About Us
Our Story
KGUmusic was founded by two passionate musicians from Ukraine, Maksim Gopanchuk and Mikhailo Kuznetsov, with a vision to create high-quality musical accessories. Our journey began in 2004, when Maksim, a trumpeter in jazz and classical music bands in Kyiv, started selling wind instruments. By bringing musical instruments to Ukraine from abroad, Maksim realized the potential to complement his range with custom accessories, leading to the establishment of our own production line.
In 2008, Maksim and Mikhailo, who had met while studying jazz at the R. Glier Kyiv Academy of Music, decided to fully commit to their business. They envisioned creating customized components for musical instruments with the same craftsmanship as fine jewelry, where every detail influences both the look and sound of the instrument. They chose to manufacture their products in Ukraine, a country known for its rich metalworking heritage, and named the company KGUBrass—reflecting the initials of the co-founders and the letter "U" for Ukraine.
Our Growth and Challenges
Despite the challenges of the 2008 crisis, KGUBrass thrived through collaboration with skilled craftsmen, producing high-quality accessories from the outset. One of our first lessons came when an initial order didn’t fit the customer’s instrument, revealing the need for a detailed database of instrument specifications. This experience led us to prioritize precision and customer satisfaction—values that remain central to our work.
Over time, our product line expanded from standardized boosters, trim kits, and saxophone screws to leather products and exclusive limited editions. We continuously seek inspiration from customer feedback, aiming to surprise the music world with innovative ideas. We also teach masterclasses with famous trumpeters and saxophonists, produce educational videos, and work with international markets.
Our Achievements
By 2019, KGUmusic had expanded into leading markets in the USA, Europe, and Asia, collaborating with top wind instrument dealers. We overcame international transaction challenges by establishing a steady flow of funds through Payoneer, fueling our global growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, but our commitment to customer service—offering free shipping and special deals—led to significant growth. We expanded our team, enhanced our media presence, and initiated collaborations with renowned musicians and music schools.
In 2020, we proudly participated in the Payoneer International Entrepreneur of the Year contest and won the "Disruptor of the Year" award, standing out among 3,500 entrepreneurs from 120 countries. This achievement fueled our desire to share our knowledge and experiences with other Ukrainian manufacturers.
Our Evolution and New Beginnings
In 2021, we introduced a new brand, MG Leather Work, dedicated to high-quality leather accessories for musicians. We are proud to offer these new products alongside our existing offerings.
In 2022, we rebranded from KGUBrass to KGUmusic, reflecting our broader focus on serving musicians across multiple instruments. Our product line now caters to not just wind instrument players, but also drummers, pianists, and guitarists. We continue to innovate, using our experiences as musicians to create top-quality items for all music enthusiasts.
Our Commitment to Music and Ukraine
Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, we remain committed to our mission. Our company is based in Ukraine, and we are doing everything we can to help those affected by the conflict. Your support means everything to us, and we appreciate every one of you who stands with us during these challenging times.
We are excited to introduce new products to the music community, all while maintaining our dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.
Join Us on Our Journey
From two students with a shared dream to a successful global business, KGUmusic has grown into a brand trusted by musicians worldwide. We are proud to offer a diverse range of high-quality products, and we’re excited to continue this journey with you.
Explore our offerings, and let us make your musical experience even more enjoyable and enriching. Thank you for supporting us!
