RecordingVIP Music Equipment News

TELEFUNKEN Awards Stereo Microphone Set in Recording Hacks Sweepstakes

South Windsor, CT, November, 2011 – TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik is sponsoring this November's Recording Hacks sweepstakes and providing two ELA M 260 small diaphragm tube condenser microphones as the prize. Recording Hacks is a comprehensive Internet microphone resource, with over 1000 models documented and a unique frequency-response tool that allows precise microphone comparisons.

The TELEFUNKEN sponsored giveaway is open to musicians, producers, recordists, audio engineers, podcasters, voice artists, and studio owners. Winners will be asked to submit a photo of their home or commercial studio. The winner’s name will be drawn on November 30, 2011.

Avid Introduces Media Composer 6—The Industry’s Leading Editing System Raises the Bar with Openness and 64-bit Performance

New 64-bit Media Composer, Symphony and NewsCutter offer unparalleled workflow speed, flexibility and time savings; available for Mac OS and Windows

BURLINGTON, MA, 2011-11-03 - Avid^® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced new versions of its flagship video editing systems—Media Composer^®version 6, NewsCutter^® version 10 and Symphony^® version 6.  Building upon more than 20 years of product innovation and commitment to its professional users, these industry-leading professional editing systems today deliver new levels of openness, performance, collaboration and productivity—enabling independent professionals, post-production houses, broadcasters and all media companies to get their work done faster, work together on projects more effectively and reduce costs through greater productivity.

TELEFUNKEN Introduces ELA M 260 TRI-MONO System at AES in NYC

New York City, October 21, AES 2011 — TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik of South Windsor, CT, is introducing at AES 2011 the new ELA M 260 TRI-MONO System, comprised of three matched ELA M 260 small diaphragm tube microphones, a custom M 963 TRI-MONO three-channel power supply, and adaptor spheres to emulate the omni effect of the original "Decca Tree" configuration introduced in the 1950s. 

"First developed over 50 years ago, the 'Decca Tree' utilized three matched Neumann omnidirectional M50s," explained Jason Scheuner, TELEFUNKEN's artist liaison. "It is nearly impossible to find those mics today, and if you do, the price is extremely high. We have created this new TRI-MONO configuration using our own ELA M 260s plus two sets of adaptor spheres to emulate the original design, which accommodated small, medium, and large recording spaces." 

Avid Unveils New Pro Tools|HDX and Pro Tools 10 Software—Industry Leading Solution Makes Big Leap in Sound and Speed

The world's fastest, best sounding, and most powerful digital audio platform delivers state-of-the-art performance through revolutionary new hardware and software

Burlington, MA, 2011-10-20 - Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced the all-new Pro Tools|HDX digital audio workstation and Pro Tools® 10 software, delivering greater performance, higher sound quality, and innovative new capabilities that set new standards for audio post and music production. Both are designed to provide the most capable, highest quality, scalable solutions to meet the evolving needs of the industry, and deliver better performance, faster workflows, and easier collaboration than ever for professional users.

TELEFUNKEN Announces “Remix – The Brew” Contest with Valuable Mic Prizes

South Windsor, CT, October, 2011— As part of its ongoing R&D efforts, TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik has recorded Massachusetts band The Brew and is offering the public a chance to mix the tracks and win valuable microphones from the TFunk locker.

"What I Want" was tracked by The Brew in TELEFUNKEN's research and recording studios, using a variety of the company's production and prototype mics. Individual instruments and vocals were captured using multiple microphones, providing countless tonal mix options. Contestants create their mix of the song "What I Want" using files provided by TELEFUNKEN and The Brew. 

Final Week to Enter NAMM’s SchoolJam USA Battle of the Teen Bands Competition

Last Call for Entries to Become ‘Best Teen Band in the USA’ is Oct. 21

CARLSBAD, Calif. , October 13, 2011—The deadline is drawing near for teen bands all across America to vie for the title of “Best Teen Band in the USA,” while raising funds for their schools’ music programs. 

Teen musicians between the ages of 13 and 19, with the majority of the band members currently registered in a U.S. middle or high school, are encouraged to enter by Oct. 21, 2011. Teen bands participating in SchoolJam USA may perform any genre of music as long as the song is original content or designated as “public domain.” For a full list of competition rules and regulations, and for information on how to enter, visit www.schooljamusa.com. 

Koa, Cocobolo and Inspired Inlay Designs Grace - Taylor's Fall Limited Editions

EL CAJON, Calif. - October 5, 2011 - Adding a fresh page to an annual tradition, Taylor Guitars has released its collection of 2011 Fall Limited Edition guitars. This year's offerings present a bounty of beautiful tonewoods, featuring rich cocobolo, premium-grade koa, and time-honored Indian rosewood, along with a bevy of fresh inlay designs and value-added upgrades. 

Anchoring the Fall LTDs are cocobolo and koa, two exceptional tonewoods with signature acoustic voices. Usually reserved for Taylor's exclusive Presentation Series or Build to Order menu, cocobolo is paired with Sitka spruce tops on two models: the GA-LTD and the GS-LTD. Additional cocobolo touches include top edge trim, and a backstrap, offset by creamy maple binding. Gorgeous AA-grade koa distinguishes a quartet of all-koa limiteds, which feature a shaded edgeburst around the body and neck, and bound with rich rosewood. The koa LTDs are offered as the GA-LTD, GS-LTD or in a pair of 12-Fret GA and GC models, and with an option of an optional Engelmann spruce top.  Both the koa and cocobolo LTDs feature Taylor's premium CV bracing for sweet, responsive tone and a Venetian cutaway.

Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute Receives $75,000 Grant From the NAMM Foundation

Funds will enable groundbreaking research using keyboards in the rehabilitation of stroke victims

Carlsbad, CA, October 5, 2011— The Yamaha Music and Wellness Institute (YMWI) has received a $75,000 grant from the NAMM Foundation for groundbreaking research to be conducted under the umbrella of the Karl T. Bruhn Memorial Research Fund.

 NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond made the check presentation on behalf of the Foundation to YMWI at a special presentation held on October 5th at Yamaha Corporation of America’s headquarters in Buena Park, California. The majority of the grant will be used to fund a research project led by YMWI CEO, President and Director Barry Bittman, MD, titled, “Upper Extremity Rehabilitation for Non-Musician Stroke Patients Utilizing a Novel Keyboard Approach.”

Avid Announces Next Generation M-Audio Fast Track C400 and C600 Recording Interfaces; New Designs Deliver Best-in-Class Home Recording

Fast Track C400 and C600 combine advanced audio interface technology with hands-on controls and monitor management for fast, easy music creation

Burlington, MA, 2011-10-04 - Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced the release of the Fast Track® C400 and Fast Track C600—the next generation of the best-selling M-Audio® Fast Track line of USB interfaces. Extending Avid’s legacy of providing best-in-class solutions for customers of all skill levels—from advanced professionals to students and beginners—the new Fast Track C-series delivers exceptional audio quality plus hands-on controls for a superior user experience. The interfaces are available bundled with studio-standard Pro Tools® MP software or as standalone units.

Taylor Guitars and Guitar Center Team Up to Find the Nation's Top Unsigned Talent

EL CAJON, Calif.  - October 3, 2011 - Taylor Guitars and Guitar Center, the world's largest retailer of musical instruments and equipment, has announced "Guitar Center Singer-Songwriter," an artist discovery program which aims to find the nation's best unsigned singer-songwriter. Along with other leading musical instrument and accessory manufacturers, Taylor Guitars will join Guitar Center to award one career-altering prize package to the top singer-songwriter, which includes a three-song EP with Grammy Award-winning producer John Shanks, worldwide distribution through TuneCore, $10,000 cash, and gear from participating companies, including a Taylor 814ce for the grand prize winner and GS Minis for the semi-finalists. The contest, which is part of the companies' shared mission to support emerging artists, kicks off on October 3 and runs through November 30. Artists can sign up today atwww.guitarcenter.com/songwriter.

American PI of Ernst & Young Wins 11th Annual FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands

Corporate America's Top Music Makers Head to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Vie for the Title of 'Best Corporate Band'

Carlsbad, CA, October 2, 2011—In a competition that took executives out of the boardroom and onto the stage, American PI from Ernst & Young were named "Best Corporate Band" at the 11th annual FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands finals competition, presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), FORTUNE magazine and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The event was sponsored by JBL by Harman and Gibson Guitar. American PI battled against seven other corporate bands from around the world, selected in earlier regional, semi-final events held in Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco.

NAMM Hosts Member Exhibit at AARP Life@50+ Event and Expo In Los Angeles

NAMM Wanna Play? Music Pavilion Provides Fun Music Lessons and Product Demonstrations to More than 500 Expo Attendees Over Age 50

CARLSBAD, Calif. , September 27, 2011—The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announced today that it once again brought the fun of playing music to attendees of the popular annual AARP Life@50+ conference, which draws an average of 25,000 attendees over the age of 50. 

Held this year in Los Angeles, NAMM and a host of Member companies provided lessons on harmonica, ukulele, guitar, percussion, piano and keyboards. In addition, demonstrations were provided on instruments and music-making equipment including home recording, video editing, accordion, drum kits, karaoke and organ.

NAMM Foundation Invites Music Products Industry College Students to Its ‘Generation Next’ Program at the 2012 NAMM Show

Program Fosters Industry Insight, Learning and Networking Opportunities

CARLSBAD, Calif. , September 27, 2011—The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announced today that it is inviting college students with music business or music education majors to attend the “Generation Next” program at the 2012 NAMM Show. This unique program offers professional development sessions and networking opportunities to help students launch careers in the music products industry.

The 2012 NAMM Show will take place Jan. 19 to 22 at the Anaheim Convention Center, and is one of the oldest and largest music products trade shows in the world with more than 88,000 trade professionals attending each year. This is a rare opportunity for music education and music industry college students to attend the NAMM Show, as it is a “trade-only” event. 
The NAMM Show exhibitors are the backdrop to a rich learning experience about the music products business and global trade. The NAMM Show features more than 1,500 manufacturers from around the world exhibiting unique music materials and products, including pro-audio equipment and new music-making applications and technologies.

27th Annual TEC Awards Announces Nominees for Outstanding Technical Achievement

Nominees announced in 19 categories of hardware and software for sound production

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. , September 22, 2011—The TEC Foundation for Excellence in Audio today announced the nominees for the 27th Annual Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards, to be held Friday, January 20, 2012, at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. Co-presented by the TEC Foundation and NAMM, the TEC Awards is the pro audio industry's most prestigious awards show honoring outstanding achievement in product innovation and sound production.

The nominations announced today, comprising 19 categories of Technical Achievement in product design, will be followed by an announcement of nominees in eight categories of Creative Achievement in sound production. The nominations, based on product entries by audio manufacturers, were made by a select panel of over 160 professionals in numerous audio specialties. Nominated products and projects must have been introduced during the eligibility period of July 1, 2010 to August 30, 2011.

Avid Customers Recognized for Creative Achievements at 63rd Emmy Awards

Boardwalk Empire, Deadliest Catch, Futurama, Gettysburg and The Kennedys among Avid audio and video customers who took home top honors

Burlington, MA, 2011-09-21 - Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today congratulates its customers who have topped the list of Emmy® Award nominees and winners at the 2011 Creative Arts and Primetime Emmy Awards. Avid customers took home prestigious statuettes in categories including: Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Reality Program, Outstanding Sound Mixing for Nonfiction Programming, Outstanding Picture Editing for Reality Programming and Outstanding Sound Editing for Nonfiction Programming. The majority of the more than 90 nominees this year used one or more Avid systems such as Media Composer®, Pro Tools® and Sibelius® on productions including—Mad Men, Mildred Pierce, Modern Family, among others—to achieve their creative vision.

Rock Musicians and Industry Influencers to Judge Executive Talent in Eleventh Annual FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands

Best Corporate Band in North America to Win National Title on Oct. 1

CLEVELAND, Ohio, September 20, 2011—An elite panel of five music industry judges comprised of rock legends and music professionals, will select the 2011 “Best Corporate Band” in the 11th Annual FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands. Presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the finals event will take place at The Rock Hall on Oct. 1 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

The judges panel for the grand final competition includes Starship bassist Jeff Adams, American rock drummer and former member of Billy Joel’s band Liberty DeVitto, Sheryl Crow’s guitar man Peter Stroud, .38 Special founding member Jeff Carlisi and Pro-Mark Drumsticks Director of Sales Worldwide, Pat Brown.

Music Educators Welcome at the 2012 NAMM Show

CARLSBAD, Calif. , September 20, 2011— The NAMM Foundation today invited music educators and school administrators from across the United States to come to Anaheim, Calif. to experience NAMM’s fifth annual “Music Education Days,” being held on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21 through Jan. 22 at the 2012 NAMM Show.

Hosted by the NAMM Foundation, music educators and school administrators will have access to NAMM’s premier trade-only music products trade show, where they will be encouraged to see and try the many instruments and products relevant and useful to today’s music classrooms.

Brett Allen Nabs First TELEFUNKEN U47/48 Studio Set for SnowGhost

Whitefish, MT, September, 2011— Brett Allen, producer/engineer and founder of Montana's SnowGhost Studios, has purchased the first U47/48 large diaphragm tube microphone Studio Set. ShowGhost also has matched pairs of ELA M251 and C12 microphones, as well as TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik's most exotic microphone, a modern replica of the rare ELA M270 stereo tube mic.

SnowGhost is a full working studio featuring an all-analog SSL 9048K console, Studer 24-track tape machine, plate reverb, Sonoma 24-track DSD digital recording, Pro Tools HD, 80 terabytes of network storage, and a sizable stash of classic outboard gear and premium microphones. SnowGhost is also an independent music service that records and distributes both new and established artists.

NAMM Hires New Director of Membership

CARLSBAD, Calif., September 12, 2011—The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announced today that Causby Challacombe will be its new director of membership.

Challacombe has developed marketing and membership departments for national and international associations over the past 11 years. Prior to joining NAMM, she was director of marketing and communications for the Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association. She spearheaded the growth and development of new membership programs and was instrumental in advancing membership engagement and retention. A native of Oklahoma, Challacombe received a bachelor’s in communications from Cameron University.

Avid Adds New EUCON Media Workflow Partners; Continues to Lead the Way with Open Solutions

Colorfront and FilmLight announce native support for EUCON; expanding media workflow options and delivering improved performance with Avid’s Artist Series Controllers

IBC (Hall 7 Booth #J20), Amsterdam, 2011-09-09 - Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced new additions to expand the open EUCON™ ecosystem of supported media applications, providing customers with more creative options in their audio and video workflows and reinforcing its commitment to supporting open, interoperable platforms.

Avid announced that FilmLight’s Baselight and Colorfront’s On-Set Dailies now offer native support for Avid’s EUCON protocol—enabling content creators to use Artist Series controllers to take deep, hands-on control over these applications. Colorists can now control the color grading features of Colorfront’s On-Set Dailies and FilmLight’s Baselight using the compact and affordable Artist Color. Today’s announcement reinforces Avid’s commitment to driving openness across the industry—following April’s announcement at NAB of partnerships with Assimilate, Blackmagic Design, Image Systems and Pomfort, as well as previous EUCON support announcements by companies like Apple, Autodesk, RED, and others.

Avid Significantly Enhances Leading Solutions for Small and Large Broadcasters with NewsVision and ISIS 7000 2.4

IBC (Hall 7 Booth #J20), Amsterdam, 2011-09-09 - Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced new versions of the Avid NewsVision™ turnkey solution and the Avid ISIS® 7000 shared storage system.  Avid NewsVision lets customers quickly create and deliver high-impact news, and promotional and long-form content.

The NewsVision turnkey solution is easy to implement for local and regional HD news production, featuring reliable broadcast-proven products Avid is known for, including Avid AirSpeed® Multi Stream video server, ISIS 5000 shared storage system, and a choice of NewsCutter® or Media Composer® editing tools. The latest release of NewsVision provides several options for customers to expand their workflow.

Avid Unveils Dynamic New Graphics Platform Avid Motion Graphics

IBC (Hall 7 Booth #J20), Amsterdam, 2011-09-09 - Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today unveiled Avid Motion Graphics™ —the company’s next-generation graphics platform. With a revolutionary new real-time 2D/3D graphics rendering engine, Avid Motion Graphics lets media enterprises—including broadcasters, sports teams, and post production companies—create thrilling graphics and arresting imagery while journalists and others integrate those graphics into their stories.  Incorporating a bridge to the Deko product family, Avid Motion Graphics makes it easy for existing users to migrate their assets to the new platform and transition at their own pace.

“In today’s highly competitive, image-dominated media industry, producers need to create stunning visual imagery that cuts through the clutter, get content quickly to air, and build strong brand recognition,” said Chris Gahagan, senior vice president of Products for Avid.  “At the same time, our customers have told us they need to streamline their workflow with a solution that’s easy to use and lets them reduce costs.  With Avid Motion Graphics, Avid is meeting those needs, and investing significant resources and creativity to develop one of the industry’s most advanced graphics toolsets.”

FENDER® INTRODUCES KURT COBAIN JAGUAR® GUITAR

1965 model that was Nirvana leader’s number-one guitar meticulously recreated

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  (Sept. 6, 2011) — Fender is very proud to introduce one of the most distinctive signature models in its history, the Kurt Cobain Jaguar guitar, meticulously modeled on the battered 1965 Jaguar that the Nirvana singer, guitarist and songwriter wielded during the heady and meteoric early-’90s era when the band burst out of the Pacific Northwest, ruled rock and led a musically stunning and culturally subversive movement.

JACKSON® INTRODUCES NEW JS SERIES BASSES

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Sept. 1, 2011) – Jackson is proud to welcome three new basses to the JS Series; the JS2 Concert™ Bass, the JS3 Concert™ Bass, and the JS3V Concert™ Bass. These sleek-looking tone machines deliver growling sound at an unprecedented value.  

The JS2 Concert Bass features an Indian cedro body; bolt-on maple neck with Indian rosewood compound radius fingerboard; 24 jumbo frets; 34” scale; Jackson dual humbucking high output pickups for roaring tone; a high mass bridge, and black hardware.

JACKSON® INTRODUCES NEW JS SERIES BASSES

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Sept. 1, 2011) – Jackson is proud to welcome three new basses to the JS Series; the JS2 Concert™ Bass, the JS3 Concert™ Bass, and the JS3V Concert™ Bass. These sleek-looking tone machines deliver growling sound at an unprecedented value.  

The JS2 Concert Bass features an Indian cedro body; bolt-on maple neck with Indian rosewood compound radius fingerboard; 24 jumbo frets; 34” scale; Jackson dual humbucking high output pickups for roaring tone; a high mass bridge, and black hardware.

JACKSON® ANNOUNCES NEW X SERIES MODELS

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Sept. 1, 2011) – Jackson is proud to welcome 12 new X Series models to The Bloodline, all loaded with purebred Jackson DNA, ultra-fast playability and unbelievable value.

Available in six unique designs – Dinky™, SLS™, Rhoads, Warrior™, Soloist™ and King V™ – the new X Series guitars feature hot humbucking pickups, fantastic tone, distinctive shark-fin inlays, and stunning finishes. All models boast Jackson’s trademark compound-radius fingerboard, allowing for easy chording and low-action bends.

FENDER® INTRODUCES ALL-NEW ACOUSTIC MODELS

New models include ukuleles, classical, bass and limited edition U.S.-made guitars

 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  (Aug. 31, 2011) — Fender proudly introduces all-new, limited edition acoustic products for 2011. With nine different models to choose from, the new additions to the Fender acoustic family promise to deliver cosmetic elegance and full, high-quality tone at an exceptional value. 

The new models boast the USA Select 1, Fender’s first acoustic guitar made in the United States since the ´90s. With only 30 pieces being released worldwide, this dreadnought masterpiece oozes with style with its spruce top, flame maple back and sides, forward shifted X bracing, elegant gold hardware and a Fishman® Sonitone pickup system. This limited model is loaded with a nice classic, punchy and woodsy tone and is rare to come by.

SQUIER® BY FENDER® WIDENS SELECTION OF CLASSIC VIBE AND AFFINITY SERIES

Classic Vibe and Affinity guitars now available in a variety of finishes and left-handed models

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  (Aug. 31, 2011) – Squier is proud to introduce the latest additions to the popular Classic Vibe and Affinity series. The new additions are made available in a variety of finishes and left-handed models, providing a wider selection and accessibility to guitarists for an incredible value.
 
New in the left-handed models are the coveted Classic Vibe Stratocaster® ’50s, Classic Vibe Telecaster® ’50s, Classic Vibe Stratocaster® ’60s and Affinity Telecaster® guitars, all fully featured with unmistakable vibe and tone. These new, sweet-looking, left-handed models leave no guitarist behind.

FENDER® ANNOUNCES VISITOR CENTER / FACILITY TOUR GRAND OPENING EVENT

Iconic musical instrument manufacturer to open doors to public for first time in history

WHAT: Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (FMIC) announces a private Thu., Sept. 15 VIP event celebrating the grand opening of the Fender Visitor Center in Corona, Calif., on Mon., Sept. 19. In addition to the Center, Fender will be offering public tours of its adjacent manufacturing facility. This will be the first time the iconic musical instrument manufacturer has opened its doors to the public in its storied 65-year history.

Taylor Extends Interest-Free Financing Through End of Year

August 21, 2011 - For players dreaming of their next Taylor guitar, Taylor and GE Money are making that dream purchase one that won’t break the bank by extending their interest-free financing program. Now through the end of the year, qualified customers who purchase a new Taylor can enjoy 0% interest if paid in full within 12 months, with minimum monthly payments required. 

Offered through participating Authorized Taylor Dealers, the financing program is open to qualified buyers in the US and applies to many Taylor models, including:

• All 500 Series/Acoustic 5 Series models and up, including Specialty models
• Select Limited Editions
• T5 Standard and Custom models
• All T3 models
• All SolidBody models
• Select Nylon-string models
• Build to Order models
• Signature Series (excluding the TS-BT)
• Presentation Series

To view a list of Authorized Taylor Dealers, please visitwww.taylorguitars.com/dealers/

 

Finalists Announced In 11th Annual FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands

NEW YORK, N.Y., August 30, 2011—Rock and roll bands featuring employees from eight FORTUNE 500 companies have advanced to the finals of the 11th annual FORTUNE Battle of the Corporate Bands.  The eight qualifying bands will take the stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio on Oct. 1, and have the opportunity to earn the title of ‘Best Corporate Band.’ Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Rock Hall’s educational activities.

The Battle of the Corporate Bands is held each year to salute the best amateur, company-sponsored bands, and is presented by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), FORTUNE magazine and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The goal of the national competition is to promote the benefits of making music, which have been shown to increase employee morale and improve productivity in the workplace.  The program is a partnership with FORTUNE Magazine, NAMM, and the Rock Hall, and is sponsored by JBL by Harmon and Gibson Guitars.

Nathan Pacheco and Leo-Z Choose New TELEFUNKEN 251T

Hollywood, CA, August, 2011 — Rising pop/operatic star Nathan Pacheco and producer/composer Leo-Z picked the new TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik ELA M 251T large diaphragm, vintage tube, condenser microphone for Pacheco's debut on the Disney Pearl Series label. The album was recorded with full orchestra at Air Lyndhurst in London, at EASTWEST recording studios in Hollywood, and at Leo-Z's private studio, and was mixed by the renowned Michael Brauer. 

"We recorded vocals with the 251T and as an artist I couldn't ask for anything more," commented Pacheco, a native of Washington, D.C. "The songs have such a huge dynamic range - in the verse there is a breathy intimate sound and on the high notes you are really belting it out. The 251 captures it all. You don't lose anything in the recording and it allows for full artistic expression."

Avid Announces New M-Audio ultra portable Keystation Mini 32 Keyboard Controller and hot new look, sound for BX D2 Studio Monitors

Introduces 32-key mini controller, delivering ultimate portable playability.

Advances best-selling M-Audio BX monitor line with new look, improved sound

Burlington, Mass, 2011-08-23 - Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced the availability of the new M-Audio® Keystation Mini 32 ultra-portable keyboard controller, as well as the

M-Audio BX D2 studio monitor series—the next generation of the best-selling BX Deluxe family. These new offerings extend Avid’s commitment to deliver best-in-class quality, performance, and value to mobile musicians, producers, and video editors.

The NAMM Foundation Announces 2011 Wanna Play Fund Grant Recipients

Fund Supports Music Making Programs and Activities for Children and Young People

CARLSBAD, Calif. , August 18, 2011—The NAMM Foundation today announced the recipients of its Wanna Play Fund, a grant program that seeks public donations to support programs and activities that strengthen music education in schools and provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn to play music.

On August 19, the NAMM Foundation’s Wanna Play Fund will auction a special edition Fender American Standard Stratocaster autographed by Don Wilson, Nokie Edwards, Bob Spaulding and Leon Taylor of “The Ventures.” Interested parties can visit www.mikehuckabee.com for more information about the online guitar auction.

Taylor Takes 10 Player's Choice Awards

August 16, 2011 - On August 15, Acoustic Guitar magazine announced the winners of its 2011 Player’s Choice Awards (PCAs), a biennial vote cast by players and enthusiasts about their favorite guitars, gear and instructional products. Taylor Guitars was recognized with a record-breaking 10 Players Choice Awards, including five Gold Medals in the categories of "Small Body Flattop" for the 612ce, "12-String Guitar" for the GS6-12, "Nylon-String Guitar" for the NS72ce, "Travel Guitar" for the GS Mini and for "Best Acoustic/Electric" guitar for the 714ce. Taylor was also recognized by the players with Silver Medals in the categories of "Dreadnought," "Mid-Sized Flattop Guitar," "Jumbo Body" and "Guitar of the Year," and with a Bronze Medal for "Electric Guitar."

NAMM Announces Results of Time Square Ad Highlighting Association’s National Wanna Play? Campaign and Benefits of Playing Music

CARLSBAD, Calif. , August 12, 2011—The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today announced the completion of a 40-day paid advertisement on the CBS “Super Screen” in New York’s Time Square highlighting the association’s national public awareness campaign called Wanna Play? and encouraging people of all ages to start playing an instrument.

The opportunity resulted in 960 airings over 40 days to an audience of approximately 1.5 million per day. The visibility also doubled the normal traffic to the campaign’s website while the ad was running, increasing public knowledge about the overall campaign and the availability of tools on the site to help people take the first step toward playing an instrument. The ad ran from June 3 to July 15.

GRETSCH® INTRODUCES G6120 EDDIE COCHRAN SIGNATURE HOLLOW BODY GUITAR

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 11, 2011) – Gretsch is proud to honor the legacy of rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly pioneer Eddie Cochran with the G6120 Eddie Cochran Signature Hollow Body guitar model. The instrument is a single-cutaway beauty with western motif and full, resonant sound that combines features based directly on Cochran’s main guitar, the orange Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins hollow body guitar. This signature model comes hot on the heels of the acclaimed, limited edition G6129EC Eddie Cochran Tribute Custom Shop guitar. 

Taylor Celebrates 11 Years of Music in Schools

August 10, 2011 - On Monday, August 8, Taylor Guitars and the San Diego Music Foundation (SDMF) celebrated 11 years of supporting music education in schools at the San Diego Music Awards. The annual awards show honors the best of the local San Diego music scene and raises the necessary dollars to help fund music education in San Diego County schools through the Taylor Guitars for Schools program. Held at Humphrey’s By the Bay, the awards event raised over $25,000 through ticket sales, sponsors and charitable donations.  

CHARVEL® INTRODUCES NEW DESOLATION™ SERIES GUITARS

New models fuse killer looks, traditional high-performance playability and unprecedented value

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  (Aug. 9, 2011) – Charvel is proud to introduce its new Desolation series guitars. These are entirely new instrument designs not previously seen in the high-performance guitar maker’s 30-year history, offering more tonal and stylistic options for discerning players everywhere and bringing a long-acclaimed tradition of high performance to more guitarists now than ever before.
 
Marked by devastating tone, killer looks and high-performance playability, the Desolation series comprises an entirely new stable of Charvel guitars designed for a whole new world of players, with the sound and performance known to the world’s greatest guitarists more affordable now than ever before.

FENDER® INTRODUCES NEW ACOUSTASONIC™ COMBO AMPS

The world’s greatest acoustic guitar amps are now lighter, louder and more fully featured

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  (Aug. 4, 2011) — Fender is proud to introduce new additions to the top-selling Acoustasonic amp series. With new tonal innovations and exciting features, the new Acoustasonic 100 Combo and Acoustasonic 150 Combo amps are now lighter, louder and more fully-featured than their predecessors.
 
The Acoustasonic 100 and Acoustasonic 150 Combo amps are perfect for the acoustic guitarist who needs a light, loud, versatile and flexible amp. These amplification masterpieces allow for a pristine and natural-sounding reproduction of electric-acoustic guitar.

FENDER® INTRODUCES NEW BRONCO™ 40 BASS AMPLIFIER

Groundbreaking amp offers cutting-edge technology and unlimited preset storage

 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.  (Aug. 2, 2011) – The new Fender Bronco 40 bass amplifier provides a wealth of technology and inspiring tones. This compact bass amp is loaded with 24 versatile presets of amps and built-in effects that make it any bassist’s ultimate practice and recording companion.

The Bronco 40 offers unique features at an incredible value, such as computer connecting via USB to engage the exclusive Fender® FUSE™ software interface, which lets you customize and store a wide variety of parameters. Fender® FUSE™ is the key to creating, connecting and configuring your Bronco 40 by downloading and uploading presets, deep parameter editing, unlimited preset storage (to your computer) and assigning your amps and effects just the way you like them.  

The NAMM Foundation's Wanna Play Fund Raises Money to Repair Donated Instruments in Joplin, Mo.

NAMM Members Palen Music Center and Hoover Music Lend Services in Time for High School Band Camp

CARLSBAD, Calif. , August 2, 2011—The NAMM Foundation recently made a donation through its Wanna Play Fund to the band at Joplin High School in Joplin, Mo., to ensure that repairs to donated instruments damaged in the recent devastating tornado were made by the time band camp began this week. The local high school and most of its instruments were demolished in that disaster. Classes this year will be held in an uninhabited department store until the school’s reconstruction is completed sometime in 2014.

Tobias Music Takes Top Dealer Award for Road Show

August 1, 2011 - Tobias Music, a leading musical instrument retailer in the greater Chicago area, was recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) with a "Top 100 Dealer Award" in the category of "Best Sales Promotion" for its participation in the Taylor Guitars Road Show. The award, which was given at NAMM's annual summer trade show in Nashville, Tennessee, honored Tobias Music's record-breaking Taylor event, which was held in 2010 at the Tivoli Theater in Downers Grove, Illinois, and drew 650 guitar enthusiasts from the local community. 

NAMM's Search for 'Best Teen Band in the USA' Begins Today

Third Annual SchoolJam USA Program to Award More Than $50,000 in Cash & Prizes to Teen Bands and Their Local School Music Programs

CARLSBAD, Calif. , August 1, 2011—Just in time for back-to-school, teen bands have the chance to showcase their talent by entering the third annual national SchoolJam USA teen battle of the bands. Beginning today, middle and high school teens, who have a passion for music and want to help promote the significance of their schools’ music programs, can enter the SchoolJam USA competition at www.schooljamusa.com. 

This battle of rising stars is produced by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), and its promotional sponsors MENC: the National Association for Music Education, School of Rock, SchoolJam Germany, Music For All, TakeLessons.com, Drum Corps International, In Tune Monthly, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, Vans Warped Tour and Channel One News. The competition highlights quality musical teen talent, gathers students to support music and the arts, provides funding for school music programs, and promotes active participation in school music programs.

Avid Announces Sibelius 7, the Fastest, Smartest, Easiest Way to Write Music

Burlington, MA., 2011-07-27 - Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced the release of Sibelius 7, the newest version of the company’s flagship musical notation software. Combining a deep, sophisticated feature set with an all new task-oriented user interface -- putting all of the software’s features at the user's fingertips -- Sibelius® 7 enhances music writing through intuitive and flexible workflows and improved tools for increased collaboration. Complete with a newly recorded professional-quality sampled sound library, native 64-bit performance, full MusicXML interchange support, and advanced typography and graphics features, Sibelius 7 is more powerful and versatile than ever before.

EASTWEST HOLLYWOOD BRASS NOW SHIPPING

Offers introductory price of $795 through August 15, 2011

Hollywood, CA (July 25, 2011) – EASTWEST, the industry leader in virtual software instruments, is now shipping Hollywood Brass, a massive 150GB instrument that features unprecedented sound quality and the brand new PLAY 3 playback engine for the very latest in performance and control. As an introductory offer, customers can buy Hollywood Brass for up to 20% off the MSRP through August 15, 2011.

2011 Summer NAMM Closes; Experiences Overall Attendance Decrease, NAMM U Attendance Increase

New Changes Including Top 100 Dealer Awards Event and Public Day Inject New Energy Into Summer Industry Gathering

Nashville, Tenn., July 23, 2011—The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) closed its 2011 Summer NAMM music products trade show today at the Nashville Convention Center, reporting 10,898 registrants over the three-day show, a 13 percent decrease from 2010. 

The typically trade-only event also opened its doors to the public for “Wanna Play Music Day” today providing musicians and music buffs a rare opportunity to sneak a peak at the new instruments, music-making technologies, and pro audio and lighting equipment yet to hit retail stores. At show close, NAMM reported 1,133 public day attendees who infused the exhibit hall and meeting rooms with fresh energy on the final day of the show.

NAMM Elects New Executive Committee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. , July 23, 2011—The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) today announced the election of its 2011-2012 Executive Committee. The election, which took place today at a meeting of the NAMM Board of Directors during Summer NAMM, denotes a change in NAMM’s volunteer leadership with Kevin Cranley, president of Willis Music Company in Florence, Ky., taking over for outgoing NAMM Chairman Tom Schmitt, president and chairman of Schmitt Music Company in Minnesota.

NAMM Announces Top 100 Dealers at Summer NAMM Awards Show

NAMM Member Retailers from around the country are honored and the association names its first Dealer of the Year.

Nashville, Tenn., July 22, 2011—This evening NAMM announced the winners of the inaugural Top 100 Dealer Awards. The program was created to spotlight the very best industry retailers and share their strategies for success. 

“No one works harder than the local community music store,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. “And it’s an honor to pay tribute to those who go out every day and help customers realize their musical dreams.”

TELEFUNKEN Introduces New ELA M 260 Tube Mic Stereo Sets at Summer NAMM

Nashville, TN, July 21, 2011 — TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik of South Windsor, CT, is introducing at Summer NAMM the ELA M 260 Tube Microphone Stereo Set, which comes complete with 3 capsules for each microphone, plus one dual power supply and flight case.

The Stereo Set was first introduced in 1958 by Gotham Audio as a package for the Neumann U-47 and U-48 microphones that were distributed in the United States. TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik liked the idea, so 53 years later, the concept is reborn.