Today's Top Stories:

  Sweetwater's GearGift
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted. But for so many who don't have access to instruments and gear, it's a gift denied. Here at Sweetwater, we've heard from and about numerous folks who want to play but can't. That's why we're putting out the call to music equipment owners everywhere: donate that unused, unplayed, and ignored gear that's been collecting dust in your closets, basements, and garages. Sweetwater's GearGift program will establish a bank of instruments, amplifiers, and other gear, refurbish those items, and then send them to the folks who need them. All music equipment should be in operating condition, For complete information on how to make a donation, visit the GearGift microsite.

  Synthogy Pays You Cash!
Synthogy is running a special rebate offer all through the month of July! Purchase Ivory Grand Pianos and you'll receive $50 back. Purchase Ivory Upright Pianos, and you'll get $40 in your pocket. Buy Ivory Italian Grand, and $25 will be on the way to you. This offer is good from July 1, 2009, through July 31, 2009.

  Properly Sized Snakes
Pro Co has added a new range of StageMaster small channel count, short length snakes for balanced audio signals called the Drop Snakes. The premium cable is terminated with an extruded aluminum drop box with XLR or TRS/XLR combo jacks on one end, and a fan-out with TRS or XLR plugs on the other. There are two configurations: 4-channel and 8-channel, with either configuration available in 25- or 50-foot lengths. Though obviously useful on-stage, these snakes are equally at home for studio applications.

  Super Summer Sampler!
Ableton has launched a special deal for the summer of 2009: purchase Live 8 before August 31, 2009, and receive Sampler, the company's advanced software sampling instrument absolutely free! In addition, a new movie, Making Sounds with Sampler, is available on the Ableton site. And that's not all: all Sampler owners can download the free Samplification audio package, which includes Construction Kits, Live Sets with drum clips, new Instrument Racks, new lessons, and new sounds!