On-Stage Stands, maker of world-class gear for working musicians everywhere, announced three new additions to its line of microphone stands – the new and improved MS9700, MS9701 and MS9701TB. The MS9700 Professional Series offer an affordable solution to critical studio or live applications, a genuine achievement in the microphone stand market.   The road-worthy series far surpasses its predecessor in strength, innovation and durability.   The MS9700 Professional Series is constructed from pro-grade steel tubing offering enough weight to impress even the most serious-minded musicians.   In fact, the MS9700 is made from 6 lbs. of steel, the MS9701 offers up 8 lbs of steel, and the MS9701TB weighs in at a formidable 9lbs. But there is more than just sheer weight that makes these stands a remarkable value.     For starters, each stand combines 1.5mm gauge and 2mm gauge tubing throughout their construction.   All stands are manufactured with a 5/8” solid steel threaded end and come equipped with an oversized locking washer.   The mid-point clutch has been engineered with die-cast aluminum parts resulting in precise, smooth height adjustments. Inside the mid-point clutch, there are two internal parts that prevent the upper shaft from falling when the mid-point clutch is loose. First, a high-impact plastic sleeve has been thickened, lengthened and partitioned to grip the shaft more securely. Second, a rubber O-ring has been added just for the MS9700-series for a tighter fit. What does this mean to professional musicians? Less turning is needed to adjust and lock the height and overall the height adjustment feels more precise and tight, like a well-engineered imported sports car.   The base assembly is made from die-cast steel for years of road abuse and features adjustable bolted legs. A patent-pending anti-rotation tab inside the base assembly eliminates shaft rotation when the user turns the clutch to adjust the height, making one-handed operation possible. All steel tubing and other metal parts are treated with a rust-proof acid bath and covered with our signature satin black powder-coat finish. All stands in the series are height adjustable from 36” to 64” and feature thicker “shock-resistant” non-slip rubber feet.   The MS9701 adds a 30” boom arm, while the MS9701TB comes with a telescoping boom adjusting from 19 to 30 inches in length for precise microphone placement in any application. Both booms are removable, constructed from solid steel and are equipped with a heavy steel counterweight. The indestructible boom clutch housing on each of these models is made from solid-steel with a zinc die-cast base and the best rubber washers available for non-slip use.   The booms can be adjusted with an elongated and ergonomic cats-eye knob which allows more pressure to be applied for a firm lock in the desired boom angle.   The applications for the MS9700-series are endless. They are a perfect choice for vocals, guitar, drums, percussion, cymbals, amplifiers and more.   “The new MS9700-series embodies our collaborative efforts to make a stand worthy of the professional market. Dealers need to give the new series a test drive because we think it will be a big seller” says Jim Hennessey, President and founder of The Music People, Inc.   Hennessey also personally oversees research & development for the company.   Each stand in the series is packaged in an attractive full color POP box acting as a silent salesman for the retail storefront market. A POP hang tag can be found in the master carton. The MS9700 lists for $62.99, the list price on the MS9701 is $81.99 and the MS9701TB carries a list price of $84.99. The new stands will begin shipping in March, 2011.  

Hennessey Strap Locks Metallics series (NSL7300 series), first introduced to the market in September 2008, was featured in the August 2009 issue of Premier Guitar. Hennessey Strap Locks Metallics series (NSL7300 series), first introduced to the market in September 2008, was featured in the August 2009 issue of Premier Guitar.  The article, called “Lock, Stock and Roll: Strap Lock Roundup” compares the Hennessey locks to 8 other systems. Associate Editor Chris Kies explains that “the Metallics were the easiest in the group to assemble.” Kies then writes “After passing all the simulated stage encounter trials, the locks were still intact and begging for more.” But it was the smaller details that really impressed the editor. “One thing that really stood out in this package: a felt washer included to protect the guitar against the metal pins—we’re sure that taking such care is greatly appreciated by guitars everywhere.” The NSL7300 Hennessey Strap Locks – Metallics series are now available to order in silver, purple, red, gun metal, blue and black.  These anodized aluminum locks join the NSL7200 Hennessey Strap locks (available in the traditional black, gold and chrome) introduced in January, 2008. Look out for the new NSL8200 Euro-Lok Series scheduled to ship to dealers Spring 2010.