For Immediate Release

CHICAGO, IL—JUNE 10th, 2005 —Bob Capel, guitar product manager for Sam Ash Music visited the Washburn factory for a sneak preview of the new Pilsen Idols that will be available in Sam Ash stores after this summer’s NAMM show in Indianapolis. The Pilsen Idol was recently deemed the “Working Class Hero with Amazing Playability” by Guitar World magazine. “This guitar is a real butt kicker. The price point makes it a real value for working musicians that are looking for a U.S.A made guitar under $1,000– it fills a void in our product mix.” Said Mr. Capel.

U.S. Music VP of Sales, Bill Abel, Washburn USA Production Manager, Gil Vasquez,
Sam Ash Guitar Product Manager, Bob Capel, and East Coast DSM, Randy Shamber in the Washburn USA Custom Shop.

The “Pilsen” (named after a neighborhood in Chicago) is Washburn’s best value produced in the USA production facility. “This guitar features our popular Idol shape with a thicker body and heavier weight for those that want a guitar with more bottom end and endless sustain.” said Gil Vasquez – head of Washburn’s USA production facility.

The new Pilsen Idol features a 2” thick, mahogany body with carved top, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, Seymour Duncan Custom Custom pickup in the bridge and a ’59 in the neck, Tone Pros bridge, Grover 18:1 tuners, 22 jumbo frets, 24 3/4” neck scale and the Buzz Feiten tuning system. The guitar weighs ~8.5 lbs.

“We chose to name the guitar after a Chicago neighborhood that best describes the values and roots of Washburn. Pilsen is a historic community of hard-working Chicagoans. Located just south of the historic blues mecca of Maxwell Street, the neighborhood has recently seen an influx of emerging fine artists. It’s the perfect combination to describe Washburn’s personality.” said Kevin Lello, Director of Marketing for Washburn Guitars.

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 Washburn Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Eden Amplifiers, Sound Tech Professional Audio, Oscar Schmidt, Lyon Musical Instruments and Vinci Strings.