Giving Back to the Community
A significant portion of the proceeds from the sale of "Blondie" models will be donated in Phyllis Fender's honor to The Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org), the world's leading charity providing free cleft surgery to afflicted children in poor countries around the world. Phyllis' philanthropic efforts are focused on a handful of causes she holds dear to her heart, but she feels that The Smile Train is most appropriate for this opportunity. Phyllis explained:
"Leo's instruments bring smiles to musicians, and The Smile Train brings smiles to children."
We see an additional connection: Phyllis sings in the choir at her church, where the experience provides her with a heightened sense of connectedness with God. For the children tragically afflicted with cleft lip and palate, The Smile Train is a gift from God, an opportunity to live full and normal lives. And, an opportunity to sing, a gift which owners of the "Blondie" guitar will have bestowed onto many desperate children and their families.
A Beautiful Instrument, A Treat To Hands, Eyes and Ears
"Blondie" is a nickname Leo had given to Phyllis, and G&L lore has it that G&L's Blonde finish was blended differently than Leo had used many years earlier. Legend has it that Leo insisted that G&L's Blonde be adjusted to better match Phyllis' hair color, and naturally, Blonde is Phyllis' favorite finish. The Custom Creations Department took the finish a step further, adjusting the tint and solidity of the pigment to take on more of a natural sheen, and the resulting finish was christened "Blondie Blonde" exclusively for this model.
Phyllis was also partial to Pearl pickguards, and realizing this, the CCD selected Pearl pegs for the G&L/Schaller tuners as well as a matching Pearl cover for the rear cavity. The Blonde finish blends effortlessly and beautifully with the Pearl accents, and the natural clarity of the polished gloss neck contributes to an aesthetic that reflects Phyllis' own unique blend of elegance, modesty and honesty.
Exclusive Extras
Every "Blondie" guitar will be hand-signed by Phyllis on the backside of the headstock under the gloss finish. As a Limited Edition, each guitar will be specially numbered and include a G&L Custom Creations Silver Certificate of Authenticity. Possibly the most exciting aspect of the Phyllis model is that it includes a very special edition of the G&L Custom Creations "The Art of Fine Instrument Making" DVD, featuring an in-depth interview with Phyllis Fender.
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