May 2026
THE GUITAR ISSUE
26 I FROM THE TOP
Fender’s new CEO talks future plans, INXS and maintaining the company’s legacy.
Novo Guitars’ Serus J
38 I 5 BOUTIQUE BRANDS TO STOCK TODAY A roundup of boutique brands that every guitar dealer should consider stocking.
Sweetwater’s pedal display at its Fort Wayne, Indiana, showroom.
40 I PEDAL DISPLAYS 101: TURN BROWSERS INTO PLAYERS We spotlight three MI retailers who are taking their effects displays to the next level.
B’s Music Shop’s owner Brian Hansen.
30 I THE ART OF MODERN GUITAR RETAILING Three guitar retailers across the country share what guitar retailing looks like in 2026. Plus: They share their No. 1 tip for fellow guitar dealers.
42 I GUITARS, AMPS & ACCESSORIES 46 I AUDIO & RECORDING 48 I DRUMS & PERCUSSION 49 I BAND & ORCHESTRA 50 I PIANOS, KEYBOARDS & SYNTHESIZERS 51 I DJ & LIGHTING RETAILER ASK THE 54 I ASK THE RETAILER X Retailers offer strategies for selling high-end amps.
22 I AI IN MI X Peter Dods shares how better prompts keep AI from leading you astray.
18 I NEWS X Guitar Center Relaunches OCDP X Yamaha’s Tom Sumner to Retire X NAMM NeXT Europe Returns in June X Plus: Our debut “Retail Spotlight” featuring Fret12 14 I INDUSTRY PROFILES X How MIRC restores b-stock instruments for mom-and- pop retailers, while opening its first brick-and-mortar location last month. X A detailed look at Sho-Bud’s acquisition of Mosrite Guitars and its focus on preserving the brand’s legacy.
23 I MY TURN X Myrna Sislen discusses what she’s learned from Beacock Music as it celebrates 50 years.
24 I VIEW FROM REPAIR BENCH X Steve France offers four KPIs to drive B&O repair production.
25 I NAMM YP X Lisa Macdonald on leaning on co-workers during hard times.
Cover photo by Jena Hovey.
8 I MUSIC INC. I MAY 2026
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