Built for MI’s ‘Real-World Needs’ T hank you for continuing to shine a light on the businesses and ideas that keep this indus- try moving. Independent music retailers are some of the most resilient people. At MusicWare, we work ev- ery day to ensure the tools that power their businesses are just as resilient. Our platform is built around the real-world needs of music stores, shaped by years of experience and feedback from music retailers like you. If there is something your business needs, tell us. We’re always listening, improving and looking for new ways to better serve music retail- ers. After all, we are all here to support this industry and our shared love of music. Katie Clarke Digital Marketing Specialist MusicWare Atlanta MI Dealers Are ‘Thirsty’ for Japanese- Built Guitars W e’d like to extend a big “thank you” for featuring Tokai’s return to the U.S. One of the big- gest takeaways since the article ran has been hearing from deal- ers just how thirsty customers are for a beautifully crafted, Japanese- built alternative. After months of industry drama, it’s clear players are eager to get back to buying great guitars instead of support- ing brands generating negativity within the industry. Dealers have told us they’re excited to offer an instrument they can confidently put on the wall and stand behind. That response has already led us to place additional factory orders, with our second shipment arriv- ing soon. We’re looking forward to getting even more Tokai guitars into U.S. dealers’ hands. Matt Desilet Director of Product Marketing Tokai Guitars Hamamatsu, Japan
Celebrating 60 Years of Guitars W e’d like to thank Music Inc. for its feature celebrat- ing 60 years of Yamaha guitars. It’s a privilege to see the legacy, innovation and enduring influ- ence of Yamaha guitars recog- nized in such a thoughtful and well-crafted retrospective. We’re grateful to the editorial team for highlighting this remarkable mile- stone and for sharing the stories that have shaped six decades of Yamaha guitars. We also extend our sincere ap- preciation to the players, dealers, artists and partners who have been part of that journey. Your passion and continued support inspire us as we look ahead to the next chapter. The Entire Yamaha Guitar Team Yamaha Corp. of America Calabasas, California Conquering the Busy B&O Fall Rush A huge shout-out to every- one who was recently in the trenches of the back-to- school music season! This includes the front-line retail staff and the manufacturers scrambling to fill last-minute orders to support their dealers. Also, words aren’t enough to express the gratitude felt for all of our music education advocates. As a constantly threatened school subject, it’s amazing to see all the support given to protecting the arts — both within the industry and outside. Thank you, Music Inc., for highlighting this time of year as school music is really where so many of us got our start. It’s great to see the support! Laura Penrose Owner Nick Rail Music Santa Barbara, California
Helping MI Retailers Thrive I wanted to thank Music Inc.’s Kimberly Kapela and the team for featuring Sync2Sell in its July 2026 issue as part of the “4 SAAS Tools to Deploy Now” article. It’s an honor to be included alongside other companies that are work- ing to help independent music retailers succeed. As both the owner of Sync- 2Sell and the general manager of a music store, I’ve had the unique opportunity to build software while living the same day-to-day challenges as the deal- ers we serve. Every feature we develop comes from real-world experience on the sales floor, in the warehouse and behind the counter. Our goal has always been to help stores grow their online business without losing sight of what makes independent retail special.
If any store owners or em- ployees would like to learn more about Sync2Sell, I’d be happy to personally give a demo, answer questions or simply talk shop. Feel free to reach out anytime at info@sync2sell.com. I’d also like to add my support for Opus1 being included in the article. As the general manager of Sims Music, we use Opus1 to manage our lesson program, and it has been one of the best soft- ware investments we’ve made. It has simplified our adminis- trative workload, improved the experience for our teachers and students, and helped us grow lesson revenue in the process. It’s refreshing to see Music Inc. highlighting tools that genuinely make a difference for indepen- dent dealers. Justin Sims Owner Sync2Sell Newberry, South Carolina
EDITOR’S NOTE: MUSIC INC. ENCOURAGES LETTERS AND RESPONSES TO ITS STORIES. EMAIL LETTERS TO EDITOR@MUSICINCMAG.COM.
14 I MUSIC INC. I SEPTEMBER 2026
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