Stepping up and standing out
Christian Wissmuller connects the value of informed music retailers with step-up drum sales and the 2026 MMR Dealers’ Choice Awards.
MMR Industry Record
2026 Music Products Industry Archive — Retail
Search and browse MMR’s music products industry reporting timeline, connecting companies, people, products, NAMM coverage and market developments across the digital archive.
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Stepping up and standing out
Christian Wissmuller connects the value of informed music retailers with step-up drum sales and the 2026 MMR Dealers’ Choice Awards.
Fender releases new digital ecosystem to connect players and fans
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation unveiled a revamped Fender.com designed as a connected global digital platform rather than a standard ecommerce site. The update aims to deepen relationships with musicians and…
A step above: Acoustic drum kits for players ready for more
DW, TAMA, Yamaha and KHS discuss step-up acoustic drum kits, player expectations and how music retailers can guide the next upgrade.
2026 MMR Dealers’ Choice Awards: Cast your vote
Review the 2026 MMR Dealers’ Choice Awards nominees and cast your ballot. Dealer voting closes at 5 p.m. ET on Dec. 15, 2026.
D'Addario releases Collier XS strings and Vegan Strap with Taylor
D'Addario and Taylor Guitars have released a new string set and strap for Jacob Collier, while Reverend and Yamaha simultaneously introduced new electric guitar models.
Sterling by Music Man releases StingRay Plus bass with new electronics
Sterling by Music Man introduces the StingRay Plus to its SUB Series, offering four- and five-string configurations with expanded electronics including a push-push volume boost and a 3-way pickup switch…
Spira adds Multiscale seven-string and new finish to lineup
Spira Guitars has expanded its seven-string offerings with a new multiscale model and a fresh color option, targeting modern metal players through UK distributor Almires UK.
Warm Audio releases MOD Series pedals with Black Keys collaboration
Warm Audio has expanded its product line with the Mod Series, introducing three compact guitar pedals that feature redesigned footprints and enhanced functionality. The lineup includes the Centavo Mod, WA-C1…
Sennheiser HDB 630 wireless headphones Now available in LUNAR Silver
Sennheiser has expanded distribution of its HDB 630 wireless lifestyle headphones to include a new Lunar Silver colorway, joining the original black option. Manufactured in Tullamore, Ireland, the $500 unit…
Phantom Sun app brings Semi-Modular synthesis to ipad for $9.99
A new iPad application called Phantom Sun introduces semi-modular synthesis capabilities to the tablet market, offering a Source-to-Destination patching system and generative sound design tools for $9.99.
Voidscan releases Parasite experimental FM synthesizer plugin
Voidscan has released Parasite, an experimental FM synthesizer plugin featuring three-operator synthesis and deliberate sound degradation for music producers.
BOSS releases EX-4 Effects Expander for pedalboard versatility
Roland division BOSS introduces the EX-4 Effects Expander, a compact processor designed to expand sonic options for musicians managing curated pedalboard setups. Priced at $299.99 with an October release, the…
Antares releases AutoTune Advanced with new pitch engine
Antares has released AutoTune Advanced, a rebuilt flagship pitch correction plug-in featuring a new DVA engine for vibrato detection and a revised Auto-Mode algorithm. The product offers perpetual licensing or…
Hybrid Synths see renaissance as manufacturers blend analog and digital
A resurgence in hybrid synthesizer production is offering musicians access to instruments that merge digital oscillators with analog filtering. Major manufacturers like Behringer, Arturia, Novation, UDO Audio, and Groove Synthesis…
L-Acoustics and Audiologic host UK integrator open day
L-Acoustics and Audiologic are hosting an exclusive open day for integrators in London to showcase immersive audio technologies and installation solutions.
Ashdown Engineering expands Saint Series with Avant and Artisan bass lines
Ashdown Engineering introduces the Saint Avant and Saint Artisan bass series, offering retailers new multi-scale and traditional options with premium finishes to broaden market appeal.
Expressive E updates original Osmose with DAW control and Ctrl-E integration
Expressive E released firmware 2.3 for the original Osmose, adding DAW control and Ctrl-e plugin access previously exclusive to the CE model, while shifting manufacturing to Poland.
Graph Tech adds two new 7-string Un-Lock Nuts
Graph Tech Guitar Labs has added two new models to its Un-Lock Nut line, designed specifically for seven-string electric guitars with double-locking tremolo systems.
PRS releases Limited Silver Sky Defender collection with Land Rover
PRS Guitars introduces the Silver Sky Defender Color Collection, a limited run of eight models created with Land Rover and John Mayer, available now via authorized dealers.
Waldorf increases Iridium Core voices with firmware update
A new firmware update raises the Waldorf Iridium Core polyphony from 12 to 16 voices, matching larger models.
Fender releases SILENT SYSTEM to eliminate single-coil hum in new Limited models
Fender introduces a passive, battery-free Silent System in limited edition American Professional Classic Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars, aiming to solve the 80-year-old issue of pickup hum without compromising tone for…
DRUMTEK hosts EXCLUSIVE ART CRUZ CLINIC during LAMB OF GOD tour
Melbourne retailer Drumtek will host an exclusive drum clinic featuring Lamb of God drummer Art Cruz on Oct. 5, coinciding with the band's Australian arena tour.
MAD PROFESSOR releases NEW MILESTONE germanium FUZZ PEDAL
Mad Professor Amplification has introduced the Milestone, a handwired germanium fuzz pedal designed for modern pedalboards and bass applications, with shipments scheduled for October 5.
Vader Sound expands Veelah distribution with new V Series models
Vader Sound has expanded its distribution of Veelah guitars across the UK, Ireland and Benelux, adding multiple new acoustic and electro-acoustic models to the V Series lineup.
DiCosimo Audio shrinks 360+ Bass Preamp for 2026 lineup
DiCosimo Audio has updated its 360+ Bass Preamp pedal, reducing its footprint while improving power efficiency without altering the core circuit or retail price.
Roland opens first standalone US retail store in New York City
Roland launches its first dedicated US retail location in Manhattan, marking a strategic shift from dealer distribution to direct sales with a large flagship store.
Eventide adds Immersive algorithms to H9000 Gen2
Eventide released a free software update for the H9000 Gen2 featuring new immersive processing tools including MicroPitch Immersive, Valley reverb, and upmixing capabilities for various multichannel formats.
Guitar Center removes false entries from Ed Sheeran contest
Guitar Center disqualified illegitimate submissions flooding its Open For Legends competition following political controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran's tour.
Open-Source Octabam project expands Elektron Octatrack capabilities
A new open-source firmware project called Octabam allows Elektron Octatrack owners to create custom OS versions with enhanced effects and MIDI features, presenting potential market implications for hardware longevity and…
Suno V6 launch sparks audio quality complaints amid licensing shifts
Users report degraded audio and creativity in Suno's new V6 model, which relies on licensed data from Warner, BMG and Believe while excluding unlicensed catalogs.
Smart Audio Plugins releases Timbral Box Parallel harmonic processor
Smart Audio Plugins has released Timbral Box, a new parallel harmonic processing plugin for mixing and mastering, offering distinct saturation modes and transformer-modeled summing at an introductory price point.
Gibson adopts L.R. Baggs HiFi DNA pickups for select acoustic models
Gibson integrates L.R. Baggs HiFi DNA technology into three acoustic models, utilizing a non-invasive sensor system to enhance tone and simplify installation for retailers.
Roland to open first North American flagship store in New York City
Roland Corp. will launch its first North American flagship retail location in Manhattan this October, consolidating Roland, BOSS and Drum Workshop brands under one roof to serve musicians and producers.
Sadowsky releases MetroExpress Modern Fretless Bass series for retailers
Sadowsky announced the MetroExpress Modern Fretless bass series, featuring roasted maple fingerboards and active electronics, with shipping beginning soon at approximately $1,476.
Martin guitar releases refreshed 16 series with new finishes and electronics
C.F. Martin & Co. introduces the updated 16 Series, featuring all-solid-wood construction, bold gloss-top finishes, and standard L.R. Baggs electronics for the retail market.
Ashdown secures exclusive US distribution via guitar Center
British amp maker Ashdown partners exclusively with Guitar Center and Musician's Friend to expand US retail footprint ahead of its 30th anniversary.
Harley Benton adds Fishman Fluence Pickups to SC-550 line
Thomann retailer Harley Benton has expanded its entry-level single-cut guitar lineup with two new SC-550 Plus Fluence models featuring active Fishman pickups. Priced at 499 euros, these instruments represent a…
JET Guitars adds four new models to UK lineup
JET Guitars launches four new electric guitars ranging from £229 to £539, now shipping to UK retailers via distributor Almires UK.