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WB-Nick
Administrator
228 Posts |
 Posted - 09/14/2009 : 09:40:10 AM
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Jam Industries acquires US Music
Rob Hughes Aug 25 2009, 10:08am
Brands including Washburn and Randall change hands in the States
MMR Magazine has reported the acquisition of US Music Corp by Jam Industries. Rudy Schlacher is stepping down from his position as CEO of the company, which he founded four decades ago.
US Music's family of brands includes: Washburn, Randall, Eden, Parker, Soundtech, Oscar Schmidt, Vinci, and GWL. UK distribution of these brands will not be affected.
Schlacher stated: "We are pleased to join forces with a strategic partner like Jam Industries, which has a long successful history in the music industry and has been a long-term business partner with US Music. It has been a thrilling and rewarding 40-year ride that has allowed me to realise my dreams and goals that would not have been possible without the support of our customers and suppliers. It is now time to hand the reins over to a valued and trusted partner."
Jam Industries is a Quebec-based company that has been distributing musical instruments and related gear for over 30 years. Chairman Marty Golden commented: "It is with great pride that we have been able to come to an agreement with Rudy and US Music Corp that will enable US Music and its worldwide brands to continue to grow and prosper going forward. We envision that US Music will operate as an independent and wholly owned subsidiary of Jam Industries under the guidance of its current president, Barry Ryan.
"We are confident that we will be able to leverage our combined companies strengths and past successes to even greater results. In addition, we will continue to tap into Rudy’s creative and intuitive instincts as well as his supplier knowledge as we make the transition to the next chapter in US Music’s history."
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magoo99
Advanced Member
Canada
2139 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 09:58:08 AM
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Wow!...maybe a good thing for washburn in Canada.
Washburn will miss Rudy....fr what I have read Rudy was the heart and sole.
Maybe our friend Yan will post some info fr the Quebec side. |
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Cornish Boy
Advanced Member
United Kingdom
803 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 10:10:39 AM
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Well I s'pose it's the end of an era, I'll second magoos sentiment Rudy did put Washburn back on the map by hard work and having the right people on board. I just hope that whatever changes are made will benefit the loyal customers from all countries.
More Outlets for Washburn products in Europe and Canada would be a good start. |
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Tio Kimo
Advanced Member
650 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 9:57:34 PM
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| Thanks Rudy. Best of luck on what must be a huge transition. |
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wmjonson
Average Member
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2009 : 7:07:17 PM
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I'm speechless!
Have a question though. Will this forum remain active?
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Edited by - wmjonson on 09/17/2009 7:48:49 PM |
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nogin007
Advanced Member
USA
1633 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2009 : 8:36:27 PM
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| Stopped by my local dealers today, and asked what they knew about Jam Industries. They didn't even know that Washburn had been sold. |
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Pike
Advanced Member
USA
6771 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2009 : 7:55:57 PM
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| Thanks Rudy, for bringing forth some of the very best guitars I've ever played and good luck to you in any and all your future endeavors. |
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Squint
Advanced Member
USA
1354 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2009 : 6:03:07 PM
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From "Acoustic Guitar Trade" magazine:
JAM INDUSTRIES ACQUIRES US MUSIC
US Music Corp, the parent company of Washburn Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Eden Electronics, Parker Guitars, Oscar Schmidt Musical Instruments, SoundTech Professional Audio Systems, and Vinci Strings, has been acquired by the Canadian company Jam Industries, Ltd. Rudy Schlacher has relinquished his position as CEO of US Music Corp, which he founded four decades ago. usmusiccorp.com
'93 Washburn J-9 Washington
'97 Washburn J-9 Washington
'02 Washburn J28SCEDL Cumberland
'90 Washburn EA20YBR Festival
'83 Washburn D66SW Prairie Song Custom
'04 Washburn D104SCE
'04 & '05 D'Aquisto CENTURAS (violin burst)
'77 Electra X-410 Jazz Strad
'77 Electra Maple Pro (autographed by Bill Nelson)
'04 Aria PE SPL DLX SD
'82 Aria ProII Thor Sound 600
'05 Agile 2500-12
'06 Agile TC-630
Fender P-bass
ANOTHER PROUD MEMBER OF THE CUMBERLAND BRIGADE!
www.soundclick.com/thecoastalcowboys
www.myspace.com/thecoastalcowboys |
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Rocket
Advanced Member
USA
3345 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2009 : 6:06:09 PM
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| Guess y'all can stop using the term "US Music"... maybe "NA Music" or "Can-O-music" would be more appropriate... (devons-nous parler français maintenant?) |
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norfolkngood
Junior Member
United Kingdom
85 Posts |
Posted - 09/24/2009 : 8:55:31 PM
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Are we going to see a press statement on here? All best to Rudy, best wishes for wherever life takes you.
From a selfish perspective, if Washburn wants to maintain a credible UK presence I think you need to look for new partners or at least ask Soundtech to sharpen up their act. Hard cases for UK customers is a long-standing issue, access to branded gear needs looking at, remember that this forum is our only means of keepimng in touch with head office.
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jdcjd
Average Member
USA
165 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2009 : 12:07:46 PM
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Well, from the website, it looks like this may be the end of their USA Custom Shop. I looked for any USA Idols, none are posted, and all of the USA Preacher guitars are gone as well. I wonder if this means strictly import models? That will truly be a huge loss, and a huge mistake. I wish Washburn had acquired the rights to GMP when they went out and put those models in their USA Custom Shop line up. The USA Washburns were always of excellent build and quality, but they really needed to work on some way to retain value (ala Gibson/PRS). I always felt Washburn USA diluted the market value with the import versions and dragged down the USA models values by discontinuing items as soon as they hit the market.
Just my two cents. Best of luck to Rudy in his future! |
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Tio Kimo
Advanced Member
650 Posts |
Posted - 10/27/2009 : 6:43:26 PM
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no. I agree that it seems odd the Top o the line idols are not listed at this time, they are not shutting the operation down. Just a few days ago, Nick inquired of Idol lovers their opinions to a redesign.
I gotta believe Jon or Nick will come along and let us know what the future holds.
Say it ain't so, Nick.
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WB-Nick
Administrator
228 Posts |
Posted - 10/28/2009 : 11:28:39 AM
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Hey Kip,
I think you're the only one that responded to my Idol thread. Yes, there are going to be changes and i'm not entirely sure what the USA product line is going to be yet. I know that we will continue to make guitars in the US but it will be a much slimmer offering. As soon as i know, i will give you guys an update. |
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hansvaneven
Starting Member
France
18 Posts |
Posted - 10/30/2009 : 04:48:55 AM
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Hi Nick,
With "much slimmer offering" you make me worry, seriously.
Cheers,
Hans |
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norfolkngood
Junior Member
United Kingdom
85 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2009 : 7:21:43 PM
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Nick,
I'm sure you've got a million other things to be thinking about, but any chance of a quick update for the faithful on here please? |
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WB-Nick
Administrator
228 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2009 : 08:26:39 AM
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Hey Guys,
The new owner is going to be here later this month to discuss this issue. After that, i'll have more info. Right now we are focusing on Nuno models and custom runs for Boogie Street and Funky Munky. |
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magoo99
Advanced Member
Canada
2139 Posts |
Posted - 11/09/2009 : 08:36:26 AM
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Thanks for the update Nick, please keep us informed/updated on whats on the go
Cheers
Magoo. |
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Jam Industries acquires US Music
