San Jose, November 16, 2007—- Silicon Valley Rock n Roll Icon, Guitar Showcase, in conjunction with Roland Corporation U.S. is proud to announce the opening of ROLAND SHOWCASE, a “store- within- a -store” concept that is a first for the Music Products Industry in the U.S.
Drawing on the Technology of Silicon Valley Giants APPLE and INTEL to both create Music as well as provide the rich Multi-media experience found at Guitar Showcase, this exciting new hi-tech venue speaks to the heritage of several generations of Bay Area musicians. Roland and a small group of prestigious marketing partners have teamed up with Guitar Showcase to offer a totally new approach in the Music Industry.
Roland’s John Hernandez relates, “I call it retail 2.0. With this new store design we are addressing the need for customers to see, touch, feel, and hear Roland products in an environment that is consumer-friendly and accessible.” Guitar Showcase has always been a leader in helping musicians grow with the advances in technology through it’s long-term employees, many of which who’ve been at Showcase for more than 20 years.
Partners in the new Roland Showcase, include the famous Bay Area company MONSTER CABLE, known worldwide for it’s premium Cables and Power products, who have connected or “Monsterized” everything in the Roland Showcase, including partners KRK Studio Monitors, FENDER Guitars, AUDIO TECHNICA Studio Microphones, QSC Sound Systems, as well as the APPLE Mac Minis that run the multimedia displays and Digital Audio Workstations from PCAudioLabs featuring INTEL processors running CAKEWALK Software in the Roland/EDIROL Digital Recording area. OMNIRAX provide the Studio Furniture.
Guitar Showcase was started in 1965 by Bud and Maxine Eastman who went on to start GUITAR PLAYER magazine after selling the Retail store to the Wineroth family who are still actively involved in day to day operations. “We’ve always been known for having the largest selection of new Custom Shop Guitars from the world’s most famous makers, such as Fender, Gibson, Martin, and Taylor, as well as one of the most extensive Vintage Guitar collections, so this exciting new high-tech venue is a giant step forward after 42 years in Silicon Valley”