Blog

New guitar storage rack makes for easy transportation

Storing and effortlessly moving guitars is no longer a problem, thanks to the introduction of the new Guitar Mobile Storage Rack from Black Cat Music.

Another product from the well-respected Wenger Corporation, the Guitar Mobile Storage Rack lives up to the company’s high quality reputation for protection of prized musical instruments. Designed to pass through standard door openings thanks to hard rubber swivel castors even a fully loaded rack can be manoeuvered smoothly and quietly around the facility. Adjustable padded supports provide both a secure fit and protection for instruments, storing up to 20 electric or acoustic uncased guitars. The supporting yokes can be removed for alternatively storing guitars in their cases. The solid wood Guitar Mobile Storage Rack constructed using timber from renewable resources is offered in a choice of natural or cherry finish and comes with a 5-year warranty.

Full specification and purchase information can be accessed from the Black Cat Music web site or requested from Black Cat Music by calling 01892 619719.



Legacy Shells help transform acoustics of performance spaces

An expanded and improved range of Legacy Acoustical Shells has been lined up for a 2011 introduction by Black Cat Music. Bringing more powerful and clear sound quality, Legacy Acoustical Shells are easy to set up to transform the acoustics of many types of performance space.

Wenger are pioneers of acoustical shell design, that uses a honeycomb core panel construction to deliver enhanced acoustics to both the ensemble and the audience. The latest technology developments from Wenger Corporation – Basic, Classic and Select Legacy - are presented as three attractive effective acoustical shell options designed to fit a range of applications and budgets. Whether converting a multi-purpose hall space or improving the acoustics of a smaller auditorium or recital room, Basic Legacy Shells can be set up by one person in four simple stages. The shell is first rolled into place, the snap-in pins adjusted for the desired canopy angle and the canopy lifted to the preset angle for optimum sound projection. A mechanism with an easy-to-turn handle allows the shell to be raised to the appropriate height for the requirements of the performance in just 6 turns. When not in use shells can quickly be folded away aided by a continuous hinge arrangement and nested together for compact storage.

Delighted user of Legacy Shells, Cydney Dixon, Band Director of Lower Lake High School, California said, "I cannot believe the difference in sound when the Legacy shell is up. Our gym has very good acoustics, but I can clearly tell whether or not the shell is up. The Legacy shells are very easy to work with – my kids and I can easily handle them. "

Full specification and purchase information can be accessed from the Black Cat Music web site or requested from Black Cat Music by calling 01892 619719.



The Salvation Army musicians enjoy the benefit of music posture chairs

Wenger Music Posture Chairs , marketed in the UK and throughout Europe by Black Cat Music, are designed to seat musicians in the best possible position to promote easier breathing and a more natural range of motion while decreasing fatigue and discomfort. Major Gill Stacey of The Salvation Army in Chester was happy to comment on their experience with recently purchased Musicians’ Chairs. “Our Wenger Musician chairs we ordered from Black Cat Music have been an excellent purchase.” Said Gill.

Gill Stacey went on to say, “Our old chairs were quite new and they are comfortable but since we tried the Wenger Musician chair we have discovered what a good chair is really like. They give excellent back support and our posture has improved because they allow you to sit up properly yet at the same time being able to relax and be comfortable. Our band often remain seated for most of our service and they can now do so in comfort. We would recommend them to any music group.”

Gill continued, “It is true that the outlay may be higher than other chairs but as they say, "you get what you pay for" and we are certainly glad that we paid that little bit more to have the right chair. Another advantage is the music rack on the side of the chair, which keeps all music, Bible and songbook at easy reach, as well as stops the books from being a hazard. Finally the weight of the chair is good because they are easy to move.”

Wenger orchestra chairs have been carefully designed to solve four main problems experienced with standard chairs. Sitting back in standard chairs, forces the spine out of its natural supportive position. Because it is easy to slouch the body is forced down, lowering the rib cage and constricting the diaphragm. The discomfort and lack of support causes musicians to move to the edge of the seat reducing support even more, leading to fatigue and making it difficult to focus on technique and performance. Thanks to their ergonomic and innovative design Wenger music posture chairs encourage correct posture and maintain comfort throughout long performances and rehearsals.



Further information
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity, working in 121 countries worldwide, that offers support, friendship and practical help to people of all ages, backgrounds and needs.
www.salvationarmy.org.uk .

Preface Music stand April price deal

The reliable, lightweight, affordably priced Preface Music Stand is on offer from Black Cat Music during April with a 15% discount.

Referred to as the “little sister” of the popular Classic 50 Music Stand, the Preface is ideal for anyone seeking a lightweight, easy-to-carry stand that weighs just 2.9 Kg thanks to its aluminium construction. The generous sized desk of 340mm x 510m is recessed to allow stacking of multiple stands and secured to the stand itself by means of a through bolt attachment. Height from floor to desk lip is fully adjustable from 650mm to 1250mm. Finished with durable black powder coat paint the Preface Music Stand also includes a reliable brake mechanism and wobble-free base attachment.

For full details on the April offer can be found on the Black Cat Music web site.



Making music with Black Cat in Glasgow

Black Cat Music recently exhibited at the Music Learning Live conference held at the Royal Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow.

Black Cat Music exhibted a selection from a comprehensive range of music performance and acoustic equipment that includes music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment, acoustic solutions and full stage acoustic shells. In addition there is a range of theatre products that embraces tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes. Black Cat Music is the Master Distributor for Wenger Corporation the recognised world leader in fully-guaranteed staging and music performance equipment.



New custom music folders delight Australian College

Maureen Cameron, Head of Music at St. Andrews Catholic College, Queensland, Australia enthusing over their new orchestral folders told Black Cat Music, "all arrived and they look absolutely fantastic… our head teacher is so excited about using them at the eisteddfod, she’s booked extra seats already! "

St Andrews opted for customized gold blocking with the college’s name and crest to give a strong identity to the elegant cardinal red leather folders complete with brass bound corners, that provide that extra appeal to orchestral performances. Black Cat Music folders are 305mm x 356mm and include two bottom expanding pockets, plus a useful pencil pocket and can optionally be supplied gold blocked with logos and names of schools, choirs or bands to create group identities.



Black Cat Music publish handy short form catalogue

Specialist music education and performance equipment supplier, Black Cat Music, has just published a new short form catalogue . Bringing together all the most popular products – music stands, folders, chairs, instrument storage, conductor’s equipment and staging – this handy catalogue and price list provides a convenient reference when looking for and buying music performance equipment.

It is worth getting hold of a copy and taking advantage of some discount offers, reading product reviews, discovering the important-to-know benefits for each product then placing your order.

Although the new catalogue provides a useful range of commonly needed products, Black Cat Music also has an extensive range of more specialist music and performance equipment products that can be discovered online at www.blackcatmusic.co.uk. Customers can view product demonstrations by visiting the Black Cat Music channel on www.YouTube.com and searching on ‘blackcatmusiceurope’.



Classic 50 music stands - watch the video

The Black Cat Music Classic 50 music stand has been a best seller year after year. To help anyone new to the product to see why the Classic 50 has been so enduringly popular, there is now a short video that highlights some of the features that may not be easily appreciated in just looking at a catalogue.

Already a top seller, the popular Classic 50 Music Stand is tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands. Its elegant design makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simplicity itself, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. When the performance, rehearsal or class is over, stands can be stacked on the easy to load Move & Store Cart for transport and convenient, compact storage.

Watch the Classic 50 put through its paces at www.YouTube.com

May price discount on conductor’s stand

During May Black Cat Music are offering the Wenger Preface Conductor’s music stand at a 10% discount compared to the usual price.

Already affordably priced thanks to elegant design and clever engineering, the Preface Conductor’s stand still benefits from plenty of useful features. This stylish conductor's stand enjoys a large desk, a sleek, non-scratch black surface, and dual posts offering superb stability and strength. Although robust it's also extremely lightweight and easy to use and store. The tilting desk permits easy angle adjustment while integrated storage keeps all the conductor's needs nearby and out-of-sight. In fact, it's been exquisitely fine-tuned to give conductors more stand for less money. Plus each stand comes with a 5-year warranty.

For full details of the Preface Conductor’s stand and to take advantage of this special offer visit the Black Cat Music web site.



Headteacher praises school investment in Classic 50s

Glynis Coates, Headteacher of Yalding St Peter & St Paul CEP School says, "we’re really pleased with our music stands – they were a good investment and have saved the school money in the long run. They have undergone a lot of wear and tear and they still work perfectly and look great in concert. "

Glynis Coates continued, "I actually first saw the Classic 50 music stand at another school and asked them where they’d got them. They referred me to Black Cat Music. We have the Wenger Classic 50 Music Stands, which are brilliant – we’ve had them for 4 years now and not one has broken. They still look smart and they don’t weigh very much so they’re easy for the children to use." The Classic 50 music stand has been a best seller year after year for Black Cat Music. It is tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands. Its elegant design makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simple to operate, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. When the performance, rehearsal or class is over, stands can be compactly stacked away.

Asked why Yalding St Peter & St Paul CEP School opted for the Classic 50, Glynis Coates explained, "I was fed up with music stands that wobble about or look dented and rusty during school concerts. We’re a very busy teaching team and we do lots of musical activities and concerts, and checking all our music stands are working properly before every performance is just another thing to think about. Black Cat Music supply the Wenger music stands, which are sturdily built and come with a five year guarantee. Also we know Black Cat, and we know that if we have any problems with their products (luckily this hasn’t happened yet) they’ll be quick to sort them out for us."

The school also has Choir Music Folders from Black Cat and when asked if she would recommend Black Cat Music the response was an emphatic, "Yes – definitely!"