Guitar Center to Sell Limited Edition Hendrix Flying V

Press release
Source: Guitar Center

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.