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Friday July 20th, 2001
Guitar heroes rule at Gibson Custom Shop gala
The Gibson Custom, Art and Historic division hosted legendary Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts last night at an exclusive party celebrating the release of Betts' new solo album, Let's Get Together (July 31). Special guests included renowned country blues slide guitarist Lee Roy Parnell, the eclectic Andy Summers, (The Police) and jazz guitar pioneer Pat Martino.
At the party, the Gibson Custom Shop debuted the limited edition, Gibson Dickey Betts Ultra Aged 1957 Les Paul Gold Top. The guitar is a replica of Betts' personal instrument right down to the years of play and wear. The instrument is the first of the Custom Shop's new Artist Authentic models which includes with an Andy Summers 1960 Aged Reissue ES 335. The Dickey Betts Ultra Aged 1957 Goldtop comes with a Certificate of Authenticity hand signed by Dickey Betts, a faux alligator hard shell case and a replica Dickey Betts strap.
Betts and Martino jammed with Parnell and his band after dinner was served at the factory. The guitar icons enhralled the audience of Gibson Custom Fantasy Campers, Gibson Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz and President Dave Berryman, Custom Shop luthiers and staff, and a bevy of journalists and photographers in Nashville for Summer NAMM.
Rick, Dickey, Henry and Lee Roy "We were in guitar heaven last night," said Custom Shop General Manager Rick Gembar. "These artists and their music inspire the Custom Shop to strive for excellence. This is why we do it."
Betts was a founding member of the Allman Brothers. Let's Get Together is Betts' first solo effort since his departure from the band last summer. Known as one of the most influential guitar players of all time, Betts mastered a seamless style of lyrical melody and rhythm -- marrying country, jazz, blues, and rock into one unparalleled sound. While Betts devoted his life to writing, recording, and touring as a member of the Allman Brothers Band, he also released several critically-acclaimed solo projects over the years to express his vast musical genius. Though separated from the Allman Brothers Band, he was eager to return to the music -- forming the Dickey Betts Band, recording Let's Get Together and making plans to head back out on the road. Betts is currently on tour throughout the summer. Let's Get Together will be released later this summer, through Betts' own label, Back Alley Records, in conjunction with FreeFalls Entertainment.
The Dickey BettsUltra Aged '57 Goldtop will be available at authorized Gibson Custom, Art & Historic dealers around the world.
At Gibson's Custom's, Art & Historic Division a select group of artisans carry on the company's century old tradition of creating exquisite, investment-quality instruments. These guitars boldly reflect the highest standards of imaginative design and masterful craftsmanship.
Gibson, founded in 1894, continues to be one of the most highly respected names in the musical instrument world. Gibson brand guitars are fully created and assembled in the U.S. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Gibson Musical Instruments currently encompasses a large family of companies that make and sell the world's finest guitars, basses, banjos, mandolins, drums, keyboards, amplifiers, strings and accessories.
Welcome to the Custom Shop Partygoers check out Custom treasures Custom's Mike McGuire mans the grill Lee Roy Parnell playing his '57 Goldtop Dickey leads rendition of Allman's "Jessica" Pat Martino joins Lee Roy and Dickey on stage Custom Direct Fantasy camper Bob Singer wins a '56 Les Paul Reissue
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