Industry
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT AND EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY
The musical instruments and musical equipment (MI) industry in Europe is a dynamic and diverse sector covering several important areas. The main players include manufacturers of musical instruments (such as guitars, pianos and wind instruments) and music electronics (such as mixing consoles and effects devices). Music retailers, both bricks-and-mortar and online, play a key role in marketing these products. Importers and wholesalers ensure that manufacturers' products reach retailers and thus contribute to their distribution in the market. There are also various service providers, such as repair shops, music schools and publishers of sheet music and music literature, who support the practice and education of music.
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The MI industry is promoted through major events and trade fairs such as the 'MUSIC DEALER DAYS' (formerly SOMM DEALER DAYS) and international trade fairs such as the NAMM Show in the USA and Music China. Sales in this industry vary by region and market segment and are influenced by factors such as market demand, technological advances and interest in making music. Increased interest in making music at home, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to increased sales in certain segments. Overall, the musical instrument and equipment industry is an essential part of the cultural and creative industries, where innovation, quality and customer focus are paramount.
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„According to the latest Music Industry Study 2024, the musical instrument and music equipment industry in Germany has a total turnover of almost €2.86 billion. More than 2,500 individual companies with around 15,000 employees make this sector a significant part of the German music industry. Despite the positive sales trend, we must not underestimate the challenges we face.
Of particular concern are the closures of local specialist retailers across Germany, which are accompanied by a decline in the number of employees. Every decline also means that less is being done for local music. Specialist music retailers are losing their presence and influence as cultural and meeting places and as showcases for music.
© SOMM/Markus Nass
We are also seeing increasing market concentration, which is affecting the balance within the industry and upsetting the whole ecosystem of the MI sector.
In addition, the industry is facing a number of challenges: from European regulations and increasing product compliance requirements, digital transformation and international competition, to a negative price spiral, low margins, changes in leisure behaviour and, above all, a lack of musical education'.“
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(Daniel Knöll, Geschäftsführer SOMM e. V.)
A historical overview: musical instruments and musical equipment from 1700 to 1995
