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Friday, August 29, 2003

Here's the latest skinny from MusicYo:

SALES -> The recent sale prices seemed to definitely spur buying. The $200 off coupon moved about 6X as many graphites, and the current XP offer is upping the numbers about 400%. Overall sales continue to be strong across all the models when they are in stock.

GM's -> They still have some GMT's and more GMS's in stock. Three of the Newburgh bound ones will be going up in the next 2 weeks (or sooner). A fourth may be on its way to a reviewer. They are looking at getting some more bodies made, though all those will be GMS's
(more on that later in this update).

WOOD BODIED GL's -> Still no official name or model designation for these just yet (I've given them my 2¢), but they should be ready for sale end of September. Will feature active EMG's & HAZ EQ for active models. Getting the neck heel just right has been tricky. The GL's didn't need to support the side-to-side movement like a bolt-on does while still allowing decent access. They are making one final prototype body next week to double-check the revisions, then putting in an order for them after that.

XQ's -> Waiting on HAZ Labs circuits. There is back order on several key components for the active boards. HAZ still quoting 8-12 weeks out, though a talk with Henry this week indicates he might be able to get a handful of board to them sooner. No confirmation from MY on that development.

On the plus side it's likely they will include 18v power in both the 4 and 5 strings (easier to stay consistent) which I count as a win for us. Proof the production folks are listening to our input.

It only takes a couple weeks for them to get the bodies, so the poll should allow us to have input. If you're planning on buying an XQ, make yourself heard. No guarantees - but if they know a certain color might sell well all the more reason to make those available first. I may also have serious buyers email me with their preferred config. We might be able to make sure certain choices are assembled first, then notify you ASAP when they are actually posted to the MusicYo site. Not quite custom, but best I can do.

I've also asked the production staff to take some quick pictures of the bodies before assembly. Will post these so you can see the actual colors. I've confirmed they will be more like the Terada hues than the Spirits. These won't be pro shots, but a far better representation that the color sample page on their site.

Now the bad news. . .

BRIDGES -> Still no progress on the Zen-On thing. No order has been placed, and no other options are decided. At the current rate they will run out of TransTrems within the month of September. Before the flame wars start all over again, know that another bad aspect of this is the time of year.

Now is when they gear up to have inventory for the holiday season. Most high-end instruments have pretty consistent sales throughout the year. Medium and especially low priced guitars have a Christmas sales spike. And if they don't have the item in stock, few people will wait around. So it's a lost sales opportunity. Retailers and manufacturers plan for this by allocating capital on those items for expected 4th quarter sales. MusicYo is it's own separate profit center and has to "pay it's own way" as it were. I understand and appreciate this from an overall business perspective, but it doesn't help those in want/need of a TT or TT equipped guitar. Objections and complaints have all been duly noted before.

Realistically it could be 12 months before the next new trem hits their loading dock. All new models will sport S-Trems. They have plenty more of those, but even these for now. They are entertaining other options (including a trem redesign) but all have upsides & downsides and nothing has been firmly decided. I will add they are spending additional money to get the new mid-priced line up into production in Korea, including all new bridges, new hardware and new electronics. That complicates the financial picture further still. These won't hit the streets until early next year, but do have an effect on their ability to order large quantities of parts as Zen-On is requiring.

As always, updates posted as they occur. Enjoy the holiday weekend everybody!
Posted by andyyak 8/29/2003 03:11:34 PM

Monday, August 04, 2003

Sorry for the delayed post.

Our trip to Nashville two weeks ago was a resounding success. Pesonally meeting Ned and all of the MusicYo staffers for the first time was a great experience. We also got to visit the factory where the USA Steinbergers are being assembled and pick through some old parts. Will be posting details on the parts situation soon. I've been busy working late to get a detailed report of the trip posted here, though I have shared bits and pieces already on our sister Yahoo! Groups site.

Click here to read all about "The Trip" in excruciating detail.
Posted by andyyak 8/4/2003 03:16:54 PM


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