November 2026
THE ACCESSORIES ISSUE
Valeisha Butterfield
30 I FROM THE TOP We go one-on-one with Guitar Center
Music Foundation’s new CEO Valeisha Butterfield.
38 I THE MI 5 UNDER 45 AWARDS
The second annual awards highlight the best and brightest MI professionals under the age of 45, as voted on by industry veterans. Discover their keys to success.
Tim Oliver and Rich Galassini
44 I LAST-MINUTE
34 I HITTING A NEW KEY How Cunningham Piano, a 135-year-old retailer, is leaning to technology and incusitivity as it opens its brand-new, state-of-the-art showroom. Plus: the dealer’s owners share what they’re seeing in the larger piano market.
STOCKING GUIDE Eight surefire accessories to stock up on for the holidays.
25 I MY TURN X Rande Vick shares how every aisle should tell a story. 26 I AI IN MI X Peter Dods explores how AI can uncover hidden issues. 28 I MY TURN X Ray van Straten discusses how to be a reputable partner. 29 I WOMEN OF NAMM X Cassandra Sotos on looking beyond your “backyard.”
48 I GUITARS, AMPS & ACCESSORIES 52 I AUDIO & RECORDING 56 I DRUMS & PERCUSSION 58 I BAND & ORCHESTRA 59 I DJ & LIGHTING
16 I NEWS X Former NAMM CEO Larry Linkin Passes Away X PRS Founder Gets Inducted into GC’s Rockwalk X NAMM Announces NAMM NeXT LATAM X Gibson Garage Opens in Miami X Acoustic Shoppe Is Named to ‘Inc.’ List X ESP Guitars Promotes Key Staff 14 I INDUSTRY PROFILE X How the founder of VHT amps has transitioned to his Fryette Amplification brand and what it offers retailers and players.
RETAILER ASK THE 62 I ASK THE RETAILER X Retailers share their store’s holiday traditions.
Cover photo by: Ed Williams. Ray van Straten Cassandra Sotos
Rande Vick
Peter Dods
8 I MUSIC INC. I NOVEMBER 2026
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