Music & Sound Award Nominees Take The Stage
They’ve been called the Oscars of the music products industry. They’ve also been called the highest honor a manufacturer, product or dealer can receive in the MI space. That’s right…it’s time once again for the Music & Sound Awards, which The Music & Sound Retailer proudly presents for their 28th year. Here, we showcase all the nominees in our manufacturer, product and company executive categories, as well as edited quotes from those nominees who met our deadline to provide comment. Before casting your Music & Sound Awards ballot, take this opportunity to check out all the nominees and peruse their comments. For a complete listing of Music & Sound Award nominees in the dealer category, flip to page 36. We trust you’ll be as impressed with this group of nominees as we at The Retailer are.
BEST ACOUSTIC GUITAR OF 2013
Alvarez’s Artist Series 66s
“It takes us nearly four months to handcraft an Artist 66. The painting, sanding and drying process alone is nearly 40 days. The finish on these guitars is stunning. They have a deep, glass-like shine that makes the vintage sunburst literally sparkle over a quarter sawn, solid African mahogany top. They have African mahogany back and sides, and traditional abalone and pearl understated cosmetics. Our bi-level rosewood bridge and real bone saddle and nut team up with a forward-shifted, hand-finished bracing system to make the 66s sound and play as good as they look. MAPs start at $329.99. Hard to believe, and even harder to beat.”
—Chris Meikle, Senior VP, St. Louis Music
Takamine’s GD93CE Acoustic/Electric Dreadnought
“Takamine G Series guitars have always represented high quality and exceptional value. Now, they’re even better, with great new looks and features at price points that are more accessible than ever before. The GD93CE model is a shining example of what the new G Series is all about. It features a highly acclaimed Takamine electronics system and stunning good looks with its three-piece back, wood binding and abalone inlays. It provides the exceptional performance and sound quality that demanding players have come to expect from Takamine.”
—Dave Gonzalez, Product Manager, Takamine Guitars
Taylor’s Grand Orchestra
“We’d like to send our heartfelt thanks to our dealers for nominating the Taylor Grand Orchestra as the Best Acoustic Guitar of 2013. As we begin our 40th anniversary year, the Grand Orchestra serves as a shining example of Taylor’s ongoing commitment to pushing forward and developing innovative, exciting instruments to inspire future generations of Taylor fans. Master luthier Andy Powers has hit a sweet note with the Grand Orchestra by reimagining the possibilities of a big-bodied guitar. To quote one of our passionate dealers, ‘The Grand Orchestra is the instrument all large-bodied guitars hope to grow up to be.’”
—Monte Montefusco, Director of Sales, Taylor Guitars
Yamaha’s FS700S Solid Top Concert Acoustic
“Expanding on the number-one-selling acoustic guitar in the United States, the FG700S, this year Yamaha released its small body brother, the FS700S. With solid spruce top and an attractive price, the FS700S is spec’d and priced to reach a wider range of new and experienced guitar players. The FS700S offers a smaller body shape with standard dreadnought depth that is great for finger-style, strumming cowboy chords and playing along with your favorite band.”
—Dennis Webster, Manager of Marketing, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Yamaha
BEST ELECTRIC GUITAR OF 2013