News Archives 2005

December 2005

November 2005

September 2005

July 2005

Archives

November 2005

SF Moves into New Premises !

When S.F. Marketing acquired its present building in Ville St. Laurent in 1991, the management believed that they would not need to move for at least 25 years. But lo and behold, due to a sizeable and continued growth in business, a change in plans was in order! As of November 2005, S.F Marketing will be moving into its new headquarters near Pierre Trudeau airport in Dorval, nearly tripling its current space.

According to Jean-Louis Blanchard, Vice-President of Sales at SF, “Our new facility will obviously improve our operations such that our current level of excellent customer service will reach new heights. A much bigger warehouse with improved processes and logistics will enable us to move more product, faster and more efficiently.”

With regards to customer service, SF management will be implementing a detailed and extensive plan to ensure a smooth continuity for customers during the move. As underlined by Sol Fleising, SF’s President, “Small quirks are to be expected here and there for a couple of days but we know our clients will understand the situation. At the end of the day, all of this will be to their benefit for years to come.”

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September 2005

LINE 6 ANNOUNCES FREE VARIAX WORKBENCH SOFTWARE

--New Variax Workbench software is free for Vetta II and PODxt Live users--

Line 6 announced today the launch of Variax Workbench version 1.1, the interactive, virtual custom shop available exclusively for Line 6’s Variax Electric 300, 500, 600, and 700 guitars. Released in early 2005, the hardware/software package is now available as a free software download for users who connect their Variax directly into Vetta II and PODxt Live using the digital RJ45 cable.

Variax Workbench 1.1 provides guitarists with their own interactive guitar custom shop with all the tools needed to easily create, store, and share guitars they’ve completely customized using a Windows PC or Mac OS X computer. Variax Workbench provides access to an amazing collection of pickups, controls, and bodies allowing guitarists to mix and match parts to create their ideal tone.

In real time, guitarists can easily listen to and tweak the placement and settings of each until they’ve come up with a guitar that is truly unique and meets their creative needs. In addition to the customization of bodies, pickups and sound, guitarists will also be able to create and store custom tunings and retain bank names when transferring models to and from Variax.

Vetta II and PODxt Live users who own a Variax Electric can go to www.line6.com/software/ to get the free 1.1 version software.

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August 2005

Tanglewood Guitars
New Tanglewood North America web site now online!

The web site presents a brand new look with easy navigation, new models, dealer information, reviews and much more! Log on to www.tanglewoodguitars.com and enjoy your visit!

More about Tanglewood:

Tanglewood instruments represents the perfect blend between time honored design philosophies and modern manufacturing technologies. Designed by some of Europe's most celebrated luthiers, each guitar is the result of painstaking care, taken in the specification of all materials, and our factories' meticulous attention to detail. The result is a range of instruments which are consistently gratifying and as unique as the diverse group of musicians who play them.

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ELECTRONIC MUSIC PIONEER BOB MOOG DIES AT 71


ASHEVILLE , N.C. — August 22, 2005
— Electronic music pioneer and founder of Moog Music Inc., Dr. Robert Moog, died yesterday afternoon at his home in Asheville, N.C. He was 71. Dr. Moog had been diagnosed with brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme or GBM) in late April 2005. He had received both radiation treatment and chemotherapy to help combat the disease.

He is survived by his wife, Ileana, his four children, Laura Moog Lanier, Matthew Moog, Michelle Moog-Koussa, and Renee Moog; his step-daughter Miranda Richmond; and the mother of his children, Shirleigh Moog. Moog Music Inc. company president, Michael Adams, shared the following thoughts about Bob: "Bob has been such a huge inspiration to all of us. In losing him, we lose a creator, visionary and friend. He was someone who taught us well and he was proud of this company and its people."

"Bob shaped music in deep and meaningful ways by changing how music could be produced and ultimately, how it would sound. He contributed to a new soundscape—a legacy that we will continue in his honor. He was a musical pioneer for the love of it and musicians everywhere have had the opportunity to expand their own creative horizons with Bob's inventions. He will truly be missed by all of us, but we take comfort in the fact that his musical innovations will live on in the music he inspired and the products we will continue to make."

50 Years of Shaping Sound

Moog started building theremins as a teenager and established the R.A. Moog Company in 1954. One of the first electronic musical instruments, the theremin provides a unique, tremulous sound and is played without the thereminist touching it. In 1963, Moog created the first Moog Modular synthesizer, with the more portable Minimoog® following in 1970. The Minimoog opened the world of synthesized music to thousands of musicians. Moog sold Moog Music in 1971 to Bill Waytena who then sold it to Norlin Music in 1975. Moog left Moog Music, a division of Norlin Music in 1977. In 1978, Moog founded Big Briar Inc., in the mountains of Western North Carolina, which then took the Moog Music name in May 2002. Today, the Asheville-based company designs and builds high-quality analog synthesizers, guitar effects modules, theremins, and a unique controller for acoustic piano called the PianoBar.

Moog remained active with the company up to the day he was diagnosed with cancer. Adams, who has been president of Moog Music since May 2002, notes: “Bob and I had been planning his retirement for next year, and in that process we identified two very talented people to continue Bob’s legacy of musical innovations, Steve Dunnington and Cyril Lance. Steve is a graduate of UNC-Asheville’s Recording Arts Music program. He has worked closely with Bob since 1994. Cyril is a senior engineer with a degree in physics from Cornell University.”

Moog's instruments have influenced many styles of music from jazz to rock, R & B to classical. Moog keyboards can be heard in the music of artists as diverse as funk masters Parliament and Funkadelic; rock icons Yes, the Beatles, and Emerson, Lake and Palmer; and jazz greats Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. Today, top musicians still seek out Moog instruments. Moog keyboards and the music they helped create have enjoyed a strong following among players and aficionados. The sound of a Moog is truly distinctive—artists and competitors around the world speak of the “Moog sound.” And the original theremins designed by Moog enjoy a renaissance today. They are used by popular groups and serious musicians for effects, electronica and classical music. Musicians and studio technicians across many musical genres have woven the timeless Sound of Moog into an integral part of our musical culture.

More About Bob

Moog was a warm, outgoing man who enjoyed meeting people from all over the world. He especially appreciated what his wife says he called "the magical connection" between music-makers and their instruments.

Moog received a BS in Physics from Queens College ( New York City), a BS in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University ( New York City), and his PhD in Engineering Physics from Cornell University in 1965. He received his honorary doctorates from Polytechnic University, Lycoming College, and Berklee College of Music. His many awards include the Silver Medal of The Audio Engineering Society, the Trustee’s Award in 1970 and a Technical GRAMMY in 2002 from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Billboard Magazine Trendsetter’s Award, Seamus award from the Society of Electroacoustic Music in the United States, and the Polar Music Prize from The Royal Swedish Academy of Music. He wrote and lectured extensively on a variety of topics in music technology and man-machine interface, and contributed major articles to Encyclopedia Britannica and the Encyclopedia of Applied Physics.

A public memorial celebration is planned at the Orange Peel in Asheville, N.C. for noon Wednesday, August 24. Fans and friends can also direct their sympathies or remembrances to www.caringbridge.com/visit/bobmoog.

Moog’s family has established The Bob Moog Foundation dedicated to the advancement of electronic music in his memory. Many of his longtime collaborators including musicians, engineers and educators have agreed to sit on its executive board including David Borden, Wendy Carlos, Joel Chadabe, John Eaton, David Mash, and Rick Wakeman. For more information about the foundation, contact Matthew Moog at mattmoog@yahoo.com.

For photos or more information about Bob Moog or his musical innovations, please visit www.moogmusic.com.

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MAPEX adds two new colors to successful M BIRCH line.


Mapex has unveiled the addition of two new transparent lacquer colors to its M Birch Series. The new colors, Transparent Purple and Transparent Emerald Green have been added to the three original transparent finishes, cherry, amber and sapphire. The M Birch, introduced in January 2005, has been one of Mapex’s most successful selling products, affording the company the opportunity to expand the series’ color options.

“The M Birch Series has enjoyed significant success since its introduction,” said Jeff Ivester, Director of Marketing and Internet Activity for Mapex USA. “Originally we had only intended to offer these new colors as special order finishes, but consumer demand has been so incredible, we decided to permanently add these new colors to the product line.”

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July 2005

SF Marketing Inc., proud sponsor of the Montreal MIAC Express

A free bus from Montreal to Toronto for dealers and PAL representatives will be available on Saturday, August 20th and returning Monday, August 22nd. Sponsors for the bus include Roland Canada, D'Addario Canada and SF Marketing Inc., with JAM Industries providing the departure parking lot and cafeteria services for dealers.

Approximate times are as follows: Bus departure at 4:00 pm, Saturday, August 20th, at JAM Industries ( 21000 TransCanada Highway, Baie D'Urfe) and arrival at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel by 10:00 pm. Departure will be at 4:00 pm, Monday, August 22nd, from the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel returning to JAM Industries by 10:00 pm.

Please fill out this online form to sign up for the 2005 Montreal MIAC Express:

http://miac.net/showbus.php

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MOOG MUSIC ® WINS AWARD FROM APPLIANCE DESIGN
Etherwave ® Pro Selected for Excellence in Design Award

Moog Music is proud to announce that the Etherwave Pro theremin has won the 2005 Excellence in Design Award from Appliance Design Magazine. This stunning instrument was selected for consideration based on its pleasing aesthetics and fine craftsmanship. The award, given in the leisure appliance category, was judged based on three factors; appearance, human factors and innovation.

Three independent industrial designers judged the competition and noted that this year’s entrants demonstrated excellence in material, form, purpose, and innovation.

“It’s a nice juxtaposition of materials,” said judge Chris Gilbert. “It looks lyrical. Plus, it can be configured to work for right or left handed users.”

Moog Music Inc. designs and manufactures timeless electronic musical instruments, including the Etherwave Pro theremin, Moogerfooger ® analog effects modules, the Minimoog ® Voyager, and the Moog PianoBar TM.

Appliance Design Magazine is dedicated to providing solutions and showcasing innovation to appliance design engineers in all sectors. For additional information please visit www.appliancedesign.com.

 

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Line 6 Inc. Appoints SF Marketing Inc. Exclusive Distributor for Canada

Line 6, Inc. of Agoura Hills, California, has appointed SF Marketing Inc. as their exclusive Canadian distributor for the company's guitar amplifiers, guitars, and modeling and effects products, effective January 1, 2005.

"We’re very proud to have acquired the Canadian distribution rights to this most prestigious and exciting product line” explains Jeff Sazant, Vice President of the Musical Instrument Division. We had been looking for the right fit with an amp and effects manufacturer, and our patience was certainly rewarded. Line 6’s current product line-up has been getting rave reviews, and we feel that they are poised to continue to lead the market. It is our intention to offer Line 6’s award winning modeling technology and remarkable sounding products, along with the level of support and service that our customers have grown accustomed to. This is a classic case of win-win, both for dealers and end-users. We look forward to partnering with Line 6 and taking their business in Canada to the next level.”

Founded in 1978, SF Marketing Inc. has a well-established reputation for service and support in the Canadian professional sound and lighting industries. Led by Sol Fleising, company founder and president, SF Marketing is headquartered in Montreal with sales offices throughout Canada. Line 6 products will figure prominently in SF’s Musical Instrument Division launched in January 2003.

 

About Line 6 Inc.

In 1996, Line 6 set out to capture the tone of some of history’s most collectible and sought after guitar amplifiers. After years of research and playing, Line 6 launched a patented technology in 1996, with the world's first digital modeling guitar amplifier, the AxSys 212. This product provided users with models of dozens of classic guitar amplifiers, as well as a complete arsenal of stomp boxes and effects.

At the end of 1998, Line 6 launched the next guitarist tone revolution: POD. This kidney bean-shaped desktop device went beyond just the modeling of many classic amplifiers, it was created to solve another critical problem that had plagued guitar players: recording great guitar tone, achieved by modeling not only the amplifiers but the recording of an amplifier under ideal studio conditions.

From 2000 to the present Line 6 has added significantly to its product offering by introducing such complementary and innovative products as stomp (effects) boxes, GuitarPort (a computer interface product) and more recently, Variax, the world’s first modeling guitar. They have also added to their amplifier lineup now offering a model for every level of musician.

Line 6's passion for excellence and commitment to the development of new technologies has attracted the industry's best engineers and designers, a formidable roster of artist endorsers, and an active, informed user base - a combination that leaves Line 6 well-equipped to take on the enviable challenges of continued growth.

The company has offices in Agoura Hills CA, and in Northamptonshire, United Kingdom.

 

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