Category Archives: News

Australian Success at the 2023 NAMM Show

20th April 2023 – Alex Masso

Fang Lui (The Piano Fantasy) with Alex Masso (AMA) at the Australian Reception

 AMA members were well represented at the 2023 NAMM Show, held at its regular home of the Anaheim Convention Center in the off-schedule month of April.  This year’s event was widely understood to be a ‘stepping stone’ back to the regular schedule and scale of a January NAMM Show, which will return on 25th-28th January 2024. It also marked a transitional moment as Joe Lamond’s last show, and last month, as CEO and President, a position he has held for two decades as only the third NAMM CEO since 1948.

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D’Addario Australia Partners With Fenech Guitars

22nd March 2023

D’Addario Australia, one of Australia’s leading music products distributors, has announced a partnership Fenech Guitars, a growing Gold Coast-based producer of high end guitars. D’Addario will be the exclusive sales agent in Australia, effective 1st April 2023.

“Fenech Guitars have gained recognition as being some of the finest guitars available today” said Mark Inglese, General Manager of D’Addario Australia, in the company’s announcement. “Their precision & attention to detail in every aspect of guitar making has resulted in guitars which have become renowned for delivering exceptional volume, tone & playability. D’Addario Australia is very proud to partner with Fenech Guitars and is looking forward to growing the
brand’s presence in Australia into the future.”
“We are proud to partner with D’Addario Australia and we very much look forward to working with them” said an announcement on social media from Fenech Guitars. “Now we must get back to saw dust, chisels, and doing what we absolutely love…… making the very best acoustic guitars!”

D’Addario Australia and Fenech Guitars are AMA members.

 

AMA Honours Decades of Service

9th March, 2023

The Australian Music Association has presented awards to Rob Walker and Greg Phillips at a special industry reception, held at the Melbourne Guitar Show. These are rarely presented, only for individuals that have made a significant long-term contribution to the music products industry, and this was the first award presentation since 2019. Continue reading →

Willson Band Instruments Joins Eastman Music Company

2nd March 2023

Eastman Music Company today announced that Willson Band Instruments of Flums, Switzerland is joining the Eastman family of brands. Known for excellence, Willson has been a leader in brass musical instruments for over 70 years. Willson will join a growing family of some of the finest products in the music industry today including Eastman, Wm. S. Haynes Co., S. E. Shires Co., Backun Musical Services, Laskey, and Bourgeois Guitars. Continue reading →

National Music Announces Partnership with Pratley Guitars as Official Australian Distributor

1st March, 2023

National Music, one of Australia’s leading musical instrument distributors, is proud to announce its partnership with Pratley Guitars, a renowned guitar manufacturer based in Southeast Queensland.

From March 1, National Music will be the exclusive distributor of Pratley Guitars throughout Australia. Pratley Guitars has earned a notable reputation worldwide for producing high-quality handmade guitars using beautiful Australian tonewoods, traditional methods and top-grade materials.

The company’s range of acoustic and electric guitars are universally respected for their exceptional tone, playability, and stunning craftmanship. Artists who choose to play a Pratley include Josh Teskey, Steph Strings and Ash Grunwald.

National Music Australia Managing Director Louisa Buchanan is excited to partner with Pratley Guitars and offer their exceptional instruments to music stores across Australia. “Pratley Guitars is a highly respected brand in the industry, and their attention to detail and quality craftsmanship are second to none”, said Louisa.

Photo of a Pratley OM Blackwood/Blackwood guitar, hanging on display.

Pratley Guitars OM Blackwood/Blackwood – SCE

 “We look forward to introducing the Pratley range to more and more musicians and enthusiasts
throughout the country.”As the official Australian distributor of Pratley Guitars, National Music will provide a wide range of models to their dedicated network of music retailers. “We’re thrilled to partner with National Music and expand our reach in Australia,” said Martin Pratley, founder of Pratley Guitars. “We share the same passion for music and commitment to quality, and we believe that National Music is the perfect partner to take our world class guitars to the next level.”

For more information on products and distribution:

Pratley Guitars www.pratleyguitars.com.au

National Music www.nationalmusic.com.au

National Music is an AMA Member and will be exhibiting at Melbourne Guitar Show on 4th-5th March, 2023. See www.melbourneguitarshow.com.au for more information.

 

Changes at Roland Australia

11th January 2023

Roland Corporation Australia (RCA) Managing Director, Nick Middleton, has been appointed as the new CEO of Roland Asia-Pacific, effective Jan 1st 2023.

Nick will continue as MD for RCA but will hand the day-to-day management of the business to Matt Walsham who takes up the role as General Manager, following 5 years as National Sales Manager.

Joshua Munday, formerly Territory Sales Manager (NSW, QLD, TAS) will step into the National Sales Manager position, whilst continuing to service his existing accounts.

Roland Australia is an AMA member

Vale Martin König

11th January 2023

König & Meyer have announced that President, Managing Partner and the most senior member of the company’s legacy, Martin König, passed away on 4th January 2023 in Wertheim, Germany. The König & Meyer name appears on stages across the world every day, on its microphone stands and other accessories.  Continue reading →