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Spotlight F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0www.mmrmagazine.com 2010 Recipient of the Don Johnson Music Industry Service Award NAMM Show Buyer’s Guide Upfront Q&A: Powell Flutes’ Steven Wasser Korg Bring LÂG Guitars to US Market NEW, DIGITAL VERSION www.mmrmagazine.com Visit us at NAMM Booth 4618
Citation preview
F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 0w w w . m m r m a g a z i n e . c o m
NAMM Show Buyers Guide
Upfront Q&A: Powell Flutes Steven Wasser
Korg Bring LG Guitars to US Market
FeliceMancini
NEW, DIGITAL VERSION
www.mmrmagazine.com
Spotlight
2010 Recipient of the Don Johnson Music Industry Service Award
CoverFebruary Gatefold.indd COV1 12/28/09 2:38:27 PM
mmr_feb_gatefold_cov2.indd 1 12/28/09 11:41:59 AM
mmr_feb_gatefold_cov2.indd 1 12/28/09 11:41:59 AM
Visit us at NAMM Booth 4618
mmr_gatefold_spead.indd 1 12/28/09 11:40:14 AM
Visit us at NAMM Booth 4618
mmr_gatefold_spead.indd 1 12/28/09 11:40:14 AM
MMR_1 1 12/28/09 12:03:26 PM
MMR_1 1 12/28/09 12:03:26 PM
New ground rules.
2010 Samson | samsontech.com
The All New Expedition.Our Expedition 510i delivers 500 watts of crystal clear power in a compact, portable design. Listen and hear how weve changed the rules for portable sound.
Hear Expedition 510i at Booth 5940.
MMR_3 3 12/28/09 12:03:36 PM
2 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
Features
FEBRUARY 2010 VOL.169 NO. 2 Contents18 Upfront Q&A: Steven Wasser
MMR chats with Verne Q. Powell Flutes owner, Steven Wasser, about the companys recent acquisition of Elkhart, Indiana-based E.K. Blessing.
20 Korg Brings LG Guitars to AmericaKorg USA is introducing Frances LG Guitars long a major player in the Euro-pean fretted market to America, starting with the Tramontane line of steel- and nylon-string models to be unveiled at this Winters NAMM show.
33 American Music & Sound: High Growth, High ExpectationsRecent partnerships with Fostex and Kurzweil add to American Music & Sounds already impressive roster and speak to the companys recent expansion.
38 Spotlight: Felice ManciniThe second recipient of our annual Don Johnson Music Industry Service trophy ex-emplifi es the standards and ethics that the award aims to honor. Felice Mancini has, for more than a decade, spearheaded the laudable efforts of the Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation which benefi t some 10,000 music students, annually. MMR sat down with Mancini to discuss the organizations main goals and hopes for the future.
50 Buyers Guide to New Gear at NAMMPart two of our roundup of new products on display in Anaheim this January.
86 Zildjian Ahead of the CurveMMR checks in with Craigie Zildjian and John Sorenson of the Avedis Ziljian Co. to get the scoop on recent and upcoming projects and developments for the revered cymbal manufacturer.
90 Pro Audio: Samson TechnologiesMark Wilder, director of marketing at Samson Technologies, discusses some recent developments and product introductions of note.
92 Rock Houses New Partnership with Hal Leonard Energizes Both96 Bedell Guitars Giving Away 65 VW Magic Bus at NAMM98 Mojos Music: Seeing, Building, and Sustaining the Niche Market
MMR talks with Bob Moggio, owner of Edwardsville, Illinois guitar mecca: Mojos Music.
106 2010 NAMM Show Exhibitor Roster128 NAMM University Professional Development Schedule
4 Editorial6 Upfront10 Letters
14 People24 At a Glance147 Supplier Scene
162 Classifi eds168 Advertisers Index
MMR Musical Merchandise Review (ISSN 0027-4615) founded in 1879, is published monthly by Symphony Publishing, LLC, 21 Highland Circle, Suite 1, Needham, MA 02494 (781)453-9310, publisher of School Band and Orchestra, Choral Director, Music Parents America and JazzEd. All titles are federally registered trademarks and/or trademarks of Symphony Publishing, LLC. Subscription Rates: U.S.A., US possessions, one year $32; two years $40. Canada one year $80; all other countries one year $159. Single issues $5 each. May Supplier Directory $35. Periodical-Rate Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offi ces. POSTMASTER/SUBSCRIBERS: Send address change to Musical Merchandise Review, P.O. Box 8548, Lowell, MA 01853. Periodicals circulation is directed to music dealers and retailers, wholesalers and distributors, importers and exporters and manufacturers of all types of musical instruments and their accessories, related electronic sound equipment, general musical accessories, musical publications and teaching aides. The publishers of this magazine do not accept responsibility for statements made by their advertisers in business competion. No portion of this issue may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Copyright 2010 by Symphony Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved. Printed in USA.
Cover photo 2009 SaraPress.com.
Departmentswww.MMRmagazine.com
96
86
38
MMR_2 2 12/28/09 2:41:02 PM
New ground rules.
2010 Samson | samsontech.com
The All New Expedition.Our Expedition 510i delivers 500 watts of crystal clear power in a compact, portable design. Listen and hear how weve changed the rules for portable sound.
Hear Expedition 510i at Booth 5940.
MMR_3 3 12/28/09 12:03:36 PM
2 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
Features
FEBRUARY 2010 VOL.169 NO. 2 Contents18 Upfront Q&A: Steven Wasser
MMR chats with Verne Q. Powell Flutes owner, Steven Wasser, about the companys recent acquisition of Elkhart, Indiana-based E.K. Blessing.
20 Korg Brings LG Guitars to AmericaKorg USA is introducing Frances LG Guitars long a major player in the Euro-pean fretted market to America, starting with the Tramontane line of steel- and nylon-string models to be unveiled at this Winters NAMM show.
33 American Music & Sound: High Growth, High ExpectationsRecent partnerships with Fostex and Kurzweil add to American Music & Sounds already impressive roster and speak to the companys recent expansion.
38 Spotlight: Felice ManciniThe second recipient of our annual Don Johnson Music Industry Service trophy ex-emplifi es the standards and ethics that the award aims to honor. Felice Mancini has, for more than a decade, spearheaded the laudable efforts of the Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation which benefi t some 10,000 music students, annually. MMR sat down with Mancini to discuss the organizations main goals and hopes for the future.
50 Buyers Guide to New Gear at NAMMPart two of our roundup of new products on display in Anaheim this January.
86 Zildjian Ahead of the CurveMMR checks in with Craigie Zildjian and John Sorenson of the Avedis Ziljian Co. to get the scoop on recent and upcoming projects and developments for the revered cymbal manufacturer.
90 Pro Audio: Samson TechnologiesMark Wilder, director of marketing at Samson Technologies, discusses some recent developments and product introductions of note.
92 Rock Houses New Partnership with Hal Leonard Energizes Both96 Bedell Guitars Giving Away 65 VW Magic Bus at NAMM98 Mojos Music: Seeing, Building, and Sustaining the Niche Market
MMR talks with Bob Moggio, owner of Edwardsville, Illinois guitar mecca: Mojos Music.
106 2010 NAMM Show Exhibitor Roster128 NAMM University Professional Development Schedule
4 Editorial6 Upfront10 Letters
14 People24 At a Glance147 Supplier Scene
162 Classifi eds168 Advertisers Index
MMR Musical Merchandise Review (ISSN 0027-4615) founded in 1879, is published monthly by Symphony Publishing, LLC, 21 Highland Circle, Suite 1, Needham, MA 02494 (781)453-9310, publisher of School Band and Orchestra, Choral Director, Music Parents America and JazzEd. All titles are federally registered trademarks and/or trademarks of Symphony Publishing, LLC. Subscription Rates: U.S.A., US possessions, one year $32; two years $40. Canada one year $80; all other countries one year $159. Single issues $5 each. May Supplier Directory $35. Periodical-Rate Postage Paid at Boston, MA and additional mailing offi ces. POSTMASTER/SUBSCRIBERS: Send address change to Musical Merchandise Review, P.O. Box 8548, Lowell, MA 01853. Periodicals circulation is directed to music dealers and retailers, wholesalers and distributors, importers and exporters and manufacturers of all types of musical instruments and their accessories, related electronic sound equipment, general musical accessories, musical publications and teaching aides. The publishers of this magazine do not accept responsibility for statements made by their advertisers in business competion. No portion of this issue may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Copyright 2010 by Symphony Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved. Printed in USA.
Cover photo 2009 SaraPress.com.
Departmentswww.MMRmagazine.com
96
86
38
MMR_2 2 12/28/09 2:41:02 PM
ADJ Group of CompaniesIs Your Business Partner ForALL ACCESSTo Greater Sales & Higher Profits!
LED, Stage & Intelligent Lighting For Schools, Clubs, DJs & Indie Bands.
Lighting Accessories: Light Stands, Lamps, Clamps, Strobes, Fog Machines, Mirror Balls & more!
Pro Audio Products For DJs, Indie Bands, Live PA and more!
Full-line of Audio & DMX Cables!
AMERICAN DJ DEALER ADVANTAGES: Great Profit Margins Monthly Sales Promotions Knowledgeable Sales & Customer Support Staff To Help Before & After The Sale! End Users Can Contact ADJ For Tech Support & Repairs So You Can Focus On Sales ADJ Advantage Customer Loyalty Program
Quality, Affordable & Reliable ProductsFrom A Company You Can Trust!
Contact us today about becoming an authorized American DJ Dealer: 800.333.0644 / [email protected]
2009 American DJ www.americandj.com Los Angeles, CA 90040 USA Kerkrade, NetherlandsDistributed in Canada by Sounds Distribution - Toll Free: 800-26-SOUND Local: 905-428-9062 www.soundsdist.com
Winter NAMM 2010, January 14-17, 2010, Anaheim, CA USA -See New Products You & Your Customers Can Rely On From A Company Youve Trusted For 25 Years!
Winter NAMM 2010, January 14-17, 2010, Anaheim, CA USA -See New Products You & Your Customers Can Rely On From A Company Youve Trusted For 25 Years!
Visit Us @ Booth #5774NAMM 2010!Visit Us @ Booth #5774NAMM 2010!
MMR_5 5 12/28/09 12:03:48 PM
Editorial
4 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
PUBLISHERSidney L. Davis
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERRick Kessel
EDITORChristian Wissmuller
ASSOCIATE EDITOREliahu Sussman
ASSOCIATE EDITORDenyce Neilson
ADVERTISING SALES Iris Fox
CLASSIFIED AD SALESMaureen Johan
PRODUCTION MANAGERLaurie Guptill
GRAPHIC DESIGNERSAndrew P. Ross
Laurie [email protected]
CIRCULATION MANAGERMelanie A. Prescott
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTPopi Galileos
WEBMASTERSanford Kearns
SYMPHONY PUBLISHING, LLCXen Zapis Chairman
Lee Zapis [email protected]
Rich Bongorno Chief Financial Offi [email protected]
Corporate Headquarters26202 Detroit Road, Suite 300, Westlake, Ohio 44145
440-871-1300www.symphonypublishing.com
PUBLISHING, SALES & EDITORIAL OFFICE: 21 Highland Circle, Suite 1, Needham, MA 02494
(781) 453-9310 Fax: (781) 453-9389www.mmrmagazine.com
Volume 169, Number 2, February 2010
Felice Mancini, Music Advocate
During the latter stages of 97 we were planning the launch of our sister publication, School Band & Orchestra, and while brainstorming for a representative music ed-ucator for the fi rst cover profi le, the suggestion was made that the perfect criteria for our subject was met by the man behind the foundation inspired by the movie, Mr. Hollands Opus. Richard Dreyfuss portrayal of a small town orchestra director who takes a teaching job to pay the rent and embarks on a 30-year career impacting the lives of many hundreds of students who passed through his raised baton was representative of the type of educators we looked to honor and connect with. Almost simultaneous to the fi lms release, the movies composer Michael Kamen, along with Richard Dreyfuss and the fi lms director, Steve Herek, decided to pool some of their funds to purchase
instruments for their own high schools. This was the start of Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation.
While the Foundation was still in its formative stag-es I interviewed Michael Kamen for our fi rst issue. He called from his London fl at (5 a.m. his time) express-ing his disappointment at having visited his former high school and seen hundreds of musical instruments piled on top of each other unused and unusable. In his own words, it suddenly dawned on me that if we were able to walk into a school and offer new instruments and try to fi gure out a way to make that a sustainable
policy, we could strike at the very core of the problem (funding for school music pro-grams). As for Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation future prospects he said, The expec-tations are tremendous and the need is even larger.
Sadly Michael Kamen passed away November 2003, well before his time. However the baton was passed to Felice Mancini, a member of a famed musical family (father Henry) who joined the Foundation in 1998 and has led the organization into the fore-front of music advocacy with some 50 schools and 10,000 student musicians benefi ting yearly from their efforts.
We are both proud and privileged to recognize Felice Mancini as the recipient of the Don Johnson Service Award. Much like Michael Kamen, Don Johnson, our long time editor and associate, was a passionate advocate for music education who, also much like Kamen, passed away much too young. The Award reads, To Felice Mancini, in recog-nition and appreciation for your outstanding advocacy and support for music educa-tion both at the community and national level.
To learn more about the Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation check out their Web site at www.mhopus.org
sdavis@ symphonypublishing.com
We are both proud and privileged to recognize Felice Mancini as the recipient of the Don Johnson Service Award.
MMR_4 4 12/28/09 2:41:25 PM
ADJ Group of CompaniesIs Your Business Partner ForALL ACCESSTo Greater Sales & Higher Profits!
LED, Stage & Intelligent Lighting For Schools, Clubs, DJs & Indie Bands.
Lighting Accessories: Light Stands, Lamps, Clamps, Strobes, Fog Machines, Mirror Balls & more!
Pro Audio Products For DJs, Indie Bands, Live PA and more!
Full-line of Audio & DMX Cables!
AMERICAN DJ DEALER ADVANTAGES: Great Profit Margins Monthly Sales Promotions Knowledgeable Sales & Customer Support Staff To Help Before & After The Sale! End Users Can Contact ADJ For Tech Support & Repairs So You Can Focus On Sales ADJ Advantage Customer Loyalty Program
Quality, Affordable & Reliable ProductsFrom A Company You Can Trust!
Contact us today about becoming an authorized American DJ Dealer: 800.333.0644 / [email protected]
2009 American DJ www.americandj.com Los Angeles, CA 90040 USA Kerkrade, NetherlandsDistributed in Canada by Sounds Distribution - Toll Free: 800-26-SOUND Local: 905-428-9062 www.soundsdist.com
Winter NAMM 2010, January 14-17, 2010, Anaheim, CA USA -See New Products You & Your Customers Can Rely On From A Company Youve Trusted For 25 Years!
Winter NAMM 2010, January 14-17, 2010, Anaheim, CA USA -See New Products You & Your Customers Can Rely On From A Company Youve Trusted For 25 Years!
Visit Us @ Booth #5774NAMM 2010!Visit Us @ Booth #5774NAMM 2010!
MMR_5 5 12/28/09 12:03:48 PM
Editorial
4 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
PUBLISHERSidney L. Davis
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERRick Kessel
EDITORChristian Wissmuller
ASSOCIATE EDITOREliahu Sussman
ASSOCIATE EDITORDenyce Neilson
ADVERTISING SALES Iris Fox
CLASSIFIED AD SALESMaureen Johan
PRODUCTION MANAGERLaurie Guptill
GRAPHIC DESIGNERSAndrew P. Ross
Laurie [email protected]
CIRCULATION MANAGERMelanie A. Prescott
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTPopi Galileos
WEBMASTERSanford Kearns
SYMPHONY PUBLISHING, LLCXen Zapis Chairman
Lee Zapis [email protected]
Rich Bongorno Chief Financial Offi [email protected]
Corporate Headquarters26202 Detroit Road, Suite 300, Westlake, Ohio 44145
440-871-1300www.symphonypublishing.com
PUBLISHING, SALES & EDITORIAL OFFICE: 21 Highland Circle, Suite 1, Needham, MA 02494
(781) 453-9310 Fax: (781) 453-9389www.mmrmagazine.com
Volume 169, Number 2, February 2010
Felice Mancini, Music Advocate
During the latter stages of 97 we were planning the launch of our sister publication, School Band & Orchestra, and while brainstorming for a representative music ed-ucator for the fi rst cover profi le, the suggestion was made that the perfect criteria for our subject was met by the man behind the foundation inspired by the movie, Mr. Hollands Opus. Richard Dreyfuss portrayal of a small town orchestra director who takes a teaching job to pay the rent and embarks on a 30-year career impacting the lives of many hundreds of students who passed through his raised baton was representative of the type of educators we looked to honor and connect with. Almost simultaneous to the fi lms release, the movies composer Michael Kamen, along with Richard Dreyfuss and the fi lms director, Steve Herek, decided to pool some of their funds to purchase
instruments for their own high schools. This was the start of Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation.
While the Foundation was still in its formative stag-es I interviewed Michael Kamen for our fi rst issue. He called from his London fl at (5 a.m. his time) express-ing his disappointment at having visited his former high school and seen hundreds of musical instruments piled on top of each other unused and unusable. In his own words, it suddenly dawned on me that if we were able to walk into a school and offer new instruments and try to fi gure out a way to make that a sustainable
policy, we could strike at the very core of the problem (funding for school music pro-grams). As for Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation future prospects he said, The expec-tations are tremendous and the need is even larger.
Sadly Michael Kamen passed away November 2003, well before his time. However the baton was passed to Felice Mancini, a member of a famed musical family (father Henry) who joined the Foundation in 1998 and has led the organization into the fore-front of music advocacy with some 50 schools and 10,000 student musicians benefi ting yearly from their efforts.
We are both proud and privileged to recognize Felice Mancini as the recipient of the Don Johnson Service Award. Much like Michael Kamen, Don Johnson, our long time editor and associate, was a passionate advocate for music education who, also much like Kamen, passed away much too young. The Award reads, To Felice Mancini, in recog-nition and appreciation for your outstanding advocacy and support for music educa-tion both at the community and national level.
To learn more about the Mr. Hollands Opus Foundation check out their Web site at www.mhopus.org
sdavis@ symphonypublishing.com
We are both proud and privileged to recognize Felice Mancini as the recipient of the Don Johnson Service Award.
MMR_4 4 12/28/09 2:41:25 PM
2009 Taylor G
uitars
SeeSeeSeeSeeSeSeeeeSee al alal alalal alaall ol ol oll ol ol ol of of of of of of of of of oururururrruruuru tratratratratratraatraditditditditditditditditditd ionionionionionionioionion de de deded fyifyifyifyifyifyifyifyifyiyingngngngngngnngng cracracracraracraccraraaaftsftssssstftsf smanmanmamamanmamanmam shishihip, p, pp, p, incincincincncncncncncncludludludludludlududingingingingingingingng thth th th ththththe pee pe pe ppe ppateateateateateateateateatentententententetenntented Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd NTTTTTTTTTTTT NeNe NeNee NeNNeckckcckckkckckckcck SysSysSysSysSysysSystemtemtemtemtemmmm ata ataa ataaata Ta Ta TaTaaTaTaTaaayloyloyloyloyloyloylylylyloyylorGurGurGurGuGuGurGuGuGGuGG itaitaitaitaitaitaitataitaars.rs.rs.rs.rs.s..rs.comcomcomcomcommmm
Always to our own tune.
See us at NAMM Booths 213 ABC
Full Ads_feb.indd 7 12/28/09 1:05:03 PM
UpfrontRitter Purchases Hoyer Guitars Martin Ritters fi rm has purchased the Hoyer gui-tar brand name and trade-marks.
Creative Bags and Cases announced at the Musik-messe Frankfurt 2009 that it has entered into a defi ni-tive agreement with Hoyer Guitars, Germany, for the purchase of the Hoyer brand name.
The Winter NAMM Show is the global launch of the new
Hoyer Electric Guitar col-lection: The Ern, Eagle, Fly-ing Arrow, White and Black Lady, as well as the Hoyer Eagle Bass.
We are very pleased at the prospect of Hoyer be-ing a very significant part of our future development in the MI-Business, says Martin Ritter, CEO of Creative Bags and Cases. We aim to bring Hoyer
Guitars to the global market and en-deavor to preserve and build on its long heritage.
New Mason & Hamlin DealersThe Mason & Hamlin piano compa-ny recently announced the addition of four new dealers to its nationwide network: Jordan Kitts Music, Key-board Concepts, Piedmont Piano ,and Carlsons Piano World.
We are very pleased to add these highly regarded, veteran retailers to our Mason & Hamlin network. They are strong performers with excellent reputations, both within their communities and our indus-try. We look forward to our mutual success in the months and years to come, commented Mason & Ham-lins executive vice president, Tom Lagomarsino.
6 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
MIM Readies for Spring 10 OpeningThe Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is gearing up for its grand opening in Phoenix on April 24, 2010. The museum
has completed construction of its new building and is now applying interior fi nishes to its galleries and public spac-
es, including exhibition installation of the Geo-Galleries, fi ve expansive galler-ies that focus on different regions of the
world, and the Artist Gal-lery, where unique stories of musical icons will be told through their instruments. MIM will celebrate music by exhibiting instruments from every country in the world.
The museum has already acquired more than 12,000 instruments and objects for its core collection, representing musical
traditions from folk and popular to ritual and courtly.
For more information about MIM, please visit www.themim.org.
American Music & Sound to Distribute beyerdynamicAmerican Music & Sound (AM&S) has been appointed USA distributor for beyerdynamic Pro Audio Products, including the com-
panys vast offering of wired and wire-less microphones, headphones, and broadcast related products, effective January 1, 2010.
MMR_6 6 12/28/09 2:41:58 PM
2009 Taylor G
uitars
SeeSeeSeeSeeSeSeeeeSee al alal alalal alaall ol ol oll ol ol ol of of of of of of of of of oururururrruruuru tratratratratratraatraditditditditditditditditditd ionionionionionionioionion de de deded fyifyifyifyifyifyifyifyifyiyingngngngngngnngng cracracracraracraccraraaaftsftssssstftsf smanmanmamamanmamanmam shishihip, p, pp, p, incincincincncncncncncncludludludludludlududingingingingingingingng thth th th ththththe pee pe pe ppe ppateateateateateateateateatentententententetenntented Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd Nd NTTTTTTTTTTTT NeNe NeNee NeNNeckckcckckkckckckcck SysSysSysSysSysysSystemtemtemtemtemmmm ata ataa ataaata Ta Ta TaTaaTaTaTaaayloyloyloyloyloyloylylylyloyylorGurGurGurGuGuGurGuGuGGuGG itaitaitaitaitaitaitataitaars.rs.rs.rs.rs.s..rs.comcomcomcomcommmm
Always to our own tune.
See us at NAMM Booths 213 ABC
Full Ads_feb.indd 7 12/28/09 1:05:03 PM
UpfrontRitter Purchases Hoyer Guitars Martin Ritters fi rm has purchased the Hoyer gui-tar brand name and trade-marks.
Creative Bags and Cases announced at the Musik-messe Frankfurt 2009 that it has entered into a defi ni-tive agreement with Hoyer Guitars, Germany, for the purchase of the Hoyer brand name.
The Winter NAMM Show is the global launch of the new
Hoyer Electric Guitar col-lection: The Ern, Eagle, Fly-ing Arrow, White and Black Lady, as well as the Hoyer Eagle Bass.
We are very pleased at the prospect of Hoyer be-ing a very significant part of our future development in the MI-Business, says Martin Ritter, CEO of Creative Bags and Cases. We aim to bring Hoyer
Guitars to the global market and en-deavor to preserve and build on its long heritage.
New Mason & Hamlin DealersThe Mason & Hamlin piano compa-ny recently announced the addition of four new dealers to its nationwide network: Jordan Kitts Music, Key-board Concepts, Piedmont Piano ,and Carlsons Piano World.
We are very pleased to add these highly regarded, veteran retailers to our Mason & Hamlin network. They are strong performers with excellent reputations, both within their communities and our indus-try. We look forward to our mutual success in the months and years to come, commented Mason & Ham-lins executive vice president, Tom Lagomarsino.
6 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
MIM Readies for Spring 10 OpeningThe Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is gearing up for its grand opening in Phoenix on April 24, 2010. The museum
has completed construction of its new building and is now applying interior fi nishes to its galleries and public spac-
es, including exhibition installation of the Geo-Galleries, fi ve expansive galler-ies that focus on different regions of the
world, and the Artist Gal-lery, where unique stories of musical icons will be told through their instruments. MIM will celebrate music by exhibiting instruments from every country in the world.
The museum has already acquired more than 12,000 instruments and objects for its core collection, representing musical
traditions from folk and popular to ritual and courtly.
For more information about MIM, please visit www.themim.org.
American Music & Sound to Distribute beyerdynamicAmerican Music & Sound (AM&S) has been appointed USA distributor for beyerdynamic Pro Audio Products, including the com-
panys vast offering of wired and wire-less microphones, headphones, and broadcast related products, effective January 1, 2010.
MMR_6 6 12/28/09 2:41:58 PM
See us at NAMM Booth 5876
Full Ads_feb.indd 9 12/28/09 1:00:39 PM
Carl Massano Carl Massano, creative director at SKB Corporation, passed away on December 2, 2009 after a lengthy illness.
Carl graduated from Queens Col-lege of the City, University of New York in 1975 and began his career as an art teacher in the Bronx. He later moved to Southern California and began a new career in graphic design for a pub-lishing group in Bellf lower. Carl later started Massano Advertising Design with his wife Carolyn where he began producing graphics for SKB Corpora-tion.
In 1992 Massano Design was acquired by SKB and Carl became the in-house agency and continued to produce all advertising material, product literature, and Web site and trade show creative. Carl is survived by his wife, sister, three
stepchildren, fi ve grandchildren and the multitude of friends within the SKB fam-ily.
In lieu of fl owers the family re-quests that donations be made to the National Marrow Donor Program at www.marrow.org.
Peter HeidPeter (Duke) Heid, the founder of Heid Music, passed away on December 14.
Heid enjoyed his career playing with many of the dance bands of the 1930s and 1940s in his hometown of Appleton, Wis-consin. After the war, he used his love of music to open a small store, Heid Music, in the heart of downtown Appleton. The store continued to grow over the years as Peter found specifi c product niches and sales techniques. His two sons followed in his footsteps, as did his grandchildren,
making the store a third generation fam-ily business, something Duke was very proud of. His son Paul served a Chair-man of the NAMM Board from 2003 un-til 2005 .
Wilbur FullerLongtime Gibson Guitar luthier and de-signer, Wilbur Fuller passed away at the age of 91 on December 6 in his Lawrence, Mich. home.
In 1954, Fullers cousin Walter, who engineered the Gibson amplifier in nearby Kalamazoo, told Wilbur of an opening in the companys wood shop. Wilbur was assigned to f lattop guitar design and went on to create the Kal-amazoo Award model of guitars. Wil-bur also proudly displayed a list of all the cars he went through getting to and from work. He still had the car he
UpfrontGC Food Drive Yields Over 50,000 Cans Guitar Center has announced that it col-lected 52,981 cans of food donated by musicians as part of a four-week nation-wide food drive in December. All cans
were donated to local food banks across the country where Guitar Center has stores.
LOUD Enters Into Agreement with AvidLOUD Technologies Inc. recently an-nounced it has signed an agreement with Avid that licenses the use of Mackies new Onyx-i Series Firewire Recording Mixers with Avid Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software.
To enable use with Pro Tools M-Powered 8, users will need to purchase the Mackie Universal Driver upgrade ($49.99 USD) at www.mackie.com. Once the driver is downloaded and in-stalled, the Onyx 820i, 1220i, 1620i and 1640i mixers can be used with Avid Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software.
Godlyke to Distribute Providence EffectsGodlyke, Inc. has been named the exclusive North American Distributor for Providence brand Effects and accesso-ries. Providence products are used by such notable artists as Gus G of the Ozzy Osbourne Band and Robben Ford.
Godlyke launched the Prov-idence effects line in winter of 2009. In early 2010, Godlyke will begin to offer other Provi-dence products such as their
cables and signal routing units. All Providence products will
be sold exclusively thru the God-lyke homepage. For more infor-
mation, visit www.godlyke.com, e-mail [email protected], or call (973) 777-7477.
8 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
Trade Regrets:
MMR_8 8 12/28/09 2:42:03 PM
See us at NAMM Booth 5876
Full Ads_feb.indd 9 12/28/09 1:00:39 PM
Carl Massano Carl Massano, creative director at SKB Corporation, passed away on December 2, 2009 after a lengthy illness.
Carl graduated from Queens Col-lege of the City, University of New York in 1975 and began his career as an art teacher in the Bronx. He later moved to Southern California and began a new career in graphic design for a pub-lishing group in Bellf lower. Carl later started Massano Advertising Design with his wife Carolyn where he began producing graphics for SKB Corpora-tion.
In 1992 Massano Design was acquired by SKB and Carl became the in-house agency and continued to produce all advertising material, product literature, and Web site and trade show creative. Carl is survived by his wife, sister, three
stepchildren, fi ve grandchildren and the multitude of friends within the SKB fam-ily.
In lieu of fl owers the family re-quests that donations be made to the National Marrow Donor Program at www.marrow.org.
Peter HeidPeter (Duke) Heid, the founder of Heid Music, passed away on December 14.
Heid enjoyed his career playing with many of the dance bands of the 1930s and 1940s in his hometown of Appleton, Wis-consin. After the war, he used his love of music to open a small store, Heid Music, in the heart of downtown Appleton. The store continued to grow over the years as Peter found specifi c product niches and sales techniques. His two sons followed in his footsteps, as did his grandchildren,
making the store a third generation fam-ily business, something Duke was very proud of. His son Paul served a Chair-man of the NAMM Board from 2003 un-til 2005 .
Wilbur FullerLongtime Gibson Guitar luthier and de-signer, Wilbur Fuller passed away at the age of 91 on December 6 in his Lawrence, Mich. home.
In 1954, Fullers cousin Walter, who engineered the Gibson amplifier in nearby Kalamazoo, told Wilbur of an opening in the companys wood shop. Wilbur was assigned to f lattop guitar design and went on to create the Kal-amazoo Award model of guitars. Wil-bur also proudly displayed a list of all the cars he went through getting to and from work. He still had the car he
UpfrontGC Food Drive Yields Over 50,000 Cans Guitar Center has announced that it col-lected 52,981 cans of food donated by musicians as part of a four-week nation-wide food drive in December. All cans
were donated to local food banks across the country where Guitar Center has stores.
LOUD Enters Into Agreement with AvidLOUD Technologies Inc. recently an-nounced it has signed an agreement with Avid that licenses the use of Mackies new Onyx-i Series Firewire Recording Mixers with Avid Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software.
To enable use with Pro Tools M-Powered 8, users will need to purchase the Mackie Universal Driver upgrade ($49.99 USD) at www.mackie.com. Once the driver is downloaded and in-stalled, the Onyx 820i, 1220i, 1620i and 1640i mixers can be used with Avid Pro Tools M-Powered 8 software.
Godlyke to Distribute Providence EffectsGodlyke, Inc. has been named the exclusive North American Distributor for Providence brand Effects and accesso-ries. Providence products are used by such notable artists as Gus G of the Ozzy Osbourne Band and Robben Ford.
Godlyke launched the Prov-idence effects line in winter of 2009. In early 2010, Godlyke will begin to offer other Provi-dence products such as their
cables and signal routing units. All Providence products will
be sold exclusively thru the God-lyke homepage. For more infor-
mation, visit www.godlyke.com, e-mail [email protected], or call (973) 777-7477.
8 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
Trade Regrets:
MMR_8 8 12/28/09 2:42:03 PM
See us at NAMM Booth 6976
MMR_11 11 12/28/09 12:04:42 PM
10 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
Upfrontbought before his retirement in 1980 when he passed away.
Ray JentMusic retailer and well-known indus-try fi gure, Ray Jent, passed away on De-cember 11, 2009. He was 86 years old.
Ray sought to bring service to the Lubbock, Texas, community when he opened a music retail store just after serving in World War II. Ray worked closely with the school band directors and local music teachers to ensure that his inventory and services matched their needs. He continued with this focus over the decades, which in part explains why Jents Music continues to grow and develop. Ray also served the industry with a term on the NAMM Board and as a founding member of NASMD.
See us at NAMM Booth 4768
I have enjoyed your magazine for the last 25 years and think you do a great job cov-ering the industry.
I have never written a Letter to the Editor, but if I were to give any advice to your readers, it would be: invest in your music store profi ts through single fam-ily home real estate while the market is down.
Although I have owned and run a mu-sic store since 1980, God has allowed me to make my fortune in real estate. My re-tail location music store has been a great location for tenants and homebuyers to visit, since my offi ce is located here. It is surely a much more exciting and fun set-ting than a typical realtors or property management offi ce. My real estate prof-its have kept the music store in business during these tough times.
Lee WhitmanWhitman Music
Letters
MMR_10 10 12/28/09 2:42:07 PM
See us at NAMM Booth 6976
MMR_11 11 12/28/09 12:04:42 PM
10 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
Upfrontbought before his retirement in 1980 when he passed away.
Ray JentMusic retailer and well-known indus-try fi gure, Ray Jent, passed away on De-cember 11, 2009. He was 86 years old.
Ray sought to bring service to the Lubbock, Texas, community when he opened a music retail store just after serving in World War II. Ray worked closely with the school band directors and local music teachers to ensure that his inventory and services matched their needs. He continued with this focus over the decades, which in part explains why Jents Music continues to grow and develop. Ray also served the industry with a term on the NAMM Board and as a founding member of NASMD.
See us at NAMM Booth 4768
I have enjoyed your magazine for the last 25 years and think you do a great job cov-ering the industry.
I have never written a Letter to the Editor, but if I were to give any advice to your readers, it would be: invest in your music store profi ts through single fam-ily home real estate while the market is down.
Although I have owned and run a mu-sic store since 1980, God has allowed me to make my fortune in real estate. My re-tail location music store has been a great location for tenants and homebuyers to visit, since my offi ce is located here. It is surely a much more exciting and fun set-ting than a typical realtors or property management offi ce. My real estate prof-its have kept the music store in business during these tough times.
Lee WhitmanWhitman Music
Letters
MMR_10 10 12/28/09 2:42:07 PM
Thank You.!--5/.,).%NAMM supports its Members through professional development focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing todays music products professionals.
4(%.!--&/5.$!4)/.NAMMs non-prot advocacy efforts advance music education, create more music makers and grow the market through the funding of relevant programs and initiatives.
-53)#%$5#!4)/.!$6/#!#9The association works to create partnerships, initiatives and events designed to help spread the word and ensure that all children have access to a complete education that includes music making and the arts.
'/6%2.-%.42%,!4)/.3NAMM provides a voice for the industry on Capitol Hill and works to address the hot issues that impact our Members most.
-!2+%4$%6%,/0-%.4NAMM seeks strategic partnerships with organizations and world-class musical events help to open the doors of opportunity for our Members, while raising public awareness of music making through local and national media coverage.
05",)#2%,!4)/.3The association spreads the word about the benets of making music to the general public with the Wanna Play? campaign, reaching millions of consumers through the media with our music-making message.
-%-"%2"%.%&)43NAMM provides Members with access to discounted business services, assistance planning their trade show events and meetings, and association publications ensuring all important association news is shared.
.!--).4%2.!4)/.!,The association serves the needs of Members around the world by convening international associations, sharing best practices and supporting global markets.
"YATTENDINGTHE.!--3HOWYOUAREHELPINGTOGROWOURINDUSTRY2EVENUEGENERATEDEACHYEARFROMTHE.!--3HOWISREINVESTEDINTOMARKETDEVELOPMENTPROGRAMSADVOCACYEFFORTSAND02ACTIVITIES
all to accomplish the mission of creating more music makers.
MMR_13 13 12/28/09 12:05:15 PM
Thank You for Joining Us at This Years NAMM Show! Your Participation = A Stronger IndustryDid you know that the revenue generated each year from the NAMM Show is reinvested into market development programs, advocacy efforts and PR activities, all to accomplish the mission of creating more music makers?
Thank you for coming to Anaheim and making the investment in your business to help ensure success in 2010. Every year, the NAMM Show proves to be the place to get business done, meet with buyers, launch new products and help your business get ready for the year ahead. And by coming to the show, you become part of a global reunion that helps fund a years worth of initiatives, each designed to keep music making top of mind.
The reinvestment of NAMM Show revenue allows us to promote our industry through our national public relations campaign, Wanna Play?, which motivates consumers to pick up a musical
instrument. This past year our promotions generated over $50 million in advertising value, all promoting playing music! We are also able to make your voice heard with decision makers in Washington, D.C., and legislators in our state capitals to help ensure that music is a part of every childs school curriculum and that the needs of small businesses are championed.
Whether its reaching 50,000 teens at the X Games or an exhibit at the annual AARP conference encouraging seniors to stay young by playing music, the NAMM Show provides the funding needed to promote music making and grow the industry for everyone.
A couple of industry friends, Rick Drumm and Joe Vasko, recently ran a half-marathon to benet St. Judes Cancer Hospital in Memphis. Joe told me that he wanted all of his hard work in getting healthy to also benet others in need of help or support. Your Membership in NAMM and support of the NAMM trade shows can be viewed the same wayyoure not only taking care of your business, you are helping people all around the world to play music.
And that is something you can be very proud of.
News ADVERTORIAL FEBRUARY 2010
NAMM News is published by NAM
M. To keep up-to-date on the
latest breaking industry news, sign
up for our PLAYback Digital e-new
sletter
NAMM News February 2010
Notefrom Joe
visit us online at www.namm.org
*OE,AMONDs.!--0RESIDENT#%/
TRADESHOW
INCOME
TRADESHOW
INCOME
INCREASEDPUBLIC
AWARENESS
INCREASEDDEMAND
INDUSTRYGROWTH
TRADE SHOWGROWTHNAMM reinvests its trade show revenue back into
the music products industry to increase active participation in music making and to grow the market for musical instruments and products.
Regardless of what is happening in the world, the NAMM Show is the one place where the industry gathers year after year to celebrate our accomplishments and strengthen our industry. it not only helps members kick their year off right but serves
to benet them all year longand will continue to do so in the future.
A Modelfor Industry Growth...
Ad MMR F b10 i dd 2 12/8/09 2 31 40 PMMMR_12 12 12/28/09 12:04:48 PM
Thank You.!--5/.,).%NAMM supports its Members through professional development focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing todays music products professionals.
4(%.!--&/5.$!4)/.NAMMs non-prot advocacy efforts advance music education, create more music makers and grow the market through the funding of relevant programs and initiatives.
-53)#%$5#!4)/.!$6/#!#9The association works to create partnerships, initiatives and events designed to help spread the word and ensure that all children have access to a complete education that includes music making and the arts.
'/6%2.-%.42%,!4)/.3NAMM provides a voice for the industry on Capitol Hill and works to address the hot issues that impact our Members most.
-!2+%4$%6%,/0-%.4NAMM seeks strategic partnerships with organizations and world-class musical events help to open the doors of opportunity for our Members, while raising public awareness of music making through local and national media coverage.
05",)#2%,!4)/.3The association spreads the word about the benets of making music to the general public with the Wanna Play? campaign, reaching millions of consumers through the media with our music-making message.
-%-"%2"%.%&)43NAMM provides Members with access to discounted business services, assistance planning their trade show events and meetings, and association publications ensuring all important association news is shared.
.!--).4%2.!4)/.!,The association serves the needs of Members around the world by convening international associations, sharing best practices and supporting global markets.
"YATTENDINGTHE.!--3HOWYOUAREHELPINGTOGROWOURINDUSTRY2EVENUEGENERATEDEACHYEARFROMTHE.!--3HOWISREINVESTEDINTOMARKETDEVELOPMENTPROGRAMSADVOCACYEFFORTSAND02ACTIVITIES
all to accomplish the mission of creating more music makers.
MMR_13 13 12/28/09 12:05:15 PM
Thank You for Joining Us at This Years NAMM Show! Your Participation = A Stronger IndustryDid you know that the revenue generated each year from the NAMM Show is reinvested into market development programs, advocacy efforts and PR activities, all to accomplish the mission of creating more music makers?
Thank you for coming to Anaheim and making the investment in your business to help ensure success in 2010. Every year, the NAMM Show proves to be the place to get business done, meet with buyers, launch new products and help your business get ready for the year ahead. And by coming to the show, you become part of a global reunion that helps fund a years worth of initiatives, each designed to keep music making top of mind.
The reinvestment of NAMM Show revenue allows us to promote our industry through our national public relations campaign, Wanna Play?, which motivates consumers to pick up a musical
instrument. This past year our promotions generated over $50 million in advertising value, all promoting playing music! We are also able to make your voice heard with decision makers in Washington, D.C., and legislators in our state capitals to help ensure that music is a part of every childs school curriculum and that the needs of small businesses are championed.
Whether its reaching 50,000 teens at the X Games or an exhibit at the annual AARP conference encouraging seniors to stay young by playing music, the NAMM Show provides the funding needed to promote music making and grow the industry for everyone.
A couple of industry friends, Rick Drumm and Joe Vasko, recently ran a half-marathon to benet St. Judes Cancer Hospital in Memphis. Joe told me that he wanted all of his hard work in getting healthy to also benet others in need of help or support. Your Membership in NAMM and support of the NAMM trade shows can be viewed the same wayyoure not only taking care of your business, you are helping people all around the world to play music.
And that is something you can be very proud of.
News ADVERTORIAL FEBRUARY 2010
NAMM News is published by NAM
M. To keep up-to-date on the
latest breaking industry news, sign
up for our PLAYback Digital e-new
sletter
NAMM News February 2010
Notefrom Joe
visit us online at www.namm.org
*OE,AMONDs.!--0RESIDENT#%/
TRADESHOW
INCOME
TRADESHOW
INCOME
INCREASEDPUBLIC
AWARENESS
INCREASEDDEMAND
INDUSTRYGROWTH
TRADE SHOWGROWTHNAMM reinvests its trade show revenue back into
the music products industry to increase active participation in music making and to grow the market for musical instruments and products.
Regardless of what is happening in the world, the NAMM Show is the one place where the industry gathers year after year to celebrate our accomplishments and strengthen our industry. it not only helps members kick their year off right but serves
to benet them all year longand will continue to do so in the future.
A Modelfor Industry Growth...
Ad MMR F b10 i dd 2 12/8/09 2 31 40 PMMMR_12 12 12/28/09 12:04:48 PM
MMR_15 15 12/28/09 12:05:29 PM
14 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
PeopleKMC Music announced that Thomas Ricksgershas joined the company as senior marketing man-ager for Fender accessories. Tom is a music industry veteran who has worked for leading M.I. compa-nies such as Peavey Electronics Cor-poration, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and, most recently, Hanser Music Group. In his new position, Tom will be reporting to Roger Hart, director of merchandising,
Blue Microphones has hired industry veteran Dino Virella as director of global sales professional products.
Virella comes to Blue having served in key sales and marketing roles at a number of prominent profes-sional audio companies such as Digide-sign, Focusrite, Harmon International (AKG), and Emu Systems.
Brian Vance has been pro-moted to the position of manager, product manage-ment at DAddario. Vance joined DAddario over 10 years ago after previously holding the positions of director of on-line programming at Mars Music and product development and marketing manager at Gibson USA.
In his new position, Vance will con-tinue to manage the Fretted and Planet
Waves business units, but will also super-vise the other MI product managers and their respective business unit activities. Vance will ultimately be responsible for the execution of all business unit activi-ties for Fretted, Planet Waves, Rico, and Percussion (Evans, HQ, Puresound).
Trish Frazzetto joined DAddario in 2002, was promoted to PR & promo-tions manager in 2006, and further augments her role as marketing communica-tions manager. In her new position, Frazzetto will manage all media placement, brand and corporate public relations, and promo-tions. In addition, she will be respon-sible for working closely with the prod-uct managers and other members of the marketing group to facilitate the coordi-nation of marketing activities.
Paul Froula has been appointed national sales manager for American Music & Sound. Froula, an industry veteran, has managed various beyerdynamic business units for a decade.
John Kelley has joined Montreal-based Musiquip Inc. and will serve as the companys general manag-er. Kelley has over 15 years of MI industry experience, including stints at Fender, Gibson and most recently as vice president of sales and e-commerce at US Music Corp.
Ricksgers
Virella
Vance
Frazzetto
Kelley
Find it in the Hot News section of MMRs Web site,
BreakingNews
www.MMRmagazine.com
CADAUDIO.COM
Thats why it sounds so alive.
If ambient noise is a problemwhen youre hooked to
earphones, meet the assassins.The CAD NB1, NB1B and NB2Noise Blocker earphones killextraneous noises to improvesound quality on the street or in kick-back mode. Three
ear insert sizes for precise fit.And brace yourself: theyre
surprisingly affordable.
NB2 NB1 NB1B
ITKILLS
NAMM
Booth 6
226
MMR_14 14 12/28/09 2:42:51 PM
MMR_15 15 12/28/09 12:05:29 PM
14 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
PeopleKMC Music announced that Thomas Ricksgershas joined the company as senior marketing man-ager for Fender accessories. Tom is a music industry veteran who has worked for leading M.I. compa-nies such as Peavey Electronics Cor-poration, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and, most recently, Hanser Music Group. In his new position, Tom will be reporting to Roger Hart, director of merchandising,
Blue Microphones has hired industry veteran Dino Virella as director of global sales professional products.
Virella comes to Blue having served in key sales and marketing roles at a number of prominent profes-sional audio companies such as Digide-sign, Focusrite, Harmon International (AKG), and Emu Systems.
Brian Vance has been pro-moted to the position of manager, product manage-ment at DAddario. Vance joined DAddario over 10 years ago after previously holding the positions of director of on-line programming at Mars Music and product development and marketing manager at Gibson USA.
In his new position, Vance will con-tinue to manage the Fretted and Planet
Waves business units, but will also super-vise the other MI product managers and their respective business unit activities. Vance will ultimately be responsible for the execution of all business unit activi-ties for Fretted, Planet Waves, Rico, and Percussion (Evans, HQ, Puresound).
Trish Frazzetto joined DAddario in 2002, was promoted to PR & promo-tions manager in 2006, and further augments her role as marketing communica-tions manager. In her new position, Frazzetto will manage all media placement, brand and corporate public relations, and promo-tions. In addition, she will be respon-sible for working closely with the prod-uct managers and other members of the marketing group to facilitate the coordi-nation of marketing activities.
Paul Froula has been appointed national sales manager for American Music & Sound. Froula, an industry veteran, has managed various beyerdynamic business units for a decade.
John Kelley has joined Montreal-based Musiquip Inc. and will serve as the companys general manag-er. Kelley has over 15 years of MI industry experience, including stints at Fender, Gibson and most recently as vice president of sales and e-commerce at US Music Corp.
Ricksgers
Virella
Vance
Frazzetto
Kelley
Find it in the Hot News section of MMRs Web site,
BreakingNews
www.MMRmagazine.com
CADAUDIO.COM
Thats why it sounds so alive.
If ambient noise is a problemwhen youre hooked to
earphones, meet the assassins.The CAD NB1, NB1B and NB2Noise Blocker earphones killextraneous noises to improvesound quality on the street or in kick-back mode. Three
ear insert sizes for precise fit.And brace yourself: theyre
surprisingly affordable.
NB2 NB1 NB1B
ITKILLS
NAMM
Booth 6
226
MMR_14 14 12/28/09 2:42:51 PM
MMR_17 17 12/28/09 12:05:44 PMMMR_16 16 12/28/09 12:05:37 PM
MMR_17 17 12/28/09 12:05:44 PMMMR_16 16 12/28/09 12:05:37 PM
FEBRUARY 2010 MMR 19
MMR: Whats the timetable for that?
SW: Six months.
MMR: But you plan to remain in Elkhart, yes?
SW: We do. That was another advan-tage. We looked at Blessing and said, Well, heres a way for us to tap into the skill base. Theres an abundance of laid off workers, so any additional expan-sion into other in-struments becomes much easier, because we have no such skill base in Massachu-setts. We have peo-ple who are skilled in high tech and other fi elds, but not musi-cal instrument mak-ing. So here in Massachusetts, aside from the fact that everythings more expensive, we also have to train people from scratch. In Elkhart theyre sitting there, waiting for somebody to pick up the phone and call them! So that was another benefi t to locating in Elkhart and committing to that marketplace. Also as you see here, we have a very charming old mill build-ing with wooden fl oors and all the rest well, it looks charming, but the reality is that from a manufacturing standpoint it is very diffi cult to get heavy equip-ment in here, we have fl oor load issues, we have stability issues, so thats a factor here that isnt a problem in Elkhart. Also everything in Elkhart costs about half the price of what it is in Massachusetts. So there are many potential cost benefi ts without sacrifi cing anything on the skill or quality side.
MMR: Whats been the reaction from the community thus far?
SW: Weve got the support of the lo-cal community. Weve met with the eco-nomic development people at each level city, state, and county and there are various programs that we can tap into that provide tax incentives and other
things for investing money in equipment and for hiring workers and we have plans to do both.
MMR: Will you ultimately be fi elding a full range of instruments, from student through professional?
SW: Were probably going to be in what Ill call the advanced student segment up through professional. How we ratio-nalize what gets the Sonar brand vs. what
gets the Blessing brand is still a some-what open question. I think that in the true beginner stu-dent segment the $99 fl ute you can buy at Costco and the like we cant compete with that. But we will
be very strong in the areas we can com-pete in. Our strategy is Made in U.S.A. Anything thats going to have the Blessing name on it will be made in America.
MMR: Will your distribution approach be similar to Sonar or no?
SW: Ive reached the conclusion that I want one point of contact with our customers. I dont want outside reps be-tween our customers and us. So we are reorganizing our sales department into a single sales organization that will repre-sent all of our products and were already starting to see some synergy where Bless-ing dealers are interested in Sonar and vice versa. Powell dealers are sort of in a rarifi ed element, but between Sonar and Blessing were seeing synergy.
MMR: Sounds like a win-win, all around, really.
SW: Were very excited about this acquisition because we think that: A) it locks up our source of supply for brass instruments, B) it gives us a 103-year old brand that we feel has tremendous poten-tial in the marketplace and were willing to put money behind that.
Here was an opportunity to buy a 103-year old company
at a very fair price, with very good quality instruments,
and rejuvenate the brand.
MMR_19 19 12/28/09 2:43:34 PM
18 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
UpfrontQ&ASteven Wasser of Verne Q. Powell Flutes
MMR: What was the catalyst for the recent deal with Blessing?
Steven Wasser: The catalyst started, really, with the establishment of Sonar winds. The conception behind Sonar winds was that there were people who wanted the qualities of our professional in-struments, but couldnt afford it. The goal was to deliver Powell quality to fl utists at a much lower cost.
We identifi ed what component of the fl ute was most important for acoustical quality. I think the answer that most ev-erybody would agree with is: the headjoint. Probably the second most important com-ponent is the scale, the body. We decided to establish a company that will partner with a high-end boutique maker in the case of the fl ute, it would be Powell identify the most important acoustical component, and have that boutique maker either design or produce that component and then out-source the remainder of the instrument to a third party whos very experienced in mass production. And, so, this partner-branding concept was established and as youll note the name was Sonar Winds, not Sonar Flutes. Flute was to be the fi rst product that we did this with, but it was also to serve as
a model for how would apply the same ap-proach to other wind instruments. The second product we undertook, three or four years ago, was trumpets, and the high-end maker in this case was Blackburn. In this case, we contracted the mass production to JA Musik in Germany. So we have other, similar projects that are in various stages of development. Anyway, what happened was that JA Musik informed us that they didnt want to do OEM for us anymore, so we started talking with Blessing about a possi-ble arrangement for the trumpet line as well as some other ideas.
MMR: How did it progress from that type of relationship to a scenario where you wound up purchasing the Blessing operation?
SW: Well, at some point in the middle of all of that, I was asked whether I would have any interest in purchasing Bless-ing. Since we were looking to control our source of supply for Sonar and we had already been talking to Blessing and I was impressed with what they were able to do, I said, Sure, well be happy to talk to them. The more I explored that, the more inter-ested I became, because I saw it not just
as a source of instruments for Sonar, but as a potential strong brand in and of itself a brand that had been starved of capital little investment, no marketing, no artist relationships for years. I felt like here was an opportunity to buy a 103-year old com-pany at a very fair price, with very good quality instruments, and rejuvenate the brand. The quality of execution on their products in the last year and a half has been excellent. I think its kind of the best-kept secret in the brass market right now.
MMR: What areas did you feel needed improvement?
SW: Their designs need updating. Again, thats been a capital problem. They havent had the money to invest in that. We do. By this winters NAMM show well have retooled for most of their trum-pet product line, we will have a new logo, we will have improved bells and other components. So not only will the execu-tion quality remain high and continue to improve but we will also have improve-ments in the design quality. There will be additional improvements we can make as we move into a new facility, which is also in the works.
This past fall, Verne Q. Powell Flutes announced that it had acquired the
assets of E. K. Blessing of Elkhart, Indiana from Randy Johnson, the fourth
generation of the Blessing family to have owned and operated E. K. Blessing.
With the acquisition of Blessing, Powell gained its own factory to produce
Sonar brass. The Elkhart operation will be managed by Steve Rorie, who had over
20 years experience working for Selmer and who managed the Bach factory.
MMR recently spoke with Powell owner, Steven Wasser, about how the
acquisition came about and what the new developments mean for the
companys brands.
MMR_18 18 12/28/09 2:43:30 PM
FEBRUARY 2010 MMR 19
MMR: Whats the timetable for that?
SW: Six months.
MMR: But you plan to remain in Elkhart, yes?
SW: We do. That was another advan-tage. We looked at Blessing and said, Well, heres a way for us to tap into the skill base. Theres an abundance of laid off workers, so any additional expan-sion into other in-struments becomes much easier, because we have no such skill base in Massachu-setts. We have peo-ple who are skilled in high tech and other fi elds, but not musi-cal instrument mak-ing. So here in Massachusetts, aside from the fact that everythings more expensive, we also have to train people from scratch. In Elkhart theyre sitting there, waiting for somebody to pick up the phone and call them! So that was another benefi t to locating in Elkhart and committing to that marketplace. Also as you see here, we have a very charming old mill build-ing with wooden fl oors and all the rest well, it looks charming, but the reality is that from a manufacturing standpoint it is very diffi cult to get heavy equip-ment in here, we have fl oor load issues, we have stability issues, so thats a factor here that isnt a problem in Elkhart. Also everything in Elkhart costs about half the price of what it is in Massachusetts. So there are many potential cost benefi ts without sacrifi cing anything on the skill or quality side.
MMR: Whats been the reaction from the community thus far?
SW: Weve got the support of the lo-cal community. Weve met with the eco-nomic development people at each level city, state, and county and there are various programs that we can tap into that provide tax incentives and other
things for investing money in equipment and for hiring workers and we have plans to do both.
MMR: Will you ultimately be fi elding a full range of instruments, from student through professional?
SW: Were probably going to be in what Ill call the advanced student segment up through professional. How we ratio-nalize what gets the Sonar brand vs. what
gets the Blessing brand is still a some-what open question. I think that in the true beginner stu-dent segment the $99 fl ute you can buy at Costco and the like we cant compete with that. But we will
be very strong in the areas we can com-pete in. Our strategy is Made in U.S.A. Anything thats going to have the Blessing name on it will be made in America.
MMR: Will your distribution approach be similar to Sonar or no?
SW: Ive reached the conclusion that I want one point of contact with our customers. I dont want outside reps be-tween our customers and us. So we are reorganizing our sales department into a single sales organization that will repre-sent all of our products and were already starting to see some synergy where Bless-ing dealers are interested in Sonar and vice versa. Powell dealers are sort of in a rarifi ed element, but between Sonar and Blessing were seeing synergy.
MMR: Sounds like a win-win, all around, really.
SW: Were very excited about this acquisition because we think that: A) it locks up our source of supply for brass instruments, B) it gives us a 103-year old brand that we feel has tremendous poten-tial in the marketplace and were willing to put money behind that.
Here was an opportunity to buy a 103-year old company
at a very fair price, with very good quality instruments,
and rejuvenate the brand.
MMR_19 19 12/28/09 2:43:34 PM
18 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
UpfrontQ&ASteven Wasser of Verne Q. Powell Flutes
MMR: What was the catalyst for the recent deal with Blessing?
Steven Wasser: The catalyst started, really, with the establishment of Sonar winds. The conception behind Sonar winds was that there were people who wanted the qualities of our professional in-struments, but couldnt afford it. The goal was to deliver Powell quality to fl utists at a much lower cost.
We identifi ed what component of the fl ute was most important for acoustical quality. I think the answer that most ev-erybody would agree with is: the headjoint. Probably the second most important com-ponent is the scale, the body. We decided to establish a company that will partner with a high-end boutique maker in the case of the fl ute, it would be Powell identify the most important acoustical component, and have that boutique maker either design or produce that component and then out-source the remainder of the instrument to a third party whos very experienced in mass production. And, so, this partner-branding concept was established and as youll note the name was Sonar Winds, not Sonar Flutes. Flute was to be the fi rst product that we did this with, but it was also to serve as
a model for how would apply the same ap-proach to other wind instruments. The second product we undertook, three or four years ago, was trumpets, and the high-end maker in this case was Blackburn. In this case, we contracted the mass production to JA Musik in Germany. So we have other, similar projects that are in various stages of development. Anyway, what happened was that JA Musik informed us that they didnt want to do OEM for us anymore, so we started talking with Blessing about a possi-ble arrangement for the trumpet line as well as some other ideas.
MMR: How did it progress from that type of relationship to a scenario where you wound up purchasing the Blessing operation?
SW: Well, at some point in the middle of all of that, I was asked whether I would have any interest in purchasing Bless-ing. Since we were looking to control our source of supply for Sonar and we had already been talking to Blessing and I was impressed with what they were able to do, I said, Sure, well be happy to talk to them. The more I explored that, the more inter-ested I became, because I saw it not just
as a source of instruments for Sonar, but as a potential strong brand in and of itself a brand that had been starved of capital little investment, no marketing, no artist relationships for years. I felt like here was an opportunity to buy a 103-year old com-pany at a very fair price, with very good quality instruments, and rejuvenate the brand. The quality of execution on their products in the last year and a half has been excellent. I think its kind of the best-kept secret in the brass market right now.
MMR: What areas did you feel needed improvement?
SW: Their designs need updating. Again, thats been a capital problem. They havent had the money to invest in that. We do. By this winters NAMM show well have retooled for most of their trum-pet product line, we will have a new logo, we will have improved bells and other components. So not only will the execu-tion quality remain high and continue to improve but we will also have improve-ments in the design quality. There will be additional improvements we can make as we move into a new facility, which is also in the works.
This past fall, Verne Q. Powell Flutes announced that it had acquired the
assets of E. K. Blessing of Elkhart, Indiana from Randy Johnson, the fourth
generation of the Blessing family to have owned and operated E. K. Blessing.
With the acquisition of Blessing, Powell gained its own factory to produce
Sonar brass. The Elkhart operation will be managed by Steve Rorie, who had over
20 years experience working for Selmer and who managed the Bach factory.
MMR recently spoke with Powell owner, Steven Wasser, about how the
acquisition came about and what the new developments mean for the
companys brands.
MMR_18 18 12/28/09 2:43:30 PM
FEBRUARY 2010 MMR 21
the LG Tramontane (Trah-mon-tahn) line includes both steel string and nylon guitar models. The Standard series in-struments are aimed towards the begin-ning player, the Stage Series is comprised of premium guitars for novice players, while the Master Series models are geared towards a higher-end, professional user.
While the Master Series features en-hanced attention to detail and fi ner materi-als, master luthier Michel Lg Chavarria is quick to note that even the Standard guitars feature the same workmanship and care that characterizes all LG instruments: Many people, when they play the instrument, dont believe that its an entry-level guitar because of the attention to detail. Its entry level in name, but its a real guitar.
Capturing the RomanceThe acoustic/electric models available
in the U.S. make use of LGs proprietary
Michel Lg Chavarria. Custom Phil Campbell (Mtorhead) guitar.
Korg USAs Allan Pearlman, Mitch Colby, Joe Castronovo, Mike Bradley, and Eric Sands.
MMR_21 21 12/28/09 2:44:35 PM
20 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
We think LG is the perfect compliment to our brands, noted Korg USAs Mitch Colby at a reception held
in Nantes, France this past November,
where a partnership between the U.S.
distribution giant and the European
guitar supplier was announced. Korgs
president Joe Castronovo agreed,
noting that, LG is a big name in
the European market and now were
bringing the guitars to the U.S.
During a whirlwind three-and-a-half-day jaunt (Boston-Paris-Nantes-Montpe-lier-Bedarieux AND back again. Jetlag, anyone?), MMR joined other members of the press to meet with representatives
from all parties involved in this major collaboration to tour the relevant factories and workshops, and to hear details of the forthcoming product introductions into the American market. In between in-numerable decadent meals (merci, Korg folks!) and occasional brief tours of the countryside, we also were able to get a true feel for the passion that both the LG and Korg teams brings to this new project.
A Real OpportunityAs of January 2010, Korg will be the ex-
clusive U.S. distributor for LG acoustic and acoustic/electric guitars. LG is al-ready enormously successful in Europe and were going to bring that to the U.S., Colby said. The acoustic market is faring very well, so we think this relationship presents a real opportunity for us and our dealers.
Deriving its name from a seasonal wind in the Occitania region of France,
Korg Brings LG to America
Korg USA president Joe Castenovo.
F RETTED
Hand-sanding a neck at the LG workshop in Bedarieux.
MMR_20 20 12/28/09 2:44:30 PM
FEBRUARY 2010 MMR 21
the LG Tramontane (Trah-mon-tahn) line includes both steel string and nylon guitar models. The Standard series in-struments are aimed towards the begin-ning player, the Stage Series is comprised of premium guitars for novice players, while the Master Series models are geared towards a higher-end, professional user.
While the Master Series features en-hanced attention to detail and fi ner materi-als, master luthier Michel Lg Chavarria is quick to note that even the Standard guitars feature the same workmanship and care that characterizes all LG instruments: Many people, when they play the instrument, dont believe that its an entry-level guitar because of the attention to detail. Its entry level in name, but its a real guitar.
Capturing the RomanceThe acoustic/electric models available
in the U.S. make use of LGs proprietary
Michel Lg Chavarria. Custom Phil Campbell (Mtorhead) guitar.
Korg USAs Allan Pearlman, Mitch Colby, Joe Castronovo, Mike Bradley, and Eric Sands.
MMR_21 21 12/28/09 2:44:35 PM
20 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
We think LG is the perfect compliment to our brands, noted Korg USAs Mitch Colby at a reception held
in Nantes, France this past November,
where a partnership between the U.S.
distribution giant and the European
guitar supplier was announced. Korgs
president Joe Castronovo agreed,
noting that, LG is a big name in
the European market and now were
bringing the guitars to the U.S.
During a whirlwind three-and-a-half-day jaunt (Boston-Paris-Nantes-Montpe-lier-Bedarieux AND back again. Jetlag, anyone?), MMR joined other members of the press to meet with representatives
from all parties involved in this major collaboration to tour the relevant factories and workshops, and to hear details of the forthcoming product introductions into the American market. In between in-numerable decadent meals (merci, Korg folks!) and occasional brief tours of the countryside, we also were able to get a true feel for the passion that both the LG and Korg teams brings to this new project.
A Real OpportunityAs of January 2010, Korg will be the ex-
clusive U.S. distributor for LG acoustic and acoustic/electric guitars. LG is al-ready enormously successful in Europe and were going to bring that to the U.S., Colby said. The acoustic market is faring very well, so we think this relationship presents a real opportunity for us and our dealers.
Deriving its name from a seasonal wind in the Occitania region of France,
Korg Brings LG to America
Korg USA president Joe Castenovo.
F RETTED
Hand-sanding a neck at the LG workshop in Bedarieux.
MMR_20 20 12/28/09 2:44:30 PM
MMR_23 23 12/28/09 12:05:52 PM
22 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
electronics systems, including unique pre-amps, developed with Shadow Electronics most of which offer a wide variety of sound possibilities through user-friendly presets as well as magnetic and piezo pickups, varying in nature, depending on the individual model selected.
Algam a powerhouse MI distribu-tor in France (handling nearly 100 major international brands, including LG Gui-tars) will be working to support Korgs launch of LG Guitars. This has been a
great collaboration between ourselves and the LG and Algam teams, observed Mike Bradley, marketing director for Korg USA, while the group toured LGs workshop facilities in Bedarieux, France. The senti-ment was echoed the previous night by Al-gam president, Gerard Garnier: We know there are a lot of acoustic guitars in the U.S. market, but we believe we have something unique. We have to capture the romance of LAG guitars and Korg is the perfect partner to help us achieve that goal.
We plan to launch a major marketing campaign to support this product line, added Castronovo. Were very happy to have partnered with LG. The products represent a nice complement to our Mar-shall, Korg, and VOX lines.
Korg USA will begin offering the Standard and Stage ranges in the LG Tramontane guitar line in the U.S. as of the NAMM show in Anaheim. The Mas-ter range will be available in the spring/summer of 2010.
Michel Lg Chavarria and Gerard Garnier.
See us at NAMM Booth 4912
Korg.indd 22 12/28/09 4:16:16 PM
MMR_23 23 12/28/09 12:05:52 PM
22 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
electronics systems, including unique pre-amps, developed with Shadow Electronics most of which offer a wide variety of sound possibilities through user-friendly presets as well as magnetic and piezo pickups, varying in nature, depending on the individual model selected.
Algam a powerhouse MI distribu-tor in France (handling nearly 100 major international brands, including LG Gui-tars) will be working to support Korgs launch of LG Guitars. This has been a
great collaboration between ourselves and the LG and Algam teams, observed Mike Bradley, marketing director for Korg USA, while the group toured LGs workshop facilities in Bedarieux, France. The senti-ment was echoed the previous night by Al-gam president, Gerard Garnier: We know there are a lot of acoustic guitars in the U.S. market, but we believe we have something unique. We have to capture the romance of LAG guitars and Korg is the perfect partner to help us achieve that goal.
We plan to launch a major marketing campaign to support this product line, added Castronovo. Were very happy to have partnered with LG. The products represent a nice complement to our Mar-shall, Korg, and VOX lines.
Korg USA will begin offering the Standard and Stage ranges in the LG Tramontane guitar line in the U.S. as of the NAMM show in Anaheim. The Mas-ter range will be available in the spring/summer of 2010.
Michel Lg Chavarria and Gerard Garnier.
See us at NAMM Booth 4912
Korg.indd 22 12/28/09 4:16:16 PM
At this marvelous time in our lives when our choices are many, we decided going back to our roots was where we wanted to be. Peace, Love & Rock n Roll. It brings back a special time in our lives and it make us feel good still.
What a thrill, coming to NAMM and sharing our dream. We would love to meet you. Please stop by our Two Old Hippies Booth in Hall C, #4840. In addition to good stories and really fun products, there will be a 1965 VW Magic Bus Giveaway.
MMR_25 25 12/28/09 12:06:04 PM
At A Glance: Kathy Bender-Jones
Type: Full Line (no pianos)
Personal: My husband, Larry, a won-derful musician and one of my best customers; Son, Jason, a gifted mu-sician who is about to graduate col-lege and is probably going into law.
How it began: It started as a hobby. I asked my Dad, who was making and trading guitars after he retired, if he would like to give it a try and we did. Soon after we opened, I wanted to go full line and Dad did not. So I bought him out and here we are!
Career Low Point: I was out of the store for 2-1/2 years dealing with breast cancer.
Career High Point: Finding out how wonderful my husband and crew re-ally are as they handled almost every-thing for me while I was unavailable!
Best thing about my job: The people. All of them! Staff, teachers, custom-ers, reps I love them all.
Most unpleasant part about my job:Firing anyone.
My proudest business achievement:We had grown the business and school so much had to move. Luck-ily, we were able to buy this new 5,000-square-foot-building located 300 feet off a main thoroughfare!
Latest greatest news: We recently acquired Martin Guitars. We had a party/clinic that 70 people showed up for. Itll be a great fi t.
When Im not working, youll likely fi nd me on the motorcycle with Larry, hiking, cooking, playing with the dogs or watching a movie de-pending on the weather!
If I could go back in time and tell my younger self one thing, it would be:Breathe better, longer young does not last.
People might be surprised to know:While in the Army I learned to scuba
dive in the Mediterranean and Red Seas (I was then working for the American Embassy in Israel).
The most important thing about man-aging a music store is: Hiring honest people with people skills.
Biggest pet peeve about the busi-ness: Overcoming the illusion that online or big box stores can offer a better price than we can. We mark everything to MAP right out of the box and are able to meet or beat anyones prices, offer personal service, plus say hi to them when we see them in the grocery store!
True or False: Can you be happy AND rich in the music instrument business? Happy? Yes. Rich? Hope so defi nitely in friends.
If I could lunch with any musician liv-ing or dead it would be: Willie Nel-son. He is himself and seems satis-fi ed in his own skin.
The bumper sticker on my car says:Bender Music: Making Music Makes You Smarter.
Words to live by: You never know what is happening in someone elses world, so do not assume you know why they are the way they are.
Favorite quote: There are many people in this world who will disap-point you, dont be one of them. Joan Ayers
Who: Kathy Bender-Jones
What: Bender Music
Where: Elkton, Maryland
When: Founded May 1995
24 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
At A Glance Kathy Bender Jones.i24 24 12/28/09 2:46:46 PM
At this marvelous time in our lives when our choices are many, we decided going back to our roots was where we wanted to be. Peace, Love & Rock n Roll. It brings back a special time in our lives and it make us feel good still.
What a thrill, coming to NAMM and sharing our dream. We would love to meet you. Please stop by our Two Old Hippies Booth in Hall C, #4840. In addition to good stories and really fun products, there will be a 1965 VW Magic Bus Giveaway.
MMR_25 25 12/28/09 12:06:04 PM
At A Glance: Kathy Bender-Jones
Type: Full Line (no pianos)
Personal: My husband, Larry, a won-derful musician and one of my best customers; Son, Jason, a gifted mu-sician who is about to graduate col-lege and is probably going into law.
How it began: It started as a hobby. I asked my Dad, who was making and trading guitars after he retired, if he would like to give it a try and we did. Soon after we opened, I wanted to go full line and Dad did not. So I bought him out and here we are!
Career Low Point: I was out of the store for 2-1/2 years dealing with breast cancer.
Career High Point: Finding out how wonderful my husband and crew re-ally are as they handled almost every-thing for me while I was unavailable!
Best thing about my job: The people. All of them! Staff, teachers, custom-ers, reps I love them all.
Most unpleasant part about my job:Firing anyone.
My proudest business achievement:We had grown the business and school so much had to move. Luck-ily, we were able to buy this new 5,000-square-foot-building located 300 feet off a main thoroughfare!
Latest greatest news: We recently acquired Martin Guitars. We had a party/clinic that 70 people showed up for. Itll be a great fi t.
When Im not working, youll likely fi nd me on the motorcycle with Larry, hiking, cooking, playing with the dogs or watching a movie de-pending on the weather!
If I could go back in time and tell my younger self one thing, it would be:Breathe better, longer young does not last.
People might be surprised to know:While in the Army I learned to scuba
dive in the Mediterranean and Red Seas (I was then working for the American Embassy in Israel).
The most important thing about man-aging a music store is: Hiring honest people with people skills.
Biggest pet peeve about the busi-ness: Overcoming the illusion that online or big box stores can offer a better price than we can. We mark everything to MAP right out of the box and are able to meet or beat anyones prices, offer personal service, plus say hi to them when we see them in the grocery store!
True or False: Can you be happy AND rich in the music instrument business? Happy? Yes. Rich? Hope so defi nitely in friends.
If I could lunch with any musician liv-ing or dead it would be: Willie Nel-son. He is himself and seems satis-fi ed in his own skin.
The bumper sticker on my car says:Bender Music: Making Music Makes You Smarter.
Words to live by: You never know what is happening in someone elses world, so do not assume you know why they are the way they are.
Favorite quote: There are many people in this world who will disap-point you, dont be one of them. Joan Ayers
Who: Kathy Bender-Jones
What: Bender Music
Where: Elkton, Maryland
When: Founded May 1995
24 MMR FEBRUARY 2010
At A Glance Kathy Bender Jones.i24 24 12/28/09 2:46:46 PM
Spirits were free and it seemed as if every town had a dance hall where local
bands would ll the air with their own special sounds. Spirit Lake, Iowa was no
different. Except among those crowding the local dance hall was Tom Bedell.
When Tom was just a kid, he got his rst guitar, fueling his personal passion for
music. In 1964, at the age of 14, Tom wanted to share that passion by intro-
ducing his own line of Bedell acoustic guitars.
Though decades have passed since Tom strummed a chord on the very rst Bedell Guitar, his passion still thrives in his custom
collection of premium Bedell Guitars. There are no shortcuts to handcrafting one of his instruments. Each section of wood is individu-
ally selected and matched. There are no laminates, just solid wood in stunning combinations. Ebony ngerboards and one-piece
mahogany necks are carefully shaped and sanded by hand. Meticulously crafted maple bindings hug every curve with perfection
and strength. Each Bedell Guitar is an incredible creation. Which is why every Bedell Guitar delivers such incredible sound.
Times change, passions dont. Bedell Guitars let you share your music and your passion. Its your music perform it on a Bedell.
In the sixties, Rock n Roll changed the world, revealing a passion for expression through music.
MMR_26 26 12/28/09 12:06:13 PM
Tom Bedell strums the Bedell Performance JB-52-G Jumbo. In 1964 at the age of 14, Tom Bedell developed his own line of Bedell acoustic guitars to help a genera-tion explore its musical passions. More than four decades and two inductions into the Iowa Rock N Roll Hall of Fame later, Tom is proud to introduce his new line of namesake acoustic guitars.
twooldhippies.com
Full Ads_feb.indd 27 12/28/09 1:57:54 PM
Designing my own guitars has been such a dream come true for me that I want to make that dream a reality for you, fellow guitar enthusiast. With the Bedell Custom Shop, you can design your very own guitar and have it built to your speci cations. You create
the specs for your custom guitar by choosing from Jumbo, Dreadnought, Orchestra,
and Parlor body styles. Then select the exotic solid woods for the top, back, and sides;
ngerboard material; and tuning machine. Our luthiers will assist you with your design
and keep you updated on the progress of crafting your one-of-a-kind guitar. Once your
custom instrument is handcrafted, well deliver it to you in an all-leather, sculpted, deluxe
hard-shell case. Because of the unique process of building your custom guitar, it will take
ve to six months.
Opt for Waverly or Grover tuning machines.
Select from four solid woods for the top of your guitar.
Out t the back and sides of your custom guitar with one of 11 solid woods.
Go with one of four body stylesJumbo,
Dreadnought
