Bridging Traditions, Charting Futures: Music China 2026 to Drive Trade and Upgrades
Shanghai, 30 September 2026. With over 1,600 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions expected for its 23rd edition, Music China 2026 is shaping up to be another landmark showcase for the musical instruments industry. Returning to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from 28 – 31 October, the fair will feature a global showcase from across the supply chain, with a notable presence of the violin family, Chinese instruments, audio and tech-related music products. Beyond the booth showcases, an extensive fringe programme – including new initiatives in music technology and beyond – will foster business connections, knowledge exchange, and musical appreciation among industry professionals, musicians, and enthusiasts alike.
Renowned for its scale and diversity, Music China remains the foremost one-stop platform for the music community to identify business partners, network with industry peers, and celebrate the love of music. The fair’s global appeal is evident in its diverse geographical spread, with France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and the UK leading the way among overseas exhibitors. The international assembly is set to illustrate the synergy between time‑honoured artistry and technological innovation.
Spanning the full product spectrum, this year’s highlighted brands include:
- Instruments: Adams, Godin, Ibanez, KHS, Korg, Kremona Bulgaria, MAXTON, Marigaux, Salvi, Seiko, Tama, Taylor, Yamaha, Zildjian
- Audio & tech: Beyerdynamic, Laney, Monkey Banana, Shure
- Music publishing & accessories: Bärenreiter, Breitkopf & Härtel, D’Addario, Despiau Chevalets, Galli Strings, G. Henle, Gewa, KNA Electronics, Schott Music
Affirming the fair’s industry reputation, the upcoming edition will attract a cohort of first-time exhibitors, including AUDIOGUY, B Zone Inc, Carbec, DISS-TECH, Kikutani, Klangio, Kunath, Lanerco, Sound Platform, and Zero Seiko.
Also making its debut is Raindoll from China, which makes the leap from visitor to exhibitor this year. “We have visited Music China for nearly a decade and have always been impressed by the fair’s scale and extensive reach. Each edition draws a vast number of musicians from across the globe and serves as an excellent platform for us to present our creative, high-quality designs to a wider audience. We are confident that the show will contribute to our business growth,” says Ms Stella Mao, Brand Director at the company. Specialising in violin and viola chinrest covers, instrument bags, and music accessories, Raindoll addresses musicians’ practical needs with premium materials and patented designs. Its journey from visitor to exhibitor is a testament to the fair’s reputation for fostering business growth and industry connections.
Strong showing of the violin family, Chinese instruments, and music technology
The violin family segment will span an extensive range, from entry-level models to high-end professional instruments and collectible masterpieces, catering to different stages and needs. The Italy Pavilion, headlined by a rich array of exquisite pieces that blend artistry and acoustic excellence, will showcase the country’s centuries-old luthier tradition, featuring renowned makers Edgar Russ, Fernando Salvatore Lima, and Stefano Trabucchi among others.
Chinese instruments are also gaining momentum, attracting increasing interest from Chinese-speaking markets such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Rooted in deep cultural heritage yet embracing contemporary design, this year’s showcase includes offerings from Gusu, Shanghai Dunhuang, Tiger Hill, and many more.
Innovations remain central to Music China’s appeal, with music technology taking centre stage once again. With ‘Tomorrow’s Music’ returning in Hall N2, brands including Apogee, AVID, andICON will unveil their latest in audio production, smart instruments, and software. They are joined across the fairground by AIAIAI, Alesis, Behringer, DMT, Electro‑Voice, M‑Audio, Moog, Novation, Tascam, and Tannoy. From AI-assisted composition to advanced sound processing, trade buyers and music lovers will encounter solutions that unlock fresh creative possibilities, boost production efficiency, and elevate the listening experience.
Fringe events: heritage in harmony with innovation
Music China’s vibrant fringe programme caters to varied forms of music engagement, spanning heritage craftsmanship and tech-driven developments. A series of strings-sector events responds to the renewed momentum in this popular category. Alongside the established Violin-making Workshop, new additions this year include Stringed Instrument Care & Repair Consultation Station, Stringed Masters’ Salon, and Stringed Instruments Sound Evaluation sessions, designed to showcase the enduring value of workmanship, pass on professional knowledge, and deepen public appreciation.
Looking to the future, the fringe programme also embraces music technology. Apart from the established Music China New Product Launch, this edition will debut the Into the Music Tech Groove programme, an annual initiative that highlights products and solutions demonstrating technical breakthroughs, experiential innovation, scenario integration, and ecosystem building.
The distinguished international advisory panel includes Mr Andrew Mee (Chair, MIDI 2.0 Prototyping Working Group, USA), Mr Jose Luis Zagazeta Vinatea (President and Founder, Music Tech Hub, Spain), Ms Zijin Li (Professor, Department of AI Music and Music Information Technology, Central Conservatory of Music) and Ms Xiaoling Song (Head of Operations, CCTV-15 Music Channel) from China. Onsite, featured outstanding startups will have opportunities to demonstrate their technologies and connect with potential investors, accelerating the adoption of next-generation music solutions.
These new initiatives will form part of a broader fringe programme spanning forums, workshops, and live performances, covering topics from technology to wellness and beyond. Returning favourites include the Industry Forum, the Future Music Technology and International MIDI Technology Development Forum, and the Forum on Music, AI and Health, among others. Together, over 500 sessions across four days will reinforce Music China’s role beyond pure trade, as a hub for knowledge exchange and forward-looking dialogue.
Music China is organised by Messe Frankfurt, the China Musical Instrument Association and Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co Ltd.
For more details, visit www.musikmesse-china.com or email the show’s organisers at music@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.
For more information on Event & Entertainment Technologies shows worldwide, please visit: www.prolight-sound.com/worldwide
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Source: musicinstrumentnews.co.uk
