September 2026
Todd Binder
28 I FROM THE TOP Newly appointed CEO Todd Binder talks plans for the guitar brand, his management style and the biggest misconception about ESP.
Laura Davidson, Shure
Shiloh Music Center’s James, Karen, George and Paul Hedges.
38 I BEYOND THE MUSIC
32 I A MASTER CLASS IN LESSONS Fresh off their 2026 NAMM Retail Award win for “Best Music Lesson Program,” the Hedges family behind Shiloh Music Center shares how they’ve built, grown and fostered their winning lesson program — and offers a few secrets to their success.
How podcasting, streaming and home content creation are driving new demand for audio gear.
25 I THE MARKETING GURU X Tracey Hoeft shares how MI retailers can become ChatGPT’s top recommendation. 26 I AI IN MI X Peter Dods on the downsides to using AI that can’t be ignored. 27 I VIEW FROM THE REPAIR BENCH X Steve France offers compensation plan principles.
42 I GUITARS, AMPS & ACCESSORIES 46 I AUDIO & RECORDINGS 48 I DRUMS & PERCUSSION 49 I BAND & ORCHESTRA 50 I PIANOS, KEYBOARDS & SYNTHESIZERS 51 I DJ & LIGHTING
18 I INDUSTRY NEWS X Ernie Ball to Acquire Source Audio X AMP’d Guitar Den Opens in Orlando X Danny’s Guitar Shop Closes X Foti Joins Proel Italy as Co-CEO X KHS America Appoints New Brand Manager X Gibson Names New Interim CEO X Fender Appoints New COO X Sweetwater Wins Top Workplace Title 16 I INDUSTRY PROFILE X An update on the latest Pro Tools offering and how AI is playing a role in the platform.
RETAILER ASK THE 54 I ASK THE RETAILER X Dealers share tips for incentivizing sales staff.
Tracy Hoeft
Peter Dods
Steve France
Cover photo by: Scott Robertson
10 I MUSIC INC. I SEPTEMBER 2026
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