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Holiday Buying Guide

Christian Wissmuller • Issue Articles • September 8, 2017

It may only be September, but the holiday season never fails to creep up on parents – and stockists – somewhere between Halloween and Thanksgiving, causing plenty of harried shopping for both parties well into December.

That’s why MMR brings readers our annual Holiday Stocking Guide well before the leaves start to fall, giving you plenty of time to pick the best new products for your store. We’ve sorted products by price so you can ensure that you have the perfect gift for every budget on your shelves. 

Under $25

 

3D Lamps from AIM Gifts

AIM Gifts has expanded its line of acrylic, color-changing 3D Lamps to include over 35 different musical deigns. Each lamp is approximately 10”x4.5 “on a base with rotating colored lights. $14.98

www.aimgifts.com

OPTIWEB Coated Electric Strings from Elixir Strings

These new nickel-plated steel electric guitar strings from Elixir Strings complete with a new OPTIWEB coating that offers a natural and familiar feel. This lightweight coating allows the strings to vibrate with less damping, and the anti-rust plating on plain steel strings ensures longer tone life for the entire set. MAP: $12.99

www.elixirstrings.com 

 

 

 

Power Grips from Dava

The Power Grips from Dava are the latest addition to the company’s line of guitar picks, which feature Dava’s exclusive rubber grip. The picks are made from delrin, making them thicker and more heavy-duty.  The picks come it packs of six and retail for $7.50.

www.davapick.com 

 

 

 

 

The Wingman from Option Knob

The new Wingman from Option Knob is a foot-controlled effects pedal knob that allows players to replace any factory knob and gain real-time control over their effects parameters with their feet.

The knob can manipulate effects to unlock the full, hands-free potential of pedals. The new Wingman boasts a more compact wing design, a thicker shaft for added stability, and two shaft inserts (class and boutique) so it will fit any pedal. MSRP $9.95

www.optionknob.com

Gaffers Tape from American Recorder Technologies

This gaffers tape from American Recorder Technologies offers heavy-duty, 12 mil vinyl-coated cloth tape that has been designed specifically for the entertainment and music industry, making it ideal for musicians, DJs, roadies, grips, lighting techs and audio techs. With the tape’s special natural rubber adhesive, the tape will not leave a residue once removed, and is also UV resistant and offers protection from abrasion and sharp edges.

The tape is available in 50-yard, full-sized rolls and 8-yard mini rolls, as well as in seven different colors: black, white, gray, florescent green, florescent yellow, florescent orange and florescent pink.  From $7.99

www.americanrecorder.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wedding Music for Marimba from Meredith Music

Meredith Music has released Wedding Music for Marimba by Patrick Roulet, a collection of performances that are for the marimba and ideal for weddings.  Each piece has been arranged for both two and four-mallet marimba techniques to accommodate mallet players of different ability levels.

The four-mallet arrangements are playable on a 4 and 1/3 octave “low A” marimba, and the 2-mallet arrangements can be played on marimba, vibraphone, or xylophone.

Titles include “Air on the G String,” “Canon in D,” “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” “Sheep May Safely Graze,” “Bridal Chorus,” “Trumpet Tune,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “For the Beauty of the Earth,” “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” “Wedding March,” “Rondeau,” and more. $14.95

www.meredithmusic.com

 

Sunday Morning Praise from Alfred Music 

Alfred Music has released a new addition to the well-known Sacred Performer’s Series called Sunday Morning Christmas Praise Companion. The book includes 31 arrangements of Christmas praise songs for the late intermediate or early advanced pianist.

The book includes a mixture of modern classics, recent carols, country music, and Contemporary Christian hits, and was designed as a practical resource of praise music for church pianists during the Christmas season. 

Each piece includes an approximate performance time, and the book’s comb binding creates a lay-flat book that is perfect for study and performance.

Titles include “All Is Well,” “Almost There,” “Arrival,” “Bethlehem Morning,” “Born Where the Shadows Lie,” “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song),” “Carols Sing,” “Christmastime,” “Emmanuel,” “Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground),” “Hallelujah,” “Hallelujah (Light Has Come),” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing with King of Heaven,” “He Has Come for Us (God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen),” “How Many Kings,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “I Wonder as I Wander,”  “Joseph’s Lullaby,” “Joy Has Dawned,” “Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy),” “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” and “Mary Did You Know?”  $24.99

www.alfred.com

Christmas Hits for Teens from Alfred Music

Alfred Music has released the Christmas Hits for Teens series, three new volumes of accessible arrangements written for teenage pianists. All three book were arranged by Dan Coates and are available for $7.99

Book 1, which is for early intermediate pianists, includes the titles “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth,” “Away in a Manger,” “Deck the Halls,” “Feliz Navidad,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Joy to the World,” “O Christmas Tree,” “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” and “Toyland.”

Book 2 includes nine graded selections for intermediate pianists, such as “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “The Christmas Waltz,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” “What Child Is This?” and “Winter Wonderland.”

Book 3 offers eight graded selections for late intermediate pianists, including the titles “The First Noel,” “Good King Wenceslas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “O Holy Night,” and “Up on the Housetop.”

www.alfred.com

 

Under $100

 

Black Belt Cases from TKL

TKL Cases has developed new models of its lightweight, strong and affordable Black Belt line of soft cases for “Parlor” (¾ and ½) student-size guitars and Ukuleles. These cases are affordably-priced and feature TKL exclusives like a rugged T-Cord 600 exterior, Cushion-Soft lining, Cellulair protective padding, Providence Forge zippers, and a comfort-Grip Series I handle. Available models include  #4675 Traditional ¾-size guitar case, #4650 Traditional ½-size guitar case,  #4649-S Traditional Soprano Uke case,  #4649-C Traditional Concert Uke case, #4649-T Traditional Tenor Uke case, and #4649-B Traditional Baritone Uke case. 

In addition to these Parlor guitar and Ukulele models, the Black Belt series offers cases for all types of acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, resonator guitars, lap steel guitars, banjos and mandolins, plus many string, wind and percussion instruments. Prices start at $39.95

www.tkl.com 

Matthew Strauss Signature Sticks from Promark by D’addario 

Promark by D’addario has released two signature sets of drumsticks by Matthew Strauss.

The Matthew Strauss General Concert Stick features a long, arrow-shaped tip for enhanced surface contact with the drumhead and a full-bodied tone. The 3″ taper and persimmon construction give this drumstick a nimble feel with ample rebound. MAP: $27.00

The Matthew Strauss Staccato Concert Stick features a small, injection-molded nylon disc tip that creates a bright tone and rhythmic clarity from the drum. Both the short front and rear tapers give a forward-balanced feel that propels the momentum of the stick. MAP: $29.99

www.daddario.com

The DIGIT III Multifunction Bluetooth Remote Control from AirTurn

The DIGIT III Multifunction Bluetooth Remote Control from AirTurn, Inc offers many different functions in one device: presentation, page turning, camera control, video control, iTunes and other multimedia control, assisted technology controls, and home recording studio control. The remote is rechargeable and can be connected to a strap or a lanyard, and also is fully customizable for special control situations using an iOS app. Users can connect the remote to most phones, tablets and computers. Price: $39

www.AirTurn.com  

 

 

Airboard Jr. From Hohner Kids

The Hohner Kids Airboard Jr. Is a keyboard made for children five and older that is easy to hold and play. The device does not require batteries, wires, or computers, and requires minimal breath to activate its built-in reed plates and responsive keys.  The 25-note keyboard comes with a color-coded songbook and a padded carry case. SRP: $50.00

www. Kidshohner.com  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hohner Ozzy Osbourne Harmonica

The M666 Ozzy Osbourne Harmonica from Hohner is a professional-grade, German-made harmonica that was designed for both collectors and players. Fans have the chance to win a limited-edition autographed harmonica that has been played by Ozzy if they can find one of the 50 Golden Tickets that have been placed randomly around the world. 

MSRP $95.00 

www.us.playhohner.com 

 

Lee Oskar Harmonicas

Lee Oskar Harmonicas feature interchangeable reed plates, combs, and are available in all keys, making them excellent compositional tools for all skills levels. 

The harmonicas offer four distinct tunings (the standard tuning plus three altered tunings), which provide different sounds and scales, allowing users to explore and play many different genres of music. MSRP: $61.99

 www.leeoskar.com 

The Asterope Pro Bass Cable

Asterope’s new Pro “Bass Cable” features the same build quality and stunning sonic characteristics that the brand has become known for.  These cables have been specifically designed to deliver more lows and mids while preserving the integrity of the highs.  All Asterope products are designed and made in America. From $100. 

www.asterope.com

 

Under $250

 

Penguin Mahogany Ukuleles from Amahi Ukuleles 

The Penguin Mahogany ukulele from Amahi Ukuleles features dressed frets, an eye-catching laser engraved sound hole design, and Ivory White binding. This ukulele is available in Soprano, Peanut, Pineapple, Concert, Tenor, and Baritone sizing with matching Penguin deluxe padded gig bags. $116.95

www.amahiukuleles.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traynor TVM15 Amplifier from Yorkville Sound

The battery powered Traynor TVM15 amplifier from Yorkville Sound features a three-channel design allows for quick connection to any microphone, instrument and media player. Individual volume controls on each input makes the TVM15 the complete ultra-compact PA system solution.

Channel one is ideal for vocals with an XLR / TRS combi-jack input, and independent tone control, while an additional RCA auxiliary input allows quick connection to any additional audio device.

Other features include a charge level indicator, an integrated speaker stand adaptor, a ¼-inch line out for connecting multiple TVM15 devices for wider coverage, and a full range with a 6-inch woofer and 2-inch tweeter. $219

www.yorkville.com

 

Infiniti Hard Rubber Mouthpiece from Bari Woodwinds

These new hard rubber mouthpieces from Bari Woodwinds offer a broad sound and great projection with optimal control. The mouthpieces offer easy playing at the altissimo and lower ranges and are CNC machined from premium materials. From $155.95

www.bariwoodwind.com

 

 

 

New Loog Guitars 

These new Loog guitars, which are designed for children three and older, come fully assembled and ready to play. Each guitar includes a new app that feature video lessons, chord diagrams, a tuner, and a digital songbook with songs from artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, and Bruno Mars. The Loog has a street price of $79. 

In addition, the Loog Pro is an upgraded version of the original Loog and uses a new pickup, a new all-maple neck, a new bridge and other enhancements that dramatically improve its sound, intonation and playability. 

The Loog Pro is available in acoustic and electric models, which retail for $179 and $199, respectively. 

www.loogguitars.com 

EHX Cock Fight Plus Pedal from Electro Harmonix

The new EHX Cock Fight Plus is a rugged and lightweight pedal that features tone of the original Cock Fight, but with two different filters: a traditional wah pedal filter and a formant filter used for vowel sounds. The pedal also features a traditional rack and pinion style operating mechanism, and a lively fuzz section that can be added before or after the filter section, or taken out of the signal path completely.  $123.50

www.ehx.com

The Rockwood Drum Kit from Hohner Kids 

The Rockwood Drum Kit from Hohner Kids is the perfect starter set for children, featuring  great-sounding and tunable wooden shells, with double braced hardware for added durability.  The drums are the right sizes for kids (16”,10”,13”, and 12” snare) and comes with stickers to customize the drum set.  MAP $199.99

www.kidshohner.com  

 

Under $500

Q\Strip from Tech 21

The Q\Strip from Tech 21 is a recording console offers 100% analog MOSFET circuitry and provides the warmth and girth tones like vintage consoles. The console offers a convenient DI format and four bands of pro-audio-quality equalization – two parametric mid bands and high and low shelving filters.

Other features include 1/4-inch output with switchable +10dB boost, an optional power supply (Tech 21 Model #DC4), custom actuators, and all-metal housing. MSRP: $350

www.tech21nyc.com

 

Under $1000

 

The Vector FS8 from ISP Technologies 

The Vector FS8 from ISP is a cabinet that combines a powered guitar cabinet with the Full Spectrum Guitar cabinet/floor monitor. The cabinet features a 175-watt true RMS (350 watt peak) bi-amplified power section, a 8″ Beyma woofer, and a built-in power amplifier. The FS8 also offers guitar cabinet mode and full spectrum mode, and can deliver up to 122db SPL peak output level.

The device is designed for dual use, providing amazing tone for players using a digital guitar processor that incorporates a Speaker Sim output, or, with the flip of a switch, the FS8 becomes a guitar cabinet for players who prefer using a pedal board or guitar preamp. 

The device is built in the United States from 15mm Baltic Birch with a Polyuera spray-on finish and weighs 23 pounds. MSRP: $699 

www.isptechnologies.com

The ProStudio 4825F from Bittree

The new ProStudio series of audio patchbays from Bittree includes the front-programmable ProStudio 4825F, which is the first-ever patchbay designed specifically for pairing with transportable 500 Series modular chassis. 

The PS4825F offers 48 TT (bantam) connectors in a 2×24 configuration, with DB25 rear connectors for interfacing with Avid® ProTools® and Tascam® gear. The PS4825F also features gold switching contacts that are welded and electrically bonded to the spring leaves, professional-grade shunts, and designation strips. The 4825F measures up at 12.5 in. x 7 in. x 2.5 in. and weights only five pounds. MSRP $625

www.bittree.com

The Black Panther Design Lab Series Snare Drums from Mapex

The Black Panther Design Lab series snare drums from Mapex are professional-level snares that were engineered using our Concept Hybrid process. 

The Equinox 14” Snare features a North American Maple shell, reinforcement rings, the classic styling of single-flanged hoops, and the articulation needed to hear the subtlest drum notes.

The Heartbreaker 14” Snare is constructed of an all-mahogany shell and reinforcement rings and combines the darker sound rock classics with today’s more alternative styles.

The Cherry Bomb 14” and 13” Snares are optimized versions of the original Cherry Bomb snare and feature a medium-thick Cherrywood shell that absorbs higher overtones for a warm, focused tone.  MSRP starts at $725

www.mapexdrums.com 

LMVOE4 Violin outfits from H. Jimenez Instruments

H. Jimenez Instruments has released the LMVOE4 outfits, full-size violin outfits for new violinists. The package includes a specially designed violin, composite horsehair bow, and hardshell case, while the violin itself features an Amber varnish with ebony fittings, heart-style pegs, a carved solid spruce top with inlaid purfling, Prelude strings, an Aubert bridge, and a black composite Artino Bow with horsehair and nickel silver stick wrap. MSRP: $679

www.hjimenezinstruments.com 

Above $1000

 

New SQ1 Series from SONOR

The new SQ1 series from SONOR offers birch shells and SONOR’s new Sound Sustainer technology. The drum set features four exclusive matte lacquer finishes. Prices start at $2299.00. 

www.us.sonor.com 

 

Yamaha Clavinova CSP-150 and CSP-170 digital pianos

The new Yamaha Clavinova CSP-150 and CSP-170 digital pianos are the world’s first instruments that can scan audio songs in the user’s music library on a smart tablet, analyze the chord structure and produce a piano score taught via interactive “Stream Lights” above each key.

The new instruments use the game-like elements that inspire users play their favorite songs with original artist recordings and perform increasingly complex arrangements, all while removing typical, boring techniques. 

The CSP is the first Clavinova where the majority of the features are accessed through a tablet device via an exclusive app called Smart Pianist. The app’s unique Audio-to-Score function analyzes iTunes music files that already reside on an iPad and then generates a piano accompaniment and a chart of chord symbols for those songs. 

Players will see this displayed on the device, and as the selected song plays, Stream Lights (a ladder of four cascading LED lights above each key) will illuminate in rhythmic sync with the song’s tempo, beginning with the light farthest from the key, again adding to the game-like features of the CSP. In addition, this method allows players to independently learn how to play any song that they already know. 

Users can adjust the complexity of the accompaniment via settings that determine how many notes are required in each hand, and whether arpeggios or other piano techniques are called for. After playing a song at a basic level, they can they re-try the song with a more advanced treatment.

About 100 popular and classical songs by the likes of Adele, Sting, Elton John and Coldplay are built into the app, as well as 303 lessons by Beyer, Czerny, Hanon and Burgmüller. 

Users can also both the melody line and accompaniment for these songs and lessons with the touch of button on the iPad screen.

Sounds from both the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial are integrated into the CSP.  From $3,9999.

www.yamaha.com 

The Gold Lacquer Compact/Mini Tuba from OPUS Musical Instruments

The gold lacquer Compact/Mini Tuba in B flat (Model 972LR-Bflat) from OPUS Musical Instruments features a Cupronickel tuning pipe, a  304mm(12″)bell, a18.9-19.9mm(0.748″-0.787″) bore, and is 635mm(25″) long.  $4800

www.usaopus.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gold Lacquer Marching Tuba from OPUS Musical Instruments

The Gold Lacquer Marching Tuba (Model 952LR-M) from OPUS Musical Instruments features a cupronickel tuning pipe, a 482mm(19″)bell, a  17mm(0.67″) bore, and is  1092mm(43″) long. $1800

www.usaopus.com 

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