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Epiphone Releases Limited Edition Roy Orbison 12-String

Epiphone Releases Limited Edition Roy Orbison 12-String

One of the Most Recognizable Rock-n-Roll Guitar Riffs Remains Iconic with the Release of This Classic “Oh Pretty Woman” Inspired Model

Nashville, TN (November 13, 2009) -- Epiphone Guitar announced the release of the Limited Edition Roy Orbison 12-String Signature Acoustic model. Produced in cooperation with the legendary singer/songwriter Roy Orbison's estate, the model is based upon Roy’s own 1962 Epiphone “Bard” 12-string acoustic guitar. Orbison used his original Epiphone acoustic to write and perform many of his most well-known songs including perhaps his biggest hit, “Oh, Pretty Woman.”

“As a young, brilliant guitar player growing up in West Texas, Roy would have never dreamt that he would one day have his own Epiphone signature guitar named after him. Roy wrote ‘Oh Pretty Woman’ on his Epiphone 12-string acoustic which has remained iconic to this day. I hope the next generation of artists will feel inspired to write another great rock-n-roll song thanks to this amazing limited edition tribute to Roy,” said Barbara Orbison, Roy’s wife.

The Epiphone Roy Orbison 12-string is a faithful reproduction of the 1962 Bard with a solid spruce top and hand scalloped bracing. It also features a solid mahogany back, a rosewood 12-string bridge and vintage tuners. As an added touch of authenticity, Epiphone has added the replica of the original blue rectangular sound hole label used during the famous Kalamazoo, MI years. For this limited edition release, the back of the guitar’s headstock includes a replica of Roy Orbison’s signature and the notation for the first measure of the famous song’s introduction riff. Also included is a hard case with Roy’s signature and “sunglass” icon on it, a certificate of authenticity hand signed by Barbara Orbison and Roy’s son Roy Orbison Jr., a black and white photo of Roy with his original Epiphone Bard 12-string, a sunglass lapel pin and a copy of the “Oh Pretty Woman” sheet music. The certificate and photo come in a leatherette presentation binder. The offering of this Limited Edition model gives fans of Epiphone and Roy Orbison an unprecedented opportunity to own a classic, vintage vibe 12 string and a piece of one of the most famous and iconic American singer/songwriters of our time.

In celebration of the launch of the Epiphone Limited Edition Roy Orbison 12-String Acoustic, the guitar maker will be launching worldwide promotions throughout the month of November including the search for the ultimate “Pretty Woman,” and giveaways of Roy Orbison’s signature sunglasses in-store and in-market tied to media promotions and special musical star appearances. From New York to Nashville and from Mumbai to Singapore, Orbison fans will have a chance to celebrate and be part of the famous “Oh Pretty Woman” hit during the month long promotional campaign. For more information on all of the promotional programs go to gibson.com or epiphone.com. Check your local dealers for a chance to take part in a special one-day Roy Orbison event in-store where fans will have a chance to demonstrate their musical talents on the Roy Orbison model and have a chance to win special prizes.

For more information:
Epiphone