out to spend

“It would be damaging for our trade to mass discount our stock any further.� money whether or not you had any extra special deals on. For most people, the end result seemed to be that Saturday and Sunday were then poorer days. Will we participate in 2015? We’ll do something, but I don’t think we will be discounting products to the degree that the rest of the consumer world seems to think is necessary.

6RPH 0, UHWDLOHUV EHOLHYH WKDW %ODFN )ULGD\ FDQ DWWUDFW FXVWRPHUV EXW ZLOO QRW QHFHVVDULO\ LQFUHDVH SURˉ WV

Dave Bamford Symphony Music ON THE one hand it is a simple marketing tool that is high in the public consciousness. As such, it makes no sense to disregard it as a powerful method of moving through dead stock and we will no doubt be participating to a degree. On the other hand, I personally feel that by blindly following such a trend, it is easy to get lost in

the masses. This is especially true when competing against literally the whole world on one day. We WKHUHIRUH WU\ WR ˋ QG ZD\V WR GHˋ QH ourselves to our small audience through targeted marketing, whilst still using the Black Friday angle; customers are increasingly savvy – especially to price-led promotions – and the effect is diluted the PRUH LW LV XVHG 2Q WKH ZKROH , ˋ QG ‘clearance sales’, and ‘everything reduced’ a little tiring as all it serves to do, if overused, is undermine our normal pricing.

OUR PANEL OF RETAIL ADVISORS...

Alex Marten Red Dog Music

Mark Hedge

Cookes Band Instruments

Nick Durant Allegro Music

Chris Jones Coda Music

Dave Passera

Wembley Drum Center

Andy Bushell

Make Some Noise

Adam Masters South City Music

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

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RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

Dave Passera Wembley Drum Centre

Mike Podesta Cranes Music

BLACK FRIDAY cannot possibly work in our industry with such tight margins. Customers expect huge discounts of 50 per cent-plus, which is totally unrealistic within 0, UHWDLO +DYLQJ UXQ D %ODFN )ULGD\ campaign with discounts up to 20 SHU FHQW WKHUH ZDV QR VLJQLˋ FDQW increase in sales and therefore probably won’t be tempted to repeat it next year. For us, more success has been achieved with strategic and focused purchasing, allowing us to offer more competitive street pricing spread throughout the year.

I HAVE a good customer who works at the local John Lewis store who said that Black Friday was their biggest day in 2014. I don’t think that this new American import can be ignored and it is bound to become more VLJQLˋ FDQW LQ WKH IXWXUH 0\ fear is that consumers will hold back seasonal purchases

“Black Friday cannot possibly work in our industry with such tight margins.�

Mark Hedge Cookes Band Instruments

waiting for this event even more than they already seem to do these days. We didn’t see any particular surge in business on Black Friday, but then we didn’t participate in any oneday special offers. Perhaps we should have paid more attention to this in our stores. 0DLQVWUHDP UHWDLOHUV DUH putting a lot of effort into this one-day sale and I don’t think it can be ignored by anyone on the high street next year.

AS RETAILERS, we have to make the most of any selling opportunity and appropriately take advantage of customers believing in such a day. But we also need to protect our market. It would be very damaging for our trade to mass discount our stock any further. We are specialists working on very low margins; not large supermarket chains selling cheap out of date TVs to an over excited gullible bunch of people prepared to SK\VLFDOO\ Ë‹ JKW WR VDYH D SRXQG

NEXT MONTH If you would like to pose a question to the RAB then contact dgumble@nbmedia. com

Richard Thompson Sheehan’s

Adrian Bamford Neath Music

Roy Chudobskyi Nevada Music

Rupert Bradbury JG Windows

Simon Gilson PMT

Dave Bamford Symphony Music

Mike Podesta Cranes Music

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

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RETAIL PROFILE

Blackwell’s, Oxford Oxford’s oldest music shop is still thriving and is a crucial part of the city’s musical heritage thanks to its strong support of academia and the local music scene. Ronnie Dungan VSRNH WR PDQDJHU /XNH 5LFNHWW WR ˉ QG RXW PRUHȨ THE HISTORY of Blackwell’s Music Shop dates back to 1879, and is Oxford’s oldest and only centrally-located music shop. The current store is ORFDWHG RYHU WZR ËŒ RRUV LQ WKH ËŒ DJVKLS %RRNVWRUH RQ Broad Street, Oxford. 0DQDJHU /XNH 5LFNHWW hasn’t been there quite that ORQJ Ȥ, KDYH EHHQ ZLWK Blackwell’s for six years DQG KDYH EHHQ PDQDJHU of the music shop for four \HDUV , KDYH ZRUNHG LQ WKH 0, LQGXVWU\ IRU MXVW RYHU years in total,â€? he says. 7KH VKRS VWRFNV D KXJH UDQJH RI SULQWHG PXVLF RQH RI WKH ODUJHVW LQ WKH 8. 7KH UHFRUGLQJV GHSDUWPHQW VWRFNV D VSHFLDOLVW UDQJH RI classical CDs as well as rock DQG SRS MD]] EOXHV ZRUOG DQG IRON PXVLF UHFRUGLQJV and DVDs. Ȥ:H DOVR KDYH D JUHDW music book department, which stocks texts on any PXVLFRORJLFDO VXEMHFW you can think of. Our LQVWUXPHQW UDQJH LV PRVWO\ EHJLQQHU WR LQWHUPHGLDWH VWRFNLQJ DFRXVWLF JXLWDUV ukuleles, violins, the odd EDQMR DQG PDQGROLQ SOXV DOO WKH XVXDO VWULQJV UHHGV DQG

instruments accessories.â€? %HLQJ LQ WKH KRPH RI one of the world’s most famous universities, the VWRUH DWWUDFWV JRRG EXVLQHVV from the local students and academic staff. Ȥ2XU FXVWRPHU EDVH LV LQFUHGLEO\ YDULHG :H GR KDYH D KXJH OR\DO DFDGHPLF base of customers, we supply universities, libraries and schools from DOO RYHU WKH ZRUOG :H DOVR KDYH D KXJH QXPEHU of independent private music teachers who take DGYDQWDJH RI WKH YDULRXV discount schemes we offer. The shop also tries to support the local music scene as much as possible and holds music events instore. Footfall over the summer period includes a KXJH QXPEHU RI WRXULVWV DQG we always help out parents ZKR KDYH D FKLOG VWDUWLQJ out on an instrument.â€? There is local competition but the store’s central ORFDWLRQ JLYHV LW DQ HGJH

RYHU LWV ULYDOV IHHOV 5LFNHWW %XW WKHUHȢV QR HGJH WR WKH store’s rivalry. Ȥ:H HDFK KDYH RXU DUHDV of expertise,â€? he says. Online is a work in SURJUHVV IRU WKH VWRUH DQG LW KRSHV WR NHHS RQ EXLOGLQJ

“We always check suppliers’ latest RRPs, or any offers online that we can match or better.â€? VDOHV WKURXJK LWV VLWH EXW LW LV VR IDU QRW D KXJH SDUW RI its turnover. %XW LW GRHV EHQHË‹ W IURP a very healthy local music VFHQH ZKLFK 5LFNHWW VD\V LV ȤDEVROXWHO\ WKULYLQJ Ȥ<RX FDQ JR RXW RQ DQ\ QLJKW RI WKH ZHHN DQG Ë‹ QG VRPHWKLQJ WR ZDWFK RU listen to. From local rock FOXE QLJKWV MD]] EOXHV IRON or classical, there are so

many performances on in WKH FLW\ SDUWLFXODUO\ GXULQJ term times, we are spoiled for choice!â€? /LQNLQJ XS ZLWK WKDW Blackwell’s hosts events in-store, offers various discount schemes with local teachers, ensembles and choirs and helps advertise local concerts and events, via social media. Ȥ:H DOVR SODFH DGYHUWV LQ local music publications, and when possible, sponsor local events and charity fundraisers. Ȥ4XLWH RIWHQ ZH KDYH competitions and offers advertised in-store or via RXU VRFLDO PHGLD SDJHV ČĽ 7KH JRRG QHZV LV WKDW WKH VKRS LV GRLQJ SUHWW\ ZHOO at this moment in time, as 5LFNHWW JRHV RQ WR VD\ Ȥ%XVLQHVV LV VXSHUE DW the moment; we can’t complain. All of our sections are currently up on last year, instruments and accessories in particular are UHDOO\ ËŒ \LQJ RXW WKH GRRU

Address: 51 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BQ Telephone: 01865 792792

IRU XV DW WKH PRPHQW /RQJ may it continue.â€? D’addario, Jose Ferrer, $GPLUD 3ODQHW :DYH Hidersine, Primavera, Stentor, Brunswick, Puretone, Mahalo and 7*, DUH DOO PHQWLRQHG LQ GLVSDWFKHV DV JRRG VHOOHUV for the shop. .HHSLQJ DKHDG RI WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ DQG VWD\LQJ RQ WRS RI WKH JDPH LV DOZD\V D FKDOOHQJH EXW WKH Ë‹ UPȢV KLVWRU\ VWDQGV LW LQ JRRG VWHDG DQG NHHSV FRPSHWLWLRQ VWURQJ Ȥ6WD\LQJ FRPSHWLWLYH LV D WRXJK RQH ČĽ VD\V 5LFNHWW ȤEXW ZH DOZD\V FKHFN VXSSOLHUVȢ ODWHVW 553ȢV when they are applicable, or any current offers online that we can match or better. :H RIIHU RQH WR RQH DGYLFH DQG KDYH RYHU \HDUV of expertise between us, VRPHWKLQJ \RX FDQȢW JHW from a website! Ȥ7KH VKRS DOVR RIIHUV D discount to members of our music teachers scheme, ,60 DQG 0XVLFLDQV 8QLRQ PHPEHUV :H DOVR KDYH DQ alumni scheme with some universities, which entitles WKHLU JUDGXDWHV WR DQ RQ JRLQJ GLVFRXQW ČĽ

MARCH 2015 ::: 0, - 352 &2 8.

42 MIPRO

MYSTERY SHOPPER

TREASURE CHEST This month, our mystery man heads to Colchester to see what England’s oldest town has to offer on the MI front...

PEACH GUITARS MAKING MY way over to Colchester’s retail park, I reached my ˉUVW GHVWLQDWLRQ 3HDFK *XLWDUV :LWK D KXJH ˊRRU DQG ZDOO VSDFH 3HDFK *XLWDUV KDG DQ DPD]LQJ VHOHFWLRQ RI JXLWDUV DQG DPSOLˉHUVV IRU DOO W\SHV of musician. Unable to pinpoint exactly who were the members of staff, I went in search for the bass guitars they had

on offer. After struggling a little, I noticed an average range of models positioned high above the guitars. :KLOVW KDYLQJ D EURZVH D VWDII member approached me asking if I need any help. Informing him I was looking to get a feel of a number of different bass guitars, he brought down a variety for me to try out, including a stunning Flea bass. Not

being a bassist himself, he told me what he could about each model, and what others have said about them, which was rather helpful. *LYHQ VRPH WLPH WR VWUXP through each guitar, the assistant came back and asked my opinion on each one. He then went on to inform me that they had recently purchased the space next door, which they were JRLQJ WR XVH FKLHˊ\ IRU D PXFK ODUJHU range of bass guitars. Bassist of the DUHD VKRXOG GHˉQDWHO\ ORRN IRUZDUG to this opening.

RATING

4/5

$Q H[FHOOHQW JXLWDU VWRUH 3HDFK *XLWDUV LV D ZDUHKRXVH ˉOOHG ZLWK D vast selection of guitars, amps and other guitar accessories.

SOUND ATTAK A MINUTE’S ZDON IURP 3HDFK *XLWDUV ZDV P\ QH[W VWRS 6RXQG $WWDN :LWK RQO\ D VPDOO VKRS IURQW I was surprised with the amount of GUXP JHDU 6RXQG $WWDN KDG LQ VWRUH Upon entry, I was immediately greeted and offered assistance. After mentioning I was looking to upgrade my entire drum kit, I was taken on a tour of the shop. The assistant was extremely helpful, and knew exactly what he was talking about. He took me through acoustic kits, stands and cymbals, with an in depth analysis of each product, offering cymbal and hardware packages to save money. I was also informed that they could

match online prices. The assistant continued to tell me how they believe it’s better that musicians purchase items in store, and they would personally quality-check each product they ordered in, and throw in great deals to help out customers on a budget.

RATING A drummer’s paradise. A superb store that lives up to its slogan, “The ultimate drum store!�

5/5

MARCH 2015 ::: 0, - 352 &2 8.

MIPRO

MYSTERY SHOPPER

MANN’S MUSIC LOCATED IN Colchester’s town FHQWUH 0DQQČ V 0XVLF KDV WKUHH ËŠRRUV rife with a variety of MI products, ranging from banjos to pianos. :LWK WKH VWDII VHHPLQJ GLVWUDFWHG by deliveries, or their computers, I made my way down to the basement to check out the guitars on offer. The small space was packed with a decent range of electric and bass guitars, and a selection of amps. 6WLOO ZLWKRXW DVVLVWDQFH , WRRN LW upon myself to take a few guitars from the wall and a have play. I enjoyed this sense of freedom, not having to awkwardly ask someone each time I wanted to try a different guitar. However, being offered some help, and a hook-up to an amp, would have been much appreciated.

Colchester delivers an impressive offering of MI stores for guitarists and drummers

RATING

Mann’s Music has great selection of MI products in store. But some attention from a member of staff would have been helpful.

CONCLUSION

MUSIC WAREHOUSE

MORE OF a cottage than a ZDUHKRXVH 0XVLF :DUHKRXVH offers a wide range of new and VHFRQG KDQG JXLWDUV DPSOLˉHUV and other accessories for guitarists. :LWK WKH ERWWRP ËŠRRU EHLQJ occupied with what seemed like students on their lunch break, I wandered upstairs to VHH ZKDW , FRXOG ˉQG 7KH FRV\ DWWLF ZDV ˉOOHG ZLWK D EULOOLDQW selection of guitars, from entry to professional-level. $ 5LFNHQEDFNHU EDVV tucked away a corner caught my eye, and I had to play it. But, with DOO WKH Ȣ'2 127 728&+ČŁ VLJQV on the guitars, I thought I should DVN D PHPEHU RI VWDII ˉUVW :KHQ VHHNLQJ DVVLVWDQFH , was ignored by the members of staff as they focused on, what appeared to be, a regular

6XUIDFLQJ IURP WKH JXLWDU basement, I decided to have a wonder around the rest of the store. 6WLOO IHHOLQJ LQYLVLEOH WR WKH VWDII I browsed through the impressive range of sheet music on offer. Continuing my search, I wondered upstairs and discovered a beautiful UDQJH RI SLDQRV RQ WKH WRS ËŠRRU

customer. As I continued to browse I came across some second-hand vinyl records, which was an added touch to the store. :KHQ SD\LQJ IRU D UHFRUG , WKRXJKW I would enquire about guitar pedals, DQG D FKDQFH WR SOD\ WKH Instead of showcasing their range of pedals, I was told which pedal someone we could hear in the backroom was currently using, and if I was to come back (I’m presuming with my bass) I could try some out. 2Q WKLV QRWH , WKRXJKW , ZRXOGQČ W DVN WR KDYH D IHHO RI WKH DQG OHIW

RATING

2/5

A pleasing selection of guitars, but WKH VWDII VKRXOG ZRUN RQ PDNLQJ ˉUVW time customers feel welcome.

I WAS YHU\ SOHDVHG ZLWK WKH ˉUVW half of my visit to Colchester. The MI stores located on the out-of-town retail park made use of the space they had and provided great costumer service. Unfortunately, the stores in the town centre did not offer me a similar experience on the second half of my trip. 3HDFK *XLWDUV ZDV D SHUIHFW example of why an out of town retail park unit can often better D KLJK VWUHHW VWRUH :LWK D ZLGH UDQJH RI DPSV FRYHULQJ WKH ˊRRU and guitars spread across the walls, the large open space was put to good use. It may not have had as big a XQLW DV 3HDFK *XLWDUV EXW 6RXQG Attak made use of the space they had. I haven’t seen such a fantastic selection of drum kits, and vast range of cymbals in store in a very long time. Mann’s Music has a wider selection of MI products for all musicians. However, some interaction with the staff would have been appreciated. , HQMR\HG P\ ˉUVW EURZVH RI 0XVLF :DUHKRXVH EXW WKH SRRU interaction I had from the staff left me feeling uncomfortable and wanting to leave the store. 2YHUDOO &ROFKHVWHU LV ZRUWK D visit for guitarists and drummers LQ WKH YLFLQLW\ RI (VVH[ 3HDFK *XLWDUV DQG 6RXQG $WWDN SURYLGH excellent service in their areas. Hopefully, other customers will receive better service when visiting Mann’s Music and Music :DUHKRXVH

LOOKING FOR NEW STAFF? ADVERTISE YOUR JOB IN THE INDUSTRY’S MOST RESPECTED TRADE MONTHLY FOR EVERYONE ISSUE 166 MARCH 2014 2014 FOR EVERYONE IN IN THE THE MI MI BUSINESS BUSINESS || ISSUE 172 || SEPTEMBER

FOR EVERYONE IN THE MI BUSINESS | ISSUE 173 | OCTOBER 2014

To make a booking, please contact Karma.Bertelsen@intentmedia.co.uk or call +44 (0) 207 226 7246

FOR EVERYONE IN THE MI BUSINESS | ISSUE 171 | AUGUST 2014

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

PREMIER unleashes The %HDVW ZLWK LWV ODWHVW VQDUH

GEAR

new

PAGE 46

MIPRO 45

COMMENT

RHYS TROAKE, STAFF WRITER

Cymbal selections

PAGE 46 CASIO adds the AP-260 and AP-460 to its Celviano digital piano line.

PAGE 47

LINE 6 has launched two new digital wireless systems.

CYMBAL UPGRADES can be a very expensive experience for a drummer, and something you don’t want, is a wrong purchase. A personal bugbear of mine is the lack of variety in some stores. On quite a few occasions I have gone for a browse in some of my local shops with plans of updating my own cymbal range, but ended up disappointed due to a lack of selection in-store. The situation I sometimes come across is that stores provide a selection of cheaper entry-level and more expensive professional-level cymbals, but not much in between. I understand that stores that don’t specialise in drum gear may not want to have an excess of expensive stock that they can’t sell, but I believe there are perhaps a few things retailers FRXOG GR WKDW PLJKW MXVW EHQHˉ W ERWK WKHPVHOYHV DQG indeed, their customers. 3UHYLRXVO\ , KDG D VSHFLˉ F F\PEDO RUGHUHG LQWR D store for me. I found this a great service, but had a problem when it actually arrived, as it didn’t quite match the sound described to me. I then had to face the awkward situation of turning down the order. If stores were to supply a wider range of cymbals, not necessarily every single one a brand has to offer, but maybe a crash, ride or hi-hat set, then customers could identify the sound they seek, and either purchase the cymbals there and then, or ask the store WR RUGHU WKH VSHFLˉ F F\PEDO WKH\ ZDQW LQ WKDW UDQJH Of course, there are retailers out there that do provide an exceptional range of cymbals. When I have travelled to larger and specialist stores, I have been provided with an array of cymbals that took my fancy. With such an assortment to choose from, I also found I didn’t have to go for the expensive products to acquire the quality of sound I wanted, which is always a bonus. It is a tricky one, as in the current retail climate, MI VWRUHV DUHQČ W VHHLQJ F\PEDOV ËŠ \ RXW RI WKH GRRU %XW LW would be nice to see a little more variety, aside from the usual array of budget and high-end options on display. It’d be great if there was some way around this, which would allow customers to view and hear the cymbals they are looking for.

“Some stores provide a selection of entry-level and professional-level cymbals, but not much in between.�

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

46 MIPRO

PRODUCTS

NEW GEAR

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1. Rickenbacker 4003S

RRP: £1,950 NAMM 2015 saw the launch of Rickenbacker’s new 4003S bass guitar series. SPECIFICATIONS: 7KH 6 LV ˉWWHG ZLWK D GXDO WUXVVURG V\VWHP GHVLJQHG WR SURGXFH WKH VROLG EDVV WRQHV ULQJLQJ VXVWDLQ DQG WUHEOH SXQFK 5LFNHQEDFNHU LV UHQRZQHG IRU $OO LQVWUXPHQWV LQ WKH VHULHV FRPH ZLWK PRQR RXWSXW DV ZHOO DV VWDQGDUG 0RGHO VLQJOH FRLO SLFNXSV NH\ZLQGV DQG SLFNJXDUGV &XUYHV RI PDSOH IRUP WKH ERG\ ZLWK D WUDGLWLRQDO 5RVHZRRG ˉQJHUERDUG 'RW LQOD\V DQG QR ELQGLQJ PDNH WKLV VWDQG RXW IURP WKH VWDQGDUG $YDLODEOH LQ WKH IROORZLQJ ˉQLVKHV )LUHJOR -HWJOR 0DSOHJOR 0LGQLJKW %OXH DQG 5XE\ http://www.rosetti.co.uk/

2. Marshall WK $QQLYHUVDU\ Stack RRP: TBC 7R PDUN WKH WK DQQLYHUVDU\ RI LWV VWDFN 0DUVKDOO KDV DQQRXQFHG the launch of two 4 x 12” speaker cabinets. SPECIFICATIONS: The 50th DQQLYHUVDU\ $ DQJOHG FDELQHW DQG % VWUDLJKW FDELQHW IHDWXUH DXWKHQWLFDOO\ UHSURGXFHG IUHW FORWK OHDWKHU VWUDS FDUU\LQJ KDQGOHV DQG era-correct Celestion G12M speakers ZLWK VROGHU WDJV %RWK DQJOHG DQG VWUDLJKW FDEV ZLOO EHDU D SODTXH LGHQWLI\LQJ WKHP DV OLPLWHG HGLWLRQ WK DQQLYHUVDU\ (DFK FDE ZLOO EH DYDLODEOH WR EX\ VHSDUDWHO\ 7KH WK $QQLYHUVDU\ FDEV DUH VWULFWO\OLPLWHG HGLWLRQ DQG ZLOO EH DYDLODEOH RQO\ XQWLO WKH HQG RI WKH 2015. www.marshallamps.com.

3. Premier 7KH %HDVW VQDUH GUXP

4. Casio $3 DQG $3 GLJLWDO SLDQRV

RRP: TBC 3UHPLHU UHYHDOHG 7KH %HDVW VQDUH GUXP DW WKLV \HDUȠV 1$00 VKRZ

RRP: £999.99 &DVLR KDV DGGHG QHZ PRGHOV WR LWV &HOYLDQR GLJLWDO SLDQR UDQJH

SPECIFICATIONS: 7KH %HDVW LV ˉWWHG ZLWK DLU ˊRZ VKHOO WHFKQRORJ\ 6RQLF &KDPEHUV FLUFXODWH WKH DLU PRYHPHQW WKURXJK WKH VKHOO ZKLFK LV GHVLJQHG WR EULQJ ERG\ DQG GHSWK WR LWV WRQDO characteristics. 7KH SRZHU DQG SURMHFWLRQ LV WUDQVSRUWHG YLD DLU SURMHFWLRQ YHQWV WKDW FRQWURO WKH YROXPH RI DLU UHOHDVHG IURP WKH VKHOO 7KH %HDVW LV FRQVWUXFWHG IURP PDWHULDOV HQJLQHHUHG WR HQKDQFH SHUIRUPDQFH 7KH OXJV DUH PDGH IURP VROLG DOXPLQLXP DQG ˉWWHG ZLWK stainless steel True-Tune Inserts WKDW SLYRW IUHHO\ GHOLYHULQJ SUHFLVLRQ DOLJQPHQW DQG WXQLQJ ZKLOVW WKH FDVW DOXPLQLXP KRRSV IXUWKHU VWDELOLVH WKH WXQLQJ SURFHVV ZLWKLQ DQ\ UDQJH http://www.premier-percussion.com/

SPECIFICATIONS: 7KH $3 DQG $3 GLJLWDO SLDQRV RIIHU D QXPEHU RI QHZ IHDWXUHV LQFOXGLQJ D +DOO 6LPXODWRU DQG &RQFHUW 3OD\ VXLWDEOH IRU ERWK EHJLQQHU DQG DGYDQFHG SOD\HUV &RQFHUW 3OD\ DOORZV PXVLFLDQV WR SOD\ DORQJ WR WHQ FODVVLFDO SLHFHV 0HDQZKLOH QHZ VWHUHR VWULQJ HQVHPEOH WRQHV FDQ EH SOD\HG LQGLYLGXDOO\ RU OD\HUHG ZLWK &DVLRȠV &RQFHUW *UDQG 3LDQR VRXQGV 7KH QHZ PRGHOV DOVR LQFOXGH D QHZ GLJLWDO HIIHFWV V\VWHP FDOOHG +DOO 6LPXODWRU %DVHG RQ DFRXVWLF PHDVXUHPHQWV RI UHDO ORFDWLRQV DURXQG WKH ZRUOG XVHUV KDYH WKH DELOLW\ WR VHOHFW VLPXODWHG HQYLURQPHQWV https://www.casioonline.co.uk/

5

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MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

MIPRO 47

PRODUCTS

4

3 5. Gibson Les Paul Reference Monitors RRP: $599-$999 The Gibson Les Paul Reference 0RQLWRUV DUH GHVLJQHG WR VDWLVI\ WKH QHHGV RI DXGLR SURIHVVLRQDOV DQG PXVLF HQWKXVLDVWV DOLNH SPECIFICATIONS: 7KH ˉ UPÈ V QHZ PRQLWRUV UHSUHVHQW D QHZ OHYHO RI SHUIRUPDQFH DFURVV D ZLGH YDULHW\ RI DSSOLFDWLRQV ZKHWKHU PL[LQJ RU UHFRUGLQJ SURGXFLQJ RU VLPSO\ OLVWHQLQJ WR PXVLF 7KH PRQLWRUV KDYH EHHQ HQJLQHHUHG WR UHSUHVHQW VXSHULRU GHˉ QLWLRQ ZLWK WKH LFRQLF /HV 3DXO VW\OLQJ XWLOLVLQJ VXSHULRU PDWHULDO LQFOXGLQJ GLDPRQG OLNH FDUERQ FRDWHG WLWDQLXP WZHHWHUV QRQ ZRYHQ FDUERQ ZRRIHUV DQG FXVWRP PDGH DPSOLˉ FDWLRQ WR HQVXUH FOHDQ WUDQVLHQW LPSXOVH UHVSRQVH DQG ODUJH KHDGURRP $YDLODEOH LQ FKHUU\ WREDFFR VXQEXUVW DQG FKHUU\ VXQEXUVW www.gibson.com

6. Orange Twister Cable

RRP: TBC 2UDQJH KDV LQWURGXFHG WKH WDQJOH free cable - the Twister Cable. SPECIFICATIONS: The Twister Cable LQFRUSRUDWHV D 7ZLVWHU PRGXOH WKDW URWDWHV IUHHO\ SUHYHQWLQJ WKH FDEOH IURP WDQJOLQJ DQG NLQNLQJ 7KH 7ZLVWHU PRGXOH LWVHOI LV PDFKLQHG IURP KLJK TXDOLW\ OLJKWZHLJKW DLUFUDIW JUDGH DOXPLQLXP LQFRUSRUDWLQJ WKUHH VHDOHG LQWHUQDO SUHFLVLRQ EDOO UDFHV GHVLJQHG WR HQVXUH D UREXVW DQG UHOLDEOH FDEOH IRU SHUIRUPLQJ PXVLFLDQV The new Twister cables are available as part of the Orange Professional Cable range in LQVWUXPHQW DQG PLFURSKRQH FRQˉ JXUDWLRQV https://www.orangeamps.com/

7. Roland -' ;L V\QWKHVL]HU

Line 6 5HOD\ * DQG * GLJLWDO ZLUHOHVV

RRP: £419 5RODQG XQYHLOHG WKH -' ;L LQWHUDFWLYH DQDORJXH GLJLWDO FURVVRYHU V\QWKHVL]HU DW 1$00

RRP: £369 /LQH VKRZFDVHG WKH QHZ 5HOD\ * DQG * GLJLWDO ZLUHOHVV V\VWHPV DW the 2015 NAMM show.

SPECIFICATIONS: 7KH -' ;L LV D FRPSDFW V\QWKHVL]HU ZLWK RQ ERDUG SDWWHUQ VHTXHQFHU DQG YRFDO ); :LWK PLQL NH\V WKH FRPSDFW V\QWK LV GHVLJQHG WR GHOLYHU ODUJH ZDUP DQDORJXH EDVV DV ZHOO DV OHDG WRQHV with various controls allowing for KDQGV RQ WZHDNLQJ 7KH -' ;L IHDWXUHV WZR GLJLWDO V\QWK VHFWLRQV ZLWK 6XSHU1$785$/ V\QWK WRQHV DQG YRLFH WRWDO SRO\SKRQ\ IRXU WUDFN SDWWHUQ VHTXHQFHU DQG KLJK TXDOLW\ UK\WKP VRXQGV D 86% FRQQHFWLRQ IRU DXGLR 0,', FRPPXQLFDWLRQ ZLWK FRPSXWHU VRIWZDUH DQG LQFOXGHV D JRRVHQHFN PLF IRU XVH ZLWK EXLOW LQ 9RFRGHU DQG AutoPitch. http://www.roland.co.uk/

SPECIFICATIONS: 7KH 5HOD\ * DQG * GLJLWDO ZLUHOHVV V\VWHPV DUH GHVLJQHG WR GHOLYHU QH[W JHQHUDWLRQ ZLUHOHVV SHUIRUPDQFH WR PHHW WKH QHHGV RI SHUIRUPLQJ JXLWDULVWV ,Q DGGLWLRQ WKH ZLUHOHVV V\VWHPV DUH GHVLJQHG WR VXSSRUW PXOWLSOH LQVWUXPHQWV DQG DUH HQJLQHHUHG WR EH WKH FRQWURO FHQWUH RI PXVLFLDQVÈ OLYH SHUIRUPDQFH ULJV (DFK UHFHLYHU VXSSRUWV PXOWLSOH WUDQVPLWWHUV DQG ORFNLQJ Ȭ È£ LQSXWV )XUWKHUPRUH SUHVHW VFHQHV DLP WR SURYLGH SHUIRUPHUV ZLWK WKH DELOLW\ WR WDNH FRQWURO RI VLJQDO URXWLQJ OHYHOV DQG PRUH DOO ZLWK WKH VLQJOH SUHVV RI a footswitch. http://uk.yamaha.com/

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MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - 352 &2 8.

48 MIPRO

A MONTH IN THE WORLD OF MI

BACKLINE -+6 JHDUV XS IRU LWV WK DQQLYHUVDU\ FHOHEUDWLRQV ZLWK IRUWXQH FRRNLH SURPR 6HQQKHLVHU launches Chesney Hawkes-themed contest and Cliff Cooper is the subject of our Musical +LVWRU\ 7RXUȨ

TITION

COMPE • N IO IT T E P M O C • MPETITION

COMPETITION • CO

D1 and Only

SENNHEISER IS giving budding performers the chance to win sets of its new D1 digital microphone series as part of a new contest to celebrate its global launch. 'HVLJQHG WR ˉ QG Č&#x;WKH XOWLPDWH FRYHUČ RI &KHVQH\ +DZNHVČ V Č&#x;7KH RQH DQG 2QO\Č Sennheiser is inviting bands to submit videos of themselves performing the track

LQ WKHLU RZQ XQLTXH VW\OH 7KH ZLQQLQJ HQWU\ will receive their very own professionally produced music video and audio recording RI WKHLU FRYHU DV ZHOO DV QHZ ' V\VWHPV IRU their band. Runners up will also receive D1 wireless PLFURSKRQH VHWV ZLWK WKH FRPSDQ\ JLYLQJ DZD\ Čą ZRUWK RI SUL]HV

HOW TO ENTER 7R HQWHU EDQGV PXVW XSORDG D video of themselves performing WKH VRQJ WR <RX7XEH DQG VXEPLW it at www.sennheiser-D1.com 7KH FRPSHWLWLRQ LV QRZ RSHQ and runs until midnight on May 10th 2015.

2015 WWW.MI - 352 &2 8.

MIPRO 49

>> SEND US STUFF

THIS STUFF DOESN’T FRPH RXW RI WKLQ DLU \RX NQRZ :H PDNH PRVW RI LW XS WR EH KRQHVW But we would like our lovely readers to get involved. Email: dgumble@nbmedia.com

Good fortune Roll up, roll up to discover the musical chops of those in and around the industry. Dodgy H[SHULPHQWV LQ MD]] IXQN IXVLRQ" %ULHI ˊ LUWDWLRQV with the outer reaches of the chart? They’re all out there...

Cliff Cooper CEO Orange Amps What do you play? Guitar and violin. Any good? No! Preferred musical style? Any. Are you gigging right now? No. What bands have you been in? 7KH 0DULQHUV DQG 7KH Millionaires.

TO CELEBRATE its Golden -XELOHH -+6 LV LQFOXGLQJ D IRUWXQH FRRNLH ZLWK SRWHQWLDO SUL]HV WR EH ZRQ LQVLGH LQ every freight consignment until May 2015. Inside each cookie will be D PHVVDJH DQG HYHU\ PRQWK a number of dealers will receive a winning ticket for a Gold Apple iPad Mini and FDVH RU D PDWFKLQJ SDLU RI

“Register your fortune cookie for a chance to win an iPad Mini, or Seiko watch.�

Ladies and Gents Seiko gold coloured watches. $OO SUL]HV ZLOO EH KDQGHG out to the winners at the DQQXDO -+6 HYHQW ZKLFK ZLOO take place on Sunday 7th to Wednesday 10th June 2015. Winning recipients should contact the JHS Publicity department on 01132 865 381 to register their winning cookie.

WE COULD ORDER IT IN‌

AQUAGGASWACK Don’t get caught out by that enquiry for something really specialist‌ THE SORT of thing that you might have found on the original Opportunity Knocks Ȣ$QG QRZ IRONV we have Colin Binladen from Doncaster playing the 2YHUWXUH RQ VRPH saucepans.â€? What Colin would have been playing was an

$TXDJJDVZDFN H[FHSW RI FRXUVH KH ZRXOGQČ W EHFDXVH LW ZDV RQO\ EXLOW LQ with about 18 pot lids. $ QHZHU YHUVLRQ EXLOW LQ KDG SRW OLGV representing a majority of WKH QRWHV LQ DQ RFWDYH SOXV VRPH TXDUWHU WRQHV 7KH centre lids have mostly bell-

like tones and the outer sets have a more gong-like tone. 7KH IUDPH LV PDGH RI galvanised plumbing pipe. 7KH HQWLUH WKLQJ EUHDNV down quickly into seven SLHFHV IRU HDVH RI WUDQVSRUW LI \RXČ UH JLJJLQJ ZLWK RQH RI these unique instruments. And are mental.

Have you ever troubled the charts at all? In 1967 we reached No. ZLWK Č&#x;:LVKLQJ :HOOČ 7KH 0LOOLRQDLUHV What has been your greatest musical success? Managing the likes of -RKQ 0LOHV 6PRNLH &RFNVSDUUD DQG7KH Realistics.

Best/biggest gig ever played? 7KH 0DUTXHH /RQGRQ Ever played with anyone else in the industry? Not that I can remember. :LWK WKH EHQHˉ W RI hindsight, what would you do differently? Play keyboards! Worst gig ever played? 7KH 5RVH &URZQ 3XE Islington.

MARCH 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

50 MIPRO

FORWARD FEATURES

UPCOMING The features you need to look out for in the April and May issues of MI Pro

FEATURES LIST

Also on the way... May 2015 MI PRO RETAIL ESSENTIALS: PIANOS/KEYBOARDS

In May, we will shine a spotlight on a selection of the most prominent pianos and keyboards currently available on the MI market.

MI PIONEERS: JAMES HOW NEXT MONTH our MI Pioneers feature celebrates the work of string engineer, and Rotosound founder, James How, as we look back at how he helped revolutionise the guitar strings market.

MI PRO RETAIL ESSENTIALS: AMPLIFIERS

MI PIONEERS: LES PAUL

MI Pioneers will shift its focus to electric guitar innovator, Les Paul.

APRIL’S MI Pro Retail Essentials guide will cast its eye on the DPSOLˉFDWLRQ PDUNHW Featuring both new and classic models alike, we’ll be getting up close with products from established market leaders, and those new to the market. For more information on how to get involved, contact Karma Bertelsen on 020 7354 6001 or kbertelsen@ nbmedia.com.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

The international monthly magazine for music instrument professionals and everyone in the MI business

UK: £50 Europe: £60 Rest of World: £90 Enquiries: mipro.subscriptions@c-cms.com Telephone: 01580 883 848

MI Pro has a monthly circulation of well over 6,000. It is distributed in the UK and internationally to MI retailers, industry professionals and carefully selected pro audio executives and resellers.

Editor Daniel Gumble dgumble@nbmedia.com

Head of Design and Production Kelly Sambridge ksambridge@nbmedia.com

Contributors Ronnie Dungan rdungan@nbmedia.com

Staff Writer Rhys Troake rtroake@nbmedia.com

Production Executive James Marinos jmarinos@nbmedia.com

Marketing & Circulation Curwood CMS mipro.subscriptions@c-cms.com

Account Manager Karma Bertelsen kbertelsen@nbmedia.com

Commercial Director Darrell Carter dcarter@nbmedia.com

Copyright © 2015 NewBay Media Printed by Pensord, Tram Road, Pontllanfraith, NP12 2YA

Charges cover 12 issues MI PRO is published 12 times a year

MIPRO is a member of the PPA © NewBay Media 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The contents of MiPro are subject to reproduction in information storage and retrieval systems. Printed by Pensord, Tram Road, Pontllanfraith, NP12 2YA

ISSN 1750-4198 Enquiries to: MI Pro, NewBay Media, Saxon House 6a St. Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1JA. Tel: 01992 535646 (Editorial) Tel: 01992 535647 (Advertising) Fax: 01992 535648

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