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Mapex USA is introducing new QR Code Technology into the company’s marketing materials. A QR Code is a two-dimensional bar code that can be scanned by most smartphones, like iPhones or Droids. Free QR Code phone applications are widely available.

Mapex introduced a 20-page brochure at Summer NAMM featuring the company’s highlighted products such as the popular Saturn and Meridian drum sets and revolutionary Falcon pedal. QR Codes are used throughout the brochure. When one of the codes in the brochure is scanned by a smartphone, the code links the user directly to a YouTube video showing the drum set on the page being played by a Mapex artist including Walfredo Reyes and Chris Pennie.

“Our use of the QR Code will broaden the benefit of our printed marketing material.  Like our drums, the QR codes give the Mapex fan a unique experience,” said Jeff Ivester, Marketing Communications Manager.

In addition to using the codes in brochures and catalogs, Mapex is incorporating the technology into its print advertising and in-store signage. They expect others to follow suit.

“Players will walk into a drum shop and see a Meridian drum set alongside the Mapex QR Code-equipped POP. He can use his phone to scan the code to see and hear the drums being played by Chris Pennie right there in the store.”

QR Code readers for most smartphones can be downloaded from www.mobile-barcodes.com. iPhone users can download the free QuiQR app from the App Store.

Michael Kelly Guitar Company is proud to announce that it has teamed up with award-winning Country music artist Blake Shelton to create a unique, new signature model guitar. The Blake Shelton model is based on the company’s popular line of Patriot electric guitars but features a distinctive camouflage design motif on its body and headstock.

Shelton, who has charted six No. 1 Country hits to date, has enjoyed considerable success with his song “Hillbilly Bone,” a duet with Country artist Trace Adkins. Shelton recently earned his first Academy of Country Music Award for “Vocal Event of the Year” and is now nominated for a 2010 CMT Music Award for collaborative video of the year.

“We are excited to have Blake endorse our guitars and to present this special instrument to the music community,” said Bill Xavier, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Hanser Music Group, the parent company of Michael Kelly Guitar Company. “We believe this signature model reflects Blake’s artistry as a musician and his one-of-a-kind personality.”

The Blake Shelton Signature Michael Kelly guitar is a solidbody electric with a thick, deeply arched Maple top, Mahogany body and neck, Ebony fingerboard, Grover Rotomatic tuners and two Rockfield humbucking pickups. It produces big, rich tones with excellent sustain and – due to its thick Maple top – an articulate treble response. Its retail price is $999, with an approximate “street” price of $699.

To connect the guitar to Blake’s Country worldview, the instrument features a classic “cammo” design that utilizes green, brown and black colors. Unlike the intent of camouflage, this Michael Kelly guitar will make players stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Information courtesy of Michael Kelly Guitars.

Mapex has officially introduced the Horizon Fastpack drum set. The Fastpack is the only portable set of its kind and re-establishes the standard for great sounding, easy to load in, easy to load out drum sets.

The Mapex Horizon Fastpack (HXB5074DBBL) includes 20” x 12” bass drum, 8” x 6” and 10” x 7”mounted toms, 12” x 12” floor tom, 13” x 5” snare drum and lightweight and durable Mapex 310 series hardware. The shells are constructed using a basswood and birch ply combination for outstanding tone. The drums are covered with a durable, high gloss black covering and the mounted toms feature the exclusive Mapex Isolated Tom Mount System (ITS).

“These drums sizes were carefully engineered not only to perform flawlessly with the blended birch and basswood shell, but to make the set-up quick and positioning easy,” explains Joe Hibbs, Product Manager for Mapex USA.

The Fastpack drums and hardware are quickly and easily packed into three Mapex Fastpack drum bags. The bass drum and snare into fit into a padded rolling bag with wheels. The 8”, 10”, 12” toms all fit into a padded bag with a convenient shoulder strap. A durable, easy-to-carry bag is provided for the hardware. This three-bag system is designed for fast and convenient transportation of the entire drum set.

The Mapex Horizon Fastpack  lets you spend more time making music with your drums and less time moving them around and setting them up.

Premier bands pretty much have full reign over the gear they choose; and there is no premier artist right now than Lady Gaga! So when the rhythm section looked for a wireless instrument system that would provide the best performance for their recent US tour – regardless of cost – they chose Brace Audio’s DWG-1000 Digital Wireless System. The punctuation mark for this journey was a live performance on the Grammy Awards international telecast.

“I love my Brace wireless. You set it up- it works right out of the box- no RF interference and it didn’t change my tone. It works better than my other wireless which is a lot more than ten times the price!”, stated Adam Smirnoff, guitar.

Producer and bass player ‘Catalyst’ – aka Mitch Cohn – added, “Finally I’ve found a wireless pack that delivers my tone and is reliable night after night. I never have to worry about my sound being compromised with the Brace System. It’s head and shoulders above any wireless system out there. I love it.”

Perhaps the most important opinion was that of guitar tech Chris Vineyard who had to keep everything running smoothly night after night. “I was very skeptical when the guitarist brought me the Brace unit to try. Now I am a believer. With helical antennas. I was amazed. The problems and drop outs were gone. Plus, it sounds a lot better than a standard analog wireless. Adam finally got his tone back!”

The Brace Audio DWG-1000 Wireless Instrument System utilizes 2.4GHz FHSS digital wireless technology and provides rack-mount system performance in a compact format. Frequency response extends from 10Hz to 15kHz; perfect for bass or guitar. Up to six receivers and 12 transmitters per receiver can operate on one stage, so a mega-act such as Lady Gaga can cut the cords of practically every instrument!

Who’s Using Brace?

It might be easier to list who isn’t using the Brace Audio DWG-1000 Digital Wireless System, but here you go…

• Lex Al – bassist – Michael Jackson, George Lopez Show
• Bootsy Collins – legendary bassist
• Mark Farner – Grand Funk Railroad
• Brandino – bassist- records for Justin Timberlake, Outkast, Christina Aguilera
• Sheldon Reynolds – guitarist – Earth, Wind, and Fire, Brian Culbertson
• Brett Scallions – guitarist/vocalist – Fuel
• Marcus Miller – bassist
• Kern Brantley – bassist and musical director – Ne-Yo, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Lady Gaga
• Anthony Joyner – bassist – Smokey Lonesome
• Tracii Guns – guitarist – Brides of Destruction, L.A. Guns
• Shaunna Hall – guitarist – George Clinton, 4 Non-Blondes
• Aaron McLain – guitarist – Marc Anthony, Boy Don’t Cry, Beto Cuevas
• John Montalbano – guitarist – Public Enemy, CoQ10
• Joel Whitley – guitarist – Stevie Wonder, Everlast, Dr. Dre
• Catalyst – guitar – Asante, Ashante, Jojo, Lady Gaga
• Rob Arnold – guitar – Chimaira
• Adam Blackstone – bassist and musical director – Eminem, Jill Scott, Queen Latifah, Kanye West, Janet Jackson
• Alex Plays – producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist – Kitaro, Cirque De Soliel
• Larry Mitchell- Grammy winning producer, guitarist – Billy Squier
• Joe Lynn Turner – guitar/vocals, solo artist
• Adam Smirnoff – guitar – Robert Randolph, Lettuce, Lady Gaga
• Jeremy Carson – bassist – L.A. Guns
• John Bengtsson – bass – The Sounds
• Felix Rodriguez – guitar – The Sounds
• Ric Hall – guitar – Buddy Guy
• Curt Chambers – guitar – Eminem, P Diddy, Kelis, India.Arie
• Chuck Gibson Jr – guitar, musical director – Sean Kingston
• Frank Marino – guitar – Mahogany Rush
• Josh Dunahm – bass – Prince, The Vivo Club
• Nathan Watts – bass – Stevie Wonder
• Melvin (Wah-Wah) Watson – guitar – Stevie Wonder
• Carl Harvey – guitar – Toots and the Maytals, Carl Harvey Project
• Ian Crawford – guitar – The Cab, Panic at the Disco, Debate Team
• Rob Trevino – guitar – Helstar
• Larry Barragan – guitar – Helstar
• Julie Slick – bass – Adrian Belew’s Power Trio
• Paul Cadena – guitarist – The Sleeping
• Justin Willet – guitar – Willet
• Jeremy Willet – guitar/vocals – Willet
• Dug Pinnick – bass – King’s X
• Mason Tikl – guitar – What’s He Building In There?
• Steve Fekete – guitar – David Archuleta
• Hash – bass – Thievery Corporation
• Don Alder – guitar – solo artist
• Dhani Harrison – guitar/vocals – thenewno2
• Mick Dalla-Vee – bass – Randy Bachman
• JR Blackmore – guitar – Over The Rainbow
• Jerry Becker – guitar/keyboard – Train
• Walter Maldonado – bass – Train
• Nick Trombino – guitar – Sleeping with Sirens
• Nathaniel Kearney Jr – bass – Brian Culbertson
• Malcolm Jamal Warner – bass – Miles Long
• Tony Karlsson – guitar – Nude
• Clay Sears – guitar – Queen Latifah
• Dave Immerman – guita r- Allison Iraheta, Lesley Joy
• Derrick Lee Murdoch – bass – Tonight Show with Jay Leno
• Jervonny “JV’ Collier – bass – Bruce Hornsby, The Pointer Sisters
• Jin Joo Lee – guitar – Jordin Sparks
• Tomi Martin – guitar, musical director – Justin Bieber
• Brent Knudsen – guitar – Randy Bachman
• Ian Cameron – violin – Randy Bachman
• Ivan Pierce – guitar – sideman with many country artists

AND YOU!

For more information about Brace Audio, visit their website by clicking Here.

Mapex announced the introduction of the Voyager Drum Set Series, an entirely new entry-level product line for 2010. All Voyager drum sets are packaged to be “ready to go” and include a full set of all new Mapex 330 Series Hardware, a padded throne, a set of new Mapex Cymbals and a set-up and instructional DVD. The all basswood drums feature newly designed appointments, including lugs, mounts, badges and bass drum claws.

The Voyager features 7.2mm, basswood shells with newly designed, low mass lugs. These small profile lugs are mounted to the shell using only a single point of contact, minimizing the holes drilled into the shell and thereby enhancing resonance. Voyager Series drums also Remo drumheads, including a self-muffling bass drum batter head.The bass drum’s tom mount features new styling and a recessed adapter to accommodate an optional cymbal arm.

All Voyager drum sets feature newly designed Mapex 330 Series Hardware. The 330 Series Cymbal Stand features Multi-Sustain Cymbal Felts, that allow players to use any combination of plastic or felt on their cymbal stands for more precise cymbal sustain. Mapex Voyager drum sets also include an instructional set-up DVD, hosted by Drumming’s Global Ambassador and Mapex Artist, Dom Famularo.

Voyager is available in Black, Burgundy, Dark Indigo, Gray Steel or Snow White covered finishes and three 5-piece configurations: Standard/VR5254TCZ (22×16 bass drum, 12×9 and 13×10 tom toms, 16×16 floor tom, 14×5.5 snare drum), Fusionease/ VR5244TCZ (22×16 bass drum, 10×8 and 12×9 tom toms, 14×14 floor tom, 14×5.5 snare drum) and Jazz/VR5044TCZ (20×16 bass drum, 10×8 and 12×9 tom toms, 14×14 floor tom, 14×5.5 snare drum).

The new Mapex cymbal pack is also available with Voyager kits. The pack includes a set of 14-inch hi-hats and an 18-inch crash/ride.

The Voyager Series replaces the Q Series product line, which has been discontinued.

Features:

• 7.2mm basswood shells with durable, high-gloss wrapped finishes
• Double tom holder with auxillary cymbal placement position
• New Mapex 330 Series Hardware
• Drummer’s throne included
• Remo equipped, including self-muffling bass drum head
• Instructional set-up DVD included
• Limited Lifetime Warranty on drum shells
• 5-year Limited Warranty on hardware

Check out the new Michael Kelly Exotic Vex  electric guitar for only $349 w/free shipping!

On top of the tone heap sits the Exotic Vex . The Exotic Vex is equipped with a full serving of the tastiest features that will make you the “envy” of the crowd. The  Vex’s unique features include a beautifully arched top, an attractive three-over-three headstock and string through the body design. The pickups in this instant classic also exude a tonal quality usually only found on much more expensive guitars.

Other features include a bolt on maple neck, carved paulonia body, Rosewood fretboard, 24 medium jumbo frets, a Tune-o-matic Bridge with string-through body, which gives the Vex X guitar a slightly darker tone than other guitars. The Vex is sure to please the ears and the eyes of even the most discriminating player.

Another Hot deal! Crate CA10  acoustic guitar practice amp $99 w/free shipping! Very limited quantity so act fast.

Our CA Series amps give you all the tone and features necessary to put your acoustic sound on top of the mix, whether you’re soloing at the Opry or strummin’ at the coffeehouse. With its unparalleled balance of clarity, power, natural tone, and intuitive controls, the Crate Acoustic Series remains our most widely endorsed amp line. Try one and you’ll see why. The CA10 compact amplifier delivers 10 watts of pure acoustic tone via its 1/4″ input with its own gain control. Three bands of EQ, centered at critical frequencies, provide exceptional tone control and minimize feedback.

The Crate 8″ woofer/piezo tweeter combination delivers smooth, pristine sound with outstanding projection and fidelity. Chorus with Rate control allows you to sweeten your sound, which you can listen to by yourself via the Headphones jack. A Power LED lets you know the CA10 is on, not that you’ll need that when you hear the crystal clear tone coming from it.

Deal of the day! Kustom 12-Gauge  16 watt guitar amplifier for only $109 w/free shipping!

Kustom introduces an industry-first: a 16-watt guitar amp that sports a big 12-inch speaker and a breakthrough retail price. The amp is called the 12 GAUGE and it delivers a huge, aggressive sound for its size and price.

Features include 3-Band EQ, a plywood baffle board to enhance cabinet resonance, metal knobs and built-in Reverb and Delay effects. There’s plenty of flexibility thanks to separate Rhythm and Lead channels, an External Speaker jack, a Headphone jack and a CD/Tape/i-Pod input. If possible, use the External Speaker jack to connect a pro-quality 4×12 speaker cabinet. Prepare to be amazed at the enormous sound!  

Deal of the Day! B.C. Rich Doubleneck Bich Electric Guitar B612TR - MSRP: $1549, Our Price: $999 w/free case & shipping!

Some of the world’s most renown guitars have made a living with a double neck as part of their arsenal. The B.C. Rich Bich Double Neck’s roots run deep, Lita Ford, Carlos Alomar (David Bowie) and Randy Jackson (Zebra) were often seen and heard shredding a DNB. One neck features a traditional six string configuration while the second neck is strung with twelve along with the innovative B.C. Rich Bich rear mounted octave string tuners. Screaming Rockfield Mafia pickups and a host of classic B.C. Rich active electronics round out a versatile and authoritative tonal package.