Thursday August 28th, 2003

Gibson introduces affordable Phil Leadbetter Signature Dobro^®

Gibson's Original Acoustic Instruments bluegrass division debuts the affordably priced Phil Leadbetter Signature Dobro^®. Leadbetter, a noted member of influential band J.D. Crowe and the New South for 10 years, now plays with contemporary bluegrass group Wildfire, and has a solo CD on the Rounder label, Philibuster.

"My new Gibson Signature Guitar has all the punch and volume that I look for in a guitar. It plays very easy and has the 'pop and sizzle' that lots of players are looking for," says Leadbetter. "The solid maple construction and custom design is just flat awesome. I am proud to own such a fine sounding and well-built guitar! "

The Phil Leadbetter Signature Dobro^® has a large body with a baffle and soundpost design and is constructed of solid flamed maple. It features a 10 -inch spider-bridge resonator, beveled square neck, ebony tuners, and nickel hardware, and comes in a sunburst finish with the artist signature inlaid at the 12th fret.

All Gibson Dobro^® resonator guitars are made at The Gibson Bluegrass Showcase in the Opry Mills retail complex, located near the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The 30,000-square-foot facility houses a live performance venue, a retail store with instruments and Gibson wear, a restaurant and the headquarters of Gibson's Original Acoustic Instruments division, where visitors can watch skilled craftsmen at work handmaking Gibson mandolins and banjos as well.