Music Trades articles from April 2009

Music Trades archives from April 2009

A long haul ahead?(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2009... The economy and the musical instrument industry are both headed for a long hard haul. With my background in zoology I view this as being somewhat akin to previous great extinctions such as the one that came at the end of Permian era 248 million...

How many musicians are there?(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2009... According to NAMM's own 2006 Gallup Poll there were 16 million m.i. "unit transactions" in the U.S. If we ignore the fact that many transactions are multiple transactions from the same people these numbers indicate that, at best, 5% of the U.S....

Guitar imports surge in 4th quarter.(IMPORT TRACKER: What's Coming Into The U.S. And From Where?)
April 1, 2009... BEFORE DELVING into the specifics of this year-end report on imports, it is worth clarifying that these numbers are not a snapshot of what was sold at retail during the period. Rather they are a compilation of all the products imported into the...

The leave no employee behind act.(EDITORIAL)
April 1, 2009... The hardest part of making any business run successfully is finding and retaining the right people. It's a common refrain in business journals, how-to books, newspapers, and magazines. Based on the volume of calls we receive in our offices from...

FTC settles industry investigation: after a two-year probe of map pricing, agency finds no evidence of wrongdoing but counsels NAMM to monitor industry gatherings for "anti-competitive" behavior.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... TWO YEARS AFTER THE Federal Trade Commission launched a far-reaching investigation into anti-competitive practices within the music industry, the agency settled the case with NAMM. Although the agency found no evidence of collusive activity,...

Gibson suit against guitar hero dismissed.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... GIBSON GUITAR'S patent infringement suit against Activision, the maker of Guitar Hero, was dismissed by United States District Judge Mariana R. Pfaelzer on February 26, 2008. The judge sided down the line with Activision, concluding that the...

Yamaha cost containment initiatives.(FLASH)
April 1, 2009... IN THE FACE of a difficult global economy, Yamaha Corporation of America is implementing several cost-management initiatives. Chief among these measures is a reduction of its U.S. workforce by approximately five percent. "We are feeling...

Steinway goes green with solar panel installation roof-top solar panels control humidity in the summer, provide heat in the winter, and generate savings year round.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WITH MORE THAN 11 acres of factory operations housed in a cluster of century-old buildings in Queens, New York, Steinway & Sons is keenly aware of the need for energy-saving technology to power its piano...

Sabian's soil aged cymbal experiment.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... IN A MOVE DRIVEN BY CONSUMER curiosity, Sabian buried 100 of its premium 21" Natural finish Artisan Medium Ride cymbals and will dig them up in mid-2009. Once unearthed the "One of 100" cymbals will have endured about eight months of dry, wet,...

Leo Fender honored with technical Grammy: recording engineers cite electric guitar pioneer for outstanding contributions.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... CLARENCE "LEO" FENDER, the founder of Fender Musical and one of the central figures in the development of the electric guitar, was honored by the Recording Academy with a Technical Grammy Award during a special invitation-only ceremony held...

New facility features wholesale showroom: WD Music Products.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... WITH THE RECENT PURCHASE and renovation of a 32,000-square-foot facility in historic Fort Myers, Florida, WD Music has added a fully stocked manufacturer's showroom to display its many product lines to visitors. The showroom features WD's...

2009 conference in new location: Midwest Clinic.(FOREFRONT)(Conference news)
April 1, 2009... THE MIDWEST CLINIC, an international band and orchestra conference first held in 1946, will be moved to a new location for its 2009 show. Chicago's McCormick Place West will provide exemplary facilities, including elegant ballrooms with...

Documentary film marks centennial year: Ludwig.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... IN CELEBRATION of a legacy that started in 1909 with two brothers and a bass drum pedal, Ludwig Drum Company's 100th Anniversary was officially kicked off at the 2009 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim California. The celebration began at the Anaheim...

Guitar assoc. lures members with new dues structure.(FLASH)
April 1, 2009... THE GUITAR and Accessories Marketing Association (GAMA) is offering a special membership rate for new member companies. New members will enjoy all the benefits of membership and pay only a fraction of the regular dues. GAMA membership...

Peavey sound powers "Crossroads" blues landmark.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE MISSISSIPPI Delta is considered "ground zero" of the blues music movement. The town of Clarksdale in particular--where U.S. Highways 61 and 49 intersect at the fabled Crossroads--holds a mystique with music fans...

Prices held for 2009: Dream Cymbals.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... DREAM CYMBALS and Gongs has announced that it will not increase its prices in 2009. "At Dream Cymbals we keep to some simple ideas," stated Andy Morris, president. "We feel that building a reputation should be done by treating people fairly and...

Music Link retains no minimum purchase.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... STAYING TRUE to its policy of value and service, The Music Link is retaining its no minimum order policy for U.S. retailers. The Music Link President Steve Patrino believes that this policy has helped to drive sales for both his company and...

Expanding beyond pianos, Samick grows Korean market; Korean-based distribution arm initiates aggressive marketing programs to expand guitar, percussion, and school music markets.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... MOST PEOPLE IN THE WEST are well aware that Koreans place a great emphasis on piano study at an early age. That mandate has not only propelled Korean players to concert stages worldwide but has also helped spur the growth of piano manufacturing...

Blue Man Group rehearsal space: Auralex.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... AURALEX ACOUSTICS, Inc., is creating performance art of its own in the Blue Man Group's newest rehearsal space with its best-selling acoustical treatment products. The internationally successful group recently moved into its new New York City...

Seymour Duncan Stomp 'N Win contest. (FLASH)).(Seymour Duncan Stomp 'N Win contest. (FLASH))
April 1, 2009... IN A UNIQUE PROMOTION of its new line of stompboxes, Seymour Duncan is hosting a consumer trial and review program known as Stomp 'N Win. Musicians are invited to go to their local music store, evaluate a Seymour Duncan stompbox, and submit a...

Making music at the inauguration: ChopSaver.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... Although president Barack Obama couldn't see it, he probably heard it. Both marching bands representing the state of Florida at the presidential inauguration ceremonies in Washington D.C. had ChopSaver on their lips as they passed the reviewing...

Allparts to distribute N-Tune: Zero Crossing.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... ZERO CROSSING, maker of the innovative N-Tune Onboard Chromatic Guitar and Bass Tuner, has inked a new distribution agreement with Allparts Music Corporation, a leading global supplier of guitar and bass parts. "The N-Tune Onboard...

Hughes & Kettner artist Candlemass releases new album.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... DOOM METAL pioneer Candlemass, whose lead guitarist Lars Johansson is a longtime Hughes & Kettner amp endorser, is due to release a new studio album on April 2. Recorded at Polaris Studios, Death, Magic, Doom is on the Nuclear Blast label. To...

New owners for RapcoHorizon cable.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... THE RAPCOHORIZON Company has been acquired by RHC management. The agreement was made in conjunction with equity investment groups Midwest Mezzanine Funds and Busch O'Donnell Capitol Partners for the sale of the company's stock and assets and...

Denis Wick expands into new facility; moving manufacturing and distribution under a single roof enhances service and efficiency.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DENIS WICK PRODUCTS, spurred on by growth in the U.S. market, recently completed its relocation to a new, larger U.K. facility. This new building has allowed DWP to consolidate its three major activities under one...

Rock House Method scores in Guitar World Poll.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... WHICH GUITARISTS are having the biggest influence on today's market? According to Guitar World magazine's 2009 Readers' Poll, many of them are affiliated with The Rock House Method, a comprehensive music learning system that incorporates books,...

Roland offers online V-Drum Lessons.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... ROLAND HAS LAUNCHED V-Drums Lessons, a series of free online drumming videos taught exclusively using Roland drum and percussion products. Hosted by top Roland clinicians and artists, these lessons are designed for every level of drummer....

Singapore sales office opens: Equator Audio.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... EQUATOR AUDIO RESEARCH, a maker of studio reference monitors, has opened a sales and marketing office in Singapore. The new office will provide sales, service, and technical support throughout Asia and will be headed by Ken Tovich. Tovich...

SKB hosts interns from Crane School.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... FOR THE PAST THREE years SKB Cases has hosted student interns from from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. This year SKB, a leading case manufacturer, was fortunate to work with two music business majors, Christine Benincasa and...

Story & Clark and QRS Pianomation featured in Le Ballet Mecanique.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... TEN STORY & CLARK PIANOS, eight of them equipped with QRS Pianomation player systems, were selected for the staging of a robotic performance of George Antheil's Le Ballet Mecanique as part of the Fulcrum Point New Music Project's "Dada...

Celestion taps Miami Parts for South America.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... PREMIUM LOUDSPEAKER manufacturer Celestion International Ltd. has tapped Miami Parts Imports Inc. as its distribution partner for Central America, South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Suriname and Uruguay) and the Caribbean. Based in...

New Steinway retail location in Long Island.(FOREFRONT)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE NEW STEINWAY & SONS Piano Gallery, Long Island, hosted a series of Grand Opening events March 5-8, 2009, which coincided with the 156th anniversary of Steinway & Sons. This new gallery, located in Melville, New...

Share prices of publicly traded industry firms.
April 1, 2009... SHARE PRICES OF PUBLICLY TRADED INDUSTRY FIRMS PRICE AS OF P/E MAR. 6, 2009 RATIO Apple Computer Inc. $88.84 16.50 Avid...

Cascio music drumline thrills Milwaukee NBA fans.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BASKETBALL FANS WHO attended the February 7 Milwaukee Bucks game against the Detroit Pistons saw the debut of the team's newest game night entertainers, the Cascio Interstate Milwaukee Bucks Wild! Drumline. Sponsored...

Alpha Music taps Marshall for guitar contest.(RETAILER UPDATE)
April 1, 2009... ALPHA MUSIC'S Virginia Beach location recently hosted the latest installment of its ongoing guitar competition series, designed to encourage young musicians. This event featured a "Wizards of Oz" theme based around the cohorts of Ozzy Osbourne...

Sherman Clay opens in Sacramento market.(RETAILER UPDATE)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SHERMAN CLAY HAS opened its tenth store, located in Roseville, California, a suburb of Sacramento. "We are excited to be back in the Sacramento market once again," states Tom Austin, president of Sherman Clay's...

Rosignolo products detail custom care: elRayo Guitarworks.(RETAILER UPDATE)
April 1, 2009... ELRAYO GUITARWORKS, a leading San Diego guitar shop specializing in repairs, restoration, and "hot-rodding," is now using Rosignolo instrument care products on all the fretted instruments it services. With more than 25 years of experience,...

Master Luthier Hino joins team: Guitar Man.(RETAILER UPDATE)
April 1, 2009... MASTER GUITAR AND BASS repairman/builder Masanobu "Mas" Hino has joined Guitar Man at 147 Orchard Street in New York City. In 1985 Hino apprenticed under John Suhr at Rudy's Music Stop and built Pensa-Suhr guitars and basses. In 1990, when...

Ritmuller intro'd to bay area technicians: Kassman Piano.(RETAILER UPDATE)
April 1, 2009... PIANO TECHNICIANS CAN be a tough sell. That's why Russell Kassman, owner of R. Kassman in Berkeley, California, recently decided to invite members of the Bay Area Piano Technicians Guild to his store to learn more about the all new Ritmtiller...

Alto Music revamps showrooms.(RETAILER UPDATE)
April 1, 2009... DESPITE A DIFFICULT business climate, Alto Music has been consistently upgrading its 30,000-square-foot flagship store in Middletown, New York, with improved displays and fixtures. Over the past three years the guitar, keyboard, wind...

The power of passion: lessons from a hard-charging door-to-door vacuum salesman, and how referrals and the right attitude can trump even the toughest recession.(BOB POPYK ON SELLING)(Interview)
April 1, 2009... I thought twice about writing this month's column. It's about having passion and excitement for your business. That could be a tough subject right now. Sometimes it's hard to have passion when business gets soft, customers beat you up over...

The music industry census.
April 1, 2009... A sharp economic downturn hit industry sales hard in the fourth quarter, resulting resulting in a decline for the year. The pain was spread almost evenly across all 55 product categories. However, items selling for under $200 were far less...

The top 125 U.S.-based music & audio suppliers, ranked by sales volume.(THE 125 LARGEST MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: SALES RANKINGS)(Company rankings)
April 1, 2009... Challenging economic times are said to produce market upheavals as companies craft new strategies for survival. The most visible evidence of this phenomenon is a new "number one" on The Music Trades Top 125 roster. Fender Musical Instrument...

Market beaters!(THE 125 LARGEST MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PERFORMANCE)
April 1, 2009... As sales slowed dramatically in the fourth quarter, 2008 turned into one of the toughest years in memory. Nevertheless, through a combination of product innovation, astute management, and creative marketing, a handful of companies managed to...

Behringer turns 20: aggressive music & audio manufacturer marks two decades of growth with a vertically integrated manufacturing base, strong financial position, and outsized ambitions for future growth. How founder Uli Behringer hopes to take his company from good to great.(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)(Company overview)
April 1, 2009... The mayor of Zhongshan, China, accompanied by a retinue of local dignitaries, took to the stage in a vast convention center to deliver a glowing tribute to the Behringer Company. The occasion was an exuberant celebration on February 21 marking...

Tri-Technical Systems: behind-the-scenes software pioneer has had a profound effect on retail management.(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)
April 1, 2009... IN THE EARLY YEARS of computerized bookkeeping, music retail confounded the software of the day with its many idiosyncrasies. Rentals, trade-ins, lessons, repairs, and floor planning were all foreign concepts to generic software packages...

BBE Sound, Inc.: a leading audio innovator's diversification is helping to build a global, cross-market brand.(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IN AUDIO, A FEEDBACK loop is typically viewed as a situation to be avoided, but that's precisely the goal at BBE Sound. Located in Huntington Beach, California, BBE Sound has created a unique promotional feedback...

B.G. Franck Bichon: building a recession-proof business around high-fashion accessories.(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)
April 1, 2009... QUITE POSSIBLY THE ONLY manufacturer to elevate musical accessories to a fashion statement, BG Franck Bichon occupies prime territory in one of the industry's most recession-proof segments. In the weeks leading up to Musikmesse 2009, the Lyon,...

Aroma Digital Tuners/Metronomes: new player debuts--in tune and time--with high-value digital accessories.(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)
April 1, 2009... THERE'S A NEW Tiger in the music products industry! But while Tiger Chen is new to the U.S. market, he spent more than a decade immersed in all aspects of digital music products technology including product development, manufacturing, and...

Amati's fine instruments: professional quality at student prices.(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)
April 1, 2009... BY THE TIME MICHAEL Schear got into the stringed instruments business, he already knew a thing or two about the pricing headaches that can plague a supply chain. Working as a wholesale supplier of paper and chemicals to photography labs in the...

Hosco Inc.: manufacturer/distributor brings Japanese quality to market.(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)(Industry overview)(Company overview)
April 1, 2009... SINCE 1983 HOSCO Inc. has been helping manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and luthiers look good to their customers. Headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, Hosco is one of the industry's premier suppliers of high-quality instruments, parts,...

DPA Microphones.(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)(Company overview)
April 1, 2009... THOUGH FOUNDED just 17 years ago, Denmark's DPA Microphones draws on more than five decades of experience in world-class microphone design. The company started life as a spin-off of venerable Danish measurement equipment factory Brtiel & Kjaer,...

T.G., Inc.: distinctive Tregan Guitars earn dealers' respect, customers' "wows".(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)
April 1, 2009... T.G., INC. PRESIDENT TONY Guarriello admits that his 25-year background in plastics manufacturing didn't provide the most natural bridge to starting his own guitar company. Instead he credits being a player and collector and his lifelong love...

Leader Musical Instruments: delivering top quality from Asia.(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)
April 1, 2009... MANY HAVE TRIED--and many have failed--in the quest to join low-cost production with quality craftsmanship in Asian guitar manufacturing, but few have approached the problem with as much combined industry acumen as the founders of Leader...

Nady Systems, Inc.: sometimes you get more than you pay for.(TOP GLOBAL MUSIC & AUDIO SUPPLIERS: PROFILES)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, Nady Systems, Inc. has been known as a leading pioneer and innovator of wireless microphones, and more recently as the manufacturer of some of the most high-quality, value-priced professional...

U.S. Band renamed St. Louis Music Stan Morgan named pres.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
April 1, 2009... U.S. BAND & Orchestral Supplies will be doing business as St. Louis Music as of April 1, 2009. The move follows U.S. Band & Orchestra's acquisition of St. Louis Music, as well as its Knilling stringed instrument and Austin guitar brands late...

Steve Grom to head manufacturing: G&L Guitars.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
April 1, 2009... STEVE GROM HAS JOINED G&L Guitars as director of manufacturing. Based in Fullerton, California, Grom will work closely with G&L and BBE Sound's management team to develop and manufacture fine musical instruments. "G&L was founded in 1980...

Don Glasgow named director of sales: Seiler.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2009... SELLER HAS APPOINTED Don Glasgow to be its new director of sales. Glasgow will direct all sales and marketing activities for Seller pianos in North America. "'Don understands the premium piano market and will be an invaluable asset to all of...

Hurwitz to head sales effort: Earthworks.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2009... EARTHWORKS, MANUFACTURER of high-definition microphones, has appointed Michael Hurwitz national sales manager. A former sales representative for professional audio manufacturers, Hurwitz has an extensive background in the sale of professional...

Martin's Boak joins board: NAMM.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2009... NAMM HAS NOMINATED Dick Boak for a three-year term on its board of directors. Boak heads up artist and public relations as well as archives for the world renowned Martin Guitar Company. He also serves on the Board of the Martin Guitar...

Founder Ciravolo panelist at Berklee: Daisy Rock.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2009... DAISY ROCK FOUNDER and President Tish Ciravolo we be a panelist at the Berklee College of Music Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association. The event will be held at the Berklee campus in Boston on March 29. [ILLUSTRATION...

Samson XP308i portable PA system.(PRODUCTS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WITH POWERFUL, FULL-RANGE sound in a portable package, Samson's XP308i is a single-system p.a. solution for a variety of live sound applications. This complete, compact p.a. system features dual two-way speakers,...

New BOSS multiple effects floor processor.(PRODUCTS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS)
April 1, 2009... BOSS'S NEW ME-70 Guitar Multiple Effects unit, like the popular ME-50, is a floor-based processor that offers the compact design and simplicity of a stompbox. In addition to its superb Overdrive/Distortion section, the ME-70 now features a new...

Snake Fast Guitar Winder: Robokey USA.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... ROBOKEY USA's Snake Fast Guitar Winder & Multi-Tool is a palm-sized, lightweight device that triples the turning speed of standard guitar-type keys in string changing tasks, delivering power tool performance without batteries. It is...

The Music People's XTRA-secure guitar strap locks.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... XTRA-SECURE GUITAR STRAP Locks, the first entry to the new Hennessey Guitar Parts line by The Music People, are designed to provide easy removal and secure connection every time. With these new locks, players can express their showmanship and...

Environmentally sound EcoPad Practice Pads: HQ Percussion.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... HQ PERCUSSION is showing its concern for the environment with its new EcoPad Practice Pad, which is composed of rubber made from recycled tires and a base made from residual wood waste. EcoPad models include a 6" one-side mountable pad, a 12"...

Classic Kluson tailpiece from WD.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... THE LATEST CLASSIC tailpiece to be revived by Kluson comes from the art deco era of vintage guitars. Known simply in the original catalog as the #6, this model was used on many upper-end guitars of the era. Made of machined brass and available...

Jazz legends endorse cymbal stand: Hamilton Stands.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... DRUMMING LEGENDS Jeff Hamilton and Lewis Nash now use Hamilton Stands' KB225 and KB245 low-mass cymbal stands. Weighing about 20% less than traditional stands of similar size, the KB225 and KB245 feature a unique U-channel design for the legs...

Fostex LR16 live mixer now shipping: Musical Distribution Group.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... THE LR16 FROM FOSTEX, a full-blown live mixer with integrated 16-track multi-track HD recorder, is in stock and ready for shipment. "The LR16 is a new concept, and is an easy-to-use audio solution for schools, houses of worship, clubs,...

XSpanded promo for Motif: Yamaha.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... YAMAHA'S MOTIF XSpanded promotion offers more than 700 MB of free sound libraries for download and introduces a range of new optional libraries for purchase. Produced by top sound developers, the main XSpanded Sample Pack contains 380 MB of...

Glenn Frey signature Takamine guitar.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... TAKAMINE'S NEW EF360GF is a direct reproduction of legendary Eagles songwriter/guitarist Glenn Frey's #1 Takamine--the guitar heard around the world by millions of fans on countless concert tours. Built to Frey's exact specifications, the...

Focusrite introduces new Saffire firewire interface.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... FOCUSRITE'S NEW FLAGSHIP Liquid Satire 56 2U multi-channel firewire audio interface combines Focusrite's Liquid technology with Satire PRO firewire interfacing. It delivers a host of authentic pre-amp flavors, seamless software integration,...

Remo's eco-friendly Festival Djembes.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... THE REMO ECO-SEAL can be found on the company's new Designer Series Festival Djembes, which are made with environmentally friendly Acousticon drum shells. Remo's proprietary Acousticon is made in the USA from 100% recycled wood fibers. Ideal...

Western-inspired guitar straps: Get'm Get'm Wear.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... GET'M GET'M WEAR'S new Western-inspired Stenson and Rodeo straps feature eye-catching, intricate, and richly beautiful stitching. Each strap is different, depending on the cut of the fabric, creating an attractive variety of one-of-a-kind, sexy...

Affordable NuBone Luthier Packs: Graph Tech.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... GRAPH TECH Guitar Labs' new A NuBone Luthier Packs for repair shops give luthiers a quality alternative to cheap plastic nuts and saddles, which tend to be cheaply made: too soft, too brittle, or hollow. These inconsistencies can kill a...

Vic Firth anti-slip drum stick coating.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW VIC GRIP ANTI-SLIP drumstick coating from Vic Firth is now available on ten top-selling American classic models. An ecofriendly, water-based urethane, Vic Grip provides a comfortable and slip-resistant grip to...

Eventide PitchFactor Harmonizer stompbox.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... EVENTIDE'S PITCHFACTOR offers the company's ten best Harmonizer pitch and delay effects, featuring 1.5 seconds of stereo delay and simultaneous pitch shifting. The most flexible stompbox in its class, PitchFactor features 100 stunning presets,...

Handcuff guitar strap: Levy's Leathers.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... ROCK 'N' ROLL and law enforcement restraining devices often go hand-in-hand, providing the inspiration for Levy's new handcuff guitar strap design. The fully functioning guitar strap with fully functioning handcuffs make this product a useful...

New pro cornet, bass clarinet: Yamaha.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... YAMAHA'S NEW YCR-9435 custom cornet is equipped with a trumpet mouthpiece receiver and features an overall design derived from the Yamaha "Chicago" model C trumpet, including the use of the MC1 leadpipe taper. Designed in collaboration with the...

VHT Standard 12 hand-wired amp.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... VHT'S NEW STANDARD 12 amplifier is the first hand-wired amp in its "Standard Series." The Standard 12 has that classic American amp sound with a warm tone and strong midrange that really sings. Although the design goal was to capture a vintage...

Mighty Moe portable amp: Intime Designs.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... THE MIGHTY MOE from Intime Designs is a little powerhouse of an amplifier equipped with a high-quality leather strap and a dedicated signal cable. Mighty Moe provides a respectable volume boost for any solid-body, acoustic/electric guitar, or...

Tycoon percussion artist "Retro" series congas and bongos.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TYCOON PERCUSSION'S new Retro model combines the leading percussion company's proven components and excellent craftsmanship with a unique finish that is reminiscent of authentic Cuban-style drums of the 1950s and...

New Concorda guitar line: Walden.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... WALDEN GUITARS' new Concorda line of guitars includes dreadnought, grand auditorium, orchestra, stage, nylon/classical, and 12-string models made of top-quality solid woods such as spruce, Engelmann spruce, Sitka spruce, rosewood, and cedar....

Godin guitars partners with N-Tune.(NEW PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2009... GODIN GUITARS OF MONTREAL now offers the innovative N-Tune Onboard Chromatic Tuner as an add-on option on a number of its instruments including those in the Godin Performance Series. The N-Tune Onboard True Bypass Chromatic Tuner is one of...