D’Addario admits AI music was used in a promo video after denying it

In short: Guitar string company D’Addario says an AI music tool called Suno was used in a promotional video, after it previously said no.

What happened

D’Addario faced criticism over a promotional video for a new set of guitar strings made for extended-range guitars and low tunings. Some viewers said the audio sounded like it was made or altered with AI.

For nearly two weeks, the company denied using “generative AI” (software that can create new audio, like a music-writing robot). It suggested other causes instead, like low-quality video exports, audio plugins such as Autotune, and AI-assisted “mastering” tools (software that polishes a finished track, like automatic photo touch-ups but for sound).

D’Addario has now edited its earlier Instagram post to say it was wrong. The company says it reviewed what happened and confirmed that Suno Studio was used to “regenerate” the original track, meaning the audio was remade using the AI tool. It also apologized for deleting critical comments and blocking users.

Guitarist and YouTuber Rhett Shull also reviewed project files from the company and said Suno was likely used at some point. The debate grew after D’Addario shared what it said were recording sessions from Logic, a music recording app, but listeners noticed differences between those sessions and the final audio.

Why it matters

People often expect demo videos to show what a product really sounds like. If the sound was remade by AI, it can feel like hearing a “sample photo” that has been heavily edited, rather than the real thing.

Source: The Verge AI