Music Trades articles from August 2007

Music Trades archives from August 2007

By foregoing grassroots marketing, is the industry destined to decline? Where are the efforts to attract and retain first-time buyers?(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2007... I want to commend you on a couple of topics in two recent issues of The Music Trades: your April editorial, "Where Are All the First Time Buyers?" and the article from the June issue, "The Staying Power of School Music." Some may think there is...

Givers give, takers take donuts.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2007... I am writing to compliment the "right on the money" article written by Mike Friguletto in the March 2007 issue of The Music Trades, titled "Cultivating A High-Performance Sales Team!" I think he summed up well that the sales team in any...

The real science of selling.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2007... This letter, in essence, is a critique of the June 2007 editorial "The Science of Selling," by Dave Luster of General Electric. I spent a total of 55 years in retail floor sales/management positions in both piano and home organ retail and...

Quarterly retail sales data.(Market Intelligence)
August 1, 2007... Results from The Music Trades' retail sales analysis for the second quarter will not create much comfort about the health of consumer spending at music stores nationwide. For the three-month period ending June 30, sales edged up a scant .8%,...

State legislators take aim at big box retailers.(Industry Briefings)
August 1, 2007... Efforts to thwart the expansion of retailers like Wal-Mart and Costco have recently gained allies in several state capitals. Maine Governor John Balducci has signed into a law a measure requiring developers of retail stores exceeding 75,000...

Consumer confidence falls.(Industry Briefings)
August 1, 2007... U.S. consumer confidence fell in June, according to a closely watched gauge of the economy. The New York-based Conference Board said its Consumer Confidence Index fell to 103.9 in June. That's down from 108.0 in May and lower than the 105.3...

New air guitar toy.(Industry Briefings)
August 1, 2007... At the Tokyo International Toy Fair, the Air Guitar Pro was the latest toy that uses the infrared motion sensors to belt out classic hits like Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water." The device connects to iPods or exterior speakers and is priced...

Health and safety ban on piano man.(Industry Briefings)
August 1, 2007... A passenger aboard the exclusive Silver Whisper cruise ship was banned from playing the ship's grand piano on health and safety grounds--in case he hurt his fingers. Andrew Studley, 40, wanted to tickle the ivories to entertain friends at the...

In search of a new retail formula.(EDITORIAL)
August 1, 2007... A decade ago, as Guitar Center prepared to go public, management expressed the conviction that exciting, well merchandised stores would expand the market. A 1997 GC financial document described its "entertaining and exciting" store atmosphere...

Bain Capital buys guitar center for $2.1 billion! The largest deal in industry history places a 26% premium on the 290-store retailer and caps an extraordinary run of success. New owners promise "no changes" in strategy or management, but hefty debt burden suggests pace of store openings will slow.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)(Company overview)
August 1, 2007... EXACTLY A DECADE after going public, Guitar Center management has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Bain Capital Partners for $1.9 billion, plus the assumption of $200 million in debt. Under the terms of the agreement,...

How to make a quick buck in the music industry.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... SAGEVIEW CAPITAL STANDS near the top of the list of those who have reaped handsome profits from Bain Capital's acquisition of Guitar Center. Last October, the hedge fund began buying shares in Guitar Center, ultimately accumulating 2.6 million...

Geneva Int. files suit against Petrof piano.(FLASH)
August 1, 2007... A LAWSUIT FILED on July 16 by Geneva International against Petrof, spol. s.r.o., goes a long way towards explaining why pianos produced in the Czech Republic have not been available to U.S. dealers this year. In the suit, Geneva International...

Gibson Guitar: acquires Garrison Guitars: innovative Garrison guitars will now bear the Gibson brand, Canadian manufacturing opertion to be maintained.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... GIBSON GUITAR has acquired Garrison Guitars, a company based in St. John's Newfoundland, Canada. The acquisition will further Gibson's expansion in the acoustic guitar market with a new series of Gibson brand acoustic guitars aimed at the...

Casio renames U.S. subsidiary.(FLASH)
August 1, 2007... CASIO, INC., U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced that effective August 1, 2007, it will officially change the company name from Casio, Inc., to Casio America, Inc. The company name change better conveys the position of the...

Video podcasts hit milestone: Vic Firth.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... VIC FIRTH INC., a leading manufacturer of drumsticks and mallets, has hit the milestone of one million video podcasts served to drummers and percussionists around the globe. Vic Firth's three weekly podcasts are offered for drumset,...

Pilot program brings music labs to schools: Midisoft Corp.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... MIDISOFT CORP., A PIONEER in the field of music technology, is rolling out its educational music technology pilot program to schools across the nation. Last year the company announced it would give free music labs to select schools nationwide....

Supreme Court gives nod to MAP policies: landmark decision allows manufacturers to set "minimum selling prices.".(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... INDUSTRY MAP PRICING policies got an endorsement of sorts from the U.S. Supreme Court when it recently ruled that manufacturers can set and enforce minimum prices for their products. The decision reverses a nearly 100year-old ban on price...

Larry Fishman joins Muse Research: Fishman Transducers, Inc.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... LARRY FISHMAN, PRESIDENT of Fishman, Inc., has joined the board of directors for Muse Research, innovator of core technologies and award-winning products for music composition and recording. Fishman said, "Chris [Halaby, Muse Research...

Dr. Belli: Vandercook awards Ph.D. to drumhead pioneer.(FLASH)
August 1, 2007... VANDERCOOK COLLEGE of Music honored the work of Remo D. Belli, a music products industry pioneer and CEO and founder of Remo, Inc., by awarding him a doctorate of music honoris causa at commencement exercises in July. For over 50 years,...

Quantum marching project unites leading brands: Jupiter.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... THE QUANTUM MARCHING Project is a collaborative effort between Jupiter brass, Mapex drums, and Majestic percussion brands to offer a full series of marching and pit instruments. By joining the strengths of the three brands and developing the...

New GRK benches backed by great service.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... GRK is offering new products designed to assist the young, aspiring, and professional musician. The company's Classic Line Bench fits any decor with classic lines and is the perfect family piano bench allowing any combination of four leg...

Consumer-friendly website sparks consumer demand: Fender.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... FENDER MUSICAL Instruments Corporation has launched an all-new consumer-friendly website at www.fender.com to better serve the community of music and instrument enthusiasts. The site features all new design and content elements, and a host of...

Drum artist Dave Weckl draws crowds on tour: Yamaha.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)(Concert review)
August 1, 2007... YAMAHA DRUM ARTIST Dave Weckl educated and entertained drum enthusiasts around the country during a two-week drum clinic tour held at local music shops from May 14-25. His successful eight-state tour drew energetic crowds with his combination...

Taylor national "road shows" spur retail sell-through.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... TEAMS OF EXPERTS from the Taylor Guitars factory have been traveling across America and Canada, presenting the Taylor Guitars Road Show, a new in-store event from Taylor. The Taylor Road Show helps dealers introduce Taylor's acoustic,...

Services geared toward increasing store income: Charles Dumont & Son.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... CHARLES DUMONT & SON, Inc., a leader in print music distribution, has been servicing music stores worldwide since 1945. With main office in Voorhees, New Jersey, and satellite offices in New York, California, and Florida, sales representatives...

Ernst & Young names Paul Reed Smith Entrepreneur Of The Year: PRSGuitars.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... PAUL REED SMITH, managing general partner of PRS Guitars, has received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2007 Award in the Retail and Consumer Products category in Maryland. The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are...

Piano company appears in movie: Mason & Hamlin.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... THE MASON & HAMLIN PIANO company makes a cameo in the romantic comedy Music & Lyrics, starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. Grant stars as a washed-up pop star who's given two days to write a chart-topping song for a teen sensation, while...

Grundorf supplies Jagermeister Tour.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... GRUNDORF WAS SELECTED as the case and rack supplier for the 2007 Jagermeister Tour. The nationwide tour presents top rock and heavy metal acts on the self-contained Jagermeister mobile stage. Measuring 34 feet long, 16 feet wide, and more than...

Pintech founder launches presidential campaign.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... DANIEL GILBERT, owner of Pintech USA, a manufacturer of electronic percussion products, is running for President of the United States. Gilbert, of Asheville, North Carolina, is a values-based conservative Republican running under the We The...

Innovative online rebate program to support independent retailers: St. Blues Guitar Workshop.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... AFTER RELAUNCHING the St. Blues brand of guitars and basses last year, Bryan Eagle, a serial telecommunications entrepreneur, was surprised by the suspicion and hostility that many retailers had towards manufacturers. Not being from the...

GCI Taps sounds distribution for Canadian market.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... GCI TECHNOLOGIES has appointed Sounds Distribution, one of Canada's top suppliers to the Club/DJ market, as Canadian distributor of Gemini, Cortex and iKEY Audio brands. Gemini, GCI's DJ and pro audio brand, continues be an innovator and...

Master design division introduced: U.S. Masters Guitar Works.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... MASTERS DESIGN IS A new brand and division of U.S. Masters Guitar Works, a manufacturer of high-performance American-made electric guitars basses. Masters Design brings together the technology, innovation, design skills and manufacturing...

Share prices of publicly traded industry firms.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
August 1, 2007... SHARE PRICES OF PUBLICLY TRADED INDUSTRY FIRMS PRICE AS OF JULY P/E 11, 2007 RATIO Apple Computer Inc. $132.45 41.91 Avid...

Peavey chopper stars at Bill's Music: Bill's Music.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
August 1, 2007... THE PEAVEY ORANGE County Chopper recently rolled into Bill's Music in Catonsville, Maryland, as the first leg of its nationwide tour. Brian Higgins, Bill's Music general manager, was presented with the Limited Edition Peavey Orange County...

NASMD board holds summer meeting.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
August 1, 2007... The board of directors of NASMD held its annual summer meeting at the Hotel Park City in Park City, Utah, June 3 through June 5. At the meeting, board members finalized the program schedule for next year's convention, approved the...

Sierra Guitar benefits charity: Blue Rock Guitars.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
August 1, 2007... ON MAY 10-11 Blue Rock Guitars of Perry, Iowa, hosted its third anniversary celebration. As has become the store's tradition, it conducted a raffle whose proceeds benefitted the Perry Food Pantry, and the grand prize was a Sequoia acoustic...

Les Cleveland in S.R.O. drum clinic: Pecknel Music Company.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
August 1, 2007... DRUMMER AND CLINICIAN Les Cleveland recently played to a standing-room-only crowd at Pecknel Music in Greenville, South Carolina. The Les Cleveland Drum Sessions were cosponsored by Pecknel, Sabian Cymbals, and Vater Drumsticks. Along with his...

Company marks 60th anniversary: Ferree's Tools.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
August 1, 2007... FERREE'S TOOLS RECENTLY celebrated 60 years in business. Three generations of the Ferree family now carry on a tradition in the design and manufacture of specialty tools for the instrument repair industry. After serving over three years in...

The difference between functions & goals: the function of your business is to create customers. Your goals are up to you. Why not make a list of them to clarify your thinking and better direct your efforts toward achieving them.(BOB POPYK ON SELLING)
August 1, 2007... During the past few programs at NAMM University, I asked people what they thought the function of their business was. It was sort of a trick question. I got several different responses, all having to do with turning a profit or making money. I...

Measuring the performance of the leading retailers: sluggish sales growth, shifting consumer preferences, and heightened competition signal an industry in transition. What to expect in the coming years.(THE TOP 200)(Cover story)(Company overview)
August 1, 2007... After a decade of highly exuberant shopping, consumers apparently "dropped" in the middle of 2006, creating what could politely be termed "challenging" market conditions. Depending on whom you ask, the abrupt tightening of the national purse...

Largest music products retailers.(THE TOP 200)(Company overview)
August 1, 2007... HOT PRODUCTS The Top 200 ranked printed music, school music products, and sound reinforcement as the top three performing product categories in 2006. THE INDUSTRY LEADER BY A WIDE MARGIN With 295 stores, the industry's biggest mail...

People power: as consumers demand convenience, retailers refocus on improving the quality of their staff. How they are maximizing employee productivity.(THE TOP 200: EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY RANKINGS)
August 1, 2007... Over the past decade, the big stories coming out of the retail sector have centered around elaborate computer systems for precisely managing inventory, ever-expanding stores, and far-reaching internet initiatives. No single enterprise has...

Stored out? The pace of new store openings slows to a crawl as retailers come to grips with a nearly saturated market. What's the next step to rekindle growth?(THE TOP 200: LOCATION PRODUCTIVITY RANKINGS)
August 1, 2007... In the early '90s, financial analysts and academics were in agreement that the retail industry was facing an acute problem. Between 1970 and 1990, the amount of retail square footage in the U.S. had grown at nearly twice the rate of retail...

Where to find them: a directory of the 200 leading music products retailers.(THE TOP 200: DIRECTORY)(Directory)
August 1, 2007... ACCENT MUSIC Wilmington, DE CEO: Steve Harkey www.accentmusic.com Accent music is a full-line retailer with two locations in Delaware. ACE MUSIC SUPERSTORE Dayton, OH CEO: Caroline Brandenburg ...

Mobile population: shifting opportunities: unprecedented population migration has slowed growth in some markets and created rich opportunities in others. A look at how these movements have affected where the business is done.(WHERE BUSINESS IS DONE)
August 1, 2007... There are some pronounced regional differences in the sale of music products. White pianos are more popular in southern regions; high-end guitars and electronics sell better in metro areas such as New York and Los Angeles that have a large...

McGovern appointed marketing manager: Yamaha.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
August 1, 2007... YAMAHA CORPORATION of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, has appointed Brian McGovern as the new marketing manager for Steinberg software products. He will report directly to Athan Billias, marketing manager, Pro Audio & Combo Division. ...

Seiden and Moore join Stanton Marketing Team.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
August 1, 2007... THE STANTON GROUP, a leading audio equipment company operating Stanton Magnetics, Cerwin Vega!, and KRK Systems, announced the addition of Barry Seiden as national sales manager for Stanton DJ and Cerwin Vega Pro. Prior to joining the Stanton...

Knowles and Vidal in new management posts: Graph Tech Guitar Labs.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
August 1, 2007... GRAPH TECH GUITAR LABS, the world's largest manufacturer of guitar nuts and saddles, has announced the promotion of Lee Knowles to dealer and distributor sales representative, and the addition of Mark Vidal as lead designer and product...

Joe Bednar named to dual sales role: Hailun Distribution LLC.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
August 1, 2007... HAILUN DISTRIBUTION LLC has announced the affiliation of seasoned sales professional Joe Bednar as national sales manager for Canada and district sales manager for the Northeastern sales region. Bednar will be managing the development of a...

Smith joins D'Addario as VP Operations.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
August 1, 2007... D'ADDARIO & COMPANY, Inc., has named Gary Smith vice president of operations, West Coast. Smith's primary responsibilities will include quality improvement planning, staffing, operating performance, and leadership of the West Coast...

Comtois to direct web marketing Fishman.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
August 1, 2007... DAVID COMTOIS has been appointed web marketing associate at Fishman Transducers. His responsibilities will include maintaining the main Fishman website (www.fishman.com), the company's new micro-site "True Life, True Live"...

McGinn appointed V. P. sales & marketing: Aviom.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
August 1, 2007... AVIOM, DEVELOPER of the A-Net audio transport technology, has appointed Michael J. McGinn as the company's new vice president of sales and marketing. McGinn brings years of senior executive and board member experience, with success in...

Cowser-Lee Marketing joins sales team: Tascam.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
August 1, 2007... TASCAM HAS NAMED Cowser-Lee Marketing as its new factory representative for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The independent firm includes industry veterans Jim Cowser and Pat Lee as part of its team. "We are excited to have...

Taylor unveils Fall Limited Editions.(PRODUCTS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS)
August 1, 2007... TAYLOR GUITARS' long-standing tradition of Fall Limited Editions takes a new turn in 2007 with offerings in Taylor's Acoustic and Acoustic/Electric product lines. The GS4-LTD further expands the appeal of Bob Taylor's flagship acoustic body...

G. Schirmer Instrumental Library launched.(PRODUCTS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS)
August 1, 2007... HAL LEONARD CORPORATION has launched the G. Schirmer Instrumental Library. This new series of music book/CD packages presents standard classical literature for various instruments, collected at three levels of difficulty. The nine volumes...

Cymbal sets get new carton design: Sabian.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... SABIAN HAS LAUNCHED all-new packaging for its "Sonically Matched" cymbal sets. Not only has the award-winning company opted for a strikingly vibrant red design that is consistent across all the cartons, it has introduced a new labeling system...

Correction.(NEW PRODUCTS)(Correction notice)
August 1, 2007... Page 198 of the July 2007 issue carried a Product News article about Marathon Professional loudspeakers that incorrectly referred to a model produced by FBT. FBT is in no way associated with Marathon Professional.

CAD AI DiMeola signature mic packs for guitarists.(PRODUCTS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS)
August 1, 2007... CAD PROFESSIONAL, a leader in recording and live performance microphones, recently introduced two new signature mic packs to provide high-performance miking solutions for both acoustic and electric guitars. The Al Di Meola Acoustic Mic...

"Black on Black" VX series drumset introduced: Mapex.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... MAPEX HAS INTRODUCED a new special edition VX Series drumset that is sure to attract the attention of selected genres of players. The new "Black on Black" set is a six-piece, two-up, two-down configuration featuring polished black lacquer...

Hohner celebrates Aerosmith with Steven Tyler Harmonica.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... HOHNER INC. HAS RELEASED a unique new instrument, the Steven Tyler Signature Series Harmonica. Steven Tyler has worked with Hohner Inc. to design a Harmonica to his exact specifications: a custom combination of a premium reed plate, custom...

Innovative drum trigger now shipping: Alesis.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... ALESIS, A LEADING MANUFACTURER of professional audio equipment and studio electronics, is now shipping the Trigger I/O USB/MIDI pad trigger interface. The Trigger I/O uses electronic triggers placed on traditional acoustic percussion...

"Kash" Waddy signature snare case: Ameritage.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... AMERITAGE HAS introduced a snare drum case created in collaboration with renowned James Brown drummer Frankie "Kash" Waddy. The "Kash" Waddy Artist Signature Snare Case by Ameritage consists of a snare case compartment and a separate attachable...

Pick pod for guitarists: Farley's Musical Essentials.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... IN KEEPING WITH its tradition of "making life easier for today's musician," Farley's Musical Essentials has introduced the Pick Pod. Truly a gig saver, the Pick Pod addresses guitarists' age-old challenge of having a pick handy, exactly where...

KILO-WAH pedal on market: GIG-FX.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... GIG-FX HAS LAUNCHED the KILO-WAH, a lower-cost version of the versatile and powerful MEGA-WAH pedal. The all-analog KILO-WAH is now released for general sale throughout North America and Europe. The KILO-WAH captures the versatility and sounds...

New Pocket POD joins POD line: Line 6, Inc.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... LINE 6, INC. has introduced the Pocket POD, the extremely portable and easy-to-use new member of the POD family of amp, effect and cabinet modelers. About the size of a handheld tuner, the ultra-light Pocket POD is the only personal guitar...

New POP for E-Pad.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... E-PAD! INDUSTRIES has developed an eye-catching POP display for its Hooked pocket practice pad. Free with each case of Hooked pads ordered, the brightly colored countertop display illustrates the Hooked pad's use as a state-of-the-art practice...

Giannini strings, exotic wood guitars: Etros Music.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... ETROS MUSIC presented Giannini's new Brazilian Exotic Woods Series of classical and nylon acoustic-electric guitars, along with Giannini's award-winning guitar strings, at the Summer NAMM show in Austin. The new Brazilian Exotic Woods Series...

Providing high-end amplifier cabinets: Better Built Workshops.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... BETTER BUILT WORKSHOPS, a full-service wood shop specializing in speaker enclosures, has filled a unique niche in high-end amplifier cabinets. The company, based in Naperville, Illinois, is solely dedicated to producing OEM and custom cabinets...

New J.B. Player Dreadnought.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... MUSICORP HAS ANNOUNCED the new J.B. Player Solid Top Dreadnought Guitar, model JB85S. The new J.B. Player model JB85S is available for a retail price of $219. The solid spruce top offers excellent strength and produces rich, balanced...

Versatile RBX bass enclosures perfect for live performance: Gallien-Krueger.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... GALLIEN-KRUEGER has begun shipping its new RBX Series bass enclosures to dealers this summer. There are four models in the series: the 810RBX, 410RBX, 210RBX, and ll5RBX. The RBX bass enclosures feature Paragon Loudspeakers, which are designed...

Electracoustic guitars redesigned: Fender.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... FENDER ELECTRACOUSTIC Series guitars have been redesigned and upgraded to provide a superior blend of electric playability and acoustic tonality, all while retaining the familiar Fender vibe. The series, which was introduced in 2000 and...

New expander rack adds convenience: SKB Cases.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... SKB CORPORATION has developed the new SKB-REX6 Expander Rack to augment the SKB19-R1406 Mighty Gig Rig that was introduced at the 2007 Winter NAMM show. The new SKB-REX6, 6U Expander Rack Case features a 6U extended depth rack that can be...

Vater celebrates police with limited-edition sticks.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... TO CELEBRATE THE POLICE'S 30th Anniversary Reunion Tour, Vater has released the Limited Edition-2007 Stewart Copeland Standard model sticks. Identical in physical design to the top selling Stewart Copeland Standard, the Limited Edition release...

Limited-edition Flamingo saxophone introduced: Conn-Selmer.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... CONN-SELMER HAS introduced the third issue of its limited-edition Bird Series of professional saxophones. This special 2007 issue features exquisite engraving that highlight the Flamingo of Africa. This latest release is the third in a...

GCI Technologies three M-Series studio monitors introduced.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... GCI TECHNOLOGIES has expanded its iKEY Audio digital recording and audio accessories brand to include the new M-Series of professional self-powered active studio monitors. The M-Series was designed with the cost-conscious remixer/producer and...

DGX-400 all-in-one player introduced: Acesonic.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... ACESONIC CORPORATION, a leading manufacturer of karaoke products, has released the new DGX-400, an all-in-one player featuring a 400-disc changer. The DGX-400 plays all of today's top karaoke formats including CD, CD+G, VCD, DVD, CD-R, CDRW,...

Boulder Creek guitars launched at NAMM: Morgan Hill Music.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... MORGAN HILL MUSIC launched its new Boulder Creek Acoustic Guitars at the 2007 Austin NAMM Show. These guitars feature a new design in the bracing of the acoustic guitar soundboard. The patent-pending "SBS" suspended bracing system stabilizes...

Non-standard guitar gig bags: Levy's Leathers.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... LEVY'S LEATHERS is now offering polyester gig bags, form-fitted for the Gibson Explorer, Firebird, Flying V, and other non-standard-shaped guitars. Each bag features 1/2" foam padding, headliner lining, dual shoulder straps, and accessory...

SHS AUDIO powdered mixer with iPod docking.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... SHS AUDIO has added a new four-channel powered mixer with an iPod docking station. The POD-4 features four independent channels, 100 watts of output power, digital delay, an iPOD docking station that will also recharge the iPOD I with an...

Don Mock DVD on blues techniques: Alfred Publishing.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... One of the three original founding instructors at the Guitar Institute of Technology, Don Mock is internationally recognized as a master educator, guitarist, author, recording artist, composer, and synthesizer stylist. With his latest...

Affordable wav electric violin: NS Designs.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... LAUNCHED BY NS DESIGN at last year's Frankfurt Messe, the WAV Series family of affordable, electric bowed instruments has now been joined by the new WAV 4 electric violin. Following the debut and acceptance into the mainstream of the WAV 4...

Zildjian offers Travis Barker Cymbal and Stick bags.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... THE AVEDIS ZILDJIAN COMPANY has expanded its line of Artist Collection Cymbal and Drumstick Bags designed with drumming superstar Travis Barker. The new Travis Barker "Boom Box" Cymbal and Stick bags are the second Zildjian Artist Collection...

New Peter Criss autograph sticks: Pro-Mark.(NEW PRODUCTS)
August 1, 2007... HOUSTON-BASED Pro-Mark Corporation has introduced two new drum stick models bearing the autograph of legendary KISS drummer Peter Criss. The TXR3JW, also known as the JazzCat, is 16 1/8" long, .512" (13mm) in diameter, and made of...

John English.(DEATHS)
August 1, 2007... FENDER CUSTOM Shop Senior Master Builder John English died June 28 at the age of 57. Remembered as a driving force in the early days of the Custom Shop, English helped define the creative environment that continues in the shop today....