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Get A Jump On The Competition In Nashville

Good businesspeople set themselves apart in difficult times, not during the times when everyone is enjoying success. In a rising market, where filling the demand is the primary challenge, market shares tend to stay the same. However, when sales volumes slow, companies that are more nimble and effective tend to prosper. This basic truth... READ MORE

Line 6 & Planet Waves Create iPhone MIDI Application

Line 6 and the Planet Waves division of the D’Addario Company have joined forces to create a hardware and software package that turns Apple’s popular iPhone into a powerful portable tone editor and storage system for any MIDI-equipped product. Comprising the MIDI Mobilizer, a portable interface device developed by Line 6, and the... READ MORE

The New St. Louis Music

In the process of acquiring St. Louis Music late last year, Mark Ragin spent countless hours negotiating the value of inventory, computer systems, and miscellaneous other assets. Yet within days of completing the purchase he realized he had overlooked perhaps the company’s single most valuable asset: eight decades plus of accrued... READ MORE

JamHub Rehearsal System Creates New Market

Gloom, doom, the market sucks. I think I’ll just pack it in and… Wait a minute. What’s that? A product that’s not only innovative and exciting on its own merits, but also could spur the sale of other purchases, big and small—and encourage the creation of more music-makers to boot!? The JamHub series of “silent rehearsal studios,” made by... READ MORE

Mass Merchant Enthusiasm For Music Products Wanes

AFTER A FIVE-YEAR RUN, Wal-Mart, Target, and a number of other major mass merchants seem to be losing their enthusiasm for the musical instrument market. 2009 will be the third consecutive year that Wal-Mart reduces its stock of musical instruments. For the fourth quarter, the retail giant will allocate just four linear feet of shelf space in... READ MORE

July 2009 Issue

Guide To Summer NAMM

Import Tracker: Guitars are the bright spot in an otherwise tough market

Gallup Poll Findings: What Americans think about making music

Line 6 & Planet Waves Team To Develop First iPhone MIDI Application

New Entrants In The Guitar Market:
• Italy’s EKO Guitar Returns to the U.S.
• LSL Guitars offers a new take on retro styling

The New St. Louis Music: Mark Ragin rejuvenates a venerable nameplate with a new emphasis on customer service

Redbone Guitar Boutique: San Antonio retailer launches new store with unique merchandising approach

Piano Warehouse: Dennis James on surviving the current downturn

Hal Leonard's Distribution Center: Cutting-edge facility enhances dealer service

The RB Continental Guitar Case

The BreezSong JamHub: A new concept in rehearsing and music making

Industry Forefront
• NAMM Lobbies D.C. Lawmakers
• Mary Peavey’s Commencement Address
• Roland’s Atelier Organ Fest
• Mason & Hamlin Expands Artist Roster
• Buffet Opens New York Facility
• Breedlove’s Sales Building Efforts
• Samick Steps Up Retail Service
• Korg Offers Powerful POP Materials
• Fishman Supports Merlefest
• Alfred Distributes Mighty Bright
• Schiedmayer Marks 270th Year
• Music Freight’s NAMM Member Deal
• WD’s New “B2B” Website
• Fred Gretsch’s Retail Roadshow
• Fender Announces “Road Worn” Winners
• Avid Trims Losses
• Victor Wooten Tours For Hartke
• Burkhart-Phelan Ups Marketing Effort

Retailer Update
• Capitol Music’s 80th Birthday Bash
• Forbes Piano Closes
• Daddy’s Hosts Lennon Bus
• Shane Kinney’s New Drum Shop
• I DJ Now Sponsors Blood Drive
• Falcetti Awards Scholarships
• Owensboro Music Supports Firefighters