St. Louis Music introduced the Austin line of guitars as budget models to complement their other lines. Instead of adding a budget line to Alvarez and Alvarez Yairi, they did like many other popular manufacturers have done and added an entirely new trademark. Austin has a wide variety of products including acoustic, acoustic electric, banjos, electric guitars, electric basses, mandolins, and amplifiers. In 2005, LOUD Technologies, Inc. purchased St. Louis Music, Inc. and all of their trademarks. With this acquisition, the headquarters of St. Louis Music was moved to Woodinville, WA. However, the guitar repair and set-up shop were still located in St. Louis. In late 2008, Mark Ragin and U.S. Band & Orchestra bought the Austin brand from LOUD Technologies, and Austin is currently a division of St. Louis Music. For more information, visit Austin's website or contact them directly.
Mandolins currently built in Korea and China since 1999. Distributed by St. Louis Music (U.S. Band & Orchestra) in St. Louis, MO since late 2008. Previously distributed by LOUD Technologies, Inc. in Woodinville, WA between 2005 and 2008 and by St. Louis Music Inc., in St. Louis, MO between 1999 and 2005.