About

The Music & Sound Retailer

Overview

The Music & Sound Retailer is the pulse of the musical instrument industry, with the most requested subscribers among music trade publications. We are the magazine that breaks the news stories first, and we provide the news in a fun format.

The Retailer is more than 35 years old and still going strong. We’re the only magazine with MI Spy, the most talked about feature in the industry, as well as many groundbreaking columns from MI retailers, our Five Minutes With and Final Note interview features, Music & Sound Independent Retailer story and much more.

In addition, the Retailer offers its Retailer Report monthly enewsletter, which provides only the top news stories in a concise, easy-to-read format, as well as ConventionTV@NAMM, the only NAMM-authorized TV broadcast at The NAMM Show each January.

Editorial Departments
Buzz
At the front of the magazine, the “Buzz” news sections are “Latest,” “People” and “Products.” We offer the latest in news, promotions, and hires, and the newest product launches.

MI Spy
This might very well be the most popular read in any trade magazine. It follows the antics of The MI Spy, who reports on his covert visits to MI stores and tells all — good and bad!

The Music & Sound Independent Retailer
We provide a compilation of stories, exclusively reporting on independent music retailers. The Retailer was the first publication to innovate this. The Indie Retailer talks about independent dealer groups, store openings and happenings, and more.

Five Minutes With
Here, we present in-depth interviews with the top executives in the business.

Special to the Retailer

Manufacturers provide advice about selling specific product categories and much more, while not being company specific.

Veddatorial
Dan Vedda, a trusty and knowledgeable retail veteran, delivers his highly touted column, shedding light on the day’s pressing subjects in the way that only he can. It’s a smart, studious bid to offer readers solutions to their problems and concerns.

In the Trenches

Allen McBroom of Backstage Music says it like he sees it. His monthly column tells all about the goings-on at his store.

Retailer Rebel

Gabriel O’Brien offers the latest tips form it comes to video, social media and much more.

Not Your Average Column

Tim Spicer provides plenty of advice for what works at Spicer’s Music.

Retailing Better

Robert Christie of A&G Central Music has seen a lot as a MI retail veteran and offers plenty of wisdom.

‘Hire’ Learning

Will Mason of Mason Music helps MI retailers up their game and register ring.

Confessions of a Retailer

The latest tips and commentary from Donovan Bankhead of venerable MI retailer Springfield Music.

Tips From the Teacher

Lessons at your store not only provide great revenue but help to ensure students continue to play instruments. Longtime teacher and NAMM board member Kimberly Deverell of San Diego Music Studio provides advice regarding how to be even better in this role.

Shine a Light
Each month, we take a look at a prominent MI retail store somewhere in the United States and what makes them successful.

Under the Hood

We take an in-depth at specific products making waves in the MI marketplace.

The Final Note

Want to know what executives at manufacturers are really like? The Final Note allows readers to get to know the people behind the brands.

Circulation
We have the highest audited circulation of any MI trade magazine — period.

Music & Sound Awards
For 33 years, The Retailer has been tops in rewarding industry leaders. At every NAMM Show in Anaheim, we hand out manufacturer Music & Sound Awards. Also, manufacturers and reps vote for their favorite retail locations in our Music & Sound Awards for dealers, handed out each year at Summer NAMM in Nashville.

Retailer Report
Our monthly e-newsletter has the latest industry news in a quick, easy-to-read format.

Value Added
Highest Visibility: Balanced ad-to-edit ratio, combined with the best layout of any trade magazine, assures that your ad gets a great location with high visibility.

Tabloid Size: Tabloid magazines are always noticed when they arrive in the mail and convey a sense of immediacy that compels readers to “read me now.”

Proven Results: For more than 20 years, advertisers that track dealer response have consistently and overwhelmingly cited The Retailer as their #1 source for dealer inquiries and sales.

ConventionTV@NAMM
Produced live on-site each convention day, ConventionTV@NAMM is the only authorized news broadcast at The NAMM Show. It brings attendees all the hottest new products and show-floor buzz. It’s transmitted throughout the Anaheim Convention Center to 115,000 attendees, as well as appearing online and on smartphones. ConventionTV is the ultimate “Must-See TV.”

Streamed video can be seen after the shows at www.conventiontv.net.

More MI Retailers Request Our Magazine Than Any Other Publication!

• Highest requested circulation of any MI trade publication
• Every ad is positioned for maximum impact
• The most visually appealing magazine in MI
• A magazine that people enjoy reading