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Guitar Center Celebrates Grand Re-Opening of Newly Expanded Westlake Village Location
Guitar Center celebrates the re-opening of its Westlake Village, CA retail location, situated at 30730 Russell Ranch Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91362 (at the Shoppes at Westlake Village). The newly renovated store has added 2,500 Sq. Ft. of retail space, and updated features at the store include the Platinum Room, expanded Acoustic Room, Recording Room, Pedal Table, Drum area, Keys area, Repairs area, and New Guitar Wall. The grand re-opening took place Thursday, April 11, through Sunday, April 14, allowing visitors to rediscover the store and explore new interactive features, increased inventory, and the updated store layout.
To celebrate the grand re-opening, GC Westlake Village was offering exclusive events and offers all weekend long. Visitors signing up for lessons got 25% off the first lesson and free registration, plus a free Epiphone electric guitar pack for the first 30 signups for a month of lessons. The main event took place on Saturday, April 13, featuring a live set from DJ/producer Val Fleury, who has spun for audiences around the world including parties and festivals such as Coachella, Miami Music Week, and The Roots Picnic and more. Visitors also enjoyed a free group guitar lesson with acclaimed singer-songwriter Adam Melchor, followed by a Q&A session and special performance.
Guitar Center Westlake Village store General Manager Guy Murai noted, “We couldn’t be more excited to present the grand re-opening of our Westlake Village location. The weekend celebration was a real musicians homecoming, with old customers and new friends joining us to celebrate us being part of their musical lives. We look forward seeing our customers take advantage of all the expanded gear offerings and services we’ve added within our store.”
The Westlake Village store offers an expansive set of services and gear to serve the music needs of the community and features modern showrooms equipped with the latest products for musicians — from guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments and keyboards to live sound, DJ, lighting and recording equipment, along with helpful support in-store from expert gear advisors.
In-store services include:
– Guitar Center Lessons, a convenient and affordable music education experience for players of all ages and skill levels, offering students the opportunity to learn to play the music they love
– Guitar Center Repairs, an on-site maintenance and repairs service
– Guitar Center Rentals, providing easy rentals of instruments and other gear
– Hands-on electronic music experience, where shoppers can try their hand at modern DJ techniques using the latest gear
Guitar Center Westlake Village store and studio hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am-9 pm
Sat: 10am-9pm
Sun: 11am-7pm
Vintage Series Chic with SONOR Semi-Gloss Teak
The New Teak Semi-Gloss veneer finish brings simple elegance to the popular Vintage series. With classic styling that feels like something familiar for decades, this brand-new look was hand-selected to fit the retro cool of these iconic drums. Combining coarsely grained texture along with a warm, medium-toned heartwood look, this offering harkens back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. The new teak veneer is applied to German Beech shells appointed with SONOR teardrop lugs and superprofile hoops, producing the timeless analog sound in a digital world that Vintage Series has become known for. “These drums are immortal,” remarks SONOR brand Manager Jeff Mulvihill. “It’s truly a look and sound that never goes out of style.”
Made in Germany, SONOR Vintage Series drums produce the full and articulate sound characteristics that SONOR is known for. The nine ply 6mm beech shells exude full, warm tone with evenly balanced lows, mids, and highs that project like no other instrument. Hand-crafted using the SONOR proprietary Cross-Laminated Tension Free (CLTF) process and Optimum Shell Measurements (OSM), the slightly undersized diameters allow for perfect contact between the shell and the drumhead in all tunings. With great sound a prerequisite, standard TuneSafe lugs and Remo USA drumheads ensure tuning stability, while the Semi-Gloss Teak supplies the look that’s chic.
String Orchestra Releases from Wingert-Jones Publications Achieve New Heights
A range of new string ensemble music, Wingert-Jones Publications’ 2024-2025 String Orchestra Music release comprises original and newly arranged works that explore fresh ground and varying styles. With 20 new pieces, the publisher presents a balanced catalog with new pieces for each type of concert program and at every grade level. The 2024 release also includes live professional recordings and ScoreVideos of each piece, along with individual Composer Insights videos, all of which facilitate easy music review and selection, and can be used as tools with students in the classroom. The recordings are streaming now on all major platforms, as well as on the publisher’s website.
“Each new work in this year’s Wingert-Jones Publications Orchestra release encompasses a story of something greater than ourselves – our history, the cosmos, infinity, the wildness and freedom of stallions running free,” explains Tyler Arcari, Director of Music Production and Editing. “The composers who make up this year’s release have really elevated the catalog and I can’t wait for directors to discover and program these new works.”
The publisher’s 2024-25 String Orchestra release includes pieces from composers Bruce W. Tippette, Doug Spata, Erica Donahoe, Gary Fagan, George Sweet, John Dupuis, John M. Pasternak, Perry Holbrook, Steve Parsons, and Vince Gassi, as well as the following new composers who the publisher welcomes into its orchestra catalog: Jay Coles, Mark Lortz and Chris Ferguson.
Each score, and its accompanying parts, are meticulously edited and set for ease of reading and include unique features to increase accessibility and help facilitate efficient rehearsals. Optional bowings have been carefully selected to provide an educationally sound experience from the first read. The catalog has been organized to clearly delineate grade levels following Wingert-Jones Publications’ color-coded series names which help directors select the most appropriate music for their ensembles: First Achievement (.5), Early Achievement (1), Achievement (1.5), Achievement Plus (2-2.5), Concert (3-3.5) and Symphonic (4 and up). In addition to the professional recordings of the new pieces, the publisher is providing ScoreVideos, preview scores and Composer Insights videos on its website.
Wingert-Jones Publications’ 2024-2025 String Orchestra music is available from music retailers and the publisher.
KHS America Welcomes John Richardson as New Artist and Educator Relations Manager
KHS America is pleased to announce that John Richardson has joined their team as Artist & Educator Relations Manager. In this role, Richardson will guide artist relations activity for all brands, while also assuming direct responsibility for U.S. based artists representing Jupiter Band Instruments, XO Brass, Altus Flutes, and Majestic Percussion. He will also manage the extensive KHS America Academic Alliance grant program in support of educational clinics and will take the lead on other educator outreach programs for the company.
“I’m really excited to return to the KHS America family,” says Richardson. “It’s truly an honor to collaborate with such a talented team and an amazingly diverse and passionate group of artists. We are so fortunate to have such strong support from influential performers and educators across the range of our brands.”
John was previously the Winds Brand Manager at KHS America from 2014 to 2019 and has an impressive history of music industry experience as a performing artist, educator, retailer, brand manager and most recently as National Sales Manager for St. Louis Music.
“We’re incredibly excited to have John Richardson back home, in this important role to which he is so well suited,” states KHS America President, Jerry Goldenson. “His knowledge of our business, existing relationships with so many of our artists, deep understanding of music education, and first-hand experience as a performing artist himself are a perfect match to lead our outreach efforts into the future.”
Woodwind & Brasswind to Join Music & Arts
Music & Arts (M&A) announces that, after four decades of serving pro players and beginners alike, sister brand Woodwind & Brasswind (WWBW) is joining M&A. The two organizations – both part of the Guitar Center family of brands, and both leaders in serving the band & orchestra markets nationwide – will now be operating solely as Music & Arts, offering an enhanced musical experience for educators and musicians across the country.
WWBW has served as a robust and reliable ecommerce platform, and their loyal customers will now experience a more seamless integration between the ecommerce and in-store retail experiences, along with lessons services, personalized assistance from a knowledgeable sales team, the nation’s largest band and orchestra repair network, and unlimited educational content geared toward musicians of all levels. Additionally, WWBW customers new to M&A are now able to complete transactions online and pick up (or return) their purchases at any of M&A’s 250+ retail locations. And as WWBW joins M&A, the customer service call center will consolidate, offering even more expertise and availability than before. Existing WWBW customers will be encouraged to migrate to musicarts.com with personalized assistance and incentives to help aid in the transition.
Jeff Gottlieb, President of Music & Arts, states, “Our goal is to create a more unified customer experience, and the time is right to combine the brands and offer the same benefits to WWBW customers that Music & Arts customers have enjoyed for years, such as our physical retail locations, lessons program, in-store hands-on experiences and events, and our repair network. Woodwind & Brasswind has been working alongside Music & Arts for 17 years. With our combined expertise and resources, we know we can create a harmonious new future that allows musicians and educators to access the products, resources, and support that they need.”
Shure Achieves Sustainable Packaging Goals In 2023, On Track For 90% Recyclable And/Or Renewable Packaging For New Products By 2025
Two years ago, Shure announced aggressive goals to increase recyclable and/or renewable packaging for new products. Shure has achieved its goal to convert to 75 percent by 2023 and is on track to grow to 90 percent by 2025 and 100 percent by 2030 for new packaging. The goal for existing product packaging in 2025 is 75 percent recyclable and/or renewable.
As part of its continuous environmental improvement efforts, Shure is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. With more than 1,500 different packaging pieces for a variety of different products, converting to sustainable packaging is a significant undertaking, especially for high-performance electronic equipment which is shipped to various locations globally to reach customers all over the world.
Key sustainable packaging initiatives include:
Replacing thermoform trays with more sustainable, recyclable alternatives such as molded pulp.
Reducing overall plastic materials in packaging.
Reducing the amount of literature that accompanies the products.
Right-sizing packaging for greater efficiency and reduced carbon footprint from shipping and storage.
Shure manufacturing plants feature robust recycling programs for cardboard boxes and wooden pallets, keeping literally “tons” of cardboard waste and nearly 5,000 wooden pallets out of landfills. Shure works with suppliers who take action on sustainability, including suppliers who use solar power and recycled water in their operations.
In addition to packaging, Shure products themselves are designed with sustainability in mind.
By 2027, more than 100 million AA batteries will have been saved from landfills because of Shure rechargeable batteries. The number is based on data calculations from customers worldwide in music production, theater, touring, education, business, government, houses of worship, and more.
Shure was the first company to offer intelligent lithium-ion batteries for wireless microphones when it was launched nearly a decade ago and it has instantly transformed sound production into a much more environmentally friendly operation. More concert halls, arenas, theaters, meeting rooms, houses of worship, schools and others are rapidly adopting the rechargeable technology.
With previous technology, disposable batteries were used to power microphones and transmitter packs. Audio engineers would frequently replace batteries – even when those batteries still had power – to ensure an uninterrupted performance with fresh batteries.
One Broadway show alone saved more than 21,000 AA batteries from being disposed of in landfills because they used Shure’s rechargeable system over the course of the run.
In the past five years, Shure estimates that it has eliminated nearly 30 million AA batteries from ending up in landfills.
The Company has also engineered its products to help with overall power consumption, using less energy in “down” modes and allowing remote monitoring of power use with Wireless Workbench Software.
Shure products are also engineered to last – from a durability and adaptive technology standpoint – avoiding costly replacements and unnecessary disposal of e-waste, even as technology evolves.
“Green isn’t just in our logo, it’s an important part of who we are,” said Chris Schyvinck, President and CEO at Shure. “We are committed to being environmentally responsible with our people, our products, our facilities, and our communities.”
A cross-functional Shure team regularly reviews international regulations, directives, and standards to ensure environmental compliance with regulations like RoHS, REACH, and WEEE. The nature of these regulations promotes sustainable electronics and electronics manufacturing.
For more information about Shure’s sustainability efforts, visit Shure’s Sustainability Site, which includes an overview on the Company’s approach to environmental responsibility.
Note: Shure calculates the ratio of the mass of recyclable packaging to the total mass of packaging for products sold. This analysis enables Shure to identify which products and packaging types contribute most significantly to non-recyclable figures.
Earlier this year, Gibson proudly returned to the guitar amplifier arena with the Falcon 5 and Falcon 20 amplifiers. Now Gibson is excited to introduce the new Dual Falcon 20 2×10 combo amplifier a versatile addition to the Gibson Amplifier lineup that is inspired by vintage Gibson amplifiers, yet reimagined for today’s player, delivering vintage tone in an upgraded 2-channel offering with Loop and Power Switching alongside valuable new features and all of the original magic intact. All Gibson Falcon Amplifiers are handcrafted in Petaluma, California and areavailable worldwide at authorized Gibson dealers and on www.gibson.com.
The Dual Falcon 20 2×10 combo revives the Gibson amplifier as the icon it is as perfect tonal enhancements update the sound and feel, with a wider, more usable range on the sparse controls, and lush traditional spring Reverb adds dimension and broadens stylistic horizons. The original smooth-sounding Tremolo adds further vibe while selectable output power options expand the versatility with options of Full, Half, or Low power modes in this new 2- channel model. In addition, a buffered series Effects Loop opens up more processing options to complete the outfitting for performance applications. These updates allow the new Dual Falcon 20 2×10 combo to soar even higher above the most prized vintage Gibson examples.
Gibson Dual Falcon 20 2×10 combo amplifier.
While inspired by the Gibson Falcon Amplifiers from the 1960s, this all-new design from renowned amp pioneer Randall Smith and the MESA/Boogie® Design Team is handcrafted in Petaluma, California, and sets a new bar in low-power tone. The Dual Falcon 2×10 Combo stands apart from its predecessors due to the constructional upgrades and tonal improvements unearthed over Randall’s five decades of tube amp design experience and performance-pushing ideology that deliver nothing less than astonishing results. Players of all generations and musical genres will appreciate the Dual Falcon’s beyond-vintage tone, enhanced dynamics, and well-behaved low end while enjoying the added flexibility in stylistic control and the width that reverb adds to the soundscape. The three selectable power options allow fine-tuning of the clip threshold and volume level of each channel independently while the pair of 10” Jensen® Blackbird Alnico speakers reproduce every ounce of this mojo perfectly, creating the ultimate vintage-voiced 2×10” Combo.
The Dual Falcon 20 features two-channel flexibility with a focus on great tone and ease of use. The ultra-simple, pure signal path design of each channel has controls consisting of Volume, Tone, and footswitchable Reverb, plus footswitchable Tremolowith global Speed and Depth controls, which add dimensionality and motion and immensely increase the amp’s enjoyment and usefulness over a wide range of musical styles. Players in the know have long understood that one of the secrets to great overdriven tone is power amp overdrive, and lower-powered amps are key to turning up and achieving that cranked power amp sound without overwhelming volume levels. For those who demand touch sensitivity and dynamic nuance at the low to medium end of the gain spectrum and crave the classic “controlled implosion” at its farthest reaches, the cathodyne driver feeding a pair of 6L6 power tubes (or optional, smaller 6V6s with no mods) performs above and beyond expectations.
Sonically and physically, the Dual Falcon 20 2×10 Combo roams confidently between nest and venue, providing instant access to warm cleans and purring overdrive across the two footswitchable channels with simple pairs of Volume and Tone controls, all at perfect power levels everyone can appreciate and enjoy. Players can select between Full, Half, or Low (15, 6, or 2-Watt(s) power modes of patented Multi-Watt™, 6L6, Pure Class A Power, or 12, 5, or 1-Watt(s) with optional 6V6 Power Tubes, providing three levels of expressive, vintage Gibson tone and feel. This power flexibility enables even more ways to transition in and out of clip seamlessly and musically, making the Dual Falcon an ideal amp for club gigs, home practice, and recording purposes. With its modern refinements, high-end performance, and boutique construction, this bonafide bird can’t wait to elevate Gibson amplifiers to the stature they’ve always deserved, right alongside Gibson’s finest stringed instruments.
The Guitar Center Music Foundation Hosts a Who’s-who of L.A.’s Music Industry at Third-annual Benefit Concert
Alison Ball, Jae Deal, Myka Miller, Ernie Isley, Val Garay, David Helfant, Michael Sammis, pictured at The Guitar Center Music Foundation’s Third Annual Benefit Gala and Concert on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif., in Los Angeles (Photo credit: Arnold Turner/Eclipse Content)
The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF), a nonprofit organization that advances the healing, transformative power of music by granting instruments to music education and music therapy programs in need, held its Third Annual Benefit Gala and Concert on Thursday, April 4, 2024, from 7-11 p.m. at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif. This year’s event honored Ernie Isley, a key member of The Isley Brothers, who have been inducted into both Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Guitar Center’s Rock Walk. A who’s-who of the Los Angeles-based music community showed up to take part in this Event, pay tribute to music icon Ernie Isley, and support GCMF.
The Isley Brothers have been making musical hits for over 60 years, including “Twist and Shout,” “Shout,” “That Lady,” and “For The Love of You.” Ernie Isley’s distinctive lead guitar has been a key element of the group’s unique sound, and he continues to be one of the most respected living guitarists today. At this star-studded event, GCMF presented Ernie Isley with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Addressing the attendees, Isley regaled the crowd with the tale of how he arrived at the iconic tone for his solo on “That Lady” – by testing out gear (Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Fuzz and a Maestro Phase Shifter) in a Guitar Center store! All proceeds from the Event benefit the Guitar Center Music Foundation to aid in their mission to keep music alive and accessible for all through donations of musical instruments and grants for music education throughout the country.
Produced by Hammond Entertainment, the evening also featured red-carpet arrivals, cocktail hour, dinner, special live performance, and silent and live auctions. Before the award presentation, Isley was celebrated musically by a diverse lineup of artists, accompanied by a band led by the evening’s musical director, keyboardist, and arranger Greg Phillinganes. Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid delivered a spirited rendition of The Isley Brothers’ 1975 funk anthem “Fight the Power, Part 1,” with Phillinganes taking on vocal duties.
Later, Ray Parker Jr. garnered enthusiastic applause as he joined the band for a soulful rendition of the Isleys’ 1978 hit “Groove With You.” Toto co-founder Steve Lukather also electrified the audience with his dynamic performance on the Isley Brothers’ 1974 cover of the Seals and Crofts classic “Summer Breeze.” Then, Melanie Faye impressed the crowd with her contemporary guitar skills on the group’s 1977 slow jam “Footsteps in the Dark,” a song written by Ernie Isley, who also contributed guitar and drums to the original recording. Upon taking the stage, Ernie’s daughter Alex Isley, herself a GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter, affectionately referred to her father Ernie as “my favorite writer ever” before delivering a heartfelt rendition of another of his compositions, the timeless 1976 track “(At Your Best) You Are Love.”
The Event was further enriched by video tributes from a plethora of esteemed artists and musicians, including Chaka Khan, Sheryl Crow, Nile Rodgers, Narada Michael Walden, Carlos Santana, and H.E.R., who cited Ernie as a true trailblazer and inspiration. Percussionist Pete Escovedo, recipient of The Guitar Center Music Foundation’s lifetime achievement award in 2023, also extended his congratulations. The evening was rounded off with a silent and live auction, featuring prizes such as a guitar signed by Bruno Mars and a day-long studio session with GRAMMY-winning producer/engineer Val Garay.
David Helfant, Chairman of the Board at The Guitar Center Music Foundation, remarks, “This event was a huge success, in terms of paying tribute to the living legend Ernie Isley and raising funds and awareness for The Guitar Center Music Foundation. Ernie Isley and his brothers have left an immeasurable legacy in music history, and we were so proud to have honored him at this year’s Gala. This annual event has been building real momentum and visability for the goals of the Foundation, and we plan on next year’s celebration being bigger than ever!”
Event producer Bill Hammond adds, “It is a true honor to be the producer for The Guitar Center Music Foundation tribute to honor Ernie Isley. To assemble all these talented performers to honor Ernie was a blessing and a vision, and it all came together. I am happy to have contributed to such a wonderful evening, which helped support The Guitar Center Music Foundation and its mission of advancing the cause of music education. Big thanks to my music director Greg Phillinganes, and a heartfelt thank you to Myka Miller, the Executive Director of the GCMF, and David Helfant, the Chairman of the Board, in sharing their vision.”
Ernie Isley stated, “Many thanks to everyone involved with the Guitar Center for creating such a memorable evening. My sincere hopes and best wishes are with the future generations of musicians.”
ChamSys Reaches for New Worlds at PLASA Focus Leeds
The comfortable hall at 5 Armouries Drive is familiar to anyone who’s attended shows and conferences in this site off the River Aire. But visitors to PLASA Focus who stop by the ChamSys Stand (N-B23) will have the opportunity to see something that will take them to an entirely new place.
ChamSys is promoting the UK debut of its new MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium Console at PLASA Focus with the slogan “Go Where No Other Console Has Gone Before. An idle claim? Hardly – the latest addition to the company’s MagicQ M series is capable of supporting 400 universes directly from the console without requiring external processing.
Along with showcasing this powerful game-changing tool in the UK for the first time, ChamSys will also be opening new vistas to show-goers with a series of educational sessions, including a guest LD session by two-time TPI Lighting Designer of the Year Ed Warren, who has run shows by The Strokes, Interpool, Mumford & Sons and many other artists on ChamSys consoles. Joining Warren in these learning sessions will be James Harrison and Dan Combs of ChamSys. The sessions will take place throughout PLASA Focus at the Lancelot Room of the Holiday Inn, a short walk from the Royal Armouries show site. Register for learning sessions here: https://www.plasaleeds.com/demos-training-2024
On the show floor itself, visitors will have the opportunity to see firsthand the MagicQ MQ500M+ and learn how the unprecedented capacity of this console, which features a 15” multi-touch high-res display, opens new worlds for lighting programmers and designers by making it easier for them to run the most massive and complex shows from a single console.
Navigating the MagicQ MQ500M+ also is extraordinarily easy, thanks to its two Display Port++ External Monitor ports, and inbuilt Wi-Fi (for connection of Remote Focus application), and an inbuilt 4-port Gigabit Network Switch. The console also features RGB-illuminated faders and encoder playbacks, with 15 fully-motorised fader playbacks, 15 encoder playbacks and 12 backlit multi-purpose Macro/Execute/Playbacks/Palette keys – for a total of 42 playbacks!
For preprogramming shows off-site, the MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium has inbuilt MagicVis 3D Visualiser with high quality beam and gobo rendering. It also comes with four DMX ports, an intensity wheel, and 100mm split crossfaders for theatre control.
Joining this powerful tool in the ChamSys stand will be the new MagicQ Compact Connect, a compact, lightweight USB control surface that connects to a PC or Mac, to control lighting, media, and LEDs. This portable powerhouse has two direct DMX512 outputs and sends up to 64 universes of ArtNet and sACN directly from its onboard network port without the need for additional licenses or dongles. The design of the Compact Connect provides illuminated access to fixture parameters via eight rotary encoders and live show control through 10 playback faders featuring Flash, Go and Select buttons as well as dedicated Grand Master and Crossfader for overall level control.
Visitors interested in upping their data distribution capabilities will also want to check in on the complete range GeNetix nodes. On the wall or in the rig, these products are at home in many different environments to provide effective solutions for remote data distribution.
Given the breadth of products and learning sessions, visitors who make their way to ChamSys at PLASA Focus Leeds from any distance will leave ready to take their career much farther.
Bert Murdock Music Names Behrens New General Manager
Bert Murdock Music, a cornerstone of the Orem, Utah community, proudly announces the appointment of Cris Behrens as its new general manager. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Cris is transitioning from his previous role as GM at Summerhays Music Center, bringing a wealth of experience in band and orchestra rental and retail to his new position.
“Cris’s appointment marks a significant milestone for our company. Said Ryan Murdock, president/CEO of Bert Murdock Music- “His exceptional leadership in school rentals, sales, community engagement, and team development aligns perfectly with our vision. His track record in Utah is nothing short of remarkable, and we are confident that his expertise will propel Bert Murdock Music to unprecedented heights.”
Beginning this month, Behrens’ will also take on the roll of president for the National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD). On April 6th at the conclusion of the annual NASMD convention, president CJ Averwater of Amro Music passed the torch to Behrens who has spent the last eight years serving on the organization’s board.
Behrens shared his excitement about his new role: “Joining the Bert Murdock family is a privilege. Our shared commitment to nurturing music education in schools is a strong foundation for future growth. I am eager to collaborate with the team to enhance the musical journey for students, educators, and musicians alike.”
This strategic move signals Bert Murdock Music’s dedication to expanding its reach and deepening its impact within the music education community. Under Behrens’s leadership, the company is poised to foster a vibrant culture of musical excellence and innovation.
For more information, please contact: Cris Behrens [email protected]
Mapex Drives Drumming Tradition with ‘May is for Mapex’ Celebration
For the third year in a row, Mapex Drums is partnering with retailers across the USA to roll out the month long “May is for Mapex” promotion with brand-wide discounts on all Mapex gear.
Coinciding with international drum month and running in lock step with the ongoing “Drummer For Life” campaign, the declaration that “May is for Mapex” remains intent on offering a boost to help fuel the ongoing growth of our percussive community.
“May is for Mapex, has become a yearly tradition,” states Mapex Brand Manager Jeff Mulvihill. “What started as a post-pandemic measure to bolster the drumming community has grown into something that is eagerly anticipated and that we are very proud of. Supporting pro drummers, students, collectors, and hobbyists through the music retail community is what May is For Mapex is all about. We try to offer something for everyone!”
There has never been a better time to upgrade to a Mapex Black Panther Cyrus Snare Drum, consider replacing that dusty old drum kit in your basement with a brand-new Venus Series outfit, or to help get a student into their very first drumset. Whether you are just starting out or well on your way to being a drummer for life, “May is for Mapex” is the time to up your drum gear game!
Cort® Guitars invites you to soak in the warmth and allure of the new Solencanto classical guitar. With a moniker derived from the Spanish for “sun” (sol) and “charm” (encanto), this finely crafted, premium instrument delivers unparalleled performance and tone sure to satisfy even the most selective of players.Boasting distinctive aesthetics and exceptional materials, the Solencanto is an ambitious and detailed build.
Distinctive striped wood binding, a custom multi-component “Abstract” soundhole inlay, and Cort inlay at the 12th fret combine to make this model a truly eye-catching instrument. Further decorative detail is on offer via a dark black Macassar ebony fretboard contrasting in striking fashion with the creamy White Blond Gloss (WBL) Engelman Spruce top and deep-amber mahogany neck, back, and sides.
Meanwhile, the Solencanto’s hardware and engineering assure that this guitar performs at a level of excellence befitting its top-grade appearance. A side-mounted sound port enables players to better hear themselves, regardless of setting, while a soft Venetian cutaway provides easy access to the higher frets allowing for multi-octave runs and chord progressions. A sophisticated Fishman® Flex Blend preamp system and S-Core pickups facilitate the best of mic’d and piezo functionality, equally suited to both recording and gigging. Additionally, supportive fan bracing, Macassar ebony bridge, and bone nut provide the optimum balance between structural support and resonance. Playability is where this guitar truly shines and, paired to its industry-leading fit and finish, the Solencanto is sure to be a go-to choice for players of many types.
All the hallmarks of a truly high quality instrument are baked into the Cort Solencanto: ample projection with naturally balanced tonality throughout, high-tech features, and show-stopping looks. Charm and warmth are foundational to this guitar that is bound to resonate – quite literally! – with the market at large.
Guitar Center celebrates the re-opening of its Westlake Village, CA retail location, situated at 30730 Russell Ranch Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91362 (at the Shoppes at Westlake Village). The newly renovated store has added 2,500 Sq. Ft. of retail space, and updated features at the store include the Platinum Room, expanded Acoustic Room, Recording Room, Pedal Table, Drum area, Keys area, Repairs area, and New Guitar Wall. The grand re-opening took place Thursday, April 11, through Sunday, April 14, allowing visitors to rediscover the store and explore new interactive features, increased inventory, and the updated store layout.
The New Teak Semi-Gloss veneer finish brings simple elegance to the popular Vintage series. With classic styling that feels like something familiar for decades, this brand-new look was hand-selected to fit the retro cool of these iconic drums. Combining coarsely grained texture along with a warm, medium-toned heartwood look, this offering harkens back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. The new teak veneer is applied to German Beech shells appointed with 
A range of new string ensemble music, 
KHS America
Music & Arts
Two years ago, 
The comfortable hall at 5 Armouries Drive is familiar to anyone who’s attended shows and conferences in this site off the River Aire. But visitors to PLASA Focus who stop by the 
Bert Murdock Music
For the third year in a row, 
Cort® Guitars
