News
May 26, 2026 I Philanthropy
All-In Milwaukee Receives $11M Gift from Former Hal Leonard CEO
The investment, which is the largest in the organization’s history, will help 500 additional Milwaukee students attend and complete college over the next 10 years.
May 26, 2026 I Legal
Fender Targets Strat-Style Guitar Builders with Cease-and-Desist Letters
Fender is facing backlash after reportedly sending cease-and-desist letters to boutique guitar builders over Stratocaster-style body shapes. The dispute gained attention after LsL Instruments revealed it received a legal notice.
May 22, 2026 I Appointments
Guitar Center Names Reverb Founder David Kalt to Board
The music industry entrepreneur who built and sold Reverb will bring firsthand experience in digital marketplaces and music retail to Guitar Center’s next phase of growth.
May 22, 2026 I Distribution
Eastman Music Company to Distribute Jewel Musical Products Internationally
Eastman will offer the Expressions ligature line to dealers, educators and musicians, with models in stock at Eastman’s Pomona, California, facility and available immediately.
May 14, 2026 I Acquisition
inMusic Brands Acquires Native Instruments
The acquisition builds on their 2025 collaboration bringing NKS integration to Akai Pro and M-Audio controllers, plus Native Instruments sounds to MPC.
May 14, 2026 I Appointments
Taylor Guitars Names Geoff Smith as CFO
Smith succeeds Barbara Wight, who served as Taylor’s chief financial officer for more than 16 years.
May 14, 2026 I Event
NAMM’s 20th Fly-In Highlights Tariffs, Music Education
NAMM concluded a series of high-impact advocacy efforts in D.C., including NAMM CEO John Mlynczak delivering oral testimony before a government panel on tariffs.
May 13, 2026 I Appointments
Guitar Center Names Jennifer Hatton as Music & Arts President
The veteran education executive brings three decades of operational leadership to Guitar Center’s school music division.
