Fender Musical Instruments Corporation

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FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION

FMIC media contact: Jason Farrell (480) 596-7130 ph. [email protected]

WINTER 2012: FEATURED PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

FENDER® CUSTOM SHOP ELECTRIC GUITARS 1951 NOS Nocaster® 1951 Relic® Nocaster 1956 Heavy Relic Stratocaster® 1960 Relic Stratocaster with Matching Headstock 1961 Relic Custom Telecaster® 2012 Closet Classic Stratocaster Pro 2012 Closet Classic Telecaster Pro 2012 Custom Deluxe Stratocaster 2012 Custom Deluxe Telecaster www.fendercustomshop.com

FENDER CUSTOM SHOP BASS GUITARS 1961 Closet Classic Jazz® Bass www.fendercustomshop.com

FENDER ELECTRIC GUITARS 50th Anniversary Jaguar® Blacktop Jaguar 90 Blacktop Stratocaster HSH Blacktop Telecaster Baritone Fender Select Stratocaster Fender Select Stratocaster HSS Fender Select Carved Koa Top Telecaster Fender Select Carved Maple Top Telecaster Fender Select Telecaster Johnny Marr Signature Jaguar (The Smiths/Modest Mouse) Kurt Cobain Mustang® www.fender.com

FENDER BASS GUITARS Fender Select Jazz Bass® Fender Select Precision Bass® www.fender.com

FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP. (FMIC)

FENDER AMPLIFICATION EXP-1 Expression Pedal Machete™ Combo Mustang™ Floor Pawn Shop Special Excelsior™ Pawn Shop Special Greta™ SC112 Enclosure Super Champ™ X2 Combo Super Champ X2 Head www.fender.com

FENDER BASS AMPLIFICATION Bassman® 100T Bassman 115 Bassman 410 Bassman 610 Bassman 810 Super Bassman www.fender.com

FENDER ACOUSTICS Alkaline Trio Malibu Artist Series Elvis Kingman™ Duane Peters Sonoran™ SCE ’61 (Professional Skateboarder/U.S. Bombs) FA-100 Fender Acoustic Pack FA-100 Fender Acoustic with Gig Bag FR-55 Hawaiian Resonator Redondo™ CE Robert Schmidt Electric Mandolin (Flogging Molly) Sonoran SCE Thinline U.S.A. Select Kingman C www.fender.com

SQUIER® ELECTRIC GUITARS Avril Lavigne Telecaster Jim Root Telecaster (Slipknot/Stone Sour) Simon Neil Stratocaster (Biffy Clyro) Vintage Modified ’70s Stratocaster Vintage Modified Stratocaster Vintage Modified Stratocaster HSS Vintage Modified Surf Stratocaster Vintage Modified Telecaster Special www.squierguitars.com

SQUIER BASS GUITARS James Johnston Jazz Bass (Biffy Clyro) Mikey Way Mustang Bass (My Chemical Romance) www.squierguitars.com

FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP. (FMIC)

GRETSCH® GUITARS G3500 Rancher™ Folk G3800 Rancher Orchestra G5013CE Rancher Jr. G5022CE Rancher Jumbo Cutaway G5034 Rancher Dreadnought www.gretschguitars.com

GUILD® AD-3 AD-3CE AO-3CE B-54CE Standard www.guildguitars.com

CHARVEL® DST-1 FR STAR DST-1 ST STAR DST-3 FR 1H STAR DX-1 FR SOLOIST™ DX-1 ST SOLOIST www.charvelguitars.com

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FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP. (FMIC)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® CUSTOM SHOP INTRODUCES 2012 LIMITED COLLECTION

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 4, 2012) — Fender’s acclaimed Custom Shop is known worldwide for producing the highest-quality, most rare collection of fine instruments. The 2012 limited collection is no exception, and sees the arrival of 10 new exotic models, nine guitars and one bass.

The Custom Shop honors the famous Nocaster® with the release of the 1951 New Old Stock (NOS) Nocaster and the 1951 Relic® Nocaster. Both models feature a hand-selected ash body with a Nocaster Blonde finish, and include all-new Twisted Tele® pickups designed by Fender’s skillful Master Builders, giving the model’s historical significance and modern performance. For added authentic feel, the 1951 Relic Nocaster features special aging treatment, evoking the magic of an aged, Fender classic.

Other features include a one-piece maple neck with early-’50s U shape, maple fingerboard with 9.5” radius and 6105 frets, three-way pickup switch with custom modern Tele wiring, nickel hardware, case and certificate of authenticity.

The 1956 Heavy Relic Stratocaster® emits genuine worn out Fender Strat® vibe, and is built for tone, playability, and classic looks. Available in Faded Two-Color Sunburst, Desert Sand, and Black, the 1956 Heavy Relic Stratocaster features a hand-selected ash body, one-piece maple neck with a 10/56 large V shape, maple fingerboard with 9.5” radius and 6105 frets, custom shop Fat ‘50s Strat pickups, five-way pickup switch with custom modern Strat wiring, two tone controls and a master volume knob, nickel hardware, case and certificate of authenticity.

The Custom Shop pays homage to the remarkably eventful and exciting 1960s with the 1960 Relic Stratocaster. Features include a hand-selected premium alder body, maple neck with large C shape and matching headstock, rosewood fingerboard with 9.5” radius and 6105 frets, 1960 Stratocaster pickups with five-way switching, three-ply mint green pickguard, vintage hardware, case and certificate of authenticity. Available in Olympic White, Dakota red and Sonic Blue.

Debuted in the early ’60s, the Custom Telecaster® instantly became a classic with its double-bound body and striking appearance. Honoring this model is the 1961 Relic Custom Telecaster, featuring a double-bound, hand-selected lightweight ash body, maple neck with an early-’60s C shape, rosewood fingerboard with 9.5” radius and 6105 frets, all-new Twisted Tele pickups with three-way switching, nickel hardware, case and certificate of authenticity. Available in Black and Faded, Three-Tone Sunburst.

The 2012 Closet Classic Stratocaster Pro is a beautiful instrument with a hand-selected swamp ash body and a distinctive Closet Classic lacquer finish that imparts the look of a long-lost, but newly rediscovered instrument. Features include an access heel for easy access to upper frets, a quartersawn maple neck with early-’60s C shape, round-laminated 22-fret maple or rosewood fingerboard with 9.5” radius and 6105 frets, Abby Red Hot pickups hand-wound by the legendary Abigail Ybarra, five-way pickup switching, vintage-style hardware, case and certificate of authenticity. Available in Black, Dakota Red, and Faded Two-Tone Sunburst.

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A remarkable guitar with a newly rediscovered feel, the 2012 Closet Classic Telecaster Pro sports a body fashioned from swamp ash with Closet Classic lacquer finish. Other features include an access heel, quartersawn maple neck with a mid-’50s (10/’56) V shape, 22-fret maple or rosewood fingerboard with 9.5” radius and medium jumbo frets, new Twisted Tele pickups with three-way switching and modern wiring, vintage hardware, and a Greasebucket™ tone circuit. Available in Black, Dakota Red, and Nocaster blonde.

The 2012 Custom Deluxe Stratocaster and 2012 Custom Deluxe Telecaster are exactly that – deluxe models with refined, custom features and the most exotic selection of wood for the highest-quality sound. Both feature a hand-selected lightweight ash body with access heel and AAA quilted maple veneer top, satin- finished AA flame maple neck with C shape and a 22-fret maple or rosewood fingerboard with 9.5” radius and medium jumbo frets, chrome hardware with pearl button tuners, and a case and certificate for authenticity. The 2012 Custom Deluxe Stratocaster features “Abby’s” pickups, hand-wound by the legendary Abigail Ybarra, five-way pickup switch, modern Strat wiring with and a Greasebucket tone circuit. The 2012 Custom Deluxe Telecaster features Twisted Tele pickups, custom Tele wiring, and a Greasebucket tone circuit. Both models are available in Faded Honey Burst, Candy Red, and Faded Cherry Sunburst.

The 1961 Closet Classic Jazz Bass pays tribute to a model that quickly became indispensible for bassists who prized its slim, fast neck, sleek offset-waist design and full dual-pickup sound. Features include an alder body, quartersawn maple neck with a ‘60s U shape, rosewood fingerboard with 7.25” radius and vintage frets, vintage-style Jazz Bass pickups, stacked concentric control knobs, tortoiseshell pickguard, and vintage hardware. It is available in Black and Arctic White.

For more information, visit www.fendercustomshop.com.

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About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, and its name has become synonymous with all things rock ‘n’ roll. Iconic Fender® instruments such as the Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars are known worldwide as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized by today’s musicians and collectors. FMIC brands include Fender®, Squier®, Guild®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, EVH®, SWR® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES 50TH ANNIVERSARY JAGUAR® GUITAR

U.S.-built anniversary instrument combines old and new into “finest of all Jaguar guitars” model

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 11, 2012) — Fender is proud to celebrate five colorful decades of the Jaguar guitar by introducing the 50th Anniversary Jaguar model. The instrument takes players back to 1962, when Fender introduced an unusual new guitar that paired a sleekly modified Jazzmaster® body style and elaborate control layout with a shorter scale and smaller, brighter pickups with more output. The resulting Jaguar was the fourth and last of Fender’s original lineup of standard electric guitars.

Perfectly matched to the early-’60s renaissance in design modernism (as exemplified by everything of the era from autos to aircraft to sunglasses to furniture), the Jaguar gradually acquired a fascinating pedigree quite unlike that of any other Fender guitar. A chromed-out, surf-rock staple of the 1960s, it found new life from the mid-1970s-on as a subversively offbeat alternative axe wielded by punk, post- punk, grunge and alt-indie guitar heroes and anti-heroes alike. The same guitar that originally crested waves of reverb-drenched singles by groups such as the Chantays and the Surfaris later fueled, for example, the dynamic grunge maelstrom of Nirvana, the translucent shoe-gazing dream pop of My Bloody Valentine and the literately artful alt-rock of the Pixies, the Flaming Lips and many others.

The U.S.-built 50th Anniversary Jaguar celebrates that vivid history and combines old and new into the finest of all Jaguar guitars. Highly distinctive features include the classic 24” scale length, a new one- degree neck-angle-pocket cut that improves pitch, a re-positioned tremolo plate that increases bridge break angle and sustain, and specially designed hot Jaguar single-coil neck and bridge pickups that deliver fatter tone and more output (once again framed by the model’s classic notched metal “claws”; a hum-reducing innovation only found on the Jaguar).

Other premium features include a sleekly offset alder body with lacquer finish, C-shaped maple neck with lacquer finish and vintage-style truss rod, 9.5”-radius bound rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and pearloid block inlays, separate “lead” and rhythm tone circuits with their own dedicated volume and tone controls, two-position tone switch and on/off slide switch for each pickup, three-ply pickguard (Mint Green-Black-Mint Green), and vintage-style floating tremolo bridge with lock button and chrome cover. Accessories include a deluxe brown case, strap, cable and a set of flatwound strings. Available in classic vintage Fender finishes Lake Placid Blue, Candy Apple Red and striking Burgundy Mist Metallic, which authentically evokes the original Jaguar’s Burgundy Mist finish option. For more information, go to www.fender.com.

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About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, and its name has become synonymous with all things rock ‘n’ roll. Iconic Fender® instruments such as the Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars are known worldwide as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized by today’s musicians and collectors. FMIC brands include Fender®, Squier®, Guild®, Tacoma®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, EVH®, SWR® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES NEW BLACKTOP™ GUITAR MODELS

Sonic horizons of classic Fender models continue to expand with highly distinctive new Telecaster®, Stratocaster® and Jaguar® models

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 6, 2012) — Fender is proud to introduce three highly distinctive new additions to its acclaimed Blacktop series, a family that expands the sonic horizons of classic Fender models with high- powered features and design modifications. The three new instruments are the Blacktop Telecaster Baritone, Blacktop Stratocaster HSH and Blacktop Jaguar 90.

The Blacktop series presents a truly unique new model in the deeply resounding form of the Blacktop Telecaster Baritone guitar. A true baritone Telecaster, it creates a rich sound of distinctive depth and character with a 27” scale, lowdown B-to-B tuning, and a tonally versatile triple-pickup configuration—including a full-throated humbucking bridge pickup—that covers the entire sonic spectrum from tic-tac twang to full-on kerrang!

The instrument features an alder body, maple neck, 9.5”-radius rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and aged white position markers, single-coil Telecaster neck and middle pickups, humbucking bridge pickup, five-way pickup switching, three-ply pickguard (black-white-black), skirted black amp knobs (volume and tone) and black switch tip, Blacktop Telecaster bridge and chrome hardware. Finish options include Classic Copper, Ghost Silver and Three-color Sunburst.

The Blacktop Stratocaster HSH amps up the already blistering Blacktop Stratocaster HH model with the unusual addition of a single-coil Telecaster middle pickup amid the full-throttle neck and bridge humbucking pickups. A scorchingly formidable guitar that was already extremely versatile thus becomes even more so.

This guitar features an alder body, maple neck, 9.5”-radius rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and aged white position markers, humbucking neck and bridge pickups, single-coil Telecaster middle pickup, five-way pickup switching, three-ply pickguard (black-white-black), skirted black amp knobs (one volume, two tone) and black trem arm tip, Blacktop Stratocaster bridge and chrome hardware. Finish options are Black and Titanium Silver.

Those who prefer their big cats to purr rather than roar will love the alluring sound and lithe form of the Blacktop Jaguar 90. We’ve taken the humbucking pickup-equipped Blacktop Jaguar HH and outfitted it with two single-coil pickups that give it a whole new sonic personality. Distinctive features include the classic Jaguar 24” scale, skirted black amp knobs (volume, tone) and an Adjusto-Matic™ bridge with stop tailpiece. Other features include an alder body, maple neck, 9.5”-radius rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and aged white position markers, three-way toggle pickup switching, three-ply pickguard (black-white-black) and chrome hardware. Finish options include Two-color Sunburst and Candy Apple Red. For more information, go to www.fender.com.

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About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, and its name has become synonymous with all things rock ‘n’ roll. Iconic Fender® instruments such as the Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars are known worldwide as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized by today’s musicians and collectors. FMIC brands include Fender®, Squier®, Guild®, Tacoma®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, EVH®, SWR® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

INTRODUCING FENDER® SELECT SERIES GUITAR AND BASS MODELS

Finely crafted U.S.-made models represent a new pinnacle for Fender production instruments

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 3 2012) — Fender is very proud to introduce its new top-of-the-production- line best: the Fender Select series. Designed as “Select instruments for select individuals,” the five guitars and two basses in the series are true players’ instruments that put more than six decades of Fender experience and expertise on outstandingly appointed display and bring a wealth of high-end features and elegant design options to discerning musicians everywhere. With choice tone woods, figured tops, strikingly beautiful finishes, figured and quartersawn maple necks with compound-radius fretboards, specially voiced Fender Select pickups that deliver masterful tone, and other first-rate features, the U.S.-made Select Series presents Fender’s finest selection.

The Fender Select Stratocaster® is the sonic embodiment of tone-machine elegance, featuring a stunning Dark Cherry Burst gloss-lacquer finish on a sleek flame maple-top body. Its modern “C” shaped flame maple neck has a comfortable contoured heel, Bi-Flex™ truss rod system for rock-solid stability, a satin lacquer back finish and rear-headstock “Fender Select” medallion. The smooth-playing compound radius flame maple fretboard (9.5”-14”) has 22 medium jumbo frets, stylish black pearloid position inlays and a gloss lacquer finish. Pure and singing signature sound comes from new Fender Select Stratocaster single-coil neck, middle and bridge pickups with five-way switching and a no-load tone control that delivers the natural uncolored sound of the bridge pickup when dimed. Other premium features include a three-ply pickguard (parchment-black-parchment), two-point synchronized tremolo bridge with vintage-style bent steel saddles, deluxe staggered cast/sealed locking tuners and nickel- chrome hardware.

The Fender Select Stratocaster HSS shares the same features, with several notable exceptions: It takes the refined elegance of its triple-single-coil brother and amps it up through the roof with the extra power of a Fender Select Stratocaster humbucking bridge pickup and the added elegance of a striking Antique Burst gloss-lacquer finish, modern “C” shaped birdseye maple neck, and smooth-playing compound radius rosewood fretboard (9.5”-14”) with white pearloid position inlays.

The Fender Select Telecaster® elevates our very first legendary guitar model to the epitome of elegant style and formidable sonic substance, with a stunning Violin Burst gloss-lacquer finish and natural binding on a resonant honeycomb-chambered ash body with a solid flame maple top. Its modern “C” shaped birdseye maple neck has a comfortable contoured heel, Bi-Flex™ truss rod system for rock-solid stability, a satin lacquer back finish and rear-headstock “Fender Select” medallion. The smooth-playing compound radius birdseye maple fretboard (9.5”-14”) has 22 medium jumbo frets, stylish black pearloid position inlays and a gloss lacquer finish. Crisp, clear signature sound comes from new Fender Select Telecaster single-coil neck and bridge pickups with three-way switching and a no-load tone control that delivers the natural uncolored sound of the bridge pickup when dimed. Other premium features include a three-ply pickguard (parchment-black-parchment), knurled chrome knobs, American Telecaster bridge with new American Standard bent steel saddles and stamped brass plate, deluxe staggered cast/sealed locking tuners and nickel-chrome hardware.

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The Fender Select Carved Koa Top Telecaster is a finely crafted, artfully captivating and sonically potent take on the model, with a stunning Sienna Edge Burst gloss-lacquer finish on a lightweight empress body with a carved koa top. Its modern “C” shaped flame maple neck has a Bi-Flex™ truss rod system for rock-solid stability, a satin lacquer back finish and rear-headstock “Fender Select” medallion. The smooth-playing compound radius rosewood fretboard (9.5”-14”) has 22 medium jumbo frets, stylish white pearloid position inlays and a gloss lacquer finish. Crisp, clear signature sound comes from Fender Select Telecaster single-coil neck and bridge pickups with three-way switching and a no-load tone control that delivers the natural uncolored sound of the bridge pickup when dimed. Other premium features include knurled chrome knobs, American Telecaster bridge with new American Standard bent steel saddles and stamped brass plate, deluxe staggered cast/sealed locking tuners and nickel-chrome hardware.

The Fender Select Carved Maple Top Telecaster shares the features above, with the elegant exceptions of an Amber gloss-lacquer finish, carved flame maple top and black pearloid position inlays.

The Fender Select Precision Bass® presents an elegantly crafted, sonically seismic new take on the bass guitar that started it all, with a gorgeous Two-color Sunburst gloss-lacquer finish and flame maple top. Its modern “C” shaped quartersawn maple neck has Posiflex™ graphite support rods, a satin lacquer back finish and rear-headstock “Fender Select” medallion. The smooth-playing compound radius flame maple fretboard (9.5”-14”) has 20 medium jumbo frets, stylish black pearloid position inlays and a gloss lacquer finish. Loud, clear and deeply resounding tone issues from the new single Fender Select Precision Bass split-coil pickup. Other premium features include a three-ply pickguard (parchment-black- parchment), High-Mass Vintage bridge (top-loading or strings-through-body), Fender/Hipshot® vintage- style tuners with tapered shafts, knurled chrome knobs, “stealth” string retainer and nickel-chrome hardware.

The Fender Select Jazz Bass® elevates our most sonically versatile bass to the height of alluringly refined elegance and power, with a striking Amber Burst gloss-lacquer finish and flame maple top. It too has a modern “C” shaped quartersawn maple neck with Posiflex™ graphite support rods, satin lacquer finish and rear-headstock “Fender Select” medallion. Its smooth-playing compound radius rosewood fretboard (9.5”-14”) has 20 medium jumbo frets and stylish white pearloid position inlays. Two brand-new single-coil Fender Select Jazz Bass pickups pump warm and full low end, snarling midrange and ringing highs. It too features a three-ply pickguard (parchment-black-parchment), High-Mass Vintage bridge (top- loading or strings-through-body), Fender/Hipshot® vintage-style tuners with tapered shafts, knurled chrome knobs, “stealth” string retainer and nickel-chrome hardware.

All Fender Select series models come with a Custom G&G Fender Select case and accessories including a strap, cable and polishing cloth. For more information, go to www.fender.com.

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About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, and its name has become synonymous with all things rock ‘n’ roll. Iconic Fender® instruments such as the Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars are known worldwide as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized by today’s musicians and collectors. FMIC brands include Fender®, Squier®, Guild®, Tacoma®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, EVH®, SWR® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES JOHNNY MARR SIGNATURE JAGUAR® GUITAR

Highly distinctive variation on classic model honors modern-era U.K. guitar great

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 3, 2012) — Fender is very proud to introduce the Johnny Marr signature Jaguar guitar, which puts the inventive ringing sounds and highly distinctive design mods of one of the U.K.’s greatest modern-era guitarists into a truly unique variation on a classic Fender guitar model.

Marr is best known, of course, as the strikingly dynamic and influential anti-hero guitarist-arranger-all-around- musical-wunderkind behind Manchester quartet the Smiths, which virtually redefined and ruled U.K. pop throughout the 1980s. A master of melody, layering and texture, Marr has always brought his own instantly identifiable ringing, jangling genius to the proceedings, as he has done in post-Smiths stints with The The, Electronic, the Pretenders and Johnny Marr and the Healers, and right up to the present with Modest Mouse, the Cribs and innumerable guest appearances.

The Johnny Marr signature Jaguar is a fantastically non-standard version of the model that is as distinctive as the sounds Marr wrings from it, with a wealth of highly specialized features including:

• Custom-wound Bare Knuckle® Johnny Marr single-coil neck and bridge pickups. • Custom-shaped maple neck based on Marr’s 1965 Jaguar, with vintage-style truss rod, lacquer finish and Marr’s signature on the front of the headstock. • Four-position blade-style pickup switch mounted to the lower-horn chrome plate (bridge, bridge and neck in parallel, neck, bridge and neck in series). • Two upper-horn slide switches (universal bright and pickup switch position four bright). • Jaguar bridge with Mustang® saddles, nylon bridge post inserts for improved stability, chrome cover and vintage-style floating tremolo tailpiece. • “Taller” tremolo arm with arm-sleeve nylon insert to prevent arm swing.

Other premium features include the classic Jaguar 24” scale length, lacquer-finished alder body, 7.25”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 vintage-style frets, master volume and tone controls, three-ply pickguard (white- black-white) and chrome hardware. Accessories include a custom case with blue crushed velvet interior, strap, cable and flatwound strings. Available in Olympic White and Metallic KO (a distinctive orange tint derived from the heavily faded Candy Apple Red finish of one of Marr’s favorite ’60s-era Fender models).

"Making this signature Jaguar has been a four year journey,” said Marr. “I've taken all the aspects of the guitar in every direction I could, to improve it without losing the classic features that I liked from the original design. It's been a labour of love and obsession, and a privilege. I've used it for everything I've done since I started making it. It's my perfect guitar."

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About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, and its name has become synonymous with all things rock ‘n’ roll. Iconic Fender® instruments such as the Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars are known worldwide as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized by today’s musicians and collectors. FMIC brands include Fender®, Squier®, Guild®, Tacoma®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, EVH®, SWR® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES KURT COBAIN MUSTANG® GUITAR

Inspired by an oft-played Cobain favorite seen in famous “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 16, 2012) — When Kurt Cobain hit the stage, it was very often with a Mustang® guitar—an enigmatic anti-hero figure with an esoteric anti-hero instrument. It’s with great pride then that Fender introduces the Kurt Cobain Mustang, which evokes the man, the band, the sound and the times, and gives an authentically crafted nod to one of the most unlikely guitars to ever find itself at the center of a musical maelstrom.

Cobain liked Mustangs a lot. For one, he preferred offbeat guitars that didn’t cost zillions of dollars, and the Mustang certainly fit those two criteria. Also, being somewhat physically diminutive himself, he liked to perform live with slightly more diminutive guitars, like Fender Mustang and Jaguar® guitars, which better fit his hands and his reach.

See for yourself—go back and watch the famous 1991 video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” and there he is and there it is slung over his shoulder. Or think back to when you saw them on the ’93-’94 In Utero tour, when he seldom went onstage with anything but a Mustang. Quite often and especially later on, Mustang guitars were a big part of what Kurt Cobain was all about, musically.

Inspired by his arsenal of modded guitars, the new Fender Kurt Cobain Mustang takes you back there, with highly distinctive features including an angled single-coil Mustang neck pickup and ferocious Seymour Duncan® JB humbucking bridge pickup mounted directly to the body, dual on-off/phase in-out switches for each pickup, a polyester-finished alder body and an Adjusto-Matic™ bridge with dynamic vibrato tailpiece.

Other features include the classic 24” Mustang scale length, C-shaped maple neck with urethane finish, 7.25”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 vintage-style frets and vintage-style ivory dot inlays, four-ply pickguard (Aged White Pearl on Fiesta Red and Dark Lake Placid Blue with stripe models; Tortoiseshell on Sonic Blue model), master volume and tone controls, vintage-style tuners, and chrome hardware. Finish options include Fiesta red, Sonic Blue and Dark Lake Placid Blue with stripe. Available in right- and left-handed models. For more information, go to www.fender.com.

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About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, and its name has become synonymous with all things rock ‘n’ roll. Iconic Fender® instruments such as the Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars are known worldwide as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized by today’s musicians and collectors. FMIC brands include Fender®, Squier®, Guild®, Tacoma®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, EVH®, SWR® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES ALL-NEW MACHETE™COMBO

High-performance amp delivers serious tone and enormous functionality

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 13, 2012) — Fender proudly introduces the all-new Machete combo amp. With tremendous versatility and performance-oriented features, this high-end, sonically powerful combo is an essential companion for the discerning musician.

The 50-watt, dual-channel Machete combo boasts a completely new high-gain channel, an extremely clear-sounding clean channel that can be pushed into aggressive rhythm guitar territory, and onboard digital reverb. Its heavily robust enclosure construction and single 12” Celestion® speaker deliver full, rich and pummeling response, with midrange notch control, adjustable speaker damping for finely tuned performance, XLR output with switchable speaker muting and cabinet emulation, and push-pull pots for bright boost and gain boost on the rhythm channel.

Serious guitarists and amp connoisseurs who are both meticulous and adventurous about even the finest details of their sound will find the Machete a formidable new member of their arsenal. The turbo-charged combo’s distinctive cosmetics include vinyl covering with inlaid white piping and gray vinyl “steering wheel grip” accents, new Black Silver Strand grille cloth, heavily knurled chrome knobs and all-new corners and hardware. Four-button footswitch and fitted cover included.

For more information, and to locate a dealer near you, go to www.fender.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES ITS FIRST-EVER MULTI-EFFECTS UNIT, THE MUSTANG FLOOR

Floor unit offers pro-level amp modeling, effects and artist preset sounds

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 16, 2012) — Fender is proud to announce the debut of its first-ever multi-effects unit, the Mustang Floor. The Mustang Floor is a user-friendly, versatile and high-performance floor unit that delivers professional caliber modeling and effects in a richly varied wealth of musical styles.

A natural offshoot of our Mustang series amplifiers (in essence, a Mustang amp without the power amp and speaker), the Mustang Floor is designed for a variety of applications, only one of which is a great multi-effects unit for any basic guitar amp that puts more than three dozen digital effects at your feet.

The Mustang Floor is also a modeling preamp with low-impedance speaker-emulated outputs for running direct to a PA system, a modeling preamp with line-level outputs for use with a power amp and speakers, a silent practice system with stereo headphone output and auxiliary input perfect for playing along with an iPod or other media player, and a fantastic tone machine for direct-to-digital USB recording.

Mustang Floor features include nine footswitches and a solid aluminum treadle-style control pedal, intuitive Mustang III control panel and LCD window, 12 amp models, 37 effects, 100 onboard factory and user presets, “individual stompbox” mode in which amp models can be bypassed, headphone output and auxiliary input, dual XLR and dual ¼” line outputs with level control (outputs can be programmed for optimal response with PA system, power amp or guitar amp), chromatic tuner, and easy USB connectivity for high-quality low-latency audio output and interface with free Fender FUSE™ application.

The Fender FUSE software, included as a free download, offers on-screen parameter control, deep editing, “hidden” parameters, unlimited preset storage, easy firmware upgrades and additional free content from Fender, Fender artists and other users worldwide.

The Mustang Floor mates perfectly with the all-new EXP-1 Expression Pedal, an add-on accessory that also works great with Mustang III, IV, and V amplifiers. The EXP-1 Expression Pedal is a dynamic device that allows for increased control of volume and parameters such as the frequency of a wah effect, or the rate/time parameter of a modulation or delay effect. For more information, and to locate a dealer near you, go to www.fender.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES PAWN SHOP SPECIAL® AMPLIFIERS

New amps evoke elegant looks and vintage-style vibes

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 19, 2012) – Meet Greta™ and Excelsior™, Fender’s new and coolly unconventional Pawn Shop Special amplifiers. The two stylish amps resemble the esoteric finds you might discover in a pawnshop or second-hand store, and make for the most distinctive addition to any musician’s collection.

Housed in the playfully diminutive form of a vintage tabletop radio, the Pawn Shop Special Greta model is quite possibly the most unusual Fender tube amp ever (in fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find the name “Fender” anywhere on it). It’s a charming two-watt tabletop beauty with a 4” Special Design speaker, old-school VU meter with “clean to overload” indicator display, simple volume and tone controls, and a 1/8” back-panel auxiliary input perfect for iPod or other media player use.

Its vintage-style enclosure has front and rear wood panels finished in bright red, gold-finished metal top and sides for increased shielding, “Greta” script badge on the front panel and tabletop feet. Under the hood and on the back panel, Greta features a single 12AT7 output tube and 12AX7 preamp tube, with a ¼” instrument jack and ¼” line out jack (for preamp use with another amplifier).

Undoubtedly one of the most distinctive tube combo amps produced in Fender history, the alluringly refined Pawn Shop Special Excelsior harbors tones from polite, to raw and raucous. Its brown textured vinyl covering, smartly stylish “E” grille design and bold crossed-swords front-panel badge convey a decidedly stately vibe with a marked air of cold-war cool.

The 13-watt Excelsior elegantly encloses a single 15” Special Design speaker, with bottom-loaded primary chassis and top-loaded control chassis for operating convenience and low noise (powered by two 6V6 output tubes and two 12AX7 preamp tubes). Distinctive features include “instrument,” “microphone” and “accordion” inputs that each have individually optimized circuitry; tremolo circuit with speed control, bright/dark tone switch (for treble or bass emphasis), volume control and ¼” internal speaker disconnect that lets the amp drive an external speaker enclosure.

For playing at home, smaller gigs and studio sessions, the Excelsior is a class act that brings a fresh and unconventional new vibe to your playing.

For more information, and to locate a dealer near you, go to www.fender.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES NEW SUPER CHAMP® AMP, HEAD AND ENCLOSURE

Series welcomes tube amps with intuitive features and all-new modeling

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 13, 2012) –Fender is proud to introduce the all-new members of the popular Super Champ series. The new Super Champ X2, Super Champ X2 Head, and SC112 Enclosure bring exciting, brand new modeling and user-friendly features, providing great tone for blues, rock, country and more.

Made in Ensenada, Mexico, the ultra functional Super Champ X2 combo amplifier combines 15 watts of rich dual-6V6 tube amplification with a Fender Special Design 10” speaker for dynamic combo amp tone. This simple, easy-to-use platform includes two switchable channels and several modern extras, such as a voicing knob for selection of 16 different amp types (Tweed, Blackface, British, Metal and more), 15 effects with level control, dual-channel switching (footswitch optional), tap tempo control for precise delay time or modulation speed adjustment, ¼” line output and USB output for speaker-emulated digital recording. For extra versatility, players can add-on the Fender FUSE™ software (available as a free download), for customization of amp voicing and effects defaults, effects parameters deep editing, and online access to free Fender community content.

The Super Champ X2 Head offers great, low-power tube sound in compact design that presents the same great features as its 15-watt, dual-channel combo sibling. It’s designed for use with the new SC112 Enclosure, or other 8-ohm speaker enclosure.

The new SC112 Enclosure mates perfectly with the Super Champ X2 Head or other quality amplifiers. Also made in Ensenada, Mexico, it is compact and rugged, rated at 80 watts RMS (at 8 ohms), and features a single 12” Celestion® G12P-80 speaker for tight, defined tone and a closed-back design for increased bass response.

For more information, and to locate a dealer near you, www.fender.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES BASSMAN® PRO SERIES HEADS AND CABINETS

Tube heads and lightweight cabs ready for stage-level performance and studios alike

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 12, 2012) — Fender is thrilled to introduce new Bassman Pro series of heads and cabs that will tug at the heartstrings of bass players worldwide. Decked out in ’60s blackface, and supercharged with monstrous sound and rock-solid strength, the six new members of the Bassman Pro series are designed with world-tour ready features and enormous Fender tone.

The Super Bassman is a pummeling, 300-watt tube head designed to tear up the largest arenas. Features include a tube preamp (two 12AX7s) and tube power amp (one 12AX7, one 12AT7, six 6550s); vintage channel that delivers the full, warm sound of a classic Fender passive tone stack; overdrive channel that delivers the aggressive and responsive sound of a modern active tone stack; footswitch that allows to choose between channels; rear-panel Fender Automatic Bias system that constantly monitors and re-biases tubes for perfect performance and alerts you when service is required; speaker output switch that can be set to “mute” to turn speaker off and record silently from the XLR output; impedance switch (8, 4, or 2 ohms); master volume control with pull mute and Fender mid-’60s “Blackface™” styling.

Powerful, innovative and great for touring or recording, the Bassman 100T is the little brother to the Super Bassman, utilizing the same pre-amp married to four 6L6 power amp tubes. Unique to the Bassman 100T is a rear-panel output power switch which allows for full 100-watt power, quieter 25-watt power, or 25-watt silent mode, where the Bassman 100T’s internal power soak takes the heat. The XLR output contains both the pre-amp and the power amp signal, which makes it ideal for capturing rich power amp tone straight from the XLR output.

Fender’s new Bassman Pro cabinets deliver power, articulation and classy looks. Each cabinet, designed to deliver big bass sound in lightweight packages, features Fender Special Design Eminence® Neodymium speakers; compression driver horn with attenuator; classic mid-’60s Fender “Blackface” styling; ¼” and Speakon connectors, and built-in heavy- duty handles for easier transport.

The Bassman 810 NEO (4 Ohm, rated at 2000w program) and Bassman 610 NEO (4 Ohm, rated at 1600w program) cabinets feature rear glide rails, while the smaller Bassman 410 NEO (8 Ohm, rated at 1000w program) and Bassman 115 NEO (8 Ohm, rated at 700w program) cabinets have removable caster wheels and spring-loaded handles.

For more information, and to locate a dealer near you, go to www.fender.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES ALL-NEW ACOUSTIC MODELS FOR 2012

New additions include limited edition U.S.-made guitar and artist signature models honoring, punk rockers Alkaline Trio, Flogging Molly’s Robert Schmidt and more.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 17, 2012) — Fender Acoustics proudly introduces a wide selection of new and improved models for 2012, with several new exciting instruments to choose from, and existing models receiving significant upgraded features. The brand new models also bring a limited edition, U.S.-made model with distinguished appointments from Fender’s acclaimed Custom Shop, and three signature models honoring today’s greatest artists.

Limited to 150 instruments, the all-new U.S.A. Select Kingman™ C dreadnought offers a depth of resonant tone and beautifully elegant design distinguished by a Custom Shop Fiesta Red gloss finish, aged white body binding, and vintage-style appointments. Premium features include a solid Engelmann spruce top with forward-shifting scalloped X bracing and solid mahogany back and sides; vintage C-shaped maple neck with rolled edges, dual-action truss rod and Stratocaster® headstock shape; 9”-radius rosewood fingerboard with bone nut and 20 frets; and Fishman® Matrix™ Infinity electronics for pristine sound.

The popular California series welcomes two new, distinctive models Sonoran™ SCE Thinline and Redondo™ CE. The Sonoran SCE Thinline features a sleek, “tight” dreadnought body 3” deep for comfortably easy playing, and a Fishman® Isys pickup system with onboard tuner. Other features include a solid spruce top with scalloped X bracing for richly resonant tone, mahogany back and sides, three-ply gold pickguard, C-shaped bolt-on maple Stratocaster neck, 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with bone nut, and a Fender “Viking” rosewood bridge.

The all-new Redondo CE returns more vibrant than ever since its debut in 1968. Today’s dreadnought Redondo rocks great acoustic sound and evokes the original late-’60 model with features including the Stratocaster headstock shape, three-ply gold pickguard and vintage-style Fender “Viking” bridge. Other features include a “tight” dreadnought cutaway body shape, spruce top with scalloped X bracing and mahogany back and sides, body and neck binding, 20- fret rosewood fingerboard, and Fishman® Isys III pickup system with active onboard preamp and tuner.

New in the artist signature models are the Alkaline Trio Malibu™, the Duane Peters Sonoran™ SCE ’61, and the Robert Schmidt Electric Signature Mandolin.

- more - FENDER ACOUSTICS NEW MODELS NR FIRST ADD

One of Fender’s most distinctive acoustic designs ever, the Alkaline Trio Malibu takes the classic ’60s-era sun-and-fun Malibu folk-style acoustic, and dresses it up with a graceful heart- shaped rosette designed by the band, as seen on the cover of 2011 acoustic album Damnesia. Features include a resonant all-mahogany body with the aforementioned AT-designed heart- shaped rosette, scalloped X bracing, C-shaped maple Stratocaster neck with a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard, body and neck binding, and rosewood bridge with synthetic bone compensated saddle.

Designed exclusively by Flogging Molly’s mandolin player Robert Schmidt, the Robert Schmidt Electric Mandolin is Fender’s first-ever signature mandolin, and makes for the ultimate rock mandolin player’s dream. Inspired by the FM62 E Fender Mandolin, the signature Robert Schmidt Electric Mandolin includes a dark walnut stain spruce top, carved maple back and sides, rosewood fingerboard, bronze cast chrome tailpiece, chrome dome style volume knob, special design Piezo pickup and ebony bridge.

Honoring legendary old-school skateboard master and lead singer of Orange County punk outfit U.S. Bombs, Duane “Master of Disaster” Peters, is the limited edition Duane Peters Sonoran SCE ’61. With only 500 models released worldwide, this skate tough model is decked in a custom graphic finish featuring skulls and red and black stripes. Features include a “tight” dreadnought cutaway body shape, solid spruce top with scalloped X bracing, mahogany back and sides, C-shaped maple neck with dual-action truss rod and Stratocaster headstock shape, 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with bone nut, vintage-style Fender “Viking” bridge with bone saddle, and Fishman® Isys III pickup system with active onboard preamp and tuner.

The new models also welcome the FR-55 Hawaiian Resonator, and the new FA-100 Fender Acoustic Pack. The new FR-55 Hawaiian Resonator produces the lilting sounds and evokes the lush trade winds atmosphere of the island paradise. Perfect for slide or standard acoustic playing, it features a striking bell brass nickel-plated dreadnought body beautifully etched with scenes of South Seas splendor, with swaying palms, outrigger canoes and even volcano caught in mid-eruption. Other features include a continental Eastern European hand-spun cone, Fender “F” sound holes, mahogany neck with satin finish and gold Fender headstock logo, 19-fret rosewood fingerboard with 16” radius, ebony bridge with hard maple top, bell brass nickel-plated tailpiece and chrome hardware.

The popular FA-100 Fender Acoustic Pack, also available with a gig bag, offers great Fender sound and value, and includes everything you need to get started on a world of acoustic enjoyment. Guitar features include a spruce top with x bracing for full and resonant sound, body binding, exclusive Fender headstock shape, Fender pickguard, smooth-playing 20-fret rosewood fingerboard and a rosewood bridge with compensated saddle. Accessories include a comfortable strap and clip-on electronic tuner.

Models receiving significant cosmetic and hardware upgrades are select members of the California series, the Sonoran SCE, Kingman SCE, Malibu CE, Sonoran S, Villager™ 12 String, and Kingman Bass SCE.

For more information, and to locate a dealer near you, go to www.fender.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

FENDER® INTRODUCES ELVIS® KINGMAN™ ACOUSTIC GUITAR

Distinctive “Wildwood” finish returns for model styled on guitar the king strummed in 1967 film “Clambake”

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 5, 2012) — Fender Acoustics proudly hails the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and transports players back to 1967 with the introduction of the Elvis® Kingman acoustic guitar—a sharp looking, rich-sounding, hip-swaying evocation of the freewheeling Fender acoustic that Elvis Presley® wielded with consummate cool in ’67 cinematic romp “Clambake.”

In addition to honoring the king, the Elvis® Kingman dreadnought also recreates Fender’s famous mid- ’60s “Wildwood” finish, in which living beech trees that provided the backs and sides of the unusual instruments were dyed in several elegantly striking colors before being harvested.

Highly distinctive features include Presley’s signature on the front of the Wildwood-style headstock, solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing for full and resonant tone, laminated Wildwood-style back and sides, Ivoroid neck and body binding, stylish dual checkerboard rosette, maple neck, 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with block position inlays and bone nut, Fender “Viking” rosewood bridge with cream-colored pins and compensated bone saddle, chrome hardware and gloss neck and body finish. For more information, go to www.fender.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

SQUIER® BY FENDER® PROUDLY PRESENTS ALL-NEW SIGNATURE MODELS

Models honor pop-rock star Avril Lavigne, metal stalwart Jim Root, alt-rock bassist Mikey Way, and Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil and James Johnston

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 9, 2012) – Squier is excited to introduce three new artist signature models, the Avril Lavigne Telecaster®, the Jim Root Telecaster®, and the Mikey Way Mustang® Bass. The three signature models promise star-like vibe and tone at incredible Squier value.

The new lavish, black-on-black Avril Lavigne Telecaster joins Lavigne’s chart-topping signature Tele, and features several striking touches, including a three-ply pickguard, knurled black flat-top volume control knob, a black headstock with die-cast turners, and a distinctive 12th-fret skull and crossbones logo.

Designed in cooperation with Slipknot/Stone Sour guitar speed demon Jim Root, the Jim Root Telecaster boasts several foreboding features, most notably an elegant satin-matte finish in black or white, starkly simple single-knob/single switch control layout, black die-cast tuners and other black hardware, and two pulverizing passive humbucking pickups with black covers.

The Mikey Way Mustang Bass, designed with the input of My Chemical Romance bassist Mikey Way, takes the classic Mustang Bass and amps it through the roof with a dazzling large- flake Silver Sparkle finish with black racing stripes, a single seismic humbucking pickup with a black cover, and a black headstock with Way’s signature on the back.

Also in the signature series are the Simon Neil Signature Stratocaster and the James Johnston Jazz Bass guitars. Released in Europe in 2009, these popular signature models designed in collaboration with the Scottish rockers are now made available worldwide.

For more information, and to locate a dealer near you, go to www.squierguitars.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

SQUIER® BY FENDER® INTRODUCES ALL-NEW VINTAGE MODIFIED SERIES

Revamped series welcomes brand new model types with distinctive hot-rodded features

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan 9, 2012) – Squier announces the debut of the revamped, all-new Vintage Modified Series. The new Vintage Modified series introduces new model types fully outfitted in retro-inspired, chop-shop looks, along with rich, roaring tone. The new series includes five models.

New to the series is the Vintage Modified ’70s Stratocaster®, a sweet-looking model that delivers the distinctive look of the 1970s workhorse Fender guitars. Available in all-Black maple-fingerboard and Vintage White rosewood-fingerboard, both models feature a large headstock, vintage-tint gloss neck and black plastic parts typical of that era.

The all-new Vintage Modified Telecaster® Special puts a special spin on the model with truly modded and hot-rodded features, including a full-sounding Jazzmaster® neck pickup, and a vintage-tint maple Jazzmaster neck. This killer-vibe guitar is available in White Blonde and Butterscotch Blonde.

Also new to the series is the Vintage Modified Surf Stratocaster, a guitar made to crest the perfect wave of Squier sound. Features include highly distinctive tube-style pickups and classically colorful Surf Green, Sonic Blue and Candy Apple Red finishes that evoke the sand, sun and fun vibe of Fender’s early-’60s golden age.

The Vintage Modified Stratocaster HSS comes roaring back with new features, including a vintage-tint gloss neck, ’70s-style large headstock, powerful humbucking bridge-pickup tone and a striking new Charcoal Frost Metallic finish option in addition to timelessly cool Black and Three-color Sunburst.

The revamped Vintage Modified Stratocaster arrives with all-new stylish features and its classic triple- single-coil tone. Other features include a vintage-tint gloss neck, ’70s-style large headstock, and an alluring new Vintage Blonde finish option along with the timeless Black and Three-color Sunburst finishes.

For more information, and to locate a dealer near you, go to www.squierguitars.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

GRETSCH® INTRODUCES NEW RANCHER™ ACOUSTIC MODELS

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 19, 2012) – A great Gretsch name is back with the return of Rancher acoustic guitars. The richly resonant Rancher first appeared in the early 1950s with its highly distinctive triangular sound hole and sweepingly elegant pickguard, and Gretsch is now very proud to re-introduce the model. With a great new five-instrument selection of body sizes, styles and features that combine the best of the guitar’s acclaimed past with the best in modern sound, strength, style and playability, Gretsch now gives you the best of all Ranchers.

The G3500 Rancher Folk delivers full, well-articulated acoustic tone worthy of its larger Rancher brothers. Premium features include a vibrant laminated spruce top with scalloped X bracing and the traditional Gretsch Rancher triangular sound hole, laminated mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck with 20-fret rosewood fingerboard, 1940s-style pickguard with Gretsch logo, compensated bridge with rosewood base, nickel-plated hardware, deluxe die-cast tuners and an elegant gloss Natural finish. The G3800 Rancher Orchestra packs those same features into a classic medium-size 21-fret model with a rounded orchestra-style body that fills the hall with full Rancher sound, feel and vibe.

The G5013CE Rancher Jr. is a diminutive but powerful model with an elegant Venetian cutaway for easy access to the fingerboard’s upper reaches and onboard electronics that let it be heard loud and clear. It too has the same features listed above, with the additions of Neo-Classic™ thumbnail inlays on the 21-fret fingerboard and onboard Fishman® electronics that include a Sonicore under-saddle pickup, Isys+ preamp system with onboard tuner, battery life indicator and controls for volume, treble, bass and phase.

The biggest new Rancher is the G5022CE Rancher Jumbo Cutaway Electric, which produces great volume and broadly expansive tone complemented by its elegant Venetian cutaway for easy access to the fingerboard’s upper reaches and onboard electronics. Premium features include a solid spruce top with scalloped X bracing and the traditional Gretsch Rancher triangular sound hole, flame maple back and sides, mahogany neck, 21-fret rosewood fingerboard with Neo-Classic™ thumbnail inlays, 1940s-style pickguard with Gretsch logo, compensated bridge with rosewood base, gold-plated hardware, deluxe die-cast tuners and a gloss Savannah Sunset finish. Onboard Fishman® electronics include a Sonicore under-saddle pickup and Isys+ preamp system with onboard tuner, battery life indicator and controls for volume, treble, bass and phase.

The G5034 Rancher Dreadnought delivers full-size, full-on Rancher sound, feel and vibe with classic Gretsch styling. Premium features include a solid spruce top with scalloped X bracing and the traditional Gretsch Rancher triangular sound hole, laminated mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, 21-fret rosewood fingerboard with Neo-Classic™ thumbnail inlays, 1940s-style pickguard with Gretsch logo, compensated bridge with rosewood base, gold-plated hardware, deluxe die-cast tuners and an elegant gloss Natural finish. For more information, go to www.gretschguitars.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell (480) 596-7130 [email protected]

GUILD® INTRODUCES ALL-NEW ARCOS SERIES

Arcos series models feature Guildʼs signature arched-back body design

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 5, 2012) – Guild announces the debut of the all-new Arcos series. The new Arcos models feature Guildʼs signature arched-back body design, delivering enhanced volume, projection and excellent structural stability. Three new guitar models offer legendary Guild sound and playability at very accessible price points.

Arcos series models include Guildʼs slim, satin-finish mahogany neck for smooth, comfortable feel and effortless playability. Other premium features include a solid Sitka spruce top, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, koa rosette and Fishman® electronics. For added protection, all models include a Guild lightweight polyfoam case.

The AD-3 dreadnought covers a lot of sonic ground. Its solid Sitka spruce top, laminated mahogany sides and arched back, give it a lush, balanced sound with excellent volume and resonance. The koa rosette, pearl inlays and rosewood headcap impart a touch of class and understated elegance.

The AD-3CE is a pure-performance dreadnought with a cutaway body design that invites players to venture into the upper regions of its premium rosewood fingerboard. Its Fishman® Presys Plus pickup system rounds out the package with a host of performer-friendly features, such as an onboard electronic tuner and anti-feedback control.

Also in the series is the AO-3CE, a performance-driven, orchestra-style model with laminated mahogany sides and arched back, and a slim, satin-finish mahogany neck. Fingerstyle players will appreciate the extra string spacing that the 1 ¾” nut width provides, while the cutaway body design offers easy access to the upper reaches of the fingerboard on this unique small-body guitar. The AO-3CE also includes a Fishman® Presys Plus pickup system, with an onboard electronic tuner and an anti-feedback control.

Guild Arcos Series guitars are available through authorized Guild dealers with manufacturerʼs suggested retail prices ranging from $759.99 to $999.99. For more information, and to find a dealer near you, visit www.guildguitars.com

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About Guild Guitars

Guild® is a historic American guitar brand with a 58-year history of building fine musical instruments. With a reputation built on Old World craftsmanship, innovation, quality and value, Guild has established itself as one of the world’s premier acoustic guitar manufacturers. Guild guitars are prized by players worldwide for their full, balanced sound, excellent playability and exceptional build quality. Guild Guitars – a tradition in tone since 1953! For more information, visit www.guildguitars.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell (480) 596-7130 [email protected]

GUILD® INTRODUCES NEW ADDITIONS TO USA STANDARD SERIES LINE

New models represent the essence of Guildʼs acoustic legacy

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 5, 2012) – Guild is proud to announce the addition of exciting new models to the acclaimed Standard Series line. These new models offer legendary Guild sound quality and craftsmanship with the finest cosmetic appointments and performance-driven features. The new models include two guitars and one bass.

The F-20 Standard and the F-20E Standard are concert-style guitars with refined features, which include a solid Sitka spruce top with red spruce bracing and solid genuine mahogany back and sides which, together with the unique body dimensions, produces a focused sound with excellent balance and articulation. The 24 ¾” scale length and slim profile neck provide a smooth, slinky feel and effortless playability. Other premium features include ivoroid body binding and bone nut, saddle and bridge pins. The F-20E Standard includes an onboard 18-volt D-TAR® Wave-Length™pickup system that provides a transparent and natural sound with enhanced dynamic range and headroom for exceptional amplified performance.

Built on Guildʼs revered jumbo body design the B-54CE Standard is an acoustic/electric bass that features a solid Sitka spruce top with red spruce bracing; solid maple sides, and Guildʼs unique arched laminated maple back for enhanced volume and projection. The onboard Fishman® Matrix Infinity™ pickup system includes soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls, and a built-in voicing switch that lets you choose between two different voice settings – one with enhanced bass response and one with a flat voicing that reduces boominess. Other features include a slim satin-finish mahogany neck, ivoroid body binding, lightweight Gotoh® die-cast tuners, and bone nut, saddle and bridge pins.

Guild Standard Series guitars are available through authorized Guild dealers for manufacturerʼs suggested retail prices ranging from $2499.99 to $3219.99. For more information, visit www.guildguitars.com.

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About Guild Guitars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jason Farrell 480.596.7130 [email protected]

CHARVEL® INTRODUCES NEW DESOLATION™ SERIES MODELS

New DST and DX guitars mark the return of classic Charvel Star and Soloist™ body styles in modern Desolation form

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 10, 2012) – Charvel is proud to announce the return of two classic body shapes, both in sleekly modern Desolation series form. New Desolation DST and DX guitars offer a variety of features and finishes prized by discerning players everywhere, and both deadly models deliver the devastating tone, killer looks and high-performance playability that separate the Desolation series from all others.

The DST-1 ST Star marks the return of Charvel’s classic Star body profile, with features including a neck-through body, maple neck, compound radius (12”-16”) rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and Charvel “shark tooth” inlays, EMG® 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) humbucking pickups with black bezels and three-way toggle switching, single domed metal volume control knob, stop-tailpiece bridge, locking tuners and black nickel hardware. Available in Black and Snow White gloss finishes with matching headstock; flame maple-top models also available with multi-ply binding (body, neck and headstock) in Trans Red, Trans Black and Trans Blue Smear gloss finishes with matching headstock. The tremolo- equipped DST-1 FR Star shares all the same formidable features and finish options, with the sole exceptions of having a Floyd Rose® locking tremolo and sealed die-cast tuners.

The DST-3 FR 1H Star also has a Star body, with features including a bolt-on maple neck with angled heel, 12”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and dot inlays, single humbucking pickup with black bezel, single domed metal volume control knob, Floyd Rose® locking tremolo, sealed die-cast tuners and black nickel hardware. Available in Black and Snow White gloss finishes.

The DX-1 ST Soloist has Charvel’s classic Soloist body profile, with features including a flame maple top (on trans finishes), multi-ply binding (body, neck and headstock; single-ply on Satin Black finish), neck- through body, maple neck with scalloped heel, scalloped upper horn, compound radius (12”-16”) rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and Charvel “shark tooth” inlays, EMG® 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) humbucking pickups with black bezels and three-way toggle switching, single domed metal volume control knob, “football” jack plate, adjustable string-through-body bridge, locking tuners and black nickel hardware. Available in Black, Satin Black, Snow White, Cherry Sunburst, Trans Black, Trans Red and Trans Blue Smear gloss finishes with matching headstock. The DX-1 FR Soloist shares many of the same features, again with the sole exceptions of having a Floyd Rose® locking tremolo and sealed die- cast tuners. For more information, go to www.charvelguitars.com.

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About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, and its name has become synonymous with all things rock ‘n’ roll. Iconic Fender® instruments such as the Telecaster®, Stratocaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars are known worldwide as the instruments that started the rock revolution, and they continue to be highly prized by today’s musicians and collectors. FMIC brands include Fender®, Squier®, Guild®, Tacoma®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, Charvel®, EVH®, SWR® and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit www.charvelguitars.com.