Wednesday, December 14, 2016

First Embedded Anti-Theft Device For Musical Instruments To Be Introduced AT NAMM 2017


GearSecure, a newly launched company from Los Angeles, California, will introduce at NAMM 2017 patented technology designed to be the first embedded anti-theft device for musical instruments and other assorted gear.

The technology provides a bridge between RFID and GPS technology providing help in instant recovery of lost or stolen gear. Demonstrations and inquiries can be made by visiting Hall D, Booth 2382. The company's stated goal is "the end of lost or stolen."

The company was started by Adam Mandel, one of the producers of the long-running live music show Ultimate Jam Night. Mandel has enlisted the core team of musicians and others that turned Ultimate Jam Night into an internationally known program. That team includes Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright; drummer Matt Starr who has played with Ace Frehley and Mr. Big; Walter Ino of Survivor; Ira Black of Attika 7 and Westfield Massacre; and other musicians including Alex Kane of LSD and Antiproduct, and independent artist Brad Jurjens, among others. These musicians will work alongside key manufacturers in the installation of the first industry device designed to be embedded at the point of manufacturing. Additional applications are designed for professional luthiers and installers, tour management, and backline rental companies.

Management of GearSecure includes an interdisciplinary group of seasoned individuals with experience in international business including Robert Rich III, founder of Roar Logistics who is also an active musician.

"As someone who's been involved in live music for many years, I've seen the devastation of instrument theft or loss first hand," said Mandel. "After seeing a continuous stream of social media posts lamenting the daily theft of gear I looked into a bit more. What's shocking is that in the U.S. alone, one million instruments are stolen each year, and only 3% are recovered. I am committed to changing that statistic as quickly as possible."

The GearSecure technology involves a small self-contained unit that provides a twenty-year life span with GPS utility and RFID accuracy. The unit is designed to be hidden in gear and then synced with mobile devices, tablets, or personal computers. Individuals (or groups) can set a pre-determined perimeter that when breached instantly sends an alert to a selected device. Once alerted, the user can select a "track" mode which will allow the user to follow the path of the missing gear. If necessary, authorities can be instantly alerted for recovery. The technology will be offered to consumers at a yearly subscription price of $19.95 retail, which is far below typical yearly insurance and replacement rates.

Designed to be embedded and offered with new gear, the technology will also be immediately available for backline and tour management inventory solutions, and will eventually be released for the aftermarket through a certified installer network.

Real-time demonstrations as well as a technology review will be available at NAMM Booth 2382 Hall D, at NAMM 2017.



"First Embedded Anti-Theft Device For Musical Instruments To Be Introduced AT NAMM 2017."
BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 2016. Accessed December 14, 2016. http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/first-embedded-anti-theft-device-for-musical-instruments-to-be-introduced-at-namm-2017/.