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GUITAR CENTER ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY
OF
THE GIBSON JIMI HENDRIX PSYCHEDELIC FLYING V GUITAR
— The Hendrix Estate authorizes new Limited Edition reproduction
of classic Hendrix axe —
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, March 22, 2006 —
Guitar Center, Inc. (Nasdaq NMS: GTRC), the leading musical instrument
and professional audio retailer, announces the official launch of the
Gibson Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic Flying V on Friday, March 24th, marking
the first and only time that these historic limited edition instruments
will be available. 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 guitarists 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 has produced a limited run of 300 of these
Custom Shop instruments, 150 of which will go on sale starting precisely
at 10 a.m. EST, (9 a.m. CST, 8 a.m. MST and 7 a.m. PST) on Friday, March
24th at Guitar Center stores. The guitar comes complete with 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 are
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 eager to get their hands on 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.”
The Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic Flying V guitar will be available
starting March 24th for a price of $7999.99 ($12,300.00 List) at all
Guitar Center stores.
…ends 400 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 168 Guitar Center stores across the U.S., including
127 major market stores, 39 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