September 1, 2009
Berlin, CT – TMP, parent company of world-class brands like On-Stage Stands and Hot Wires cables, announces an agreement with GuitarGuard, LLC to be the exclusive North American distributor of the new innovative NeverKink™ cable clip. The product has been re-named and will be distributed as the GripClip™ under TMP’s On-Stage Gear brand and will feature new graphics reflecting the partnership.
TMP’s mission is to offer high-value, affordable, and innovative products, and the GripClip™ is the perfect example of a simple design to solve a specific need. Developed by Larry Post of GuitarGuard, LLC, the GripClip™ prevents the inadvertent unplugging of guitars, basses, and other strap-worn instruments. For generations, players have addressed this problem by looping their cables around the junction of their strap and strap button. This practice reduces the likelihood of accidentally unplugging the instrument, but does little to reduce stresses on input jacks and inevitably leads to kinked cables.
The GripClip™ functions in a way familiar to guitar players, yet eliminates the possibility of kinking. By clipping upon the strap behind the player’s back, the GripClip ™ produces a wide gentle loop which reduces stress on both the strap and input jack, while simultaneously reducing and protecting against the likelihood of a stepped-on or snagged cable. The cable itself is attached to the GripClip™ via a snap-in channel sized to accommodate all popular instrument cables. Designed for guitar players by guitar players, the GripClip™ fits seamlessly into any player’s routine.
“We noticed that Larry’s booth at Summer NAMM was always crowded, and when we saw his product, we immediately recognized it as the kind of simple, effective, and innovative product we look for,” says Jim Hennessey, president of TMP, Inc. “After 30 years in the industry, we know a hot product when we see one. What’s just as important is that Larry is truly enthusiastic about his products, just as we are.” TMP has long-standing relationships all across the country, including the top 200 dealers in America. With an exclusive North American and non-exclusive worldwide distribution agreement, TMP can bring it into the market in a customizable P.O.P. box for the dealer’s counter.
“The ability to leverage off of TMP’s 30-year legacy in the business is priceless,” said Larry Post - President GuitarGuard, LLC. “TMP was attractive not only for their strength in the MI realm, but also for their entrepreneurial spirit and family-run history. GuitarGuard will continue to design and develop new and unique products for both amateur and pro-musicians, and we’re excited to have TMP on board to help us bring these products to market through their vast experience, retail relationships, shipping logistics, and OEM capabilities. It’s a win/win for everyone.”
Further evidence of the success of this partnership is in the fact that both companies received “Best In Show” awards at Summer NAMM ’09: TMP for the RS7500 Tiltback Amplifier Stand, and GuitarGuard for the NeverKink cable clip. Both companies are committed to providing dealers the finest high-turn, profitable, and quality products in the industry. The GripClip™ cable clip has a MAP of $3.99.
