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GUITAR CENTER ANNOUNCES GIBSON
JIMI HENDRIX PSYCHEDELIC FLYING V GUITARS SELL OUT IN SEVEN DAYS
— New limited edition reproduction of classic Hendrix axe, authorized
by the Hendrix Estate, sells out completely within 7 days, with 70 sold
in the first minute alone —
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, April 14, 2006 —
Guitar Center, Inc. (Nasdaq NMS: GTRC), the leading musical instrument
and professional audio retailer, announces that in the span of just
seven days, it has completely sold out of its limited edition stock
of Gibson Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic Flying V guitars. March 24th was
the official launch date for these unique, historic instruments, and
within one minute of sales, eager customers scooped up 70 of the 150
available Flying V guitars. Designed by the legendary Gibson Guitar
Custom Shop, and authorized by the Hendrix Estate, as an exact reproduction
of Hendrix’s famous hand-painted 1967 Flying V, the new Jimi Hendrix
Psychedelic Flying V offers unsurpassed playability and classic tone.
In addition, the instrument features detailed artwork recreated by master
luthier and artist Bruce Kunkel.
Purchased by Hendrix in 1967 and used on tour throughout
Europe in 1967 and 1968, Hendrix’s original Gibson Flying V has
the distinguishing feature of having Jimi’s own psychedelic hand-painted
artwork adorning the top and sides creating a truly unique appearance
reminiscent of the late 1960’s. Originally painted with what appears
to be nail polish, the Gibson Custom Shop has sourced and used materials
which reproduce the same sense of depth and texture to the guitar's
one-of-a-kind artwork, while maintaining the strictest standards in
creating faithful reproductions of all of the original Flying V’s
materials and hardware.
Paying tribute to Hendrix’s role as musical innovator
and guitar visionary, Gibson produced a limited run of 300 of these
Custom Shop instruments. Guitar Center stores offered 150 of the Jimi
Hendrix Psychedelic Flying V guitars, which sold out completely within
7 days of the March 24th launch date. The guitars were each accompanied
by a Gibson Custom Shop case, certificate of authenticity, and custom
care kit.
Keith Brawley, Vice President of Merchandising for Guitar
Center’s Guitar Division, commented on the new Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic
Flying V, “The Flying V has always been a prominent instrument
in Hendrix's musical legacy, and working closely with Gibson, we were
very excited to offer this piece of musical history to our customers.
This guitar just has such a great vibe to it, and we know that players
and collectors will be thrilled with these once-in-a-lifetime instruments.”
Brawley concludes, “That’s just another testament to the
tremendous impact that Hendrix still has, and Guitar Center is proud
to be involved with continuing the Hendrix experience.”
…ends 372 words
About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the nation’s leading retailer of guitars, amplifiers,
percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment.
We presently operate 170 Guitar Center stores across the U.S., including
127 major market stores, 41 secondary market stores and 2 tertiary market
stores. In addition, the Music & Arts division operates 87 stores
specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving thousands
of teachers, band directors, college professors and students. Guitar
Center is also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments
in the U.S. through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician’s Friend,
Inc., and its catalog and web site, www.musiciansfriend.com.
More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company’s
web site at www.guitarcenter.com.
The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of Guitar Center,
Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of the respective
companies with which they are associated.
MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Clyne, Neilson/Clyne at (615) 662-1616