Electric guitar suppliers discuss the 2016 market.
We pick up our conversation with electric guitars suppliers that began in the May 2016 issue of MMR…
Have you noticed any other trends with respect to electric guitars – demographics of end-users, popular price-points, certain styles or types of electrics either gaining or losing popularity?
Ken Youmans: Our electric guitar manager Masahiko Murata, says the developing trend that he observes is toward instruments with a very clear sense of purpose or identity are gaining people’s interest. We’re also starting to see more female players.
At the high end of our market are limited edition instruments like the Universe anniversary models we introduced this year at NAMM. These sorts of offerings are extremely limited and will only be developed occasionally. Though we see that there are other brands that do well with high-end models that collectors buy as investments, we identify as a player’s brand, rather than a collector’s brand.
Brian Ball: I think you’re starting to see offset instruments continue to gain in popularity. There’s still a massive pool of consumers that wanttraditional shapes and design elements, but I think with Djent Metal, Indie Rock, and Alternative being popular guitar players are more open-minded than they have been in a while. That’s a great thing for Ernie Ball Music Man, where virtually all of our models are fairly unique shapes and designs.
Silvan Küng: The market we see today won’t be tomorrow’s market, for sure. But one thing will never change: musicians want to be inspired. Not only through effect possibilities – it’s more than that. They want to feel what they play, they want to be connected to the “instrument” – that it results more into a relationship with each other. We try to build those bridges between player and guitar.
Pirmin and I developed over five years and part time jobs a new “bridge” solution. We ended up with Jane three years ago and now with our new model, Mary, this summer. As you asked me for gaining brands in popularity, I will say Relish did well lately, but as a small fish in the ocean I see custom and private stock lines as tomorrow’s future.
Armando Vega: Guitars seem to be all over the place at the moment, with the exception of the aggressive, pointy (for lack of a better term) designs that seem to be really struggling in the current musical climate. The same could be said about crazy, over-the-top flashy graphics and colors.
Adam Romine: Listening and interacting with the player community is key in developing Legator guitars. Engaging this community has led Legator to develop and expand our Extended Range Section of our Guitar catalog. From Multi-Scale (Fanned Fret) to 9-string guitars, a large portion of Legator’s Ninja line was developed by the demand of this player base determined on exploring the extended range or their guitars.
What model is currently the hottest seller for your brand?
BB: The newest models we’ve released have caught on like wildfire. It’s been a tremendous start to the year for Ernie Ball Music Man, and there are a few key instruments that are driving the business. Our new St. Vincent Signature model has been one of the hottest new guitars we’ve launched in years. John Petrucci continues to innovate and design new instruments that have really helped to keep us relevant and drive the business as a whole. The 40th Anniversary of the StingRay (Old Smoothie) has been a very popular bass as well.
AV: Yamaha spent years perfecting our new Revstar lineup of solid-body electric guitars. There are seven models in the line, each delivering the great sound, styling and value associated with Yamaha guitars. Revstar represents a totally new design inspired by the Cafe Racer custom bikes of the ‘60s featuring industrial inspired finishes, stage-ready hardware, custom woundpickups and ultra-playable neck profiles. Stripped down, tuned up and ready to play. They are meticulously crafted to sound as good as they look.
AR: The Ninja 7-String Guitar (300-PRO & 100-PE Series), the Ninja 300-PRO, and the Opus Tradition 300-PRO 7-String
SK: Jane is doing great with back-orders through mid-year. Also, for Mary we already have orders, even if the final serial model has not been published yet.
KY: Iron Core RGD, RGA, have been our big hits this past quarter. We’re also doing well with Artcore Vintage, which are distressed hollow bodies… those have also garnered that odd polarized reaction we see with some of our guitars: Strong sales contrasted by curmudgeonly criticism.
Expectations for the coming months?
AR: Summer always brings growth for Legator, from our engagement and the widespread visibility of our product on major festivals and tours to our involvement with the Summer NAMM Show. After a successful 2015 Summer NAMM show, Legator looks to debut a new line of guitars in Nashville this June and hopes to interact with a different breed of dealers and distributors that attend the show.
KY: Based on what’s already been said, there are going to be new products for the second half of the year. This is our lot as Ibanez… to continually introduce new items and keep things moving.
BB: I’m very encouraged by the recent resurgence in the electric guitar, and am confident that the trend will continue. I think acoustic guitars will remain strong, but maybe not at the growth rate we’ve seen over the last handful of years. As pedals advance, and string and accessory brands continue to develop new products, I think there are plenty of opportunities on the horizon for retailers to capitalize on with the electric guitar.
AV: This year marks the 50th anniversary for Yamaha guitars. Our “Never Standing Still” approach continues to drive the Yamaha legacy into the future, and we definitely intend on staying on that very path. From research and development, design and manufacturing to sales and support, Yamaha goes to great lengths to deliver timeless instruments that go above and beyond “the norm.” Our greatest strengths as a guitar maker are clearly reflected in the sound, playability, and overall quality of every guitar that bears our name. There will be a lot of exciting launches in months and years to come. Stay tuned for more.
SK: It’s such a blessing that all delivered guitars inspire guitarists in such a new way, that they create new music. This is for what we work for – nothing else matters.
