The first prototype of the new GJ² Concorde™ line of guitars was given away as part of a tribute to Randy Rhoads at Book Soup in Hollywood. Authors Steven Rosen and Andrew Klein were on hand to sign copies of their new biographical-pictorial book, “Randy Rhoads,” available from Velocity Publishing, on Saturday, September 8, 2012. GJ² founder Grover Jackson kicked off the afternoon by first saying a few words in remembrance of the late guitar legend. He then answered questions from attendees before finally unveiling the new GJ² ”Concorde,” modeled after the original guitar he and Randy designed together. Grover personally drew the winning ticket, held by Chatsworth-based guitarist Mick Zane of “Malice,” who was thrilled to win both the autographed guitar as well as the signed book.

The first 10 people to purchase the production run of the GJ² Concorde guitar will receive gold hardware at no extra charge, as well as an autographed collector’s edition of the “Randy Rhoads” book signed by the authors and Grover Jackson. (Check your GJ² dealer for availability.)

The GJ² Concorde™ takes its name from the jet aircraft, which Randy was fascinated by. The aircraft design served as the inspiration for the shape of the instrument that he and Grover Jackson teamed up to create in the early 1980s. Grover commented that he liked to think the 2012 GJ² Concorde model might be the custom guitar Randy would be playing today if he were still with us.

UPDATE: video added (below).

GJ2 Concorde™ certificate of authenticity signed by Grover Jackson next to the Randy Rhoads biography by Steven Rosen and Andrew Klein.

Some of the attendees at Book Soup, waiting for the "Randy Rhoads" event to begin.

JG & GJ: GJ2 Guitars partners Jon Gold and Grover Jackson at Book Soup in Hollywood.

Grover Jackson offers a sneak peak of the first GJ2 Concorde™ guitar, prior to giving it away.

GJ2 winner Mick Zane of "Malice" holds his new Concorde #1 guitar and "Randy Rhoads" book, with GJ2 founder Grover Jackson.

The GJ2 Concorde™ prototype 1 guitar resting in its extra wide case.

Grover with Jodi Raskin Vigier (left), who was Randy's fiancee, and Lori Hollen, who was president of his fan club, at Book Soup for the "Randy Rhoads" event.

Mother of pearl neck inlay detail on the GJ2 Concorde™ guitar.

More neck detail on the GJ2 Concorde™ guitar.

The GJ2 Concorde™ prototype 1 guitar with Habanero pickups and Floyd Rose tremolo. Book Soup bookshelves are reflected in the black gloss finish.

The GJ2 Concorde™ prototype 1 guitar awaits assembly after clear coating, three days prior to the "Randy Rhoads" event giveaway.