The 2025 Dealers’ Choice Awards once again drew an impressive response from across the MI industry, with retailers throughout North America casting thousands of votes to recognize the instruments, technologies, and product lines that defined the past year. As always, the results reflect a dynamic mix of consistency and discovery: several perennial favorites continued their winning streaks, while a number of unexpected newcomers and innovative releases broke through to claim top honors.
MMR extends its thanks to every dealer who participated in this year’s nomination and voting process, beginning with the initial nomination submissions in the summer and culminating in the final ballot. Congratulations to all the manufacturers and suppliers whose products inspired musicians, connected with consumers, and supported strong sales across the MI retail landscape.
Product of the Year: Buffet Crampon ClariMate
Buffet Crampon’s ClariMate has been named MMR’s 2025 Dealers’ Choice “Product of the Year,” marking a significant milestone for a tool that reimagines how clarinetists practice and engage with their instrument. Retailers across North America praised ClariMate for its clever fusion of traditional acoustic playing with modern digital functionality, giving musicians the ability to rehearse silently, experiment with effects, and refine their skills without sacrificing the feel or response of a real clarinet.
Dealers report overwhelming enthusiasm from students, educators, and hobbyists alike, noting that ClariMate fills a long-standing gap in the woodwind market. Its intuitive design and tech-forward capabilities reflect Buffet Crampon’s commitment to evolving the clarinet experience for a new generation of players — one of many reasons the product stood out so strongly in this year’s voting.
Accessory Line of the Year: D’Addario & Co.
D’Addario & Co. secures the win in this category once again, reinforcing its status as one of the most trusted and influential accessory manufacturers in the MI industry. Dealers continue to rely heavily on D’Addario’s broad portfolio — spanning strings, reeds, maintenance essentials, straps, cables, tuners, cases, and beyond — citing exceptional quality control, strong brand recognition, and consistent sell-through.
Retailers emphasize that D’Addario’s ongoing R&D investments and materials innovations keep the company at the forefront of performance and reliability. With products that serve everyone from beginners to top-tier professionals, D’Addario remains a cornerstone of every well-stocked sales floor.
Acoustic Piano of the Year: Yamaha U1
The Yamaha U1 is recognized as a benchmark of upright piano craftsmanship, earning the 2025 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Acoustic Piano of the Year.” Widely regarded as one of the most dependable and musically expressive upright pianos available, the U1 has long been favored by teachers, institutions, and families seeking an instrument with lasting value.
Dealers praise the U1’s unmistakably clear tone, responsive action, and durability — qualities that have kept it at the top of recommendation lists for decades. With strong consumer confidence and a reputation built on generations of consistent performance, the Yamaha U1 remains a defining presence in the acoustic piano market.
Home Digital Keyboard of the Year: Casio Privia PX-S7000
Casio’s Privia PX-S7000 gets the nod for “Home Digital Keyboard of the Year,” celebrated by retailers for its marriage of premium performance and interior-friendly design. The PX-S7000 stands apart with its minimalist footprint, advanced sound engine, and impressive key feel — elements that appeal equally to casual home players and serious musicians seeking a stylish, high-quality digital piano.
Dealers note that Casio has tapped into a rapidly growing market of design-conscious consumers who want an instrument that complements modern living spaces without compromising musical capability. The result is a keyboard that excels visually, technologically, and artistically.
Pro Digital Keyboard of the Year: Nord Stage 4
With the Nord Stage 4, Nord claims the 2025 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Pro Digital Keyboard of the Year,” continuing its streak of dominating the professional performance market. Retailers unanimously praised the Stage 4 for its deeply refined sound engines, flexible layering options, expanded effects, and reimagined interface — updates that have resonated strongly with gigging musicians, studios, and touring professionals.
According to dealers, the Stage 4 exemplifies Nord’s commitment to continuous evolution while preserving the brand’s unmistakable identity. Its combination of build quality, sonic excellence, and workflow improvements secured it a commanding lead in this year’s voting.
Ukulele of the Year: Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano
The Kala KA-15S Mahogany Soprano finds itself in the winner’s circle for “Ukulele of the Year,” reflecting its longstanding status as one of the category’s most reliable and best-selling models. Dealers continue to recommend the KA-15S for its remarkable tonal warmth, consistent build quality, and accessible price point — qualities that make it a favorite for classrooms, gift buyers, and beginners entering the ukulele world.
Retailers report strong and steady demand, crediting Kala with maintaining exceptional value while upholding craftsmanship that exceeds expectations in the entry-level segment. For many first-time players, the KA-15S is synonymous with the ukulele itself.
Acoustic Guitar of the Year: C.F. Martin D-28
Martin’s legendary D-28 has earned the 2025 Dealers’ Choice “Acoustic Guitar of the Year,” further cementing its role as one of the most iconic steel-string instruments of all time. Retailers highlight the D-28’s rich projection, balanced tonality, and unmistakable Martin character — attributes that continue to attract players across genres and generations.
Dealers note that few guitars command the same reverence among seasoned musicians and newcomers alike. Its combination of heritage, craftsmanship, and prestige has ensured the D-28’s enduring dominance in the acoustic category, making this year’s win both unsurprising and well deserved.
Electric Bass of the Year: Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass
The Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass secures the 2025 win for “Electric Bass of the Year,” celebrated for its modern refinements and classic Fender feel. Retailers point to the model’s versatile electronics, improved neck profile, and signature Jazz Bass clarity as key factors driving strong demand.
With appeal spanning hobbyists to seasoned pros, the American Professional II Jazz Bass has maintained consistent sales momentum throughout the MI channel. Dealers emphasize that its balance of tradition and innovation keeps the Jazz Bass at the center of the electric bass landscape.
Electric Guitar of the Year: Yamaha Revstar Standard
Yamaha’s Revstar Standard series captures this year’s Dealers’ Choice Award for “Electric Guitar of the Year,” impressing retailers with its bold aesthetics, precision engineering, and compelling tonal versatility. Inspired by café-racer culture and shaped by years of refinement, the Revstar line delivers boutique-like performance at an accessible price, making it one of the strongest contenders in its class.
Dealers cite the Revstar’s reliability, distinctive personality, and strong customer response as major contributors to its victory. For many retailers, the Revstar Standard has become a standout example of Yamaha’s continued innovation in the electric guitar market.
Amplifier Line of the Year: Ampeg
Ampeg earns the 2025 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Amplifier Line of the Year,” reaffirming its enduring leadership in bass amplification. The company’s lineup — ranging from compact practice combos to stage-ready workhorses — continues to deliver the unmistakable Ampeg tone that professional bassists and beginners alike rely on.
Dealers consistently praise the brand’s reliability, tonal identity, and deep connection to the bass community. Ampeg’s ability to remain both relevant and iconic contributed to a decisive win in this year’s ballot.
Band & Orchestral Instrument Line of the Year: Buffet Crampon
Buffet Crampon is named the 2025 Dealers’ Choice “Band & Orchestral Instrument Line of the Year,” honored for its unmatched legacy of woodwind craftsmanship. Retailers emphasize the company’s deep commitment to tonal excellence and precision engineering — qualities that educators and performers depend on at every skill level.
Across North America, dealers describe Buffet Crampon as a linchpin of the B&O category, consistently delivering instruments that uphold both tradition and innovation. This year’s award underscores the brand’s ongoing influence in the ensemble music world.
Lighting Line of the Year: Chauvet DJ
Chauvet DJ claims the 2025 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Lighting Line of the Year,” recognized for delivering dependable, creative lighting solutions that continue to resonate with mobile entertainers, venues, and performance spaces. Dealers cite Chauvet DJ’s blend of affordability and professional-level capability as a major driver of its success.
The company’s strong product diversity — ranging from wash lights and moving heads to atmospheric effects and control systems — has helped retailers meet the needs of a wide range of customers, securing Chauvet DJ a comfortable lead in this year’s voting.
Microphone of the Year: Neumann U87
The Neumann U87 takes a victory lap as “Microphone of the Year,” a testament to its status as one of the most revered microphones in recording history. Dealers continue to describe the U87 as a benchmark for clarity, warmth, and dynamic sensitivity, contributing to its persistent demand in studios worldwide.
Its iconic reputation, coupled with Neumann’s uncompromising manufacturing standards, has made the U87 a perennial bestseller — and a natural choice for this year’s top microphone category.
Recording Equipment Line of the Year: Focusrite
Focusrite captures the 2025 Dealers’ Choice Award in this tightly contested category, buoyed by consistently strong performance in the interface and home-studio categories. Dealers across North America report ongoing enthusiasm for the brand’s dependable, easy-to-use recording solutions, especially among emerging creators and working musicians.
Focusrite’s ability to balance affordability with feature-rich design remains a major asset, enabling the company to maintain a dominant footprint in the rapidly expanding home-recording and content-creation markets.
Sound Reinforcement Line of the Year: Allen & Heath
Allen & Heath is awarded the 2025 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Sound Reinforcement Line of the Year,” recognized for its powerful and intuitive digital mixing systems used in venues, houses of worship, schools, and touring rigs worldwide. Retailers consistently compliment the company’s engineering rigor, user-friendly interfaces, and well-rounded product family.
Dealers note that Allen & Heath’s reliability and forward-thinking technology make it a standout choice for professionals who demand both flexibility and durability — qualities that ensured another strong showing in this year’s voting.
Percussion Line of the Year: Yamaha
Yamaha takes home 2025’s top honor for “Percussion Line of the Year,” celebrated for its extensive offering of drum kits, concert percussion, and educational instruments. Retailers emphasize Yamaha’s ability to meet the needs of virtually every percussionist — from beginner to touring pro — with unwavering quality and consistency.
Dealers also point to Yamaha’s strong institutional presence, where its durability and ease of maintenance keep it a top choice for school programs nationwide. With broad market reach and trusted performance, Yamaha continues to dominate the percussion category.
Popular Music Print Title of the Year: The Beatles Sheet Music Collection (Hal Leonard)
Hal Leonard’s The Beatles Sheet Music Collection receives the 2025 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Popular Music Print Title of the Year,” highlighting the ongoing demand for the band’s timeless catalog. Retailers describe the collection as a perennial favorite, thanks to its accessible arrangements and enduring cultural appeal.
Dealers report strong sales momentum and consistent consumer interest — proof that The Beatles continue to resonate with musicians of all ages, making this collection one of Hal Leonard’s strongest print offerings of the year.
Educational Print Title of the Year: “Giant Slayer” – Flexcel Series, Grade 1 (Excelcia Music)
Excelcia Music’s “Giant Slayer,” part of the Flexcel Series for Grade 1 band, earns the 2025 Dealers’ Choice Award for “Educational Print Title of the Year,” praised by retailers for its engaging writing and excellent pedagogical support. Dealers note that the piece strikes an ideal balance between accessibility for beginners and musical interest for young ensembles.
Educators have responded enthusiastically to its creative scoring and instructional value, helping “Giant Slayer” stand out in a competitive educational print market. For many retailers, it represents the best of what beginning band literature should offer: fun, confidence-building, and musically rewarding.
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