---

Washburn Guitars Announce the Return of KISS Front Man Paul Stanley
Press Release
2006-08-08

---

Washburn Guitars announce today that they have rejoined forces with KISS’ Paul Stanley. Stanley and Washburn will be working together to design an extensive line of signature guitars and accessories. A preview of the guitars was given at this summer’s NAMM show in Austin Texas. The guitars are slated to ship in time for the holiday season. The Paul Stanley collection will include everything from entry level to U.S.A. built solid body and acoustic guitars along with a variety of music instrument accessories.

“Everyone at Washburn is excited to work with Paul again. The response from the music dealers at the summer NAMM show was outstanding” said Kevin Lello, Vice President of Marketing for U.S. Music, the parent company of Washburn Guitars. “Paul has inspired some truly unique and exciting designs that all musicians from around the globe will see as a must have for their collection.”

Paul Stanley commented on the partnership with Washburn. "I have watched Washburn and U.S. Music's accelerated growth and worldwide expansion over the past several years. Our re-teaming at this point will give musicians and consumers the kind of exciting designs and innovative approaches towards guitars and accessories that can only come from a great partnership of talents and experience." Stanley continued to enthuse, "We're determined to continue the philosophy that high quality and high price don't have to go hand in hand. If music is food for the soul, I want to feed the world!"

KISS is currently on a brief tour of Japan before coming back to the U.S. to play some dates in California. Paul is playing a Washburn guitar on the tour.

Washburn is now taking orders for the guitars from authorized Washburn dealers. Dealers should call (800)-877-6863 for more information.

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 Parker Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Eden Amplifiers, SoundTech Professional Audio, Oscar Schmidt, Lyon Musical Instruments and Mojo Strings.

For more information on Washburn Guitars go to www.washburn.com.