News
October 19, 2026 I Award
Slash Receives 2026 Les Paul Spirit Award
Rock icon Slash received the award on Oct. 5 during a celebration at the Les Paul Recording Studio in Hollywood, California.
October 19, 2026 I Event
NAMM Names CenterStaging as Official Backline Partner for 2027 Show
CenterStaging will support the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage, RCF Arena Stage, Bass Magazine Awards, TEC Awards, SheRocks Awards, NAMM Retail Awards, Grand Rally for Music Education and Bands at NAMM stages.
October 19, 2026 I Obituary
John Packer Musical Instruments Founder Passes Away
John Howard Packer died on Oct.10 at the age of 75.
October 12, 2026 I Event
Florida Drum Fest Brings Local Drum Community Together
Designed as an all-ages gathering for the drumming community, the first Florida Drum Fest featured a combination of major manufacturers, boutique builders, vintage collectors, educators and specialty brands.
October 12, 2026 I Acquisition
Musik Wein Acquires Vintage Guitars
After 10 years as Vintage’s distributor in Germany and Austria, Musik Wein took over the entire operation and management of the brand’s fretted instruments, amplification, FX pedals, accessories and merchandise
October 12, 2026 I Retail
Sweetwater Expands Distribution Center
The ceremony centered on the placement of the final structural steel beam on the approximately 170,000-square-foot addition, which will expand Sweetwater’s existing 524,363-square-foot distribution facility.
October 05, 2026 I Event
Island Music Company Hosts Icon Day
The event celebrated Fender’s specialty brands and its centerpiece was an interactive guitar clinic, led by clinician and Island Music Company owner Keith Grasso.
October 05, 2026 I Event
Boss, AIMM Launch Independent Music Store Month
The nationwide October celebration is designed to drive musicians into local music stores and support independent retailers.
