Chinese industry on show

Almost a quarter of a million visitors flocked to Asia’s biggest music show, Music China, held in October in Shanghai.

According to organisers, the show drew 122,000 visitors, equalling its all-time visitor record reached in 2019.

The event attracted more than 1,800 exhibitors, including some of Asia’s biggest percussion brands.

Medeli gave its first public demonstration of the new MZ928 drum kit, its first full-sized kit released under its own branding.

HXW Technology Co had a range of e-drum products on show including the flagship acoustic-style Avatar A81. Spokesperson Lucy She says the professional e-drum A21 and A31, the high-speed e-drum A51 and SD201-3SH, and the popular SD61-6, SD61-5 and SD51-2 lines were also on show.

“We also took the MIDI pad EMP16, the sampler pad PD705, the percussion pad PD405 and the DM50 and DM30 drum amplifiers,” she adds.

HXW attracted many visitors from different countries who showed strong interest in the company’s drums and pads, especially the new multi-pad expected to debut later this year.

Donner gave buyers a sneak peek at a prototype of its latest invention, the Backbeat, featuring LED-illuminated drum pads, internal rack wiring, a module with a 7” touch screen and full mixing tool.

The Chinese manufacturer also showcased its DED-200 Max, DED-80P, and DED-200X kits, the Max boasting larger drum pads and an upgraded finish.

Donner spokesman Jake Wu tells digitalDrummer that this year’s event was Donner’s first big show domestically after a decade’s overseas expansion. “The Chinese market is a different world and we are thrilled that we bringing something different to the music industry,” he says.

Germany’s GEWA was represented by its Chinese sales subsidiary, which focused on acoustic instruments rather than the electronic drum line.

One of the key topics for electronic music professionals was the transition from MIDI 1 to MIDI 2.0, a significant leap in music technology.

“MIDI 1 was a monologue, MIDI 2.0 is a dialogue,” says Athan Billias, who presented a session on the technology. Highlighting the pivotal role of Chinese technology companies in this shift, he says: “Domestic companies shouldn’t just follow, they should be leading the rollout of MIDI 2.0. I lived in Japan from 1986–1994, when Japanese companies like Roland and Yamaha were getting very big in the world of synthesizers . I feel that same energy here in Shanghai today. Obviously, China has been great in a lot of OEM work, but many companies are now starting to become technology leaders as they establish their own brands – both domestically and overseas.”

Music China is organised by Messe Frankfurt, the China Musical Instrument Association and Shanghai Intex Exhibition Co Ltd. The next edition will take place from 10 – 13 October 2024.