October 2026
Brian Ball
28 I FROM THE TOP CEO Brian Ball discusses Ernie Ball’s
recent acquisition of Source Audio, if it plans to expand further into the pedal market and more.
Micahl Craig
Tony Colwell
Robert Christie
38 I THE ANNUAL MUSIC INC. HOLIDAY SALES GUIDE Three MI retailers share their tried and true holiday promos.
Jerry and Myra Portman
32 I PORTMAN’S MUSIC AT 90 A conversation with the owners of the longest running music dealership in the state of Georgia.
25 I AI IN MI X Peter Dods on the benefits of inter- nal feedback on your AI tools.
44 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
14 I INDUSTRY PROFILE X We take an in-depth look at L.R. Baggs complete rebrand and what that means for the company.
26 I VIEW FROM THE REPAIR BENCH X Steve France shares how to establish training goals. 27 I NAMM YP X Erin Kessler and Ana Dobrian discuss using the “good-better-best” method outside of sales.
16 I INDUSTRY NEWS X NAMM Release 2027 Show Updates X PRS Guitars Announces New CEO X Nick Rail Music Celebrates 40 Years X Dawkes Music Celebrates 60th X Positive Grid’s SVP of Sales Retires X Reverb Hosts Jack White X Zildjian, Alesis Drums Announce Partnership
RETAILER ASK THE 54 I ASK THE RETAILER X Dealers share their must-stock gear items for the holidays.
Peter Dods
Steve France
Erin Kessler
Cover photo by: Mark Pointer.
8 I MUSIC INC. I OCTOBER 2026
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