Alvarez Expands in Italy, Appoints Backline as New Distributor

May 17th 2017

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – Alvarez, maker of world-class guitars, continues to expand globally, and have teamed with Backline in Milan to oversee distribution in Italy.

“Backline has a fantastic team and an excellent reputation,” says Chris Meikle, Head of Development at Alvarez and Senior Vice President of St. Louis Music. “We’re thrilled to be working with them. The Italian market has such a rich guitar culture, with both great artists and music. We know Backline has the experience and resources to guide Alvarez to dealers and consumers in the region.”

Backline is one of Italy’s premiere distributors of musical instruments, accessories and technology. Backline focuses on three categories of musical product, Boutique, Classic and Pro. Their Boutique line focuses on hand-made luthier crafted instruments. Their Classic line is dedicated to high quality, popular brands of instruments and accessories. The Backline Pro line is centered on prosumer audio equipment and software for recording, production and engineering.  

“Backline is proud and excited to partner with Alvarez Guitars for distribution and marketing in Italy,” says Stefano Bonaretti President of Backline . “We feel the brand has a great potential and we shall put all our best efforts and skills to offer the Italian market one of the best and most promising guitar brands in the world today. We have an excellent expertise in the acoustic guitar market, which we developed while establishing Taylor Guitars in Italy through 20 years of intensive branding, marketing and distribution. We’ll use the same expertise to offer a selected number of special dealers the opportunity to discover and experience the Alvarez and Yairi world; a world which we feel to be fascinating and appealing. We love having a new task to accomplish and I am positive it shall be a great and lasting partnership.”

Alvarez is now sold in over 35 countries around the world by 20 exclusive distributors. To Learn more about Alvarez go to www.alvarezguitars.com or call +1 314-727-1191.

[Pictured: Backline Logo]

St. Louis Music/U.S. Band & Orchestra is one of the largest general distributors of musical instruments and accessories in North America. SLM is the owner of Alvarez Guitars, Austin Guitars, Knilling String Instruments, E.K. Blessing, & Sigma Guitars. The company is also the exclusive USA distributor of Dixon Drums & Hardware, Antigua, and P. Mauriat Brass and Woodwinds.  SLM also distributes over 250 brands of accessories to music stores across the USA.