First Avalon Signature Guitar Honors Jacques Stotzem

Three MI manufacturers, The Lowden Guitar Company, Fishman Transducers and D'Addario Strings, have combined their expertise to produce the new Avalon Jacques Stotzem Signature Model. The new Jacques Stotzem model is the first hand-crafted Signature model in the Avalon range from the skilled team of luthiers at the Irish factory.

Jacques Stotzem is one of the most versatile finger-style guitarists in the world today. The Belgian guitarist has recorded 10 CD's and his playing combines his polished and highly individual technique with a delicate sense for the right melody. Jacques' long relationship and friendship with the Lowden, Fishman and D'Addario companies has given rise to this unique collaboration and resulted in the birth of this guitar.

The Jacques Stotzem Signature Model features a slimmer stage version of the auditorium sized body, select Indian Rosewood back and sides, Alaskan Sitka Spruce top, a stylish cutaway, hand-voiced bracing pattern to enhance the bass response and a specially designed abalone inlay of 2 finger-picks and a thumb pick on the headstock.

The Signature Model comes fitted with the Fishman Stereo Blender, a combination of a proprietary copolymer under-saddle transducer and an on-board microphone, giving versatility to the guitar when played plugged in. The instrument is further enhanced by the D'Addario EXP Phosphor Bronze Strings. Jacques chose the EXP strings as 'they have a very full tone and a very pleasant feeling. Of course, they last much longer, but it's also a fantastic improvement in sound'.

Commenting on the new guitar Larry Fishman said, "The new Avalon Jacques Stotzem Signature Model is a fitting tribute to a virtuoso musician with whom we have had the pleasure of working these last ten years. We are very pleased that the Avalon / Fishman /D'Addario collaboration has resulted in such a fine instrument."

"Jacques has been a long time player of D'Addario strings and it is an honor to work with Avalon and Fishman at creating an instrument that enhances Jacques' unique style and incredible talent," says Jim D'Addario, President of J. D'Addario & Company, Inc. "The combination of Avalon's design, Fishman's amplification, and the tone of the D'Addario EXP strings is a clear celebration of Jacques' creativity and sound."

For the Lowden Guitar Co., Managing Director Steve McIlwrath said, "When the first Avalon guitars were being developed, Jacques visited the factory and played some early prototypes. As the first professional musician to try them, his favourable opinion was hugely encouraging. So it is very appropriate and for us an honor, that the first Avalon Signature model bears the name of such a talented and prolific guitarist."

Available in the shops from March 2003 the Jacques Stotzem Signature Model guitar is priced at: UK - 1795 (incl VAT), EURO -- 2350 (ex VAT), US - $2599