Press Releases
Samick Geared to Revitalize the Silvertone Guitar Brand in 2013
GALLATIN, TN November 12, 2012 — Samick Music Corporation, Inc. (SMC), one of the largest global manufacturing and distribution companies of both fretted instruments and pianos, today announced that the historic Silvertone guitar brand will receive an exciting update to the entire line in 2013 that will take guitar players back to their origins of playing.
The Silvertone guitar brand provided countless musicians their first step into guitar playing, becoming instantly popular with novice musicians around the world. A broad range of musicians, from session players to rock stars, got their start on Silvertone guitars and Samick intends to give musicians a true reconnection to their roots with this all-new line of vintage-style guitars.
“Samick is pleased to bring back the iconic Silvertone brand of guitars,” stated Robert E. Lee, Vice President of MI Division. “We know how emotionally connected many professionals and hobbyists are to this brand, because for many it was their “first” guitar. We’re very excited to stir those emotions once again.”
Samick is holding a giveaway of a Silvertone 1478 model guitar at NAMM booth# 5667. Drawing details and further information about the revamped 2013 Silvertone line can be found at Samick’s booth on the main floor.
Wm. Knabe & Co. Grand Piano Awarded on NBC’s “Take It All” Game Show
GALLATIN, TN – December 17, 2012 – Samick Music Corporation, Inc. (SMC), one of the largest global manufacturing and distribution companies of both fretted instruments and pianos, is pleased to announce the awarding of a William Knabe & Co. grand piano to one winner on the NBC game show ‘TAKE IT ALL’, starring Howie Mandel as host.
The William Knabe & Co. Baltimore Series grand piano was awarded to the show’s final round-winning contestant after she was awarded all prizes originally won in prior rounds by both show finalists. The show, which aired on December 14, 2012, was viewed by over nine million viewers.
‘TAKE IT ALL’ is an exciting, high-stakes new game show based on one of the most popular holiday party games in America, often called “White Elephant” or “Yankee Swap.” A video clip of the episode featuring the grand piano that was awarded can be viewed by accessing http://tomailjay.wix.com/samick_take_it_all_nbc.
Samick Announces New Vice President of Musical Instrument Division
GALLATIN, TN – September 4, 2012 — Samick Music Corporation, Inc. (SMC), one of the largest global manufacturing and distribution companies of both fretted instruments and pianos, has announced the appointment of Robert E. Lee as Vice President of the company’s Musical Instrument Division.
In his new role, Robert will have the responsibility for leading SMC’s Musical Instruments Division, utilizing over 25 years of experience and expertise in the music business. Prior to joining SMC, Robert spent the prior 18 years at KMC Music in a wide variety of sales positions including Vice President of Sales. There he met aggressive sales and account penetration goals in a highly competitive market.
“Joining Samick Music is a great opportunity,” stated Lee. “We have a great team in place and a firm foundation on which we can build an even brighter future through new programs and products. It’s a perfect fit.”
Robert has a long history of developing innovative sales strategies and dealer programs for exclusive music-related brands. His background includes managing company sales activities, overseeing direct sales to retail customers, and directing the sales efforts of over 85 district, regional, inside sales and customer service managers.
“I’m extremely pleased to have Robert join us here at Samick Music,” said Baik Lee, Chief Executive Officer. “He is known for his successful strategic programs in guitars, as well as a true commitment and passion for the music business. I am very confident in his abilities to realize our business goals.”
Samick Artists Kick Off Summer Touring Season with Greg Bennett Guitars
GALLATIN, TN – July 22, 2011 - Samick Music Corporation, Inc. (SMC), one of the largest global manufacturing and distribution companies of both fretted instruments and pianos, is pleased to announce the kickoff of the summer touring season as many Samick artists head out on the road with Greg Bennett Design guitars, playing concerts and events around the world.
The number of Samick artists taking part in the touring season continues to grow annually, which provides important feedback to Samick. “Every year we see our artist roster grow, and more of our guitars are going out on the road,” said Tony De La Rosa, Regional Sales Manager/Western Territory of Samick’s MI Division. “As you can imagine, our artists serve as a great ‘testing ground’ so to speak, giving us real feedback about our guitars. They can tell us from a pro player’s stand point what works well and where we might be able to make a change so that the instrument is more suited for what they do.”
Samick artists touring this summer include Drew Davis, The Springs, Coles Whalen, Wolf Mail, and James Williams. For a list of artists and tour dates, visit http://www.gregbennettguitars.com/gbontour.html
Samick Music Announces Samick Cares Program
GALLATIN, TN – July 21, 2011 - Samick Music Corporation, Inc. (SMC), one of the largest global manufacturing and distribution companies of both fretted instruments and pianos, is pleased to announce Samick Cares, a program developed to help bring music into schools and other non-profit organizations, such as Guitars in the Classroom, through guitar donations and placement.
The Samick Cares program enables teachers and children around the U.S. to attain musical training, supplies and educational material, while infusing a new focus on music and guitars. “We fund a lot of different music education programs and special events and we fully admit we are doing it in a self-serving manner,” said John Hawkins, Vice President, MI Division, Samick Music Corporation. “The more we can help grow the overall guitar market, the more our industry and our communities benefit.”
For more information about the Samick Cares program, visit http://www.gregbennettguitars.com/samickcares.html
Samick Announces New Appointment
GALLATIN, TN – July 20, 2011 - Samick Music Corporation, Inc. (SMC), one of the largest global manufacturing and distribution companies of both fretted instruments and pianos, recently announced the appointment of Jeremy Colas to the position of Quality Assurance Manager / Master Luthier.
Tony De La Rosa, Regional Sales Manager/Western Territory of Samick’s MI Division, said, “Having Jeremy on board is another forward step in our goal to solidify the Samick guitar brand. Besides his skills as a Luthier, Jeremy brings a new spirit and energy to the guitar division. He’s not just a guitar builder; he’s a creative guy with fresh ideas. Additionally, his visits to our factory in Indonesia will give us a greater link of communication when it comes to consistency and quality of our import guitars.”
Through his new role, Jeremy will provide an improved line of communication pertaining to the consistency and quality of import guitars. “I’m excited to be part of the Samick family,” said Colas. “I look forward to setting a new standard of excellence in the industry with our USA Custom Shop line as well as guaranteeing that our dealers continue to get the best quality from our imported products.”
Samick Music Donates Guitar to Woody Guthrie Folk Festival
GALLATIN, TN – July 18, 2011 - Samick Music Corporation, Inc. (SMC), one of the largest global manufacturing and distribution companies of both fretted instruments and pianos, is pleased to announce its donation of a Greg Bennett Design acoustic guitar to the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, an annual three-day event that commemorates the life and musical legacy of the American folk musician. The guitar was presented as a door prize for the popular festival, allowing thousands of attendees a chance to handle and play the guitar throughout the weekend.
“Samick Music was happy to donate a guitar to such a great cause,” said Tony De La Rosa, Artist Relations/Marketing Manager, Samick Music Corporation. “The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival serves as a means of keeping acoustic guitar-oriented folk music alive and well in America, something Samick Music fully supports.”
This year’s event marked Samick Music’s sixth straight year of making a donation to the festival. The annual event takes place each July in Guthrie’s home town of Okemah, Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.woodyguthrie.com.
Greg Bennett Guitars Debuts New Acoustic Guitar
GALLATIN, TN – July 13, 2011 - Samick Music Corporation, Inc. (SMC), one of the largest global manufacturing and distribution companies of both fretted instruments and pianos, is pleased to announce the release of its latest Greg Bennett Design acoustic guitar, the GD100SCE PK. The new solid top industry standard, the GD100SCE PK features new Thunderflex™ bracing that provides the loudest, most powerful sound ever heard at its price point.
“We researched the new Thunderflex bracing pattern combined with less finish to produce a very loud and clear tone acoustic,” said John Hawkins, Vice President, MI Division, Samick Music Corporation.
In addition to Thunderflex™ bracing, the GD100SCE PK features a Fishman™ Isys preamp, solid Sitka spruce top, Nato mahogany back and sides, multi-ply binding, and die cast tuners. The guitar is available in vintage sunburst finish and is accompanied by a deluxe 10mm padded gig bag and easy-to-read chord chart. For more information, visit gregbennettguitars.com or call Samick at 615 206-0077 ext 149, 136, or 112.
Samick Music Sponsors All Star Guitar Night
GALLATIN, TN July 12, 2011 –Samick Music Corporation, Inc. (SMC), one of the largest global manufacturing and distribution companies of both fretted instruments and pianos, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of Muriel Anderson’s All Star Music Night, a
standing-room only event which provides a platform for some of the best guitar players in the world.
“All Star Guitar Night is truly one of the highlights the NAMM Show for our dealers and customers,” said John Hawkins, VP, MI Division, Samick Music Corporation. “It’s like the Extreme Games for guitar players – always entertaining and always delivers top-shelf exposure for our brand! We’re very glad that Greg Bennett Guitars is a part of this industry standard.”
Samick artist Steve Rutledge, one of several featured guitarists scheduled to perform during the event, is thrilled about the opportunity. “Words can’t express what an honor it is to be asked to play All Star Guitar Night,” said Rutledge. “It is a dream come true to be able to play on stage with a few of my influences Brent Mason, Lee Ritenour, Seymour Duncan and all of the other all stars who are playing. I am so blessed to have the musical family and the backing I’ve always had with my family!” Following the NAMM Show, Rutledge will be on the road in August providing clinics to Samick dealer across the United States.
In conjunction with 2011 Summer NAMM, All Star Guitar Night takes place inside the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in downtown Nashville on Friday evening, July 22nd. For more information, visit http://www.allstarguitarnight.com
Samick Music Sponsors Cibola Fest
GALLATIN, TN May 10, 2011 – Samick Music is happy to announce its sponsorship of the 2011 Cibola Fest, a three-day music festival taking place September 9-11 in Milan, New Mexico. This year’s festival has doubled in size, taking place on 160 acres beneath Mount Taylor, and will be host to over 25 bands this year, featuring Oldies, Country and Rock & Roll music.
The event’s goal is to help promote new artists, local economic development, and local and national charitable groups. “As a budding musician in my younger years, I still have fond memories of playing gigs with my good ole solid white Samick bass,” said Peter Yanke, Cibola Fest organizer. “Since then, I have always looked for that name whenever I am purchasing a new guitar.”
Samick Guitars endorser Coles Whalen will be a featured performer at Cibola Fest. “I like the idea of being part of an event with such a diverse group of artists,” said Tony De La Rosa, Artist Relations/ Regional Sales Manager, Samick Music Corporation. “It’s like a celebration of music and American culture, and Coles Whalen is such an engaging artist with universal appeal. She’s a perfect fit for Cibola Fest.”
For more information about this year’s Cibola Fest, visit http://www.cibolafest.com.
Samick Music Announces James Williams as Latest JTR Endorser
GALLATIN, TN March 23, 2011 – Samick Music is proud to announce the addition of musician James Williams to the JTR family of artists. Williams is a guitarist, composer and producer for the band X Opus, a sophisticated group that has found its own cutting edge sound in today’s Prog Metal. The band has recently signed on with Magna Carta Records and is set to release its latest album, “The Epiphany” worldwide on May 31st. Williams utilizes his new JTR guitar to bring out the best in his creativity as he incorporates metal, jazz and blues into his music.
“Samick has gone over the top with their new line of JTR series guitars, great for Metal, Jazz and Blues,” said Williams. The Marie MR30 has a neck through body that sustains all day long, and the fast neck width and jumbo frets will have you playing notes that seem to play by themselves. It’s a masterpiece that is like a Stradivarius for guitar players.”
Samick Music is thrilled to have such a diverse and unique artist as part of the JTR family. “It’s great to have a player like James on the roster, he is for sure not your everyday average guitar player,” said Tony De La Rosa, Artist Relations/ Regional Sales Manager, Samick Music Corporation. “His work in the band X Opus is just an example of his guitar prowess. The guy is a musical chameleon that can play many styles well, as the world will soon see.”
For more information about James Williams and X Opus, visit http://www.xopusband.com.
Samick Announces New Appointments
GALLATIN, TN March 4, 2011 – Samick Music Corporation, Inc. (SMC), one of the largest global manufacturing and distribution companies of both fretted instruments and pianos, recently announced two major promotions in the MI division headquartered at the company’s U.S.A. corporate offices in Gallatin, TN.
Tony De La Rosa has been promoted to Regional Sales Manager/Western Territory. Tony, who joined Samick in 2000 as Marketing and Artist Relations Manager, comes from a long background in the music industry as a performing musician. Tony has also held sales and management positions in both the music and shopping mall businesses.
Marshall Moody has been promoted to the position of Regional Sales Manager/Eastern Territory. Marshall as well has had experience as a performing guitarist and comes from a strong retail background in the music business previously associated with Kaman and Sam Ash.
In their new positions, both Tony and Marshall will have total sales and marketing responsibility for their territories and will work directly with the sales reps and firms associated with each region.
Both Tony and Marshall will continue to report to John Hawkins, Vice President, Sales & Marketing. Hawkins stated, “We are fortunate to have such talented and experienced personnel who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their new positions. Our Samick dealer organization continues to grow. With our new products, clinics and marketing programs coming on line, it’s only natural to have more direct interaction from management with our field personnel and dealers.”
Glenn Derringer, President of Samick’s MI Division, said, “This is just one part of our evolving focus on this segment of Samick’s business.Tony and Marshall will play a major role in moving the company forward with impressive new designs by Greg Bennett, JT Riboloff and others yet to come. They represent our continued investment on all business fronts including management, design, marketing/advertising and distribution. This is just the beginning.”
