April 30, 2008 – HDtracks, founded by David and Norman Chesky of the audiophile record label Chesky Records, today announces the launch of its ambitious audiophile-quality music download Web site (www.hdtracks.com) that offers music enthusiasts high-resolution recordings from a distinguished and diverse stable of thousands of artists, including Smokey Robinson, Joe Jackson, Bob James, Buddy Guy, Nina Simone, Earl Wild, Zubin Mehta, The Kinks, Of Montreal, Yo La Tengo and Jerry Garcia, from 60 independent labels around the world. Music can be downloaded in high definition uncompressed AIFF or lossless FLAC format files for playback on home audio systems, including PCs, Macs or music servers, or as 320kbps mp3 files that far exceed the quality of standard mp3 files for playback on iPods and other portables.

HDtracks offers an intriguing alternative for the current “iTunes” music buyer. In addition to offering consumers entire albums at value-pricing ($11.98), complete with PDF-file downloads of album cover art and full liner notes, it is the first site to provide nothing but high-definition, DRM-free* downloads for both PCs and Macs playable on any home or portable device. The site also offers thousands of music titles from diverse genres (including blues, classical, country, folk, gospel, jazz, latin, new age, pop, R&B, rock, soundtracks and world music) that are often overlooked by music sites designed to be “everything for everybody.”  read more »

April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- US Music Corporation, a fully integrated musical instrument company, today announced that its Disney by Washburn Hannah Montana Electric Guitar has been honored by the Australian Toy Association with the distinction of 2008 Girls Licensed Product of the Year. Designed by Disney and manufactured by Washburn Guitars, the Hannah Montana Electric Guitar offers new musicians a high-quality, attractive instrument built with the attention to detail and fine craftsmanship that has been a Washburn legacy for over 125 years.

The Hannah Montana Electric Guitar features a select hardwood body designed in a comfortable shape and size that is perfect for a young girl. Easy-to-use controls and a great pop star look, including star shaped fretboard inlays, make the Hannah Montana Electric Guitar fun and simple to play. Additional features include a single coil pickup in bridge position with lipstick pickup in the neck position.  read more »

April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) today announced the launch of LG: Rally for Music at www.rallyformusic.com, a Web-based social platform that aims to connect, inspire and motivate young people and allow undiscovered musical talent to shine and be recognized.

Music fans and aspiring musicians alike will be able to create personal profiles, commune across shared musical interests and enter to win valuable prizes. Registered users will have the chance to land a rock star opportunity through a video-based performance competition or enter monthly sweepstakes for the chance to win valuable prizes which include: LG high-definition TVs, MP3 players and the latest in mobile phones. Musicians will be able to upload their performance video for the chance to be rated and reviewed by their peers, with the top four contestants gathering for a live competition held August 2008 in New York City to determine the final winner. The event will be broadcast live on www.rallyformusic.com. Participants will then have a chance to go online to vote for their favorite with the grand prize of $15,000 to be awarded to the best musical talent with the most votes.  read more »

April 7, 2008 - Gibson Guitar, the world's premier musical instrument manufacturer and leader in music technology, announced a limited edition offering of the new Gibson Robot Les Paul Studio and Robot SG Special after huge demand from worldwide fans and musicians. The demand, stemming from the release of the first Gibson Robot Guitar model in December of 2007, offers fans a chance to own one of the most sought after and innovative musical products ever to be introduced.

Guitarists worldwide have demanded another opportunity to own this revolutionary self-tuning guitar and Gibson USA has offered the opportunity through the introduction of the two new models. The debut of the Gibson Robot guitar in late 2007 was the most anticipated and talked about guitar launch of its time. The Limited Edition Robot Guitar was available in stores on a Friday and were sold out on Monday. As a result of the immediate sale, thousands demanded another opportunity for a Gibson Robot guitar model using the amazing self-tuning robotic technology. In answer to the public demand, Gibson is now offering the Gibson Robot LP Studio Ltd. from Gibson USA. The model features a performance safeguard which secures the cord into the guitar and all the power and tone of a traditional Les Paul. The model features the Robot automatic tuning and is available for a limited time, in limited quantity, in Purple Metallic finish. MSRP is $3,999 USD.  read more »