Gibson Guitar Announces Gibson and Epiphone Slash Model Guitars

Press release
Source: Gibson Guitar

Gibson Guitar, the world’s premier musical instrument manufacturer and leader in music technology announces the first ever availability of a series of “Slash” signature Gibson and Epiphone Les Paul Standard electric guitars. On Tuesday April 1st 2008 three very limited and unique models of the Slash signature Les Paul guitar will be released simultaneously around the world. Each guitar model has been designed and produced in close co-operation with the legendary Velvet Revolver guitarist, Slash. For the first time ever, the Slash models will be available from Gibson Custom, Gibson USA and Epiphone offering consumers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a guitar inspired by Slash. On April 1, 2008 at 5pm US EDT select dealers will offer a limited number of these models for sale. Once they are sold out, they will not be reproduced.

Gibson Custom will release their Slash Inspired By VOS (Vintage Original Spec) guitar, Gibson USA will release their Slash Signature Les Paul Standard model and there will also be an Epiphone Slash Les Paul Standard Plus packaged with exclusive Slash inspired accessories. All three new guitar models will combine individual design features while Slash’s own personal touches create a unique instrument destined to become another instant classic.

For twenty years, the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll has been embodied by one man. When he shot to fame with Guns N’ Roses in 1987, Slash was the cool cat in the top hat, cranking out timeless riffs like “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” And, at the same time setting the standard by which all future guitar heroes would be measured. Now fast-forward to 2008 and he’s doing exactly the same with Velvet Revolver.

“Slash embodies the true essence and spirit of rock n’ roll. He is a master of his craft and respected the world over. Gibson is proud to partner with one of the worlds greatest guitar players . His signature range of guitars is symbolic and a true testament to his status and global recognition” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. “I expect these limited edition run of guitars to sell out soon after they arrive in stores globally on 1st April 2008.”

“I have always been a Les Paul player and am very proud to have my own range produced by Gibson and Epiphone, the maker of the world’s greatest guitars. I hope that musicians around the world enjoy them as much as I do,” said Slash.

Gibson Custom Inspired By Slash Les Paul Standard VOS
Heritage Cherry Sunburst Finish, faded to perfection just like Slash’s original.
Finished with Gibson’s proprietary VOS finishing process that yields the gently aged patina of a vintage classic
Carved 3 piece Maple top with a one-piece Mahogany back—not book-matched or weight-relieved
Custom one-piece Mahogany neck designed by Slash
100 percent nitro-cellulose lacquer
Historically accurate short neck tenon, just like the one on Slash’s original
Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pickups, just like the ones in Slash’s original
22-fret Rosewood fingerboard
Chrome hardware
Tone Pros Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge
Tone Pros light stopbar tailpiece
Schaller vintage tulip-style tuners
Nickel Schaller Strap Locks
Gibson Custom Shop case with Slash logo and artwork
Certificate of authenticity
Select promotional item
MSRP $5,880 USD

Gibson USA Slash Signature Les Paul Standard
AA Figured Maple top Antique Vintage Sunburst Nitro-cellulose lacquer finish (Burst color formula personally chosen by Slash)
Un-chambered Mahogany body finished in Slash's preferred dark walnut color
Custom one-piece Mahogany neck designed by Slash. Never offered before and available only in this model.
Seymour Duncan Alnico II Pro Humbucking pickups. Made in the USA
Custom Slash-designed artwork and logo on the headstock
22-fret Bound Rosewood fingerboard
Chrome hardware
Tone Pros Locking Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge
Tone Pros light stopbar tailpiece
Custom smooth black case with white interior and Slash artwork and logo
Certificate of authenticity
MSRP $3,499 USD

Epiphone Slash Signature Les Paul Standard Plus Top
Designed and produced in close cooperation with Slash
Glued-in mahogany neck with the vintage-correct long neck tenon—typically found on the Les Pauls of the late 1950s
Neck profile patterned after the neck on Slash’s original Les Paul
Two Seymour Duncan Alnico Pro-II, open-coil humbuckers
Solid mahogany body with a highly-figured, flame maple top
Epiphone’s new LockTone stopbar/Tune-o-matic system that secures the bridge and tailpiece to the guitar even without strings, while adding as much as 20 percent more sustain
Slash’s favorite Dark Tobacco Burst finish
Nickel hardware
Machine heads with vintage tulip buttons
Authentic Slash Inspired accessories
Genuine Slash guitar picks
Custom Slash Inspired case
Certificate of authenticity
MSRP $1.464 USD

Over the next few weeks a series of promotional stunts and events leading up to the April 1st launch date will be strategically set up around the world to support the sale of the Slash signature line of guitars. Updates and information will be periodically posted on the website www.gibson.com . From Los Angeles to Tokyo, everyone will know that Slash is coming. Several sneak peeks and suprise Slash sightings are scheduled for major markets around the globe. A schedule of the events are available at www.gibson.com.

Slash and Velvet Revolver are currently on a world tour promoting their second album Libertad. For tour dates please check the bands website www.velvetrevolver.com.

About Gibson Guitar:
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 HD.6X-PRO Digital Guitar and the Gibson Robot Guitar represents the biggest advance in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.’s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Maestro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Gibson Baldwin Music Education, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Maestro, Oberheim, Sunshine Piano, Take Anywhere Technology, Baldwin, J&C Fischer, Chickering, Hamilton, and Wurlitzer.

Visit Gibson’s website at www.gibson.com.

About Epiphone:
Epiphone fretted instruments, amplifiers, strings and accessories are known worldwide for offering the best combination of quality and value. One of Gibson’s most formidable competitors through the first half of the 20th century, Epiphone was acquired by Gibson in 1957. Headquartered in Nashville, Epiphone is part of the Gibson family of brands that includes Dobro, Valley Arts, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin, Hamilton, Chickering and Wurlitzer.

For more information on Epiphone go to www.epiphone.com.