Music Products Sales in the United States Hit a Record $7.3 Billion in 2004, Up 5.2 Percent from 2003

NAMM (the International Music Products Association) released the results of a national survey today that reveals a record-setting level of musical instrument and product sales in 2004. Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM, noted that sales in the United States hit an all-time high of $7.353 billion last year.

The record-setting number represents a 5.2 percent increase over 2003, reflecting unprecedented consumer interest in making music. Dramatic sales increases were scored in fretted instruments, with acoustic guitars surging 38.6 percent over last year and electric guitars rising 43.5 percent. In addition, double-digit unit sales increases occurred with drum kits, portable keyboards and digital pianos. The annual survey, commissioned by NAMM and conducted by the industry publication The Music Trades, is an annual comprehensive study that includes instruments ranging from cutting-edge computer hardware to violins based on 300-year-old designs. The complete results of the survey will appear in the April issue of The Music Trades and will be re-published in NAMM's annual MUSIC USA statistical volume this summer. The increased sales appeared in virtually all industry segments, with 31 out of 54 product categories posting increases in dollar volume.

"Shifts in customer demographics also show a significant industry trend," said Brian Majeski, editor in chief, The Music Trades. "As recently as that late 1990s, the major buyers of music and audio products could be classified into four major groups: children between 12 and 20, parents of those children, professional musicians, and institutions such as churches, schools and nightclubs." He continued, "While these groups still represent the bulk of industry sales, these core buyers are now augmented by a growing number of 35- to 55-year-old baby boomers and older Gen-Xers who are buying musical instruments for themselves."

This latest data indicates that more consumers are turning to music for its many proven benefits, which include helping young children learn and develop, relieving stress in teenagers and adults, as well as staving off some effects of aging in senior citizens. In 2003, a Gallup poll commissioned by NAMM demonstrated that 54 percent of American households have at least one person who actively plays a musical instrument.

"We are very pleased to see such strong consumer interest in playing music, which resulted in a record-setting year for the music products industry," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM. "We're seeing a trend of more people discovering music for its many benefits, including helping young children develop and grow as part of a well-rounded education, decreasing stress in adults who just play on the weekends and keeping seniors' minds and bodies active and healthy."

About The Music Trades
Published every month since 1890, The Music Trades has consistently provided the music products industry with the most thorough and insightful news coverage, the most cogent market analysis, and the most useful educational features. This superior editorial content is why Music Trades is the only trade publication in the music industry with a 100 percent paid and audited circulation. Every month, Music Trades provides late-breaking news, new product information, market analysis and educational features pertaining to every industry segment. For more information, please visit www.musictrades.com or call 800.423.6530.