Mid-90s onwards

1995

Production moved to Weybridge at a shared facility with another established UK guitar maker.

Palm Bay made its first appearance at MusikMesse, Frankfurt with a shared booth, and received its first proper international exposure.

1996

Demand remained high for Palm Bay guitars within the UK.

Focus on export potential grew and Palm Bay returned to MusikMesse but this time with its own stand.

This generated the first large international order, from Japan.

1996-1998

During this period, production moved to High Wycombe following the sale of the Weybridge site.

International trade remained strong with monthly orders coming through.

 

To expand on the range and keep up with demand, overseas production options were explored.

A series of prototype electrics and an electro-acoustic model were commissioned from a factory in Korea.

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1999

By this point, production was 100% overseas.

A UK-based distribution company took on Palm Bay for sales back into the UK retail market.

Demand from the UK retailers proved to be high and UK sales were strong.

2001

Palm Bay set up direct-to-customer sales, fuelled by a strong attendance at UK trade shows.

Demand for the guitars was coming in from across the world.