2024’s Dealer’s Choice Awards (DCA) voting broke even last year’s record-setting numbers, with thousands of industry professionals chiming in to select the standout musical instruments and related gear of the past 12 months. While some longtime, repeat winners once again found themselves taking a victory lap, there were also quite a few surprises when the final tally was counted.
MMR thanks all those who participated in both the nomination process, beginning back in the summer of this past year, and the final voting for the ultimate DCA winners. Congratulations to the many deserving suppliers who designed and released product that resonated with end-users and generated profit for MI retailers!
Product of the Year: Allen & Heath CQ Series
For the seventh(!) consecutive year, Musical Merchandise Review is proud to announce Allen & Heath as the winner of the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Product of the Year” – this time for the CQ Series. Recognized for its innovative design, seamless usability, and outstanding audio performance, the CQ Series has quickly become a favorite among dealers and users alike.
Selected through a nationwide vote by music industry professionals, this award underscores the CQ Series’ role in advancing compact digital mixing technology. Congratulations to Allen & Heath for this well-deserved honor and for their continued contributions to the pro audio and music community.
Accessory Line of the Year: D’Addario & Co.
D’Addario & Co. has been named the winner of the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Accessory Line of the Year.” This prestigious recognition highlights D’Addario’s dedication to innovation, quality, and reliability across its extensive range of picks, tuners, drumsticks, straps, and SO much more, trusted by musicians worldwide.
Chosen by music retailers across the nation, this award reflects the ongoing impact of D’Addario’s products in supporting musicians at every level. Kudos to D’Addario & Co. for this well-earned return to the winner’s circle in this category and their commitment to excellence in the music industry.
Acoustic Guitar of the Year: Martin D-28
We proudly announces the Martin D-28 as the winner of the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Acoustic Guitar of the Year” for the second consecutive year. A timeless classic known for its unparalleled craftsmanship, rich tone, and iconic design, the D-28 continues to be a favorite among musicians and dealers alike.
This award, determined by votes from music retailers across the nation, reaffirms the Martin D-28’s enduring legacy and its position as a benchmark for acoustic guitars. Well done, Martin Guitar team! This well-deserved recognition acknowledges the brand’s thoughtfully designed and crafted instruments continue to inspire players around the world!
Acoustic Piano Line of the Year: Yamaha
In an extremely tight race, this year Yamaha emerges victorious as the recipient of the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Acoustic Piano Line of the Year.” Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, tonal clarity, and reliability, Yamaha’s acoustic pianos continue to set the standard for quality and performance in the music industry.
What can’t Yamaha do? As one of MI’s most formidable juggurnauts of a brand, the answer – generally speaking – to that question would be, “not much.” But one area this supplier unquestionably shines is in the realm of acoustic pianos. Well done, Yamaha!
Amplifier Line of the Year: Fender
Yet again, Fender (FMIC) has been named the winner of the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Amplifier Line of the Year.” A go-to brand across the globe and renowned for their iconic sound, innovative technology, and unwavering quality, Fender amplifiers continue to be a trusted choice for musicians across all genres.
This prestigious honor, voted on by music retailers nationwide, reflects the enduring legacy and industry leadership of Fender amplifiers. This well-earned recognition celebrates Fender and their ongoing commitment to shaping the sound of music worldwide!
B&O Line of the Year: Buffet Crampon
As in 2023, in 2024 Buffet Crampon has won the Dealers’ Choice Award for “Band & Orchestra Line of the Year.” Celebrated for its unmatched craftsmanship, superior tone, and enduring legacy, Buffet Crampon continues to be the preferred choice for musicians and educators worldwide.
Music retailers nationwide let their voices be heard in this competitive category and this award highlights Buffet Crampon’s commitment to excellence and innovation in band and orchestra instruments. We congratulate Buffet Crampon on this hard-earned recognition and for their ongoing dedication to enriching the world of music.
Ukulele of the Year: Kala KA-15
The model changes, but the brand remains the same, as we announce the Kala KA-15 as the winner of the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Ukulele of the Year.” Known for its reliable build, smooth tone, and exceptional value, the KA-15 has become a top choice for musicians of all skill levels.
This award highlights the KA-15’s popularity in the extremely competitive ukulele market this past calendar year. Congratulations to the folks Kala for this well-deserved honor and for providing an instrument that brings the joy of music to players everywhere!
Electric Bass of the Year: Yamaha TRBX174
Amidst fierce competition in this category, the Yamaha TRBX174 has been named the winner of the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Electric Bass of the Year.” Combining outstanding
craftsmanship, rich tone, and exceptional playability, the TRBX174 offers a perfect balance of quality and affordability, making it a popular choice among bass players of all levels.
This DCA underscores the TRBX174’s reputation for delivering impressive performance at an accessible price point. Congratulations to Yamaha for this well-deserved recognition and for continuing to support the electric bass community with instruments that inspire.
Electric Guitar of the Year: PRS SE Custom 24
The the PRS SE Custom 24 has been named the winner of the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Electric Guitar of the Year.” Though always a very crowded and contested category, the CE Custom 24 – with its sleek design, versatile tone, and renowned playability – captures the attention of guitarists at all levels, offering premium features at an accessible price point.
This win highlights the SE Custom 24’s exceptional reputation and popularity in the electric guitar market. Congratulations to PRS for designing and bringing to market an electric six-string that has been truly embraced by end-users of all stripes.
Home Digital Keyboard of the Year: Casio PX-S7000
Is there any home keyboard that combines powerful functionality with groundbreaking aesthetic innovation? Nope, not really – and that’s why the Casio PX-S7000 won the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Home Digital Keyboard of the Year” in 2024, just as it did in 2023. Renowned for its sleek design, realistic piano feel, and cutting-edge features, the PX-S7000 offers both aspiring musicians and experienced players an exceptional playing experience in a compact and stylish package.
Voted on by music retailers nationwide, this award recognizes Casio’s commitment to innovation and quality in home digital keyboards. Congratulations to Casio for this well-deserved recognition and for continuing to provide instruments that inspire creativity and musical expression.
Pro Digital Keyboard Line of the Year: Kawai
It looks like frequent-winner Kawai has struck a chord with music retailers nationwide, as the brand takes home the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Pro Digital Keyboard Line of the Year.” Whether you’re looking for rich, expressive sound, ultra-realistic touch, or just an all-around impressive performance, Kawai keyboards continue to hit the right notes in the digital piano world.
Voted on by those who know a thing or two about great gear, this award is a clear reflection of Kawai’s ongoing dedication to innovation and quality. So, here’s to Kawai—proving that when it comes to digital keyboards, they’ve got the keys to success!
Lighting Line of the Year: Chauvet DJ
If you’ve been dazzled by spectacular lighting displays lately, you can thank Chauvet DJ for turning up the brightness, as they take home the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Lighting Line of the Year.” Known for their game-changing designs and lighting gear that could light up an entire arena (or your local karaoke bar), Chauvet DJ continues to be the go-to choice for professionals who need both style and performance.
Voted on by music retailers across the nation, this award shines a well-deserved spotlight on Chauvet DJ’s commitment to innovation, making them the clear leaders when it comes to lighting solutions. So here’s to Chauvet DJ for lighting up the competition—and, well, everything else!
Sound Reinforcement Line of the Year: Allen & Heath
Once again, Allen & Heath proves that when it comes to sound reinforcement, they’re the name you can count on to get your audio just right. The brand has been awarded the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Sound Reinforcement Line of the Year,” because, let’s face it, they’ve been shaking the airwaves with industry-leading gear that delivers top-notch sound every time.
Voted by music retailers who know their sound systems inside and out, this award celebrates Allen & Heath’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. Here’s to the brand that ensures your sound isn’t just heard—it’s felt. Keep turning up the volume, Allen & Heath!
Recording Equipment Line of the Year: Focusrite
Focusrite has once again proven they know how to make great things sound even better, winning the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Recording Equipment Line of the Year.” From the iconic Scarlett interfaces to their ever-expanding lineup of professional-grade gear, Focusrite continues to be the top choice for recording engineers and musicians who demand top-tier quality—whether they’re in the studio or working from home.
Voted by music retailers who know a thing or two about high-quality sound, this award highlights Focusrite’s ability to keep pace with the ever-evolving needs of the recording world. So, hats off to Focusrite for keeping our recordings crystal clear and our creativity flowing!
Popular Music Print Publisher of the Year: Hal Leonard
Hal Leonard has struck the right chord yet again, winning the 2024 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Popular Music Print Publisher of the Year.” Known for their extensive catalog of sheet music that spans genres, decades, and skill levels, Hal Leonard continues to provide musicians with the resources they need to bring their favorite tunes to life.
Chosen by music retailers who’ve seen it all, this award underscores Hal Leonard’s ongoing dominance in the print music world. So, here’s to Hal Leonard—keeping music alive, one note at a time!
Education Print Music Publisher of the Year: Alfred
For over a century (since 1922) Alfred Music has been committed to guiding enthusiasts towards their goals of creating their own musical paths and, in 2024, dealers recognized the company’s passion by handing them the DCA for “Education Print Music Publisher of the Year.” This honor recognizes Alfred’s exceptional contributions to music education, including its innovative resources, outstanding quality, and dedication to empowering musicians and educators worldwide.
Microphone Line of the Year: Shure
Renowned for groundbreaking innovation, superior quality, and trusted performance, Shure continues to lead the industry with mics that meet – and exceed – the demands of professionals and enthusiasts alike. What club doesn’t have a row of SM58s lined up onstage? This accolade highlights Shure’s unwavering dedication to excellence, whether performing live, recording in-studio, or during live broadcasts.
Percussion Line of the Year: Ludwig
Unmatched craftsmanship, innovation, and legacy in percussion drove voting dealers to select Ludwig as the winner in this extremely tight DCA category. As a cornerstone of the music industry for over a century, Ludwig continues to set the benchmark for quality and performance across its extensive range of drums and related instruments. This 2024 nod reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to supporting musicians with instruments that inspire and elevate their artistry.
