SAMICK PIANO CORPORATION FULL
SAMICK PIANO CORPORATION PRO
SAMICK PIANO CORPORATION PROFESSIONAL
SAMICK PIANO CORPORATION SERIES

As a consequence of diversifying their interests too much (they had investments in furniture, computers, industrial equipment, even the fishing industry), and many of those ventures being unsuccessful, leaving them with a debt of nearly $10 million, they were forced into bankruptcy in 1996.

SAMICK PIANO CORPORATION SERIES

In 1995, the Indonesian factory began producing electric guitars, and nearly all Korean made models became part of the Artist Series in order to differentiate them (also, many Indonesian model names start with an 'I' or an 'L').

They began producing Valley Arts inspired models in 1993.

SAMICK PIANO CORPORATION PRO

Also in 1992, Samick bought half of Valley Arts Custom Pro Shop after their US facility was lost in a fire. In 1992, they opened a new factory in Indonesia to build budget models, as the standard of living was increasing in Korea and labor was becoming more expensive. In 1988, Samick went public, listing shares on the Seoul stock exchange. In 1987, Samick bought the Vantage brand name (formerly owned by Matsumoku). Thus began a significant expansion of their offerings in the US/International markets, as well as their unique lineup for the Japanese market. Around 1985, IMC diverted attention away from Hondo, and Samick began focusing on their more lucrative Epiphone contract, as well as developing their own lineup. Through this decade, Korea overtook Japan as the top producer of entry-level guitars and Samick was the contractor behind most of that shift. subsidiary known as Samick Music Corporation.

SAMICK PIANO CORPORATION FULL

That same year they established a full U.S. These new instruments marked a substantial increase in quality.īy 1982 Samick opened a branch office in Germany to introduce their brand to the European market.

SAMICK PIANO CORPORATION PROFESSIONAL

In 1979, Hondo sold nearly 800,000 instruments worldwide.ġ980 was the beginning of a new era for Samick and Hondo, as they introduced the new Professional Series, made in Japan by Tokai and Matsumoku, and using what they'd learned from those manufacturers, introduced the Deluxe Series in 1981, made in Korea by Samick. In 1979, Samick had developed new automated production facilities that reduced the need for hand woodworking (allowing more consistency), increased production capacity and heightened quality standards. Also in that year, they struck a deal with American pickup maker DiMarzio to include DiMarzios optional on Hondo's most popular models. In 1978, a branch office was opened in Los Angeles, CA. The company also made improvements to the finish quality on their products, introduced scalloped bracing on acoustics, and began using a higher quality brand of tuning machines.

Shortly thereafter, Hondo became one of the largest selling entry level brands, being sold in 70 countries worldwide. In 1976, over 22,000 of the Bi-Centennial banjos were sold. At this time, they also began introducing copies of classic American models like the Les Paul and Stratocaster (as well as banjos, mandolins, violins and autoharps). By 1976, the company’s electric guitars had gained a level of quality and the name was changed to 'Hondo II' to reflect that.

In 1972, they began selling electric guitars, mostly copies of Teisco models. Hondo initially produced a line of classical and folk guitars. The new company introduced modern American and Japanese production methods to the Korean market, while taking advantage of the low-wage level in Korea to offer inexpensive, entry-level guitars.

Samick formed a joint-venture with Texas-based IMC (International Music Company) to create the Hondo brand. Samick's Incheon, South Korea automated production facility.ĭuring this same period, the company began to step-up the quality of its guitar production. By 1970, its production capabilities had developed sufficiently for it to launch its first grand pianos. In 1965, Samick began production of acoustic guitars for the Korean market as well as for export to fulfill the demand for cheap Asian-made guitars that overwhelmed the market during this decade. Within two years, they began building their own upright pianos, using imported parts. Originally, they were an importer for Baldwin Pianos to Korea. As of 2011, Knabe grands have been divided into 3 levels: Baltimore (WG models), Academy (WMG models) and Concert (WKG models).Samick was founded in 1958 by Hyo Ick Lee, with the goal of 'enriching human life through music, the universal language'. As a well established name, the Knabe company became part of larger conglomerates until finally residing in the hands of Samick Music Corporation in the year 2000 where it has become the flagship brand for SMC. History: William Knabe established his company in Baltimore, USA in the year 1839 and remained in the family until 1906.

Samick piano corporation