Gibson Guitar to Unveil New "Inspired By" Guitar Series at Winter NAMM 2006

Press release
Source: Gibson Guitar

The Gibson Custom division announced the launch of the "Inspired By" series limited-edition collection of guitars inspired by and built to the exact specifications of some of the most innovative guitarists of all time. The Jimi Hendrix, Peter Frampton, John Sykes and Kiefer Sutherland models are among the offerings.

Unveiled to the general public at this year's NAMM Convention held in Anaheim, California, the Gibson Custom Shop will present the models in Booth #204B, Level 2. The mythical Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic Flying V purchased in 1967 and used on tour in Europe during 1967 and 1968 with its swirling, psychedelic designs- highlights the spirit of the times and showcases Jimi's unique artistic expression. Originally painted by Hendrix with what appears to be nail polish, the Custom Shop has used materials which reproduce the same sense of depth and texture.

As a special feature to this year's Gibson Custom events Jimi's sister Janie Hendrix will make an appearance and be available to press for interviews and photos with the special Gibson model. She will appear on Friday, January 20, 2006 at 12:30pm in booth 204B/Level 2.

The new Peter Frampton Inspired By model has a two-piece body unlike standard Les Paul Junior and Special models. It features three single-coil P-90 pickups, each of which has a dedicated volume control. The middle pickup can be blended in with (or isolated from) the rhythm and treble pickups as desired and a master toggle switch functions as it would on a two-pickup guitar.

Meticulously recreating Jimi's guitar and designing the new Peter Frampton model has been a labor of love for the Gibson Custom Shop. All of the materials and hardware are faithful reproductions of the original on each model. From initial wood selection to final assembly the Gibson Custom Shop exceeds every expectation and remains faithful the history of the finest guitars in the world.

The "Inspired By" guitars are all handmade instruments crafted by Gibson's famous Custom Shop, featuring one-of-a-kind looks, style, and tone. The Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic Flying V will be on display throughout NAMM at Gibson Guitar Booth 204B/Leving 2. In addition to the guitar, guests will have a chance to view rare Hendrix memorabilia on loan from Experience Music Project.

The incredible guitars of the "Inspired By" series will cross every generation and genre of music. To learn more about these limited-edition Gibson guitars go to www.gibsoncustom.com/inspiredby.

Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Gibson's digital guitar represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in more than 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Mich., and headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.'s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Valley Arts, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin, Hamilton, Chickering, and Wurlitzer. For more information: www.gibson.com.