Last year, I wrote a list talking about top record labels that owns most of the music industry on an international level. This year, I wanted to expand my research and show you the manufacturer of electronic musical instruments and audio equipment brands that own the market as well. So let’s discover who’s behind this world!
We can’t start talking about this topic without mentioning this Japanese tycoon manufacturer. Roland is one of the best electronic brands for musician instruments, audio/video electronics and computer-related products. The company was founded in 1972 and currently owns; BOSS, Edirol, Roland System Group, Rodgers and Roland DG.
This Japanese multinational corporation was founded in 1962. The company has a wide variety of electronic musical instruments, audio processors, guitar pedals, recording equipment and electronic tuners, and after owning VOX they also manufacture guitar amplifiers and electric guitars.
Also, a Japanese multinational corporation with different types of products, such as; musical instruments, electronics, motorcycles and power-sports equipment. Yamaha is bigger than I thought that their info isn’t that easy to explore; but it was clear that Line 6 since 2013 is owned by Yamaha Corp.
The company’s main divisions are two; SamsonAudio & Wireless and Hartke. The American brand gained a good fame with their products variety either by quality or price ranges as they made it affordable for beginner users by average prices and the hi-tech quality for professionals too.
Their three main departments are; the tube shop, guitar shop and the parts shop. Within the tube section they own Electro-Harmonix, Svetlana, Sovtek and many others. However, when you go to the guitars, parts and accessories shops you will find the well-known Electro-Harmonix effects pedals and many else such as; knobs, speakers, capacitors, transformers, switches, semiconductors and many else.
I believe it’s time to talk about this Yankee giant! The company products varies among archtop, acoustic, electric and bass guitars as well as audio equipment. The company was founded 114 years ago, currently they own Baldwin Piano, Cakewalk, Cerwin-Vega, Dobro, Epiphone, Esoteric, Integra, Kramer, KRK Systems, Maestro, Onkyo, Stanton, Steinberger, TASCAM, TEAC Corporation and Tobias.
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
You were expecting this name too, didn’t you?! The corporate has a wide variety of electric, acoustic, resonator and bass guitars. Moreover, they manufacture banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, harmonicas, amplifiers, effect and audio equipment. Based on their website; “Today, FMIC brands include Fender, Squier, Gretsch, Jackson, Charvel and EVH among others.”
This Japanese manufacturer only has two subsidiaries; Ibanez Guitars and Tama Drums. The company was founded in 1908 and mainly focus on manufacturing guitars, acoustic, Electric and bass guitars, in addition to mandolins, effects units along with drum kits, tenor drums and snare drums. Both Ibanez and Tama are most used products within the Americas, Europe, Asia as well as within the MENA region.
Do you recognize this name from somewhere? No? But when I tell you Marshall Amplifiers, Washburn Guitars, Parker Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Oscar Schmidt Inc. and Jay Turser Guitars then I will get your attention. Adding to what’s previously mentioned, they own Eden Electronics, Natal Drums, Hagstrom Musical Instruments, Warwick Basses, Framus musical instruments, Quik Lok, Onari Straps and Profile Musical Accessories. Actually, U.S. Music is a subsidiary of the Canadian giants Jam Industries, Ltd. | Jam Group of Companies.
Jim Dunlop founded the company in 1965 and it’s known for guitar accessories like; guitar picks, strings, straps, capos, slides and effects. Also, their subsidiary MXR as the well-known manufacturer of effects pedals.
Harman International Industries
Harman is another shocking tycoon for me, why? Well, they own JBL, AKG Acoustics, Crown International, DigiTech, Lexicon, Soundcraft and countless other brands. Based on their annual report of 2011 their net sales gained over $ 3M.
Evans Drumheads, Planet Waves, Rico Reeds and ProMark are the main subsidiaries of D’Addario Corp.
You didn’t find your brand yet? Don’t worry, part two will be up soon.
Leading image by: Nora Kamal
Written by: Mena Ezzat
Edited by: NJ Bakr
Did you like this list? Then you may like other lists about the music industry:
- Top Record Labels Worldwide! – Part One and Part Two.
- Band Managers You Need To Know!
- 10 Producers You Should Know!
