May 15, 2007 - VOLUME 24, No.5
Doing Sound Biz
Pro audio products are often in demand and can provide strong margins. Looking for tips when customers enter your store looking for these items? Our manufacturer panel offers “sound” advice.
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Leather Case Holds the Key for FTC
A case now being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to have a huge affect on the FTC’s possible investigation of MI organizations and manufacturers. Find out why this lawsuit is so important.
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U.S. Court Upholds Ace Suit Against Guitar Center
In the case of Ace Pro Sound & Recording vs. Guitar Center and several suppliers, a U.S. District Court Judge has upheld all but two of the 26 counts. Find out what’s next in this $1 billion lawsuit.
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MI BUZZ
The Latest, Industry, Dealers, People and Product Buzz and Showcases.

COLUMNS
The Music & Sound Independent Retailer
We launch a new column specifically dedicated to the independent retailer!

MI Spy
Spy is off to Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Of course, it was cold, but Spy had a great and revealing visit.

Five Minutes With...
Mark Brunner of Shure joins us for our pro audio issue. On the agenda: How the industry has changed during the last 18 years; Have wireless mics caught up to wired mics in terms of sound quality?; How has Brunner’s experiences at retail stores been?; and much more.

The Music & Sound Independent Retailer
The second edition of our new column features a telling interview with Bill Wagoner of Wagoner Music, talk about MusicStoreOwners.com and IMRA, and much more.

Birth of a Product: Shadow Electronics
Often, necessity is the mother of invention. For Lee Barker, founder of Barker Bass, wrist pain when playing bass guitars led to his invention. Here’s the story behind his five-year old, one-man Oregon operation.

Ravi on Record
Ravi compares the in-store customer service experience to an online experience he had when purchasing sunglasses. Read on to see how it correlates to your store.

Veddatorial
Dan Vedda explains why you must engage and excite customers to be successful.

CURTAIN CALL
Imogen Heap writes songs, plays piano and the nail violin, and has had songs featured on shows such as the recently-concluded the O.C. What software, which you may sell in your store, does she use to recreate her unique sounds on stage? Does she plan to design her own instrument?
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