Because guitar sales have been contracting over a number of years, while digital audio home recording has been the main area of growth in the musical instrument industry, Fender came to see that as their path forward, but in a way that could support guitar sales. They saw acquiring PreSonus as the fastest route to that path.
The first thing they did with PreSonus was develop Fender Play, because their research showed that 90% of new guitar players give up within the first year, so if they could increase retention, that would lead to more repeat customers. So setting up some sort of subscription-based online learning platform is supposed to accomplish that somehow, despite there being no shortage of free learning materials and videos on the internet already.
Do they at least give away a free year subscription to Fender Play with the purchase of a Fender guitar? Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think they do, so in that case, I don't see how this half-baked idea is going to do anything to accomplish Fender's objectives.
The good news, though, is Fender seems to see being a digital audio focused company as central to their survival, and are in the process of essentially becoming PreSonus, so the products we love from PreSonus should continue on safely as they become Fender's core business. But it looks like we are going to have to say goodbye to the PreSonus name. I'm not happy about that, being that I've been using PreSonus gear since 2000, when I got an ACP88 and an M80, followed by a couple Firewire audio devices, and of course Studio One since version 1.0.
Presonus : "So we are targeting 3-4 "major" feature releases every year..."
-
- KVRist
- 243 posts since 4 Oct, 2021
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
-
- KVRist
- 174 posts since 12 Jun, 2025
Not sure if this has been mentioned, but I think NAMM is this weekend, or maybe it's next week.
I seem to recall Fender coming back to NAMM for the first time last year and making a big splash.
I seem to recall Fender coming back to NAMM for the first time last year and making a big splash.
-
- KVRian
- 811 posts since 2 Aug, 2013
Don't think Presonus has ever announced a new iteration of S1 during NAMM. Correct me if I'm wrong. But who knows, things could be different with the Fender acquisition.thievedletter wrote: Tue Jan 13, 2026 1:19 am Not sure if this has been mentioned, but I think NAMM is this weekend, or maybe it's next week.
I seem to recall Fender coming back to NAMM for the first time last year and making a big splash.
-
- KVRist
- 55 posts since 28 Mar, 2010
They have 2 separate booths at NAMM. 1) PRESONUS FENDER STUDIO #11513 and 2) PRESONUS #12007. The PRESONUS FENDER STUDIO booth is the larger of the two.
Fender Studio Pro 8.1 Mac OS Tahoe 26.5
-
- KVRAF
- 7095 posts since 22 Jan, 2005 from Sweden
Probably a good analysis.jamcat wrote: Mon Jan 12, 2026 8:25 pm
The first thing they did with PreSonus was develop Fender Play, because their research showed that 90% of new guitar players give up within the first year, so if they could increase retention, that would lead to more repeat customers. So setting up some sort of subscription-based online learning platform is supposed to accomplish that somehow, despite there being no shortage of free learning materials and videos on the internet already.
Do they at least give away a free year subscription to Fender Play with the purchase of a Fender guitar? Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think they do, so in that case, I don't see how this half-baked idea is going to do anything to accomplish Fender's objectives.
Gibson is doing that as well, as I linked to earlier.
Plenty of that for Yamaha and digital pianos as well.
- make learning as easy and fun as possible
If people progress in their playing they will continue buying new gear too...and recording and whatnot....
-
- KVRist
- 174 posts since 12 Jun, 2025
Planning to crop-dust their booth?
-
andrei.tuduran andrei.tuduran https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=369504
- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 591 posts since 11 Nov, 2015
This is so weird...Vocalpoint Studios wrote: Mon Jan 12, 2026 5:55 pm And then there is this - apparently dropping tomorrow:
2026-01-12_10-28-44.png
Interesting mix of the old school Presonus sonic waves logo on the mic/headphones but Fender squarely on the interface...
Jan 13 - big day tomorrow...
VP
I've invested in Studio One stuff alot by now. Worried what will happen with the software in the future.
-
- KVRist
- 180 posts since 12 Mar, 2014
It's here, Fender Studio Pro 8 is now listed under My.Presonus.com
I have a license for it too. Gonna download it now.
I have a license for it too. Gonna download it now.
-
- KVRian
- 696 posts since 21 Nov, 2000 from somewhere over the rainbow
My update plan has expired. However: I now get a license upgrade offer for $99/y. So they seemingly have adjusted their price policy.
-
- KVRist
- 122 posts since 25 Jul, 2024
Wait, how do you know that? That's a really big assertion. If you work at Fender, then I guess it is self-explanatory.jamcat wrote: Mon Jan 12, 2026 8:25 pm Because guitar sales have been contracting over a number of years, while digital audio home recording has been the main area of growth in the musical instrument industry, Fender came to see that as their path forward, but in a way that could support guitar sales. They saw acquiring PreSonus as the fastest route to that path.
The first thing they did with PreSonus was develop Fender Play, because their research showed that 90% of new guitar players give up within the first year, so if they could increase retention, that would lead to more repeat customers.
-
- KVRist
- 122 posts since 25 Jul, 2024
I think you are on to something. Just a week ago, my friend decided to take a different path and decided he would never renew the Presonus account. He said he feels cheated a lot. Mind you, he is someone who (for example) doesn't know of the existence of KVR or Gearspace. His primary source is email and YouTube. When I asked him why, he said he felt cheated on the premise of promises. Apparently, he saw a newsletter or video where they promised something and never delivered. If I understood him correctly, he has been a user for the past 3 or 4 years, paid for some upgrades, but at this point, he feels like enough is enough.
He also mention some youtube user created a chronology of their promises and literally scam promises, but he can't find it anymore, or it was taken down.
I know it is a one-user story, but from what I knowof him, he is an older person, really tolerant, so seeing him being so pissed off was a really telltale sign.
-
- KVRAF
- 7666 posts since 2 Sep, 2019
THIS MUSIC HAS BEEN MIXED TO BE PLAYED LOUD SO TURN IT UP
-
- KVRist
- 122 posts since 25 Jul, 2024
Nice find, thanks.