Best Acoustic Guitar of 2010: C.F. Martin DCPA1
"Chris Martin and all of the employees at C. F. Martin & Co., Inc., are extremely grateful to the staff of the Music & Sound Retailer, and to all of the dealers and subscribers who voted for Martin for this special prize. Throughout our 178-year history, we've learned many valuable lessons. Perhaps the most important one is that musical styles evolve and change with the times. It's not enough to sit back and rest upon one's laurels. In the past few decades, we've witnessed and participated in the trend toward onboard amplification for the stage and studio. This award for Best Acoustic Guitar of the Year 2010 acknowledges a very contemporary and modern guitar, and it confirms Martin's commitment to keeping one foot in the future while keeping the other firmly planted in our rich history and heritage. Regardless, our company will always stand for excellence in craftsmanship, materials, design and (most importantly) tone." 

Best Electric Guitar of 2010: Ibanez RGA 8 String (RGA8BK)
"On behalf of everyone at Ibanez, I want to thank MSR and all of the dealers who voted to make the RGA8 guitar of the year for 2010. There was a strong interest in the RG2228 when we introduced that model back in 2008, but the price was out of reach for many. The RGA8 answered the call for a reasonably priced 8-string, so we're pleased to know our dealers, and their customers, saw the value in this offering."
—Bill Reim, Hoshino USA president

Best Bass Guitar of 2010: Fender American Deluxe Precision
"We continue to be humbled by the overwhelming success of the Precision Bass guitar. After 60 years, the P Bass continues to be the bass of choice for bassists all over the world. With the American Deluxe series, we are continuing to innovate while balancing the legacy of our past successes—like the P Bass—to suit musicians' needs. We are extremely encouraged that the research, technology and ideas associated with that series are being noticed, and are honored that the Fender American Deluxe Precision Bass won the Best Bass Guitar award."
—Justin Norvell, product director, Fender guitars and basses

Best Guitar Accessory of 2010:
Barcus-Berry Breeze II & IV Preamps

Best Keyboard/Sound Module of 2010: Casio Privia PX-3
"Casio is thrilled to receive this award. The Privia PX-3 sets a new precedent in the industry by being a lightweight, powerful yet affordable stage piano."
—Mike Martin, director of marketing

Best Instrument Amplifier of 2010: Peavey 6505+ 112 Combo
"The Peavey 6505 Series has earned its place in rock history as the guitar amplifiers of choice for an extensive range of top rock and country artists. We took on the challenge of creating a 1x12 combo version of the full-size 6505 Plus amplifier that lived up to its high standards for tone. We're proud of the results, and we're honored that our dealers share our enthusiasm for the Peavey 6505 112 Plus combo! We appreciate our dealers' continued support, and they can rest assured of our continued support of them by innovating, inventing and crafting state-of-the-art audio and musical equipment just as we have for the past 45 1/2 years."
—Hartley Peavey, Founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics

Best Power Amp of 2010:
Marathon Professional MA Series

Best Speaker of 2010:
JBL PRX 600

Best Multitrack Recorder/Recording & Mixing Software of 2010:
Tascam DR-03

Best Mixer/Console of 2010:
Allen & Heath iLive R72

Best Cabled Microphone of 2010:
Audio-Technica AT2021 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser
We are honored to receive the award for Best Cabled Microphone of 2010.  It always sends a wave of satisfaction through our organization that we are creating the products that satisfy our dealers' and ultimately our end users' needs.  A tremendous thanks to the entire Audio-Technica family that includes our reps, dealers and users.  Also thanks to the Music & Sound Retailer for the recognition.
—Gary Boss, Marketing Director, Retail, Live Sound & Studio

Best Wireless System of 2010: Shure PSM 900
"Shure is thrilled the Music & Sound Retailer has recognized the PSM900 as the Best Wireless System of 2010. The PSM900 lets MI dealers provide their customers with an exceptional personal monitoring system from one of the most trusted names in pro audio. This honor reflects the longstanding relationship between Shure and thousands of MI retailers worldwide."
—Terri Hartman, director of marketing communications for the Americas

Best Drum Set of 2010: Gretsch USA Custom Limited Piano White
"Gretsch is thrilled that our USA Custom Piano White with Gold Inlay drum set received the Music & Sound award for Best Drum Set of 2010. We would like to offer special thanks to our great Gretsch dealer network for supporting this particular drum set along with the entire USA Custom offering. This kit truly exhibits the fine handcraftsmanship and quality that Paul Cooper and his team put into each and every Gretsch USA Custom drum.
—John Palmer, Gretsch Drums Product Manager

Best Cymbal of 2010:
Sabian Vault Artisan Traditional Suspended Cymbal

Best Percussion Accessory of 2010:
Tama Speed Cobra Pedal (HP910LS/HP910LSW)
"We didn't get this pedal into the market until halfway through the year, so we didn't have any expectations at all in terms of year-end accolades. Even being nominated for this award was a surprise, but actually taking the brass ring was a real kick. (Sorry, no pun intended…). Thanks to all of the dealers who took time to vote in this year's MSR Awards, and especially those who voted to make the Speed Cobra the Best Percussion Accessory of 2010!"
—Bill Reim, Hoshino USA president

Best Instructional Book/Video of 2010:
The Rock House Method Gus G. Lead & Rhythm Techniques

Best Floor Effect of 2010: Fishman Aura Sixteen
"I'd like to thank all the dealers who voted for the Aura Sixteen as Best Floor Effect. For the second year in a row, an Aura product has won this award! It means a lot to us that our dealers recognize this breakthrough technology and regard our products so highly."
—Larry Fishman

Best Music Software/Multimedia of 2010: MakeMusic Finale 2011
"On behalf of everyone at MakeMusic, I'd like to say how delighted we are that Finale 2011 was named the best music software/multimedia product of 2010. We're very proud of how intuitive, efficient and flexible Finale has become at putting music on the printed page. It's great to have these advances recognized in this award."
—Diane Hummon, Senior Vice President, Marketing

Best Bag/Case of 2010:
MBT Cases MBTAGBH Acoustic Guitar Bag

Best DJ Product of 2010:
Pioneer CDJ-2000

Best Lighting Product of 2010:
MBT Lighting LEDGIGPACK

Best New Manufacturer of 2010: Knaggs Guitars
"Thank you Music & Sound Retailer and everyone who has voted for us.  We are very honored to have been awarded Best New Manufacturer 2010 and are encouraged and motivated to keep designing and building great instruments in the future."

Product of the Year: Taylor GS Mini
"Winning the Product of the Year is a tremendous honor, and one that would not be possible without acknowledging our extensive network of dealers. Thank you for once again making a Taylor guitar the Product of the Year."
—Kurt Listug

Representative of the Year:
Billy Bohanna, Musicorp

Outstanding Community Service Award: Musicorp
"We thank our customers for their loyal support and are looking forward to a sensational year together in 2011. Recognition through these awards is confirmation that Musicorp works hard to set the standard for product excellence while delivering unsurpassed service to our customers and community."

Manufacturer of the Year: Fender
"It's an honor to receive the Music & Sound Retailer Manufacturer of the Year award. On behalf of all the people at Fender, in the United States and throughout the world, I would like to thank the people who voted for us, as well as our dealer network and business partners." —Larry Thomas, chief executive officer

Lifetime Achievement/Hall of Fame:
Dan Roberts, Musicorp