December 2024
THE EXCELLENCE ISSUE I 39 R Retail Excellence Awards | 40
DRUM CENTER OF PORTSMOUTH MUSIC INC.’S 2024 RETAILER OF THE YEAR SWEETWATER GUITAR CENTER PROAUDIOSTAR PLAYGROUND MUSIC CENTER
Supplier Excellence Awards | 50 S YAMAHA D’ADDARIO EASTMAN MUSIC COMPANY HARRIS-TELLER THE MUSIC PEOPLE P Product Excellence Awards | 56
34 I FROM THE TOP
Amati’s Fine Instruments’ founder Michael Schear talks manufacturing in China.
Drum Center of Portsmouth’s Shane Kinney
26 I IN THE TRENCHES X Cyph Shah shares MI retail new year’s resolution ideas.
16 I NEWS X Hurricanes Helene, Milton Disrupt MI Business X She Rocks Names 2025 Award Winners X Guitar Center Appoints New EVP X Back to Rock Opens New Location X Martin Guitar Unveils Custom Shop Experience Center X GAMA Adds 2 New Board Members X ESP Guitars’ Founder Hisatake Shibuya Passes Away 14 I INDUSTRY PROFILE X How synth maker, Erica Synths, is educating the next generation of music-makers.
RETAILER ASK THE 62 I ASK THE RETAILER X More insightful takeaways from the 2024 Retail Excellence winners. 28 I NOTES & CENTS X Amanda Rueter shares her top 10 ideas for better year-end financial prep. 30 I WOMEN OF NAMM X AmpRx’s Cassandra Sotos details the secrets to her business’ success so far.
Erica Synths’ founder Girts Ozolins
Hurricane-affected retailers from Seven C Music.
Cover photo by Melissa Koren
8 I MUSIC INC. I DECEMBER 2024
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