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FOR EVERYONE IN THE MI BUSINESS | ISSUE 181 | JUNE 2015

T N E V E

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0 1 7 E JUN

THE GOLDEN JUBILEE JOHN HORNBY SKEWES & CO. LTD.

1965-2015 Register now online at www.jhstrade.co.uk

Always make sure you hit the right note Sledgehammer

Sledgehammer Pro

CLIP-ON TUNER

CLIP-ON TUNER

The Sledgehammer series is a new lineup of guitar/bass tuners that joins KORG’s family of clip-on tuners. These tuners can be attached directly to an instrument for convenient tuning. The Sledgehammer features an easy-operating shuttle switch on a tubular-shaped body. Even while performing, you can easily operate the tuner with just one hand, while a high-brightness, high-contrast color LCD display ensures clear visibility.

Sledgehammer

Sledgehammer Pro

▶ Color LCD shows the pitch in vivid color

▶ Ultra-high tuning accuracy of +/- 0.1 cents

▶ Dedicated guitar/bass modes and flat/capo settings

▶ 3D visual meter provides revolutionary visibility

▶ Over-winding warning for the first string

▶ Three, high-contrast meter display modes

▶ Unique shuttle switch for easy operation

▶ Unique shuttle switch for easy operation

▶ Strong, flexible clip mechanism

▶ Strong, flexible clip mechanism

▶ Calibration, auto power-off, and memory backup

▶ Calibration, auto power-off, and memory backup

www.korg.com

34 Wes Borland The Limp Bizkit axeman tells us about his new band and why MI stores are so vital to the next generation of musicians

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PROFESSIONAL • FOR EVERYONE IN THE MI BUSINESS NO. 161 • JUNE 2015 • WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

PRINT • ONLINE • MOBILE

E U S S I SHOW

thing ou every y s ll e t l ia , with 015 spec t this year’s show 2 C IR QG M Our SHDNHUV D ow abou V n H k F o Q t H U d H e I XU FRQ you ne HDFK RI R Q R V H O ˉ SUR s... g partner exhibitin

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

THE SALES MAN P11

SECRET DEALER P38 MYSTERY SHOPPER P50

AVAILABLE FROM D’ADDARIO UK 0191 300 3000 MAIL@DADDARIO.CO.UK

PRINT • ONLINE • MOBILE

WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK

IN THIS ISSUE

REGULARS: Analysis 6 • MIA 8 • Colin Rees 11 • Birketts 32 • Secret Dealer 38 • New Gear 54 • Backline 56

No. 181 • June 2015 13

EDITORIAL COMMENT

THE MAIN

FEATURE MIRC 2015 SHOW GUIDE The main event is now upon us, so be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to this year’s MIRC 2015.

6

32

MIRC 2015 With so much on offer at this year’s MI conference and expo, can you afford to miss out?

Birketts Our legal expert, Rafael Ruiz, delves into the ever murky waters of bribery and money laundering.

Artist interview We speak to Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland and singer songwriter CarrĂŠ Callaway about their latest project.

RETAIL

FEATURES

RETAIL ESSENTIALS

38 SECRET DEALER

37 Sheehan’s changes

40 Drums and

Google AdWords - useful marketing tool or waste of money? Our secret dealer discusses.

46 RETAIL

ADVISORY BOARD

Our board of retailers ponder the future of Musikmesse as a dedicated trade event.

50 MYSTERY SHOPPER

Leeds sets the scene for our shadowy shop botherer’s monthly jaunt.

The Leicestershirebased retailer has announced some major changes to its bricks and mortar operation. We speak to its chief, Richard Thompson, to ˉ QG RXW ZKDW VKRSSHUV can expect going forward.

49 5HWDLO SURˉ OH

This month, we get up close and personal with B_Drum, Birmingham’s only drums and percussion specialist.

34

percussion

Our June retail essentials focus on the drums and percussion market includes products from Boomwhackers, Carlsbro, Liberty Drums, Gremlin Music and Wambooka.

Show time BY now, most of you will have already made your mind up as to whether to attend MIRC or not. But for those of you that haven’t, it might be worth bearing a couple of things in mind before making your decision. And I’m not talking about the free gift, the quality of the speaker line-up or the calibre of exhibitors. There’s plenty on all of that on the pages overleaf. What I’m talking about is the fact that, in light of the changes announced at Musikmesse a couple of months ago, MIRC is now more crucial than ever for retailers and suppliers who want to network and talk business in a dedicated trade environment. Having spoken personally to several UK exhibitors in Frankfurt, it was clear that the changing face of the show has had a knock-on effect upon the number of British dealers making the trip abroad. With an ever-growing consumer element, Messe, it seems, is ceasing to attract the same number of British dealers, while many exhibitors will be testing the waters next year to see how deeply the changes will impact upon the show. As such, a great many people from across the market have expressed to me the importance of an exclusive B2B HYHQW IRU WKH LQGXVWU\ $QG DV IDU , FDQ WHOO 0,5& ˉ WV WKH ELOO SHUIHFWO\ Name one other trade event that consistently delivers the same mix of conference and expo in a central location for the industry to converge, express ideas and do business. Year-on-year, MIRC has evolved and developed into a must-attend event on the MI calendar. So, if you’re a dealer and are still thinking about coming to MIRC, I cannot urge you strongly enough to do so. Aside from the fact it’s all free and there’s a particularly impressive VIP gift in it for you, it truly is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss. You’re guaranteed to take away something on the day; whether it’s new business, new ideas or some useful advice. ,Q WKLV LVVXH \RXČ OO ˉ QG HYHU\WKLQJ \RX need to know on this year’s conference programme and expo, helping you get the most from the show and plan your day as effectively and HIˉ FLHQWO\ SRVVLEOH See you at the show.

Daniel Gumble Editor dgumble@nbmedia.com

54 NEW GEAR

We cast an eye over the best new gear.

Follow us on Twitter @MIProfessional

ANALYSIS

MIRC 2015: You can’t afford to miss it MIRC 2015 takes place on June 17th. Make sure you have registered to attend the UK’s only dedicated MI trade show...

MIRC will return to Northamptonshire’s Whittlebury Hall on June 17th BY RHYS TROAKE WITH A brilliant speaker line-up, top manufacturers and distributors and over 250 dealers there on the day, MIRC 2015 is a must for UK MI retailers to attend. And, with the show just around the corner, its time for dealers yet to register to do so. Returning to Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire, MIRC will not only be a great chance to check out some of the latest products from the companies exhibiting at the show, but also the perfect opportunity for retailers and suppliers to get down to business, learn and network. With the Musikmesse platform changes occurring next year, there is even more of a reason for retailers and suppliers to attend MIRC 2015. So, as the Frankfurt show continues to gravitate ever closer to the consumer side of the market, and the number of UK retailers heading out to the event diminishes, MIRC, now more than ever, is the perfect place for MI businesses to come together. This year’s high calibre line-up of speakers will no doubt provide a unique insight into all aspects of modern MI retail. Co-owner of UK MI retail giant PMT, Simon Gilson, will deliver the keynote address at MIRC 2015. Gilson will be offering some unique insights into how his company has grown to become the UK’s largest MI retailer. Also contributing to the conference is Carl West, supply chain director of GfK, Corin Birchall, managing director of Kerching Retail and Stuart O’Brien, director of digital

at Mimram Media. Being the UK’s only dedicated MI trade show, the MIRC afternoon expo is the perfect place for retailers to take advantage of exclusive show-time deals and various other offerings from leading suppliers sporting a host of both new and existing product lines. (YHQ ZKHQ WKH H[SR LV RYHU WKH EHQHˋWV of the show do not end. Dealers then have a chance to network with suppliers and manufacturers over a welcome drink at the

“The only dedicated MI trade show, MIRC 2015 is the ideal platform for dealers to network with manufacturers and suppliers.” bar after a busy day at the show. What’s more, the event is completely free for retailers to attend and includes a free gourmet lunch, hog roast dinner and an exclusive VIP gift bag containing a Veho Azuro 50W Bluetooth Soundbar, worth a RRP of £149.95. 0,5& LV D ˋUPO\ HVWDEOLVKHG ˋ[WXUH RQ WKH MI calendar and, now in its sixth year, looks set to be its biggest outing to date. And there is still time for dealers to register. We looking forward to seeing you there.

JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

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Retail Essentials Drums and percussion

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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.

THE OVERALL UK economy continues to slowly recover from the ˋ QDQFLDO GRZQWXUQ DQG LV FXUUHQWO\ WKH IDVWHVW JURZLQJ LQ WKH (XURSHDQ 8QLRQ $V UHSRUWHG ODVW \HDU WKLV JURZWK UHPDLQV IUDJLOH DQG KDV E\ QR PHDQV WUDQVODWHG LQWR D VLJQLˋ FDQW UHVXUJHQFH RI VSHQGLQJ RQ GLVFUHWLRQDU\ SURGXFWV L H PXVLFDO LQVWUXPHQWV $ JRRG WUDGLQJ PRQWK IRU PXVLFDO LQVWUXPHQWV LV VWLOO DV OLNHO\ WR EH IROORZHG E\ D GLVDSSRLQWLQJ RQH 7KH UHGXFWLRQ LQ JOREDO RLO SULFHV KDV HVSHFLDOO\ FRQWULEXWHG WR DOPRVW ]HUR LQˌ DWLRQ LQ WKH FRXQWU\ 7KH SRVLWLYH DVSHFWV RI ORZ LQˌ DWLRQ DUH HDVLO\ XQGRQH E\ WKH ˌ XFWXDWLQJ H[FKDQJH UDWHV EHWZHHQ VWHUOLQJ DQG WKH HXUR ZKLFK FDQ FUHDWH UHDO LVVXHV IRU WKH LQGXVWU\

“A good trading month for MI is still as likely to be followed by a disappointing one.�

A United Kingdom commentary Every year, NAMM publishes an excellent Global Report with an update on trading from the various countries around the globe. Here is the UK report that has been submitted...

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

MIPRO 11

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RETAIL PROFILE B_Drum

49

THE SALES MAN

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

Promotional methods: The art of marketing +RZ IRFXVHG PDUNHWLQJ FDPSDLJQV FDQ EHQHˉW \RXU EXVLQHVV

IT IS accepted that retail owners have OLWWOH WLPH WR VLW DQG SODQ DQ\WKLQJ %XW sometimes it can make a huge difference to WKH SURˉWDELOLW\ RI D EXVLQHVV WR WDNH D VWHS EDFN DQG ORRN DW SULRULWLHV 2IWHQ WKH QXPEHU of people who do not come in can become D PDWWHU RI FRQFHUQ DQG WKH RQO\ ZD\ WR overcome this is to establish an on-going marketing function in the business 7KH\ VD\ D SLFWXUH WHOOV D WKRXVDQG VWRULHV and an illustration of retail marketing at LWV YHU\ EHVW FRPHV IURP D IULHQG ZKR KDV D KLJK FODVV PHQVZHDU EXVLQHVV :KHQ KH WRRN RYHU WKH EXVLQHVV KH KDG ZHOO heeled customers but worked on his market E\ VWRFNLQJ JRRGV VRXUFHG GLUHFWO\ IURP PDQXIDFWXUHUV DOO RYHU WKH ZRUOG %\ UDLVLQJ WKH SURGXFW TXDOLW\ KH DWWUDFWHG D KLJKHU FODVV RI FXVWRPHU 7KDW GRQH KH GHFLGHG WR IRUPXODWH D PDUNHWLQJ SODQ ZKLFK ZRXOG EH RQ JRLQJ ,W ZDV GHVLJQHG WR UHZDUG KLV EHVW SD\LQJ FXVWRPHUV HQFRXUDJH UHPDLQLQJ FXVWRPHUV WR EX\ PRUH DQG DWWUDFW QHZ FXVWRPHUV .QRZLQJ KH KDG WR FRPSOHWHO\ FKDQJH KLV VWRFN WZLFH D \HDU JHWWLQJ ULG RI VXPPHU then winter clothing to be in tune with the VHDVRQV KH GHYHORSHG D VWUDWHJ\ WKDW KDV PDGH KLP KLV IRUWXQH +H KDG WZR VDOHV SHU \HDU RQH DW WKH HQG RI VXPPHU WR GH VWRFN UHDG\ IRU WKH ZLQWHU FROOHFWLRQ DQG DQRWKHU LQ ZLQWHU 7KH VKRS

COLIN REES

Sales trainer and business consultant.

ZDV PHUFKDQGLVHG WR UHˊHFW D VDOH WLPH LQ SURJUHVV +H NQHZ HYHU\ FXVWRPHU E\ QDPH DQG VR GLG DOO WKH VWDII :KHQ WKH VDOH VWDUWHG KH ZRXOG ˉUVW VHQG LQYLWDWLRQV WR KLV YHU\ EHVW FXVWRPHUV WR DWWHQG DQ HYHQLQJ YLHZLQJ RI DOO WKH VDOH LWHPV 7KLV HYHQW FRQYHUWHG SHU FHQW RI KLV VWRFN WR VDOHV ,Q ZHHN WZR KH LQYLWHG WKH VHFRQG WLHU of customers and gave them the same

“Raising product quality attracts a higher class of customer.� WUHDWPHQW 7KDW XVXDOO\ FOHDUHG DQRWKHU SHU FHQW RI VWRFN 7KH UHPDLQLQJ SHU FHQW RI VWRFN ZDV FOHDUHG E\ LQYLWDWLRQV WR SHRSOH ZKR PD\ QRW KDYH ERXJKW DQG D KXJH OHDˊHW GURS LQWR WKH VXUURXQGLQJ DUHD So what lessons are there in his marketing SODQ ZH FDQ XVH WR RXU EHQHˉW KHUH" $UH ZH WKDW ZHOO RUJDQLVHG" 'R ZH NQRZ ZKDW RXU RYHUDOO REMHFWLYHV DUH" +RZ ZHOO GR ZH NQRZ RXU EHVW FXVWRPHUV DQG KRZ GR ZH UHZDUG" Can we be sure that those customers are ORFNHG LQWR \RXU VKRS DQG GR QRW ZDQGHU HOVHZKHUH" %\ PDNLQJ VXUH HYHU\RQH LV treated with personal importance makes the YHU\ EHVW FXVWRPHUV EHOLHYH \RX DUH VROHO\ WKHUH IRU WKHP Colinrees7@gmail.com www.colinrees7.wordpress.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT D'ADDARIO UK 0191 300 3000 OR EMAIL AT MAIL@DADDARIO.CO.UK

JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

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SHOW PREVIEW

A guide to MIRC Wednesday, June 17th 2015

Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire

BUILDING UPON what was widely considered its best outing to date last year, this year’s MIRC promises to raise the bar once again, with over 250 dealers set to descend upon Northamptonshire’s Whittlebury Hall for the annual conference and expo. Kicking things off as per usual

behemoth it is today, and how others can improve theirs. The conference will be followed by a gourmet lunch, before we launch straight into the afternoon expo, which, as ever, will see an impressive array of brands and suppliers showcasing their latest

“The morning conference will be streamlined yet highly informative, with our stellar speaker line-up delivering specialised, practical advice.” is the morning conference. Following in last year’s footsteps, the programme will be streamlined yet highly informative, with our stellar speaker line-up delivering specialised, practical advice on everything from bolstering your digital offering to making the most RI \RXU EULFNV DQG PRUWDU VKRS ˌ RRU Topping the bill, is keynote speaker Simon Gilson, co-owner of UK retail giant PMT. With little introduction required, Gilson’s address is sure to be informative, insightful and entertaining, as he provides a unique look at how his business has grown into the MI KEY PARTNERS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSOR

SHOWCASE

lines, connecting with the UK dealer network and offering a variety of exclusive MIRC 2015 show day deals. Then it’s on to the after party, giving everyone a chance to network and unwind in a relaxing environment over a hog roast dinner and a drink or two. And, if that’s not enough, each and every retailer will take home a free Veho Azuro 50W Bluetooth Soundbar, worth RRP £149.95. So, check out the full conference programme and our comprehensive exhibitor guide in the pages overleaf to ensure you get the most out of your MIRC 2015. PREMIUM PLATINUM SPONSORS

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SHOW PREVIEW

THE SPEAKERS Kicking things off is the morning conference, in which a selection of expert speakers deliver invaluable advice on how you can improve your business. So, without further ado, say hello to this year’s line-up...

SIMON GILSON,

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

CO - OWNER, PMT

SIMON GILSON, co-owner of UK MI retail giant PMT (Professional Music Technology), will be delivering the all-important keynote address at this year’s MIRC. As joint leader of the nation’s largest musical instrument retailer, Gilson will be offering attendees at this year’s morning conference some truly unique insights into how his company has grown to become the multi-chain high street behemoth it is today and how it has managed to weather the devastating economic climate of recent years and come out the other side. Never one to mince his words, Gilson’s address is sure to be both thought provoking, entertaining and highly informative, as he offers

CARL WEST,

CORIN BIRCHALL,

his personal opinion on some of the biggest and PRVW GLIË‹FXOW FKDOOHQJHV IDFLQJ WKH 0, UHWDLO sector today. Commenting on his appointment as keynote speaker at this year’s MIRC, and offering us a glimpse of what attendees can expect from his headline slot, Gilson told MI Pro: “It is a great honour to be asked to speak to one’s peers on their specialist subject. Ȥ$V , NQRZ DEVROXWHO\ QRWKLQJ DERXW Ë‹VKLQJ or golf,â€? he continued, “I guess I will have to stick to speaking about the industry! “However, I hope to bring some fun, as well as some thought provoking insights into the realities of MI retail in the times we live in.â€?

STUART O’BRIEN,

SUPPLY CHAIN DIRECTOR, GFK

MANAGING DIRECTOR, KERCHING RETAIL

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL, MIMRAM MEDIA

GFK SUPPLY chain director, Carl West, will be taking to the stage as part of this year’s morning conference. With over 16 years’ experience in software and hardware sales as a vendor and in distribution, West boasts a wide-ranging knowledge across several digital markets and brings with him a great understanding of Channel; Distribution; Public Sector/Corporate Channel; and the internal dynamics of the Retail and Vertical Reseller channels. At MIRC 2015, West will EH GLVFXVVLQJ WKH EHQHˋWV RI D FRPSUHKHQVLYH market data system. Prior to joining GfK, West worked for Datrontech Retail, SimpleTech, Solarsoft, and Mediagrids. Additionally, he is the GfK representative for CompTIA and is a regular speaker at market conferences.

RETAIL EXPERT, Corin Birchall, made his MIRC debut last year, providing dealers with some truly unique insights into how they can improve their layout, display and product demo skills. This time out, he will be looking to build on his 2014 address by offering dealers yet more invaluable advice on how they can get the most from their bricks and mortar business. Before setting up Kerching Retail – a specialist retail consultancy – Birchall plied his trade for Roland UK, where he developed the concept of 5RODQG 3ODQHWV ZKLFK WKH ˋUP UROOHG RXW DFURVV the globe. The focus on product knowledge, display and demo readiness was regarded by many as an industry benchmark and changed how many MI brands now present themselves in music stores.

BRINGING WITH him a wealth of digital knowledge and expertise, Stuart O’Brien, director of digital at content marketing services, social media strategy and event management specialist Mimram Media, will be showing MIRC 2015 attendees how they can grow their businesses by complementing their bricks and mortar operations with an improved digital offering. “I’m absolutely delighted to be part of MIRC 2015,� commented O’Brien. “Having served as head of digital at New Bay Media for several years and developing many of its websites, including MI Pro, amongst many others, I’m very much looking forward to connecting with the wider MI community and demonstrating how retailers can grow their businesses online.�

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SHOW PREVIEW

YAMAHA INTRODUCING LINE 6 A regular participant at MIRC, Yamaha will this year be showcasing an array of products from the recently acquired Line 6 brand... What can retailers expect from your stand? We have two rooms this year. Room one will be our commercial room, where our dealers can meet in a more relaxed atmosphere with their sales reps, and room two, where we will be introducing our Line 6 product range, complete with live demos. What will you be doing to capitalise on your day at MIRC? Yamaha Music UK is looking

“We will ensure that we have our complete sales force at the show, along with key marketing staff to meet with dealers and discuss our latest products and marketing initiatives.” forward to both the morning conference and the chance to meet so many of our business partners during the afternoon. We will have a full complement of sales and marketing staff to meet with all of our dealers. Will you be offering any special show day deals? Come and see us on the day. Which key products will you be showcasing? This year, our focus is on Line 6 and six new models to the EKB range. What’s the secret to getting the most out of MIRC? We will ensure that we have our complete sales force at the show, along with key marketing staff to meet with dealers and discuss our latest products and marketing initiatives. These conversations will ensure that we and our dealers get the best out of the day. What do you hope to get out of the show? A chance to have positive conversations with the dealer

network and drive new business. What’s the best thing about MIRC? It’s great to be able to see so many of our dealer partners in a positive and social business environment. And your least favourite thing? Not being able to enjoy the delights of Whittlebury Hall overnight, as it is too close to Milton Keynes to justify staying over! How has business been this year compared to last? Business over recent years has been challenging for everyone. But without doubt, recently, and, following our reorganisation, we are extremely pleased with the business development; especially how last year closed. We are now looking forward to an even better result this year. Have you invited any particular dealers to the show this year? As ever, we encourage all of our dealers to attend MIRC and to make the most of the time with our sales and marketing teams on the day. STAND CONTACTS: Tony Cox from PMD, 07966122943 Malcolm Hardie from Classic, 0797 3909203

KEY BRANDS: Yamaha and Line 6

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SHOW PREVIEW

Variable Instrument Performance ™ Amplifiers

Electric - Acoustic - Bass Peavey amplifiers have always been associated with some of the most influential artists ever. It’s been no surprise that the VYPER VIP line has been embraced by today’s hottest artists. They have everything players look for in a Peavey amp - Tone and Innovation.

Morphing from a bass amp, to an electric amp, to an acoustic amp, the VYPER® VIP is the world’s first Variable Instrument Performance™ amplifer.

If tone and innovation matter to you, contact Barnes & Mullins’ Peavey division to enquire about Peavey VYPER® VIP today. (+44) 01691 652449

Exclusively distributed by

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

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SHOW PREVIEW

BARNES & MULLINS PEAVEY presenting

As the recently appointed UK and Ireland distributor for Peavey, Barnes & Mullins ZLOO GLVSOD\ D UDQJH RI WKH ˉUPČ V NH\ SURGXFWV DW 0,5& What will you be doing to capitalise on your day at MIRC? Barnes & Mullins will be setting up the Expo room the day prior, so as to ensure that all our attendees FDQ EHQHË‹W IURP WKH PRUQLQJ FRQIHUHQFH SURJUDPPH EHIRUH VWDIË‹QJ RXU ([SR URRP UHDG\ WR UHFHLYH UHWDLOHUV LQ WKH DIWHUQRRQ What can retailers expect from your stand? We are attending in our capacity as the recently appointed UK and ,UHODQG GLVWULEXWRU IRU 3HDYH\ ,W ZLOO EH D JUHDW RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU retailers to get reacquainted with WKH JUHDW UDQJH RI 3HDYH\ EDFNOLQH pro audio, instruments and various RWKHU DFFHVVRULHV Will you be offering any special show day deals? :H ZLOO EH KDSS\ WR VSHDN WR interested dealers about how we FDQ DVVLVW LQ WKHLU VWRFNLQJ RI 3HDYH\ SURGXFWV Which key products will you be showcasing? 3HDYH\ DFURVV WKH ERDUG :H DLP WR VKRZ D UDQJH RI 9<3(5 9DULDEOH ,QVWUXPHQW 3HUIRUPDQFH FRPER DPSV 9DOYHNLQJ DPSV series heads and cabs, MAX Bass DPSOLË‹FDWLRQ (VFRUW 3RUWDEOH 3$ V\VWHPV DQG 0HVVHQJHU 3$ FDEV What’s the secret to getting the most out of MIRC? 3UHSDUDWLRQ DQG IRFXV :H KDYH IRXQG WKH EHVW UHVXOWV IRU ERWK XV DQG DWWHQGLQJ UHWDLOHUV FRPH IURP KDYLQJ D VLPSOH IRFXVHG PHVVDJH Having only a short time available, we try to ensure that retailers get a chance to see and experience products that they may otherwise QRW RIWHQ VHH XS FORVH

“As distributor for Peavey in the UK and Ireland, it will be a great opportunity for dealers to get reacquainted with the great range of Peavey products.�

And your least favourite thing? 7KH OLPLWHG H[SR WLPLQJ How has business been this year compared to last? Business growth has been steady, KHOSHG E\ FRQWLQXDOO\ UHIRFXVLQJ RQ ZKDW RXU FXVWRPHUV ZDQW IURP XV Have you invited any particular dealers to the show this year? We deal with every music store in the UK, and our area sales managers would encourage HYHU\RQH WR DWWHQG LI SRVVLEOH

What do you hope to get out of the show? 1HZ SDUWQHUV IRU 3HDYH\ LQ WKH 8. What’s the best thing about MIRC? $Q LQWHUHVWLQJ PL[ RI FRQIHUHQFH DQG H[SR $OWKRXJK WKH H[SR time is limited, it challenges us to KDYH D GHˋQLWH JRDO ZKLFK LQ WXUQ gives attending delegates a simple PHVVDJH WR WDNH DZD\

STAND CONTACTS: The primary contact will be Alex Mew (Alex.mew@bandm.co.uk).

KEY BRANDS: Did I mention Peavey yet?

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MIPRO 21

SHOW PREVIEW

CASIO Casio will showcase its latest Celviano and Privia digital pianos in the Catalunya room as Premium Platinum Sponsors at MIRC 2015... What will you be doing to capitalise on your day at MIRC? Casio is delighted to be a sponsor of MIRC and to be showing our range of products within the large Catalunya room, including our latest digital pianos, which offer new, innovative features and the continued improvements to sound and touch that Casio has been recognised for in recent years. We look forward to inviting a wide range of music dealers to sample our range of products DQG WR GLVFXVV WKH EHQHˋWV RI partnering with Casio within their instruments business. What can retailers expect from your stand? We will provide a full suite of the latest Casio keyboards and digital pianos for dealers to view. As well, our regional sales representatives look forward to meeting new dealers and strengthening relations with our growing dealer base. Will you be offering any special show day deals? Casio has successfully provided a regular series of product offers for music dealers and MIRC will again present a number of deals to support delegates that have taken the time to attend MIRC. Which key products will you be showcasing? The latest Celviano and Privia digital pianos will be on show at this year’s event, all available to sample in the Catalunya room. What’s the secret to getting the most out of MIRC? Each year we have increased our presence at MIRC and the attendance of our sales teams. We feel, as fewer dealers have the time to attend music shows on the continent, that the strength of MIRC is reliant on continued attendance and representation from suppliers in order to provide music dealers with the chance to fully appreciate the product ranges and terms on offer. What do you hope to get out of the show? As always, we look forward to

seeing the increasing number of music dealers that represent Casio product, presenting the latest models and offers, and to invite new dealers to take a look at Casio as part of their retail offering. What’s the best thing about MIRC? It’s the main opportunity for the UK music industry to meet and discuss the products, suppliers, dealers and issues that really matter to them.

“Casio will provide a full suite of the latest Casio keyboards and digital pianos for dealers to view, which offer new, innovative features and continued improvements to sound and touch.” And your least favourite thing? The coffee (unless one of the hidden machines are switched on in some of the foyers). How has business been this year compared to last? As anyone involved in the music industry will know, business remains tough. Casio has continued to grow yearon-year, thanks to the continued support of Casio dealers. We are under no illusion that business will continue to remain challenging, but we believe we have both the product innovations and channel opportunities to help deliver improved business for all of our music dealers. Have you invited any particular dealers to the show this year? We haven’t invited any dealers at this point. STAND CONTACTS: John Henderson (North) John Pacey (Midlands) Andy Brown (South)

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SHOW PREVIEW

ROSETTI As a MIRC 2015 Platinum Partner, Rosetti will be introducing dealers to a host of new products from its array of brands... What will you be doing to capitalise on your day at MIRC? Attending the morning seminars and meeting as many attendees as possible.

What do you hope to get out of the show? Meet old and new friends and introduce some exciting and SURˋWDEOH QHZ SURGXFWV

What can retailers expect from your stand? An interesting and relevant display of products not seen before.

What’s the best thing about MIRC? The format works very well; the mix of thought-provoking seminars and expo offers attendees a chance to consider new opportunities.

Will you be offering any special show day deals? Yes, we’ll be offering special offers and extended terms exclusively for MIRC attendees. Which key products will you be showcasing? New products from Hagstrom, Rickenbacker, Breedlove and Seymour Duncan, as well as products from our new brands including Dog Days Guitar Straps, Dawn Pro Audio and CAD Audio. What’s the secret to getting the most out of MIRC? Arrive with open eyes and ears.

And your least favourite thing? Loading the truck at the end of the day. How has business been this year compared to last? We’ve seen great growth from our existing brands, developed new models for our Adam Black range and introduced accessories from new partner suppliers. Have you invited any particular dealers to the show this year? Yes, particularly those who are new to MIRC.

STAND CONTACTS:

KEY BRANDS:

Christine Kieffer, 07774 143490 David Chadwick, 07971 143015 Calvin Brown, 07971 143011 Ross Bailey, 07867 317117

Hagstrom, Vandoren, Breedlove, Adam Black, Rickenbacker, Seymour Duncan, Dog Days, CAD Audio and Dawn Pro Audio.

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SHOW PREVIEW

KORG The company will be showing products from its Takamine and Vox brands, along with a selection of its own Korg-branded lines... What will you be doing to capitalise on your day at MIRC? Speaking to as many dealers as possible and sharing with them our plans and aspirations for 2015 and beyond. We have loads to celebrate across our brands. For example, 2015 is the 40th Anniversary of Korg Tuners, a product that we are proud to have invented.

Which key products will you be showcasing? We are excited to be bringing Takamine to MIRC - a fantastic Japanese brand that is held in very high regard. We will also have displays of the new Tromba and Nuova brass, and we are excited to talk to dealers about these great products.

What can retailers expect from your stand? There will be a small selection of products on display across our brands, but more importantly we plan to bring some brand new products yet to be released to give our dealers an exclusive preview of what will be hot this autumn.

What do you hope to get out of the show? The opportunity to discuss the issues of the day with our dealers, as well as the involvement in a great conference.

Will you be offering any special show day deals? Most certainly.

Have you invited any particular dealers to the show this year? We are delighted to see Simon Gilson from PMT not only attending but also delivering the keynote address.

STAND CONTACTS:

KEY BRANDS:

Ricci Hodgson: 07786 733690 Rob Castle: 01908 304600 Duncan William: 07919 543881 Nigel Lawless: 07795 976223 Oli Webb: 07733 323599 'DYH *ULIˉWKV

Korg 9R[ $PSOLˉFDWLRQ Hartke Bass Amps Dean Markley Strings Takamine Guitars Samson Audio Jupiter Brass Tromba Brass Nuova Brass

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SHOW PREVIEW

ROTOSOUND In addition to its famous string ranges, Rotosound will also be unveiling some new products on the day... What will you be doing to capitalise on your day at MIRC? Show deals and promotions. Forging stronger relationships with all our dealers, taking business orders and showing off a selection of new products. What can retailers expect from your stand? To receive all the latest information from Rotosound and the chance to speak to our sales representatives. Will you be offering any special show day deals? Yes. Which key products will you be showcasing? Our bread and butter string lines, along with some new products, ZKLFK DUH \HW WR EH FRQˋ UPHG

What’s the secret to getting the most out of MIRC? Planning. What do you hope to get out of the show? Open new accounts and build new relationships. What’s the best thing about MIRC? Good networking. And your least favourite thing? Can’t think of one! How has business been this year compared to last? We are about level. Have you invited any particular dealers to the show this year? No.

STAND CONTACTS: Jason How, 07900 594497 Ron Baker, 07831 437675 Roger Channing, 07885 644276 Steve Buttery, 07894 584461 Nigel Clutterbuck, 07793 257659

KEY BRANDS: We have a few new accessory lines in the pipeline.

ROTOSOUND ARE PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING THE MIRC SHOW ON THE 17TH JUNE. FOR THE ‘SHOW DAY ONLY’ DEALS STOP BY AND SPEAK TO JASON HOW OR ONE OF OUR 4 DEDICATED ROTOSOUND SALES REPRESENTATIVES. DEALS TO HELP YOU HAVE A MORE PROFITABLE SUMMER! UK SALES REPRESENTATIVES RON BAKER London and the Home Counties M 07831 437675 E ronniebaker95@gmail.com

ROGER CHANNING Southern England M 07885 644276 E rogerchanning@yahoo.co.uk

STEVEN BUTTERY Midlands and Wales M 07894 584461 E steve.rotosound@ntlworld.com

NIGEL CLUTTERBUCK Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland M 07793 257659 E nigelclutterbuck@gmail.com

PROUDLY MADE IN ENGLAND

FIND OUT MORE

WORLD FAMOUS MUSIC STRINGS WWW.ROTOSOUND.COM U FACEBOOK.COM/ROTOSOUND U TWITTER.COM/ROTOSOUND_UK

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SHOW PREVIEW

STUDIOMASTER / CARLSBRO Showcasing its latest products, Studiomaster and Carlsbro plan to attract new customers and will have a number of special show time deals on offer... What will you be doing to capitalise on your day at MIRC? This year we will show customers, new and old, our continued move forward with new products that have only just been launched at Prolight+Sound/Musikmesse. What can retailers expect from your stand? New products, new ideas, new faces.

Will you be offering any special show day deals? Yes, we will have a number of special show day offers.

What’s the best thing about MIRC? Having so many people in one SODFH WKH EHQHˋWV DUH HQGOHVV

Which key products will you be showcasing? For Studiomaster, the new Drive series of active and passive moulded cabinets; CLUB XS, a new range of compact mixers; and digiLiVE. For Carlsbro, the VAC15 C and an all-new addition to our electronic drum kit range.

And your least favourite thing? The hangover the following day.

What’s the secret to getting the most out of MIRC? No secret; present yourselves in the right way, with the right attitude and the right products. What do you hope to get out of the show? New customers, orders and ideas.

How has business been this year compared to last? So far, we are gaining ground and the new products are showing great potential for the rest of the year. Have you invited any particular dealers to the show this year? <HV ZHȢUH RQ WKH FDVH STAND CONTACTS:

KEY BRANDS:

Simon Alexander, 07826 080702, simon@studiomaster.com

Studiomaster, Carlsbro

Patrick Almond, 01908 281072, patrick@studiomaster.com

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SHOW PREVIEW

LIBERTY DRUMS Custom drum manufacturer, Liberty Drums, will display its latest series of drum kits, whilst also showing attendees the services it provides... What will you be doing to capitalise on your day at MIRC? Connecting with dealers and distributors and displaying our handmade drums and services. What can retailers expect from your stand? A demonstration of our new ranges and an insight into our drum industry services. Will you be offering any special show day deals? We will be offering some great, exclusive deals and offers. Which key products will you be showcasing? The new Jazz series/Bop series; Inlay series; and Cast Acrylic series. What’s the secret to getting the most out of MIRC?

Connections and utilising the wealth of resource created under the MIRC community. What do you hope to get out of the show? We are looking to grow and establish a stronger UK base. What’s the best thing about MIRC? The resource, in terms of event speakers, with their wealth of knowledge/experience offered. How has business been this year compared to last? Business has expanded and grown with new contracts won in new areas of the drum industry. Have you invited any particular dealers to the show this year? Just Drumshack, so far.

Andrew Street (right) will be on the stand at the show. STAND CONTACTS: Andrew Street: 07508 049001 andrew@libertydrums.com Kevin Lodge: kevin@libertydrums.com

KEY BRANDS: Liberty Drums

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SHOW PREVIEW

ACE TECH 7UDLQLQJ DQG EXVLQHVV GHYHORSPHQW ˉ UP $FH 7HFK will be at MIRC 2015 offering a range of services that help businesses increase sales... What will you be doing to capitalise on your day at MIRC? Hopefully spending most of the time speaking with attendees WR ˋ QG RXW PRUH DERXW WKHLU businesses and how we can be of assistance. What can retailers expect from your stand? A friendly welcome and detailed overview of how our services can be of help to attendees, from a company that understands the challenges of the MI industry. Will you be offering any special show day deals? Yes, please come and see us on the stand for details. Which key products will you be showcasing? Our comprehensive range of

services that help businesses increase sales, including Sales Talent Assessment, Sales and Marketing training and TXDOLˋ FDWLRQ 6DOHV FRDFKLQJ DQG CRM consultancy. What’s the secret to getting the most out of MIRC? Having a passion for the MI industry, an open mind and engaging with as many fellow attendees as possible. What do you hope to get out of the show? The opportunity to introduce our range of services and to catch up with faces old and new.

What’s the best thing about MIRC? That it exists - providing a great B2B forum for the MI retail and distribution industry with a positive balance of great new products, relaxed networking and helpful advice. And your least favourite thing? Nothing to date. How has business been this year compared to last? Sitting on local committees of both the Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses, we deal with a wide range of diverse organisations and are pleased this year to be starting to see much more consistent signs of positive growth beginning to show across WKH ERDUG ZKLFK LV DOVR ˋ UPO\ UHˌ HFWHG LQ RXU RZQ EXVLQHVV

STAND CONTACTS: Simon Atack, managing director, 07717 025 007

KEY BRANDS: Our own brand, Ace Tech Training and Business Development Ltd, and The Institute of Sales and Marketing Management, which we represent as a Recognised Training Centre.

0345 544 2504

enquiries@acetechtraining.com Ace Tech Training and Business Development Ltd, Huntingdon Business Centre, Blackstone Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 6EF. Reg No. 08830653. VAT No. 180 9781 73

www.acetechtraining.com

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SHOW PREVIEW

TANGLEWOOD The British guitar brand is promising some exclusive UK MIRC launches and some special deals on the day… What will you be doing to capitalise on your day at MIRC? First and foremost we are going to be there to support the UK’s closest event that we have to an MI trade show. As Britain’s best selling acoustic guitar brand we feel it’s important to see existing Tanglewood dealers and also meet new ones looking to capitalise on a brand 100 per cent focused on supporting the industry. What can retailers expect from your stand? We’ve taken a large room to display a wide selection of our product range, but we will also exclusively launch at MIRC new 2015 models never before seen in the UK. Will you be offering any exclusive show-day deals? Yes!

Which key products will you be showcasing? The all-new Discovery guitars; Nashville V, Sundance Delta Historic, Tanglewood Crossroads Guitars. Exciting new models and great price points. What’s the secret to getting the most out of MIRC? There is no secret. You have to be there to show your support to this industry at every opportunity. We are happy to dedicate time to help grow our business and spread the word as to how we can help in these testing times. What do you hope to get out of the show? We hope to be able to tell our story of what Tanglewood is doing to help and be part of keeping a bricks and mortar music store in business.

We hope to reinforce our message to existing dealers and if there are one or two new ones that we don’t deal with we’d like to speak to them and let them know how we could help them, too. What’s the best thing about MIRC? The ability to speak face-to-face in a relaxed environment and be positive about our brand, as well as to build FRQˋGHQFH ZLWK RXU UHWDLOHUV LQ WKH coming months of business. And your least favourite thing? Packing all the product away! How has business been this year compared to last? What business isn’t challenging in 2015? We consider ourselves very lucky that we can hold our heads up high and know we have a product that is popular, in demand and that we are genuinely trying to support stockists of the Tanglewood brand in every way possible.

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SHOW PREVIEW

SHOWCASE As ever, we’ve got an eclectic array of Showcase Partners participating in this year’s show, all of which will be keen to connect with the dealer network and maybe even offer a few show-day deals...

TO CONFERENCE

WHITTLEBURY HALL FLOORPLAN

ENTRANCE & REGISTRATION

CATALUNYA

MAGNY COURS

CASIO

PEAVEY UK

PREMIUM PLATINUM ● Yamaha/Line 6 ● Peavey UK ● Casio

● N1. Rotosound ● N2. Studiomaster ● SU1. Mirtas ● SU2. MIA ● M1. Gremlin ● M2. Ace Tech ● Tanglewood Lounge

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TANGLEWOOD

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ORGANISERS OFFICE

PLATINUM ● Rosetti ● Korg ● Liberty Drums

1

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S6 S5

S10

LIBERTY DRUMS

S9

CHEQUERS COURT YARD

KORG

INDIANAPOLIS

S8

ROSETTI

YAMAHA & LINE 6

SHOWCASE

● Alfred Publishing ● Red Chili Audio ● Velta International ● Stone Deaf FX ● Temple/Robot Head Industries ● ABRSM

S1

HOCKENHEIM YAMAHA & LINE 6 LOUNGE

VEHICLE ACCESS Positions subject to change

1

TO LUNCH & REGISTRATION

HUNGORARING SHOWCASE

JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

32 MIPRO

LEGAL MATTERS

RAFAEL RUIZ, PARTNER, BIRKETTS

BRIBERY AND MONEY LAUNDERING

The offences and self reporting bribery Partner at legal specialist Birketts, Rafael Ruiz, continues his focus on legal matters in the MI industry. This month, he delves into bribery, providing some key insights into the subsequent punishments that can ensue as a result... LAST YEAR VDZ WKH Ë‹UVW VLJQLË‹FDQW FRQYLFWLRQV IRU WKH 6)2 XQGHU WKH 8. %ULEHU\ $FW ,W LV OLNHO\ WKDW WKH\ ZLOO PDUN WKH VWDUW RI D QHZ HUD RI DQWL FRUUXSWLRQ HQIRUFHPHQW LQ WKH 8. 7KH ODZ FDQ EH VXPPDULVHG LQWR IRXU NH\ RIIHQFHV %ULELQJ 5HFHLYLQJ D EULEH %ULELQJ D IRUHLJQ SXEOLF RIË‹FLDO )DLOLQJ WR SUHYHQW EULEHU\ 7KH %ULEHU\ $FW GRHV QRW MXVW FRYHU LQGLYLGXDOV EXW H[WHQGV WR EXVLQHVVHV WKDW EHFRPH LQYROYHG LQ FRUUXSWLRQ DQG WKH 8. DXWKRULWLHV KDYH PDGH QR VHFUHW RI WKHLU GHVLUH WR VHFXUH D FRUSRUDWH FRQYLFWLRQ 7KH 6)2 LV FKDPSLRQLQJ D FKDQJH LQ WKH $FW FUHDWLQJ D FRUSRUDWH RIIHQFH RI IDLOLQJ WR SUHYHQW DFWV RI Ë‹QDQFLDO FULPH E\ DVVRFLDWHG SHUVRQV ZKLFK ZRXOG DFFRUGLQJ WR LWV GLUHFWRU 'DYLG *UHHQ 4& ȤJUHDWO\ LQFUHDVH WKH 6)2È¢V UHDFK RYHU FRUSRUDWHV LQ DSSURSULDWH FDVHV È¥ 'LUHFWRUV DQG RIË‹FHUV RI D FRPSDQ\ PD\ EH JXLOW\ RI RIIHQFHV LI WKH\ DUH LPSOLFDWHG DFWLYHO\ RU SDVVLYHO\ 7KH %ULEHU\ $FW LV JHQHUDOO\ FRQFHUQHG ZLWK FLUFXPVWDQFHV ZKHUH VRPHRQH LV JLYHQ Ë‹QDQFLDO RU RWKHU DGYDQWDJH LQ RUGHU WR HQFRXUDJH WKDW SHUVRQ WR SHUIRUP WKHLU IXQFWLRQV RU DFWLYLWLHV LPSURSHUO\ RU WR UHZDUG WKHP IRU DOUHDG\ KDYLQJ GRQH VR ,QGLYLGXDOV PD\ EH SURVHFXWHG DV ZHOO DV WKHLU FRPSDQ\ ,I DQ RUJDQLVDWLRQ FDUULHV RQ DQ\ SDUW RI LWV EXVLQHVV LQ WKH 8.

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JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

MIPRO 33

LEGAL MATTERS

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RUJDQLVDWLRQ VXVSHFWV WKH\ DUH GHDOLQJ ZLWK FULPLQDO SURSHUW\ PDNLQJ DQ DXWKRULVHG GLVFORVXUH DV VRRQ DV SUDFWLFDEOH ZRXOG PHDQ WKDW QR RIIHQFH LV FRPPLWWHG ,I WKH GLVFORVXUH LV PDGH DIWHU WKH RIIHQFH KDV EHHQ FRPPLWWHG WKHUH ZRXOG QHHG WR EH UHDVRQDEOH H[FXVH IRU QRW PDNLQJ WKH GLVFORVXUH DW WKH WLPH RI RU EHIRUH WKH WUDQVDFWLRQ 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 LQIRUPDWLRQ LQ WKLV DUWLFOH WR VSHFLË‹F issues. Neither Birketts LLP or the author, accept any liability for any reliance placed on the contents of this article.

INTERVIEW

All hail the Queen

Consisting of members from Limp Bizkit and Marilyn Manson, LA rockers Queen Kwong have begun to draw some attention from their charismatic live performances and raw sound. Rhys Troake caught up with the band’s singer, CarrĂŠ Callaway, and guitarist, Wes Borland, to talk gear, the band’s formation, and how things began for them as musicians‌ STEPPING ASIDE from the nu-metal scene, Limp Bizkit guitarist, Wes Borland, has recently joined CarrĂŠ Callaway LQ KHU /$ URFN RXWË‹W 4XHHQ Kwong. The four-piece grew from Callaway’s solo act - discovered by Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) - and have begun to make a name for themselves in the UK from their four-date tour in the capital, and return this summer to play some of the country’s biggest festivals. With Callaway starting off as a solo singer/songwriter, and Borland being a part of many projects, what brought the two WRJHWKHU WR IRUP 4XHHQ .ZRQJ" “We met about a year ago now. Wes had remixed a song for me,â€? Callaway explains. “We knew each other through Trent (Reznor),â€? adds Borland. Callaway continues: “We knew of each other, but we had never actually met. But when we did Ë‹QDOO\ PHHW LQ SHUVRQ ZH ZHUH both creative, wacky people and got along. “When I began recording, Wes had heard the material and I needed to form a band. So I asked him and he was happy to help. So I

got lucky.� Renowned for the distinct tone and use of effects created throughout his many projects, Borland is often questioned as to what gear he uses to produce such GLVWLQFW VRXQGV %XW ˋUVWO\ QHZHU to the electric guitar, what gear GRHV &DOORZD\ EULQJ WR WKH VWDJH" “This will be a short list for me,� she notes. “I’ve got quite a unique guitar. It’s a semi-hollow Gibson

array of effects pedals, from boutique to the more standard Boss. I always end up going back to Boss. This is purely because they’re just so reliable and they don’t break every ten seconds. “I was playing with around ten pedals, but now I only use around WZR RU WKUHH ,ȢYH UHDOO\ VLPSOLË‹HG things, and prefer to just use delays and an overdrive. “When it comes to amps and

“I love hollow-bodied guitars. When we were still a three-piece, they helped to create a lot of noise and feedback.� 135. They only made a limited run of of that model, as they had really shitty pickups, which made it sound terrible, so they stopped making them. But when I picked one up, I loved it! Although, mine has custom Lollar P90 pickups, not the stock ones. “I love hollow bodies. When we were still just a three-piece and I was the only guitarist, the hollow body helped to create a lot of noise and feedback. “I’ve gone through quite an

speakers, I use a really shitty four speaker cab. But only two of the speakers work.� “They do work now, she just had them on the wrong ohms,� Borland interjects. “Anyway, I use an Orange Rockerverb 50 head,� Callaway continues. “But we’re not using Orange tonight. Wes is with EVH and they supplied us with a whole load of stuff. “And now Wes, he uses a whole bunch of gear!�

Ȥ:HOO IRU 4XHHQ .ZRQJ , VWDUWHG using Bilt guitars,â€? Borland says. “Bilt are a company from Iowa, they do Starcaster/Jaguar hybrid models, with a bunch of effects built in. “However, I didn’t really want to take one of these on the road, so I got one of the new Chinese Starcasters that Fender have just reissued. I’m an artist with Fender Jackson, so I’ve also got a black top Fender Jazzmaster. “I upgrade my guitars heavily with Mastery bridges and tremolos, along with Lollar wide-range humbucker pickups. And there’s a single coil pickup on the Jazzmaster on a separate volume that I can bring in and out. But I decided to keep the stock neck pickup on the Jazzmaster. “On my pedal board, most of my delays are coming from a Strymon Timeline and a Strymon Big Sky. I’ve also got a Boss Reverb Delay, a DD-3 delay that I use for different things and a Cry Baby Wah. “I’ve just been using one channel and I’m currently using a Ernie Ball volume pedal to change from clean to distortion.â€? +DYLQJ MRLQHG 4XHHQ .ZRQJ

Pic Š James Marinos

later into the project, Borland had to adapt his gear to the band’s existing sound. How was this SURFHVV WDNHQ RQ" “Well, since I came into this project, not having written any of the songs, I listened to some of the past material, and as she was making the record I was getting familiar with some of the new songs, and the way Joe Cardamone, from The Icarus Line, plays guitar. He plays guitar on the record. “So I just built everything listening to that and then put together a rig that covered all of my bases.â€? With both Callaway and Borland having begun their careers on different paths, how did they each start their journey and take up the OHDUQLQJ SURFHVV" “My dad had an acoustic guitar that I used to horse around with when I was a kid,â€? Borland states. Ȥ%XW WKH Ë‹UVW WLPH , KHOG DQ HOHFWULF guitar, it just had such a different feeling. How heavy it was, how many knobs it had on it, it just felt so different from my dad’s acoustic. Which was immediately not cool. I just wanted to play

electric guitar. “So, I mowed lawns and bought an eighty dollar guitar and a Gorilla amp and started to play ‘Pipeline’ and ‘Wipeout’. Then I got into stuff like Minor Threat, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag and The 'DPQHG %XW ZKHQ , ˋUVW KHDUG Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All that was it; I began to play riffs.� Calloway took on a slightly

how to play acoustic guitar. From then on people just seemed to give me guitars and I started playing open-mic nights, playing folk PXVLF DQG Ë‹QJHUSLFNLQJ ,ȢP IURP Denver, Colorado, so if you were a girl playing music, that’s what you did. Ȥ, ZDV Ë‹UVW JLYHQ DQ HOHFWULF guitar when I opened for Nine Inch Nails. They were like, ‘You

“Of course we think high street stores are still a key thing to have, but that doesn’t mean the general public think they are important anymore. Music isn’t seen by the current generation in the same way we saw it.� different learning process. “I can’t really remember learning too well,� she says. “When I was 13 I started writing lyrics and was I was like ‘Well if I’m going to write lyrics, I should learn to sing and deliver them’. So I had this creepy guitar teacher - I won’t say his name, even though I really want to - and he taught me

can’t play acoustic guitar if you’re opening for Nine Inch Nails!’ So I was handed a red Les Paul, and I hate Les Pauls. I still have a knot in my shoulder from that one, ten years later! “And from there, I just taught myself, really. I have messed up chords sequences. I don’t form chords correctly, or ‘by the book.’

“Yeah, she plays power chords backwards,â€? Borland remarks. With Borland having saved his hard earned cash to purchase KLV Ë‹UVW JXLWDU IURP D KLJK VWUHHW retailer, do the pair still believe there is still a place for bricks and PRUWDU 0, VWRUHV" Ȥ2I FRXUVH ČĽ DIË‹UPV %RUODQG “We think they are a key thing to have,â€? adds Callaway. “But that doesn’t mean the general public think they are important anymore. Music has been devalued. It isn’t seen by the current generation in the same way we saw it. “Technology, like the Internet, has helped with certain things a little, but it has also devalued it. “People are no longer saving up their money and going into their local stores and getting excited about physically buying products any more. “They are important, but it’s not too hopeful they will stay around‌ or music in general, for that matter.â€? “There’s no carrot any more,â€? Borland concludes. “There’s no reason to make music for a living any more.â€?

Left to right: CarrĂŠ Callaway; Wes Borland

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5HWDLO SURˉOH P49 Mystery shopper P50 New gear P54

Sheehan’s drops orchestral lines The retailer will now focus its efforts solely on guitar, DPSOLˉFDWLRQ GUXPV DQG NH\ERDUG SURGXFWV BY DANIEL GUMBLE LEICESTER-BASED retailer, Sheehan’s, has announced a number of major changes to its business PRGHO ZLWK WKH ˋUP VHW WR PRYH away from the orchestral market in order to focus its efforts on guitars, amps, drums and keys. The shift in focus for Sheehan’s

“Cuts in local authority funding has meant less people are playing orchestral instruments.â€? follows a sustained period of VLJQLË‹FDQW FKDQJH ZLWK VDOHV growing in the more mainstream sector of the market. Meanwhile, VDOHV RI RUFKHVWUDO OLQHV KDYH UDSLGO\ declined, forcing the company to reassess its offering. Speaking to MI Pro, Sheehan’s managing director Richard 7KRPSVRQ H[SODLQHG Ȥ2YHU UHFHQW \HDUV ZH KDYH H[SHULHQFHG VRPH RI WKH ELJJHVW FKDQJHV LQ UHWDLO ZH KDYH HYHU VHHQ :H KDYH VHHQ FRQVLVWHQW growth with guitars, keys, drums DQG DPSV EXW D ËŒDWOLQLQJ RUFKHVWUDO department. Cuts in local authority funding has meant less people are

SOD\LQJ WKH LQVWUXPHQWV DQG KDYLQJ the opportunity to play within RUFKHVWUDV $V D UHVXOW ZH KDYH UHPRYHG RXU RUFKHVWUDO GHSDUWPHQW WR SXUVXH WKH DUHDV ZKHUH ZH KDYH VHHQ VLJQLË‹FDQW JURZWK ČĽ 7KRPSVRQ DOVR EHOLHYHV WKDW WKH new focus will allow the store to establish a stronger presence in the PDUNHW KDYLQJ SUHYLRXVO\ FDWHUHG IRU WZR YHU\ GLIIHUHQW VHFWRUV Ȥ,W LV WUXH WKDW ZH KDYH KDG DQ LGHQWLW\ crisis for some years; trying to market two sectors is extremely GLIË‹FXOW DQG ZH WUXO\ EHOLHYH WKH importance of clarity when trying to set out your proposition to the HQG XVHU ČĽ ,Q DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH FKDQJHV Sheehan’s has built an in-store stage WR KRXVH 3$ DQG OLYH JHDU DV ZHOO DV KRVW DQ DUUD\ RI HYHQWV LQFOXGLQJ FOLQLFV DQG OLYH SHUIRUPDQFHV Ȥ$V ZH PRYH IRUZDUG WKH focus will be on store experience DQG FRPPXQLW\ EXLOGLQJ ČĽ VDLG Thompson. “The industry is full of sound bites around these subjects, but the real success is how well they are implemented and to what extent. Ȥ:H QRZ KDYH D SXUSRVH EXLOW stage, which we use for in-store clinics, demonstrations and anything we come across for performances. ,Q RWKHU DUHDV RI WKH VKRS ZH are raising the roof (literally) to DFFRPPRGDWH PRUH JXLWDUV UHË‹WWLQJ the coffee area and bringing the ZRUNVKRS RXW RQWR WKH VKRS ËŒRRU ČĽ

Sheehan’s has built an in-store stage to host an array of live events

FIVE SECOND FACTS

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

4

Strings and Things adds four new brands to its percussion line-up

17

The annual MIRC show is just around the corner, taking place on June 17th

2k

A hand-made Eve Elite guitar, worth over two thousand pounds, has been stolen from Red Dog Music

1

Making Music has kicked off its Grade One Challenge as part of a collaboration with BBC Get Creative

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SECRET DEALER

Why businesses could be spending too much on Google Adwords...

Google AdWords: Useful marketing tool or waste of money? A STRAW poll of retailers in the industry would suggest that up to 100 per cent of our marketing budgets are spent on AdWords, with some touting monthly budgets in the tens of thousands of pounds. The reason for this is that AdWords offers advertisers the Holy Grail: Access to potential customers who are searching for exactly what they are selling. So, for example, if someone searches for ‘buy Fender three-colour sunburst widget’, their product page can appear at the top of the page with promises of free delivery and outstanding customer service. What’s more, retailers can decide how much they’re willing to pay for a click and how much they want to spend each day. They can even track exactly how customers have come to their site and measure a precise return on investment. Amazing! The marketing industry has been turned on its head; traditional print advertising vehicles have folded, and we all walk into a happy Google utopia where we never waste any money ever again. An old school marketer once said: “I know half my marketing budget is wasted, I just don’t know which half.� No more! We can track every penny spent. The reality is, however, very different. As MI retailers – and most marketing agencies are (on the whole) not mathematicians, they don’t know how to work out how much they should be bidding for a given keyword, so they bid more

5HWDLOHUV WHQG WR RYHU ELG RQ $G:RUGV ZKLFK OHDGV WR YHU\ OLWWOH SURˉ W

“Don’t bid on AdWords; spend your marketing money on something else. You will save yourself some cash.�

and more to be at the top spot, until there’s actually no point being on the top VSRW EHFDXVH DQ\ SURˋ W made on the subsequent sale has been wiped out by the amount of money now jingling about in Mr Google’s very large pockets. To clarify; in a competitive market place, the bidding system means that the cost of an ad is as high as it can be for any given keyword. What does this mean? It means that, given all bidding parties are intelligent agents (spoiler alert, they’re not), the price of a sale will naturally DSSURDFK WKH SURˋ W PDGH

on that sale and no-one (except for Google) will PDNH DQ\ SURˋ W For example; Andrew bids £2 to make a £5 return e SURˋ W VR %HQ ELGV e to make the same return e SURˋ W VR &DUOD ELGV e e SURˋ W XQWLO QR RQH is making a return at all, or at least the return is so minimal as to not be worth the effort. This is SUHVXPLQJ $QGUHZ %HQ DQG &DUOD DUH LQWHOOLJHQW agents. If they’re not, it’s highly likely that they’ll bid more than their return (e.g. a bid of £6 for a £5 return leading to a loss of £1). In a real world situation where you can multiply

these three agents by 100s, there is enough stupidity and general noise in the bidding that this is bound to happen. Result? For your bid to succeed, you have to bid so much that it’s not worth ELGGLQJ 7KH SURˋ W RI WKH entire MI industry is being transferred to Mr Google’s aforementioned pockets, and we’re all much the poorer for it. So, don’t bid on AdWords and spend your marketing money on something else. Aside from saving some money, it’ll be much more fun and you can sit around smoking and drinking whiskey as if it’s the 1960s.

Yamaha Classic Division

A BRIGHTER FUTURE. TOGETHER. Join us at MIRC and meet with the Classic Division Team to ďŹ nd out how we can help grow your future business with a full range of great offers and powerful promotional programs - only from Yamaha.

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BOOMWHACKERS POWER PACK

The company’s Power Packs come complete with a eight-note diatonic set of tuned percussion tubes

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oomwhackers are brightly coloured, tuned musical tubes that have won a number of awards, including a Best 25 Toys of 25 Years award from Parents’ Choice. Each person holds one or two of these tuned percussion tubes and whacks them against their arm, thigh or any hard surface to produce the sound. Boomwhackers are designed to help get children interested in music making and are used by music teachers around the world, as well as a number of professional musicians. They can also be used for a variety of applications, such as team building, music therapy and more. The Boomwhackers Power Pack (BWPP £26.99) LV VSHFLˋ FDOO\ GHVLJQHG IRU the mass recreational music making market. The Power Pack includes an eight-note diatonic set of tuned percussion tubes, two patented Octavator &DSV ZKLFK ZKHQ ˋ WWHG to a Boomwhacker tube, lower its note by an octave), the Whack Tracks audio CD and a special DVD, with an exclusive interview and performance footage of Plastik Musik, the world’s premier Boomwhacker performance group. Created for tween, teen and adult musicians, and packaged in a full colour display box, the Power Pack is suitable for a number of activities, including recreational music making, senior music health and wellness therapy, creative music composition and choreographed dance or movement performances. Boomwhackers are used and endorsed by Dame Evelyn Glennie.

ALSO IN THE RANGE: BWPP POWER PACK BWPG C MAJOR PENTATONIC SCALE SET BWDG C MAJOR DIATONIC SCALE SET BWKG BASS CHROMATICS SET BWJG BASS DIATONIC SET BWCG CHROMATICS SET BWEG TREBLE EXTENSION SET BPXS BOOMOPHONE XTS WHACK PACK

ÂŁ26.99 ÂŁ14.29 ÂŁ18.29 ÂŁ24.29 ÂŁ29.49 ÂŁ12.29 ÂŁ11.29 ÂŁ43.99

Contacts Address: John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd, Salem House, Parkinson Approach, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2HR, United Kingdom Telephone: 0113 2865 381 Email: www.jhs.co.uk

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CARLSBRO CSD525 DIGITAL DRUM KIT

7KH ˉ UPȠV &6' PRGHO LV D FRPSDFW HOHFWURQLF GUXP NLW WKDW FRPHV ZLWK D FRPSHWLWLYH SULFH WDJ

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he CD by Carlsbro range of digital drum kits has established itself ˋ UPO\ LQ WKH market since the launch of the CSD501, which is now followed by this model - the CSD525. The range has been a great success for Carlsbro DQG EHFDPH D ˋ UP ˋ [WXUH RQ PDQ\ D VKRS ˌ RRU DFURVV the country, surprising some with its quality and key features, which are more commonly associated with digital drum kits at higher price points. The CSD525 kit is a smaller variant to the CSD501 and comes at an RRP of £273.90. In addition to the competitive price point, the CSD525 is a space saving, highly portable kit that can fold down to ensure it doesn’t take over any room when not in use. Features include a sound module that contains 20 preset kits with empty banks for WHQ XVHU GHˋ QHG drum kits to be compiled from the 250 on-board percussion voices. The user can add reverb, adjust sensitivity and cross talk and can play along with either the 20 contained demo songs or can connect an MP3/CD player and play along with their favourite tracks.

ALSO IN THE RANGE: CSD501 FULL- SIZE DIGITAL DRUM KIT RRP £361.90 INC VAT

FACTS & FIGURES RRP: £273.90 inc VAT Model name: CSD525 Model type: Digital Drum Kit Main Features: • Compact kit. Portable space saving kit when in storage mode comprising foldable three-legged drum rack • Comprehensive sound module • 1 x 2” bass pad with bass kick pedal • 1 x 7.5” dual-zone snare pad • 3 x 7.5” single-zone tom pads • 1 x 10” single-zone hi-hat cymbal pad • 1x10” single-zone crash cymbal pad with choke • 1 x 10” single-zone ride cymbal pad with choke • 1 x hi-hat controller pedal

Contacts Address: Carlsbro, Unit 11, Torc:MK, Chippenham Drive, Milton Keynes, MK10 0BZ Telephone: 01908 281072 Web: www.carlsbro.com Email: info@carlsbro.com

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LIBERTY DRUMS JAZZ SERIES LIQUID PEARL The Liberty Drum Jazz Series is designed to create a classic, vintage sound with its increased head-to-shell contact

T

he Liberty Drums Jazz Series is described by the company as a ‘statement of craftsmanship with the injection of vintage’. The Liberty ‘Opex’ bearing edge design is aimed at creating a classic, vintage VRXQG YLD WKH LQˌ XHQFH RI increased head-to-shell contact, while a sensitive snare design is intended to capture ‘whispery’ strokes. New to the Liberty Drums Jazz Series is the Liquid Pearl model, featuring a Liquid Pearl wrap fully bonded to the shell in order to maximise resonance. With regard to the shells, HDFK SO\ RI WKH ˋ QHVW )LQQLVK birch is applied by hand LQWR WKH ˋ UPȢV PROGV LQ D cross laminated formation. This process is intended to provide enhanced strength and deliver maximum diversity in tonal range Liberty Chrome hardware also features throughout, including snare mounted tom, die cast Liberty lugs, hard-wearing chrome kick spurs and a George Way snare throw. All Liberty Drum kits are made in Shildon, County Durham, England.

FACTS & FIGURES RRP: Three-piece £1,299, four-piece £1,599 Shell material: 100 per cent Premium Finnish Birch Shell construction – nine ply toms (6mm), 12 ply bass drum (8mm) Bearing edge: Opex (50 per cent rounded outer with 45° inner) Finishes Lacquer Solids/ Sparkles, Satin Oils and Inlays Shell hardware: Liberty Chrome hardware, including snare mounted tom, die cast Liberty lugs, hard wearing chrome kick spurs, George Way snare throw Drum hoops: Chrome WULSOH ˊ DQJH KRRSV Drum heads: EQ2 Kick batter, EQ3 smooth white reso, J1 Etched tom/snare heads, G1 tom resos, Hazy 300 snare side Badge: Liberty

Contacts ALSO IN THE RANGE: FUSION SERIES ( WHISKEY MODEL WITH BOX INLAY ) CAST ACRYLIC SERIES AVANT SERIES FROM

£2,479 FROM £959 £1,173

Address: Liberty Drums, Unit 3, Dabble Duck Industrial Estate, Shildon, County Durham, DL4 2RA Telephone: +44 8450 090672 Web: www.libertydrums.com

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GREMLIN BODHRÁN

A traditional Irish percussion instrument, the Bodhrán is a highly popular drum amongst folk musicians

T

he Bodhrán (pronounced bow-rahn) is the traditional Irish Drum. Made from a round wooden frame with an animal skin stretched across it, the Bodhrán is the heartbeat of Irish traditional music and is a hugely popular choice. Capable of surprisingly complicated rhythms, when played well, the Bodhrán can really lift any performance, VD\V WKH ˋ UP You don’t need to be able to read music to play; anyone can get him or herself a Bodhrán and soon after be able to join in with the music. The Glenluce Tuneable Bodhrán, available with 14”, 16” or 18” rim, is a suitable starter drum at a competitive price with a single adjustable strut and 3.5inch deep rim. The advantage of a tunable drum is that you can compensate for changes in the tension of the skin due to temperature and humidity. Retailing from £52, this range of Bodhráns has proved extremely popular, and - says Gremlin - is an easy sell to Irish music enthusiasts.

FACTS & FIGURES Single adjustable strut Rim: 3.5inch deep Head: Goatskin head Beater (tipper): Included The tuning rim allows you to optimise tone for humidity conditions. Appearance: Traditional look and construction Weight: 2.00 kg (approx) Made in: Pakistan Model Number: KILKEE RRP: £52

Contacts Address: Gremlin Music Unit A, Easting Close Worthing West Sussex, BN14 8HQ Telephone: 01903 203044 Web: www.gremlinmusic.co.uk

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THE WAMBOOKA FROM WAMBOOKA This innovative new instrument is aimed at ‘introducing new sounds and rhythms to music’.

R

evolutionary materials, Italian design and innovative manufacturing processes have resulted in the creation of an instrument that aims to deliver an all-new sound, says Italian company Wambooka. The Wambooka, by the company of the same name, is a new concept in musical percussion, which is designed to harness the properties of water movement in a one-piece, solid body drum. The Wambooka can be played dry like a regular Darbuka or, turned over, the waterproof shell can EH SDUWLDOO\ ˋ OOHG ZLWK water to open up a world of percussive possibilities. The Wambooka has a stronger tension to play with water and the special head is harder than a normal drum. Whereas the normal tuning tension for a Djembe or standard Darbuka is 89.5 units, the Wambooka is slightly higher at 92.5. Playing technique differs slightly, also. To acheive maximum sonic output from the Wambooka, the player touches the head beneath the water line, and on the body the drum is played 10cm under the edge and at the level of the bodyline. Between the line and the elbow players can play with WKHLU ˋ VWV to produce additional sound effects.

FACTS & FIGURES Suggested retail price: £225 Body: Solid body, transparent polycarbonate shell Head: High-tension, waterproof playing head Tuning: Bolt-tuned Drum height: 17¼” Head size: 8½” Limited edition: Black shell model due later in the year Accessories: Supplied with a waterproof neoprene bag

Contacts Address: SVM Percussion, Unit 6, Victoria Mills, Fowke Street, Rothley, Leicester, LE7 7PJ Telephone: 0116 2304926 Web: www.soarvalleymusic.co.uk Email: sales@soarvalleymusic.co.uk

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Q

How will the changes to next year’s Musikmesse impact upon the trade element of the show?

Simon Gilson PMT

How do you resuscitate a dead sausage? I know there’s a lot of nostalgia associated with Frankfurt, but I have failed to see its validity for some years. Apart from always disputing its location, years ago, before more cost effective travel and all the changes technology has made to our everyday business lives, I could see the point of a European show. Now I see no point to it at all. NAMM brings the whole

“Making the show totally open will be the beginning of an overdue end.� world together in a way that Messe never did and never will. I do believe that there is a genuine advantage to seeing important contacts and partners at one time and place, but with all the ways we can now communicate, once a year is good enough. The cost to manufacturers combined with the cost for

Musikmesse 2016 will be open to the general public for the full four days the dealers, to me, is a waste of money the industry can’t afford. By all accounts, this year’s show was even more lacklustre. With key exhibitors choosing to leave it as surplus to requirements, it’s no surprise that the organisers are trying anything to maintain the cash cow of yesteryear. In my view, making the show totally open will be the beginning of an overdue end. The show has been in decline for many years.

Rupert Bradbury JG Windows I think the answer is pretty straightforward. I can’t see myself attending next year’s show, which is a shame, having been to Frankfurt IRU WKH ODVW ˋ YH \HDUV RU VR DQG ˋ QGLQJ LW YHU\ XVHIXO It can be frustrating when you’re trying to have a conversation with someone; taking a look at a product; trying to move around the

halls quickly; even now, with trade and some public in the mix. With the place full of the general public (who are certainly not going WR EHQHˋ W D 8. EXVLQHVV LW PDNHV the whole thing an extremely unattractive proposition. From a supplier’s point of view, I’d also have thought a stand geared up to the public is very different to a stand for the trade, in terms of presentation, staff numbers to run the stand, and the activities required on the stand itself. All in all, not for me.

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

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RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

Mike Podesta Cranes Music I beleive that the trade element of the show will suffer greatly. Having the time and space to study the products on display with the assistance of a company representative is an essential aspect of the show for me. Meeting rooms have their place at shows, but I personally like to discuss and try the gear set up on the stand. I have worked a trade stand on public days many times in the past and it can be a chaotic environment. It’s no place to

discuss serious business with a company buyer. It is very frustrating when you lose an opportunity to speak to an important potential customer, while preventing WHHQDJHUV IURP KDYLQJ D VZRUG ˋJKW with your guitars. Showcasing equipment to the end-user is very important for the future of our industry, and I think the provision for this, with set public days in the past, worked well. This new format for the show would certainly make me think twice about attending next year.

Dave Passera Wembley Drum Centre My gut feel about the changes to Musikmesse 2016, is that they are a

bad thing. The trade needs to be able to have plenty of time and attention from suppliers in a controlled environment, with as little distraction as possible, to be able to carry out relevant business. Retail consumer distraction is sure to negatively impact the quality of the experience of the show, and may even hinder any

business oppotunities. I guess we will have to see the true impact when we attend next year’s show and take a view from then and there. I will probably be attending the show and then decide whether or not to attend future shows. This will now reinforce NAMM’s relevance for European trade partners, and I’m sure many companies will switch back to visiting the NAMM show instead of Messe.

NEXT MONTH Do you have a question that you would like to pose to thee MI Pro Retail Advisory Board? If so, please contact Daniel Gumble by email on DGumble@nbmedia.com or on 01992 535646. The new Musikmesse platform could prove challenging for a number of MI businesses

Richard Thompson Sheehan’s

Adrian Bamford Neath Music

Mike Devereux Nevada Music

Rupert Bradbury JG Windows

Simon Gilson PMT

Dave Bamford Symphony Music

Mike Podesta Cranes Music

FOR EVERYONE EVERYONE IN IN THE THE MI MI BUSINESS BUSINESS || ISSUE 166 || SEPTEMBER MARCH 20142014 FOR ISSUE 172

LOOKING FOR NEW STAFF? ADVERTISE YOUR JOB IN THE INDUSTRY’S MOST RESPECTED TRADE MONTHLY To make a booking, please contact Karma.Bertelsen@intentmedia.co.uk or call +44 (0) 207 226 7246

JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

MIPRO 49

RETAIL PROFILE

B_Drum, Birmingham With a host of MI stores peppering its high streets, Birmingham, it seems, must be a competitive city WR VHW XS VKRS 7R ˉQG RXW LI WKLV LV WKH FDVH Rhys Troake caught up with B_Drum’s Damon Cox to see how the business has adopted alternative approaches to become the go-to drum store for the city... BIRMINGHAM’S only drum specialist, B_Drum, focuses on supplying drummers with much-needed accessories, rather than being a display room for eye-catching drum kits. Using his knowledge from working in both an independent and a large chain of MI stores, owner Damon Cox decided to open a shop that he felt drummers like himself would want to shop in. “The business began back in 2013,� he states. “Previously, I’ve worked at PMT and Fair Deal, and really enjoyed my time at both for different reasons. As well, I was able to see from an unbiased perspective what they were doing right and wrong. Not that I’m trashing them at all, it was more that I felt the accessories side of things seemed to get ignored, especially here in Birmingham. It meant a lot of local drummers were buying online and not from their local stores. “So, our mission was to have things like Vic Firth 5As and Remo Ambassadors

in stock at all times, rather than having a showroom full of kits. Realistically, drummers only buy one or two kits in a lifetime, but they re-skin their drums all the time. So, it was basically meant to be a different shopping experience, something one-to-one.� Putting his skills as a drummer to use, Cox also offers other services. “I enjoy showing people how to tune drums. I don’t do many repairs; my services revolve around re-skinning drums. It’s not easy to do, so it’s a good service to offer. “I also sell second-hand gear for people, then take a commission at the end, and we have also started to offer drum lessons. But my main VHUYLFH LV WXQLQJ DQG ˋWWLQJ heads. Not many shops have time to. So, as I don’t have loads of customers constantly in the store, I’ll spend as much time as a customer needs to make VXUH WKH\ DUH VDWLVˋHG $QG if its something simple like tweaking a snare drum, I may even do it free of charge, especially if they are

a new customer. B_Drum recently launched a brand new website, allowing customers to buy online. “The website has just gone live, so I’m waiting for that to kick in. Anyone can buy off of Amazon or Vic Firth’s at almost trade price, but behind that screen is someone who isn’t passionate about the instruments. When people come in I like to think they go away thinking ‘Wow! This guy knows what he’s talking about and cares what I have to say.’ “Even though the online store is a necessity, and I wish I had done it earlier, I still truly believe having a physical store is the most important thing. One of the main reasons I started this was because Birmingham doesn’t have a dedicated

“Even though the online store is a necessity, I truly believe having a physical store is the most important thing.�

Address: B_Drum, Muthers Studio, 14 Rea Street, Birmingham B5 6LB Telephone: +44 (0) 75250 18403

drum store. Looking back ˋYH \HDUV DJR WKHUH ZDV Birmingham Drum Centre, and Fair Deal used to do a bit more with drums, but currently I am the only specialist.� The store shares its premises with a recording studio, Muthers Studio, which keeps new customers coming through the door. “I really bought into what the studio is about the minute I walked in. The shop I have in there used to be my lockup for all my band’s gear, so I’ve been using it a good few years. So when I thought about opening shop, I thought ‘where better?’ “The owners are striving to make this a one stop place for everything. We have the lockups, three hourly rooms, a couple of recording engineers and a live venue. Any day, 20 or more drummers could come in and they come in on a regular basis. The great part is customers can come in, buy something and then grab a coffee, or a beer, and hang out with other musicians.

50 MIPRO

JUNE 2015 ::: 0, 352 &2 8.

MYSTERY SHOPPER

YORKSHIRE SALES

This month, our man of mystery heads north to see what Leeds has WR RIIHU RQ WKH 0, IURQW LQ WKH ˉUVW SDUW RI DQRWKHU WZR SDUW VSHFLDO

PMT AFTER A IHZ PLQXWH ZDON RXW RI WKH FLW\ FHQWUH , UHDFKHG P\ ILUVW GHVWLQDWLRQ 307 7KH /HHGV EUDQFK RI WKH UHWDLO JLDQW LV ULIH ZLWK 0, SURGXFWV RI DOO VKDSHV and sizes, and the members of staff SURYLGHG IDQWDVWLF VHUYLFH 2Q HQWHULQJ WKH VWRUH , ZDV ZDUPO\

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RATING

5/5

307 /HHGV KDV SOHQW\ WR RIIHU IRU DOO W\SHV RI PXVLFLDQ DQG WKH VHUYLFH LV WRS GUDZHU ZKLFK PDGH WKH YLVLW HYHQ PRUH HQMR\DEOH

MUSICROOM RETURNING TO WKH FLW\ FHQWUH P\ QH[W VWRS EURXJKW PH WR 0XVLFURRP $OWKRXJK WKHUH ZDV QRW D YDVW VHOHFWLRQ RI SURGXFWV LQ VWRUH , UHFHLYHG JUHDW VHUYLFH IURP WKH VWDII $ OLWWOH GLVDSSRLQWHG E\ WKH VPDOO VHOHFWLRQ RII EDVV JXLWDUV RQ GLVSOD\ , GHFLGHG WR HQTXLUH DERXW WKH UDQJH RI GUXPKHDGV WKDW ZHUH DYDLODEOH LQ VWRUH $OWKRXJK WKH PHPEHU RI VWDII ZKR GHDOW ZLWK PH KDG OLWWOH NQRZOHGJH DERXW GUXP JHDU KH ZHQW RXW RI KLV way to assist me and find out what it ZDV , ZDV ORRNLQJ IRU ZKDW , QHHGHG WR NQRZ DERXW WKH SURGXFWV DQG WKH SULFH UDQJHV DQG WKH EXQGOHV WKH VWRUH FRXOG RIIHU 7KH DVVLVWDQW DOVR PHQWLRQHG

WKDW LI WKHUH ZDV DQ\WKLQJ , ZDQWHG LQ SDUWLFXODU WKDW WKH\ GLGQÈ W KDYH LQ VWRUH WKH\ FRXOG RUGHU LW LQ IRU +H WKHQ QRWHG WKDW VWXGHQWV DUH DEOH WR UHFHLYH D WHQ SHU FHQW GLVFRXQW RQ FHUWDLQ SURGXFWV 7KH VWRUH DOVR KDV D ZLGH UDQJH RI VKHHW PXVLF DQG D VPDOO YDULHW\ RI EUDVV DQG ZRRGZLQG VWULQJHG DQG YDULRXV RWKHU PXVLFDO LQVWUXPHQWV

RATING

4/5

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MIPRO 51

JUNE 2015 ::: 0, 352 &2 8.

MYSTERY SHOPPER

HOBGOBLIN ARRIVING AT ZKDW , H[SHFWHG WR EH D VWRUH QDPHG .QRFN 2Q :RRG , ZDV VXUSULVHG WR GLVFRYHU LW KDV QRZ EHFRPH D EUDQFK RI +REJREOLQ 7KH /HHGV RXWOHW RI WKH ILUP KDG IULHQGO\ VWDII DQG KDG D ORW PRUH RQ RIIHU WKDQ IRON LQVWUXPHQWV ,QVLGH WKH VWRUH DPRQJVW D JRRG VHOHFWLRQ RI EDQMRV PDQGROLQV DQG YDULRXV RWKHU IRON LQVWUXPHQWV , ZDV VXUSULVHG WR ILQG D VHOHFWLRQ RI VHFRQGKDQG JXLWDUV GUXPV DQG EUDVV DQG ZRRGZLQG LQVWUXPHQWV $IWHU KDYLQJ D FKDW ZLWK WKH VWDII , KDG D VWUXP RQ D FRXSOH RI WKH EDVVHV ZKLFK DOWKRXJK ZHUH VHFRQGKDQG ZHUH LQ VXSHUE FRQGLWLRQ DQG DW YHU\ ORZ SULFHV ZKLFK ZHUH KDUG WR UHVLVW

RATING

5/5

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CONCLUSION

BIG DEAL

The city of Leeds is home to a particularly diverse assortment of MI dealerships.

LOCATED ACROSS the road from +REJREOLQ %LJ 'HDO RIIHUV D UDQJH RI VHFRQGKDQG PXVLFDO LQVWUXPHQWV DQG SUR DXGLR HTXLSPHQW $OWKRXJK WKH VKRS LV SULPDULO\ D WUDGH LQ VWRUH %LJ 'HDO LV MDP SDFNHG ZLWK D YDULHW\ RI VHFRQGKDQG JXLWDUV DQG 3$ V\VWHPV DV ZHOO DV D IHZ RWKHU PXVLFDO LQVWUXPHQWV +DYLQJ D EURZVH DW WKH JXLWDUV WKH\ DSSHDUHG WR EH LQ JRRG FRQGLWLRQ DQG ZHUH PRVWO\ VXLWHG WR WKH HQWU\ OHYHO SOD\HU 0DQRHXYULQJ P\VHOI DURXQG LQ

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RATING

3/5

$ GHFHQW VWRUH LI \RX DUH ORRNLQJ IRU ORZ SULFHG VHFRQG KDQG PXVLFDO LQVWUXPHQWV RU 3$ V\VWHPV <RX PD\ VWUXJJOH WR JHW WKH VKRS DVVLVWDQWVÈ IXOO DWWHQWLRQ WKRXJK

THE FIRST KDOI RI P\ YLVLW WR /HHGV ZDV YHU\ SURPLVLQJ RQ WKH 0, IURQW :LWK D YDULHW\ RI VWRUHV WR FKRRVH IURP WKHUH ZDV SOHQW\ RQ RIIHU IRU PH 8QVXUSULVLQJO\ 307 KDG D YDVW VHOHFWLRQ RI LQVWUXPHQWV LQ VWRUH IRU DQ\ PXVLFLDQ WR FKRRVH IURP %XW PRUH LPSRUWDQWO\ the members of staff were YHU\ IULHQGO\ DQG KHOSIXO ZKHQ DVVLVWLQJ PH 0XVLFURRP PD\ QRW KDYH KDG DV PXFK VWRFN EXW WKH DVVLVWDQFH PDGH XS IRU WKLV +H ZDV D OLWWOH RXW RI KLV FRPIRUW ]RQH EXW KH GLG DOO KH FRXOG GR WR DVVLVW PH $OWKRXJK , ZDV LQ VHDUFK IRU D GLIIHUHQW VWRUH WKH /HHGV EUDQFK RI +REJREOLQ ZDV D EULOOLDQW VXEVWLWXWH +DYLQJ QR NQRZOHGJH LQ IRON PXVLFDO LQVWUXPHQWV , ZDV UHOLHYHG WR VHH WKDW WKHUH ZHUH PRUH LQVWUXPHQWV RQ RIIHU ,I \RXÈ UH ORRNLQJ WR EX\ D FKHDS HQWU\ OHYHO JXLWDU RU JHW D JRRG RIIHU RQ D 3$ V\VWHP WKHQ %LJ 'HDO LV WKH SODFH WR JR 2YHUDOO /HHGV DV SOHQW\ WR RIIHU PXVLFLDQV 7KH YDULHW\ RI VWRUHV , FDPH DFURVV RQ WKH ILUVW KDOI RI P\ WULS XS WR <RUNVKLUH KDG D YDULHW\ RI VWRUHV ZLWK D YDULHW\ RI 0, SURGXFWV

HAND MADE

Ashbury have developed many new lines at their luthiery workshop in Vietnam. These hand crafted instruments have been brought to life by concert guitaritst and factory manager John Jiang in consultation with Ashbury's British designers. Phil Davidson is a well established and highly experienced luthier, Ashbury’s Pete McClelland and Chris Rudd are also invloved in the design process. All three are experienced mandolinists and frets players.

Twenty years of acoustic excellence

Ashburyguitars.com

GEAR MIPRO 53

new

JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

PAGE 54

COMMENT

Tanglewood has unveiled its latest Super Folk Cutaway guitar

RHYS TROAKE, STAFF WRITER rtroake@nbmedia.com

Time for MIRC

PAGE 54 Mackie has introduced the ProFXv2 Series of effects mixers

PAGE 55

TC Electronic adds the Ditto Stereo Looper to its line of looper pedals

MIRC 2015 is on the horizon and this year’s show is promising a diverse range of products and offerings that dealers will not want to miss out on. The morning conference boasts an impressive speaker line-up, including Simon Gilson, co-owner of PMT as our keynote speaker, but it is the afternoon expo where dealers attending the show can get down to business and network with the exhibiting manufacturers and suppliers. In addition to the array of products on show, a raft of exclusive show-day deals will also be available throughout the event. An element of the expo that catches my eye this year is the amount of guitar and amp products to be showcased. With Yamaha placing emphasis on Line 6 and Barnes & Mullins presenting Peavey, there will be plenty on offer for those in the rock ‘n’ roll market. As well, Rossetti is to display products from Rickenbacker, Hagstrom and Seymour Duncan, which are bound to grab the attention of dealers. Meanwhile, Korg will be offering a sneak preview of some new Vox amps, not to mention lines from the Takamine brand. Elsewhere, Liberty Drums will be showing off some of its latest drum kits, including the Jazz Series; Carlsbro will be displaying models from its electronic drum kit range, while Studiomaster is set to display its latest digital mixer, digiLive; and Ace Tech will be discussing its range of services to help businesses to increase sales. So there will be more than just instruments on offer at the show. With so much on offer, MIRC is an event dealers, frankly, would be foolish to miss out on. It may be a GD\ DZD\ IURP WKH VWRUH EXW ZLWK WKH EHQHˉWV \RX will reap from attending, and the fact it is completely free, there is nothing to lose and all to gain.

“With so much on offer, MIRC is an event dealers would be foolish to miss.�

JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

54 MIPRO

PRODUCTS

NEW GEAR 1

2 2. Liberty Drums Liquid Pearl jazz kit

3. Odyssey Symphonique C )OXWH 2XWˉW

RRP: ÂŁ349.95 Tanglewood has unveiled the new Nashville V TN5 SFCE guitar.

RRP: From £1,299 Liberty Drums has launched its new -D]] 6HULHV LQ D /LTXLG 3HDUO ˉQLVK

RRP: £449 Odyssey has launched the 6\PSKRQLTXH & )OXWH 2XWˉW (OFL7000).

SPECIFICATIONS: The TN5 SFCE Super Folk Cutaway guitar from Tanglewood features a solid spruce top with African mahogany back and sides. The neck is made from PDKRJDQ\ ZKLOH WKH ˉQJHUERDUG DQG bridge are made from rosewood. The model comes equipped with Bronze 12-53 gauge strings, along with the Tanglewood TEQ-3BT EQ. The new Nashville guitar also comes complete with a deluxe hardcase as standard. Also in the Nashville V range is: The TN5 D CE Dreadnought cutaway; the TN5 F Orchestra/Folk model; and the TN5 SFCE AV. www.tanglewoodguitars.co.uk

SPECIFICATIONS: The Liberty ‘Opex’ bearing edge design has been specially engineered to create a classic vintage sound with increased head-to-shell contact. The shell material is 100 per cent premium Finnish Birch and is FRQVWUXFWHG ZLWK QLQH SOLHV PP IRU the toms and 12 plies (8mm) for the bass drum. 7KH NLW DOVR FRPHV ˉWWHG ZLWK (4 Kick batter, EQ3 smooth white reso and J1 Etched tom/snare heads, with G1 tom resos and Hazy 300 snare side drum. The Jazz Series is available in a three or four-piece shell pack. www.libertydrums.com

1. Tanglewood Nashville V TN5 SFCE

5

6

SPECIFICATIONS: The new Symphonique C Flute from Odyssey FRPHV RXWˉWWHG ZLWK D JROG SODWHG cupronickel body. 7KH ˊXWH DOVR IHDWXUHV FORVHG holes, along with French-style keys, with Split-E mechanism and offset G, making it easy to play, whilst offering a professional action. Odyssey’s OFL7000 comes supplied with a leatherette covered wooden hard shell case, along with padded carry bag, to help protect it when on the move or in storage. A FOHDQLQJ FORWK DQG ˊXWH URG DUH DOVR included. www.jhs.co.uk

4. Mackie ProFXv2 Series

RRP: TBC Mackie has introduced the ProFXv2 Serie of professional effects mixers. SPECIFICATIONS: The ProFXv2 series features a new preamp design and new effects engine, engineered to deliver unparalleled sonic performance for live sound applications. Introduced into the series are the four-channel ProFX4v2, the 30-channel ProFX30v2, along ZLWK DQG FKDQQHO versions. And, to achieve optimum sonic performance, Mackie has also designed the new Vita preamp. Also contributing to the mixers’ sonic performance is the new ReadyFX effects engine, designed for the intensive processing of the highquality audio signals. www.polaraudio.co.uk

JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

MIPRO 55

PRODUCTS

3

4

5. Samson RTE 2 Bluetooth headphones

Studiomaster digiLive

7. AKG C314 condenser microphone

RRP: ÂŁ120 Samson has lifted the lid on its new RTE 2 Bluetooth headphones.

RRP: TBC Studiomaster has unveiled the digiLive micro mixer.

RRP: TBC AKG has launched the C314 dualdiaphragm condenser microphone.

SPECIFICATIONS: Designed to deliver immersive, studio-quality audio, the RTE 2 headphones pair with Bluetooth-compatible devices to wirelessly stream audio 30 inches from the source. The right earpiece acts as a control panel, allowing the user to adjust volume, skip through tracks and pause music. The headphones also feature an integrated microphone and receive/end call button, so you can take calls from your phone. The RTE 2s also come equipped with a rechargeable battery and a 3.5mm input for connecting directly to your audio source. www.korg.com

SPECIFICATIONS: The combination of fader, switch and touchscreen operation is designed to enable capabilities and features that would normally require a larger physical control surface. Tablet operation IDFLOLWDWHV ERWK H[WHQGHG ˉ[HG position and remote functionality. In FOH position, a tablet provides an additional graphical interface for enhanced metering and other channel functions. The digiLive features unique and proprietary mix algorithms for EQ, dynamics and FX powered by fourth generation SHARC DSPs. Mic and line inputs are fully 24bit A to D. www.studiomaster.com

SPECIFICATIONS: The C314 offers G\QDPLF UDQJH D ËŠDW KLJK OLQHDU frequency response and neutral sound, suitable for home use and professional studio applications. The mic features a dual-diaphragm capsule with four selectable polar patterns. Each of the diaphragms is matched to guarantee the highest polar pattern accuracy. An integrated capsule suspension reduces mechanical noise and resonances, while a double-mesh, all-metal grille protects the capsule. The mic includes a rugged carrying case, windscreen, spider suspension mount and stand adapter. www.soundtech.co.uk

7 8

8. TC Electronic Ditto Stereo Looper

RRP: £95 TC Electronic has introduced the latest in its line of Looper pedals, the Ditto Stereo Looper. SPECIFICATIONS: The Ditto Stereo Looper is designed to combine similar qualities of the original Ditto Looper with optimum stereo I/O functionality, the ability to run a 9v battery and the loop import/ export feature.The looper pedal allows performers to use a raft of loops from TC Electronic’s StarJam catalogue, created by the likes of John Petrucci, Paul Gilbert and Guthrie Govan. www.tcgroup.tc

JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

56 MIPRO

A MONTH IN THE WORLD OF MI

BACKLINE

HK Audio provides sound reinforcement at the London Marathon, Rotosound’s Jason How releases a new album and Sean Montgomery is the subject of our musical history tour...

Marathon mission THIS YEAR’S London Marathon saw Herts-based Mr H Productions deploy HK Audio’s Contour Array system to provide sound reinforcement and entertainment at two points on the 26-mile circuit. “Every year seems to get better; we are placed at the half way mark, and entertain the cheering crowds as

Hey, Mr Tuba Man… It’s hard to imagine a more unwieldy busking tool than a tuba, but that didn’t stop this plucky chap from whipping out his brass and entertaining Londoners with a few oompah classics whilst waiting at a bus stop. Have you seen any similarly unusual street performers demonstrating their musical tekkers? If so, follow this reader’s lead and send your snaps to dgumble@ nbmedia.com.

well as the participating runners,” said Mr H Productions Creative Founder, Andrew J Harvey. “ The system performed effortlessly, with headroom to spare. At one point, when we had the far-off runners approaching doing the YMCA, we knew that the system was throwing well beyond our greatest expectations!”

JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

>> SEND US STUFF

MIPRO 57

THIS STUFF DOESN’T come out of thin air, you know. We make most of it up, to be honest. But we would like our lovely readers to get involved. Email: dgumble@nbmedia.com

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…

Sean Montgomery, Piano & Accordion Product Manager Roland Europe Group

What do you play? Classical organ is my main thing, but I also play piano and synths. Any good? Not bad, for a classical musician. I would love to be able to properly improvise in a much wider range of genres, rather than faking it. Preferred musical style? I like pretty much any type of music, as long as it is good.

New Jason How album

OUT NOW

ROTOSOUND CEO, Jason How, has released a brand new album titled Speedboat on a Magic Sea. It’s barely left the turntables here at MI Pro towers, so we strongly urge you all to seek out a copy forthwith. It really is rather good.

Are you gigging right now? I try to keep my organ playing up by playing the odd recital here and there, but that’s about it. What bands have you been in? I was in a dodgy college band called Special FX. I currently play for the ‘70s prog rock band The Enid.

Have you ever troubled the charts at all? That would be nice... What has been your greatest success? Being able to combine my passion for music as both a hobby and a career. Best/biggest gig ever played? A gig in 2011 with The Enid and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Ever played with anyone else in the industry? Mark Mumford (MD of Hal Leonard Europe). Worst gig ever played? Being literally thrown out of Take That’s Circus Tour dress rehearsal at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, following a misunderstanding with the band’s management.

JUNE 2015 WWW.MI - PRO.CO.UK

58 MIPRO

FORWARD FEATURES

UPCOMING The features you need to look out for in the July/ August and September issues of MI Pro

FEATURES LIST

Also on the way... September 2015 DJ AND ELECTRO

Our special focus feature takes a look at how the DJ and electro market is performing.

MI Pro once again celebrates the work and career of one of the musical industry’s most LQˊXHQWLDO QDPHV 1H[W PRQWK ZH ORRN DW WKH MI and pro audio specialist, Fritz Sennheiser.

MI PRO RETAIL ESSENTIALS: ACOUSTICS OUR July/August Retail Essentials feature focuses on the acoustics market. As ever, we will be shining a light on models of all shapes, sizes and price ranges, from established classics to recently released lines.

MI PIONEERS: JIM MARSHALL 0, 3UR FHOHEUDWHV WKH ZRUN DQG FDUHHU RI DPSOLˉFDWLRQ legend, Jim Marshall.

For more information and to get involved with this special feature, please contact Karma Bertelsen on kbertelsen@nbmedia.com or 020 7226 7246.

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

Staff Writer Rhys Troake rtroake@nbmedia.com

Production Executive James Marinos jmarinos@nbmedia.com

Account Manager Karma Bertelsen kbertelsen@nbmedia.com

Commercial Director Darrell Carter dcarter@nbmedia.com

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

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SUBSCRIPTIONS UK: ÂŁ50 Europe: ÂŁ60 Rest of World: ÂŁ90 Enquiries: mipro.subscriptions@c-cms.com Telephone: 01580 883 848 Charges cover 12 issues MI PRO is published 12 times a year

MIPRO is a member of the PPA Š 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

PLAYED BY LEGENDS FROM THE ROUNDWOUND BASS STRING IN 1962 TO REVOLUTIONARY FOIL PACKAGING IN 2015, ROTOSOUND CONTINUE TO INNOVATE

STEVE HARRIS

BILLY SHEEHAN

DUFF McKAGAN

GUTHRIE GOVAN

JIMI HENDRIX

JACO PASTORIUS

DOUG WIMBISH

FOIL PACKAGING FEATURES UÊNO PAPER UÊNO CARDBOARD UÊNO MOISTURE UÊINCREDIBLY FRESH STRINGS

MARK KING

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