Commemorating its 40th Anniversary as America's premier builder of uniquely shaped, lifestyle-driven electric guitars, BC Rich proudly announces a new series of handcrafted instruments to mark the milestone.

The special guitars are a tribute to models originally developed by company founder Bernardo ("Bernie") Rico and are limited to a production run of 40 guitars per model.

The four Handcrafted Anniversary Guitars represent the first original designs offered by BC Rich: the Seagull, Eagle, Mockingbird and Bich. Each will receive a 40th Anniversary commemorative logo on the back of the headstock, a special serial number and certificate of authenticity.

All Anniversary instruments utilize Neck-through-Body Koa wood construction, a feature rarely seen before BC Rich came on the scene back in '69.

"The 40th Anniversary Series lets us pay tribute to our original designs with these retro-inspired models," said Rock Clouser, product manager for BC Rich. BC Rich Anniversary Series instruments each have a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $4,200.00.

Meanwile BC Rich is back with a firestorm of new signature models created in collaboration with Kerry King, legendary guitarist for Thrash Metal titans Slayer. Four new models are available, each bearing finishes, features and tones approved by King himself.

Two models feature an intense new Kerry King graphic: The Kerry King V Flame Generation 2 depicts a two-tone tribal graphic over a flaming backgound image and the Kerry King V Metal Master Generation 2 shows this same graphic over a gloss Black finish.

The Generation 2 images are based on the B.C. Rich Handcrafted guitars that King plays on tour with Slayer.

"B.C. Rich and Kerry King have forged a strong alliance," said Bill Xavier, vice president of Hanser Music Group, owner of B.C. Rich. "Kerry has an innate understanding of his fans and what they want in a guitar. With our design and manufacturing teams, we're able to bring these products to life with the performance and prices required to be successful in today's marketplace."