Californian accessories manufacturer GruvGear has signed a licensing agreement with Ibanez parent company Hosino Gakki Ltd which will result in the launch of ‘Ibanez FretWraps by GruvGear’ – a co-branded version of GruvGear’s string damping accessory for guitars basses and other stringed instruments.
Ibanez has reportedly launched a campaign in Japan with all its Iron Label models shipping with the new co-branded FretWraps as a standard accessory.
‘We’re very excited and honoured to team up with Ibanez,’ says Gruv Gear President and Founder Jay Baldemor. ‘Having such a prominent, world-renowned brand approach us with the idea is a great testimony of our growing influence in the music industry.’
FretWraps is a must-have item,’ says Yuji Wakazono, Product Manager for Hoshino Gakki, Ibanez Division. ‘We launched Ibanez FretWraps by Gruv Gear for our Iron Label promotion, which not only enhances both brand images, but also gives a great benefit to players.’
FretWraps are being seen increasingly on the guitars of leading players, used to reduce unwanted string noise for both recording and live applications. GruvGear says that players using the accessories include: Guthrie Govan, Andy James, Marco Sfogli, Keith Merrow, Robert “Bubby“ Lewis, Andrew Gouche, Federico Malaman, Norm Stockton and Anthony Wellington. Info: www.gruvgear.com