Welcome to the World of Greg Bennett Design Acoustic Guitars!
Samick Musical Instrument Company commenced manufacturing in 1958 and as is well known and documented, has for more than five decades been one of the largest manufacturers of musical instruments in the world - not only Guitars, but Pianos and many other instruments.
They have been manufacturing for over half a century and during that time have and continue to manufacture products for the leading brand names in the guitar business. In the process they have learned a great deal about not only what goes into a great guitar, but how to produce it at an affordable price.
While they have manufactured AMS’s own brands over the past 30 years (including the now defunct ‘Torch’ and ‘Evolution’, in the early 90’s), AMS also introduced the ’Samick’ brand which took a very large share of the entry level Acoustic and Electric market. However Samick’s expertise in manufacturing has never only been at entry level - mid to high level guitars have always been manufactured by them, using designs of the biggest USA brands and renowned Japanese brands.
Under new management in the late 90’s, it was recognized that as the world’s largest guitar manufacturer, they needed an entirely new line to develop a new identity to the quality of instrument they had been producing, but under their own branding.
Enter Greg Bennett, an industry marketing and design veteran of almost 40 years. Samick recognized that Greg’s experience in high level marketing
positions with the industry’s leading manufacturers and retailers, coupled with a formal design and performance background, made him uniquely qualified.
The challenge was to take the majority of credible design or style categories and design product that in effect paid tribute to the original designs while creating a new and unique perspective. The designs were conceptualized, designed and refined in Greg’s studio in Nashville. Once the designs were completed, the challenge shifted to sourcing and manufacturing. Professional calibre electronics and hardware as well as distinctive tone woods were sourced from exotic locations over the entire globe: Ovangkol & Ebony from Africa, Rosewood from India and Rock Maple from North America.
Following a change of ownership in 2002, Samick experienced massive growth in the Piano area, acquiring a number of major international brands. Recently focus has now turned towards the Guitar market, with a new team of designers and product specialists assembled in order to take full advantage of the company’s unique manufacturing strengths and abilities. There are now a few models under the Samick brand as well as a revamped range of Greg Bennett and planning is well underway for further additions and brands to underpin their strategy moving forward.
