T his month’s issue is one of our team’s favorites to put together: the annual Gear Guide. To compile this drool-worthy catalog of MI products, we comb through hundreds and hundreds of NAMM gear press releases — and Q1 and Q2 releases — to fill these pages. But one thing you’ll notice as you flip through the 2025 Gear Guide, which starts on page 39, is a noticeable lack of universal, or “one-size- fits-all,” products. In recent years, consumer habits have shifted to cater to specific pref- PERSPECTIVE I BY KATIE KAILUS THE ‘BEAT’ OF 2025
erences and playing levels as opposed to guitars, drum sets or keyboards that work for both pros and novices alike. Products like Squire’s hot pink limited-edition Hello Kitty electric guitar, Nino Percussion’s Stackable Cajons for children and Yamaha’s high-end YEV104Pro and YEV105Pro elec- tric violins are all featured in this year’s guide and all cater to specific tastes or playing abilities. This trend is also something Taylor Harnois, general manager of Music Shop 360, writes about in his guest column this month, “MI Retail Predictions for 2025.” “The market for generic or entry-level instruments has remained steady with a surge due to COVID-19, largely catering
to new players or casual enthusiasts,” Harnois writes. “However, more advanced musicians are driving a shift toward niche offerings, preferring high-quality, specialized instruments that align with their unique musical preferences — whether it’s a mandolin perfectly suited for bluegrass or a saxophone tailored for jazz.” Another factor potentially affecting the gear in our industry this year? The possibility of proposed tariffs on products made overseas by the new Trump Administration. Last December, NAMM put together an infor- mative and in-depth webinar titled “NAMM Policy Update: Overview of Tariffs,” on the potential situation and how these tariffs could affect the MI industry. The webinar included insights into the legislative processes governing tariffs and the roles the president and Congress play in the matter. It’s a must-watch for all MI suppliers, distributors and retailers and can be viewed in its entirety on NAMM’s website. Whether you plan to enact a try-before-you-buy program, an after-sale texting platform or start a TikTok or Bluesky account for your store in 2025, one thing is for certain: there will be a slew of awesome new gear to promote and sell. After seeing a strong start to the year during The 2025 NAMM Show, which welcomed back many large exhibitors for the first time in five years, we, at Music Inc. magazine, are excited to see what the new year holds. Here’s to strong sales and strong customer relationships in 2025 — and beyond. MI
8 I MUSIC INC. I FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025
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