30th Annual Dealers’ Choice Awards

Product of the Year: Allen & Heath Avantis V1.2

This “Product of the Year” win for Allen & Heath marks the fifth year in a row that the company’s line of mixers has taken the top spot – an impressive streak! The number of venues and touring acts who rely on the Avantis line grows by the day. Firmware V1.2 takes an already stellar product and adds enhanced functionality and versatility. The Bus Compressor delivers sonic cohesion on LR and sub-mixes and minimizes pumping with sidechain filter controls, Source Expander reduces bleed and increases gain-before-feedback to enhance vocal performances and minimize the risk of feedback during live performance, and Dual Threshold Expander allows engineers to take control of stage acoustics and prevent chattering during performances. Time will tell what unfolds in 2023, but for now it seems that Allen & Heath have this category locked down.

Accessory Line of the Year: On-Stage

This is consistently a competitive market segment, but with such a wide array of products across a number of sub-categories, it comes as no surprise that On-Stage edged out the competition in 2022. From DI boxes to pedalboards, drum mats to bell kits, gig bags to power banks, this brand really delivers. Musicians, podcasters, YouTube personalities, live-streamers, and engineers rely on On-Stage to take the hassle out of creating content or performing to sold-out crowds on stages of any size. MI retailers were vocal in their enthusiasm for the breadth of products available, the quality of construction and design, and support from the brand, itself. Well done, On-Stage!

Acoustic Guitar of the Year: Riversong River Pacific P2P GA

Every now and again, a smaller brand manages to sneak up and eke out a win in categories traditionally dominated by “the big boys” and this year Mike Miltimore’s team of Canadian craftspeople did just that. Designed in Canada, the Riversong River Pacific P2P GA features the company’s patented “Neck-thru” system which increases resonance by decreasing bulky bracing and allowing for accurate adjustment for intonation and action. Made of high-quality woods from the Great White North, these acoustic/electric six-strings also feature dual carbon fibre rods in the neck, side sound port, diffuser disc, and Fishman’s innovative Flex pickup system. Arm rest and rib rest bevels make these instruments both visually stunning and remarkably comfortable to play. Importantly, with a list price of under $1,500 the River Pacific P2P GA is a true “luxury” guitar that’s within reach for many. The Riversong team really hit it out of the park with this one!

Acoustic Piano Line of the Year: Kawai

Kawai is once again in the winner’s circle as “Acoustic Piano Line of the Year” and, given the variety of excellent instruments available and the brand’s stellar reputation, that isn’t particularly surprising. Over nine decades of innovation have made this Japanese brand the go-to line for professionals, hobbyist players, and institutions the world over. Upright pianos, grands, and the top-of-the-line Shigeru Kawai grand offer an expansive swath of options to cover any possible needs. Dealers pointed to consistent build quality, value, and Kawai’s industry-leading customer service as strong selling points with end-users. In a crowded field full of deserving product, Kawai stood out from the pack in 2022.

Amplifier Line of the Year: Fender

Fender just does so much, so well in the realm of amplification that it’s kind of a no-brainer that the company coasted to an easy win in this grouping. Looking for a workhorse bass amp with powerful tone and classic style? The Fender Rumble 800 delivers. How about a personal guitar amplifier featuring a wide selection of tones and effects that fits in your shirt-pocket? The Mustang Micro’s got you covered. Or maybe it’s a budget-friendly amp with intuitive design and features well beyond its price-point that you seek. The Frontman line can deliver on that (pardon the pun) “front.” This isn’t Fender’s first time taking a victory lap in the “Amplifier Line of the Year” category and with innovative new models – and iconic legacy product – it seems highly likely the brand might be back here again.

Band & Orchestra Line of the Year: Buffet Crampon

Known in particular for the design and production of fine clarinets, Buffet Crampon also fields world-class English horns, bassoons, oboes, saxophones, accessories – they do it all, and well. With nearly two centuries of experience crafting musical instruments, the brand has the pedigree and knowledge that players seek and that MI dealers value. DCA voters in 2022 singled out the consistency of build, range of offering, and reputation as valuable selling points. Then there’s the bands under the larger Buffet Crampon umbrella: Verne Q. Powell, Julius Kellwerth, Hans Hoyer, Besson, W. Schreiber – the list goes on, and each label represents unmatched excellence in this market segment. “Band & Orchestra Line of the Year” is always a tight race, but this year belonged to Buffet Crampon.

Ukulele of the Year: Kala Archtop

A new category for the Dealers’ Choice Awards, “Ukulele of the Year” was created to reflect the enduring (and growing – still!) popularity of these diminutive fretted wonders. Kala’s Archtop model features a smooth satin finish in a variety of colors and is notable for elegant F-holes, producing a classic, vintage look. Also available in a Tenor model with built-in electronics, players have embraced this uke for its playability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Whether in Lake Shore Blue, Chicago Red, Tobacco Burst, Kalamazoo Gold, Brooklyn Green, these instruments make a visual statement before a note is even played and the attainable price-point makes them favorites for players who are looking to step up to the next level instrument. A worthy winner in this inaugural run for this new class – nicely done Kala!

Electric Bass of the Year: Warwick Corvette

One of the most distinctive basses on the market, Warwick’s Corvette line has been a fan-favorite for going on three decades. Players can choose from the Corvette Basic, Classic, $$, Taranis, Multiscale, or Premium meaning that a wide assortment of customer needs and ability levels can be satisfied. The distinctively bright, raw sound of the Corvette coupled with its aggressive and innovative styling makes this model a favorite of “heavier” (metal, hard rock) players, but it has been equally embraced by bassists in the realms of jazz, pop, R&B, and beyond. Voting in this category was extremely tight in 2022, but the Warwick Corvette took an early lead which it maintained for the duration. Congratulations Warwick!

Electric Guitar of the Year: Yamaha Revstar

Offering three tiers, two pickup choices, and an array of gorgeous racing-inspired finishes, Yamaha’s Revstar series has been a massive hit with players and dealers since its launch in 2015. However, in 2022 the company introduced a completely refreshed lineup – and customers took note! Traditional artisanship paired with Japanese innovation results in a guitar with unmatched playability, tone, and versatility. Featuring a chambered body designed with the company’s Acoustic Design process, Revstars boast reduced weight and optimized balance that lends itself particularly well to live performance and with the choice of chiming P90-style single coil or meaty humbucking Alnico V pickups, these guitars can match any sonic aesthetic. It doesn’t take an expert to recognize that “Electric Guitar of the Year” is a congested field, but Yamaha definitely gave the people what they wanted in 2022 with the Revstar.

Home Digital Keyboard of the Year: Casio PX-S Series

Visually stunning, with next-level playability and sound, Casio’s PX-S series of Privia keyboards was simply a juggernaut in 2022. With price-points ranging from the “quite affordable” to the… well, still pretty darn affordable, and available in an array of colors and configurations, these instruments ticked all of the boxes for many, many players and MI dealers. The style and modern design of the PX-S7000 borders on straight-up sculpture and has made that particular model the centerpiece of countless homes. Voters applauded Casio’s engineers and craftsmanship, while also noting that the brand’s flawless reputation and name-recognition make the PX-S Series an easy sell.

Pro Digital Keyboard Line of the Year: Nord

To say that this is a jam-packed field is something of an understatement. Digital keyboards are, in many ways, the cornerstone of all types of pop music and there are plenty of brands jousting with one another to come out on top. The DCA voters gave the nod in this especially crowded category to Nord in 2022, citing the Swedish keyboard supplier’s groundbreaking design, the visual and sonic appeal of the instruments, and association with well-known artists as significant factors. From the Nord Stage 3 to the Nord Wave 2, these are distinctive, pioneering keyboards that can satisfy the demands of any performer.

Lighting Line of the Year: Chauvet DJ

With an impressive win streak of now 10 straight years, Chauvet DJ is the unquestioned leader in this market segment. While a few other brands did nip at Chauvet’s heels in the 2022 DCA voting process, the company’s expansive product offering and industry-leading design innovation and build quality once again kept them clearly in the lead from day-one. After weathering the “no clubs/no shows/no concerts/et cetera” of COVID related lockdowns, folks have been returning to venues and live performances in droves and Chauvet DJ has continued to light the way (literally!). A decade of dominance is nothing to be sniffed at – cheers, to the entire Chauvet team!

Sound Reinforcement Line of the Year: QSC

A repeat winner, QSC continued to resonate with end-users in 2022 for all the same reasons that led them to the Dealers’ Choice Award win in ’21. Whether it’s digital mixers, loudspeakers, power amps, signal processors, software, or really pretty much anything else, live sound engineers know that they can rely on QSC to provide the solution. After a somewhat tentative return to concert stages and club venues in 2021, the past year has seen a massive embrace of live performance by the public and QSC has been a vital part of many of those events.

Recording Equipment Line of the Year: Focusrite

The already burgeoning home-creation market absolutely exploded during the pandemic and there’s no reason to expect things to quiet down on that front in the coming months and years. Individuals have really gotten a taste for DIY generating and sharing their own creative endeavors. With an impressive line of USB interfaces, iOS interfaces, ADAT interfaces, mic pres, audio-over-IP interfaces, or Focusrite’s RedNet Control utility software, there’s hardly any need that this brand doesn’t address. Voters cited Focusrite’s inventiveness, scope of product offering, and reliable customer support and compelling factors in handing the brand the 2022 DCA in this category.

Print Music Publisher of the Year: Hal Leonard

Honestly… after having written celebratory and congratulatory notices regarding Hal Leonard’s many wins in this category, there’s no way to not repeat myself. I’ve now logged 21 of these little “blurbs” in my time at MMR – and the scary thing is that Hal Leonard’s win streak goes back even further. But it’s hardly shocking; the largest library of the biggest hits and standards makes Hal Leonard tough to beat. Celebrating their 75^th anniversary in 2022 (see our October cover story), the company continues to set new standards and provide the tools and resources for learning, teaching, and making music. Many congrats to the Hal Leonard team!

Microphone Line of the Year: Audio-Technica

Another crowded field, another tight race, but Audio-Technica finds itself in the winner’s circle this year as “Microphone Line of the Year.” Offerings such as the AT2020USB-X have connected with content creators and podcasters flock to the AT2040, while the AT2020 is relied upon by recording engineers the world over and Audio-Technica’s inventive wireless mic systems are put to use by countless performers on stages big and small. In a realm teeming with competing brands, A-T had the goods to earn this win in 2022 – congratulations!

Percussion Line of the Year: DW

This makes four years in a row that voters have put the folks at DW at the top of the drums & percussion heap! Celebrating their 50^th anniversary in 2022, DW released a stunningly gorgeous Collector’s Series Limited-Edition 6-Piece Shell Pack crafted of persimmon and spruce. However, if you weren’t one of the lucky 100 who snagged that instrument, Drum Workshop offers plenty of other drums to satisfy the needs of players of all stripes, from their Classics Series to the Jazz Series. If it’s good enough for Dave Grohl, Roger Taylor, and Sheila E. it’s probably good enough for pretty much anybody, right? Nicely done, DW team!