Gibraltar Hardware and St. Louis Music (SLM) will begin an exclusive U.S. distribution partnership on January 1, 2027, marking a new chapter for the brand as it transitions from its longstanding relationship with Hal Leonard.
The partnership reflects Gibraltar’s commitment to strengthening dealer relationships, expanding product knowledge, and building a more connected presence within the drumming community.
With an established presence in the percussion market and more than a decade of experience distributing Dixon Drums, St. Louis Music brings valuable industry expertise and a strong understanding of the needs of both drum retailers and musicians.
“Becoming the exclusive U.S. distributor for Gibraltar Hardware represents a significant milestone for St. Louis Music,” said Chris Meikle, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of St. Louis Music. “This partnership comes at an ideal time as we continue expanding our drum and percussion catalog into one of the most comprehensive offerings in the industry. Adding one of the world’s largest and most versatile drum hardware brands to our portfolio is an exciting opportunity. We look forward to supporting Gibraltar, its dealers, and the drumming community with the exceptional service, expertise, and commitment that define St. Louis Music.”
For Gibraltar, the decision reflects a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market through more direct engagement with retailers and the drumming community.
“Our vision for Gibraltar goes beyond delivering great hardware. It’s about building stronger relationships with the dealers and drummers who rely on our products every day,” said Eva Vasconcellos, Vice President, Gibraltar Hardware. “We wanted a distribution partner that understands the percussion market, values personal relationships, and shares our commitment to supporting retailers through education, service, and meaningful engagement. St. Louis Music brings that experience and enthusiasm, and we see tremendous opportunity to grow the Gibraltar brand together.”
A key focus of the partnership will be delivering more personalized, hands-on support to Gibraltar dealers. Through increased in-store visits, product education, and closer collaboration with retail teams, Gibraltar and SLM aim to equip dealers with the knowledge and resources needed to confidently demonstrate and recommend the right hardware solutions to their customers.
Beyond the retail environment, the partnership will emphasize greater engagement with the drumming community through clinics, artist collaborations, and local events. These initiatives will create meaningful opportunities for musicians to connect with the Gibraltar brand, experience its products firsthand, and discover solutions that support their individual playing styles and needs.
By combining Gibraltar’s extensive hardware portfolio and product expertise with St. Louis Music’s established distribution network and percussion industry relationships, the partnership represents a shared commitment to delivering greater value to dealers and drummers alike.
Together, Gibraltar Hardware and St. Louis Music look forward to building stronger relationships, creating new opportunities, and supporting the continued growth of the Gibraltar brand throughout the U.S. market.
About St. Louis Music
St. Louis Music is one of the leading general distributors of musical instruments and accessories in North America. SLM is the owner of Alvarez Guitars, Knilling String Instruments, Blessing Brass, Recording King and The Loar. The company is also the exclusive USA distributor of Dixon Drums and Hardware and P. Mauriat Brass and Woodwinds. SLM distributes over 200 brands of accessories to music stores across the USA.
