24.02.2023

We are delighted to announce that SCHERTLER is now in business again in Australia and New Zealand. Thanks to our collaboration with the new distributor, John Raggett in Tasmania, we can now offer our range of acoustic amplifiers, pick-ups, and accessories to musicians in these countries. After a few years without proper distribution in these regions, we are excited to be back with renewed energy and commitment to our customers.

BIOGRAPHY:

John Raggett started his career in the music industry at Take 5 Musical Instruments in Shaftesbury Ave, London. After moving to Australia, he worked in retail sales at The Fender Soundhouse Oxford Street Sydney. He later opened his first retail music shop, PJ Soundhouse, in Coogee NSW, specializing in guitar tuition and second-hand instruments. John gained extensive experience with orchestral instruments while working at F Payton and Son, a wholesale company. He then opened another MI store, Classic Guitars & Amps, in Bondi Junction. After managing the guitar department at The Academy of Music in Brisbane, he took on the role of Sales Manager for Qld at CMI. For the last 7 years, he has been the National Sales Manager at Noise Toys Imports. John is now thrilled to be furthering his career as the AU & NZ distributor for Schertler Switzerland.

INTERVIEW:

S. John-o, welcome aboard the Schertler family! What convinced you to work with Schertler and pursue direct sales in Australia?

JR. Schertler products are probably the best-kept secret in the Australian and New Zealand music industry. I believe this needs to change, and the best way to reach the maximum number of musicians is through a dedicated web page. We are currently working on a new Schertler web page.

S. What are your goals, and what kind of customer base do you want to reach?

JR. My goal is to give Schertler products the exposure and recognition they deserve in Australia and New Zealand. We aim to reach a wide range of musicians, from beginners to professionals.

S. To promote the Schertler brand, it's necessary to have artists who can set a good example and showcase the equipment. Who are you currently working with?

JR. We have Darren DC Cross, based in Sydney, as an Ambassador. He recently returned from a successful European tour armed only with his Giulia X 70-watt amp and acoustic guitar, proving that it's all one needs to get their music out to enthusiastic audiences.

S. Where are you based, and how will shipping to Australia work? Will shipping costs be expensive for local customers?

JR. We are currently based on the east coast of Tasmania. For smaller purchases such as pickups and machine heads, we will offer Freight Free as an initial promotion. For larger purchases such as combo amplifiers, we will introduce a concession based on location so that we can remain competitive with mainland freight costs.

S. Can you explain why an Australian or New Zealand musician should choose a Schertler product?

JR. Simply because they are arguably the best acoustic amplifiers, pick-ups and accessories on the Planet

S. What about music shops and luthiers? Will you be selling to them as well as end-users?

JR. Yes, we will be happy to discuss opportunities with MI retail stores and luthiers.

S. What about after-sales assistance? Do you have someone who repairs Schertler gear in Australia?

JR. Yes, we have managed to secure Steven Pass of Cornerstone Technology as our Melbourne-based repair agent!

SCHERTLER TEAM