(Las Vegas, NV - January 8, 2006) The Gibson Custom Shop announced today the launch of the Inspired By series limited-edition collection of guitars, inspired by and built to the exact specifications of some of the most innovative guitarists of all time.

Unveiled for the first time to the general public at CES 2006 will be the mythical Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic Flying V. Purchased in 1967 and used on tour in Europe during 1967 and 1968, the guitar-with its swirling, psychedelic designs-highlights the spirit of the times and showcases Jimi's unique artistic expression. Meticulously recreating Jimi's guitar has been a labor of love for the Gibson Custom Shop. Originally painted by Hendrix with what appears to be nail polish, the Custom Shop has used materials which reproduce the same sense of depth and texture. The materials and hardware are faithful reproductions of the original. The Inspired By guitars are all handmade instruments crafted by Gibson's famous Custom Shop, featuring one-of-a-kind looks, style, and tone.

The Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic Flying V will be on display throughout CES at Gibson Guitar Booth CP1 (Central Plaza 1) outside the main entrance. In addition to the guitar, guests will have a chance to view rare Hendrix memorabilia on loan from Experience Music Project.

The INSPIRED BY Series
Every guitar has a story to tell ... but these guitars are special

The Inspired By series is a limited-edition collection of guitars inspired by and built to the exact specifications of some of the most innovative guitarists of all time. The result? Hand-made instruments crafted at Gibson's famed Custom Shop, featuring one-of-a-kind looks, style, and tone. The incredible guitars of the Inspired By series will cross every generation and genre of music. So please check back for the latest updates on the artists and instruments of this groundbreaking series.

Jimi Hendrix's Psychedelic Flying V

Jimi Hendrix's hand-painted 1967 Flying V is a mythical instrument. Purchased in 1967 and used on tour in Europe during 1967 and 1968, the guitar-with its swirling psychedelic designs-highlights the spirit of the times and showcases Jimi's unique artistic expression. The entire instrument emanates a feeling of warmth and love.

Meticulously recreating Jimi's guitar has been a labor of love for us as well. Originally painted with what appears to be nail polish, we have used materials which reproduce the same sense of depth and texture. But this is a Gibson Custom guitar, so the materials and hardware are faithful reproductions of the original. The result is an instrument with unsurpassed playability and classic tone. The Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic Flying V is an original work of art that you can beautifully display or proudly play. Come feel the love.

Specifications

Body & Hardware: Solid mahogany body, Chrome hardware. Late 60's ABR-1 bridge, Maestro tailpiece.

Neck & Headstock: 1-piece mahogany neck, 22 fret rosewood fingerboard, Pearloid dot inlays, Rounded neck profile. 24 3/4" scale length, 1 9/16" nut width, Double band vintage tulip tuners

Electronics & Strings: '57 Classic pickups, 2 volume, 1 tone, 3-way selector switch, Vintage Reissue .010 strings

A Letter From the Artist: Bruce Kunkel

In brainstorming sessions with the folks at the Custom Shop, we tried to imagine the conditions under which Hendrix created this artwork. He was probably on the road, using whatever was at hand for paint. It could have been poster paint, nail polish, acrylics, or hobby enamels. We will never know.

It was done quickly and with confidence - a direct, immediate expression of what he was feeling at the moment. I remember thinking that if someone handed me a guitar to paint I would never have come up with the images that Jimi painted. They were totally personal and came directly from his spirit: hearts, flowers, leaves, kissing lips, and of course, "love drops."

There's no question that you can feel Jimi's personal expression in the work. When he played this guitar, it must have dropped jaws twice - sonically and visually!

Bruce Kunkel
December, 2005

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