Upfront

Zildjian to Acquire Mike Balter Mallets

​The Avedis Zildjian Company has entered into an agreement to acquire the Mike Balter Mallet Company, the world's largest percussion mallet manufacturer.

Coffin Expands & Joins Ace Products Group

Coffin®, the original creator of coffin guitar cases officially announces their new partnership with Ace Products Group®, along with expansion plans for the Coffin brand.

Sam Ash Execs Visit D’Addario HQ

On December 14th, several executives from Sam Ash Music visited the D’Addario headquarters and factories in Farmingdale, New York. 

Paiste Appoints U.S. Distribution to Hal Leonard

​Paiste announced that as of January 1, 2018, Hal Leonard will serve as the premier distribution and marketing partner for Paiste instruments and related accessories in the United States.

Janicek Picks Name Osiamo Exclusive Distributor for U.S.

Janicek Picks have named Osiamo their exclusive distributor for the U.S.

GC Acquires Audio Visual Design Group

Guitar Center has announced the acquisition of the San Francisco Bay Area-based Audio Visual Design Group (AVDG).

SSL Joins Audiotonix Group

Audiotonix has announced the acquisition of Solid State Logic (SSL) as part of its expanding Group that already includes leading audio brands DiGiCo, DiGiGrid, Calrec and Allen & Heath. 

EMD Music Reaches Distribution Agreement with Nady Systems

​EMD Music Inc. and Nady Systems Inc. have announced a new distribution partnership for 2018 covering the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Yamaha ‘All-Star Concert on the Grand’ Extravaganza Slated for 2018 NAMM Show

Having dazzled its dealers for 20 years with the biggest, star-studded NAMM concert experiences imaginable, Yamaha is finally bringing its legendary multimedia production to all show attendees during the 2018 NAMM Show, to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center, January 25-28.

Moody’s Downgrades GC’s Ratings to Caa1

In late November, Moody's Investors Service again downgraded Guitar Center's ratings.  S&P Global Ratings also downgraded GC's credit rating further into junk territory at CCC-. The full report from Moody's is below:

25th Annual Dealers’ Choice Awards Winners Announced!

Demetri Martin Named as Host of the 33rd Annual NAMM TEC Awards

​The NAMM Foundation has announced stand-up comedian and entertainer extraordinaire Demetri Martin as the host of the prestigious 33^rd Annual NAMM Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards (NAMM TEC Awards), Saturday, January 27, 2018 in Anaheim, California during The NAMM Show.