Epiphone and Nick Valensi introduce “greatest guitar never made”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…Nashville, Tennessee., December 30, 2004… Nick Valensi, lead guitarist for the Strokes, used to call his customized 1960s Epiphone Riviera “the greatest instrument never made,” but he can’t say that any more. Epiphone has introduced a Nick Valensi signature model based on the guitar that provides the signature sound for the critically acclaimed New York band.

The Epiphone Elitist Nick Valensi Riviera P-94 is part of the prestigious Elitist line of vintage-inspired Epiphones, and the classic semi-hollowbody model is fitted just like Valensi’s, with P-94 pickups. The patented P-94 is a unique combination that provides the best of both worlds – the classic single-coil sound of a Gibson P-90 sound in a traditional humbucker-size housing. The P-94 uses the same enamel-coated vintage wire and Alnico-V magnets as the P-90 and comes in calibrated neck and bridge models for balanced output. The P-94 has higher output and sustaining qualities than traditional single-coil pickups, giving it plenty of bite when needed, with enough responsiveness to allow subtle nuances for enhanced dynamics. The Velensi Riviera is available with Antique Natural or Vintage Sunburst finish.

Epiphone fretted instruments, amplifiers, strings and accessories are known worldwide for offering the best combination of quality and value. One of Gibson’s most formidable competitors through the first half of the 20th century, Epiphone was acquired by Gibson in 1957. Headquartered in Nashville, Epiphone is part of the Gibson family of brands that includes Dobro, Valley Arts, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Slingerland, Maestro, Baldwin, Hamilton, Chickering and Wurlitzer.

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Jim Rosenberg, 831 469-4955, jim.rosenberg@gibson.com

Walter Carter, 615-871-4500, walter.carter@gibson.com