Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, Music China returns as China’s musical instrument (MI) industry shows signs of renewed momentum, with electric and electronic music gear emerging as a key driver. Notable segments recorded solid growth – electric guitar sales are up 110%, and electronic synthesiser sales reached nearly 2.2 million units.[1] In 2025, China’s exports of electric musical instruments reached USD 739 million, underscoring the country’s strength in instrument manufacturing.[2]
In line with this momentum, the 2026 edition will present a varied range of products, from electro-acoustic to smart instruments powered by artificial intelligence (AI), among others. Key product highlights will include the AV-D501 electric violin from Aileen Music, with a versatile pickup system for wide-ranging tonal expression; the Phantom Master Series T33 Intelligent Sing-Along Digital Piano from Guangzhou Pearl River Amason Digital Musical Instruments, equipped with a light-guided keyboard and intelligent chord recognition with 98.7% accuracy; and the Electronic Wind Instrument HLA-98 from Hailun Piano (Ningbo), powered by a Dream SAM5708B audio DSP chip with an 8-core architecture and a built-in acoustic chamber. Also on display is the Dovif Automatic Piano Performance System from Tianyue Artech, powered by the OpenPiano.AI large language model and ADSR technology for master-level performance. Together, these innovations mirror the growing competitiveness of Chinese brands in the global marketplace.
In ‘Tomorrow’s Music’ in Hall N2, and in the New Product Launch showcase area, visitors can encounter developments that demonstrate how manufacturers are enhancing the design, playability, and functionality of musical instruments and audio equipment, particularly among Chinese brands.
Alongside domestic innovations, various overseas brands will present their own advances at the fair. Yamaha’s new YDS-152 digital saxophone, for instance, delivers authentic acoustic resonance through its IBAS system and brass bell. It also features 16 acoustic instrument tones such as violin and flute, improved key switches, and a tone guide on the battery cover for intuitive operation. In software, AI takes centre stage in Dreamtonics’ Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro, a professional vocal synthesis software which delivers human-level naturalness and lightning-fast processing speeds, designed for music producers. Adding to the highlights, Beyerdynamic’s DT 30 IE offers professional in-ear monitoring for demanding live environments, with high-performance drivers for balanced sound, up to 39 dB of passive isolation and an ergonomic fit developed from hundreds of ear impressions.
Across 12 halls, the fair presents an extensive global showcase, with notable representation from China, Germany, Italy, France, the UK, the US, Japan, Korea and beyond. Offerings span traditional Chinese instruments, electric and electronic instruments, percussion and string instruments, through to audio and music production gear, software, sheet music and merchandise – covering entry-level to professional, and classic to contemporary.
Business matching with impact – Europe and South America in focus
Building on its manufacturing capabilities and product innovation, Chinese musical instruments are gaining traction globally, with Europe and South America emerging as two high-potential export markets. In 2025, China’s exports of MI to the European Union reached USD 551 million, driven by steady demand for mid-to-high-end instruments and customised teaching equipment.[3] South America also presents significant opportunities – Chinese MI imports in the region increased by 13.8% year-on-year, while buyers in Brazil, Argentina and Chile are increasingly seeking affordable string and percussion instruments.[4]
These market developments are directly reflected in the business programme at Music China. In partnership with overseas associations and global platforms, the fair has extended invitations to qualified buyers from Europe, South America, and other regions to participate in dedicated business matching sessions. These sessions connect Chinese suppliers with targeted international buyers, creating opportunities to negotiate deals and build lasting partnerships.
Fringe events to amplify innovation and creative talent
Beyond product showcases and business matching, the 2026 edition will present a rich fringe programme that places music technology and innovation at centre stage. As advanced technology continues to reshape how music is produced and performed, the fair is providing a dedicated platform for startups and creators to connect with industry capital.
For the first time, the fair will partner with Plug and Play China – a global innovation platform originating in Silicon Valley – to host the Global Tech Network. The event will connect music tech startups with potential investors and industry partners through keynote presentations and pitch sessions, followed by a networking session for deeper exchanges. Topics will range from AI music tools and smart audio hardware to immersive spaces, in-car acoustics, music livestreaming equipment, and more. Industry experts will also advise startups on business models, technology upgrades, and market expansion. This pioneering partnership underscores the fair’s role as a bridge between creative innovation and industry capital, as well as its contribution to creating commercial opportunities across the music sector.
[1] Music Copyright Society of China, https://www.mcsc.com.cn/publicity/trends_1490.html, Retrieved in September 2026
[2] The Observatory of Economic Complexity, https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/electric-musical-instruments/reporter/chn, Retrieved in September 2026
[3] National musical instrument information center, https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/x-gKNTsZgXU7s0QhtL18Rw, Retrieved in September 2026
[4] National musical instrument information center, https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/x-gKNTsZgXU7s0QhtL18Rw, Retrieved in September 2026
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
Press information and photographic material:
https://music-china.hk.messefrankfurt.com/shanghai/en/press/photos.html
Links to social media:
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Your contact:
Gigi Tam
Tel. +852 2238 9982
gigi.tam@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com
Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd
35/F China Resources Building
26 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
Hong Kong
www.messefrankfurt.com.hk
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,700 people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 29 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2025 were around €766 million. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services.
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With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
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