ALABAMA
Art’s Music Shop
Montgomery
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
Our 2015 rental season was up (over 2014) – More students signing up for band and choosing better quality instruments.
Outlook for 2016?
If this trend continues (better parental/community support/involvement, additional opportunities for students to compete/succeed and to perform, summer camps/after school programs, more students “stepping up” to semi-pro/pro instruments, educators improving their retention strategies, et cetera), then 2016 should be a good year also.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
The Product of the Year (according to several of our gigging employees) is the Boss SY-300.
ALASKA
Matanuska Music
Wasilla
Henry Hartman, CEO
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
Better. Much better. We saw a 20 percent growth in gross sales.
Outlook for 2016?
Guarded. We are seeing unexpected sales in my opinion largely due to the falling of gas prices, which gave a lot of people spendable income. There’s always the rumors about the government giving people money to live here but that doesn’t go very far when you’re dealing with $600, $700, $800 dollars in utilities to keep warm in the winter. We’re seeing gas prices averaging $2.30, and that’s a blessing.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Orange amps. We brought Orange in and it brought new life to the store.
ARIZONA
Milano Music
Mesa
Rulon Leman, Marketing Manager
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
2015 on the whole felt like a better year than 2014, and we’re hoping 2016 will be a better year yet!
Has there been a hot new brand or line for your business this year?
We’ve brought in some great new product lines including ESP, TC Electronic, and Behringer, and they’ve been doing great!
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
I’d say the product of the year is the Behringer X Air XR18. This digital mixer is a gamer changer for musical acts trying to travel light without sacrificing quality!
ARKANSAS
Arkansas Musicworks
Bentonville
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
We were up across the board, part of that is that our local community is growing. We moved into a larger facility.
Outlook for 2016?
We expect similar growth. Our new facility is triple the size of our old one.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Yamaha A-Series Guitars
CALIFORNIA
Jim’s Music Center
Tustin
Tom Sebastian, Business-to-Business Sales Manager
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
Sales have been pretty flat; we’ve done about the same.
In your opinion, what was the single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015?
The proliferation of business being done on and through Amazon is becoming a big issue. Manufacturers are pandering toward Amazon, and I guess the preferential treatment is really becoming a problem. For some of us, it’s a race to zero, and Amazon is going to be the only one left standing.
Outlook for 2016?
Our outlook going into 2016 is positive. We’re hoping to grow as much as we can through doing more business, increasing sales, and pursuing other channels.
COLORADO
Music Go Round
Aurora
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
This year’s sales are outpacing last year’s sales. Even though the year started out slow, the recent increase has made up for it.
In your opinion, what was the single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015?
Social media and the Internet continue to change our industry. It is now more likely that local customers will shop for what they want and view our inventory on their mobile device before they ever show up at the door.
Outlook for 2016?
The trend right now is up and I expect this to continue through 2016.
CONNECTICUT
Beller’s Music
Manchester
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
Every sector of our business saw significant growth and expansion in 2015 compared with 2014. Much of that can be attributed to our happy customers spreading the word which lead to our gaining former “big box” customers both on the individual customer level as well as the school district level.
In your opinion, what was the single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015?
I believe that MI has made significant strides in the past year in getting more connected with the marketplace. While it’s not a new development by any means, the industry as a whole has certainly realized that relationship building has changed and the old ways of making inroads may not be as effective as some of the emerging methods.
Has there been a hot new brand or line for your business this year?
Our hottest new line this year would be our getting reestablished with Alvarez/Yairi guitars. Since adding that line, our acoustic sales have jumped dramatically.
Outlook for 2016?
For us, 2016 looks to be another growth year. However, as we grow, we need to keep our fingers on the pulse of the business so that if there is something that we aren’t doing to the best of our abilities, we can make adjustments before they become more difficult to fix. Whether it’s quality control of instruments or greeting customers when they walk in, each step in the process is just as important as the preceding and the following.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Our product of the year has been the John Petrucci Artisan Majesty. While they are just getting started rolling off the production lines, pre-orders did exceptionally well and they are delightfully problematic to keep in stock.
DELAWARE
Middletown Music – Music & Arts
MIddletown
Mike O’Neal, Retail Manager
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
It was a big change for us I would say because we had switched hands from Middletown Music to Music & Arts. It was a definite positive change; things have been going well.
Outlook for 2016?
I would say that it’s very positive, now that we are established as Music & Arts. We have a large selection of B&O as well as combo instruments, drums, pianos. We have a large variety that allows us to cater to a large clientele as opposed to previous years. I’m looking forward to growing in 2016.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
I would say the Epiphone Hummingbird Acoustic/Electric guitar.
FLORIDA
Florida Discount Music
Melbourne
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
It was better.
Outlook for 2016?
I’m hoping the economy and the industry picks up.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Ukuleles.
GEORGIA
Attina’s Music Store
Fayetteville
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
We are up about 3 percent.
In your opinion, what was the single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015?
A lot of girls buying guitars. I am not sure why this is happening, call it Taylor Swift or more and more schools starting guitar classes, but this has been fun to watch. They are eager when they come in. They want guitar lessons and a quality guitar. The music business can always use more beginners.
Has there been a hot new brand or line for your business this year?
Fender Mustang amps and the Peavey Vypyr 1 amp with the three inputs – acoustic, electric, and bass. If they would add an XLR mic input it would be the little amp bomb.
Outlook for 2016?
The music world will always be okay. People play music when they are sad and when they are happy. I am optimistic!
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
All acoustic guitars are selling well. The key is accessories – Snark tuners, capos, guitar wall hangers, strings, and picks.
HAWAII
Easy Music Center
Honolulu
Peter Dods, President
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
In the last twelve months until 10/31/15 we were up 3 percent over the same time period for 2014. Though we saw marginal growth, this is a misleading number. In 2014 we had three stores, and we shut down our smallest store at the end of 2014. The 2015 numbers are a two-store operation vs. a three-store operation in 2014. That said, we did better as a two-store operation than we did as a three-store operation both relatively and outright. Our overhead came down and Net Profit has gone up dramatically. Foot traffic in 2015 has been off the charts and a little difficult to manage of late. The labor market in Hawaii, with the unemployment rate at under 4 percent, is a tight one. We are not seeing the same number of quality job applicants as we have in the past. I see that as a possible limiting factor to more growth.
In your opinion, what was the single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015?
Fender Musical Instrument’s decision to sell online to customers direct. I would say that is the most significant move from a major player in the past decade actually, not just in 2015.
Has there been a hot new brand or line for your business this year?
Pioneer DJ – We were never huge into DJ before. We took on Pioneer with some hesitation, as we were never considered a go-to DJ store. The Pioneer product has blown away our expectations. As an outsider of the DJ world until recently, the DJ industry appears to change trends and product selection rather rapidly (like the fashion industry). We were worried we would get stuck with dated product quickly. This turned out to not be the case. The opposite was true as we are never able to keep enough Pioneer DJ product in stock. Pioneer is taking over the DJ controller market by storm. And with new products like the XDJ-RX, they are leading the charge in new product innovation as well.
Outlook for 2016?
With the closing of one of the major local band stores in our state, we are entering the band business this year. This new area represents a huge opportunity for Easy Music Center. I think we are going to have another record-breaking year.
2016 will be a great year for the industry provided congress doesn’t flirt with shutting down the government. Nothing was more damaging to Easy Music Center than when politicians were playing chicken with shutting down the government. Business slowed to a standstill when the government shut down, and it stayed slow well after they opened it again. Government shutdowns create fear. Fear creates unhappiness and instability. Consumers do not buy when they are afraid or the future is uncertain. Please! For the love of all that is retail, get your act together congress! Pay the bills we have already incurred. It is your duty! If you want to cut programs, do it through the legislative process. Don’t hold the government hostage to legislation that you couldn’t pass otherwise.
Product of the Year?
Blackstar IDcore10. It sold twice as much as it’s closest competitor. It has the right price point and it is loaded with features. Customers love the stereo imaging. It is our go to combo amp for first time amp buyers. Great, great amp for the money. Of course, the rest of the IDcore series is awesome too! Get some!
IDAHO
Chesbro Music Co.
Idaho Falls
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
Retail side we’re about even with last year. Pretty level.
Outlook for 2016?
Pretty good. People’s attitude is strong. Unemployment is down, gas prices down. People seem to have extra disposable income. We need somebody to step up and be awesome in music. One thing we’ve lacked is someone who actually plays guitar, plays the drums. We have a lot of singers and choreographers. But it’s rare to find someone who actually plays.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Fender stuff has done well, as well as our own in-house guitars.
ILLINOIS
Kidder Music
Bloomington
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
Mixed bag, school music has been good and is up. We did close one location, which was a combo location.
Outlook for 2016?
Excellent. Lesson programs are growing. School music is strong.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Xeno Trumpets have been great, so have Azumi flutes.
INDIANA
Billy O’s Dynamite Music
Griffith
Billy Ozzello, Owner/Operator
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
It’s been slower. We’re not really sure exactly why because we’ve ramped up the store and the types of instruments we’ve been carrying, but the sales have been softer.
Outlook for 2016?
I don’t know, hopeful. Cautiously optimistic. We’re trying. We’re working hard. We’re online trying to find out trends. We do Reverb. We do Craigslist. We do eBay.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
I don’t know if I could pinpoint any one thing, we do move a lot of Gibson and Les Paul, second would be Telecasters. We do new Orange, Takamine, Ibanez. We do new ukes, we do Blueridge new, Kentucky mandolin. We’ve been stocking more ukes, mandolins. They seem to have been picking up quite a bit.
IOWA
Rieman Music
Urbandale
Ron Kenneback, Store Manager
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
Overall, everything is pretty flat for us. There are different components of our business that are up and some down, but overall we are steady as she goes.
Outlook for 2016?
I think we’re going to see some slight increases in some areas. Acoustic guitars remain strong, there’s a lot of potential in the market.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Yamaha band instruments in general, Kawai CN35 Digital Piano, Breedlove guitars.
KANSAS
Mass Street Music
Lawrence
Josh Baldridge, Sales Manager
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
We saw a shift from predominantly acoustic 2014 to electric again in 2015, although not every category bears that out. Amps are less popular than guitars, decent amount of acoustics, but 2014 we saw a huge acoustic year and it’s balanced out more.
Outlook for 2016?
Not quite sure what to expect… we’re starting to see more interest in electric again so curious to see if people are ready to rock or if the folk wave will keep moving heavily. I’m preparing for a stronger electric year in 2016.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Strymon is a big brand us.
KENTUCKY
Kentucky Music Co.
Bowling Green
David Chandler, Owner
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
We’re running about even.
Outlook for 2016?
So far, we’re looking pretty good. I think the outlook is good. We have a lot of new programs we’re implementing.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Fender CD60 acoustic series.
LOUISIANA
Zeagler Music
Baton Rouge
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
Our 2015 is running just about 11 percent over 2014.
In your opinion, what was the single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015?
I’m not sure how much it really affects us but the explosion of Reverb.com has at the least been interesting.
Outlook for 2016?
We had a nice increase in our school music department and expect to see that trend continue throughout 2016. Every month this year was a least some increase over 2014 so we certainly are hoping to see that continue for another year!
Product of the Year?
In general, Yamaha was our best product over all, especially the P45 Digital Piano. Ukuleles were still strong seller albeit a few less than last year. Snark tuners were also very popular.
MAINE
Music & Moore/Rainbow Productions
Brunswick
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
Better.
Outlook for 2016?
I don’t have one.
MARYLAND
Bill’s Music
Catonsville
Brian Higgins, General Manager
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
There was a noticeable increase in sales from 2014 to 2015. Also we have
more students enrolled in our lessons program, more folks shopping with us
online and following us on social media.
Outlook for 2016?
We expect the trend to continue upward for 2016. As we focus on expanding
our online presence, and as we increase and diversify the services we offer
musicians in-store, we have nothing but optimism for the year to come.
Product of the Year?
I would say that smaller acoustic guitars have been very popular this year.
Models like the Little Martin, the Alvarez Parlor acoustics, and the Yamaha
JR-1 and JR2.
MASSACHUSETTS
The Music Emporium
Lexington
Joe Caruso, Co-Owner
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
More robust sales, nicer energy overall in the retail environment. The energy in-store has been really positive.
Outlook for 2016?
I always hope we do more business. I want to reach more like-minded individuals. I want to reach out and garner a customer base that appreciates what we do and not just because we are the lowest price game in town. I want to grow the business but in a healthy and fairly competitive manner. I want to see us all thrive. Very positive outlook for 2016.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Snark tuner. Biggest brand has been Collings. This year in particular. Collings I35LC. That and Collings mandolins. Mandolins have been hot this year.
MICHIGAN
Huber Breese Music
Fraser
Paul Huber, Owner
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
I’d say for us it’s up a bit. At least 10 percent, maybe 15 percent over last year.
Outlook for 2016?
I think it’s going to be even better.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
For us it is Gibson Les Pauls and Martin acoustic.
MINNESOTA
Groth Music Company
Bloomington
Randy Bailey, Instrument Department Manager
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
It’s better. It’s kind of been a gradual climb up every year. Better. Not like crazy better. But it’s better.
Outlook for 2016?
Pretty good actually, it’s looking good. We’re optimistic, cautiously optimistic. We’re all gun shy, I guess.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Recorders – all things educational. Yamaha. Acoustic guitars surprised us; they’re ramping up a bit.
MISSISSIPPI
Pinkston Music
Gulfport
Jim Pinkston, Owner
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
The Internet, Internet, Internet. Shrinking margin, shrinking margin, shrinking margin. Sales are flat.
Outlook for 2016?
Drums are dead and that’s 1/7 of my total floor space. I’m doing a remodel in February and adding 30 percent more accessories. Accessories, accessories, accessories – Nobody is worried about 10 dollars. That’s what it’s all about. 10 dollars, 19 dollars, 29 dollars – nobody cares about 19 bucks. That’s where I’m at. Drums are dead. Been dead for almost 10 years. Digital drums 7:1.
“Product of the Year” in 2015?
Snark tuners. I am selling two thousand a year. They’re 18 bucks. My average customer owns four guitars they go, “gimme four of them.” One for each gig bag. You’re throwing it in a bag. We sell three for $45 bucks. Snark tuners, how crazy is that? Accessories, it’s the only thing that will keep an independent store open.
MISSOURI
Good Times Music Store
Houghton
How did 2015 compare to 2014 for your store?
2015 was 25-35 percent stronger than 2014.
Has there been a hot new brand or line for your business this year?
Luna Ukes have been great for business
Outlook for 2016?
Strong outlook for 2016.
Product of the Year?
Alvarez Guitars continue to be a great seller.
MONTANA
Outlaw Music
Missoula
Sam J. Catalona, owner/president
2015 vs. 2014? Overall, 2015 gross sales are slightly up over 2014. However, early in the year we realigned some of our product offerings for 2015, which has produced a net gain to our bottom line profit of eight percent. For our small market, this is very welcomed news.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? Vendor presence in social media and online news feeds.
Hot brand or line? Fishman Loud series acoustic amplifiers. There seems to be a continuing surge in the acoustic electric guitar business for 2015. Fishman technologies has produced an amp that is transparent in replicating the tone of any acoustic guitar put through it, and is unsurpassed in quality. Great product at the right price for our market.
Outlook for 2016? After 11 years of business, we are continually looking at new ways to increase our market share here in Northwest Rockies. With the state’s current unemployment rate sitting around 4.1 percent, now is a good time to look for growth. Plans are: expand our brick and mortar showroom presence, targeting specific product groups such as drums and percussion, more emphasis on USA model guitars and amplifiers, and new development of our website to be more social media driven.
Product of the Year? Fender American Std. Stratocaster
NEBRASKA
D-Rocks Music
Papillion
Tom Ulrich, owner
2015 vs. 2014? D-Rocks has been a music store in Papillion for more than 10 years. We purchased the business In May of 2014, and at that time the previous owners were looking to get out of the business. My wife Kathy and I decided to purchase the business because I had another business that I sold and was looking for another venture. Being a musician, it was a perfect fit. Both my kids play instruments, so maybe it would be something to hand down later. When we bought it, the business was set up with the retail store on the main floor and lessons on the upper floor. The previous owners didn’t have much to do with the lesson program. When we took over, we felt it imperative that the retail store work with the lessons so that they could work together. Doing this made our sales increase, and now the students purchase from the store instead of outside the store. 2015 numbers are above 2014 because of this and the fact that I am also doing repairs on guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals… that revenue was going to a tech, which was keeping all the income.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? The integration of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in instruments and amplifiers was the most significant development. This kind of technology will be the future in musical instruments.
Hot new brand or line? 75 percent of our customers are new to music, so we sell guitars at lower costs. The Johnson Guitar line has been a great seller for us. They have great sound for the price point, under $100-$200. We recently became a dealer for Roland pianos, amplifiers and Boss pedals. Even though we have just started, this looks to be a very promising partnership. Roland has done amazing things with their Cube amps and everyone who tries one seems happy with the tone and effects.
Outlook for 2016? For 2016, we hope to increase our school band instrument rental program, which was started this year. We also hope to grow our lesson program in the next year by adding two new instructors.
Product of the Year? In our store I would have to say the Johnson Guitar line.
NEVADA
Kessler & Sons Music
Las Vegas
David Kessler, national sales manager
2015 vs. 2014? 2015 has been a good year. We are up nine percent year-to-date over 2014.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? The Smartphone – both good and bad. It is amazing the amount of access and tools the Smartphone provides. It brings with it many issues that have been damaging to the music industry, especially for the smaller retailer. I’m not just talking about pricing/sales, either… for the small retailer who wants to operate online, it has now become harder to compete. For example, Google made a major change in April with what the media called “Mobilegeddon” (with other search engines following suit) that will hurt many smaller retailers trying to operate online.
Hot new brand or line? The new Selmer Paris saxophone reeds and the Yanagisawa WO Series saxophones (which launched in 2014 on alto saxes, 2015 on tenor saxes) have sold well. We do a lot of private label instruments and we released our new Kessler Custom “Handmade-NS” solid nickel-silver alto and tenor saxophones this year. These have been received very well by players.
Outlook for 2016? Cautious. The Band & Orchestra side of the music industry is changing very rapidly. The quantity of low cost instruments that are flooding the market are hurting the rental market.
Product of the Year? Our Solist Low A Bari Sax – an unbelievably high quality, affordable, low A bari sax!
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Retromusic
Keene
Jeff Firestone, owner
2015 vs. 2014? Definitely better, but still nowhere near what it used to be.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? Improving economy.
Hot new product line? Other than accessories, we sell all used, so no opinion.
Outlook for 2016? Cautiously optimistic. We’re starting to see more interest in learning to play guitar from younger kids.
Product of the Year? As far as accessories, the Snark SN-8 tuner—can’t keep enough in stock.
NEW JERSEY
The Music Den
Randolph
Tom Scognamiglio, co-owner, president
2015 vs. 2014? We are up 10 percent in sales from last year and expecting the holiday season to do the same.
The single most important development in MI in 2015? The KMC sale was a huge development to business.
Hot brand or line? We had a great year with Martin guitars. Electric guitars are starting to have a resurgence.
Outlook for 2016? With good acoustic guitar sales and electric guitars coming back, overall sales should improve.
Product of the Year? Anything used or vintage – great turnaround and margin.
NEW MEXICO
Main Street Music
Aztec
John Paschall, owner
2015 vs. 2014? We are up in 2015 from 2014. Things are changing, so I am working a lot harder to make a little more money compared to last year.
Single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? KMC dissolving was weird for us. It affected us in a lot of ways that we are still recovering from, and still finding reliable sources for merchandise.
Hot new brand or line? We just added Yamaha and we are very excited about the wide variety of price points and categories, from drums to guitars to live sound and keyboards, they have something for everyone, and who doesn’t know Yamaha?
Outlook for 2016? I feel my store is going to go up and up and keep recovering, but if I told you I felt it was going to suck, that would be lame.
Product of The Year? Definitely not new, but a continued great seller is the Taylor GS Mini in all flavors and levels. Great instrument and a great seller. Honorable mention is the Fender acoustic line.
NEW YORK
Ludlow Guitars
New York City
Kaan Howell, owner
2015 vs. 2014? It’s a year later… Well, we do have a brand new website which we got running this year which we are all very proud of.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? The development and push of non- wood musical instruments such as the Blackbird Clara ukulele.
Hot new brand or line? The Gurus Echosex Binson Echorec clone. Lsl Instruments, too – they are making exceptional quality guitars at a great price.
Outlook for 2016? Just another year… But we do have some big plans, which will be very cool, but sadly, I can’t share them.
Product of the Year? The Strymon DIG
NORTH CAROLINA
Acoustic Corner
Black Mountain
Stephanie Wilds, co-owner
2014 vs. 2015? About the same, except for the increase in rentals.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? The realization that service is really important. Service has been our primary focus for all of our 15 years in business. It’s good to see that even the big box stores are starting to realize this.
Hot brand or line? We’re pleased to be the first, original dealer for Pisgah banjos, a small manufacturing outfit in Asheville that has really taken off this year. We’ve been part of this rapidly growing enterprise since its owner, Patrick Heavner, brought us his first couple of open back banjos to consign. In western North Carolina, handmade banjos are big business, and one of the products that make our shop unique. Other new products include small, well-made entry-level “fun” instruments such as the Cordoba mini-guitar, the Seagull Merlin, and Makala Waterman ukuleles. We’ve also happily found an answer to the search for high-end picks with Primetone from Dunlop, and Cortex from Planet Waves.
Hot brand or line? No one particular product stood out for us this year, though Seagull guitars are always a pleasure to offer. This year the demand for rentals caused us to double the size of our fleet, to more than two hundred instruments, mostly partial-sized violins. We’re proud to offer well-maintained, quality instruments to rent, and the response shows we’re on the right track.
Outlook for 2016? The outlook for next year focuses on maintaining and growing our rental business, and continuing the search for affordable well-made instruments and accessories that we will be proud to carry.
Product of the Year? Seagull guitars are always good to us. Also Dunlop primetime picks.
NORTH DAKOTA
Popplers Music, Inc.
Grand Forks
Don Langlie, president
2015 vs. 2014? It was a solid year with growth in some areas, and slight drops in others. We are primarily an education store, so the slight rebound in school budgets has helped us hold our own.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? The gradual acceptance on the part of our customers to try out and purchase the boutique brands we have started carrying in place of the “standard” fare of the big guys.
Hot new brand or line? Believe it or not, the ukulele wave that has swept much of the rest of the country has finally taken hold in the great north!
Outlook for 2016? An election cycle and its aftermath will have consequence in the education market; we plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Product of the Year? The Yamaha APX500III Electric-Acoustic Thinline guitar.
OHIO
Moeller Music West Chester
West Chester/Cincinnati
Michael Elam, manager/buyer
2015 vs. 2014? I see a definite uptick in consumer confidence compared to 2014.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? For us, it was the exit of one of our competitors from the combo market. This opened up new lines for us and made personnel and teaching staff available to us that really augmented our business.
Hot brand or line? New to us this year is Taylor and Roland digital home pianos. Taylor, especially, is a line we have wanted for a long time and finally were able to bring on board. The Roland Digital piano line is a perfect complement to our Steinway piano and Yamaha digital business.
Outlook for 2016? Continued growth and expansion of our band business as well as continuing to capitalize on lines and opportunities that have opened up in our market recently.
Product of the Year? The Yamaha P45 digital piano has been far and away our top product of the year.
OKLAHOMA
Rawson Music Company
Oklahoma City
James Rawson, owner
2015 vs. 2014? We are staying almost even in revenue for the year. Individual purchases are generally smaller and margins are tighter than 2014, but our advertising budget is bringing in quite a few new customers. We are also seeing less cash and more credit cards.
Most significant development in MI? The shakeup and consolidation of our suppliers has caused our supply chain to become slow and undependable. That has forced us into some new vendor relationships and also forced us to stock deeper on popular products.
Hot new brand or line? Amahi ukuleles.
Outlook for 2016? The Oklahoma economy is very dependent upon the oil industry. Most oil-related employers are laying off employees or have already laid off employees. We are also seeing much less cash and more credit cards. For those reasons our outlook for 2016 is very cautious.
Product of the Year? CF Martin acoustic guitars, Performing Artist series.
OREGON
Uptown Music
Keizer
Paul Elliott, president
2015 vs. 2014? We’ve seen a nice increase this year in all departments – 10 percent to 20 percent
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? The use of Bluetooth/Wi-Fi technology in Live Sound
Hot new brand or line? Blackstar amplifiers continue to amaze. A hot new product line is NFUZD Audio.
Outlook for 2016? We look forward to continued growth with the lines we currently carry, expanding the number of brands we have to offer and keeping our eyes open for products that maybe don’t exist yet.
Product of the year? Casio CGP-700 piano. An excellent instrument at a great price.
PENNSYLVANIA
Fretz Music Center
Souderton
Bill Sharrow, owner
2015 vs. 2014? Year to date, sales in 2015 are down about two percent from the same period in 2014.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? The sale by FMIC of KMC and all its proprietary brands/purchase of KMC by Jam and major brands by DW. It’s been a year of supply shortages and rep and wholesale supplier changes!
Hot new brand or line? Kala ukuleles
Outlook for 2016? In the past, election years have often found folks a little uncertain. Regardless of the results of the election, things should improve when things are finally settled. My expectation is flat until November, but with a bump for the holidays!
Product of the Year? For us, the Martin D35 50th anniversary guitar, still one of the best sounding guitars made.
RHODE ISLAND
Empire Guitars
Providence
Michael Samos, store manager
2014 vs. 2015? 2015 showed a small but steady growth over the previous year for us.
Hot new brand or line? We just became a dealer for Eventide and are very excited about them. They have some pretty unique products and they sound fantastic. Supro amplifiers from Absara Audio continue to hit home runs consistently. I can’t remember if it’s been one or two years that we have had them but they are amazing amplifiers for the price. J. Rockett Pedals is also doing some really great stuff.
Outlook for 2016? I expect things to be good for the continued rise in high-end digital effects and guitars and amplifiers in the upper middle price range.
Product of the Year? Supro Tremo-verb
SOUTH CAROLINA Encore Music
Mount Pleasant
Ed Blanton, owner
2015 vs. 2014? We had a bit of a downturn, but there were also quite a few staffing changes as well that I think led to that more than anything.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? The explosion of affordable digital pro audio equipment.
Hot new brand or line? Not particularly.
Outlook for 2016? Hopeful, but not high expectations.
Product of the Year? JBL Srx800p series.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Haggerty’s Musicworks
Rapid City
Marcus LaVake, owner/manager
2015 vs. 2014? We have had an increase in business overall, in every category except sheet music.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? I can’t say that anything stands out. If you include the internet, the use of REVERB.COM by an increasing number of dealers has made a dramatic impact on the ease of appraising gear, selling gear, and seeing what is hot and what is not.
Hot new brand or line? The new line that we would say is taking things by storm, as well as “product of the year” would be the JBL EON powered PA line. They are an incredible value, sound amazing, and sell themselves. It’s unbelievable how many we have sold this year. We never seem to order enough.
Outlook for 2016? I am suspecting a bit of a drop-off in the acoustic guitar numbers sold, an uptick in electrics, and slightly higher piano sales. Sales of cheaper electric guitars I imagine will be elevated due to the number of learning systems available. The outlook is solid.
Product of the Year? JBL EON
TENNESSEE
The Music Outlet
Sevierville
Bert Williams, manager
2015 vs. 20214? We have seen a small increase in business in the last year.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? In our opinion, one of the greatest developments in the last three years has been Martin upping their game and getting back on top of the acoustic market in our area. Companies such as Taylor Guitars have forced everyone to push the envelope and make some of the best acoustic guitars we have seen in 15 years and no one has answered that call any better than Martin guitars. Even our electric lines such as Gretsch and Fender are pushing their limits. And the advancements in PA and sound with digital boards and processors is exciting.
Hot new brand or line? The new Martin Authentic series and the new Taylor 914ce.
Outlook for 2016? We’re hoping to see customers return to privately owned stores and value the knowledge and experience they offer over the online and chain stores.
Product of the Year? The D-18 Martin for the money is one of the best products on the market. This is bluegrass country, so they should be on top, but they were getting outsold 2-1. Now they’re back on top. The new Authentic series is one of the best advances I’ve seen them do. These are made exactly like the old ones.
TEXAS
Alamo Music
San Antonio
Zach Marr, president
2015 vs. 2014? 2014 was a good year and 2015 looks like it will finish strong as well.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? An increased use of aggressive stocking requirements by leading manufacturers to strong-arm independents into buying unneeded inventory.
Hot new brand or line? No
Outlook for 2016? Cautious but optimistic – watching for a stock market reset and the effects of an oil bust in Texas
Product of the Year? The Yamaha CLP line
UTAH
Riverton Music
Sandy
Alan Sedgley, piano/instrumental sales manager
2015 vs. 20214? Our piano and band and orchestra divisions were about the same. We saw a big increase in our combo division sales in 2015. Both years were fantastic.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? In our market, the piano market has rebounded and is flourishing. Especially digital pianos. For us, it was growing our combo business to meet the demand of our clientele.
Hot new brand or line for your business this year? Baldwin pianos have been amazing and the new Roland HP series digital pianos.
Outlook for 2016? We are expecting great things moving forward. We look to continue the momentum of sales in our piano division and to further increase our combo division sales/selection.
Product of the Year? Baldwin professional pianos
VERMONT
Randolin Music
Burlington
Nowa Crosby, owner/luthier
2015 vs. 2014? Financially, this year is down from 2014, due to the Canadian dollar being down. As we are only 1 1/2 hours from downtown Montreal, Quebec, we have been benefiting from a high Canadian dollar for some years now. Also, because we are a small “specialty” store, with a large mandolin, banjo and other instruments as well as guitars, ukes and archtop guitars, we have become a destination point for people searching for those things. There are not really anything like us left in Montreal, or in this part of VT/NH/Upstate NY. We’d had very strong growth in 2013 and 2014. August is usually our second biggest month, but was a very average month this year.
The single most significant development in the world of musical instruments in 2015? Probably KMC’s buyout by JAM Industries. It caused a lot of turmoil for several months while they ironed out some major wrinkles in distribution. They are our major accessories supplier, so counting on quick turnaround is essential for us to compete with the big stores. I heard from people all over the country and other suppliers what a racket it made. In the last month, things have finally gotten back to normal. Also, the continued growth of the Internet. Internet position is what has grown us from a 200 square-foot/$50,000 a year shop our first year, to a 650-square-foot shop with more than three times the gross net and five times the inventory. Most people think we’re much larger than we are. Using the internet to place yourself can mean the success or failure of a business these days.
Hot new brand or line? Goldtone has brought out several new instruments that have worked well for us, in banjos and micro basses. Also Original Fuzz created a new banjo strap for us. Micro basses and Lanikai tunaukes, too. We’ve also been able to get out some of our own designs this year, ukes made from regional sustainable woods, since we build and repair as well as sell string instruments.
Outlook for 2016? We hope to do better next year, as we expand some of our own productions and search out new things people are looking for.
Product of the Year? Musedo-T-64C chromatic tuners. They are small and they turn on when you flip them up and turn off when you fold them down and they sell for $10.
VIRGINIA
Alpha Music
Virginia Beach
Eric Burgess, owner
2015 vs. 2014? Sales for year-to-date are within 10 percent of last year’s numbers year to date, so I don’t think the economy has turned around yet.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? The race to zero on digital consoles. It has spurred sales as everyone moves into digital but it has also made unnecessary all the extra rack goodies, and lowered the cost of a FOH club set-up to $700. Almost like selling keyboards 20 years ago when a new model came out every six months. You don’t want to be stocked deep when the price slash, rebate, MAP drop occurs – and you know it is coming!
Hot new brand or line? Haven’t seen a “hot” newcomer, but a resurgence in numbers for Fender and Martin. The classics come back. New Fender Blues Breakers just arrived and I think they will do well.
Outlook for 2016? Independent brick-and-mortar may see a helping hand from a backlash against the big corporate buying model. Consumers are starting to realize that the local music store is the “home team” and when you need personal attention and someone who knows the clubs you are playing, etc., the local guys are the ones that are going to come through for you on Friday night.
Product of the Year? Behringer XR18
WASHINGTON
Hoffman Music
Spokane
Earl Smith, president
2015 vs. 2014? 2015 has been the better year-to-date.
Hot new brand or line for your business? Gretsch and Godan are doing very well for us.
Hot new product line? Gretsch
Outlook for 2016? Definitely a positive outlook.
Product of the Year? All are pretty consistent. Martin and Taylor continue to be consistent steady product lines.
WEST VIRGINIA
Gorby’s Music
South Charleston
Vince Gorby, vice president
2015 vs. 2014? The second half of 2015 in particular has seen welcome increases in sales for us.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? All of the consolidation of suppliers over the past year has been interesting to watch. How this continues to develop moving forward could be interesting as well.
Hot new brand or product line? Nuova beginning band instruments. Our customers seem to be very accepting of this good quality, low-priced line of band instruments.
Outlook for 2016? We are cautiously optimistic that the positive trends we have seen as 2015 has progressed will continue into the next year.
Product of the Year? Nuova band instruments
WISCONSIN
Morgan Music, Inc.
Eau Claire
Rich Morgan, store manager
2015 vs. 2014? Sales were up a bit in 2014 over 2013… and 2015 was up about 10 percent over 2014. Similar trends with strong acoustic guitar/folk instrument sales in both years, but electric guitar sales really picked up in 2015.
The single most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? Having to compete with our own suppliers for the same customers with leading brands selling direct. Hard to say…the Midwest is always one of the last to adapt!
Hot new brand or line? Acoustic folk instruments in general… but ukes have been hot for the last few years. We have continually expanded our line and breadth of ukes and uke accessories.
Outlook for 2016? Thinking positively, I think we should continue to have moderate, steady growth. We have a great team in place, have recently remodeled our store, and keep tweaking our offerings.
Product of the Year? Yamaha Clavinovas. The new CLP and CVP lines have sold very well for us.
WYOMING
Rockstar Music Store
Casper
Ryan and Serena Meyer, owners
2015 vs. 2014? 2015 has been a really great year for us! We are up more than 25 percent in sales compared to 2014.
Most significant development in the world of MI in 2015? The amount of effects pedals that are available to make your instrument sound like whatever you want/need!
Hot brand or line? Takamine acoustic guitars
Outlook for 2016? We have high hopes for 2016. We are updating our systems to integrate more inventory online as well as in our store.
Product of the Year? Hogjim guitar straps
