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Hohner's "The Artist" Model Recalls Prince

An updated reissue of the HG490 of the late 1970s coming in spring

Glen Allen, VA (January 7, 2007) - Hohner has announced the introduction of a new model to their line of electric guitars, the HTA490 "The Artist."

“We’ve made a few improvements to the electronics, and some very minor cosmetic changes to differentiate the new model,” said Rick Gagliano, fretted division Product Manager. “This instrument echoes all of the classic tonalities made famous on recordings since the early eighties." The guitar features a soft rock maple body, flame maple top in Honey Amber finish with a compound radius maple neck and maple fretboard. It is accented with "Tortise Shell" pickguard, bridge guard and headstock overlay and chrome hardware. The guitar has a string-through-body design, a Strat-style bridge with individual adjustable saddles, Tesla VR-1 Single Coil Alnico pickups at the bridge and neck and Wilkinson "mini" style 18:1 high ratio tuners. MSRP $1049.99 Hohner will also offer a higher-end model of the guitar called The Artist Elite that is handbuilt in the Czech Republic by Hans Waldermeir. The Elite features a swamp ash body, one-piece maple neck/fretboard and handwound Häussel pickups. MSRP $2499.99

"This instrument represents the culmination of a close association between Hohner and the specific guitar techs who are very familiar with the original version," said Scott Emmerman, Hohner''s Director of Marketing , "The “Artist” model is a solid representation of the classic instrument from Hohner’s past. Hohner is pleased to bring it to market, allowing fans all over to have their own piece of rock history. ”

The HTA490 is expected to ship in March 2008, and will include a molded carbon fiber hardshell case with plush royal purple lining.
For more information:
Hohner USA