ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT
MinETune Press Release
For immediate release
Gibson Min-ETune™ Tunes Guitars Automatically with Speed and Accuracy
Frankfurt Musikmesse, April 9, 2013—Gibson’s Min-ETune™ is a novel, compact “robot tuning” system that lets guitarists
spend more time playing and less time tuning.
The battery-powered Min-ETune (80 to 100 tunings per charge) mounts unobtrusively on the back of a guitar’s headstock, and is
invisible from the front. Simply choose from 12 popular tunings or six user-programmable custom tunings, push a button, and
strum—within seconds, the guitar is tuned. (Min-ETune-equipped guitars can also be tuned manually.) Ambient noise levels
don’t matter; Min-ETune senses string tension, and is immune to loud bandmates.
A Min-ETune-equipped guitar looks the same, feels the same, and plays the same as a standard guitar. Most importantly, it
sounds the same: Other tuning systems digitally synthesize the sound of a tuned string, but Min-ETune physically turns the
tuners to retain the pure string sound—with no latency, change in tone, or limitations to sustain. What you play is what you
hear.
In the studio, robot tuning saves time, and avoids having to redo parts due to tuning issues. Live, audiences no longer have to
endure lengthy tunings, and alternate tunings become a practical reality—no need for multiple guitars. Min-ETune is applicable
to guitarists of all levels, from professionals for whom time is money, to beginners who want to spend their time playing instead
of tuning.
Min-ETune is currently available for eleven popular Les Paul and SG guitars styles, from traditional to Future Tribute models.
For more information on Min-ETune in eight languages, please visit http://www2.gibson.com/Products/min-etune.aspx
While long associated for creating iconic guitars, the Gibson family of brands
now includes such tech giants as Onkyo, Stanton, Cerwin Vega!, KRK and
most recently TEAC, as well as Baldwin Pianos, Slingerland Drums, Epiphone
Guitars, and many others. Featured at this year’s Musikmesse, is Gibson’s
innovative MinETune™ auto-tuning system which is being hailed by
professionals as a game-changing hi-tech wonder that tunes your guitar in
seconds and eliminates the need to switch guitars during a performance to
get a different sound by switching to alternate tunings.
Facebook.com/GibsonGuitar
@GibsonGuitar
Join us at the Gibson booth (Hall 4.1 Aisle F67) to discover where technology, sound and lifestyle
unite! You’ll see demonstrations of the new hi-tech wonder MinETune™ the new auto tune system
that tunes your guitar so you don’t have to. There will be appearances by well-known artists such as
Rudolf Schenker who will be signing his new signature guitar, The Brew, a blues rock bank from the
UK, German singer and song writer Finn Martin, Nick Howard, winner of the German version of the
television show, The Voice, Kuddel of the German punk band Die Toten Hosen, the Berlin Indy rap
band, The Love Buelow and Matt Heafy, an Epiphone artist.
2013 been designated as the year of Les Paul, the avid inventor, expert player, creative sound
engineer, and long-time partner of Gibson Guitars. Be a part of music history as we showcase the
entire Les Paul collection. Also on tap – the launch of the limited-edition Joe Perry of Aerosmith
signature model which was also used by Slash of Guns and Roses.
Throughout the show, guests will have the chance to win our legacy Gibson guitars along with other
prizes and giveaways. We look forward to seeing you! Thank you in advance for taking the time to
stop by and celebrate our past, present and very exciting future. If you would like to schedule an
interview please contact Fred Yager at fred.yager@gibson.com.
See you soon!
The revolutionary MinETUNE will be on display and the world’s heaviest metal band perform
Frankfurt, Germany – Gibson and its family of brands returns to the spotlight at the annual Musikmesse, April
9-13th 2013 with a spectacular performance by the newest Gibson artist Compressorhead, the world’s heavist
metal band.
Long celebrated for creating iconic guitars, the ever-growing Gibson family of brands will be on display at the
Gibson booth (Hall 4.1, aisle F67), showcasing both vintage and evolutionary musical instruments as well as
our new MinETune self-tuning mechanism that tunes your guitar so you have more time to play.
Legacy favorites continue to be the essence of Gibson, and 2013 will celebrate the anniversary of Les Paul—
showcasing the traditional models as well as custom, studio and Collector’s Choice models that have become a
symbol of Rock ‘N Roll in its purest form. Other models being unveiled include the Joe Perry 1959 Les Paul,
which was also a favorite of Guns and Roses guitarist Slash.
Artist Appearances
Thursday : The Brew (blues rock band from
UK)
Friday & Saturday: Finn Martin (German
singer/songwriter)
Saturday: Nick Howard (UK
singer/songwriter and winner of the German
The Voice)
Saturday: Matt Heafy (Trivium) Epiphone
signature artist
Saturday : Kuddel (Die Toten Hosen)
Saturday: The Love Buelow
Gibson introduces the Min-ETune, a tuning
system for everyone.
Spend less time tuning and more time rocking
— your world will sound better. Play with MinETune’s possibilities and tune in to your
creativity. Gibson’s innovative Min-ETune is
available on a wide range of guitars so you can
find one that is just right for you.
Still A Classic Gibson!
Min-ETune is a small compact battery powered tuning unit attached to the back of the guitar —a mighty
enhancement to an already great instrument. No need for screws, wiring or routing. In fact, the system is
hardly visible from the front of the guitar. You can adjust the tuning pegs manually or turn on the MinETune to choose from 12 popular tunings or program 6 of your own.
Always In Tune!
A guitar with Min-ETune looks the same, feels the same, plays the
same and rocks the same — it’s just always in tune. Perfect for
home, studio and gigging — it even adjusts your guitar's tunings to
match other instruments' with the reference tuning feature. Rock
longer with the fast and accurate Min-ETune, quickly tuning your
guitar 80 to 100 times on one charge.
In Perfect Harmony!
Digital tuners that emulate open tunings are available, BUT because the Min-ETune
physically turns the tuners, the system is always natural. There is no delay, no
dampening and no dead sound — just the natural vibration of guitar strings in total
harmony with the amp producing ringing harmonics and powerful sustain.
Connect With Your Rockability!
Min-ETune is available for the guitar you want and style of music you
choose to play. In the mood for some retro rockabilly? Get the Les Paul
‘50s Tribute with Min-ETune. Digging the quintessential Les Paul but
prefer a slim neck? Get rocking with the Les Paul ‘60s Tribute with MinETune. Want to get heavy? Try the SG ‘70s Tribute with Dirty Fingers and
Min-ETune. Looking for edgy and modern? You will love the playability
and speed of the Future Tribute. No matter what your taste, one thing is
for sure — the 2013 Gibsons with Min-ETune will up your coolness on
every tune.
In the Studio
When laying down tracks, everything must be perfectly in tune — especially
when dealing with punch ins/outs and recording loops. With a normal tuning
system, it takes a considerable amount of time to maintain this threshold of
accuracy. With Min-ETune you stay perfectly in tune, so you can make better use
of your time and capture that next big hit.
On Stage
Does your setlist consist of pop songs in E Standard, grunge songs in Drop D, an alt
metal song in D Standard, and a blues song in open G with bottle slide? There is no
need to drag along 4 guitars to the gig with Min-ETune. Quickly switch tunings
between songs with just a few strums. And it doesn’t matter how loud your
bandmates are, Min-ETune automatically adjusts by sensing the tension of the
strings, and dials in to perfect tune with an isolated piezo pickup that is immune to
outside noise.
When Writing
Sometimes songwriting happens right where the inspiration hits you —
in the back of a tour bus, on the balcony of your city apartment or
around a campfire. With Min-ETune, changing the tuning is easy, and
almost instantly a single guitar opens up the entire world of musical
expression. So when the muse strikes and you create that unique song,
save the tuning in the programmable bank of the system for safe
keeping.
Take the famed Onkyo sound on the road with ES-HF300 and ES-FC300 OnEar Headphones. Your passion for music is reflected in the aluminum driver
housing, its shape referencing the volume control on our iconic audio
components. The single-arm design creates a clean, elegant profile
accentuated with brushed and burnished aluminum. Soft leatherette
earpads and headband make for comfortable listening, but that's just the
beginning: two 40 mm (1 9/16˝) titanium drivers, bass reflex sub-chambers,
and rigid construction combine to present a wonderfully clear stereo image.
These headphones handle everything from Mendelssohn to metal, with
deep-reaching bass and a detailed mid-range-testament to the long hours
spent tuning the drivers to perfection. The flat elastomer cable design of the
ES-FC300 resists knots and tangles while the ES-HF300 include an
audiophile-grade copper cable, which provides almost perfect conductivity
for superior sound quality. Protected by transparent elastomer to insulate
against touch noise, the one-piece cable has gold-plated connections and is
the perfect length for travel. Details such as the flat-folding design and
detachable cable make it easier to enjoy component-quality audio
The Gibson family of premium brands encompasses pro
audio, sound reinforcement, consumer electronics, DJ
gear, and of course, America’s most iconic guitars.
Known for both quality and innovation, Gibson’s classic
guitars such as the Les Paul, ES-335, Firebird, and Flying
V have powered countless rock, blues, country, and jazz
recordings—and are endorsed by an artist roster that’s a
veritable who’s who of the music world. Gibson has also
pioneered technologies such as automated tuning,
wireless control for musicians, the Magic specification for
digital audio/data transmission, and more.
Headquartered in Nashville, TN, Gibson will celebrate its
120th anniversary in 2014. For more information, please
visit www.gibson.com.
Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar Corp., grew up in Rochester, NY.
With a passion for music and superior academic skills, he enrolled at the General Motors
Institute in Flint, MI, a five year co-op engineering college. Sponsored by GM's Delco
division, he gained experience in a variety of different jobs at Delco's 6,000-employee
electronic components plant in Rochester. Putting his musical skills to work, he worked
his way through school playing guitar - a Gibson, of course - in various rock bands
playing for parties and weddings. After graduating with honors, he worked at Delco
Products for two years as product manager while studying for an MBA in night school at
the University of Rochester. He completed his MBA at Harvard University on a General
Motors Fellowship.
Juszkiewicz then joined the New York firm of Neiderhoffer, Cross and Zeckhauser, Inc., a
pioneer in the area of middle-market deals, where he rose to the position of executive
vice president of mergers and acquisitions. He left the firm in 1981 and, with two former
Harvard classmates (David Berryman and Gary Zebrowski), acquired Phi Technologies of
Oklahoma City. Within one month he turned the struggling technology firm into a highly
profitable company.
In 1986, Juszkiewicz and his partners acquired the faltering Gibson guitar operation from
the Norlin corporation. Juszkiewicz's aggressive management style again effected an
immediate turnaround, and Gibson became profitable within a month's time. With
creative and innovative marketing tactics he concentrated on the consumer rather than
the retailer - a reflection of his personal experience as a guitar player. Refocusing the
company on achieving the highest possible standards of quality and customer service,
he drove Gibson from the brink of closing to a company that has regained worldwide
respect with annual average growth of 20 percent over the last decade.
Juszkiewicz is a committed supporter of The Rainforest Alliance and conservation. A member of the Society of International Business
Fellows and others, Juszkiewicz continues his commitment to a better world through his active participation in organizations such as
Nordoff-Robbins, which provides music therapy for severely handicapped children, to the T.J. Martell Fund for Leukemia Research, The
Environmental Defense Fund, Teenage Cancer Trust and leads numerous philanthropic endeavors
under the Gibson Foundation banner. He is a board member of the Country Music Hall of Fame,
a board member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, a board member of the
Rainforest Alliance and a board member of the We Are Family Foundation. He is a co-founder
of Music Rising, a campaign to help aid musicians, schools and churches of the Gulf Coast and is
active in the Clinton Global Initiative and numerous environmental causes. He is the recipient of
numerous awards, honors and extensive media coverage.
Juszkiewicz began fulfilling his vision of Gibson as a full-line, global musical instrument company
by acquiring other instrument companies, establishing a Gibson-owned European distribution
center with joint-venture distributors, and acquiring manufacturing facilities in China. He
dedicated a standalone division to R&D, resulting in the introduction of the worlds first digital
guitar, the HD.6X Pro and most recently, the Gibson Robot Guitar, both which represent the
biggest advance in guitar technology since the invention of the electric guitar over 70 years ago.
He continues to expand the company worldwide with new consumer electronics accessories,
the acquisition of the Wurlitzer Jukebox company and several other facilities in China.
Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted
instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Founded in 1894 in
Kalamazoo, Michigan, and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.s family of brands now includes Epiphone,
Dobro, Maestro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Maestro, Oberheim, Sunshine Piano
Take Anywhere Technology, Baldwin, J&C Fischer, Chickering, Hamilton, and Wurlitzer.
Henry Juszkiewicz resides with his wife and children in Nashville.
David Berryman is president of Gibson Guitar Corp., parent company of an entire family of
world-renowned musical instrument brands, including Gibson guitars, banjos and mandolins,
Epiphone fretted instruments, Dobro® resonator guitars and Baldwin pianos.
Dave has had oversight of the Gibson Foundation since 2008, is a member of the Board of
Directors of the Gibson Foundation, is on the Executive Board of TJ Martell Foundation /
Nashville, Chairman of the International Business Council of the Nashville Chamber of
Commerce and a member of the District Export Council of the US Dept. of Commerce.
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Berryman studied finance and accounting at Boston
College, graduating in 1974. After three years as a CPA for Price Waterhouse & Co., he earned
an MBA from Harvard. In 1981 he teamed up with former Harvard classmates Henry
Juszkiewicz
and Gary Zebrowski to acquire Phi Technologies of Oklahoma City. They turned the struggling
technology firm into a highly profitable company in their first month of ownership. Seeking high
growth through acquisitions, they acquired Gibson and Epiphone (which had been the fretted instrument division of Norlin
Industries) in 1986. One of the most-respected names in the fretted instrument world since 1894, Gibson’s reputation had
fallen in the 1970s. With Berryman as president and Juskiewicz as chairman, the new owners immediately restored Gibson’s
prestige and profitability.
Since 1992, Berryman has also headed Gibson’s Epiphone division, which encompasses all of the company’s import activity.
Under Berryman’s leadership, Epiphone instruments became the most highly respected import brand, earning a reputation
for the best combination of quality and value. By 1999, with Epiphone firmly established with its own identity and artist base
separate from Gibson, Berryman expanded Gibson’s import business by implementing an internet-only sales arm, MusicYo,
to deal in a variety of brands, including Kramer, Steinberger and Maestro. In 2002, Berryman secured greater control of
Epiphone’s manufacturing sources through Gibson’s pioneering acquisition of an instrument factory in Qingdao, China. The
division further expanded in 2004 with the addition of Baldwin Piano’s import brands, Wurlitzer and Hamilton, and once
again a reliable supply of instruments was secured by a partnership with a Chinese manufacturer.
Through Dave Berryman’s efforts, Gibson’s Epiphone division has grown from an obscure line of import
products to become a worldwide force in the musical instrument inudstry and a vital part of Gibson Guitar
Corp.’s continued growth.
Cerwin-Vega! Inc. is a leader in the design, manufacture, and
distribution of loudspeakers for the home and professional audio
markets. Designed in the pursuit of dynamic, accurate sound
reproduction since 1954, Cerwin-Vega! products are distributed
throughout the world via a network of distributors and dealers in
more than 75 countries.
facebook.com/CerwinVegaLoudSpeakers
@CerwinVegaHome @CerwinVegaPro
KRK Systems is a leading provider of accurate and reliable monitors and control room
solutions. Founded in 1986, KRK has remained true to its mission of providing and
developing products that meet the needs of its customers. During that time, KRK's studio
monitors, subwoofers, headphones and accessories have become synonymous with
quality design and unparalleled performance. With a wide range of monitoring systems,
available in multiple sizes and configurations, KRK offers products that meet the diverse
needs of professionals and audio enthusiasts across the globe.
facebook.com/KRKSystems
@KRKSYS
Stanton is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of
professional audio products for DJs. Founded in 1946 by Walter O.
Stanton, the inventor of an easily replaceable phonograph stylus, Stanton
Magnetics has grown from being one of the first American companies to
make and sell magnetic cartridges to offering a complete line of DJ
products, which include turntables, high-performance cartridges, CD
players, DJ mixers, accessories and digital controllers.
facebook.com/StantonDJ
@StantonDJ4LF
Les Paul, a true legend of popular music, had one of the most successful and diverse careers in the history of entertainment.
During his 80 years on stage, screen and in the studio, Paul was a solo performer, jazz bandleader, virtuoso guitarist, radio
personality, TV star, engineer, producer and inventor.
But Les is probably best known for the solid body guitar that bears his name.
Les Paul and Gibson Guitars first collaborated 60 years ago, and the guitars that followed have represented the most successful
partnership between artist and manufacturer in the history of the electric guitar.
In honor of the occasion, Gibson USA is celebrating a year-long tribute—2013 The Year of Les Paul—with a run of special Les
Paul and SG ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and Future Tribute models, while rolling out great new specs and features for its full range of Les
Paul and SG guitars.
Check out the 2013 The Year of Les Paul site to discover more about Les’s fascinating story.
And, in keeping with Les Paul’s legacy of innovation, Gibson’s exclusive new Min-ETune™ tuning system is available on many
2013 guitars straight from the factory, as Gibson roars into the 21st century.
Music Rising
Music Rising is a campaign that was launched in 2005 as a post-Katrina effort to rescue and preserve the musical culture of the Central
Gulf region of the United States by replacing the musical instruments lost or destroyed in the deluge. The program was founded by
U2's The Edge, legendary producer Bob Ezrin and Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. To date Music Rising has replaced more than 3000
instruments to individual musicians and 10s of thousands more to schools and churches, impacting more than 250,000 people.
GuitarTown
GuitarTown Project, a public arts project that features 10-foot tall fiberglass Gibson Les Paul or Chet Atkins model guitars was launched
in April 2004. The guitar sculptures are artistically designed by local and nationally acclaimed visual artists and displayed throughout
Nashville in front of the city's landmarks and businesses. Many guitar sculptures are partnered with a country music celebrity and
backed by a corporate sponsor. The GuitarTown Project has united the Nashville art, music and business communities behind the cause
of raising money for four worthy charitable organizations: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The
DISTRICT, and the United Way of Nashville.
Click here to see all Gibson Guitartowns!
Soundwaves
The Perfect Blend of Art, Music and Technology Benefiting Gibson Foundation Charities
Gibson Foundation is the official partner of the "Soundwaves" project with renowned British artist, Tim Wakefield. Tim developed the
process of capturing the sound images of iconic songs off a soundboard, manipulating and colorizing them through a computerized
process, and transferring them to large 40"x40" canvas. The art work is then signed by Tim and the artist who either wrote or
performed the song and auctioned off to benefit Gibson Foundation charities. Some of the artworks that have been created and signed
by the performers and musicians include: Paul McCartney, Band on the Run; Gregg Allman, Midnight Rider; Robert Plant & Alison
Krauss, Gone, Gone, Gone; Tina Turner, Private Dancer; Eric Clapton, River of Tears; Jay Z, Empire State of Mind ; Pink Floyd, Wish You
Were Here; Rod Stewart, Maggie Mae; Dolly Parton, Jolene and dozens more.