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Guitar Center appoints Reverb founder David Kalt to its Board of Directors
Music industry entrepreneur who built and sold Reverb brings firsthand experience in digital marketplaces and music retail to Guitar Center's next phase of growth
Westlake Village, CA, May 19, 2026 — Guitar Center, the world's largest retailer of musical instruments, today named David Kalt as an independent member of its Board of Directors. Kalt is the founder of Reverb, the platform that transformed how musicians buy and sell new, used, and vintage gear online. He also previously acquired and helped grow Chicago Music Exchange, one of the country's most recognized destinations for vintage and collectible instruments. His appointment comes as Guitar Center enters its next phase of growth.
"We went from eight consecutive quarters of decline to nine consecutive quarters of growth," said Gabe Dalporto, CEO of Guitar Center. "We've got the company on a good trajectory and now we're playing offense. David built Reverb from scratch and fundamentally changed how musicians buy and sell gear. That kind of experience matters as we think about what comes next for this company."
Kalt's experience spans music retail, digital marketplaces, and technology-enabled businesses. After acquiring Chicago Music Exchange, he identified gaps in how musicians buy and sell gear online, which led to the creation of Reverb. The platform transformed the used and vintage gear market and was acquired by Etsy for $275 million. Prior to Reverb, Kalt co-founded optionsXpress, which went public and was later acquired by Charles Schwab for $1 billion.
Beyond Reverb and Chicago Music Exchange, Kalt has founded and led several technology companies, including ClientBASE, an early CRM platform. He is a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal and Forbes and began his career as a recording engineer and producer. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a master's degree in computer science from DePaul University.
"Guitar Center has played an iconic role in the lives of musicians for generations," said David Kalt. "I'm excited to join the Board and support the company as it continues to innovate across stores, digital, services, and community. Music retail is at its best when it inspires creativity, builds trust, and helps people find the right gear for their sound. Guitar Center is uniquely positioned to do that at scale."
Photo file: DavidKalt.JPG
Photo caption: David KaltAbout Guitar Center:
Guitar Center is the leading retailer of musical instruments, lessons, repairs and rentals in the U.S. With more than 300 stores nationwide and one of the top direct sales websites in the industry, Guitar Center has helped people make music for more than 60 years. Guitar Center provides a range of musician-based services, including Guitar Center Lessons for players of all ages and skill levels, GC Repairs, an on-site maintenance and repair service, and GC Rentals, offering easy access to instruments and gear. Guitar Center's family of brands includes Music & Arts, which operates more than 250 stores specializing in band and orchestral instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors, parents and students, and Musician's Friend, a leading direct marketer of musical instruments in the United States. Guitar Center Business Solutions is the company's commercial division, delivering professional audio, video, lighting and integrated technology solutions for businesses, institutions and creators nationwide through a portfolio of brands including AVDG (Audio Visual Design Group), GC Pro and Custom House at Guitar Center. The Guitar Center Music Foundation is a national nonprofit that expands access to music through instrument donations and support for communities in need.Press contact
media@guitarcenter.com
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