One of music’s most trusted names joins one of its most innovative effects builders, bringing Source Audio’s award-winning pedals to musicians worldwide while preserving the brand’s independent, innovation-driven spirit
SAN LUIS OBISPO & COACHELLA, CALIF. — July 8, 2026 — Ernie Ball Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of premium guitar strings, bass strings and musical instrument accessories, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Source Audio, the Massachusetts-based company behind some of the most innovative and acclaimed effects pedals in modern music.
The move marks a defining moment for both companies. It carries Ernie Ball’s six-decade legacy of shaping how musicians sound – a journey that began at the string and now extends into the effects that color a player’s tone – while giving Source Audio the global reach and resources of a family-owned industry leader, without compromising the musician-first spirit that built its reputation.
For more than 60 years, Ernie Ball has defined the feel of modern guitar through iconic products including Slinky strings, premium accessories, Ernie Ball Music Man instruments and generations of artist partnerships. Since 2006, and now marking its 20th anniversary, Source Audio has earned the loyalty of players and the praise of the press for delay, reverb, modulation, filter, distortion, preamp, equalization and synth-based pedals that pair deep sound-design power with the immediacy musicians need on stage and in the studio. Together, the two companies share a single mission: giving musicians better tools to create.
The acquisition gives Ernie Ball an immediate and credible presence in the premium effects category – one of the most dynamic segments in the instrument market – while opening Ernie Ball’s global distribution network, artist relationships, marketing strength and manufacturing discipline to Source Audio. The shared goal is to bring Source Audio’s innovation to far more musicians around the world while protecting what makes the brand special.
“Source Audio has built one of the most creative and respected effects platforms in our industry,” said Brian Ball, CEO of Ernie Ball. “What excites me isn’t just the technology; it’s the way their pedals inspire musicians to find sounds they didn’t know they were looking for. Ernie Ball has always existed to help artists create, and Source Audio gives us a powerful new way to do exactly that.”
Brian Ball, CEO of Ernie Ball
“We’re not acquiring Source Audio to change what makes it special,” Ball continued. “We’re acquiring Source Audio because we believe in what it already is, and because we believe Ernie Ball can put that innovation in the hands of more players than ever before.”
Founded in Woburn, Massachusetts, by engineers with roots at Analog Devices and Kurzweil, Source Audio launched in 2006 with the groundbreaking Hot Hand Motion-Sensing Ring and has been pushing the boundaries of effects technology ever since. Its pedals have found their way onto the stages and recordings of artists associated with David Gilmour, U2, David Bowie, John Mayer, Aerosmith, Phish, King Crimson, My Morning Jacket, The Cure and Victor Wooten, among many others, and have earned repeated product and innovation awards from Premier Guitar, Guitar Player, Sound On Sound, Guitar World, Bass Player and Electronic Musician.
“Source Audio has always been driven by innovation and the desire to give musicians new ways to create,” said Roger Smith, CEO and Co-Founder of Source Audio. “From the beginning, our goal has been to combine world-class sound design with powerful technology in a way that inspires players. Ernie Ball understands musicians, artists, and the culture of guitar in a way very few companies do, and that alignment is what makes this such an exciting next chapter.”
Roger Smith, CEO and Co-Founder of Source Audio
“Ernie Ball gives Source Audio the scale, support, and reach to keep growing while preserving the spirit of what we built,” Smith added. “I am confident this is the right home for the brand, the products, the technology, and the community of musicians who have supported us from the start.”
Source Audio will continue to operate under its own brand. Existing products are expected to remain available, and the immediate focus will be on continuity for customers, dealers, distributors, artists and partners – backed by stronger support and expanded market reach. Roger Smith will work closely with Brian Ball and the Ernie Ball team through the transition to help ensure continuity across products, supplier relationships, and customer engagement.
Looking ahead, Ernie Ball sees significant opportunity to raise Source Audio’s profile, deepen dealer support, broaden international distribution and explore new artist collaborations and product development. The companies will begin by supporting the existing Source Audio catalog while building a foundation for long-term growth in premium effects and music-creation tools.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
For more information on Ernie Ball, visit www.ernieball.com and www.music-man.com. For more information on Source Audio, visit www.sourceaudio.net.
