Gibson’s ‘335’ Trademark Battle
It was announced on July 24th – and reported by MMR in this issue (see page 6) – that 16 guitar brands have filed for extensions in order to oppose…
Seventeen Brands Oppose Gibson’s Quest to Trademark ‘335 Shape’
On July 24, seventeen companies filed for extensions to oppose the trademark application by Gibson Brands Inc. for the (two dimensional outline) of the 335 body shape. Peavey, Dean (…
New York City Market Profile
There’s no place on Earth like New York City. A stacked mash-up of countless cultures and massive economic forces crammed into a dense corner of the coast, the City That…
The Elephant in the Guitar Shop
The number of guitars made annually in the United States today is the highest in the history of the market. Companies such as Martin, Gibson, Fender, and Taylor are making…
Sweetwater’s GearFest 2014 Draws Record Crowds and Sales
GearFest visitors crowd around the “DealZone.”Sweetwater Sound says that GearFest 2014 was a bigger success than ever, breaking every record established by previous GearFest events. Launched in 2002, Sweetwater’s annual GearFest…
Store-Branded Instruments Represent More than a ‘Vanity’ Label for Some
In the course of compiling our annual ’50 Dealer 50 State’ review and forecast each November, we’ve noticed that a fair number of dealers cite their own store’s brand –…
Trade Regrets: Bob Tudor
On May 23, PreSonus announced today the passing of Bob Tudor, the company's chief technology officer. Widely respected in the pro audio/MI industry, Tudor followed a long and winding road…
Cordoba Names Ren Ferguson VP of Manufacturing/R&D for Guild Brand
On the heels of Cordoba Music Group’s announcement of their intent to acquire Guild from Fender Musical Instrument Company (FMIC), CMG has now announced that Ren Ferguson will join the…
LPD Music Names Wicks National Sales Manager
LPD Music has announced Steve Wicks as their National Sales Manager. As a seasoned veteran in the music industry for almost 40 years, Wicks has worked with various companies prior…
Gibson to Buy Philips AV
Gibson Brands is planning to purchase Philips’ audiovisual division for roughly $187 million. Following the sale, Philips will still be able to profit from license agreements for the next seven…
‘Sunburst: How the Gibson Les Paul Standard Became a Legendary Guitar’
Sunburst is the latest book in author Tony Bacon's best-selling guitar series, with a thoroughly researched story partnered by a gallery of full-color pictures of great guitars, rare memorabilia, and…
Hal Leonard and Cakewalk Forge Distribution Partnership
Effective immediately, Cakewalk’s product line—both professional and consumer—will have additional North American distribution through Hal Leonard. According to Cakewalk president Michael Hoover, “Hal Leonard is an established and highly respected…