April 2, 2012 Classic Clients, Engineers, Friends, et al I wanted to share with all of you what is changing at Classic. As most of you know, I have had the studio business or the suite itself for sale for quite some time. Although we had many lookers the right person had just never come along. So we (Realtor and myself ) decided to offer it for lease or lease purchase only as a studio. No other type of business. I was concerned that maybe this was not even going to render any success. Most of you understand why I had decided to take this action. With the proliferation of home studios and deep decline in overall business I knew I had to do something. The studio business was my dream over 35+years ago. I moved the business to Franklin in 1997 thinking I was coming to where recording was still an elite industry. Still living in Paducah has always been a bit of a struggle, but I was willing to accept that since this was what I wanted to do. We all know that while we still have the best of everything musically in the country, the overall decline has hurt everyone. I just can’t see any improvement in that anytime soon. I will be the first to admit that part of the decline at Classic was of my own doing. I tried to do the best I could thinking I could equip a room to meet the needs of my clients. I failed to realize how important esthetics and the ‘vibe’, as it is called among folks, was to many of you. I have never been the ‘fashionable’ type as you can tell. I wish I was. It was not that I just did not want to do it, but I could never find just the right thing to do or enough extra money to make it happen. We made an attempt a couple years ago with some painting and restroom upgrades. I had ideas for the floors and other areas, I just never did it and for that I am sorry to all of those who expressed your displeasure either to me or indirectly through others. With all this in mind I am happy to announce today that I have entered into a lease purchase agreement with Kent Wells of Kent Wells Productions, Kent Wells Productions. Kent has been at the Sound Kitchen for the last 3 years. He is the producer, guitarist and band leader for Dolly Parton and has a very successful production company working with many new and upcoming artists. He also works with and produces several other Country artists. Kent will officially move into Classic on May 1 with his staff. During April they will be working on a makeover/remodel. Yes, the long needed and awaited makeover. Kent and his staff have some great ideas on how to make the studio a ‘hipper’ place. I can’t wait to see what they are going to do. It will on May 1 become Kent Wells Productions. Now, where does this put what was or is Classic? We will maintain the sessions that are booked currently for one. Next, Kent has graciously offered to let me continue to use the studio as long as I am officially the ‘Landlord”. Otherwise it will be a closed operation. We are going to see how it works out but we think we have a workable plan. I will be leaving a majority of the equipment there for now. The console, piano, many outboard pieces, mics, etc. Kent will be putting in his PT rig and many outboard pieces, mics, etc. I will leave many of mine for the time being. I will leave most of my mics, cue systems, stands and other items for use on orchestra and choral sessions of mine. His production work will not be as much in that area. Mostly tracking sessions. The lease is established for 2 years with option to purchase at any time. Under our agreement I am hoping that many of you will still consider using the studio as it is available. Just contact me like you normally would. I am planning to keep the main phone number with a forward to my cell. Email address will stay the same. I will maintain my state and local business licenses. I will book, bill and collect payment just as if Classic is still there. So please consider this option. At least now you will get that makeover that everyone wanted. I do appreciate and thank you for the last 15 years of business. I have met and made so many new friends. I would not take anything for that alone. I consider it an honor to have worked with the best of the best in all phases of the music industry. We have all made some great music and made differences in people’s lives. That means the most to me. I cherish all of you that I have had the pleasure to work with. I wish the best for everyone in the future and I hope to see you soon. Thank you and many blessings…. George H. Cumbee Jr., President