Nashville, TN…March 28, 2008—Guitar retailers across the world are about to offer consumers an unprecedented opportunity to own a very limited Gibson or Epiphone Slash Signature model guitar. The limited editions of each model roll out exclusively on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.  Three very unique models of the Slash signature Les Paul guitar from Gibson Custom, Gibson USA and Epiphone will be released simultaneously around the world at 5 PM US EDT at select dealers and will not be reproduced once they’re sold out. Dealer list attached to this news release.

Each of the three guitar models have been designed and produced in close co-operation with the legendary Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash, offering consumers the once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a guitar inspired by the iconic rock legend himself.  All of the models will combine individual design features with Slash’s own personal touches to create an unparalleled instrument destined to become another instant classic.  The Gibson Custom Shop Inspired By Slash VOS Les Paul model comes with a redemption form for an exclusive leather jacket with a custom interior logo label, a custom shop case with Slash logo artwork and a certificate of authenticity.  The Epiphone Slash Les Paul Standard Plus Top will include the new Slash autobiography, custom hard case, custom strap and picks and a numbered certificate of authenticity.  The Gibson USA Slash Les Paul Standard comes with a special limited edition case with white interior and Slash designed logo, as well as a certificate of authenticity.

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

As part of the launch of these guitars, Slash has been popping up across the country in all forms and will continue to do so during the week of the release.  A series of secret photos will be released each day for the five days leading up to the April 1st launch date. Slash’s famous tophat will show up on various subjects around the world in famous destinations. Over 50 Slash look-alikes recently ran the L.A. Marathon in a “Dash for Slash” campaign and the Hollywood Guitar Center at 7425 Sunset Blvd. will don four oversized photos of the rock icon himself armed with his newest guitar models.  Guitar Center has never before put up multiple images of a single artist outside any of its locations nationwide.  On April 1st the photos will be officially installed as part of the launch of these very special Slash Signature model guitars. Major media coverage and the Velvet Revolver concert in Amsterdam on April 1, 2008 will also serve as platforms for the promotion.

Also in conjunction with the launch, Gibson has introduced a microsite on Gibson.com and Epiphone.com that provides an inside look at the upcoming limited edition Slash signature guitars at www.gibson.com/slash.  Along with an in depth look at all three models, users can access some of the most comprehensive biographical information on Slash available on the web, including the first chapter of his best-selling biography, an overview of his life and music, details on his arsenal of Les Pauls, exclusive interviews and audio clips, tips on how to achieve the Slash tone, and much more.  Gibson has also announced a Slash YouTube video contest, giving fans the chance to win a Slash Inspired by Les Paul Standard Vintage Original Spec Custom model.
Hi-res images of each model can be found at www.gibson.com/press. 

Slash and Velvet Revolver are currently on a world tour promoting their second album “Libertad”. For tour dates please check the band’s 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 or www.gibson.com/press 

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

Photo Credit: Sandy Campbell/Robert Knight