Woodwind & Brasswind (WWBW), established in 1978, has been a prominent retailer specializing in musical instruments and accessories, particularly focusing on woodwind and brass instruments. The company's mission has been to serve musicians, educators, and the broader music community by providing a comprehensive selection of high-quality instruments and related products. Over the years, WWBW has played a significant role in the music retail industry, catering to both professional musicians and beginners.
In April 2024, WWBW merged with its sister brand, Music & Arts, both subsidiaries of Guitar Center. This strategic consolidation aimed to unify the customer experience, offering enhanced services such as in-store retail options, music lessons, and a nationwide repair network. The integration was designed to provide a seamless experience for educators and musicians across the United States.
Prior to the merger, WWBW operated as an online retailer with a nationally focused sales strategy. In 2024, the company's eCommerce net sales were approximately $10.7 million, ranking it #9,948 globally in the eCommerce sector. The majority of these sales were generated within the United States, with a specialization in the Hobby & Leisure category, particularly musical instruments.
As of May 2025, the combined entity of Woodwind & Brasswind and Music & Arts reported annual revenues reaching $750 million. The organization employs approximately 1,000 individuals across three continents, including North America, Europe, and Africa. Key team members include the Chief Executive Officer and Owner, D.R; Chief Financial Officer, S.G; and Chief Operating Officer, C.T.
The merger with Music & Arts has expanded the company's offerings beyond online retail to include physical retail locations, music lessons, and an extensive repair network. This strategic move aims to provide a more comprehensive and unified experience for customers, leveraging the strengths of both brands to better serve the music community.
The musical instrument retail industry is competitive, with several key players offering similar products and services. Competitors include:
- Musician's Friend: An online retailer offering a wide range of musical instruments and accessories.
- Sweetwater: Known for its extensive product catalog and exceptional customer service, catering to musicians of all levels.
- Sam Ash Music: A family-owned business with both online and physical retail locations, providing a variety of musical instruments and equipment.
The consolidation of WWBW and Music & Arts positions the company to better compete in this dynamic market by offering a more integrated and customer-focused experience.
The merger has also led to the consolidation of customer service operations, aiming to provide more expertise and availability to customers. Existing WWBW customers have been encouraged to transition to Music & Arts, with personalized assistance and incentives to facilitate the change.
Looking ahead, the company plans to leverage the combined resources and expertise of WWBW and Music & Arts to enhance its market position. Future strategies may include expanding product offerings, enhancing online and in-store customer experiences, and strengthening relationships with educators and institutions to support music education initiatives.
For more information, visit the official website:
Social media profiles:
- LinkedIn: Music & Arts LinkedIn Profile
Please note that the information provided is based on available data as of July 11, 2025.
