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PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Neilson/Clyne
Tel: (615) 662-1616
Fax: (615) 662-1636

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


GC PRO COVERS THE COUNTRY: RETAILER ADDS
SEVEN NEW REGIONAL SALES OFFICES

— World’s largest supplier of professional audio equipment and technology hires
seven new regional sales managers to bring GC Pro’s extensive knowledge base to an
even greater number of clients and ensure unparalleled customer support —

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, April 18, 2005 — Guitar Center, Inc. (Nasdaq: GTRC), America’s leading musical instrument and professional audio retailer, announces its professional audio division, GC Pro, has hired seven new regional Account Managers. The seven new Managers share a wealth of experience representing cutting-edge technologies, products and brands, gathered over decades of industry service. These appointments add a new dimension to the national coverage that GC Pro brings to a changing music recording and audio post-production industry, and underscore the company’s ongoing commitment to providing the absolute finest customer sales support.

The new GC Pro regional sales Account Managers add depth to the company’s already-coast-to-coast customer support coverage. From the Eastern seaboard to the Pacific Northwest, GC Pro has sales support that understands the requirements of what has become an increasingly regionalized pro audio business. The newest team members are: Mitch Shaivitz (Maryland, Virginia and D.C.); Steve Palermo (Pacific Northwest); Rick Rivera (southern New Jersey and Pennsylvania); Ron Shelton (Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana); Paul Henry (Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska); Dan Scalpone (Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana); and Shaun Robinson (Northern California).

“The addition of these new Account Managers reaffirms GC Pro’s commitment to its growing base of clients,” comments Tom Menrath, Director of Business Development for GC Pro. “It also reflects the reality of the pro audio business today, one that is increasingly complex and locally based. In an age when music can be made anywhere, the idea that you can serve only the major music and pro audio markets is simply invalid. Similarly, customers benefit from a company that can put veteran sales personnel and stores right into their back yards on a national basis. The pro audio industry has never been as diverse as it is right now. But there’s also never been a company like GC Pro to serve them. Now, no matter where you are, we can grow together.”

The new GC Pro Account Managers are true veterans:
Mitch Shaivitz (mitch@gcpro.com) is well respected in the Baltimore area as a studio owner, recording engineer, live sound engineer and lifelong musician. His experience includes all facets of audio from DAW-based recording to being responsible for the front-of-house (FOH) duties at major venues.

Steve Palermo (stevep@gcpro.com) is GC Pro’s audio guru in the Pacific Northwest. Writing and performing since age 12, Steve’s equipment expertise led him into building custom guitar and bass rigs for The Cure, Bryan Adams, Journey and many other national acts, and he has extensive experience in recording, mixing and mastering in both analog and DAW-based studios.

Rick Rivera (rick@gcpro.com) has over 25 years experience in recording, sound reinforcement, production and touring, as well as an extensive technical knowledge of computers, recording systems and sound systems for all types of venues.

Ron Shelton (ron@gcpro.com) has over 10 years experience as FOH engineer for many types of live venues, and draws from his extensive experience in digital audio production, analog signal processing and system integration to provide his clients guidance and assistance in selecting their audio tools.

Paul Henry (paul@gcpro.com) has spent nearly 20 years listening to and satisfying his clients’ needs in the vibrant and exciting world of live and recorded audio, and is experienced in all facets of how digital audio can be used, including computers and video games.

Dan Scalpone (dan@gcpro.com) received his degree in sound engineering at Columbia College in Chicago. Since 1999 he has worked at Guitar Center as studio specialist, DAW expert and live sound system designer for the Chicagoland area.

Shaun Robinson (shaun@gcpro.com) draws from his extensive experience in live sound, lighting and mobile DJ. His expertise includes intelligent moving lights, special effects lighting, theatrical lighting, laser systems, atmospheric generators, gobos, trussing and all types of sound reinforcement.

…ends 612 words

About GC Pro
GC Pro, a division of Guitar Center, was created to offer solutions to the daily challenges of professional audio. We recognize that rapidly changing technology, frequent hardware and software upgrades, and budgetary constraints can make your life difficult. Working with your GC Pro account manager allows you to benefit from our combined knowledge and years of experience. We will help you stay up-to-date on new products, upgrades and compatibility issues. GC Pro leverages Guitar Center's bulk buying power, huge inventory and national reach to quickly deliver the right gear to your doorstep at very competitive prices. Your GC Pro account manager will research solutions for your technical problems, demo equipment at your facility, and help you with easy account-based purchasing.

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 144 Guitar Center stores, with 119 stores in 47 major markets and 25 stores in secondary markets across the U.S. In addition, the American Music division operates 19 locations 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.

For further information on Guitar Center, contact Tina Montano at (818) 735-8800 ext. 2285, or log onto www.guitarcenter.com.

 


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