Latest news with #NAMM
Los Angeles Times
31-07-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
NAMM extends harmonious partnership with Anaheim to 2030
A 50-year partnership between the National Assn. of Music Merchants and the city of Anaheim was celebrated Tuesday during a special gathering at the Anaheim Convention Center Grand Plaza, where it was announced the nonprofit will continue to hold its annual trade shows in the city until at least 2030. Each year the NAMM trade show brings music, sound and entertainment technology professionals from more than 120 countries to Anaheim, stimulating the local economy. The announcement that its local run has been extended came as music to the ears of local business owners, community leaders and the student musicians who benefit from the association's shows. 'When NAMM comes to town, our city comes alive,' said Mayor Ashleigh Aitken. 'NAMM fills our hotels, supports our restaurants and most importantly it fuels our small businesses,' she continued, echoing remarks made by Mike Waterman, president and chief executive of Visit Anaheim. Founded in 1901, the association is dedicated to 'promoting the pleasures and benefits of making music.' It produces a number of trade shows throughout the year and offers members access to resources and professional development. 'NAMM was founded by a group of piano dealers in New York who wanted to make sure the trade of the musical instrument at the time was strong,' said John Mlynczak, president of the organization. 'Throughout history, through depressions, world wars, the pandemic and even more threatening things to our industry like the internet or the 800 number, all the things that changed commerce, NAMM continues to evolve.' In addition to the commerce the NAMM show brings to Anaheim, the organization also has a harmonious relationship with Anaheim Elementary School District's music education programs through instrument donations and support for student musicians. 'We are not just a trade show,' Mlynczak said. 'Music is about community and one of the things NAMM has learned over 125 years is you have to build community. It is not just the products that are launched here, it is the artists, the musicians, the influencers, the students and the educators.' In 2014, the Anaheim Elementary School District Board of Education made a commitment to provide music instruction for its students. By 2018, all 24 schools employed full-time general music teachers, thanks in part to NAMM. 'One of our main core missions from our school board is that every student from pre-K through sixth grade has music education as part of their general education,' said Anaheim Elementary School District Supt. Jesus Chavarria, who was a guest speaker during Tuesday's celebration. 'NAMM's partnership has helped us thrive.' Chavarria spoke about the multiple music education programs Anaheim Elementary School District now offers, including a showcase band, drumline and a Mariachi All-Stars group with plans for All-Star choir currently in the works. For the last 10 years, Anaheim schools have also served as hosts for the NAMM Foundation's Day of Service, which brings industry professionals into the classroom to give students the opportunity to hear from working musicians. To demonstrate the impact NAMM has made by providing support of the district's music initiatives, the Sarah Grandpré Studio Singers performed following the speakers' remarks. Clad in white blazers, the group performed two numbers for the audience. Mlynczak said NAMM is looking forward to five more years of making an impact on Anaheim, or 'NAMMaheim,' as he jokingly referred to the city. 'The power of music is what makes our event so special and the power of community is what makes Anaheim so special,' he said.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Area school named one of the Best Communities for Music Education
Beavercreek City Schools has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. The celebrated designation highlights the school's commitment to music education and is supported by Beavercreek City Schools student involvement at all grade levels, according to a press release from the school. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The school says they have 6,000 students participating in music from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Around 4,000 of those students are 5th grade or younger, around 2,000 are in middle and high school. TRENDING STORIES: Founding member of popular Dayton band feared dead in California plane crash 18-year-old killed in shooting in Dayton neighborhood identified Patients still feeling impacts after Kettering Health cyberattack; ways to protect your information 'It's a huge honor for Beavercreek City Schools to be named one of the Best Communities for Music Education. This recognition reflects the dedication of our music staff and students, the unwavering support from our families and administration, and the collaborative spirit of our entire community. I'm so proud to be part of a district that truly values the power of music education.' Beavercreek High School Associate Director of Bands Heather Marsh-Myers said. The middle and high school students participate in band, choir, show choir, ensembles, marching band, jazz band, pep band and color guard, according to Beavercreek City Schools. The Best Communities for Music Education award honors schools that are committed to ensuring music education as part of a well-rounded academic experience. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Reuters
09-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Fear of tariffs plays out even among US guitar makers: Ross Kerber
April 9 (Reuters) - Sometimes the smaller industries can shed the best light on bigger trends. I think that is the case with the U.S. musical instruments sector, which fears the sweeping tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump last week, the head of a trade group told me. Make sense of the latest ESG trends affecting companies and governments with the Reuters Sustainable Switch newsletter. Sign up here. Companies that make gear like guitars, microphones and drums had already struggled to adjust to tariffs Trump imposed on China during his first administration, often by shifting production to other Asian nations like Vietnam, said John Mlynczak, CEO of the National Association of Music Merchants. Under Trump's new plans, U.S. imports from Vietnam will face a 46% tariff rate, as of Tuesday, a barrier that Mlynczak said would ruin supply chains for many of his members. "This is a highly specialized industry. It's not like you could send CNC drawings to a different factory tomorrow," he said, using an industry term for technical drawings. "Our companies can't move production right away, so they will have no choice but to absorb the costs. And we're not a high margin industry," he said. Mlynczak's concerns about tariffs echoed those of other trade groups like the National Retail Federation, opens new tab. NAMM has asked for exemptions, opens new tab, noting how China and Vietnam now respectively account for 43% and 26% of U.S. industry imports. Many other industries have shifted production to Vietnam, giving the country a growing trade surplus with the U.S. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh said on Monday that his country will buy more American products and asked for a delay in the tariffs' imposition. NAMM tracks U.S. sales of everything from fretted instruments to recording products to printed sheet music. In all categories, sales totaled $8.3 billion in 2023, a drop in the bucket compared to bigger industries like agriculture or autos. Industry sales also were down 4% from the prior year, as Americans put down their instruments and left COVID-era hideouts to spend more money on things like concerts and travel. But the music industry story still matters since the U.S. market for musical gear is the largest, accounting for 43% of global sales. NAMM's membership includes retailers like Guitar Center and manufacturers like guitar makers Fender and Gibson. Representatives for the three did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. Trump argues the tariffs should help domestic U.S. manufacturers and has cited " a lack of reciprocity, opens new tab in our bilateral trade relationships" that make it harder for U.S. manufacturers to sell in other markets. The National Association of Manufacturers has criticized Trump's plan, opens new tab, saying it will raise costs. Mlynczak took a similar view. Members of his smaller trade group will lose sales if the tariffs lead to recession, he said. Some American companies also make their entry-level products in Asia, exposing them to tariffs also. Plus, higher costs for inputs could prove a problem, he said. "If U.S. makers are paying more for raw materials, they're paying more to compete," Mlynczak said.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NAMM 2025: Shure takes to the stage with new instrument, headset and vocal mics
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. NAMM 2025: There's a whole raft of new products on the way from Shure, with the venerable studio brand pushing out the boat in multiple sonic directions. First off the blocks are Shure's new line of Nexadyne dynamic instrument microphones. There are three new mics in the range, each featuring Shure's patented Revonic Technology, and each tailored for a specific purpose. While typical instrument microphones use a single transducer, Shure's Nexadynes feature two precisely calibrated transducers working together to achieve perfect performance. The result is a sound with natural, authentic clarity that similarly keeps out unwanted noise. Their combination of acoustic signal processing and exceptional polar pattern linearity delivers a stronger and clearer output with less need for EQ corrections later, Shure claims. The Nexadyne 2 Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone features a contoured EQ, built-in acoustic protection from stage rumble, and improved high-frequency extension and attack. Designed for perfect placement, its swivel joint is separated from its XLR output to avoid strain on all-important connections. Nexadyne 5 Dynamic Guitar Amp Microphone features a tiny, full-range dynamic cartridge design for easy placement, either hanging from your amp or secured with the mic clip (supplied) and stand. Finally. the Nexadyne 6 Tom/Snare Microphone is designed to minimise bleed while delivering stronger focus and flexibility. With a clear high-frequency response, extremely flat mid-range and full low-end it also boasts a unique fixed angle design and a new, smaller drum mount (the A6D, which comes supplied) to reduce movement once the performance starts. The Nexadyne 6 is also available in the three-pack. All three new mics feature a compact design and a discreet, black finish for unobtrusive deployment and come complete with a storage bag and brass mount adapters. 'Nexadyne Instrument mics bring Shure's revolutionary Revonic technology to more audio professionals and performers,' said Nick Wood, Senior Director, Global Marketing and Product Management, at Shure. 'Nexadyne is about capturing the essence of a performance. Now the same breakthrough dual transducer design that powers our Nexadyne Vocal Microphones is available in three new supercardioid models perfect for backline and instrument applications.' The new Nexadynes will be available from February starting at £215 including VAT. Joining the new Nexadynes at NAMM comes a new wireless mic solution from Shure. Building on its popular SLX-D wireless units, the new SLXD4Q+ offers the same quality and reliability, with four channels on board for four simultaneous wireless inputs into a single unit. And maximising its potential, Shure's new unit is available in both a standard (SLXD4Q+) and Dante-enabled (SLXD4QDAN+) version. There's new and improved 138MHz tuning range capability for the first time, the ability to sum the audio into a single output, XLR, 1/4-inch, and Dante output options, and it all fits in a single, compact rack space. Plus, two units can be cascaded to create an eight-channel SLX-D set up if required. And through Shure's ongoing partnership with Yamaha, Shure's latest wireless product will once again be controllable from compatible Yamaha digital mixers. "SLX-D Quad Receivers bring everything to the table that users expect from SLX-D: flawless 24-bit audio, streamlined, network-ready setup, and rock-solid RF," said Shure's Nick Wood. 'Now these features are available in a space-saving, four-channel receiver with wide tuning bands that cover the available UHF frequency range. This means a single SLX-D Quad receiver can be deployed throughout an entire country and sync with any band of existing SLX-D transmitters.' The SLXD4Q+ is available now for £2,289 with the Dante-enabled SLXD4QDAN+ in coming in at £2,949. The SM39 is Shure's latest hands-free mic set-up, allowing complete freedom while always ensuring that vocals and on-stage performance are both delivered entirely unhindered to your audience. It features a lightweight, low-profile design, a comfortable, secure fit for extended wear, and is all set to integrate seamlessly with Shure's Axient Digital mic systems and all Shure Wireless Systems. The SM39 is available now from £379 RRP inc VAT. Finally, there's a new addition at the top of the Shure live mic tree. The new KSM11 Wired Cardioid Condenser Vocal Microphone is a new, wired version of the company's famous, top quality wireless vocal mic, offering the extra security that only a solid, physical XLR connection can deliver. Shure's famous KSM11 capsule delivers a sound that requires substantially less processing and EQ to produce stage-ready sound. The new KSM11 wired version (with XLR) comes in at £749 RRP inc VAT and is available now.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Harley Benton teams-up with YouTuber on a budget-friendly, versatile signature model – the Guitar MAX Fusion
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. NAMM 2025: Budget champion Harley Benton has introduced a brand-new signature model – the Guitar MAX Fusion Signature – in collaboration with heavy metal guitarist and YouTuber Maxxxwell Carlisle. The Guitar MAX Fusion Signature features a bolt-on neck design with a 25.5' scale length, a Nyatoh body with wooden binding and an ultra-flame maple veneer, and a Floyd Rose 100 tremolo with a locking nut, which, according to Harley Benton, 'keeps the tuning in check' even with 'the most vicious whammy bar use.' Other specs include a roasted flame maple neck with a classic reverse headstock and fingerboard. The neck boasts a modern 'C' profile, while the fingerboard has a flat 12' radius and is loaded with 24 stainless steel medium jumbo frets. Rounding off the Guitar MAX Fusion Signature's specs are Tesla Plasma-X1 and Tesla Plasma-RS2 pickups in the bridge and neck positions, respectively – delivery 'screaming leads to funky rhythms, and everything in between.' A mini-toggle switch allows players to toggle between humbucker and a coil-split single-coil-style voice for added tonal versatility. To top it off, the guitar comes in a 'striking' Emerald Green finish that is sure to turn heads. The popular YouTuber had previously addressed concerns about his signature model and debunked myths surrounding the brand, which is owned by German-based retailer Thomann. He clarified that his signature guitar is not made in China but in Indonesia, a popular manufacturing hub for many leading guitar brands – including the recently launched $599 Fender Standard Series. 'My signature guitar and the Fusion series, and certainly all of the guitars that have roasted necks and things like that – those are all Indonesian-made.' He also addressed the confusion surrounding the Harley Benton brand, clarifying that the name was chosen simply because it sounded good – and was not modeled after a particular founder. Despite this, it is clearly cementing its position in the budget-friendly guitar market, most recently announcing an all-new twin humbucker S-style electric guitar inspired by Tom DeLonge's signature Strat, launched in 2023. The Guitar MAX Fusion Signature is available in Emerald Flame, Purple Flame and Holographic finish options, priced at $435. For more information, visit Harley Benton.
