What the Year 2024 Brought to Musicians

Digital transformation of the music industry, community platforms and economic challenges

In the past year, the music industry has had to adapt to dynamic changes not only in technology but also in economic conditions and cultural trends. Innovations in music equipment have brought new opportunities for composing and playing live, while economic challenges have forced musicians to look for alternative sources of income and ways to reach audiences.

Digital transformation has affected not only traditional forms of distribution and promotion but also the way musicians create and collaborate. Another turning point was the shift towards sustainable practices and the return to vintage sound, which complemented modern technological approaches. 2024 thus offered a complex picture where innovation intertwined with tradition and art responded to a changing social context.

The rise of artificial intelligence has brought new tools for composing, mixing and mastering music, with AI assistants as part of DAWs helping to optimise workflow and increase creativity. Ever-improving technologies from Neural DSP, Fractal Audio, Kemper and IK Multimedia now offer even more accurate simulations of amplifiers and effects. At the same time, the market has seen an increased demand for boutique gear and vintage instruments, as musicians are still looking for unique sound and craftsmanship despite the ubiquitous digitalisation. As a result, lesser-known small producers with an individual approach are also thriving.

The rising cost of live performances due to more expensive energy and inflation has forced musicians to seek alternative means of financing. Crowdfunding, grants and direct support from fans have played a vital role in many cases. With the increasing cost of the production of certain components (especially semiconductors), the price of musical instruments and equipment has also grown.

Streaming services like Bandcamp and Patreon have become even more important. More musicians are using them as a steady source of income outside of traditional gigging and music sales. The growth of apps like Soundtrap and Session has brought new opportunities for remote collaboration. Musicians have become more reflective of social change, environmental issues and cultural diversity, and projects to support local communities have become an important phenomenon.

The return of the legendary Dumble brand

The launch of Dumble's new official website suggests that major steps are about to be taken to revive this legendary amp brand, which has almost mythical status in the music world. Designer Howard Dumble made the instruments by hand and exclusively to order, and because of their exclusivity and uncompromising sound, Dumble amps were not only an icon but also an investment – often costing hundreds of thousands of dollars on the second-hand market.

The above-mentioned website is more of a hint than a detailed map of the company's future. It is not clear whether the new amps will be produced according to Howard Dumble's original designs or whether the brand will come up with innovations adapted to the modern needs of guitarists. However, excitement is already high in the guitar community and there is much speculation as to whether the return will bring more affordable models or whether the brand will continue with its philosophy of exclusivity.

The seven-string Fender Strat: a herald of new series models?

In recent years, seven-string guitars have become a popular choice among guitarists looking for greater sonic flexibility and deeper tonal range. It's a little strange that this trend continues to be resisted by Fender, which, with few exceptions, has delegated the production of "sevens" to its subsidiaries (Jackson, Charvel, Squier) but has not yet offered a completely in-house edition on a larger scale.

That's why the new seven-string Strat with modified electronics and a two-octave fingerboard, designed for Suicide Silence guitarist Chris Garza, was met with unprecedented interest, which naturally gave rise to speculation about the model's market launch. If the predictions of many Fender fans prove true, this could be a major step for the iconic brand towards modern players and progressive musical styles dominated by brands such as Ibanez, Schecter, ESP, etc. However, Fender could stand out for its ability to bring the classic look and time-tested sound of the Strat.

Amp manufacturer Divided by 13 taken over by Two-Rock

Amplifier maker Divided by 13 has moved into the stable of Two-Rock Amplifiers, as its founder Fred Taccone has decided to retire. The respected American boutique brand Two-Rock has announced that it will continue to manufacture six key Divided by 13 models (FTR 37, AMW 39, BTR 23, JRT 9/15, CCC 9/15 and CJ 11) with an emphasis on handcrafting and high quality. The co-owners of Two-Rock also mentioned that the acquisition would enrich their range with additional instruments fitted with high-end circuits with British and American sound.

The legendary guitar maker James Tyler passed away

James Tyler, the renowned guitar maker best known for his superbly crafted Strat models, passed away earlier this year at the age of 72. His legacy lies not only in his craftsmanship but also in his pioneering approach to guitar design that inspired generations of players. One of the most influential names in the industry, Tyler combined the timeless elegance of the classic Stratocaster with modern features such as carefully selected pickup types, modified hardware and improved ergonomics for fast and technical playing.

Throughout his life, Tyler worked with many famous musicians and his instruments were used by players such as Steve Lukather, Michael Landau and Scott Henderson. In addition, he was a passionate educator and advocate for maintaining historic musical traditions. He held master classes at prestigious institutions and published scholarly books.

Circa74: the new Taylor brand

This year, Taylor Guitars has launched a new brand called Circa74, an interesting venture into uncharted territory. The company, which takes its name from the year Taylor was founded (1974), promises to combine an innovative approach to the production of acoustic amps and guitars and the company's traditional design and philosophy. Circa 74 targets beginner and intermediate players looking for quality, affordable acoustic guitars, combos, etc. combining modern technology with a vintage '70s aesthetic.

The instruments should be built using sustainable materials, high-quality hardware, pickups and electronics, and a custom bracing system for better resonance and mechanical stability. The introduction of the Circa 74 brand shows that Taylor Guitars wants to strengthen its presence in the mid-range segment. This may pose new competition for established names in this instrument category such as Yamaha, Sigma, Cort, etc.

Sam Ash Music chain declares bankruptcy

Retailer Sam Ash Music, the largest family-owned music store chain in the United States, was forced to close all of its locations this year after filing for bankruptcy. Mexican company Gonher Music Center acquired most of its assets in June 2024, paying $15.2 million for the takeover. The acquisition included merchandise, trademarks, intellectual property and customer data, but not the physical stores. Gonher now focuses on relaunching Sam Ash's online sales, though plans to reopen stores have not yet been announced.

What is Marshall planning for next year?

After the strategic merger with Zound Industries, which made Marshall part of the Marshall Group, some fans weren't very optimistic about the future of the company, but it seems that the merger will soon allow the traditional British amplifier manufacturer to strengthen its product portfolio with new models. The Marshall family has retained almost a quarter stake in the company and thus has a significant influence on the future direction of the brand.

Marshall is reportedly planning to expand its product range and return to NAMM next year, where it is expected to showcase products led by a new generation of digital amplifiers and software systems. The development of these modelling technologies is being handled by Sweden's Softube, which Marshall has worked with on previous projects including the highly successful Major headphone collection and a series of portable active speakers.

Fernandes: Japanese manufacturer bids farewell after more than half a century of existence

Founded in 1969, the Japanese manufacturer Fernandes Guitars has been known for producing high-quality copies of American guitars, basses and the innovative Sustainer pickup system, which is back in vogue, as evidenced by its many new users, including Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. In July 2024, the company announced it was shutting down and preparing for bankruptcy due to debts of over $2.75 million. The main reasons were increasing competition and the growth of the second-hand market, which led to declining sales and financial difficulties.

Designer Randall Smith has left Mesa Boogie

Randall Smith, founder of Mesa Boogie, left the company three years after it was bought by Gibson in 2021. As chief amplifier designer, he oversaw the launch of new products, including the Mark VII line. In its statement, Gibson expressed gratitude for Smith's contributions and said his legacy will continue to inspire future amplifier models. The exact reasons for his departure have not been disclosed, and Smith himself has not commented on the situation publicly. For now, the latest news from Mesa Boogie is a reissue of the much-desirable high-gain 1980s Mark IIC+ series.

Dean vs. Gibson lawsuit goes back to the beginning

An appellate court has overturned the original ruling in a dispute between Dean Guitars and Gibson over trademarks relating to guitar shapes such as the Flying V, Explorer, SG and others. It ruled that the original trial had wrongly excluded evidence of the general use of these shapes before 1992. The court therefore ordered a new trial to take this information into account.

Dean Guitars, of course, welcomes the decision because, since 1977, it has been producing the V and Z models that are the main subject of the litigation. Gibson, on the other hand, insists that their guitar shapes are iconic and plans to continue to defend their trademarks. This new development could significantly affect the market for myriad copies of traditional guitar brands.

The digital age: the end of three major guitar magazines

In the current digital era, there have been major changes in the way musicians consume content, which has also affected traditional media. Three major guitar magazines – the US-based Guitar Player and the UK publications Total Guitar and Guitar Techniques – have announced their closure in print. However, all of these titles plan to continue via their websites, offering exclusive articles, interviews, lessons and reviews.

For guitarists around the world, print magazines represent a certain nostalgia and source of inspiration, but with the growing emphasis on online content, video tutorials, podcasts and interactive platforms, interest in print media is declining. The younger generation prefers quick and easily accessible content, not to mention the economic cost of printing and distributing magazines, especially at a time of dwindling subscriber numbers.

Frank Marino Audio: effects brand of Mahogany Rush member

Frank Marino, legendary guitarist of Mahogany Rush, officially unveiled his own line of guitar effects this year, reflecting his distinctive approach to the instrument's tone. The pedals are designed to capture Frank's signature sound combining elements of blues, hard rock and psychedelic rock. Frank Marino Audio's current product lineup includes the hand-assembled Juggernaut and Dragonfly drives, the clean boost Maxoom, the Sus IV compressor, the Universe analogue chorus, and the CryingMoon envelope filter.