JBL Launches New Powered Monitors
JBL Professional by Harman and UK distributor Sound Technology have launched the new Series 104 compact powered reference monitors.
MMR Journalism
Ronnie Dungan
Ronnie Dungan is a contributing journalist in the MMR archive, covering the music products industry for Musical Merchandise Review.
Recent reporting
Native Launches New Noire for Kontakt
Native Instruments has launched Noire, a new Kontakt instrument that captures the signature grand piano sound of composer and pianist Nils Frahm.
New Framus Signature Seven-String
Framus has launched a new Devin Townsend custom shop seven string electric guitar.
SSL Scores a SiX With New Mixer Launch
Solid State Logic and UK distributor Sound Technology have launched the SiX desktop mixer, for use in the studio, in post-production, on stage, and for podcasting.
Irish Deal for Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica has extended its distribution partnership with Belgian installation audio manufacturer Apart Audio to include Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, to take effect from April 2019.
Songwriting Awards Back at Musikmesse
The European Songwriting Awards are being held for the second time at Musikmesse and the best songs will be chosen by international A&Rs from major labels and music publishers during…
Adam Hall Readies Frankfurt Launches
Adam Hall has a full launch schedule at this year's Prolight+Sound show across its entire brand portfolio including LD Systems, Cameo and Palmer.
EHX Launches New Attack Delay
Electro Harmonix has released a new version of the classic EHX Attack Delay pedal.
QSC Strikes Middle East Deal
QSC today announced GSL Professional will begin distributing QSC Systems and Live Sound portfolios in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, including Iraq, from July.
DPA Launching New Wearable Tech at PL+S
DPA Microphones will use the Prolight + Sound 2019 platform to show artists and performers its new and unobtrusived:fine CORE 6066 Subminiature Headset Microphone – a wearable tech solution for…
New Warwick Limited Editions
Warwick has launched two new limited edition basses for 2019.
Musikmesse Readies Joint Show Offering
The world of entertainment technology and music business is coming together at Prolight + Sound and Musikmesse in Frankfurt am Main from 2 to 5 April 2019.
New Danelectro website
Danelectro has launched a brand new website for 2019.
New European Distributor for Phil Jones Bass
Phil Jones Bass (PJB) has announced the appointment of W-Distribution, a division of Warwick, as PJB’s European distributor from June 1st.
Music Junkie Closes Down
Leicester store Music Junkie, has shut its doors after its parent company, Blackberry Music, went into liquidation.
Stanley Leard-Freeman
Stanley Leard-Freeman, former proprietor of Queens Road Music Shop in Watford Town Centre, which he opened in 1958, died on February 23 aged 90.
New DJ Event at Musikmesse
Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound are joining forces with the organisers of the Sample Music Festival for the first time to bring together top brands, such as Akai, Denon DJ,…
Pearl Takes on Sabian in UK
Pearl Music Europe has taken over the distribution of Sabian cymbals and Gon Bops percussion from Westside Distribution with immediate effect.
Porter and Davies Artists Recognised
Porter & Davies artists have been nominated and voted best in their class in the 2019 Modern Drummer Reader Poll.
Augustine Launches new Paragon Line in UK
New York guitar string brand Augustine has announced the immediate availability of its new ‘Paragon’ Fluorocarbon treble nylon guitar strings in the UK.
Fishman Adds New Chinese Distributor
Fishman has appointed Guitarcube as the company’s distributor for China.
Los Cabos Expands European Distribution
Los Cabos Drumsticks, Canada’s largest drumstick manufacturer, has expanded its presence in Europe and has added Finnish firm Soundstore, as distributor.
Scott Dixon Appoints New UK Sales Rep
Scott Dixon, specialist in custom flight cases and speaker cabinets has appointed popular former JHS media exec, Gavin Coulson to handle UK sales.
Nord broadens electric piano library
Nord Keyboards and UK distributor Sound Technology's new Enhanced Electric Pianos recently added to the free Nord Piano Library are now compatible with additional models in the Nord range.
Washburn Sets New Apprentices to Work
Building on the success of its AGM5K Apprentice G-Mini Guitar, Washburn has announced the addition of the G-Mini5 BK model featuring a stunning matte black finish to its 2019 line of…
New Shergold Provocateurs Set for Guitar Show Debut
Barnes and Mullins is unveiling new Shergold Provocateur electric guitars at the upcoming Guitar Show on February 23rd – 24th.
Apart Audio Announces Innovation Tour
Audio-Technica, the UK distributor for Apart Audio, has announced a series of UK dates as part of the ‘Apart Innovation Tour’ – a global roadshow set to visit 100 cities…
Sennheiser Reshuffles
Audio specialist Sennheiser has announced several changes within its Pro Audio Solutions Channel with the forthcoming retirement of John Falcone, Sennheiser’s long serving SVP, Global Sales – Pro Audio Solutions.
Orange Kits Out 'Beatles' Performance
Orange Amplification provided the amps for the recent celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Beatles' last public performance on the rooftop of the Apple Corps building.
Musikmesse Tees up Vintage Guitar Exhibition
Together with No. 1 Guitar Centre Hamburg and with the support of Gibson USA, Musikmesse is hosting a special exhibition called The World of Vintage Guitars at this year's show.
Name Tweak for Shure Distribution
Microphone specialist Shure, has tweaked its official business name Shure Distribution UK becoming Shure UK and increasing the focus on its core brand.
Apogee Ships HypeMiC
Apogee Electronics and UK distributor Sound Technology have launched the HypeMiC, a premium USB microphone featuring studio-quality analogue compression. HypeMiC offers three settings of compression to use on vocals, voice-overs,…
Barnes and Mullins Adds New Canadian Reed Brand
Barnes and Millins has taken on UK distribution of Canadian brand, Legérè Reeds.
Gregory Porter to Close Musikmesse Festival
Gregory Porter is the big name act added to this year's Musikmesse Festival, performing at the Grand Finale with the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt orchestra on 6 April.
Dynaudio Launches New Core Monitors
Marking Dynaudio’s 30-year anniversary in Pro Audio, since the original ‘Crafft’ monitor was introduced to the market in 1989, the Core series is the latest high-end extension to Dynaudio’s range…
Best in Show win for Rockboard
Warwick picked up a Best in Show Award in the accessories category at this year’s Winter NAMM for the RockBoard range.
Original Gigbag Co. Launches Coda Range
The Korg USA stand at NAMM saw the international launch of the new Coda series 40mm padded gigbags from Britain’s Original Gigbag Company.
New CEO for Nugen
NUGEN Audio Ltd has appointed Dr. Paul Tapper to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
Pearl Rolls Out New Ranges
Pearl Drums unveiled a raft of new products at this year’s NAMM, led by its new Masters Maple/Gum Series Drums.
New Blood From Old Blood
US effects maker Old Blood Noise Endeavors, distributed by ADG in Europe, has joined forces with the US-based band Datachoir to come up with the Rêver - a mix of reverb,…
Washburn Launches Bella-Tono Acoustic Range
Washburn has launched a new range of low to medium-end acoustic guitars - the Bella Tono series.
Apogee Launches Powerful New USB Mic
Apogee Electronics and UK distributor Sound Technology is launching HypeMiC, a premium USB microphone promising studio-quality analogue compression.
Audio-Technica Adds to DJ Range
Audio-Technica has announced the launch of two new DJ-oriented additions to its extensive turntable and cartridge line-ups - the AT-LP140XP turntable and AT-XP3 cartridge.
Musikmesse and Prolight Insider Matchmaking Programme Opens
Registration for Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound's 2019 buyers’ benefits programme ‘Insider’ is now open.
AmpRx Readies Launch of Eurovolt
AmpRx Power Solutions, the company that designed and manufactures the iconic BrownBox Tube Amplifier power correction unit, is launching the Eurovolt.
JHS Set for Strong NAMM Showing
UK MI and pro audio distributor JHS will be exhibiting on the show floor at this year's NAMM show on stand 6404 with brands including Vintage, Fret-King and Odyssey brasswind.
Gibson Kicking Off New Era at NAMM
Gibson will showcase a new line-up and artist collaborations at NAMM and has promised its best-ever vintage re-issue plus a resurrection of the Epiphone brand.
Adam Hall Pushing US Plans at NAMM
During this year's NAMM Show the Adam Hall Group will be presenting various innovations at its booth in Hall A (11514).
Nord Adds New Piano Monitor System
Nord is launching its compact Nord Piano Monitor system, with speakers that can be mounted to the Nord Piano 4 using the optional Monitor Brackets.
Peavey UNITY DR16 Digital Mixer lands in the UK
Peavey UK has confirmed the immediate availability of the new UNITY DR16 16 Channel Digital Mixer in the UK.
Warwick Lines Up NAMM Bass Launches
Warwick will be presenting a number of bass launches at booth 4636 in Hall D at this year’s NAMM Show 2019.
Taylor makes Four High Level Promotions
Taylor Guitars has announced four executive promotions in Sales and Finance on the heels of a record year at the company.
Gibson Launching Chris Cornell Signature Guitar
Gibson is launching a limited-edition Chris Cornell Tribute ES-335 guitar based on the former Soundgarden singer's instrument.
Orange Ambassadors Pack NAMM Booth
Orange Amplification is hosting ambassadors Orianthi, Glenn Hughes and Andreas Kisser on its booth #4644, Hall D signing autographs during NAMM 2019.
JHS Adds New Finishes to Vintage Historic Series
JHS has added a new colour finish to its Vintage Historic Series of acoustic guitars.
Fender Makes Bigsby Acquisition
Fender has acquired the Bigsby brand and its assets from Fred Gretsch Enterprises.
DW Adds new Hardware to 5000 Series
Drum Workshop has added a Single Chain Pedal (AH4) to its classic 5000 Series hardware line.
Los Cabos Extends South American Business
Los Cabos Drumsticks, Canada’s largest drumstick manufacturer, has expanded its presence in South America, adding Plug & Play as its newest distributor.
Aguilar Launches Latest Lightweight cab in UK
US bass specialist Aguilar Amplification has launched its new SL 115 bass cabinet in the UK.
Colombian deal for D&A Guitar Gear
D&A Guitar Gear, has announced an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Colombian guitar pedalboards brand, Waggi, known for its innovative design and unique cable management system.
Supro launches new Blues King 12
The new Supro Blues King 12 combo amplifier is designed to capture the prized Supro amp tone that helped sculpt the sound of early electric Rock & Roll and the British Invasion of the…
Welsh veteran Cranes closing its doors
Veteran Welsh music shop Cranes is to become the latest UK MI store to close after more than 30 years in the business.
JHS adds another to audio line-up
JHS has added CAD Audio to its growing line-up of pro-audio brands.
DiGiCo swoops for Klang
DiGiCo has acquired Klang:technologies, adding it to the Audiotonix line-up that already includes leading audio brands Allen & Heath, Calrec, DiGiGrid, Solid State Logic, and DiGiCo.
Warwick Boss Gifted Anniversary Thumb Bass
Having recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of Framus and Warwick’s 35th, company founder, Hans-Peter Wilfer celebrated his 60th birthday by being presented with a bass built on the original design…
Dynaudio Offers Break to Unsigned Artists
Danish loudspeaker specialist Dynaudio and The NAMM Show is giving unsigned artists the chance to get their big break – free of charge, with no strings attached.
Veteran UK Retailer Sold
UK site Music Instrument News reports that veteran UK retailer, Dawsons, has been sold to a private equity firm.
D'Addario's 'Saint' Nick Returns to London
D'Addario's own 'Saint' Nick D'Addario has returned to London to give away free gear to street musicians and buskers after the success of last year's festive hand-out.
Musikmesse adding new Networking Area for 2019
Musikmesse will introduce a new Networking Area in Hall 4.1 of Musikmesse and Prolight + Sound.
Frampton Coming Alive at NAMM
Guitarist, singer, songwriter, and innovator Peter Frampton will receive the Les Paul Innovation Award at the 34th Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards (NAMM TEC Awards), in January.
Musikmesse Adds Vintage Audio Event
Visitors to the next Musikmesse and Prolight and Sound will have the opportunity to see and hear milestones of four decades of concert PA systems at its first ever Vintage…
Italian Firm Acquires DPA Microphones
Italian speaker giant RCF has acquired DPA Microphones from The Riverside Company.
Filling/ADG Axis Adds New Foxgear Brand
Filling Distribution and Audio Distribution Group have added the new Italian brand Foxgear to their distribution alliance in Europe.
Rotosound Launching New Ultramag String Range
Rotosound, is launching a new range of high-end guitar strings sets at the forthcoming NAMM 2019 show in Anaheim, California.
EarthQuaker Secures Australian Distribution with Yamaha
EarthQuaker Devices and Yamaha Music Australia have announced that effective 1st January 2019, Yamaha Music Australia will be the exclusive distributor of EarthQuaker Devices effects pedals in the territory.
Mad Professor Launches Loud 'n Proud Pedal
Finnish specialist Mad Professor Amplification has launched its latest amp-in-a-box pedal - Loud´n Proud.
Percussa Kickstarts Micro Super Signal Processor
Percussa has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its micro Super Signal Processor (mSSP) Eurorack module.
Early Gift as Orange Launches Christmas Wish Competition
If it's December then it must be time for Orange Amps boss Cliff Cooper to bust out his collection of Christmas jumpers and this year he does not disappoint, donning…
Sound Technology adds Hamer Distribution
Sound Technology has taken on distribution of the iconic boutique brand Hamer Guitars for the UK and Ireland.
Warwick Adds to RockCare Guitar Care Range
With the Work Bench Pad and the Work Bench Instrument Neck Rest, Warwick Distribution's RockCare brand has added two new tools for repair, adjustment and modification of guitars and basses.
NAMM Hall of Fame Recognition for Audio Products
Eight culturally-significant audio inventions will be inducted to the NAMM TECnology Hall of Fame (THOF), it was announced today by THOF Founder, George Petersen.
Ovation Launches Website 2.0
Ovation has revamped its online offering with an updated site that showcases its complete line-up of electric/acoustic instruments, as well as Adamas strings.
Red Dog Music ceases trading
After last week's announcement that it was operating in administration, UK retailer Red Dog Music has now gone under.
Red Dog Music in Difficulties
Leonard Curtis Business Solutions has been appointed as the administrator for retailer Red Dog Music, which has stores in London and Edinburgh.
UK Poverty Hitting Music Education
A recent report from the UK's Musician's Union says poorer families in the UK are at risk of under-representation in the music industry as children are being priced out of learning to…
High Tech Add to Growing Fuzzrocious Line-Up
High Tech Distribution has added a new tone pedal to its Fizzrocious range of effects.
Cornell Amps Launch 5 Watt ‘Traveller 5’ Guitar Combo
British manufacturer Cornell, has launched a new portable five-watt Traveller guitar combo amp.
SSL Hosting Listening Event for new Fusion Processor
SSL is hositng a listening party at KMR Audio on the 22nd November with producer Romesh Dodangoda (Motorhead, Bring Me The Horizon, Funeral For A Friend, Bullet For My Valentine)…
Tracktion Launches Retromod Sample Series
Tracktion has introduced the Retromod Series, a growing collection of synth plugins that "redefines iconic hardware synthesizers and pushes them into the future".
Mojotone Signs Guitar Slide 'first'
Mojotone has teamed up with ThixoTek to distribute its new product; the MagSlide MS2 - the world's first Magnesium Guitar Slide, offering guitars players a lightweight alternative to conventional glass,…
Packer Moves in to New HQ
With building work now completed, distributor and manufacturer, John Packer has moved to new premises integrating its offices an warehouse space.
NAMM Reveals 2019 Show Development Programme Details
NAMM has announced details on its professional development offering for the 2019 show, featuring business know-how and hands-on training for working and emerging professionals involved in all aspects of the…
Audio Distribution Group signs up Bergantino Range
Audio Distribution Group has added Bergantino Audio Systems line of cabinets and amplifiers to its brand portfolio in Europe.
Teenage Ships OP-Z Sequencer
Teenage Engineering and UK distributor Sound Technology have shipped the new Teenage Engineering OP-Z - the first stand-alone 16-track sequencer that allows synchronised live composition of music, visuals and lights.
Aguilar Brings Tone Hammer to UK
Aguilar Amplification has launched the US-made Tone Hammer series bass amplifier range – the Tone Hammer 700 - in the UK.
Gewa Seals Lee Oskar Distribution Deal
GEWA Winds, a Division of GEWA Music, has been designated as the major distributor of Lee Oskar Harmonicas products in the European market.
Porter and Davies Launches One-Day Discount
Porter and Davies is offering customers 10 per cent off its range of tactile monitoring rigs for one day only in November.
New Global Sales Head for Elixir
Elixir Strings has named Krista Krouse as global sales leader heading up the strategic sales growth of the Elixir Strings business worldwide.
ADG Fires up Black Ash Pedal
The Black Ash Limited edition fuzz pedal is shipping now to the UK from the Audio Distribution Group/Filling Alliance.
Black Diamond String Brand Changes Hands
The Black Diamond Strings brand has been acquired from Super Sensitive Musical String Co. by Guitar String Manufacturing located in Santa Rosa, California.