Squier Hello Kitty Guitars

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is pleased to announce the rollout of its collection of Hello Kitty® guitars and accessories. First introduced in limited number in November of 2005, these exclusive -- and super cute -- Hello Kitty instruments are now readily available to Fender and Squier retailers.

The Hello Kitty collection of instruments have received quite a bit of attention in the national press, with coverage in prominent publications such as Newsweek, Wired, Teen Vogue, and Girls Life, to name just a few. Additionally, more than 100 top-name artists and celebrities requested Hello Kitty guitars at this year's Billboard Awards show, including Gwen Stefani, Green Day, Tom Petty, Slash an Carmen Electra. As a result of the widespread attention, the initial number of available instruments quickly sold out through MI industry channels and directly through Sanrio stores in major market shopping malls.

This January, the full Hello Kitty collection of instruments will be on display at Fender's NAMM booth, with ample product availability for complete rollout at Fender retailers. The Squier branded guitars, which draw upon classic Fender brand designs, offer an affordable, every day instrument that is suitable for beginning guitarists and experienced musicians, alike. Current Hello Kitty instruments include the Squier Affinity Stratocaster® guitar in Pink and Black with Hello Kitty pickguard, as well as the Squier Badzt-Maru® Bronco™ Bass guitar in Black.

In addition to these exciting guitars, Fender also offers a full line of co-branded accessories including Hello Kitty guitar picks, straps, soft cases and a portable battery powered Hello Kitty amplifier. The collection of Hello Kitty guitars have a US MSRP of $332.99, and they can bee seen at Fender's NAMM booth this winter.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to share the joys of making music with an audience who, traditionally, are not exposed to the electric guitar," said Richard McDonald, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Fender. "By teaming up with the Hello Kitty brand, we hope to show young women just how much fun playing the guitar can be."