GTRC Guitar Center (MM)

Guitar Center, Inc. (Nasdaq:GTRC), today announced that it has replaced its previous $150 million shelf registration statement with an automatic shelf registration on Form S-3 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The replaced registration statement benefits from new SEC rules available to well-known seasoned issuers, which streamline and accelerate the Company's access to capital markets. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sales of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sales would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state. About Guitar Center Guitar Center is the leading United States retailer of guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments, keyboards and pro-audio and recording equipment. Our retail store subsidiary presently operates more than 190 Guitar Center stores across the United States. In addition, our Music & Arts division operates more than 90 stores specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving teachers, band directors, college professors and students. We are also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments in the United States through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician's Friend, Inc., and its catalog and web site, www.musiciansfriend.com. More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company's web site at www.guitarcenter.com.