Music Trades articles from May 2007

Music Trades archives from May 2007

Mike Matthews--Person of the Year.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2007... I wanted to applaud your choice of Mike Matthews as Music Trade's 2007 "Person of the Year." M.I. has given birth to some truly original characters who, in turn, have left their mark on our industry: Mike is one of them. People with great...

Where have the first-time buyers gone?(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2007... After 35 years in the piano business I, like your April editorial "Where Are All The First-Time Buyers," have frequently asked the same question. Our stores offer active lesson programs, an aggressive concert schedule, lots of advertising and...

Quarterly retail sales data.(Market Intelligence)
May 1, 2007... QUARTERLY RETAIL SALES DATA % CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS YEAR (A) - THREE MONTHS ENDED MAR. 31, 2007 (B) - THREE MONTHS ENDED DEC. 31, 2006 (C) - THREE MONTHS ENDED SEP. 30, 2006 (D) - THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2006 ...

Market intelligence.
May 1, 2007... An upturn in business occurred during the first quarter of 2007 according to dealers responding to The Music Trades' quarterly sales report. This is not to imply that the U.S. music market is booming--far from it. In fact, according to dealers,...

Rap music: is the backlash here?(INDUSTRY BRIEFINGS)
May 1, 2007... Music sales overall are down, but rap sales in particular have dropped 21 percent from 2005 to 2006. For the first time in 12 years the top ten best-selling albums of the year did not include a rap album. A poll of black Americans by The...

Apple I-Pod sales top 100 million.(INDUSTRY BRIEFINGS)
May 1, 2007... In early April Apple announced that it has succeeded in selling its 100 millionth iPod, which makes the device the fastest-selling music player in history. Apple has redefined the way consumers access and listen to music since introducing the...

Cricket World Cup relaxes musical instrument ban.(INDUSTRY BRIEFINGS)
May 1, 2007... With Cricket World Cup being staged in St. John's, Antigua, organizers have bowed to criticism and reversed a policy restricting fans from bringing musical instruments into stadiums. Previously, supporters needed to seek prior approval from...

U2's The Edge donates guitar to aid Katrina victims.(INDUSTRY BRIEFINGS)
May 1, 2007... The Edge is donating a favorite 1975 Les Paul to an auction benefiting Music Rising, a charity the U2 guitarist co-founded to replace musical equipment lost or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. "I wanted to give something really significant that...

Loading mishaps $100,000 Bosendorfer piano.(INDUSTRY BRIEFINGS)
May 1, 2007... Tragedy has struck the Exmoor-based Two Moors Music Festival after a newly purchased Bosendorfer concert grand, valued at $100,000, fell off the back of a delivery van. The instrument, which was being delivered from London to the Sandyway...

The industry pays for an FTC fishing trip.(EDITORIAL)
May 1, 2007... The irony was hard to miss. On the very day that a delegation from NAMM was on Capital Hill, lobbying for music education to the approving nods of Congressional Representatives and Senators, a few blocks away at the Federal Trade Commission...

How retailers & suppliers can tame the net: price competition from the internet can only grow more intense. Herewith, a modest suggestion on how the industry can pull together to improve customer service, enhance brand status, and improve brick-and-mortar retail profits.(GUEST EDITORIAL)
May 1, 2007... If you have not yet accepted that the internet is a permanent and valid shopping alternative, do it now. People enjoy the access to information it provides as well as the convenience of shopping at 2 A.M if they want to. It's a simple fact of...

Yamaha reorganizes: Osawa new pres., U.S. Divisions realigned, Combo Unit to handle portable keyboards.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
May 1, 2007... NEWLY APPOINTED President Hogan Osawa will preside over a restructured Yamaha Corporation of America in a structure that is designed to better address a shifting competitive landscape in the U.S. Osawa succeeds Yoshi Doi, who will assume new...

Reader's Digest calls Martin Guitars "Best of America".(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
May 1, 2007... C.F. MARTIN & CO. of Nazareth, Pennsylvania has been named "Best of America" by the editors of Reader's Digest magazine. This celebration of the quirky, amazing and truly extraordinary is featured in the May issue. After speaking to...

Sponsorship of Indpie musicians forum.(Roland)
May 1, 2007... ROLAND IS SPONSORING Disc Makers' Independent Music World Series for the second consecutive year. The IMWS contest gives bands and musicians across the country an opportunity to showcase their talent and compete for prizes, including an...

Orange County choppers show celebrates Peavey.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
May 1, 2007... PEAVEY ELECTRONICS has challenged the stars of TLC's hit reality show American Chopper to a custom-shop duel to celebrate the launch of its new online guitar custom shop, PeaveyCustomShop.com. The "Battle of the Builders" that pitted...

Keilwerth saxophones names Sonare Winds American distributor.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
May 1, 2007... EFFECTIVE APRIL 15, 2007 Sonare Winds became the exclusive distributor of Keilwerth saxophones in the United States and Canada. Julius Keilwerth has made saxophones since 1925, with an emphasis on quality that remains unchanged today. Highly...

Accordion centennial marked in Las Vegas.(FLASH)
May 1, 2007... THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY of the piano accordion will be celebrated in Las Vegas June 18-12 at the International Accordion Convention. The event will be staged at the Gold Coast Hotel and will feature performances by jazz legend Art Van Damme,...

"Buy Now" feature dealers to profit from website.(Daisy Rock)
May 1, 2007... DAISY ROCK GUITARS has introduced a "Buy Now" program at www.daisyrock.com. In addition to daisyrock.com's most popular feature, the "Find A Dealer" page, customers will have two new options: a "Shop Online" button, which will link visitors to...

Blues bash aids musicians in need.(Musicorp)
May 1, 2007... MUSICORP WAS A LEAD sponsor of the 2007 Southern Comfort Lowcountry Blues Bash, an annual blues music festival in Charleston, South Carolina, where musicians from across the country have come to perform for ten consecutive days at local music...

Hal Leonard to distribute Steinberg Software.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
May 1, 2007... HAL LEONARD CORPORATION finalized an agreement with Yamaha Corporation of America to exclusively distribute Steinberg Software to independent instrument stores. Hal Leonard will be responsible for sales, marketing and distribution to the m.i.l...

Pipe & drum bands flourish in Holy Land.(Premier Percussion)
May 1, 2007... BETHLEHEM, PALESTINE is one of the most historical cities in the world and a place that many would not immediately associate with a flourishing pipe band music scene. However, The Scottish Center has established itself as a thriving musical...

Levy expands distribution, appoints Kaman & Harris-Teller.(FLASH)
May 1, 2007... LEVY'S LEATHERS HAS NAMED Kaman Music Corp., of Bloomfield, Connecticut and Harris Teller, of Chicago, Illinois, as distributors of Levy's straps and bags in the USA. Now, for the first time ever, American dealers will have the choice of...

Singlecut receives mipa top guitar award.(PRS GUITARS)
May 1, 2007... THE PAUL REED SMITH Singlecut model has received the Musikmesse International Press Award (mipa) for "Best Electric Guitar of the Year" category. Comprising a voting panel of editors and journalists from more than 100 publications worldwide,...

Shure busts mic counterfeiters in India, arrests trader.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
May 1, 2007... SHURE INCORPORATED has announced that following recent raids in Thailand, the company continues to pursue those involved with the importation and distribution of counterfeit Shure products. The most recent operation, conducted in cooperation...

Strategic quality team formed.(Crown International)
May 1, 2007... CROWN INTERNATIONAL has formed a Strategic Quality Team and has upgraded its factory to include a Reliability Test Lab equipped with sophisticated and rigorous testing equipment. Bob Chadderdon, Crown's senior director of engineering, has been...

Publicly traded industry firms.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
May 1, 2007... PUBLICLY TRADED INDUSTRY FIRMS PRICE AS OF P/E APRIL 11, 2007 RATIO Apple Computer Inc. $92.63 33.57 Avid...

Grand displayed at PTG Conference.(Wyman Pianos)
May 1, 2007... WYMAN PIANO COMPANY displayed one of its new Wyman Pianoforte grand pianos at the California State Conference and Technical Institute held February 8-11 in San Francisco by the Piano Technicians Guild. More than 200 registered piano...

Gibson sponsors Dubai Polo challenge.(FLASH)
May 1, 2007... GIBSON GUITAR sponsored the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge, which was held on March 30 at Ali Albwardy's Desert Palm Polo Complex. This event is an extension of the successful Cartier International Polo Tournament held annually at...

Soft fourth quarter sales crimp net profit at LOUD Technologies.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)(Financial report)
May 1, 2007... LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. reported net income of $600,000 for 2006 on sales of $215 million. A year earlier the company earned $930,000 on sales of $204.3 million. Operations at the parent company of Mackie Designs, EAW, Tapco, Crate, Ampeg,...

Godin takes top prize in John Lennon Contest.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
May 1, 2007... AS THE OFFICIAL exclusive guitar sponsor of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, Godin Guitars has provided the 2006 contest winners with limited-edition Godin Flat Five guitars. This is one of several prizes presented to the winners, who then...

A customer loyalty primer: how Lowrey Organ is using a rewards program to attract as well as retain customers.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
May 1, 2007... AT A TIME WHEN every segment of the industry is addressing the challenge of attracting first-time buyers and stimulating store traffic, Lowrey Organ has unveiled an unprecedented new marketing initiative. Dubbed L.I.F.E., for "Lowrey Is Fun and...

Gesualdo to head educational initiative.(Vater Percussion)
May 1, 2007... VATER PERCUSSION, A LEADING manufacturer of high-quality drumsticks and drum accessories, has tapped Pat Gesualdo, to head a far-reaching educational initiative. An award-winning drummer, author, and clinician, Gesualdo has pioneered the use of...

BeMusic new South African distributor.(Rotosound)
May 1, 2007... BRITISH STRING MANUFACTURER Rotosound selected BeMusic as its newest distributor in South Africa. BeMusic is led by an all-black management team and is considered somewhat of a pioneer in the South African musical instrument industry....

Stetson University purchases pianos.(Hailun Pianos)
May 1, 2007... HAILUN PIANOS ARE NOW the pianos of choice in the School of Music of Stetson University, DeLand, Florida. "We are so pleased at this partnership opportunity with Stetson," said Stevan Mills, Hailun National Sales Consultant. "The Stetson School...

Terrorists target Pakistan's Music stores.(FOREFRONT: NEWS * ANALYSIS * INFORMED OPINION)
May 1, 2007... THE ASSOCIATED PRESS reports that music stores in Peshawar, Pakistan, have been a prime target for Islamic extremists. Islamists have said they view music and music making as in violation of the Sharia code. To date, more than two-dozen stores...

Class action against guitar center? Fred Rubin files suit on behalf of 6,500 retailers, alleging that GC uses its buying power in an illegal manner to put independent retailers out of business in an effort to secure a monopoly and asks for $1.0 billion in damages.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
May 1, 2007... IN LATE MARCH, A FEDERAL District Judge kept Fred Rubin's broad ranging legal action against Guitar Center alive when she denied a motion filed by Guitar Center to have the case dismissed. Originally filed last April, Rubin's 12-count complaint...

Fork's Drum Closet wins top Gretsch Drum award.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
May 1, 2007... FORKS DRUM CLOSET of Nashville has been named Gretsch Drum's Top Independent Dealer for 2006. Representatives from Kaman traveled to Gary Forkum's Nashville drum shop to present Gary and his team with the prestigious award. "All of us at...

Onofrio piano hosts Indrek Laul at unique Estonia Piano reception.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
May 1, 2007... DR. INDREK LAUL, president and owner of the Laul Estonia Piano Company, has announced the creation of the Estonia Piano Scholarship at the Juilliard School of Music in New York, where he was a Horowitz Scholar. The announcement was made at...

Black Label's DeServio completes clinic tour.(Sam Ash Music)(Concert review)
May 1, 2007... BASS VIRTUOSO John "JD" DeServio of Black Label Society recently completed a series of bass clinics surrounding the band's upcoming, "Shot to Hell" tour. The clinics, sponsored by Samson Technologies and Zoom, were held in 11 participating Sam...

Sweetwater sound acquires Lentine's Music.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
May 1, 2007... SWEETWATER SOUND INC. has acquired the assets of Lentine's Music, a music instrument and equipment retail chain based in Akron, Ohio. Founded in 1977 by retired schoolteacher Joseph Lentine and his son, Michael, Lentine's Music grew into a $15...

Eckroth Music wins trip to France in Rico contest.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
May 1, 2007... ECKROTH MUSIC CUSTOMER John Warren from Mandan High School, in Mandan, North Dakota, has won the Rico Reserve Promotion and Sweepstakes. Announced late last year, the contest offered school districts discounts on purchases and chance to win a...

Fry's Westport Fairfield Piano gets "green" hybrid vehicle fleet.(RETAILER UPDATE: NEWS FROM THE RETAIL FRONT LINES)
May 1, 2007... IN MUSIC RETAILING for 50 years, Paul Fry has learned a thing or two about running a lean, efficient business. In 2006 he began cleaning up one of the fastest-moving parts of the operation--its management's vehicles. Fry and his wife,...

Ernie ball/music man Petrucci seminar.(Music Arts Enterprises)
May 1, 2007... DREAM THEATER guitarist and signature Music Man artist John Petrucci conducted a free seminar at Music Arts Enterprises, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on March 29. Several hundred area guitarists turned out to hear Petrucci perform and discuss...

Filling orders ... What happens when suppliers slip up? Retailers sound off about how order entry desks and shipping departments hurt and help their ability to compete!(RETAIL: Q&A)
May 1, 2007... For many music retailers, profitability hinges on running a lean, highly efficient operation where everyone does their job and everything goes "by the numbers." Not surprisingly, dealers are voicing frustration over poor service from vendors,...

Is great service a given at your store? The function of your business is not to make a profit. It's to attract and retain customers. Do that and everything else will take care of itself.(BOB POPYK ON SELLING)
May 1, 2007... The music business has changed drastically over the past few years. Not long ago we didn't have to worry about the internet, major chains, low priced imports, and the big-box discount stores. Years ago the biggest worry was another small...

How fear, greed, and ego relate to retail pricing: pricing is more art than science. But if you understand what your customers want and need and follow some proven rules, you have a better chance of sharpening your competitive edge.(CREATIVE RETAILING)
May 1, 2007... One of the most critical decisions retailers can make is their pricing strategy because it directly impacts inventory turn rates, profitability and even the store's ability to attract and retain long-term loyal customers. Pricing strategies are...

Schimmel's quality mantra: responding to a shifting piano market, leading German piano maker emphasizes product quality, while expanding its product line under a multiple brand strategy.(SHORT TAKE)
May 1, 2007... The flood of low-cost Chinese-made pianos has confronted European manufacturers with a painful dilemma: whether to engage in serious belt tightening in an effort to compete on price or to emphasize superior quality in pursuit of the premium...

Premium blend: ovation's new VXT Hybrid guitar offers a choice of dead-on acoustic guitar and electric guitar sounds plus a multitude of blended sounds in between. With VXT, 1 + 1 = the size of your imagination.(PRODUCT TRENDS)
May 1, 2007... Can a four-wheel-drive SUV really drive like a luxury sedan? Can a musician really "specialize in all styles"? We tend to dismiss such pronouncements on the assumption that, in many cases, a lack of specialization necessitates...

Improving economics, deteriorating demographics: the sprawling Frankfurt Fair sends mixed signals about the future direction of the European music market. Prosperity is on the rise, but a serious "birth dearth" threatens future growth.(Global MARKETS)(Industry overview)
May 1, 2007... Reflecting the state of the European music products market, the annual Frankfurt Musikmesse and Pro Light and Sound Expo offered up decidedly mixed signals. Record exhibitor turnout, huge crowds, and four days of frenetic activity kindled hopes...

If they generate most of the profits, why are they called small goods? Reflections on why accessories are the industry's biggest profit generator, why so many retailers have yet to grasp that simple fact, and how to make your accessory sales grow.(ACCESSORIES)
May 1, 2007... The most common reason people end up in music retail is because they love music passionately, believe in its value, and want to be around it. Aligning yourself with a business that furthers what is arguably mankind's most exalted art form is a...

Where the money is.(ACCESSORIES)
May 1, 2007... The average selling price of an electric guitar is $380. At a 30% margin, that works out to a gross profit of $114 per instrument. Sell the assortment of accessories pictured above to a guitar customer and you'll pocket $82 in gross margin,...

Sets are just the start.(ACCESSORIES)
May 1, 2007... Gillette realized long ago that the profit is in selling the blades, not the razors. The same holds true for percussion products. Sell an average five-piece kit at $670 and you'll see a gross margin of $227. The standard accessory assortment...

Woodwinds & brasswinds.(ACCESSORIES)
May 1, 2007... The scope of accessories for wind instruments isn't quite as broad as in the percussion and fretted categories. Nevertheless, carekits, reeds, mouthpieces, and other accessory items are powerful profit generators. Carekits, in particular, can...

Hohner's iconic harmonica the ultimate accessory item: currently celebrating its 150th anniversary, Hohner Inc. remains the world's leading manufacturer of harmonicas.(ACCESSORIES)
May 1, 2007... Blow-tube, hobo harp, French harp, Indiana mating call, reckless tram, harpoon, tin sandwich, blues harp, Mississippi saxophone. By any of its names, music retailers might well call the mouth organ, harp, and harmonica the ultimate accessory...

The measure of perfection: JodyJazz is thrilling the sax community with Innovative designs, obsession with flawless production, and a passionately non-commodity approach to making mouthpieces.(ACCESSORIES)
May 1, 2007... Basking in the glow of product reviewers' praise and player testimonials that border on idolatry, JodyJazz is arguably the most up-and-coming name in woodwind accessories. Headquartered in New York City, JodyJazz offers a broad line of...

Retailers breathe easier at 2007 NASMD: having weathered competitive assaults from the internet, chain stores, and mail order competitors, independent retailers regain confidence in the viability of their business model.(NASMD: ASSESSING SCHOOL MUSIC)
May 1, 2007... More than 300 retail members from the National Association of School Music Dealers emerged from the organization's four-day annual meeting in Tucson, Arizona, showing confidence that the market for school music products remains strong and that...

Xu returns as pearl river CEO; Garrison tapped as vp sales.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
May 1, 2007... WITH THE RETIREMENT of company Chairman Zhi Cheng Tong after 48 years of service, Guangzhou Pearl River Piano Group Ltd. in Guangzhou, China has announced plans to refine its US marketing program. Newly appointed Pearl River Chairman Wei Lin...

Steinway declares "Bow-tie" day.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
May 1, 2007... RETIRED STEINWAY & SONS chairman Henry Steinway (center in the dark suit) has adopted the bow-tie as something of a personal style statement. Earlier this year, employees at the Steinway plant in Long Island City paid tribute to his sartorial...

Management expanded to support growth.(Antigua Inc.)
May 1, 2007... IN A MOVE that reflects the controlled and steady growth of the Antigua brand, President Joe Ramotowski has appointed Daryl McCain director of marketing and promoted Randy Huey to the newly created position of director of operations. "As the...

Sales & marketing team expands.(Sabian)
May 1, 2007... SABIAN LTD. HAS announced major changes in its sales and marketing teams. Joe Samuelian has been promoted to U.S. sales coordinator. Samuelian will be responsible for coordination and support of all musical instrument channel sales activities...

Dorwart new CEO; Quandt new pres./COO.(Stanton Group)
May 1, 2007... THE STANTON GROUP, a leading audio equipment company operating Stanton Magnetics, Cerwin Vega!, and KRK Systems, has named Timothy Dorwart its new chief executive officer and Mike Quandt the president and chief operating officer. A 30-year...

Ted Stalets named DSM for Midwest.(Galileo Music)
May 1, 2007... TED STALETS HAS been appointed district sales manager for the Midwest region at Galileo Music. He will be responsible for supporting existing accounts and expanding sales efforts of the Galileo digital piano collection in the Midwestern states....

Yamaha's Joe Testa new father of twins.(PEOPLE: MOVERS AND SHAKERS)
May 1, 2007... JOE TESTA, Yamaha Drums international artist relations manager, and his wife, Kim, are the proud new parents of twin daughters. Rubette (Ruby) Sandra and Juliet Carmella were born one minute apart on Saturday, March 17. The Music Trades wishes...

Yamaha DGC1B piano brings Disklavier to new price point.(PRODUCTS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN NEW PRODUCTS INTRODUCTIONS)(Concert review)
May 1, 2007... YAMAHA'S PIANO DIVISION has introduced the latest model of its reproducing pianos, the Disklavier DGC1B. Equipped with many of the Disklavier's unique technological features, this affordable model can help users enjoy live piano music by...

Eleca guitar practice Amp with iPod playback system.(PRODUCTS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN NEW PRODUCTS INTRODUCTIONS)
May 1, 2007... ELECA INTERNATIONAL Inc. bills its new eAmp 1.0 as the world's first guitar practice amplifier that doubles as an iPod playback system. The new eAmp makes it a snap to play along to one's favorite tunes. Combining a rugged, versatile practice...

New Titanium classical strings.(D'Addario')
May 1, 2007... CONSISTENTLY PUSHING the envelope in nylon classical guitar strings led D'Addario & Co. to search for a material that would respond similarly to touch, yet would project a brighter tone. This search has led to the introduction of D'Addario T2...

Limited editions mark Dean Guitars' 30th year.(PRODUCTS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN NEW PRODUCTS INTRODUCTIONS)
May 1, 2007... DEAN GUITARS' IS MARKING its 30th year with the introduction of limited anniversary editions of its two best known models: the ML and the V. These two guitars have been the instrument of choice for rock innovators ranging from Kerry Livgren of...

Tokai Guitars return to the U.S.(Godlyke)
May 1, 2007... TOKAI GUITARS, ONCE a best selling line, is returning to the U.S. market with the introduction of five new models to commemorate its 60th anniversary. Hand built in the company's original Hamamatsu, Japan plant, these new models feature...

AIM stationery line features attractive P-O-P.(PRODUCTS: THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN NEW PRODUCTS INTRODUCTIONS)
May 1, 2007... AIM GIFTS, the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of music gifts accessories, has added over fifty new desktop accessories and pens to its stationery line. Pictured is the Rosewood Stationery Bin with Clock, Slider Pocket Organizer,...

"ProGrip" sticks boast pre-applied grip.(Pro-Mark)
May 1, 2007... PRO-MARK CORPORATION is expanding its line of hickory drumsticks with the new ProGrip models, which feature a special pre-applied gripping material on the handle of the sticks. According to Pat Brown, the company's director of sales and...

Case ink personalized road cases.(A&S Cases)
May 1, 2007... THE A&S CASE COMPANY asks, "You can tattoo your body, why not your case?" North Hollywood, California's A&S invites musicians to express themselves graphically with its new breakthrough application process that allows artwork to be bonded with...

Elegant new recording King Banjo.(The Music Link)
May 1, 2007... WITH GENUINE gold-plated hard ware, beautiful engravings, and a flamed maple resonator, the new Artist Deluxe banjo from Recording King recalls the most supremely crafted banjos from the Golden Age of musical instruments. The Artist Deluxe...

Affordable new lap steel.(Asher Guitars)
May 1, 2007... ASHER GUITARS, known for its ultra high-end lap steels, is launching a new entry-priced instrument that doesn't lack in quality or sound. The new Asher Electro-Hawaiian Junior boasts impressive resonance, quality tone, and a professional feel,...

Motorized cable coiler, slap ties.(Kaltman Creations)
May 1, 2007... KALTMAN CREATIONS LLC has developed a line of innovative cable coilers and a new cable management system. Touted as the world's first handheld motorized cable coiler, the Kaltman KCC50-5 can coil up to 50 feet of medium-duty cable in less than...

Signature model honored at NAMM.(Brazen Guitars)
May 1, 2007... IT'S NOT OFTEN that a guitar company comes out of nowhere to capture NAMM Show-goers with stunning new guitars that offer both great playability and high value. But Brazen Guitars did so at the 2007 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, winning...

Affordable handmade German violin.(Meisel)
May 1, 2007... MEISEL HAS RESPONDED to the increased demand for high quality student violins from customers disappointed with inconsistent mass-produced Asian models by introducing the German-made 9020 violin. Handcrafted from the finest materials to rigorous...

Hard cases for sound containment panels.(ClearSonic)
May 1, 2007... CLEARSONIC HAS ROLLED out a new line of durable road cases for ITS ClearSonic Panel products. The CH5, CH4, CH18, and CH12 Hard Cases are made using .098" molded ABS plastic and feature plenty of foam padding, plywood-reinforced end panels,...

Sound of Tri-State gets serious with Sonus.(Community)
May 1, 2007... PRO-AUDIO DEALERS Sound of Tri-State have ordered a selection of Community's new Sonus loudspeakers for their three Delaware stores. Sound of Tri-State is a major provider of DJ, home, and mobile audio and electronics in the Delaware-New...

Gator new "camo" case for shape guitars.(NEW PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... Gator Case has instroduced a new camouflage version of its popular Wooden Extreme Case. This case is constructed of five-ply cross-grain luan plywood and features an eye-catching camouflage exterior. Equipped with a foam blocking "fit all"...

LaPlaca to distribute Pomarico mouthpieces.(NEW PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... AT THE RECENT FRANKFURT Musikmesse PJLA Music Sales & Marketing became the exclusive distributor of Pomarico clarinet and saxophone mouthpieces in the U.S. and Canada. An agreement for a new expanded business relationship was reached between...

House of Blues & Rock House "Metal Method".(NEW PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2007... HOUSE OF BLUES AND The Rock House Method have joined forces to create a unique and comprehensive beginner metal DVD method, packed with the fundemental metal techniques. Noted instructor/guitarist John McCarthy provides step-by-step instruction...

Electric model capo planned.(Paige Musical)
May 1, 2007... PAIGE MUSICAL PRODUCTS will soon expand its already diverse and widely recognized line of products with a new capo for electric guitars. Due out this summer, the new electric model boasts an innovative design that owner Bryan Paige said...

Solid wood guitar models.(Crafter USA)
May 1, 2007... CRAFTER USA HAS unveiled two solid wood guitar models: the GLXE-3000 acoustic electric and DLX-3000 standard dreadnought acoustic. Both guitars feature a solid Engelmann spruce top, solid back and sides available in Indonesian SK rosewood or...

On-stage stands hang-it guitar stand.(The Music People)
May 1, 2007... HANG-IT GUITAR STAND THE NEW HANG-IT Guitar Stand Series from On-Stage Stands offers musicians a way to hang most standard guitars by their headstock. The series is now available in three models: the GS7155 Single Guitar Stand ($34 list),...