News
July 2008
New » Memphis Pro« guitar stand from König & Meyer
The choice of guitar stands is huge. Which one though is suited not only to the studio, but is also definitely suited to the rigorous demands of being used on stage? Which one is practical and really provides reliable protection for your precious instrument?
 With the new #17670 »Memphis Pro« guitar stand König & Meyer presents a new product which covers all needs. The elegant, foldable guitar stand has a patented, self-clamping and self-locking suspension system. The innovative mechanism uses the weight of the guitar to clamp automatically with two brackets. As an additional safety feature two stoppers at the end of the brackets reliably clasp around the neck of the guitar. By relieving the weight (light lifting) the two brackets open automatically – a benefit which any musician with experience of the stage will appreciate. The intelligent clamping mechanism also works totally reliably with guitars with asymmetrical necks, such as e.g. the Telecaster.
The new product is produced with the proven quality of K&M’s stands for instruments and is extremely simple to use. When folded compactly the guitar stand measures only 54 x 8.5 x 8.5 cm. With elegant, stable clamping levers it can be adjusted to a height of 55-110 cm (the extension tube has anti-rotation protection). Further benefits protecting the instrument are provided by the stable foot design with a reinforced base and a high-quality, abrasion-proof rubber padding.
»Memphis Pro« is the ideal product for all guitarists looking for a compact and stable instrument stand with a high degree of safety.
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July 2008
New »JAZZ« saxophone stand from
König & Meyer
 The musicians who have already been allowed to test the new saxophone stand from König & Meyer all agreed: »JAZZ«, as the new product is called, sets new standards regarding stability, functionality and compactness.
 The most important demands placed on K&M’s designers when designing this innovative instrument stand were that it had to be stable and easy-to-use.
»JAZZ« is made primarily from solid, black anodised square aluminium profiles and weighs only 0.4 kg. With a practical, central locking screw the stand can be set up quickly. The attachment brackets, which can be folded out for the instrument bell and the support arms have protective, abrasion-proof rubber covers; the legs are fitted with integrated rubber feet. In spite of the high degree of stability the stand can be folded compactly (L 360 mm x Ø 50/70 mm), and slips into the included velour bag for convenient, safe in-bell storage.
The » JAZZ« saxophone stand is captivating with its clear design and high functionality. Two versions are offered (#14330 for Eb alto and #14335 for tenor saxophones).
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July 2008
Duesenberg Guitars appoints SF Marketing as Canadian distributor
SF Marketing is proud to introduce Duesenberg Guitars to the Canadian market. Canadian retail prices for the guitars range from $1999 to $4499.
Founded by Dieter Goelsdorf, a leader in design and innovation for decades, Duesenberg Guitars represent a unique combination of German engineering and classic art-deco styling. Each instrument embodies the construction techniques, features and sounds that have written music history.
“We are thrilled to bring Duesenberg Guitars to Canada,” says Jeff Sazant, VP of SF Marketing’s Musical Instruments division. “Their fresh and inventive approach to designing and building guitars makes for a high-end instrument that accomplished players all over the world are seeking out. And yet their classic-retro looks gives the guitars a comforting familiarity. It’s easy to see why those in the know refer to Duesenberg guitars as art!”
While the incorporation of modern guitar innovations enhances the guitars’ playability, the instruments possess a vintage feel and sound – straight out of the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
“The guitars feature custom hardware, including specially designed alnico pickups,” explains Sazant. “The tone is warm, and has a unique vintage “shimmer” to it that is distinctively Duesenberg.”
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July 2008
Tanglewood Guitar Company UK expands its popular Evolution Series
Tanglewood Guitar Company UK, the UK’s best-selling acoustic guitar brand, announces the expansion of its Evolution Series.
The brand’s entry-level collection was launched in late 2007, and until now featured five cedar top dreadnought models, ranging from the laminate top TW28-CLN ($229.00 retail) to the TW28-CSR ($379.00 retail), a solid top model with rosewood back and sides.
In adding 13 new models to the Series, Tanglewood Guitar Co. UK brings the Evolution count to 18 guitars and extends the Series to include: cedar tops and dreadnought bodies. The new additions include a version of the popular TW28-CSN solid cedar top dreadnought with a cutaway and B-Band electronics added, a dreadnought with solid Engelmann spruce top, three “Super Folk” size guitars and two jumbos with B-Band electronics in a variety of colours, spruce top dreadnoughts with a cutaway and B-band electronics in natural and gloss black finishes, an acoustic bass, and a traveler size guitar.
“Our Evolution Series guitars have set the bar in terms of what can be expected from the entry level price point,” affirms Erik Lind, Product Manager at SF Marketing, the brand’s Canadian distributor. “These new guitars provide our customers with a wider selection at our value price bracket, while sticking with formula that has made Evolution so popular with players and dealers: exceptionally big bang for the buck.”
Evolution Series guitars feature maple bindings, a bone nut and saddle, D’Addario EXP strings, and B-Band A3 electronics on acoustic/electric models. Each guitar is inspected and set up in Canada immediately prior to shipping.
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July 2008
SF Marketing to distrbute Ultimate Support
Beginning July 2008, SF Marketing Inc. will distribute Ultimate Support Systems stands and accessories exclusively across Canada.
Ultimate Support Systems traces its roots to 1977, when company founder, musician and inventor Darrell Schoenig developed an alternative to the existing bulky speaker stands. His solution, a compact, durable, aluminum stand crafted from parts of a hang-glider, was the prototype for the first in a series of pioneering support stands for speakers.
Throughout its 30-year history, Ultimate Support Systems has established itself as the premium accessory choice of pros, dealers, and consumers alike. Offering a wide range of innovative designs backed with un-paralleled customer service, Ultimate Support products meet the ever-evolving needs of musicians, sound contractors, venues, and recording studios. Legacy products like the award-winning Apex Column Keyboard and TeleLock® Speaker stands have withstood the test of time and continue to be widely used today.
Since purchasing the company in January 2007, CEO Mike Belitz has made further improvements: relocating corporate headquarters to Loveland, CO, returning the shipping/warehousing functions from an off-site facility to the new headquarters, assembling a new management team of industry veterans, and creating a host of new products that were launched at The NAMM Show in January 2008.
“We’re incredibly happy to represent this fine brand in Canada” states Jeff Sazant, SF Marketing Vice President, Musical Instruments Division. “Thirty or so years ago, Ultimate Support virtually invented the category of performance oriented stand products, and their ground breaking designs continue to lead the way. The Ultimate Support badge is the proudest in the business and their product line up has never been stronger. We look forward to delivering this industry leading and profitable accessory line to the Canadian MI dealer base.”
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June 2008
N-Tune Onboard guitar Tuner Now available for sale in Canada
Zero Crossing Inc and SF Marketing are proud to announce that an agreement has been reached for SF Marketing to take on exclusive distribution rights in Canada for the breakthrough N-Tune Onboard Chromatic Tuner. The world’s finest professional onboard electric guitar tuner is now available to dealers all across Canada. The N-Tune tuner will have an MSRP of $109.
"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to bring N-tune's ground breaking tuner technology to Canada" states Jeff Sazant..."In my 40 years in the Industry I have seen only a handful of great ideas become great products. N-tune has done just that! They identified the need and desirability of an accurate on-board tuner that could be removed from the signal path when not in use, and provided the solution. Players will love the practicality of an onboard, bypassable tuner, and dealers will appreciate the additional profits that the product and its installation bring."
The N-Tune Onboard True Bypass Chromatic Tuner is the world's most convenient solution for fast, accurate guitar tuning. Once installed into an electric guitar, N-Tune allows guitarists to pull their volume knob to silently tune up in seconds. Then just push it back down to play -- with perfect tone, thanks to N-Tune’s true bypass design. N-Tune can be installed into almost any electric guitar, and is available as a 250kΩ kit for guitars with single-coil pickups (called the “Fender ®-style” kit), and a 500kΩ kit for guitars with humbucking pickups (called the “Gibson ®-style” kit). All that’s required is the existing volume knob and standard soldering tools. No permanent guitar modification required!
To learn more, visit N-Tune online at www.n-tune.com. While visiting the site, users can bookmark the free web tuner and experience N-Tune’s design and tuning functionality. The N-Tune web tuner is an actual chromatic tuner that works like the onboard version -- i t’s fast, accurate guitar tuning at your online fingertips!
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June 2008
Line 6 Announces M13 Stompbox Modeler
Line 6, Inc. announces release of the M13 Stompbox Modeler, an all-in-one stompbox experience featuring sought-after stompbox sounds and an easy-to-use looper in a brawny box that's built for the stage.
Beyond compare, M13 Stompbox Modeler offers a seemingly boundless amount of sounds and functions intuitively designed and easy to use. Delivering the sounds of many best-selling Line 6 pedals, including DL4™ Delay Modeler, MM4™ Modulation Modeler, FM4™ Filter Modeler and DM4™ Distortion Modeler, M13 Stompbox Modeler offers 74 premium stompbox effects including distortions, delays, reverbs, filters and more modeled from historic boutique, vintage and classic pedals. Up to four different effects from 12 switches can be combined at once, arranged in any order, for broad textural versatility.
Complete with a dedicated 28-second looper, M13 Stompbox Modeler allows for on-the-fly loop recording. Each looper function, including record, overdub, play/stop, reverse, half speed, undo and more, boasts a dedicated switch. At home and onstage, looping has never been easier.
"The combination of killer sounds, straightforward looping and simple stompbox design sets M13 Stompbox Modeler at the head of the pack and at the center of your pedal board," remarks Rich Renken, Line 6 Product Manager.
Ready for anything, M13 Stompbox Modeler features 1/4" mono and stereo inputs and outputs, effects loop sends and returns, MIDI input and output and two Line 6 Expression Pedal inputs for added control and functionality. Plus, with its rugged construction designed to endure, M13 Stompbox Modeler can withstand the rigors of the road and the demands of the working musician.
M13 Stompbox Modeler Retail Price: $699.00
For more information, visit their web site at www.line6.com.
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June 2008
Line 6 Spider III Amplifiers Awarded "Amp Line Of The Year"
Line 6, Inc. announced that its Spider III amplifiers have been awarded "Amp Line of the Year" by Musical Merchandise Review. The award is based on votes from over 8,500 dealers and retailers. 
"We are honored that the Spider III line has been awarded "Amp Line of the Year", and appreciate the support and endorsement that this product line has received from the press, retail partners and end users." said Erik Tarkiainen, vice president of marketing communications, Line 6, Inc.
According to MI Sales Trak, a market research sales tracking company, more Line 6 guitar amplifiers were sold than any other brand in the United States from July through December of 2008. Line 6 states the overwhelming success was driven in part by the Line 6 Spider III and Spider Valve product lines.
For more information, visit their web site at www.line6.com
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June 2008
Line 6 Micro Spider™ Now Available
SF Marketing Inc. announces that the Line 6 Micro Spider, the traveling guitarist's best friend, and a potent addition to the best-selling Spider III family of modeling amplifiers, has begun shipping and is now available across Canada.
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Micro Spider boasts intuitive functionality, total versatility and sensational tone. Featuring an assortment of brilliant amp models, Smart Control FX interface (including reverb, chorus, tremolo and more) and a precise and sensitive tuner, Micro Spider offers attitude and flexibility unmatched by amps more than twice its size. Plus, lightweight and portable, Micro Spider retains a unique flexibility: it's always at your side whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.
“Line 6 Spider III amplifiers have maintained top sales rankings across North America ever since their release,” remarks Sami Kizilbash, Musical Instruments Product Manager at SF Marketing. “The Micro Spider integrates the convenience and power of a Spider III amp with the portability and flexibility that travelling musicians require.”
%20-%20WEB.jpg) Packed into this raucous little box is quite a bit of muscle: the sound of six C batteries pushing six watts of screaming electricity through a 6.5" speaker has never sounded so furious. And with a Spider-style direct output, Micro Spider is perfect for practicing with headphones and easy direct recording. Whether at home or at the beach, in the studio or the back of the tour bus, this is the world-class Line 6 experience.
For more information, visit their web site at www.line6.com
Retail Price: $195
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June 2008
Line 6 Announces POD® X3 PRO
SF Marketing Inc. announces that the new Line 6 POD-X3-Pro, the most powerful addition to the POD family of signal processors, will begin shipping across Canada at the beginning of October, 2008. %20-%20WEB.jpg)
With professional guitarists demanding more power and versatility from their gear, Line 6 answers the call with POD X3 Pro. Fully loaded with stunning effects and hundreds of legendary POD amp, cabinet and stompbox models for guitarists, bassists and vocalists, POD X3 Pro is the workhorse for which professional players have been clamoring.
Featuring two discreet signal paths, POD X3 Pro can serve two separate instruments simultaneously, each with its own full signal chain of sounds and effects. Conversely, with Dual Tone processing, a player can use POD X3 Pro like an A/B/Y box. Sending a single-input signal through two different amp and effect chains, a player can choose one, the other, or both sounds to attain one-pass double-tracked guitars or to create gorgeous dual-layered sounds.
"All of the pro inputs and outputs you need are built into the rock-solid metal chassis of the POD X3 Pro," remarks James Martin, Line 6 Product Marketing Manager. "And with Dual Tone power you have everything you need to sound great on stage and in the studio."
Intuitive design and ease-of-use are key concepts behind POD X3 Pro. A large LCD allows players to see each signal chain in its entirety at a glance. Sounds can be fully modified on the fly without distracting from the performance. With a complete array of inputs and outputs including 1/4", XLR, USB, MIDI, S/PDIF and more, the POD X3 Pro prepares players for any situation. Constructed in a robust aluminum chassis, POD X3 Pro is built to inspire as well as endure a professional schedule.
For more information, visit their web site at www.line6.com
POD-X3-PRO Retail Price: $979.00
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May 2008
Line 6 Spider Jam™ Now Available in Canada
Line 6, Inc. announces Spider Jam™, the new standard in jamming tools and a powerful addition to the Spider™ III family of modeling amplifiers. Packed with hundreds of artist-designed presets, Smart Control FX and the best band in the world, Spider Jam begins where other amplifiers end.
Boasting the revolutionary Endless Jam™ engine, Spider Jam features over 100 loops and drum grooves expertly recorded and impeccably performed by the A-list of Nashville and L.A. session aces. Guitarists can write, record or solo for hours with the musicians that helped lift Jimmy Page, Steve Vai, Ozzy Osbourne, Pete Townshend, Faith Hill, Randy Travis, Shania Twain and countless more into music industry icons.
More than a jam buddy, songwriting tool and recording device, the 75-watt power section, 12" Celestion® Custom speaker and 2" tweeter give Spider Jam a brawny, commanding tone. Small enough for the bedroom, loud enough for the stage, it bridges the gap between practice amp and battle-ready stage rig. Plus, with aux ins and Line 6 A.I.R.&trade: direct outs, Spider Jam is versatile enough for the most discriminating studio's gear list.
“Spider Jam is full of instant musical inspiration," says Marcus Ryle, senior vice president of research and development at Line 6. "Its combination of rhythm section chemistry, sound-on-sound loop recording and powerful rock star presets is totally unique and an absolute blast to play." For more information, visit their web site at www.line6.com
Spider Jam MSRP: $629.00
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June 2008
James Taylor plays Line 6 Variax® Acoustic live on NBA finals game
The industry leader in amplifier modeling and technology, announced today that James Taylor played its Variax® Acoustic for the National Anthem at the first game of the NBA Finals on Thursday evening.
“More and more artists choose Line 6 for live performances, as they are assured the most consistent sound night after night,” said Tim Godwin, Line 6 Artist Relations Manager. “We’re honored to see James Taylor, a legend known for his acoustic style, playing our guitar.”
Variax is Line 6’s award-winning line of electric, electric-acoustic and bass guitars. The Variax Acoustic line delivers great acoustic sound on stage and in the studio. It embodies 16 classic instruments, mic-position control, compressor and re-tuning at the push of a button. For more information on Line 6 products, visit www.line6.com
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June 2008
From the Fertile Mind of Moog: Tomorrow’s Axe Debuts at NAMM
The much-anticipated and much-talked-about Moog Guitar will debut at Summer NAMM in Nashville. The Moog Guitar is “a fantastic axe designed to be played by the best musicians in the world,” says Moog Music President Mike Adams.
According to Adams, The Moog Guitar opens the guitarist to a whole new musical vocabulary: “It’s not a guitar synthesizer; not a MIDI guitar; not an effects processor,” Adams said. “The guitarist is intimately connected to The Moog Guitar because it works its magic on the strings themselves.” See the attached FAQ for additional details.
The first public demonstration of The Moog Guitar will be at the Moog Guitar Showcase, featuring Kenny Vaughn and Fareed Haque with Garaj Mahal. The Moog Guitar Showcase will take place at Nashville’s renowned 3rd and Lindsley on Friday, June 20 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.
The Moog Guitar will be demonstrated to media at NAMM at a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 21 in Moog Music’s NAMM Booth 2030.
The first ever Moog Guitar will be the limited edition Paul Vo Collector Edition Guitar.
The AAAAA maple top guitar with a mahogany body and ebony finger board will be a much sought-after axe even without the addition of the patented Moog electronics. Each guitar will be individually signed by Moog associate and guitar inventor Paul Vo and will carry a sealed Certificate of Authenticity identifying it as the first ever Moog Guitar.
The Moog Guitar offers three unique modes…Sustain, Mute and Controlled Sustain. In the Sustain mode, it provides infinite, powerful sustain on every string and at every fret position; Mute removes energy from the strings, resulting in a variety of staccato effects; Controlled Sustain allows the musician to play sustained, single-note or even polyphonic lines with strong sustain and effortless clarity. In this mode, the Moog Guitar sustains the notes being played while actively muting the notes not being played.
“Take the powerful combination of sustain and mute…add the ability to move that power between the neck and bridge pick-ups, and suddenly you can pull both subtle and dramatic harmonic blends from the strings,” said Moog Senior Engineer Cyril Lance. The Moog Guitar’s creative power is further enhanced by the built-in Moog ladder filter. Both the harmonic blending as well as the ladder filter are controlled from the included expression pedal, according to Lance.
The late Bob Moog and Adams often spoke of entering the guitar market, but it was not until Vo’s invention that Moog Music felt it had something truly innovative to bring to the guitar market. “Clearly, this guitar meets the definition of a Moog product that Bob ingrained here at Moog Music: A Moog product must be an inspiration to the creative process of making music,” Adams said.
“As one person told me, ‘Only Moog could have done this.’
” For more information, photos and video on The Moog Guitar, visit moogmusic.com
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January 2008
Line 6 and Bogner Introduce Spider Valve Tube-Based Amplifiers
Line 6 Inc., creator of the award-winning POD®, Spider™ III, Variax® and Vetta™ series of modeling devices, guitars and amps, has announced a new line of Spider Valve™ tube-based amplifiers, the result of their breakthrough collaboration with tube amp titan, Reinhold Bogner. Each model features 12 channels of modeling, as well as modulation, delay and reverb effects, programmable presets, on-board tuner, tap-tempo, noise gate and many other features. The new amplifiers are available now at authorized Line 6 dealers across the country.
In collaboration with Line 6, Bogner applied his mastery and craftsmanship to virtually every aspect of the Spider Valve design and construction, from mapping the signal path and voicing the speakers right down to specifying bolts and washers.
“The response from the market has been outstanding,” remarks Sami Kizilbash, Musical Instrument Product Manager at SF Marketing Inc. “Although Line 6 is a newcomer to tube amplification, guitarists across Canada are embracing the Spider Valve with open arms! We expect to see rapid growth of this segment in 2008.”
Spider Valve amps will be available in three versions. The Spider-Valve-112 ($999.00 list) pairs a 40W Class AB tube amp with two 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 6L6 power tubes and a single 12" Celestion Vintage 30 speaker. The Spider-Valve-212 ($1199.00 list) features the same power amp and tube array as the 112, but with two Celestion Vintage 30s. The Spider Valve HD-100 ($1149.00 list) packs two 12AX7 preamp tubes, four 6L6 power tubes and 100 watts into a stylish head with matching 4x12 cabinet, loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s ($999.00 list).
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October 2007
Moog Music's Little Phatty Wins TEC Award!
Recognized for Outstanding Technical Achievement in the Musical Instrument Category
The readers of Mix Magazine have voted to honor the Little Phatty® in the 2007 Mix TEC Awards. Founded in 1985, the Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards is the foremost program recognizing the achievements of audio professionals. Presented annually by the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio, the TEC Awards honor the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, films, TV shows and live performances.
“What a great year for Moog to win the TEC Award!" said Moog Music President, Mike Adams. "There is no way I thought we would win, as there were many deserving and well conceived products in our category. But I have to say our engineering team, led by Cyril Lance and Steve Dunnington put their hearts and soul into this product. To win the TEC award humbles us, honors Bob, honors our customers, and gives us a great deal of pride.”
The award was accepted for Moog Music by Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation. In her acceptance speech she said, “As many of you know, the Little Phatty was my father's last design, making this acknowledgement of his technological achievements both wonderful and poignant. My father's legacy of giving musicians an outlet for their creative voice through his exceptionally built and highly expressive instruments is both infinite and indelible. What a beautiful legacy he has left for us all to enjoy. I’m sure he would be pleased if he were here tonight.”
TEC Awards nominations are made by a panel of industry professionals and voted upon by the subscribers of Mix, the leading trade magazine of the recording and sound production industry. The awards are presented at a ceremony held each fall during the annual convention of the Audio Engineering Society.
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May 2007
S.F. Marketing Inc. earns Schecter Guitar Research’s Top Honors
Schecter Guitar Research awarded Montreal-based SF Marketing Inc., their International Distributor of the Year Award at the recently concluded Musikmesse in Frankfurt.
 “2006 was an amazing year for Schecter, and with a phenomenal increase was Canada’s SF Marketing” commented JP Simoes, Schecter’s Vice President. “Since becoming a part of the Schecter family in 2003 as our exclusive Canadian distributor, SF Marketing has continuously exceeded our expectations. Their commitment to excellence on building the Schecter brand is truly appreciated”
“We are delighted and honored to receive this recognition from Schecter” states Jeff Sazant, SF’s VP of Musical Instruments. “Schecter was the very first line that we took on in 2003, and it’s been great fun helping to establish the brand. The big difference for us this year however, was the launch of the new Export series instruments. Canadian dealers and their customers have embraced these fantastic guitars which now bring Schecter features and quality to the intermediate price range. We’re going to try and earn this award again next year!”
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NS Design Announces S.F. Marketing as Distributor of the Year
 SF Marketing Inc., a leading Canadian distributor of musical instruments and accessories, was awarded with NS Design’s International Distributor of the Year 2006 Award, at the recently held Musikmesse in Frankfurt. Ned Steinberger, along with the NS Export team of Hap Kuffner, Mike and Janet Kropp presented a plaque commemorating this achievement to Jeff Sazant, VP of SF Marketing’s Musical Instrument Division.
This marks the first time that SF Marketing has garnered this prestigious award for outstanding sales, service and overall commitment to excellence.
Mike Kropp , Director of Sales & Marketing for NS Design remarked: “We are delighted to present this award for outstanding sales & service to Jeff and the whole SF Team. Their focused efforts in building the NS brand have resulted in stellar sales and excellent market penetration in Canada. On behalf of Ned Steinberger and the entire NS team, we applaud SF Marketing’s outstanding performance for 2006.”
NS Design is the world leader for electric bowed instruments.
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January 2007
Check out these Line 6 demo videos from Winter NAMM 07:
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