http://www.gibson-talk.com/forum/index.php
http://www.axetalk.com/forum/forum.php
http://www.bluestalk.com/forum/forum.php
http://www.fendertalk.com/forum/forum.php
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/
http://www.harmonycentral.com/forum/forum/guitar
etc., etc., etc.
Nearly all of these forums have one thing in common. They use vBulletin forum software. It is the standard that everyone is used to using.
I've implemented many forums using vBulletin and it is a very mature, very popular solution.
Although converting from your current forum software to something different is going to involve some work, I think in the long run it would be a VERY positive move.
The current forums have always seemed very clunky to me and do not present a very professional image for such an awesome company as yours.
