In a move that’s got gearheads and synth nerds buzzing, Reverb is officially breaking away from Etsy and going solo once again. The beloved online marketplace for new, used, and vintage music gear is being acquired by Creator Partners and Servco, marking its return to private ownership after nearly six years under Etsy’s umbrella.
Back to the Future (of Gear)
Reverb’s CEO, David Mandelbrot, announced that the platform will continue to operate independently, but now with the backing of two heavyweights deeply rooted in the music industry. Creator Partners, led by former SoundCloud and Vimeo CEO Kerry Trainor, is known for investing in creative tech ventures like SoundCloud, BMI, and Color Studios. Servco, meanwhile, has been a major player in the instrument world since the 1930s and is currently the majority owner of Fender.
Mandelbrot emphasized that this transition is about doubling down on Reverb’s original mission: serving the global music-making community. “The musicians, shops, and brands who rely on Reverb have always been at the heart of what we do,” he said. With the new ownership, users can expect enhancements like faster payments, improved search functionality, local gear drop-offs, and expanded access to music software.
A Strategic Encore
For Etsy, the sale aligns with a broader strategy to streamline its focus on core marketplaces. After acquiring Reverb for $275 million in 2019, Etsy had aimed to expand its reach into niche verticals. However, recent shifts suggest a return to basics, allowing Reverb to flourish under owners who are more attuned to the nuances of the music gear industry.
What This Means for Musicians
For the bedroom producers, touring artists, and vintage gear collectors, this change is a promising development. With leadership that understands the intricacies of the music world, Reverb is poised to enhance its platform, making it even more user-friendly and community-focused. The goal? To make buying and selling gear as harmonious as the music it helps create.
Final Thought from a Degenerate Trader with a Soft Spot for Synths:
Look, I once swapped a rare analog synth for a meme coin and lived to regret it. But this move? It's like trading in your overhyped NFT for a vintage Moog—solid, reliable, and infinitely more satisfying. Reverb going indie again is the kind of bullish signal that even my jaded, crypto-scorched heart can get behind. Here's to fewer gas fees and more basslines.