KMCMusicorp
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Musical instruments |
| Predecessor | Kaman Music Corporation |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder | Charles Kaman |
| Fate | Acquired by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation in 2008; wholesale distribution segment sold to JAM Industries in 2015 |
| Headquarters | Canada |
| Products | Ampeg, Daisy Rock Girl, Hamer, Remo, Randall, Washburn (musical instruments and related products) |
| Parent | Exertis JAM |
KMC Music functions as both an owner and distributor of a range of musical instrument brands and operates under the Canadian corporate entity Exertis JAM as one of its subsidiary companies.
History
KMC Music was initially founded as Kaman Music Corporation, a division of the Kaman Corporation created by business visionary Charles Kaman. The company utilized Kaman's knowledge in composite materials to pioneer the distinctive round-backed Ovation guitar in 1966.
In January 2008, Kaman Corporation transferred ownership of Kaman Music Corporation to Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) for $117 million. By 2011, the sales and catalog departments of KMC Music and FMIC’s affiliate Musicorp combined to establish KMCMusicorp, aiming to strengthen their market presence through an expanded product lineup and more efficient distribution channels.
FMIC divested several brands under KMC in 2014—including Gretsch Drums, Latin Percussion, Toca Percussion, Ovation Guitars, and Gibraltar Hardware—to Drum Workshop as part of a strategic portfolio adjustment.
The subsequent year, FMIC sold the wholesale distribution segment of KMC to JAM Industries, a worldwide leader in distributing musical instruments and professional audio equipment. JAM Industries rebranded itself as Exertis JAM in 2021, continuing to oversee KMC’s operations. By 2018, manufacturing for Hamer Guitars had transitioned to China, reflecting a global manufacturing strategy.
The brand lineup managed by KMC Music features well-known names such as Ampeg, Daisy Rock Girl, Hamer, Remo, Randall, and Washburn, which contribute significantly to its competitive positioning within the musical instrument sector.
Brands
The following brands are part of KMC's portfolio:
| Brand | Products |
|---|---|
| Ampeg | Amplifiers for bass and guitar, along with pickups |
| Daisy Rock Girl | Instruments including Electric guitars, basses, and ukuleles |
| Hamer | Specializes in Electric guitars |
| Randall | Manufacturer of Guitar amplifiers |
| Remo | Produces Drum kit components and various heads |
See also
- Ashly Audio (a subsidiary under Jam Industries)
- U.S. Music Corporation (another Jam Industries subsidiary)
- Ventura (Japanese guitars)