The Elephant in the Guitar Shop
The number of guitars made annually in the United States today is the highest in the history of the market. Companies such as Martin, Gibson, Fender, and Taylor are making…
At 40 Years, Shubb Capos Keeps Firm Grip on the Market
Back in 1974, banjo player Rick Shubb and Dave Coontz, a student of Rick’s and an auto mechanic comfortable with metalworking and design, decided to make Shubb’s unique concept for…
Uke Suppliers Discuss State of the Market
MMR: In a survey of retailers that appeared in our March 2014 issue, many retailers expressed a belief that the “uke craze” had leveled off somewhat. Nonetheless, over 50 percent…
Brian Ball
Approaching another big Summer NAMM Show this month in Nashville, this spring seemed like the perfect opportunity to check in with one of the industry’s most recognizable companies – Ernie…
Summer NAMM Events, Concerts, Other Attractions
Summer NAMM packs three days and nights of can’t-miss events, live music, and networking opportunities into the days in Music City. Held July 17-19 at Nashville’s Music City Center, Summer…
Trade Regrets: Alfredo Flores, Sr.
Alfredo Flores Sr. was born in Mexico on August 10, 1908 and moved to San Antonio, Texas with his mother and grandmother when he was a small boy. Flores would…
Rev. Jimmie Smith to Perform at Hammond Event at Summer NAMM
It must be difficult to possess (almost) the same name as the acknowledged master of your chosen instrument, in this case, the Hammond Organ; but those who hear the Rev.…
NAMM Members Get Behind Make Music Day
Banding together the music industry placed the power of making music into the hands of people worldwide on Make Music Day, June 21. Gathering in communities across the country, musicians…
Hal Leonard to Announce ‘M4’ Campaign at Summer NAMM
At both NAMM Shows last year, Hal Leonard was lauded as a Best in Show “Company to Watch” for its pioneering work in expanding the availability of software and technology…
2014-15 NAMM Foundation Music Ed Grants Total Half a Million Dollars
The NAMM Foundation allocates a half million dollars in grants to fund music programs around the world. This year’s list includes 16 grantees from community, national and industry-based organizations that…
Trade Regrets: Donald Ravitch
Don Ravitch and his brother-in-law Bern Schwartz purchased the Sherman Clay piano chain in 1959. For the next five decades, Ravitch guided the San Francisco-based organization and was a pioneer…
One Month to Summer NAMM with all Indicators Looking Up
With only one month until Summer NAMM opens, pre-registration numbers are looking strong, according to the organization. Those who attended last year's Nashville event spread the word about the energy,…