SPOTLIGHT | GIBSON | Music Rising Les Paul | 2005

The Music Rising Guitar

In 2005 the Southern United States were devastated by one of the fiercest hurricanes in history — "Katrina". With staggering ferocity, "Katrina" destroyed all in her path, and leveled much of New Orleans in the process.

Following a visit to New Orleans in November 2005, U2's The Edge announced the unveiling of Music Rising, a campaign to raise funds to replace the lost instruments and accessories of the musicians affected by the hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast region.

Lead partners Gibson Guitars and Guitar Center Music Foundation spearheaded the initial effort by collaborating on the design, manufacture and sale of an exclusive Gibson guitar with all proceeds going directly to the Music Rising program. The guitar is available exclusively through Guitar Center. The instrument captures the essence of the Gulf Coast's musical tradition. Less than 300 were produced with all proceeds benefiting Music Rising and a pledge of $1 million in support.

The Gibson Music Rising guitar features hand-painted designs using the colors of Mardi Gras. Each guitar is individually painted and handmade so no two are alike. All of the usual plastic parts (back plate, pick guard, toggle cover, truss rod cover) have been replaced by woods from the States affected by the hurricanes and the Music Rising logo, exclusive to this guitar, is etched into the pick guard.

Just 11 of these unique and historic instruments remain available, and all proceeds from the sale benefit the local musicians who still suffer, a year later, from the effects of Katrina.

Rarely does the opportunity to purchase an outstanding musical instrument also benefit a noble cause, but this is one such occasion. Click here to view these rare instruments and to find the Guitar Center locations at which they are on sale.

The application and qualification process for musicians will be handled by MusiCares® a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping music people in crisis, which has already provided more than $1.5 million in direct financial assistance to more than 1,800 Gulf Coast music people. MusiCares Foundation will manage all eligibility for Music Rising grants and fulfillment of the grants will be managed by Musician's Friend, one of the country's largest online music retailers.

Edge "Music Rising" Les Paul