Washburn Guitars Will Launch Damen Idol at 2006 Summer NAMM in Austin.

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE, 2006 - Washburn Guitars is set to premier their newly designed "Damen Idol" guitar at this summer's NAMM show in Austin. The "Damen" (named after a street in Chicago) is Washburn's newest addition to the Idol Series.

"We chose to name the guitar after a part of Chicago that supports originality and diversity. Damen Avenue in Chicago's Wicker Park is notoriously known for its individuality. It's the hot spot for the finest alternative, pop and punk musicians; and a breeding ground for indie record labels' best talent." Said Vice President of Marketing, Kevin Lello.

The Damen Idol features a mahogany body, flame maple top, mahogany neck with cream binding, rosewood fingerboard, Seymour Duncan Custom Custom pickups in the bridge and a Seymour Duncan '59 in the neck, a Tone Pros Bridge and Tailpiece, Grover 18:1 tuners, 22 jumbo frets, 24 3/4" neck scale and the Buzz Feiten tuning system. The Damen Idol will be available in Tobacco Sunburst, Cognac, and Transparent Cherry. The Damen will include a deluxe hardshell case, and have a retail price of $2249.90.

Currently playing the Damen Idol are Aaron Dugan of Matisyahu, Joe Trohman from Fall Out Boy, Mike Kennerty from The All American Rejects, and Shaun Glass from Soil.

Washburn Guitars is owned by US Music Corp located just north of Chicago. US Music Corp. is a uniquely positioned, fully integrated musical instrument company that manufactures and markets instruments, accessories and audio equipment for professionals, aspiring professionals, collectors, hobbyists and beginner musicians. Also owned by US Music Corp are Parker Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Eden Amplifiers, SoundTech Professional Audio, Oscar Schmidt, Lyon Musical Instruments and Mojo Strings.

For more information on Washburn Guitars go to www.washburn.com.