Keith McMillen Instruments has announced that they are rebranding as Muse Kinetics.
The name change was in the works prior to KMI founder Keith McMillen’s death a few weeks ago. Here’s what the company has to say about the name change:
“In the past several years, Keith McMillen Instruments has undergone substantial changes, while introducing new features, colors, and software updates to an enhanced product lineup. The company has also made significant improvements in their core technology, quality control and customer service, all with the goal of amplifying the potential of its instruments to inspire creativity.
The company’s new name, Muse Kinetics, embodies the dynamic relationship between musicians and their instruments”
The following instruments are the first under the new brand:
- QuNexus Galaxy – A new color option, available now
- BopPad Galaxy – A new color option, available now
- 12 Step2 – In stock now
- SoftStep3 – Available in October.
- Accessories: Step Adapter Kit, QuNexus Adapter Kit, MIDI Out Adapter Cable
The following products will keep KMI branding until the current inventory is sold:
- K-Board C (available in all 5 colors)
- K-Board Pro 4
- Accessories: BopPad Mount, MIDI Expander, K-Board Pro Case
The K-Mix and QuNeo have been officially discontinued, and no remaining stock is available.
“As we move forward without Keith, we are profoundly grateful for the foundation he laid,” said Eric Bateman, CEO of Muse Kinetics. “We stand on his shoulders, striving to continue his legacy of inspiring creativity and innovation through our musical instruments.”
More information is available at the Muse Kinetics site.
Maybe its just me, but I find the new name rather dumb and the timing of this change pretty sleazy, even if if it was planned before the founder death. I really dont understand why companies feel the need to “rebrand”. Im no business grad, but from my perspective it would make more sense to invest the money in improving/developing better products than to waste money paying consultant for this kind of advice. Pretty sure that no one who passed on buying a Keith McMillan Instrument is now going to suddenly open their wallet for the same device from “Muse Kinetics”. (….damn, that is a stupid name)
Agreed.
I really love the KMI 12-Step and have used one for years. I’d love to see a newer version with bigger pads and better control over pressure.
Wonder when the new corporate owners of Moog will change the name to something equally dumb (In-Moog gets my vote).
🙂
“Moog’in” wouldn’t be half bad.
Stupid and useless move to rebrand a mans legacy
Absolutely no need for it
Despite having never owned one of Keith’s devices, I’d still read pr watch videos and I know his name is respected
I’ve forgotten what this new rebrand is called already and I only read it about a minute ago
Looks like they have the same graphic designer as 4MS, lol.
the guy died less than a month ago
dont they have a PR dept? or some kind of common sense?
People getting their panties in a wad over this are the ones disrespecting McMillen’s legacy.
Keith McMillen was involved in planning the name change, as the article notes. It should be obvious that KMI couldn’t delay the announcement, because their products already have the new name printed on them.
Seriously, don’t you have something real to get your panties in a wad about?