Iconic American guitar brands, Fano Guitars and Novo Guitars, have announced a merger under a new British-based parent company, Psonic Design Lab. Since their respective launches in 1996 and 2015, the brands have become globally recognised for their high-quality musical instruments.
As part of the merger, Dennis Fano will take on a new role as Chairman of Psonic Design Lab and Head of Product Design, he said, “Over the past nine years since leaving Fano Guitars, I have felt that there was unfinished business. While I’ve been focused on Novo Guitars, I was hoping to have the opportunity to reclaim my name someday. I’m excited to announce that the day is here! Psonic Design Lab is bringing together the brands of Fano and Novo in a really exciting way! Fano has been in the very capable hands of Graham Dowling in my absence, and he has done an incredible job of maintaining my high standards. I have an amazing team of people around me. Everyone is committed to making the highest quality instruments and continuing to raise the bar.”
Graham Dowling, who has owned Fano Guitars for the last eight years, will retain responsibilities as Director of Fano Guitars. Graham said, “Being part of this new chapter is incredibly exciting. This is the right next step to give us the opportunity to take the brand to the next level and deliver on what we have always hoped we could achieve. I have long admired Dennis’ work, both with Fano and Novo Guitars. The unification of our brands and the opportunity to work alongside Dennis is a great privilege. We at Fano Guitars are excited to be on this new journey.”
The manufacturing of Fano Guitars will move to an expanded Novo production facility in Nashville, with the Fano Guitars’ team relocating to Tennessee.
Psonic Design Lab’s management will be led by Neil Reed, British media executive, as Chief Executive Officer and Novo’s Travis Tingley will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer, overseeing operations for both brands in Nashville. Other key changes to the business will include a united sales force led by Fano Guitars’ Chad Hines for the US, and Novo Guitars’ Steve Gray for international sales. The management team will be supported by Lamar McKay, ex-Deputy CEO of BP Plc, as a Non-Executive Director.
Neil Reed, who has worked with Fano Guitars for the last two years said, “Psonic Design Lab will continue to support the creative culture of the brands of Fano and Novo, whilst allowing us to look at opportunities previously unavailable as independent businesses. We look forward to releasing further announcements in the very near future.”
This announcement follows the launch of models by both brands earlier this month, as they continue to innovate and develop. Fano Guitars launched the Alt de Facto RB12, a 12-string electric guitar with timeless jangle and chime, while Novo Guitars introduced two new models: the Ivorus Bass, a 32” medium scale bass featuring a slim taper neck and a pair of proprietary pickups, and the Voltur B6, a 30” scale Bass VI, ideal for guitar players looking to venture into bass.
Both brands will be displaying at booth 4327 at the 2025 NAMM Show between January 23rd and 25th.
For orders or meetings, please contact:
Steve Gray for International Novo sales via steve@novoguitars.com Devon Booth for US Novo sales via devon@novoguitars.com
Chad Hines for Fano Guitar sales via chad@fanoguitars.com
For corporate information, comment and interview arrangements please contact Harriet Berry via harriet@psonicdesignlab.com
