May 15, 2009 - VOLUME 26, No.5
The Good, the Great, the Fantastic!
Even though times are awful, many manufacturers step up to the plate by providing charitable efforts, great fan experiences, and more.
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Crank up the Volume!
Find out how pro audio manufacturers are doing during this elongated recession.
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Peavey, 16 Others Win Landmark Trademark Case Vs. Fender
In a huge body shape decision that can affect our industry for years to come, the Trial and Trademark Appeals Board ruled against Fender.
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MI BUZZ
The Latest, Industry, Dealers, People and Product Buzz and Showcases.

COLUMNS
The Music & Sound Independent Retailer
After their father passed away of cancer, his two daughters took the reigns of an Ohio music store. Find out what they’ve done to be successful and how they are honoring their father’s wishes. Plus, two dealers who still have time to play gigs.

MSR Anniversary
Saint Blues Guitar Workshop began in the music Mecca of Memphis 25 years ago with the goal of providing excellent products at a great price and strong margins for retailers. But there’s so much more to that story.

Birth of a Product
FireBelly Amplifiers will be launching its products for the first time at Summer NAMM. But this is no typical story. An attorney is the founder. Find out why an attorney began the company and how he has the time to make amps. And the reason why he and his son call the amp concern FireBelly is worth a read alone.

Five Minutes With
For our pro audio issue, we check in with Tony O’Keefe from CAD Professional Microphones. CAD’s sales went UP in 2008. That is not a misprint.

MI Spy
For those of you who conduct business in the Big Sky Country, you might wonder why MI Spy never comes by to your neck of the woods. Wonder no more. MI Spy looks for an acoustic guitar in Boise, Idaho. Will Guitar Center be the center of Spy’s affection? Will Gigs Music get the gig? Will Old Boise Guitar provide good old-fashioned service? Will the sun rise at Sunset Music?

Sales Guru
Gene Fresco loves selling all MI products, but he has a special place in his heart for selling sound systems. Now, he imparts his wisdom and tells you how to sell them.

Veddatorial
Yes, if you mention the word “financial” right now, the word “disaster” cannot lag far behind. But Dan Vedda tells you how to take advantage of some rare opportunities.

Formidable Females
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.
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