British Music Industry

 Ken Achard played such an important part of the industry that he was asked to write a book.  The book entitled “The Peavey Revolution” was released in 2005 and covers Ken’s long association with the innovative company and its founder.  Ken met Hartley Peavey in 1972, who entrusted Ken to open up the UK operations of the Peavey Company.  The task did not come without challenges, but as Ken put it, “It was a great opportunity to be a part of something big. 

David Briggs is a great example that not all those in the music products industry enters into it because of their passion for music. David’s passion is business and he has developed one of the strongest retail chains in the UK, Dawson’s Music. Mr. Briggs noted, “Looking for ways to improve what we do is very exciting for me.

Robert Castle is currently the managing director of KORG UK, having been tied to the company in one way or another since 1981. In his early days with the company, Rob played a role on the team that designed the world's first keyboard workstation, the KORG M1. The unit was ideal for all musical customers such as guitarists and drummers, not just keyboard players, although it was a keyboard. In addition, Rob spent some time with Sound Crafters.

Clifford Cooper has always liked the color orange. So, when it was time to market his amplifiers, which he created mostly for his own use and for friends, he decided to use his favorite color. The Orange amplifier products are not only unique in looks, but are also known by musicians for the clear and consistent sound. Mr. Cooper is not often interviewed, making it a special honor to have gathered his inspirational stories for our collection.

Jimmy Gibbs opened the very first crate containing a Hammond B-3 in the United Kingdom in the 1950s. Several years later, at the height of the Cold War, Jimmy brought the famous organ to Moscow, the first person to do so in history. He found that “music can speak every language and that no one ever needs to interpret a smile on the face of those playing music. We all know what that smile means!” Jimmy was also an important leader in establishing Hammond Dealers throughout Europe. 

Paul Hagen grew up in England playing a number of musical instruments including the bassoon, piano and flute. He was part of the National Youth Band and, although he studied engineering in college, felt that he wanted to be involved with the music products industry. When he had the opportunity to purchase a wholesale company he was working for, Paul contacted his friend Lee Worsley and the two discussed creating a new company. They formed Active Music Distribution in 1999 with a strong focus on the percussion market.

Martyn How is the Commercial Director or the British string company Rotosound.  Martyn and his brother Jason carry on the traditions of their pioneering father who started the guitar and bass string company in 1958.  Martyn oversees the sales and marketing for the company as well as performer endorsements and dealer relations.  Martyn’s many stories of his life in the industry range in topic from Jimi Hendrix and John Entwistle to products such as their famed RS66LD swing bass string set to the company&rsq

Gareth Hunt is the Managing Director of Soundcontrol, a musical instrument retailer located in England. As a young boy, he played in a traveling band on guitar. In fact, his father was his roadie and driver (after all, it was before Gareth could drive himself). As a player, Gareth could call on his friend who had a small retail store to buy the bands equipment. The owner hired Gareth in 1980. During this time, the store expanded to include a larger number of product lines and soon opened a second store in Sheffield, England.

Denzil Jacobs provided detailed and insightful stories of the piano industry in England from the 1930s into the 1980s. With a gentlemanly manner, Mr. Jacobs provided historical information on the growth of the piano market following World War II and how the Kemble Company expanded and grew under his management and leadership. In fact, it was he who first formed a relationship with Yamaha that today controls the piano company and has helped to increase the instrument sales and the number of countries for which the instrument is sold.