FEATURES
-Here We Come to Save the Day!!We provide a plethora of accessories that manufacturers assure you will provide excellent margins.
-For Those Who Make Lesser Publicized Instruments, We Salute You!!For the first time, we pay tribute to instruments and products that get little press coverage. We provide a well-deserved spotlight for these products!
-And the Bombs Keep Coming!Another big lawsuit is filed
against the industry.
This time, there are many
more defendants.
-Drumming to Their Own BeatHow well is the drum industry holding up during these difficult times? We call on three industry experts.
-Guitar Center, Fender, and NAMM Sued
-The Health of the Independent Dealer M&SR’s fourth annual independent retailer roundtable features a new twist. For the first time, manufacturers, hand-selected by the retailers, contribute to the story.
-Born In the USA! We feature manufacturers who produce a majority of their products in the United States. Why do they make products in the USA as opposed to Asian countries? Find out.
-…And the Show Did Go On! The economy took a big bite of Summer NAMM in Nashville, but there were still bright moments.
-Jockeying For Position How is the DJ business holding up during these tough times? What’s the next hot technology? We asked the experts.
-What A Gig! Find out about plenty of manufacturer employees who still get out to play gigs. Our second annual edition is another fun read.

-Tarina Dunwoodie got to see the moment Graph Tech was born and has served the company since she was 17. She has moved up the ladder quite a bit since then.
-Stacey Montgomery-Clark Find out how SABIAN’s Stacey Montgomery-Clark juggles two young boys at home and a huge job as vice president of marketing. She loves interactive programs at the company, most notably the Vault Tour.
-Cathy Duncan Seymour Duncan’s co-founder and chairman, received a ton of on-the-job training. But she has excelled. Creativity is one of the company’s hallmarks. Find out much more about her.
-Bee Bantug Yes, the Internet CAN be your friend as a retailer. Bee Bantug, who has provided several NAMM University sessions, can help. That’s why she co-founded Retail Up! in 2002.
-Dale Krevens For Tech 21’s Dale Krevens, being vice president is not a job. It’s an adventure. Find out why.
-Melanie Ripley Grundorf Corp. Vice President Susan Grund handles a plethora of duties at her job, but she also has jammed with the Beach Boys and makes sure the bond with the company’s employees remain strong. Learn how she juggles everything at one time and changes she’s witnessed in MI.
-Susan Grund Grundorf Corp. Vice President Susan Grund handles a plethora of duties at her job, but she also has jammed with the Beach Boys and makes sure the bond with the company’s employees remain strong. Learn how she juggles everything at one time and changes she’s witnessed in MI.
-Toby Nady graduated from college with a degree in clinical psychology. What does that have to do with music? Nothing. It’s been a long, strange trip for her. But a very good and successful trip.
-• Shawna von Behren.
-• Berenice Chauvet
-• Sue Kincade
-• Tish Ciravolo
-• Vikki Hayward
-• Roxana Ramirez
-• Susan Lipp

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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