Upfront

HARMAN International Acquires Duran Audio

HARMAN recently announced the acquisition of privately-held Duran Audio BV.  The acquisition provides HARMAN with access to innovative electro-acoustic and software-based directivity control technologies including the successful AXYS^® Intellivox line of “steerable” columns. The AXYS products and core technologies will become an integrated part of the HARMAN Professional audio product line.

NAMM Musikmesse Russia and Prolight + Sound NAMM Russia Integrate the ‘Music Moscow’ Musical-Instrument Fair

NAMM Musikmesse Russia and Prolight + Sound NAMM Russia have taken over ‘Music Moscow,’ bringing a complete musical instrument, music-products, and event technology experience to better serve the rapidly growing Russian market.

Fender Reported to Begin Selling Direct

In a recent interview published on peHUB.com it was reported that starting in November, for the first time, customers will be able to order and buy Fender guitars directly from the company’s website. This would include “custom configurable” guitars, with product shipped directly to the consumer in two to three months.

It remains unclear if this selling direct move would be reserved only for custom models or would also include standard Fender products.

KMC Music Adds Wismer to Merchandising Team

KMC Music, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Bruce Wismer to the position of merchandising manager. With more than 30 years of experience in the Music Industry, Wismer brings to KMC a strong sales background well suited to managing KMC’s outside relationships, negotiating with vendors, and creating compelling programs and promotions.

Show Report: Music China 2013

While the USA was in the throes of a debt limit crisis, the Music China show in Shanghai was proceeding with a steady flow of international traffic and business.  The show, which took place from October 10-13, set a new record number of exhibitors at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.  Over 1,680 exhibitors along with 500 others at the concurrent ProLight & Sound show make the event one of the largest in the world.  It provided a worldwide view of some of the newest products, software, and trends in the market.  There were 29 countries represented at the show, which included first time companies from Greece, Israel, and Pakistan.  Countries with dedicated pavilions included Belgium, Czech Republic,  France, Finland, Germany, and numerous others.

Korg USA Named Exclusive Distributor for Ashdown

Korg USA has taken on exclusive distribution for Ashdown Engineering in the U.S. and Canada. Korg USA will distribute Ashdown’s bass amplification and effects products, acoustic amplification products, and the Dr. Green brand of guitar and bass effects pedals.

KHS America Announces Distributor Partnership with DANSR

KHS America, distributor of Jupiter Band Instruments, has announced that it will begin a partnership with DANSR, Inc. to distribute the full line of Vandoren Reeds and Accessories, Denis Wick Mutes and Brasswind Accessories, and Jones Double Reeds. 

Berlin Announced as Location for 136th AES International Convention

The Audio Engineering Society (AES) has announced the dates and location for its upcoming 136th International Convention: Saturday, April 26, through Tuesday, April 29, 2014, in Berlin, Germany. The Convention’s “Call for Papers” will be available in the coming months, and AES will be accepting proposals for abstract-precis-reviewed and peer-reviewed papers.

ADJ Names SF Marketing Canadian Distributor

ADJ has named Montreal-based sales and marketing company, SF Marketing, to be the exclusive distributor of ADJ Lighting, American Audio and Global Truss America/DuraTruss products throughout all of Canada.

Music for All Considers Extension of Programming

Arts education leaders, advocates, and educators from across the nation responded to an invitation from Music for All to help it identify priorities and supporting initiatives for its next strategic plan. More than 40 persons assembled with Music for All board and staff on September 11 to hear first hand from key stakeholders and advocates in the field of scholastic music and arts education. The board of directors, executive leadership and sponsors of Music for All are now focusing on those and other new ideas recently proposed for the organization’s future, largely highlighting the need for more inclusive programming and an expansion of resources to further both reach and access of scholastic music education.

Zildjian Announces 2013 Kerope Zildjian Scholarship Competition Winner

Zildjian announced that Ethan Ahmed from the University of Southern California is the winner of the 2013 Kerope Zildjian Scholarship.   Ethan is a student of Jim Babor.  Ethan will receive a $5,000 tuition award, an all expense paid trip to the Zildjian factory, and cymbals of his choice.

Yamaha and The Queen Latifah Show Help Keep Music in the Schools

In conjunction with the premiere episode of the The Queen Latifah Show, which aired on September 16, 2013, Yamaha Entertainment Group donated $45,000 worth of musical instruments to the James A. Foshay Learning Center in Los Angeles.