Gibson Brands has acquired HarmonyCentral.com. According to Gibson CEO and chairman Henry Juszkiewicz, “The industry needs a neutral, entertaining, informative site where musicians can exchange opinions and knowledge, ask questions, get answers, be controversial, and have a great experience. Harmony Central will not be a ‘Gibson site’; we already have that. Think of it as Gibson providing a place to throw a party, and everyone—musicians, the industry, competitors, educators, anyone involved in music and sound—is invited and welcome.”
Harmony Central has operated continuously since 1995. In 2004 it was purchased by Musician’s Friend, and in 2010, folded into Guitar Center. Changes in direction at Guitar Center opened up the possibility for an acquisition of Harmony Central.
The current editorial team of Dendy Jarrett, Phil O’Keefe, and Chris Loeffler will remain onboard and Gibson’s Craig Anderton, who was at HC’s helm during its period of greatest success, will serve as editorial director. According to Anderton, “This is a dream come true for all of us who love Harmony Central. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and it will take time for Harmony Central to reach its full potential. But having seen the environment Gibson has provided for recent acquisitions like TASCAM, Cakewalk, Neat Microphones, and Philips, we have no doubt Harmony Central will enjoy the same kind of rejuvenation. With Gibson’s support, Harmony Central will be able to create new ways to both inform and entertain. Stay tuned.”
