90 Years of Musical Instrument Distribution
Rosetti Celebrates 90 Years at the Heart of British Music Heritage
Rosetti Ltd., one of the UK's most influential musical instrument distributors, is celebrating its 90th anniversary, marking nine decades at the heart of British music heritage. From helping place the first instruments into the hands of future legends, to building enduring partnerships with some of the world's most respected and iconic musical instrument brands, Rosetti's story is tightly woven into the history of modern music in Britain.
Founded by Frank M. Crossman and Arthur C. Rosetti in 1921 and incorporated on 29th July 1936, the company played a significant role in the development of the UK music industry. From its base in London, Rosetti helped connect retailers, brands and musicians while distributing a wide range of musical products, including guitars, brass and woodwind instruments, violins, reed organs, melodeons, accordions, microphones and amplifiers.
During the 1950s and 1960s, a pivotal period in the growth of modern popular music, Rosetti imported affordable guitars from manufacturers including Egmond and Hoyer, helping to make music accessible for thousands of young players across the UK. Among them were future icons such as George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Brian May. Harrison received a Rosetti-branded Egmond acoustic guitar as a teenager, McCartney played a Rosetti Solid 7 during The Beatles' Hamburg years, and May's first guitar was a Rosetti-distributed Egmond Toledo.
As the music industry evolved, Rosetti expanded its portfolio to represent some of the world's most recognised musical instrument brands, establishing a reputation as one of the UK's most trusted distribution partners. Today, Rosetti remains independently owned and operated from Essex, representing a portfolio of globally recognised brands.
John C. Hall, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rickenbacker International Corporation, said:
"Rosetti has been Rickenbacker's partner in the UK for over 35 years — our longest-serving distributor anywhere in the world.
They kept Rickenbacker in the hands of the artists who defined the British Invasion — Pete Townshend, Paul Weller, and beyond — and in doing so, helped write our story as much as we wrote theirs.
Congratulations to everyone at Rosetti on 90 remarkable years. We're proud to have spent 35 of them together, and we're looking forward to many more."
Karl-Erik Hagström, Chairman of Hagstrom Guitars, said:
“Reaching 90 years is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to the resilience, dedication and ability to evolve that have defined Rosetti throughout its history.
Having celebrated Hagstrom’s own centenary last year, this is a milestone that carries particular meaning for us. We understand the generations of commitment, knowledge and relationships required to build a company that can endure and remain relevant for an entire century.
Rosetti has been a trusted and valued partner for Hagstrom in the UK, helping to place our instruments in the hands of musicians and representing our brand with genuine enthusiasm and professionalism.
On behalf of the Hagström family and everyone at Hagstrom Guitars, I would like to congratulate the entire Rosetti team on this remarkable anniversary. We are proud to share this connection between two companies with more than a century of history.”
Rosetti's anniversary coincides with significant milestones across its brand portfolio, including Hagstrom's centenary, Vandoren's 120th anniversary, Seymour Duncan's 50th anniversary and Kustom Amplifiers' 60th anniversary. It also comes as Rosetti's long-standing partner Rickenbacker approaches its centenary. Together, these milestones reflect the rich heritage, craftsmanship and innovation that have defined the brands Rosetti has proudly represented throughout its history.
Martin Hartwell, Managing Director of Rosetti Ltd., said:
"For 90 years, Rosetti has connected world-class music brands with the UK music community. The industry may have changed, but our purpose remains the same: supporting retailers, building trusted partnerships and helping place iconic brands into the hands of UK musicians. We're proud of our heritage and excited to continue supporting the next generation of music makers."