Marc Harris

Marc Harris grew up surrounded by the music products industry thanks to a family legacy that stretched back generations. His grandfather, Mike Harris, was a professional trumpet player who worked for Vega Guitars during the 1920s before partnering with Bert Fandel to form the Harris Fandel Company in the 1930s. The business became an important wholesale distributor representing companies such as Aria guitars and Mel Bay instructional books. Music was deeply woven into family life, and Marc fondly recalls Mel Bay himself visiting their home and playing guitar in the basement for family and friends. After Mike Harris passed away in 1960, Marc’s father continued in the business until the company was sold in 1970. He later launched North East Music Supply and purchased Vater Music Center. Marc’s brother Howard joined the store in 1979, and after graduating college in 1981, Marc became his partner in operating two music stores in the suburbs of Boston. Marc often jokes that he “graduated college on Sunday and owned two music stores on Monday.” In 1991 Marc helped launch Harris Musical Products after discovering a unique opportunity selling guitar picks wholesale “by the pound.” He later became involved in the early development of First Act as Vice President before returning to the family-oriented wholesale business he loved most. A new chapter began in 2017 when Marc met the founders of Furch Guitars. Founded in 1981 in the Czech Republic, the company had grown from hand-building guitars for friends into a respected international brand. In 2019 Marc helped establish the company’s Nashville operation and became head of U.S. operations, continuing a lifelong career dedicated to serving musicians, retailers, and the craft of music making.