jhs & co. ltd. look forward to another successful … & co. ltd. look forward to another...

Press Release - for immediate publicationBooth 5279 Hall B

JHS & Co. Ltd. look forward to another successful NAMM Show

John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. (JHS) the worldwide trade distributors for their proprietary Fret-King™ electric and bass guitars, Vintage® and Encore® electric, acoustic and bass guitars and Pilgrim® Folk Instruments, are looking forward to a successful NAMM Show 2016.

Having secured representation in North America through Texas-based RBI Music back in June 2015, their Fret-King, Vintage and Encore guitar brands will all be on show in Hall B Booth 5279, along with a comprehensive range of the Paul Tebbut designed Pilgrim Folk Instruments range, including the brand new Morning Star series with their superb ‘tubaphone style’ tonerings.

Fret-King guitars will see the official launch of the new Black Label ‘JJ’ John Jorgensen Signature model, designed by Trev Wilkinson in conjunction with the former Hellecasters and session supremo. John’s model will join the ranks of Fret-King Signature models alongside former band mate Jerry Donahue, jazz supremo John Etheridge, Queensryche’s Parker Lundgren, former Michael Jackson guitarist Gregg Wright, Procul Harum’s Geoff Whitehorn and UK blues guitarists Danny Bryant and John Verity.

There will also be a select number of one-off Fret-King guitars pre-fitted with the groundbreaking Fishman Fluence pickup systems on display and ready to try.

The very popular Vintage electric guitar range has taken on 8 new models, including its very first seven-string the V7HTBB, an homage to the ‘80s rock guitars with the V624M which has been honoured to receive 5 star reviews from a number of UK guitar magazines. Finally, the V72, V6P and V6H models provide an elegant upgrade to some classic designs with flame tops and great pickup arrangements.

Vintage have also had their Dreadnought V501 acoustic and

Press Release - for immediate publicationVEC501 electro-acoustic models upgraded to include Graph Tech NuBone saddles, solid Sitka Spruce or Mahogany tops and Fishman Sonicore underside pickup and Isys+ USB onboard preamps on the electro-acoustic models.

Another addition to the growing range of Vintage Paul Brett designed acoustic guitars is the VTR800PB-USB Viator travel guitar with Fishman Sonitone USB pickup, making a superb blend of classic and modern design that is ideal for recording on the move.

Finally the JHS/RBI Music booth will feature daily demo’s at 2pm from German guitar virtuoso Thomas Blug demoing his Vintage V6MRTBG and V6MRHDX models through his amazing AMP1, so make sure you make time to visit and check out all these brand new guitars and much, much more!

Other new launches to look out for at NAMM 2016 will be from Fishman, Supro Amplification, Pigtronix, Danelectro, Hughes & Kettner, Snark and HK Audio, so visit their respective booths to check out the new products JHS will soon be distributing in the UK and Eire as exclusive territory representatives.

ENDS

Fret-King,Vintage, Encore and Pilgrim instruments are distributed worldwide by John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd.

www.jhs.co.uk

US Distributors (Fret-King,Vintage, Encore and Pilgrim)

RBI Music www.fretking-vintage.com [email protected] 800-424-4724

http://www.jhs.co.uk

http://www.fretking-vintage.com

mailto:[email protected]


Fret-King release John Jorgensen ‘JJ’ Artist guitar. Designed in conjunction with Trev Wilkinson the new Fret-King Black Label ‘JJ’ John Jorgenson Artist guitar is packed with a whole host of features.

A world-class musician and virtuoso guitarist who has collaborated with the likes of Elton John, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt and Bob Dylan, John Jorgenson’s fretboard fireworks on The Hellecasters albums alongside Jerry Donahue and Will Ray remain favourites of guitarists everywhere, and with such an eclectic mix of genres, John needs a versatile guitar that can slip seamlessly from one style to another. The Fret-King JJ’s unique chambered body with faux ‘F’ holes is made from American Alder, with a Canadian Maple neck matched to a Indian Rosewood fingerboard, a Wilkinson WTB fixed bridge provides solid anchoring to the guitar, providing unparalleld sustain and ultimate tone transfer due to its three self-intonating brass saddles and cold roll steel chrome plated bridge/pickup surround. A Wilkinson/JJ WVOBT bridge pickup matched to a WTN/JJ neck pickup are coupled with two auxiliary ‘ghost’ coils under the JJ’s unique pickguard. These are activated with a push-push switch on the tone control, and as per John’s request these switch between single coil tones associated with a guitar of this style and a true hum cancelling noise reduction with no perceptible change in sound or tonality. We believe this is the first time any company has achieved this and it is a feature that John has been pursuing for many years now, even soliciting the help of Leo Fender himself to try to achieve this groundbreaking setup.

Adding to this versatility is the ‘Vari-Coil™’ (activated by the 3rd control knob on the lower front bout) which dials in extra boost on the bridge pickup when John needs to ‘take it over the top’!

Press Release - for immediate publication "The very first time I met Trev back in the early 80s I liked him right away” says John. “He had all the knowledge and creativity regarding guitars without any of the superior attitude that seemed to always come along with that knowledge, especially in the guitar world. He always seemed to have already designed something that I had wanted and wondered if it was possible to make! Already having enjoyed a number of Trev's innovations over the years, it's an absolute treat to be able to collaborate on a guitar with him now. I'm really excited about what we are coming up with and think other players will be too!" "Anybody who knows John, (says Fret-King designer Trev Wilkinson) knows he is a guitarist’s guitarist as he commands so many styles and genres of music”. He continues "We’ve known each other for quite a few years now and I am always amazed at his imagination when it comes to designing his instruments. It’s what I like to call a friendly guitar, but is still unique in its own right - very much like John himself!"

Finished in the unmistakable two-tone Arcadia/Versailles Green with bound black and white faux “F” hole and reverse painted plexi-glass pickguard, it comes complete with a luxurious padded Fret-King bag.

The Black Label ‘JJ’ oozes classic style, holds its own in every playing situation and is an invaluable addition to any guitarist’s arsenal.

ENDS Distributed worldwide by John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd.

www.jhs.co.uk

US Distributors RBI Music www.fretking-vintage.com [email protected] 800-424-4724

Colour - Arcadia Green/Versailles Green Body - American Alder Binding - Front Neck - Maple Scratch Plate - Versailles Green Fingerboard - Rosewood Scale - 25.5”/648mm Frets - 22 Medium jumbo Nut Width - 43mm nominal Nut - Graphite Tuners - Wilkinson WJ455 Bridge - WTB Pickups - 1 x WTNa2 1 x WVOBT Controls - 1 x Volume 1 x Tone 1 with bridge pickup voicing option x Vari-Coil (Hum cancelling and standard x 3 way selector switch

Includes Luxury genuine Fret-King carry bag





Vintage Guitars add new V6M24 models to the electric range.

Designed with the needs of the modern player firmly in mind, the new V6M24 electric from Vintage is brimming with a host of features that can take you from the practice room to the world’s stages.

With an American alder body perfectly matched to a bolt-on maple neck and fingerboard, its 24 medium jumbo fretboard allows the player to comfortably access those high notes thanks to its contoured low-profile neck joint.

Like all Vintage electrics, it comes as standard with Trev Wilkinson designed hardware and pickup. The VS50IIK Vibrato system can take some serious abuse and yet still return to pitch time after time, thanks to the added inclusion of Wilkinson WJ07LH E-Z-Lok machine heads. Meanwhile, the Wilkinson WHHB double-coil pickups provide tight bottom end and crisp highs, perfect for a variety of genres.

Available in a choice of Daytona Yellow, Laguna Blue and Ventura Green finishes, with matching reverse headstock, the V6M24 plays, sounds and looks the business, and a it won’t put a dent in your wallet either!

ENDS

Distributed worldwide by John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd.

www.jhs.co.uk





Press Release - for immediate publication

V6M24DY Daytona Yellow

V6M24VG Ventura Green

V6M24LB Laguna Blue


Pilgrim launch new Morning Star banjo range. Pilgrim designer, luthier and celebrated musician Paul Tebbutt is no stranger to what makes a truly great banjo. With an extensive ‘reference library’ of vintage instruments Pauls latest quest for the Pilgrim brand has been to accurately reproduce the distinctive and elusive benchmark tone of the “Tubaphone” tone ring banjos of the 1920’s. “Many companies have attempted to replicate this iconic tonality,” explains Paul “and whilst the instruments might have looked the part, the tone rings used just didn’t sound anything like the original banjos! Back in the early eighties we developed a 'Tubaphone style’ tone ring with bell foundry in Leicester which were very highly regarded and came very close to the sound I was trying to achieve”. Fast forward to 2015 and the brand new Pilgrim Morning Star range features four distinct models that combine classic looks, with fine tone woods and premium hardware. Most importantly, utilising new technologies this new range features a uniquely dimensioned bell brass tubular section “Morning Star Tone Ring” developed by Paul to accurately recreate that much sought after clarity, projection and tonal purity. Available exclusively on Pilgrim Morning Star banjos this custom designed tone ring puts the Morning Star series firmly amidst the best banjos money can buy. All four models share the same Morning Star Tone ring and solid maple/flame maple facing shell, in a truly stunning design that is destined to become a future classic. The VPB1005 Five String Open Back Banjo has solid maple/flamed maple shell with ebony cap, with flamed maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The frosted Remo Weather King head works perfectly with the Pilgrim Morning Star Tone Ring, to produce a crystal-clear tone and remarkable sustain, authentically recreating the tone and playability of the most highly-sought instruments. Meanwhile, with all the same great woods, hardware, tone and playability, the VPB100LN Five String Long Necked Open Back Banjo is a truly professional long necked banjo, ideal for the player who prefers the flexibility of lower tunings, without losing the clarity of tone when playing more complicated pieces or higher up the neck. The VPB1004 Tenor Resonator Banjo combines wonderful tone and superb playability, in a four string banjo that has fantastic projection and instantly invokes those classic tones of yesteryear.

Press Release - for immediate publicationFinally the Morning Star VPB100RE Bluegrass Five String Resonator Banjo has all the drive and projection you will ever need with an integrity of tone that makes it stand out as something very special. Flamed maple resonator, combined with a solid maple/ flamed maple shell, flamed maple neck with ebony cap and the Pilgrim Morning Star tone ring all come together to make a truly professional, top-of-the-line banjo. “I am really proud of the Pilgrim range,” says designer Paul Tebbutt, “after several years of development from a standing start, we have created a world class range which has completely unique features and attributes, the quality and clarity of tone I’ve strived for, with the Morning Star range being the icing on the cake!”

ENDS


www.jhs.co.uk


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Vintage release REISSUED Series V72HFTB and V72FTB electrics.

Bringing a subtle blend of classic looks with modern specification to the Vintage electric range, the new V72 models set a new standard for playability and tone.

The REISSUED SeriesTM V72HFTB features a American alder chambered body matched to a one piece hard maple neck. Its modern Wilkinson designed bridge with through body stringing gives unparalleled sustain and superb tone, which is captured perfectly through the Wilkinson WHHB double coil pickups, with their tight low frequency response and crisp highs.

Utilising the same great woods and materials, the REISSUED SeriesTM V72FTB is fitted with a Wilkinson WDG mini double coil pickup at the neck postion, which provides great sustain with increased highs, and is matched to a Wilkinson Alnico V WVTB single coil bridge pickup. The cold rolled steel ‘ashtray’ base interacts perfectly with both the pickup and the intonated brass saddles, providing that all-important, authentic, classic tone.

Both guitars feature attractive, book matched flame maple veneer tops, Wilkinson WJ55 machine heads, 22 medium fret rosewood fingerboards and classic volume, tone, and three way switching.

ENDS


www.jhs.co.uk






V72HFTB

V72FTB


Vintage Paul Brett ‘Viator' gets USB upgrade.

Vintage® are pleased to announce the arrival of the Paul Brett Signature VTR800PB- USB Viator Travel Guitar.

Now presented in a stunning antiqued finish the VTR800PB-USB also benefits from the addition of a Fishman Sonitone USB pickup, making it easy to record direct to computer into your favourite DAW or other USB equipped device.

Also ideal for live performance with the Fishman Sonitone system accurately capturing the Viator’s unique tone and resonance, it's just one of the stunning models available in the Vintage Paul Brett Signature Series, used by a host of artists including Gordon Giltrap, Carrie Martin, Steve Tilston, Paul Miro and Fisherman’s Friend’s Billy Hawkins.

The new Viator has all the same great features as the original model such as a solid sitka spruce top, sapele back and sides, nato neck with rosewood fingerboard and eye catching maple/rosewood binding and rosette. In addition a Graphtech NuBone saddleand Grover open gear tuners contribute to superb tone and excellent tuning stability, and it comes complete with padded Viator travel bag.

ENDS

Distributed worldwide by John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. www.jhs.co.uk






Vintage 7 string set to B a winner. Vintage guitars are proud to announce the release of their very first 7 string model.

The V7HTBB has an Eastern Poplar body matched to a super strong Maple triple laminate neck, with through body stringing for awesome sustain, rock solid tuning and down tuned chunky riffing over the Wilkinson Tune-O-Matic bridge.

Two specially designed Wilkinson PHS7 double coil pickups have been matched and calibrated to capture every doom-laden riff, pinched harmonic and everything in-between.

An incredibly affordable addition to every guitar players arsenal the V7HTBB is finished in gloss black.

ENDS


www.jhs.co.uk






Vintage release acoustic and electro-acoustic ‘501’ guitars.

Revamping their classic ‘western’ guitar model across both acoustic and electro-acoustic ranges, with newly-designed construction and bracing patterns to give the bright, lively responsive sounds of much more expensive instruments, Vintage® are pleased to announce the release of the V501 and VEC501 Dreadnoughts.

Vintage V501 Acoustic Dreadnoughts - Boasting solid sitka spruce tops complemented by a mahogany back and sides for a full, rich, sound matched to easy-to-play mahogany necks with maple bound rosewood fingerboards, faithfully recreating that classic western guitar style, with authentic, crisp, tonal properties and superb projection.

The V501’s also benefit from the addition of a rosewood bridge with a Graph Tech NuBone saddle, and die-cast chrome machine heads for perfect intonation and accurate, solid tuning. Available in three satin finishes, Natural, Tobacco Sunburst, and Burgundy Burst, with an elegant herringbone/abalone sound hole rosette, the range is completed by an ever- popular solid mahogany top model (V501MH), in satin Mahogany finish.

Vintage VEC501 Electro-Acoustic Cutaway Dreadnoughts - Utilising the same tone woods and classic build as their acoustic counterparts, the VEC501 electro-acoustic models have a graceful lower bout cutaway to help reach the ‘dusty end’ of the fretboard and come loaded with a top-quality Fishman Sonicore undersaddle pickup and Isys + preamp with standard 1/4” jack and USB outputs, so you can connect directly to a computer or any USB compatible device.

As well as the usual volume, bass and treble controls, the Fishman Isys + preamp system has a built-in chromatic tuner, low battery indicator LED and phase button to instantly help compensate for any feedback or unbalanced tone due to phasing issues.

With the same great range of finishes available (including a solid mahogany top model), the VEC501 is the ideal instrument for anyone who needs a high specification electro acoustic dreadnought guitar, without breaking the bank.

ENDS


www.jhs.co.uk






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Vintage launch new V6P and V6H electric models.

New to the ever-popular Vintage® electric guitar range are four new models, utilising the same great build quality, high spec and remarkable value for money the Vintage brand has become synonymous with.

The V6H models feature an alder body with book matched flame maple veneer tops, hard maple necks with rosewood fingerboards and pearloid dot inlays.

The Wilkinson designed Alnico V WHS single coils in neck and centre positions are matched perfectly to a Wilkinson WHHB double coil at the bridge, providing added bite for that all-important solo, and bags of sustain thanks to its through-body stringing design and the rock-solid Wilkinson WVFS hardtail bridge. Finished in a gorgeous tobacco burst, with three ply white/black/white pearl scratch plate,The V6H is also available with the acclaimed Wilkinson WVC vibrato system.

Also joining the Vintage range are the V6P models which have all the same great features, but supplied in a flamed cherry burst and with the inclusion of three Wilkinson WP90SK stacked P90 style pickups, which provide bags of vintage tone with even more power. The VP6 also has a vibrato option, once more utilising the superb Wilkinson WVC system.

Without a doubt these versatile new V6 models are sure to become a hit with guitarists everywhere

ENDS


www.jhs.co.uk






V6HHFTB

V6HFTB

V6HPFCB

V6PFCB


Limited Edition Fret-King Guitars with Fishman Fluence Pickups.

On show at NAMM 2016 will be a selection of limited edition Fret-King guitars with Fishman’s Fluence Pickups systems.

Hand-built by Trev Wilkinson and his trusted luthier of many years Mike Smith, this very limited run of guitars will feature models from the Fret-King Green Label Series with the amazingly innovative Fishman Fluence systems installed.

As well as countering the problems associated with conventional pickups (such as the dreaded 60 cycle single-coil hum) Fluence also offer the player two distinct voicings, based on classic, iconic pickups of yesteryear. For example the single width model can go from classic single-coil sparkle, to an overwound ‘Texas’ tone via a push-pull switch on the tone pot. Meanwhile, the double width pickups can alternate between the classic PAF and high-gain modern tones.

Alongside the impressive Fret-King spec of American Alder bodies, Canadian Hard Rock Maple necks with either Indian Rosewood or Hard Rock Maple fingerboards, players will appreciate the inclusion of Trev Wilkinson designed hardware, all coming together to make a guitar that is so much more than the sum of its parts.

NAMM visitors can check the Fishman loaded Fret-King guitars out at JHS/RBI Music booth (Hall B 5279) and Fishman booth (Hall C 4340).

ENDS


www.jhs.co.uk


www.fishman.com




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