D'Angelico Acquires Supro and Pigtronix

This week D’Angelico announced that they are acquiring Supro and Pigtronix. I think this move will benefit all involved including the consumer. D’Angelico latest guitar designs have been unique and interesting and with some great guitars and great endorsers like Bob Weir, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Brandon Niederauer, the company is really staring to expand its product line beyond the big jazz boxes they’re known for. The Supro line, much like D’Angelico, has been making some really great products since resurrecting the brand a few years ago. Aside from making great amps like the Black Magik and Statesman, Supro has been making great guitars like the Dual Tone. This guitar was famously played by David Bowie during the Reality album recording and subsequent tour and has now become a signature model for the brand. Pigtronix has been consistently cranking out fantastic pedals, some even for D’Angelico, so their addition to the D’Angelico family will be a welcomed one as they bring their level of expertise to the fold.

Here is the press release with some details about this acquisition:

With a shared heritage as reignited legacy brands, D’Angelico Guitars and Supro have collaborated as a guitar and amp pairing in their marketing efforts for years. “We have always had a deep appreciation for Supro’s products and brand,” says D’Angelico Chairman John Ferolito Jr. “When the opportunity to acquire the brand arose, we didn’t think twice.” 

“This is going to make all three brands even stronger,” says CEO Brenden Cohen. “I can’t wait for our customers to see what we have in store for them.”

Along with Supro, D’Angelico Guitars has also acquired Pigtronix. Both Supro and Pigtronix were previously owned by Absara Audio, located in Long Island, NY. “All three companies having a home base in New York just amplifies the harmony these brands already share,” says D’Angelico COO Jimmy Lovinggood. “The last few months have been an extremely challenging time for businesses across the country and around the world—New York City especially. We began this acquisition many months before COVID-19, and although this is a challenging time for every industry, we truly believe in these brands and decided to move forward in full confidence.” 

Supro was originally founded in Chicago in the 1930s, producing amplifiers that were featured on some of the greatest rock records of all time. It was relaunched in 2013 and has gone on to achieve popular status in the music industry. Pigtronix is a fast-growing industry leader amongst boutique pedal companies, featuring forward-thinking design and concepts. 

“The acquisition of Supro and Pigtronix by D’Angelico creates a trifecta,” says Dave Koltai, former co-owner of Supro and Pigtronix. “It’s a perfect fit, and I am thrilled to be able to continue making new gear for musicians around the world.” Koltai will be onboard as Chief Technology Officer, continuing to design and develop both Supro Amps and Pigtronix Pedals, alongside D’Angelico’s Executive Vice President of Product Development, Ryan Kershaw. “This is going to allow us to take everything we do to the next level,” says Kershaw. 

Though the acquisition is now complete, the brands will enter a transitional phase, developing a new company structure and revised product plan for 2021. “We could not be more excited for what’s to come,” says Cohen. “This is the company I have been envisioning.”