-Guitar Hero is all the rage for consumers.

-Need to take a break from searching for the latest gear during The NAMM Show? Here are some celebrity appearances and parties to check out.

-Attendance increased at Music China and Prolight + Sound, and Kenny G made a big splash.

-Improving next month's NAMM Show is like making the 1972 Miami Dolphins better. But NAMM is certainly not resting on its laurels.

-We reveal all of the manufacturer nominees for Music & Sound Awards to be handed out next month at The NAMM Show.

-Counterfeiting on MI products, particularly guitars, may have received minimal national press, but the problem is real and not going away.

-Find out how to sell products your customers are probably not looking to buy.

-M&SR features its second annual independent retailer roundtable. What's on dealer's mind's this year. Are things better than last year?

-Females playing musical instruments now outnumber males, according to a NAMM/Gallup survey.

-Industry leaders paved the way for the next 10 years.

M&SR: What are some of your favorite music instrument brands and manufacturers?
Flansburgh: A custom builder at Fender-Dennis-made me a Telecaster and Jazz Master that have become the core of my recording and performing gear. I'm also good friends with Suzi Mathews, Mike's daughter-Harmonix. I've known her for years. She's been very generous in "slipping" me pedals as they're coming out. I love its Pog-it has a certain tear-your-head-off sound to it that really delivers, like Deep Purple on steroids. With amps, I really like Swart Amps, out of North Carolina. It's a boutique builder, and the amps are incredibly well made. They're based on a compact, vintage design with a tremendous tone. I'm also in the market for a vintage Marshall head. They go for like $5,000 now and it's a huge investment that'll be more for studio work. I have to mention Performer. I love them! [MOTU's] Digital Performer made this band possible, it's our core. We started in '82 and made our first album using drum machines and synching to tape, but from then on, we used Performer.

M&SR: Do you purchase much music gear online or do you prefer to buy in person?
Flansburgh: I spend half my time in [upstate New York's] Catskills and on the road between here and New York City. I love Alto Music. It is a huge online seller, but the physical store happens to be on the highway between where I live and work everyday. I pop in there and buy everything I need. It's a great combination between an online presence and a traditional store.

M&SR: Do you have any thoughts on how music instrument makers can improve their products?
Flansburgh: Good manuals are amazingly useful. That has changed in the past few years with companies, especially with the smaller American companies. Some companies like Gibson have become very involved in music making with promoting live music and new bands-that's very cool. It's a great idea for instrument manufacturers to promote musicians and musicianship and giving people exposure.

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