Gibson and Playboy create Playmate, limited edition guitars

Two of America's most recognized brands, Gibson and Playboy, have joined forces for the first of a series of customized limited edition guitars, announced Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz and Helen Isaacson, President of Product Marketing for Playboy Enterprises.

Featuring a sexy blend of traditional Gibson craftsmanship and materials, the first model, the Millennial Playmate 2000 commemorates the first of Playboy's "Playmates For The New Century," Carol and Darla Bernaola. Each guitar is adorned with the trademark Rabbit Head logo in pearl on the headstock and hand-inlaid pearl around the entire body. It also comes with a set of commemorative accessories only available with this guitar, including a certificate of authenticity, and a set of strings emblazoned with the Rabbit Head logo and photos of the playmates. The instrument will be manufactured by the celebrated Gibson Custom Shop.

The very limited edition of fifty Millennial Playmate 2000 instruments will be made available to collectors worldwide this June at a suggested retail price of $7,000.00 each.

"Both Playboy and Gibson are a symbol of the good life and both represent luxury brands in entertainment," says Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. "These guitars not only look and sound great, but they represent a quality investment as well."

"Playboy is the ultimate lifestyle brand," says Helen Isaacson, President of Product Marketing. "Our union with Gibson celebrates that in a unique and undoubtedly American way. It's a brilliant marriage of sophisticated living and rock star fantasy."

The base model is a Les Paul Standard with a trans black flame maple top, pearl binding around the body (back and front), pearl inlay around the headstock (back and front) and an acrylic pearl inlay of the playboy "rabbit head" logo. The fingerboard (ebony) is inlaid with "Playboy" and the rythm/treble toggle is surrounded by a hand cut sterling silver rabbit head.

Targeted to become a collectible piece of lasting value, the Gibson Millennial Playmate 2000 guitar will be offered through Gibson Dealers worldwide as well as on www.playboystore.com. Future projects between Gibson Guitar and Playboy Enterprises include co-sponsored music events as well as a series of additional designs inspired by Playboy's rich and colorful history as an American lifestyle symbol.

More limited edition guitars in the Playboy series will be announced soon.

Call 1-800-4GIBSON for more information.