Contact: Rachel Anderson [email protected] 417.425.0652

Press Release April 19, 2017

World Renowned Instrument Craftsmen Conklin Guitars and Rising Bass Star Shaun Munday Join Forces for an Exciting New Take on the “Classics”

Recognized as one of the most innovative brands in the industry, Conklin Guitars has consistently pushed the envelope and helped shape the evolution of modern music. For over 30 years Conklin has redefined the possibilities of stringed musical instruments. Along the way, gaining the praise of bass luminaries such as Victor Wooten, Bill Dickens and Rocco Prestia, to name a few.

This year they've done it again, reimagining the familiar aesthetics of yesteryear with the bold, inventive designs that only they can deliver. The Conklin Classics line features 4 and 5 string, retro-inspired basses with contemporary refinements that will appease the most versatile of musicians. “We have been working for several years to develop the right balance between mechanized efficiency and hand-built quality in an American-made instrument,” said Bill Conklin, Founder and CEO of Conklin Guitars, “and we are so proud to have found that balance in the Classic line.”

Much like Conklin's new line of instruments, emerging soul sensation Shaun Munday is an artist deeply rooted in the sounds and style of a bygone era while offering up a twist that makes for a musical experience unlike any other. “We were looking for an innovative bassist to be the face of the Classic line and the stars aligned when we found Shaun. After attending a few of his shows, seeing him perform with such prowess and witnessing the reaction from the crowds, it was quite evident that he would be an exceptional representative for our brand,” said Conklin.

Munday blends soul-drenched vocals with show-stopping bass guitar technique. He captivates audiences with a full band sound and plays the bass better than most people play a guitar. He is a Springfield, MO native and graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA where he studied and performed with some of the greatest artists and educators in the industry including John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, Matthew Garrison (Herbie Hancock), Antonio Sanchez (Pat Metheny) and Jetro Da Silva (Whitney Houston).

Munday’s bass is a Conklin “Classic 424” with a Sidewinder double-cutaway bodystyle, a Conklin 2+2 headstock, Alder body wood and a 3-piece Hard Maple bolt-on neck. It has 24 frets with a 34” scale Rosewood fretboard, EMG P/J pickups, dual volume controls and 3-band EQ with sweepable midrange. It’s finished in matte black with a red tortoiseshell pickguard and black hardware. Contact: Rachel Anderson [email protected] 417.425.0652

Two boundary breaking artists. One incredible bass. You can find out more about Conklin Guitars at the Four-State Guitar Show (https://www.facebook.com/events/598112703728343/) and see Shaun performing on the Conklin Classic 424 bass on Saturday, April 22nd at the Shrine Mosque. Shaun will be performing on the main stage at 2 pm and at the Conklin Guitars booth throughout the day at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm and 3 pm.

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CONKLIN GUITARS

Bill Conklin is the Founder and CEO of Conklin Guitars. His love of the guitar was sparked in his early childhood and he has been building guitars since the mid 1980s. Mike Apperson joined Conklin in 2001 with an impressive skill set and quickly took on the role of master luthier as Bill’s business partner at Conklin.

Website: http://www.conklinguitars.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conklinguitars/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/conklinguitars Email: [email protected]

SHAUN MUNDAY

Shaun Munday is a one-of-a kind talent. He blends soul-drenched vocals with show- stopping bass guitar technique. Shaun captures audiences with a full band sound and plays the bass better than most people play a guitar. He is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA where he studied and performed with some of the greatest artists and educators in the industry including John Mayer, Esperanza Spalding, Matthew Garrison (Herbie Hancock), Antonio Sanchez (Pat Metheny) and Jetro Da Silva (Whitney Houston). Shaun has shared the stage with Corinne Bailey Rae, Andra Day, Mary Wilson of The Supremes, blues legend Robert Cray, reggae royalty Aston Barrett and The Wailers (Bob Marley’s band), country music star Collin Raye, Devon Allman and Yonrico Scott of the Royal Southern Brotherhood. Munday captures the raw, emotive essence of his influencers -- Otis Redding, Al Green, Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye -- in his self-titled debut album which was released in March 2017 to rave reviews. Bass Player Magazine said, “Munday proves that he’s going to be a bass heavyweight, as his flawless slap work and his melodically challenging lines are only ever outshined by his buttery crooning.”

Website: shaunmunday.com Promotional Photos: https://shaunmunday.com/promotional-photos/ Contact: Rachel Anderson [email protected] 417.425.0652

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaunmmunday/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaun_munday/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaun_munday Video: https://shaunmunday.com/video/