Issue 146 July 2012
www.mi-pro.co.uk
MIRC conference - full line-up Page 32
The Last Word Page 82
PRINT • ONLINE • MOBILE Regulars: News 6 • MIA 19 • Events 14 • Appointments 16 • Retail News 54 • New Gear 63 • Mike Dolbear 65 • Backline 80 146 IN THIS ISSUE
FEATURES 20 String Swing
US accessories specialist talks to MI Pro 20
22 Marshall’s Eden project What’s is Marshall’s bass amp plan?
24 Yamaha’s drum landmark 45 years of drum innovation 26 JHS Event
Up North to the distributor’s annual showcase 28 Audio-Technica
22 The busy audio specialist gives us a tour
SECTOR SPOTLIGHTS 37 Strings
Those essential margin-making accessories 24
43 Traditional Mandolins, ukes, banjos and all things folky
46 Combo amps From practice amps to boutique tube models
RETAIL
56 Mystery Shopper Out and about in North London
26
58 Retail Profile USA Dave’s Guitar Shop, Wisconsin
61 Campaign of the Month Korg’s Walden Guitars promo
70 Sheet Music What’s new in the printed product sector
28
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Gone, not forgotten Editorial Comment
IT HAS been a while since we’ve had to write about the demise of someone from the supplier side of the business. We all know that retail is a very tough business to survive in, so it is not so uncommon for us to be reporting on shops going under, sadly. But, certainly on my watch at least, FCN is the first distribution company that has been forced to call it a day due to this current recession. Given the difficulties businesses in all sectors have been facing over the last couple of years, I’d say that’s a pretty remarkable statistic for the MI industry. There may be a lot of companies sailing a bit close to the wind right now but, touch wood, we’re not seeing many of them locking the doors. Yet. Hopefully, I haven’t just administered the commentator’s kiss of death by saying that.
It should also be said that FCN was
refreshingly honest about its situation when it might have been easier to keep its counsel and say nothing. But, having lost four brands in the last couple of months, including prestige harmonica brand, Lee Oskar, the writing was on the wall.
But it is trying to
retreat from the business in the correct manner, with head held high and for that it should be applauded. Too many companies sneak out the back way. They’re rarely missed. But, no doubt FCN will be.
ronnie.dungan@intentmedia.co.uk
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