FIFTY YEARS AGO, ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1972,

THE JAPANESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MANUFACTURER HOSHINO OFFICIALLY FORMED A PARTNERSHIP WITH AMERICA’S ELGER COMPANY TO SELL AND MARKET IBANEZ GUITARS IN THE UNITED STATES.

The ensuing collaboration was much more than an ordinary exporter/distributor relationship as the Japanese and Americans worked closely together, combining Hoshino’s manufacturing skills and craftsmanship with Elger’s expertise in selling instruments to American guitarists. As the partnership evolved and grew, Ibanez eventually became one of the world’s most successful guitar brands, and the company still enjoys that status today.