“Providing a reliable product protection solution for our customers is a priority for our company,” said Kenric Knecht, Guitar Center’s director of training and Pro Coverage. “With NEW’s Pro Coverage plan, we can be confident that our customers have exceptional service support so they can maximize the use and enjoyment of their instruments.”

Pro Coverage will be offered at all 214 Guitar Center store locations and online at www.guitarcenter.com. The plan offers customers convenient services to repair or replace covered products, including acoustic and electric guitars, basses, percussion instruments, keyboards, and pro-audio and DJ gear. Product parts covered under this plan include volume pedals, internal power supplies, power meters and switches, LED and LCD displays, pickups, mechanisms, and more. Wooden cracks in acoustic guitars and drums as well as defects to the headstock, neck or body of acoustic guitars caused by defects in workmanship or materials are also covered.

The plan ensures that new and used products are protected in the event a product fails due to a mechanical or electrical breakdown, normal wear and tear, or due to a power surge. A no-lemon policy and toll-free 24/7/365 customer service are also offered through the plan, which covers 100 percent of parts-and-labor repair costs. Shipping, handling and shipping insurance of covered products (up to 150 pounds) to and from the customer’s home to the manufacturer or service center are also included with the Pro Coverage plan.

“Musicians invest time and money in their instruments whether it’s their hobby or profession,” said Rob DiRocco, NEW’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We are thrilled to be working with a reputable retailer like Guitar Center to provide their customers with the most convenient product protection and customer support available so they get the most out of their purchase and eliminate the possibility of costly repairs.”

About N.E.W. Customer Service Companies Inc. (NEW)

NEW is the leading provider of extended service plans, buyer protection services and product support, providing coverage to more than 150 million consumers. Founded in 1983, with headquarters in Sterling, Va., NEW provides award-recognized post-sale consumer care for leading retailers, consumer service providers, wireless carriers and financial services firms. NEW has expanded its product offerings and now delivers a comprehensive customer care solution that begins on day one of the product purchase and extends through the end of the product life cycle. For more information, please visit NEW at www.newcorp.com or call 1-800 WHAT’S NEW (1-800-942-8763).

About Guitar Center

Guitar Center is the world’s largest retailer of guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, keyboards, and pro-audio and recording equipment. Its retail store subsidiary presently operates 214 Guitar Center stores across the United States. Guitar Center is also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through its wholly owned subsidiary, Musician’s Friend Inc., and its catalog and Web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. In addition, Guitar Center’s Music & Arts division operates more than 100 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the company's Web site at www.guitarcenter.com. The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of Guitar Center Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.