ARIA DISTRIBUTION STAGEWORKS GEAR LONDON MUSIC SHOW MUSIC EXCHANGE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENTS Barnes & Mullins stays true to its ‘indies only’ philosophy MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PROFESSIONAL ● FOR EVERYONE IN THE MI BUSINESS No. 122 • JULY 2010 • WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK PRINT • ONLINE • MOBILE WITH THIS ISSUE An in-depth guide to the first MI Retail Conference & Expo
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ARIA DISTRIBUTION STAGEWORKS GEAR LONDON MUSIC SHOW MUSIC EXCHANGE
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENTSBarnes & Mullins stays true to
its ‘indies only’ philosophy
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PROFESSIONAL � FOR EVERYONE IN THE MI BUSINESS
No. 122 • JULY 2010 • WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK PRINT • ONLINE • MOBILE
WITH THIS ISSUEAn in-depth guide to the first
MI Retail Conference & Expo
REGULARS: DISTIE PROFILE 9 I WOKE UP 26 RETAIL NEWS 52 LOCATION REPORT 55 PRODUCTS 44-50 CODA 64
FEATURES
ARIA DISTRIBUTION 20How one supplier changed its name to representa change of direction
STAGEWORKS 23How brave do you need to be to start up in MImanufacturing today?
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COVER STORY 15
ISSUE 122 JULY 2010
So, the MI Retail Conference & Expo is imminent,excitement levels are high and a constant stream of newsfrom the Event Partners is now coming through, revealing
what sort of deals, offers and initiatives they will beshowcasing. There’s going to be a lot to take in.
As is often the way, in the build-up, preparing this magazineand the official Show Guide, themes begin to appear and helpshape the way things unfold. Foremost of these themes is the‘keep it simple’ edict.
On page 15 you will see Barnes & Mullins’ co-MD, BrucePerrin, recounting how, during his ten years in retail, peoplesuch as Mark Barnes were able to have such a strong impacton the industry because they made life easy for the retailers.
Perrin calls it ‘the Barnes factor’ and says he never losessight of it. “If a customer’s got a problem with an instrument for
an end-user, it’s got to be solved – it can’t be forgotten,” he says –
and you can’t really argue with the logic.
In a completely separate conversation with another of the MI
Retail Conference & Expo Event Partners, another managing
director was describing how his business worked. It was a
refreshing statement in many ways. “We give our dealers musical
instruments and they give us money,” he said. “I sometimes wonder
why we try to make things more complicated when the basic
parameters are so simple. Sometimes it’s almost like trying to pull
the wool over people’s eyes.”
Many will point out that it is, in fact, a bit more complicated
than that. The distributor or manufacturer will have suppliers, too,
that need to provide goods and materials and be paid and the
retailers also have customers that want to be supplied before they
will have money demanded of them, but you see the point, I think.
I said in this column at the beginning of the year that 2008 and
2009 had been extremely kind to the MI industry generally, but
that 2010 would be the real test. And so it appears to be. Among
the many whispers I receive each week was one saying that at least
one MI retailer is closing up each week. If this is true, it is tragic,
but it underlines the fact that the rest of us need to keep sight of
the bottom line; to keep it simple. Let’s talk more on June 29th.
Andy BarrettManaging editor
NEWS
EVENTS
SECTOR SPOTLIGHTS
Since Brian Cleary rejoined
Bruce Perrin at Barnes &
Mullins, the company has
enjoyed a renewed sense of
optimism. This, coupled with
its ‘indie only’ approach,
helps B&M and its dealers
keep it real.
MAKING LIFE EASIER
MI RETAIL CONFERENCE, MUSIC
EXCHANGE BUYS HERGA, ZOOM
COMPETITION, LONDON MUSIC
SHOW, AUDIO TECHNICA
SUMMER SCHOOLS
JHS EVENT 11The 14th JHS Event kicked off on June 13th,showcasing new lines from the distributor’s manybrands, with all the expected deals for retailers
COMBOS 29A round up of what’s new in the all-in-oneamplifier market
STUDIO MICS 37Discovering keenly priced mics worth shoutingabout... or through, for that matter
6
20
52
RETAIL
BPM OFFERS TRADE PASSES 52Free trade entry available for fourth yearly DJ event
B&M CUTS SMALL ORDER COSTS Supplier lowers carriage charges for orders under £250
FIRST OF FCN SUMMER OFFERSRetailers can benefit from distributor’s seasonal deals
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MUSIC EXCHANGE, the sheet
music distributor and publisher
based in Manchester, has bought
Herga Music Gifts, a
manufacturer and supplier of
'gifts for the musically minded'.
Following the purchase, Music
Exchange has announced that it
is working to produce a new
catalogue and order form.
“Over the coming months we
plan to introduce many new
product lines and will insure that
we have the necessary stock
levels to maximise the expected
increase in sales,” said Music
Exchange’s Paul Connett of the
deal. "We have found over the
past two years that the sale of
musical gifts has steadily
increased. We have introduced
the gifts as part of our extremely
popular racking scheme, Music in
Store. With the acquisition of
Herga we plan to increase the
stock in the existing racking
stores and are hoping to recruit
some new shops to the scheme."
Irene McGregor, one of the
partners from Herga Music will
be working closely with the new
owner to help maintain the
continuity of the business, which
supplies a wide range of
novelties from pencil sharpeners
and candlesticks to tea pots and
stationary. "She is as excited as
we are at the prospect of taking
what was already a thriving
business under Herga Music to a
whole new level,” added Connett.
Stock is now live on the Music
Exchange system and is available
to order.
MUSIC EXCHANGE:
0161 946 1234
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”Dealers will havea three in 100chance ofwinning a reallygreat prize, ontop of havingsome fantasticguitar leads instock.
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AUDIO TECHNICA is to launch two
significant initiatives for MI dealers at the
inaugural MI Retail Conference & Expo on
June 29th. The event will see the unveiling
of Audio Technica’s MI Retail Summer
School programme, which will be
complemented by the introduction of its
new Centre of Excellence scheme.
Designed to
increase staff
knowledge of Audio
Technica products in
specific areas, the
Summer School is
open to all retailers
and can be tailored
to suit the needs of particular stores. The
topics from which retailers can choose
comprise Wireless, Live Sound, Studio
Microphones, Audio Basics and
Headphones. Training sessions (which will
be conducted in store) will be delivered by
Audio Technica’s training and product
support specialist Logan Helps.
The Centre of Excellence scheme has
been created to provide retailers with the
tools necessary to become ‘power sellers’
of Audio Technica products. In addition to
full product training, qualifying dealers will
gain marketing benefits, including featured
listings on Audio Technica’s online dealer
database and presence in end-user
advertising. Centres of Excellence will also
be able to purchase
their initial stocking
order at attractive
discounts, an offer
that will also
subsequently apply to
an annual CoE order.
Retailers can
become a Centre of Excellence in any or
all of three categories: Studio
Microphones, Monitor Headphones and
Live Microphones. To qualify, dealers must
have their own premises from which to
demonstrate Audio Technica’s range of
products, have completed the Summer
School programme and need to be able to
participate in the company’s First
Impressions trial scheme.
“Audio Technica is known for its
dedication to customer service and by
launching our Summer School and
Centre of Excellence schemes we’re
aiming to help retailers by improving
the service they can offer to their own
customers,” said Harvey Roberts, Audio
Technica’s senior UK marketing
manager. “Great customer service
ultimately leads to increased sales
and customer loyalty, so it’s an
important consideration in gaining an
advantage over competitors. We’re
very much looking forward to booking
retailers in for the Summer School
sessions at the MI Retail Conference &
Expo and working with them over the
coming months.”
More information is available at
audio-technica.com/coe and for
information on online booking for the
Summer School training program at
audio-technica.com/summerschool.
AUDIO TECHNICA: 0113 277 1441
Audio Technica ups its service ante
London Music Show shapes up
THE LONDON Music Show’s
organiser, Future Publishing, has
announced that Joe
Bonamassa, Newton Faulkner,
Dave Mackintosh, Ian
Matthews, Clem Cattini, Ash
Soan and Martin Ranscombe
will all be appearing at the
event, which takes place on
October 8th to 10th.
This news comes hot on the
heels of the announcement
that Fender will be exhibiting at
the show.
Joe Bonamassa will
be offering
guitarists the
chance to learn
from him first
hand at the
show on the
Friday (October
8th), with space
on his special
blues masterclass strictly
limited to 150 places at £30
each, with a signing session
afterwards. Other artists
appearing include the Brit
award-nominated
singer/songwriter Newton
Faulkner, who will also be giving
a lesson, this time in percussive
techniques for beginners, as
well as playing the Live Stage
on Saturday.
Kasabian’s Ian Matthews will
be bringing his talents – and
bass player Richie Blake – along
to the show for a masterclass in
rhythm section perfection.
Tuning master and self-
confessed ‘drum guru’ Martin
Ranscombe will also be on hand
to share his specialist
knowledge and lift the veil on
the dark art of drumming.
In addition, Mikedolbear.com
will present masterclasses with
session artists Ash Soan and
Clem Cattini, a legendary
player notable for appearing
on an astonishing 44 number
one singles with the likes of
Tom Jones and Dusty
Springfield, as well as
performing on Paul Weller’s
new album.
FUTURE: 01225 442244
Joe Bonamassa will
be there on the
event’s opening day
Big name artists confirmed and Fender confirms its attendance at event
Newton Faulkner will perform on the Saturday
Summer schools and centres of excellence to be introduced at MI Retail Conference & Expo on June 29th
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DISTRIBUTION PROFILE
Year Established: HTD France 1988 – UK office
established 2007
Number of employees: France and UK – 20
Is business up or down compared to last year?
We are still a relatively new company in the UK so
we are continuing to grow and develop. Business
has been up and down, the last few months of
2009 and the opening months of 2010 sales were
slow, but have started to climb again. It’s an
indication of the MI industry as a whole right now.
How has the economic climate affected business?
Although many retailers are quick to point out the
downside I think this is a great chance now for the
MI industry to wake up and be part of the 21st
century. For a distributor like HTD, the economic
climate has been good and we have been advising
retailers that profit, not turnover, is essential to
maintaining the longevity of their businesses.
What are your best-selling lines, and why do
you think they perform so well?
We have just launched the Larson Brothers
acoustics. To be part of a brand so integral to the
very development of steel strung guitars is
extremely exciting indeed.
We have spent a lot of time assessing and re-
developing our RapcoHorizon business model and
with Vigier, we continue to grow the public’s
awareness of the brand.
How does High Tech feel the UK market differs
from other global markets?
The UK MI industry has such a rich history, but is
not that dissimilar to other territories. We have a
distinct advantage that HTD is a European
company and can assess the effects that different
markets are having. Of course each different
market faces its own challenges, but I think in the
last few years, possibly aided by the impact of the
Internet, the MI industry really is a global network.
What distinguishes you from the competition?
I think the very transparent, passionate and honest
way that HTD is set up helps retailers understand
that we want to invest in them. It is important to
know that most the HTD staff are active musicians.
As well as understanding the business, we have a
personal and hands-on experience. As a distributor
we have to be fair to our dealers – but MI is naive
with too many retailers giving away margin.
How do you maintain a good relationship
with retailers?
I like to visit my dealers on a regular basis, even if it
is just to see how business is progressing. I think
face-to-face interaction is a very important for
business. I can discuss any feedback the dealers
have in a relaxed atmosphere and gain a much
better insight into their business.
What would you say is the biggest challenge
facing the MI industry today?
This refers to the point I made about retailers
throwing away profit for quick sales. There is a long
way to go to eradicate the prehistoric mentality of
giving away profits, though after a lot of high-
profile retailers have collapsed in the last 12 to 18
months, I think retailers are starting to think twice
figures, despite doom and gloom elsewhere – and even
attempts by the rain to dampen proceedings…
Accentuatingthe positive
JHS � EVENT REVIEW
We’re delivering first class customer service. Are you with us? Be an Audio-Technica Centre of Excellence.
Our new customer service initiative is designed to equip you with the tools you need to become power sellers of our products, armed with our
award-winning customer service know-how and on going personalised training programs to keep you streets ahead of your competition.
Our Centres of Excellence will be split into three categories:
Studio Microphones - Monitor Headphones - Live Sound Microphones
Be a Centre of Excellence for just one, or all three.For more information visit www.audio-technica.com/coe
AT4080 AE5400BP892
ATH-M50
�Centre of Excellence
The 14th JHS Event at John Hornby
Skewes & Co’s Leeds headquarters
took place from June 13th to 16th
with crowds of dealers attending,
maintaining the numbers, despite the
unusual appearance of rain on the
opening day.
The JHS Event has become an integral
part of the UK’s MI calendar over the
years, as the distributor looks to
entertain, feed and water its dealers, as
well as offer a large number of special
deals, including extended credit terms
and end-of-line discounts. As such,
retailers look upon it as an essential
expo, taking the opportunity to get more
quality time with JHS’ area sales
managers and other staff members.
“The Event shows that, whatever the
economic climate, it is the proactive
businesses that make things happen,”
said JHS’ managing director, Dennis
Drumm. “When you have a proactive
distributor, such as us, getting behind
like-minded dealers, you find that any
situation can be turned to the positive.”
Of particular note this year was the
launch of the new Odyssey brass and
woodwind range, newly designed and
targeting the student and beginner
markets with the sort of quality normally
the claim of far more expensive models.
“I have always believed that students
should be given the best possible
instruments to learn on,” said the range’s
designer, Peter Pollard, an instrument
technician to many big names in the
brass and woodwind world. “We’ve spent
a lot of time designing and tweaking the
prototypes and putting them in the
hands of professionals. We’re satisfied
now that we have products that will
easily take players up to Grade 6 – a
couple of them beyond that.”
A couple of the new brass instruments
stood out, with a ‘baby’ French horn with
adjustable hand rest for younger hands
and a soprano sax in Bb, shaped like an
alto, again, giving younger children the
opportunity to take up the instrument
regardless of size and weight issues that
make it impossible for youngster to play.
Also of note is the new KG series of
combo amplifiera from Kustom and a
Vintage signature model acoustic, made
in collaboration with fingerstyle virtuoso,
Gordon Giltrap and his luthier, Rob
Armstrong. Again, quality belies the price,
with both the six-string and 12-string
versions coming in at under £500,
including a hard case and Fishman
electronics as added bonuses.
As well as representatives of the
distributor’s suppliers (including Manuel
Rodriguez, Fishman, Regal Tip, Facelift,
Dunlop and Kustom) there were a
handful of exhibitors at the event.
Among these were Music Exchange
(fresh from the news of its purchase of
Herga Music Services and its novelty
anmd gift products, which were also on
display on its stand), Future Publishing,
raising awareness for the London Music
Show and Retail Up, which was offering a
fascinating opportunity for dealers to add
a JHS page to their websites, while
maintaining their own branding.
JHS: 0113 286 5381
12 miPRO JULY 2010 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
EVENT REVIEW � JHS
“It is the proactive businesses that make thingshappen. When you have a proactive
distributor, such as us, getting behind like-minded dealers, you find that any situation can
be turned to the positiveDennis Drumm
JHS managing director
JHS’ MD and SD, Dennis Drumm and Alan Smith Scott Lombardo of Fishman and Regal Tip’s Dick MarkusMike and Joe Hrano with the new Rory Gallagher ‘Facelift’
Manuel Rodriguez III alongside Alan Smith of JHSGerald Burns, Irene McGregor and Paul Connett on the Music Ex stand
Ask almost anyone in the UK’s MI
trade what they think of Barnes &
Mullins and the reply is very likely
to contain the phrase ‘really nice people’.
That isn’t idle flattery and it isn’t an
accident either. B&M might be one of the
country’s oldest distributors, (it was
founded in 1895) but while it is among
the most forward-thinking in its use of
modern marketing techniques, it has
simultaneously managed to hold onto a
very gentlemanly way of doing business.
After a short hiatus, during which he
spent some time with Tanglewood, Brian
Cleary has been back at B&M for a year,
re-united with joint managing director,
Bruce Perrin, the two having finally
managed to buy-out the family interests,
which had been holding the company
back. Since they took sole control it has
been business as usual for B&M, despite
the tough climate. We brought Messrs
Perrin and Cleary together for a ‘state of
the union’ interview and to ask why they
think being good people to do business
with makes very good business sense.
MI Pro: Though MI Pro has covered
Brian’s re-joining B&M, could we start
by asking how the past year has been
and how it feels to be ‘back home?’
Brian Cleary: Fantastic – it’s better than
it was before. Now, all Bruce and I have
to do is focus on buying and selling
musical instruments, whereas for a great
many years prior to that we had a lot of
shareholder issues that we were having to
deal with and that sapped an enormous
amount of our time. So it’s the best it’s
ever been, in that respect.
Bruce Perrin: One thing it has done is
Young Guns go for itRegardless of the changes that have gone on at Barnes & Mullins over the years, one thing has remained in the foundation
of the company’s philosophy: the dealer comes first. Gary Cooper quizzes the co-MDs about how they keep it real…
Yo
un
g G
un
s use
Faith
gu
itars
BARNES & MULLINS COVER FEATURE
WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK miPRO JULY 2010 15
given us an opportunity to sit
down and plan out our future, which
we've not been able to do before. To be
fair, we had a very good framework in
place before, but now we’ve been able to
move forward with the emphasis on
marketing our brands and trying to make
Barnes & Mullins as big a help for our
customers as we can be.
The phrase that comes to mind is ‘user
friendly’. When you talk with retailers,
that’s usually the impression you get,
that they find B&M easy to do
business with. But that can’t be an
accident – you must work hard at
that, presumably.
BC: The reason this works is because
we’ve worked together for a great
many years and we have, at almost
every time, seen eye to eye on
everything and we have shared
vision of how we want Barnes &
Mullins to be. The analogy we’ve
often used is we want our trade
customers to perceive us in
perhaps the same way people
perceive John Lewis or Marks &
Spencer. It’s not just that we
buy and sell musical
instruments, it’s that we also try
to offer the best level of service
that we can – and I have to admit it
sounds trite when I hear myself say that.
Well that certainly raises a point. If you
were to ask any distributor, they would
all say they aim to offer fantastic
service and that they are nice people to
do business with. In fact, it’s a
sentiment that appears in our pages
several times a month. But it can’t
always be true, can it? Some
distributors are better than others – so
how? And what is it that seems to set
B&M apart?
BC: It’s dead easy – there really is no
rocket science. It’s not what we say in
magazine articles, it’s what we do as a
company on a day to day basis that
counts. It’s what we do when a customer
phones up with a problem. That’s what
matters – not what we say.
BP: My experience in the music
trade – and I had ten years in
retail before I joined Barnes &
Mullins, during which they were
my main supplier – was that they
made life as easy as possible for me.
If you go back to dealers who were
setting up in the 60s, you couldn’t find
anybody who was more helpful to them
than Mark Barnes. He helped more
businesses start from the 60s to the 80s
than anyone and I’ve always wanted to
follow his lead – I call it the Barnes Factor
and I never, ever lose sight of it. His way
was always to be as helpful as possible, to
understand the customer’s problems
and make business as easy as
possible. If a customer’s got a
problem with an instrument
for an end-user, it’s got to be
solved – it can’t be forgotten.
It’s all about service and I
know all our competitors say
the same thing, but I really
think the experience both Brian
and I bring to this company is
different. I had many years
with Mark Barnes, while
Brian had many years with
John Skewes, so we have
probably both been trained
by two of the more
successful entrepreneurs of our industry.
BC: Actually, the background that Bruce
had and the background that I had were
quite different in some ways and we often
bring different things to a conversation as
a consequence. My background with John
Hornby Skewes was very much sales led,
so I’ve always got that vision in mind...
BP: And my experience was always from
having that retail background and having
originally been employed by Barnes &
Mullins to run their retail store in the
Charing Cross Road, so I’ve always brought
that understanding of the retail side to
the table.
You’ve both been a part of this
industry for many years and seen a lot
of changes, such as the Internet and
the rise, fall and rise again of the guitar
as a key instrument for retailers. What
else stands out as a major change do
you feel?
BP: The supply chain and the values have
changed a lot. When I started at Barnes &
Mullins in 1977, our cheapest Fender-
esque guitar was £80, retail. Our
equivalent now is probably £70 retail and
we don’t actually sell any more now than
we did then. The demand isn't any greater.
Then there are the changes in the supply
chain itself. You have overproduction and
you have distributors that are retailers and
retailers that are distributors and the
buying groups – this has changed a lot.
Then there are all the changes the retail
sector has had to face due to the
introduction of Argoses, the Amazons –
and the internet in general, of course. But
perhaps the biggest change for retailers is
that they have had to evolve into being
more than just a dealer waiting for Joe
Public to walk through the door. They’ve
had to stimulate business in their areas by
running music schools, for example, and
there has been a huge change in the way
music is taught in schools, with so many
peripatetic teachers today. To be in the
music industry now, you have to be very
proactive to be successful. If a dealer is
proactive in his area, talking to teachers,
running workshops, getting out there
and waving his flag, he can compete, but
you can’t exist if you’re just going to do
it on price because there’s no margin to
be had.”
The question of margins is getting very
critical, isn't it?
BC: Yes and I can’t think of a period where
it has ever been tougher to be a retailer.
We know just how hard they are having to
fight to do business right now and that’s
the premise of a lot of the decisions we
make. It’s the reason why we don’t make
our products available to the big, non-
specialist chains. It’s not that we’re against
that sort of business, it’s that 100 per cent
of our customer base is individual music
shops and we don't want to do anything
that undermines them. We’re very careful
where we place our products. We don’t
want our products to fall victim to being
slaughtered on the internet. We’re always
mindful that the retailer has to make as
good a margin as possible.
Every few years there seems to be a
flap about ‘the role of the distributor’
and the doom-sayers predicting their
demise. Yet distributors still seem to be
here and are as much a part of the
industry as ever. But has your role
changed? Is it that you now support
smaller manufacturers, or is the drive
now to build your own brands – as you
have done with Faith guitars?
BC: I don’t think it has changed greatly.
There are a lot of significant brands out
COVER FEATURE BARNES & MULLINS
16 miPRO JULY2010 WW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
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to vocal miking applications thanks to its low mass,
neodymium element. The Q7 is a handheld, dynamic
that works for both recording and live performance
applications. Equipped with a linear frequency
response for superior reproduction, it is also designed
to withstand high sound pressure levels.
The mic employs a tight supercardioid pattern to
reduce feedback and effectively reject signals not
originating directly in front of the capsule and a
special shockmounted element also minimises
handling noise and provides additional protection.
Samson Q7 dynamics £91
Shure PG 42 & 27£311 & £240
The PG27USB and PG42USB
microphones connect
professional standard Shure
microphones to any USB port
with “Plug and Play”, meaning
digital recording can be
completed anywhere with a PC
or laptop. Ideal for multi-track
recording, the cardioid
condenser microphones feature
built-in headphone monitoring
with zero latency and monitor
mix control.
Exclusively distributed in the UK & Ireland by Source • www.sourcedistribution.co.uk/rode • T: 020 8962 5080
There was a time when a truly great microphone cost an unreal amount ofmoney. Then came Røde, and no-one could believe how a range ofmicrophones that performed so well could cost so little.
Today, discerning producers, engineers and recording musicians chooseRøde not just because they’re great mics for the money,
but because they’re great mics – period.
Discover more about Røde microphones at www.rodemic.com
It’s your route to a great recording.
The route to agreat recording
PLATINUM PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNERS
BAR SPONSOR
AFTER SHOW SPONSOR
DEALER DELEGATES:
Absolute Music Solutions LtdAckerman Music Advance Music limitedAllegro MusicAmazonArgosBaird Sound Systems LtdBalaam’s Music Bass GearBecketts Music Bonners Music SuperstoreBrittens MusicBruce MillersCC MusicChamberlain MusicChappell of Bond Street Chas FouldsCity MusicCliff Owen MusicCODA MusicColbecksCompton PianosConnevans Cookes Band Instruments County Music Supplies Ltd
Dawkes MusicDawsonsDigital Village - Music VillageEducation DivisionDolphin Enterprises Europe LtdDolphin MusicDouglas TelfordDuck Son & Pinker Duke of UkeEast Coast Musicebgb MusicEric Furze Guitar & SonEric Lindsey MusicEuromusic LtdFoote’s LtdGamlins Music Centre/Euro MusicGardonyi’s LtdGear4MusicGigbags in City MusicGreensleeves Guitar VillageHard To Find RecordsHarmonics MusicHeybrook MusicHogan MusicHolmes MusicHW Audio
idrums.co.ukimuso.co.ukJ.G. Windows JBS MusicJG WindowsJohn Packer Keyboard KavernKnock on Wood London PA Centre Mann’s MusicMarkson Pianos McCormacks Mickleburgh Millers Music Centre Minim MusicMOR MUSICMusic RoomMusic StationMusicians CentreMusicland UK Morlings NevadaNewcastle Drum CentreNewtonsNormansNorthern Music OnlineOne Man Band
Park MusicPlay Away GuitarsProduction RoomPromenade MusicPurple Turtle Music Red Submarine Limited - Gear4MusicRimmers Music LtdRock And Roll Music RockboxRocktronic Music StoresRosehill InstrumentsSharon MusicSheehan’sSheet Music Hound Sounds of FromeSoundsLive.co.ukStageBeatSymphony Music & TechnologyCentreThe Music StopThe Music Trading CompanyTiverton Music ShopTower Music Trago MillsUmbrella MusicVivace PianosWembley Drum/Guitar/PA
The MI Retail Conference & Expo is supported by the UK’s two main buying groups
10:30 – Coffee/Registration
11:00 – Conference
13:00-14:00 – Lunch
13:00-18:00 – ExpoExclusive meetingopportunities for EventPartners and over 100 of the UK’s leading dealers
14:00-18:00 – Cash barSponsor: Numark Alesis Akai
18:00-23:00 – After ShowParty Sponsored by Roland,featuring The Fabulous Beatlesat the Parker McMillan bar
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:11:00 – Introduction Stuart Dinsey, MI Pro11:02 – Welcome Cordelia von Gymnich,Musikmesse11:10 – Where We’re At, WhereWe’re GoingMatt Gibbs, GfKExclusive data from the marketresearch specialist.11:25 – Reverberations (Panelsession)Chairman: Andy Barrett, MI Pro.Panelists: Noel Sheehan,Sheehan’s; Simon Gilson, PMT;Dennis Drumm, JHS & Co; JuliaThompson, FCN Music.What have we learned from thecollapse of Sound Control,Reverb and others?11:50 – What Has The MIA EverDone For Us?Paul McManus, MIA
12:10 – Music For AllTim Walter, RolandThe industry charity’s ThreeMen on a Bike initiative.12:15 – Online Selling: Threat orOpportunity? (Panel session)Chairman: Peter Heath, RolandPanelists: Katy Watson-Cave,Dolphin; David Briggs, Dawsons;Harvey Roberts, Audio Technica;Paul Marshall, Marshall.The single biggest shift in the MIretail landscape comes underthe spotlight.12:40 – Music MattersBilly BraggThe legendary singer, songwriterand campaigner talks about theimportance of music and therole of retailers across allaspects of the community – andupdates us on his Jail GuitarDoors project.
1. GATOR
TSA GUITAR CASES FROM
£109.95They say: Military-grade proteciton taking
cases to the next level.
For: Guitarists, bassists
Range: Gator cases
Spec: Available for standard electric and
bass guitars, classical guitars and 335-style
guitars. Polyethylene outer, black powder-
coated valance and hardware, surface-
mounted impact diversion latch, neck
cradle, crushed velvet plush interior,
universal fit EPS protective foam open
cavity design.
From: Freestyle 01924 455414
2. KAM
KAMSTANDS FROM £24.95They say: From a name you can
POLY TUNE TUNER £75They say: Are you still tuning one
string at a time?
For: Guitarists, bassists
Range: TC Electronic floor pedals
Spec: World's first polyphonic tuner,
strum all strings and LED display
indicates which are out of tune,
dropped tunings from Eb to B,
ambient light sensor
automatically adjusts LED brightness,
chromatic tuner mode (when single
string is picked).
From: TC Electronic 0800 917 8926
ACCESSORY SPOTLIGHT
FUSION
F4 SERIES UKULELE GIGBAGS
FROM £18They say: A far cry from just a gigbag.
For: Ukulele players
Range: Fusion gigbags
Spec:The Fusion F4 ukulele series is as
tough and robust as gigbags come,
specially designed to protect these
vulnerable instruments, while remaining
lightweight for ease of portability.
10mm, high-density foam padding is at
the core of the design, with plush nylon,
Fusion-embossed, non-scratch inner
texture for a snug, soft and safe fit.
For protection against the elements,
the Fusion F4 ukulele series has a
durable Fusion branded outer material
of hardwearing polyester with two
roomy external accessory pockets.
The inverted zips have ergonomic
rubber zip pulls to avoid scratching the
instrument, while adjustable back
straps and a side-grip carry handle,
makes light work of transporting your
favourite ukulele.
Three in the range: Soprano (£18),
Concert (£19), Tenor (£20), Baritone
(£22). Available in: black/blue,
black/orange or black/grey.
From: Aria 01483 238720
1
3
3. REUNION BLUES
CONTINENTAL TRIPLE TRUMPET
CASE £179.50They say: Blending sleek, modern design
with the best in trumpet protection.
For: Trumpeters
Range: Reunion Blues instrument cases
Spec: One-inch thick shock-absorbing
'Flexoskeleton' exterior, knurled abrasion
grid on bottom, wide-mouth lid, roomy
interior, double helix velvet lining, high-
strength corded edges, Zero-G palm-
contoured handle.
From: Summerfield 0191 414 9001
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6
4
5
44 miPRO JULY 2010 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
‘Playing’ Live is so much more than just launching clips.
Find out how 64 buttons can put Ableton completely at your fi ngertips, visit:
www.novationmusic.com/launchpad
WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK miPRO JULY 2010 45
BACKLINE NEW PRODUCTS
1. DIGITECH
JAM MAN DELAY LOOPER
£389They say: Attributes never-before-
offered by stage-ready, individually
controlled loopers.
For: Guitarists
Range: Digitech effects pedals
Spec: 16 seconds of stereo delay time,
tap tempo footswitch, expression pedal
input, eight delay types, three
programmable presets, USB conneciton,
downloadable Jam Manager looper
librarian software, custom loop Jam
Lists for live recall.
From: Sound Technology
01462 480000
2. PALMER
3-EASY THREE-WAY
ROUTER £TBCThey say: An economy version of
the Triage router, guaranteed to
leave an impression.
For: Guitarists, live applications
Range: Palmer routers
Spec: Switches input signal
between three outputs, steps up
9V power supply to 30V, silent
switching, I/O set to unity gain, lo-
Z out, outputs 1 & 2 floating and
isolated, output 3 non-isolated,
discrete Class A FET input amp is
similar to the input stage of a hi-Z
tube amplifier.
From: Adam Hall 01702 613922
3. PROVIDENCE
STOMP BOXES $POAThey say: Used by such notable artists as
Gus G of the Ozzy Osbourne Band and
Robben Ford.
For: Guitarists
Range: Providence pedals
Spec: Models in range include: ADC-3
Anadime chorus, FBT-1 Final booster,
HBL-2 Heat Blaster distortion, PHF-1
Phase Force, SDR-4 Sonic Drive
overdrive, SOV-2 Stampede overdrive,
VLC-1 Velvet compressor.
From: Godlyke +1 973 777 7477
4. TC ELECTRONIC
NDR-1 NOVA DRIVE £219They say: Guitarists everywhere, start
your engines, because your tone is about
to take a new turn.
For: Guitarists
Range: TC effects
Spec: Dual engine, digitally controllable,
true bypass overdrive & distortion unit,
overdrive/dry mix, distortion with two-
band eq, each channel stackable or
parallel function.
From: TC Electronic 0800 917 8926
1. FRAMUS
DIABLO 7-STRING ELECTRIC
£1,879They say: More headroom with powerful,
full-bodied, yet clean distinguishable low-
end frequencies.
For: Guitarists
Range: Framus electrics
Spec: Arched mahogany body, maple bolt-
on neck, rosewood fingerboard, Seymour
Duncan Blackouts Phase I pickups (AHB-
1N 7, neck; AHB-1B 7, bridge), Framus
locking machine heads, TonePros tune-o-
matic bridge. Available as leftie and in
variety of finishes.
From: Warwick +49 0374 225550
SPOTLIGHT GUITAR
FRET KING
COUNTRY SQUIRE
EVOCATION £POAThey say: Fret King’s new Stvdio
series designed by Trev Wilkinson to
evoke historic guitars.
For: Guitarists
Range: Fret King Stvdio series
Spec: Swamp ash body in see-through
blonde maple rosewood, custom Fret
King double pole mini humbucker
with vari-coil option, shallow C-profile
neck, rosewood fingerboard, Wilkinson
WT3 bridge.
Wilkinson takes up the story:
“Quite what influence the original
Paul Bigsby guitar, built for Merle
Travis, had on Leo Fender is anyone's
guess, but my feelings are it was quite
profound. They were certainly aware
of each others efforts in the fledgling
industry we find ourselves in today.
“Les Paul, Leo Fender and Paul
Bigsby would hang out together. They
were actually drinking buddies and
would just ‘hang out’ at Paul's house.
“One day, Travis asked Bigsby to
make a special guitar that was solid,
but could sustain like a steel guitar
and could be easily tuned.
“Travis sketched out a design.
Before you know it there was an
instrument with six-on-a-side tuning
heads and a solid body and that was
probably the first production solid
body electric guitar.
“I personally feel that the head
stock was influenced by a much
earlier design found on an acoustic
guitar built by J Stauffer, who,
coincidentally, was the guitar
builder that CF Martin was
apprenticed to in 1811.
“Looking at this head stock you can
see the Tele and Strat influences later
popularised by Fender.
“Whatever happened, I think the
Merle Travis guitar was more a piece
of art than just a guitar.
Embellishments and design ideas from
another time, all in all a very cool
guitar. How I wish I'd have been a
drinking buddy of theirs too.”
From: JHS 0113 286 5381
1
6
“What influencePaul Bigsby had
on Leo Fender isanyone’s guess.
WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK miPRO JULY 2010 47
BASS & GUITAR NEW PRODUCTS
6. MADAROZZO
ELECTRIC GUITARS &
BASSES £TBCThey say: After well over two years
of product development the
Madarozzo Guitar project is right
on track.
For: Guitarists
Range: New range
Spec: Proprietary ‘advanced guitar
architechture’, custom designed
and manufactured hardware, two
models in range: Madrose guitar
and Madchilli bass.
From: Madarozzo 020 8816 8368
3. FRET KING
BLUE LABEL ELAN
SUPER 60 SSP & HBP
£679 & £699They say: A classic design
that combines sophisticated
looks with a high spec build.
For: Guitarists
Range: Fret King Blue Label
Spec: Double cutaway body,
12” radius premium rosewood
fingerboard, angled-back
asymmetric six-in-line
peghead, Wilkinson WVP
vibrato, classic set-neck.
From: JHS 0113 286 5381
5. WASHBURN
10 SERIES ACOUSTICS
FROM £170They say: All-new range featuring a
variety of body shapes and wood combos.
For: Guitarists
Range: Washburn acoustics
Spec: Mahogany backs & sides, tops are
spruce (WD10 & WMJ10), flame maple
(WD10F, WMJ10F, WD10FCE &
WMJ10FCE. WD10FCE/WMJ10FCE with
cutaway and Fishman electronics. WD10S
& WMJ10S with solid spruce top. WD11S
& WMJ11S with solid cedar top.
From: Sound Technology 01462 480000
4
2. FRAMUS
PANTHERA 7-STRING
ELECTRIC £2,059They say: Fans of heavy electric
guitar tones and drop-tuning styles
will love this one.
For: Guitarists
Range: Framus electrics
Spec: Arched mahogany body, set
mahogany neck, rosewood
fingerboard, Seymour Duncan
Blackouts Phase I pickups (AHB-1N
7, neck; AHB-1B 7, bridge), Framus
locking machine heads, TonePros
tune-o-matic bridge. Available as
leftie and in variety of finishes.
From: Warwick
+49 37422 555 3000
2
3
4. WASHBURN
55 SERIES ACOUSTICS
FROM £452 They say: Represents Washburn's
new deluxe acoustic models.
For: Guitarists
Range: Washburn acoustics
Spec: Solid Canadian Spruce top
with variety of tonewoods for
back & sides. Available in
dreadnought and grand
auditorium body styles, Fishman
equipped acoustic electrics.
From: Sound Technology
01462 480000
5
48 miPRO JULY 2010 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
DRUMS SPOTLIGHT
MAPEX
BLACK PANTHER SNARES
£POAThey say: An entirely new and
improved Black Panther snare drum
range.
For: Drummers
Range: Mapex Black Panther
Spec:14 models in range. New shell
construction, new snare strainer and
butt, new hoops, new lugs, new
bearing edges, new air hole, new
finishes. Specification describing size,
shell type, individually named .
Models include the Fast Back
12x7 5.1mm maple shell, Phat Bob
14x7 maple, and the Stinger 10x5.5
steel shell.
From: Korg 01908 857100
2
31
1. CANOPUS
SNARE WIRES ¥POAThey say: Demonstrate distinct existence
of every particle of sound even in the
middle of large volume of sound.
For: Drummers
Range: Canopus accessories
Spec: Two in range: CPSS-BB14DR (dry)
and CPSS-BB14NP (chrome), spiral wires,
1mm end plate, knitted nylon fibre belt.
From: Canopus +81 3 3247 0330
2. MEINL
BENNY GREB SAND HAT £358They say: Every Byzance cymbal is a piece
of art and has its own unique sound
characteristics which can never be
duplicated.
For: Drummers
Range: Meinl Byzance
Spec: Hand hammered, B20 bronze, sand
blasted surface, various hammer
techniques, noticeable weight difference
between top and bottom, vintage sound
with modern clarity.
From: Active 020 8693 5678
3. MEINL
BYZANCE FLAT CHINA £259They say: Flat profile China cymbal for a
unique blend of sounds and tones.
For: Drummers
Range: Byzance Traditional
Spec: B20 bronze, light hand hammered,
uniform thin lathing, thin weight, 16” and
18” (£300) sizes available, no bell, short
sustain, soft attack.
From: Active 020 8693 5678
NEW PRODUCTS DRUMS & PERCUSSION
Blueridge have taken America by storm withtheir authentic vintage style guitars, and nowwe have made them available in the UK. Thisrange, renowned for spectacular value formoney, continues to receive excellent reviewsin all the best known guitar press, includingGuitar & Bass, Guitarist, Guitar Buyer, AcousticMagazine...
The leading brand of resonator guitars, with along US heritage, available in the UK exclu-sively from Gremlin Music. Saga Music, haveapplied the same dedication to quality to theseguitars as they have to the Gitane andBlueridge guitars, and the results are spectacular.
SK120 Rated ‘Exceptional’ in AcousticMagazine. “A wonderful little amp designedby people who understand what musiciansneed”. Also Guitar & Bass have awarded the
SK60 a massive 82%.We distribute these ShireKing Acoustic Ampsalong with Headway’s very popular pickupsfor acoustic instruments, including the Snake3 and SA1 pickups, and the ‘Band’ violin andcello pickups.
The best selling aluminium whistles inthe UK. Renowned for their clear sound,they appeal to whistle players of all stan-dards. Though ideal for beginners, theyare professional instruments and areused on stage by many leading players.
For the Gypsy in your soul!These beautiful guitars pay
homage to the Selmer andMaccaferri guitars of the early
20th century. They have solid tops,are a joy to play, and look andsound like the real thing, right
down to the excellent reproduction of the orig-inal tailpiece. More to the point, they are veryaffordably priced.
The Kentucky mandolins are the pinnacleof affordable bluegrass instruments, andoffer exceptional quality at excellentprices. These mandolins are a very wel-come addition to our growing section ofgreat quality bluegrass instruments,which includes mandolins, banjos,dobros, guitars and more.
A competitively priced range of stu-dent squeezeboxes, including PianoAccordions from 12 to 120 Bass,B/C, D/G and Cajun one-rowmelodeons, and Anglo and Englishconcertinas, all ideal for beginners.
As well as being the first point of call for all the hard to find traditional musical instruments your customers are askingyou for, Gremlin Music is a one stop shop for any musical instrument retailer. We can supply a massive range of acousticmusical instruments, spares, accessories, strings, books and DVDs. Become a Gremlin Dealer and give your customersa better choice! We pride ourselves on the personal touch - you can always reach us by phone during work-ing hours, and we’ll always send your order as fast as possible, no matter what the size. If you’re a dealer,you can browse our website for prices (retail and wholesale), contact us by email, and place orders online! We’ve beenin the business for over 25 years, and can offer you an experienced, friendly and professional service.
www.gremlinmusic.co.uk [email protected]: +44 (0) 1903 203044 (9.30 - 5.30 Mon - Fri) | Unit A, Easting Close, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 8HQ
Musical Instrument Co.
A new range of Ashbury ukuleles, tenor guitars andmandolin family instruments have been designedby British Luthier Phil Davidson and are hand madein Vietnam.Ashbury also has a professional quality range ofAcoustic Guitars, Mandolins, Banjos & Fiddles,Basses, cases, electrics and more manufactured toa high standard in China and Indonesia.
“I was amazed and Impressed”Build Quality: 5/5, Sound Quality: 4.5/5,
Value for Money :5/5.Acoustic Magazine reviews the AU-24T
Ashbury solid koa Tenor Ukulele
Just a few of our Leading Brands...
50 miPRO JULY 2010 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
NEW PRODUCTS DRUMS & PERCUSSION 4. ZILDJIAN
8 & 10-INCH ZXT TRASHFORMER
£69.50 & 84.60They say: Add a little trash, expand your
sound and enhance your set-up.
For: Drummers
Range: Zildjian Trashformer
Spec: B8 bronze alloy, ten-inch and eight-
inch models, mis-shapen splash/china style
cymbals, function standalone or as ‘white
noise’ layer on other cymbals, brilliant finish.
From: Yamaha 01908 366700
5. SONOR
PHIL RUDD SIGNATURE SNARE
£379They say: AC/DC’s drummer finally comes
through with a snare of his own – and it’s
heavy metal, of course.
For: Drummers
Range: Sonor snares
Spec: Based on Sonor Horst Link
Signature brass model snare, 1mm chrome-
over-brass shell, double-ended lugs with Tune
Safe system, die-cast hoops, 14x5-inch, 20
snare wires.
From: Sutherland 029 2088 7333
6. MEINL
BYZANCE RAW BELL RIDE £380They say: A dry, dark, but projecting cymbal
that looks as good as it sounds.
For: Drummer
Range: Byzance Traditional
Spec: B20 bronze, heavy hand hammered, 20-
inch ride, untreated raw bell creates fat,
projecting sound that has wide spectrum.
From: Active 020 8693 5678
4
5
6
THESE PAGES ARE SPONSORED BY MIKEDOLBEAR.COM, THE LEADING ONLINE
RESOURCE FOR EVERYTHING DRUMS.
VISIT WWW.MIKEDOLBEAR.COM FOR MORE DETAILS.
Developed in close consultation with the legendaryBritish bass player, the Ashdown MK500 Mark King
Signature Series bass amp delivers breathtakingclarity, precision tone shaping facilities and a
stunning dynamic range.
An advanced design using only discrete componentswith no ICs ensures absolute sonic integrity, while therevolutionary Harmonic Emphasis control introducesa stunning top-end ‘zing’ – like permanently playing
with a new set of strings!
“It’s so dynamic – so alive!This amp takes my sound
to a whole new level.”Mark King
Mark King
A very special version of a very special amplifierWe’re making just thirty examples of this stunning, 24-carat gold plated bass amp,each signed and numbered by the man himself. But don’t worry if you’re not luckyenough to get your hands on one of these very special amplifiers. The standardAshdown MK500 Mark King Signature Series head is exactly the same 575-Watt funkpowerhouse, minus the bling. See it on the Ashdown website and hear it on tour with Level 42. Check out www.level42.com for dates.
Signature Series Bass Amp
www.ashdownmusic.com www.level42.com
Celebrating 30 years of Level 42The Mark King Signature Series Gold-Plated Amp Head
BARNES & MULLINS has
announced a reduction in its
carriage charges for orders
under £250 as an incentive for
retailers to take advantage of
smaller orders in the current,
tight economic times.
A statement from the
general MI distributor read: “For
many retailers, carriage charges
can be a cost that is easily
overlooked, with a number not
fully appreciating how these
ultimately add up and affect a
store’s net profit.
“In these more challenging
times, Barnes & Mullins has
recognised the need for some
retailers to have the option of
buying smaller quantities more
often, thus reducing the
frequency of high-value
invoices and excess money tied
up in slower-selling stock.”
The new carriage fees are
applicable to the UK mainland
only and are reduced from
£7.50 to £4 for all orders under
£250. All orders over the £250
threshold will continue to be
despatched carriage free.
“With these new lower
charges and our policy of never
charging carriage on backorders,
I believe Barnes & Mullins offers
one of the fairest carriage
schemes in the industry,” said
joint MD, Brian Cleary (pictured
right with his co-MD Bruce
Perrin). “Also, with our
partnership with UPS and our
current investment in online
technology for the future, we
are confident that we can
continue to rapidly despatch
fully traceable orders long into
the future.”
B&M: 01691 652449
B&M eases costs for retailers
RETAIL NEWS
52 miPRO JULY 2010 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
FCN MUSIC has kicked off its
summer trade offer season by
giving dealers the chance to
organise their buying programme
for the 2010 sales season. The
offers are available for one month
from June 11th, meaning that, as
MI Pro goes to press, there is still a
week or so remaining.
“We are conscious that it is
very tough out there for our
retailers, so as well as fabulous
deals and quantity discounts we
have included some very special
payment term options," explained
Julia Thompson, FCN's commercial
director. "We are aware that our
offers are keenly awaited, so this
year they feature a fabulous
extended credit deal or an
extraordinary four per cent
discount for early settlement.
There are special offers for Aulos
recorders, J Michael brass and
woodwind instruments, Walden
guitars, Lee Oskar harmonicas,
Tycoon percussion and many
other popular lines.”
Full details of the offers can be
found at the FCN website, in the
password-protected, exclusive
dealer area or by contacting the
FCN sales office on 01892
603733, via email here, or through
dealers' own area sales
representative.
Alan Pine (Scotland, Northern
and Central England, North Wales):
07860 486123.
John Haddock (London, South
and East England, Channel Islands):
07831 832170.
Neil Bye (South and West
England, the Midlands, Central
London, South Wales): 07836
501304.
Stephen MacRory (Republic of
Ireland and Northern Ireland):
0876 504169.
Last chance
for FCN offer
THE BPM SHOW, in association
with MI Pro, the official trade
sponsor of the event, is offering
free complimentary VIP passes
to MI and DJ retailers, as well as
installers, distributors,
manufacturers and those
associated with record labels or
the press.
The event, the biggest in
Europe dedicated to the DJ
market, is promising that this
year will be the biggest and
best yet.
Running from Saturday
October 2nd to 4th, BPM has
become a major attraction
since its debut in 2007 for
everyone related to the
industry, as well those who
simply have a passion for DJing
and dance music.
BPM pulled in an impressive
2,200 visitors for its inaugural
show, putting on a weekend of
gear demos, networking,
seminars, workshops and live
performances. In 2008 the
event went on to better its
attendance by a further 300.
Last year, it moved from the
Donington Park Exhibition
Centre to the Birmingham NEC
to accommodate the
continuiing growth and to
benefit from improved
transport links.
This switch of venue resulted
in a 50 per cent increase in
numbers – to 3,897.
With this year's figures
expected to rise further and
with many stating that they
would prefer not to attend at
the weekend, the Monday date
has been added.
The exhibition area contains
everything from DJ mixers to
PA systems and lighting effects
to production hardware and
software. This gathering is an
opportunity to meet with other
DJs and like-minded individuals
from the world of dance music.
Delegates will be required to
prove their status to be eligible
for the complementary pass (by
providing a trade reference
from an exhibiting company)
and those who have previously
taken advantage of the offer
can log in on the website to
sign up easily.
VISITBPM.CO.UK
Fourth annual DJ event offers VIP passes added to package in association with MI Pro
BPM complements trade
PERRIN & CLEARY: One of the fairest carriage schemes in the industry
Sound • Lighting • Special Effects • Distribution Power Squared • Tel: +44 (0) 1525 850085 • www.leisuretec.co.uk
bringing brands together
The Leisuretec Listings Plus 2010 • Call us to Order Your Copy • Experience • Choice • Value • Service
54 miPRO JULY 2010 WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK
MIA NEWS an update from your industry trade association
Musicguard: putting money in your till
It's a sad fact, but musical
instruments are stolen,
damaged or lost every year
and the popularity of online
auction sites are making it ever
easier for unscrupulous thieves
to sell stolen instruments and
musical equipment. Not only is
there often considerable personal
sentiment associated with having
an instrument stolen, but
without insurance many
musicians could be left seriously
out of pocket – and let’s face it,
there aren’t many musicians that
cope with that.
WHY MUSICGUARD?
Musicguard, the MIA’s preferred
insurance provider and main
sponsor, is a company that was
founded by musicians in 1997, a
fact reflected in the present
accumulation of its tailored
products and services, covering
everything from a child learning
to play the violin at school, to
musicians earning a living with
their equipment.
This also includes the likes of
the professional DJ, sound
engineers and others.
With Musicguard, musicians
can choose the level of cover
they need. Each policy is tailored
toward the needs of the
individual, with three basic cover
options, which include:
1. Home and studio: covering
equipment at a single location;
2. Flexicover: suitable for
musicians/DJs that only take
some of their equipment to gigs;
3. Select: suitable for
musicians/DJs that take all of
their equipment to gigs;
For gigging musicians, most
venues now require minimum
levels of public liability cover.
Musicguard policies provide £1m
liability cover as standard with
the option to top up to £5m.
Musicguard is one of the
leading specialist insurance
providers for musical
instruments, covering more than
£80 million worth of equipment
for over 10,000 musicians in the
UK. The insurer is so confident of
this, it will pay double the price
difference to customers who find
equivalent cover cheaper
elsewhere within 28 days of the
policy start date.
BENEFITS FOR RETAILERS
If you run a music shop, website
or mail order business, you can
join the Musicguard affiliate
programme, which offers dealers
the chance to earn extra money
for referring customers to us. All
that is needed for this is to stock
counter-top leaflets or to display
Musicguard’s website banners.
HOW TO SIGN UP
Retailers can visit the website to
sign up securely online – This will
only take a couple of minutes. All
that is needed is the provision of
details of the store or business,
contact details and bank
information to receive payments.
Also, for simply being an MIA
member, Musicguard offers
dealers a 15 per cent discount on
their own musical equipment
insurance. visit
musicguard.co.uk/mia and create
a policy. MIA: 01372 750600
Musicians need insurance cover more than most and the MIA’s insurance partner can help dealers earn more, too...
WWW.MI-PRO.CO.UK miPRO JULY 2010 55
LOCATION REPORT RETAIL
As one of the world’s most famous cities, it’s not surprising
that Cambridge offers a variety of stores for musos to get
their teeth in to. Adam Savage had a look around…CambridgeMILLER’S MUSIC/KEN STEVENS
To find out more about the JVM Series and other Marshall products contact: Marshall Amplification plc Denbigh Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK11DQ www.marshallamps.com
Acoustic, Celtic and TraditionalMusical Instrument Specialists
Become a Gremlin Dealer and giveyour customers a bigger and betterchoice! We pride ourselves on thepersonal touch - you can alwaysreach us by phone during workinghours, and we’ll always send yourorder as fast as possible, no matterwhat the size. We’ve been in thebusiness for over 25 years, and can
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ALL NEW
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MUSIC PUBLISHERS
OCARINAS
Making Music in SchoolsSince 1983
UK made rainbow ocarinas fromOcarina Workshop are easy to playand great fun to teach with.
These pocket-sized instrumentsare popular with kids & well-tuned.Together with 'Play your Ocarina'music books, they are the key tosuccessful music-making in manyschools around the country.
Make sure school ocarinas are onyour counter-top and availablewhen customers request them!
Quote ‘MI Pro’ when you order12 Ocarinas & 12 Books and beamazed at the ocarina’s potential...
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F/F# link leverFull regulation screws for left and right hand
Blue steel springsUpgraded felts
Stop bumper on crook key
All Stagg woodwind instruments are fully checked and professionally set up by Stagg’s in-house technicians
prior to shipping.
Please call the UK sales team on 01293 862612, contact your area sales manager, or log on to our dealerwebsite at www.emdmusic.com for more details.
The V-Studio 20 from Cakewalk: an audio interface and control surface with Boss effects and Guitar Tracks recording so ware. It’s all you need to jam, play, record and mix killer music.
Call 01792 702 701 or visit www.roland.co.uk/vs20
Guitar FX by BossControl surface by RolandRecording software by Cakewalk