NAMM Members Hit Milestone Years in the Music Products Industry
NAMM is made up of music retailers and manufacturers from around the world, and when our member companies reach a milestone anniversary, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on their achievements and look ahead to new goals. To celebrate these special occasions, we invited long-standing members to share their stories.
Across their diverse histories and markets, Rock & Soul (50 years), Barratts Music (88 years), and GEWA (100 years) share a deep passion for music and a commitment to building lasting connections with customers, artists and their communities. Each has successfully adapted to industry disruption while remaining grounded in their core values. A common thread among them is a dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians, often driven by personal experiences and a love for the craft. At the heart of it all is a belief in the unifying power of music, and a desire to create, connect and inspire through every note and interaction.
Rock and Soul
Celebrating 50 Years
What’s changed the most
The world of retail is completely different. People have gotten used to ordering anything online. But when it comes down to it, it's not as fun of an experience as coming in and finding the item yourself. Not to mention, you still need to figure out how to use the gear — people forget that when you walk into a music store, someone is there to help you through that.
What’s stayed the same
That people in general have an innate draw and curiosity to tangible things, and what you can't change about a record or music store, is the feeling of discovering something new in person. This is true of DJ gear and records. It's still so fun for a person at any age to dig through and look for records. What we do as a store is make it an experience to just walk in.
The turning point in our business
When records were becoming obsolete and DJs were having a hard time finding records was the pivotal moment for us. DJs couldn't find a place to buy records anymore. So we changed our electronics to specifically DJ equipment and pro audio.
Most popular product
At the moment it is probably the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4.
A story about a famous or emerging artist we’ve worked with
When the Wu Tang Clan first pressed their records, they didn't have a big label, and they came and sold their first box of records to Mrs. Shirley at Rock and Soul. She started out buying five at a time, and 200 at a time.
The inspiration that keeps us going
Honestly, it is how much the store means to some of these incredibly talented and famous artists. The fact that we played a role in an artist creating that magic is what keeps us going.
Why NAMM matters to us
NAMM is so important to us, because we need someone to advocate for us, the small business world of music lovers.
— Sharone Bechor, CEO, Rock and Soul
Barratts Music
Celebrating 88 Years
What’s changed the most
I think the biggest change has been the rise of the internet. Competition is very different to how it used to be. On the good side, customers are much better informed now.
What’s stayed the same
Being a small business, our relationship with our customers is vital. This is the most enjoyable aspect of the business — making friends. I hope this never changes in our business!
The turning point in our business
Wow, there have been many turning points. I guess the key ones in my time have been the acquisition of a competitor’s retail outlet in 2008, the subsequent loss of that business in 2013, covid and the impacts to business, expanding our business into more market segments, notably the brass and wind community bands.
Most popular product
Guitars, guitars, guitars, in all their varieties.
A story about a famous or emerging artist we’ve worked with
We have run clinics with numerous Australian artists over time. They have been generous and always want to help the next generation of young musicians.
The inspiration that keeps us going
Seeing people enjoy their music. There is a joy in watching a kid’s eyes light up when they tuck their new instrument under their arm. Also, seeing the joy and camaraderie that happens in community music bands, orchestras and groups.
Why NAMM matters to us
NAMM has been an important support for music businesses worldwide. Their professional development support and the trade shows are wonderful initiatives, along with the global outreach and lobbying help.
— Mark Barratt, Owner, Barratts Music
GEWA
Celebrating 100 Years
What’s changed the most
GEWA music has evolved from a regional string bow instruments and cases manufacturer in Germany into a globally active company with production sites in Asia, Europe and the USA, and a comprehensive distribution and marketing network spanning across the USA, Europe and beyond. Today, we operate in nearly all major instrument categories — from string instruments, cases and guitars to drums, digital pianos and brass and wind instruments — while maintaining deep roots in craftsmanship and innovation.
What’s stayed the same
Our passion for music and our products. That has never changed. We are musicians, music lovers and engineers at heart — committed to creating instruments that inspire and connect people around the world.
The turning point in our business
The key turning point was my father Hans-Peter Messner joining the company in the late 1980s. His vision of expanding into other categories such as drums, guitars and wind instruments fundamentally shaped our future. He recognized early on the need to act independently within Europe, securing exclusive distribution rights for international brands and building our own production infrastructure in Asia. That foresight laid the foundation for the GEWA music we know today.
Most popular product
That’s hard to say — because we have outstanding, top-selling products in nearly every category we serve. From professional cases and digital pianos to high-end guitars from Ovation/Adamas, drums from our brand Gretsch, drumheads from REMO and European-made string bow instruments for amateurs and students, success is shared across many segments.
A story about a famous or emerging artist we’ve worked with
Rather than a story about an artist, I’d like to share a unique collaboration we had with luxury luggage brand Rimowa in 2024. It all started with a simple Instagram message to CEO Alexandre Arnault. I was sitting at the airport in Barcelona and noticed how many travelers were carrying both GEWA violin cases and Rimowa trolleys. The idea sparked spontaneously and quickly grew into a groundbreaking project: the co-development of a limited-edition violin case. The result? 300 units sold out worldwide in just 17 hours. A true testament to GEWA’s DNA — quality, innovation and the ability to collaborate with world-class brands.
What inspires us every day
Many of our team members are musicians themselves. We believe deeply in the power of music to move people, to inspire, to heal and to bring us together. Music encourages empathy and collaboration — it teaches us to listen and to connect. In a time when society is often divided, we hope that through our instruments and our work, we can contribute — however small — to a better world.
Why NAMM matters to us
In a rapidly changing world, we see NAMM as a vital platform for our industry. It fosters connection, exchange and visibility on a global scale. It’s not just a trade show — it’s a community. And we’re proud to be part of it.
— Marcel Messner, CEO, GEWA
Get Connected to the Global Music Products Industry
The companies featured in this story belong to NAMM, the global association for music product manufacturers, retailers and music industry professionals. NAMM is also celebrating a milestone — 125 years of serving and strengthening the industry through events, education, networking and policy advocacy. Learn more about NAMM and The NAMM Show, our annual global gathering of the music products industry.