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AUCTION SPOTLIGHT: Annette Funicello's Custom 1960 Martin Guitar 00-17



In association with the eBay Giving Works Charity program, The Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases announced today that Annette’s prized C.F. Martin & Company guitar is now offered, in accordance with Annette’s wishes, to facilitate new research into the cause, the treatments, and the cure for Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological diseases.

This vintage 1960 Martin 00-17 guitar (serial #: 171989) and matching crushproof Martin case was customized for Annette in 1984 by renowned Bakersfield guitarist and luthier Gene Moles.  Among the notable performers with customized guitars from Gene Moles have included Merle Haggard, Keith Richards, Glen Campbell and Ricky Nelson.  In addition, Moles would be commissioned to produce the classic red, white and blue guitars for Bakersfield’s own Buck Owens and the Buckaroos.

Annette’s six-string Martin guitar features 14 frets clear of the body and is crafted in mahogany painted with Annette’s favorite violet purple coloring.   Just as with her earlier Mouseketeer uniform, her name “Annette” is prominently featured on the face of the guitar.  This student-sized guitar was perfect for Annette.  It fit her smaller size and frame nicely and was more comfortable for her to play when she performed.

Annette’s introduction to guitars dated back to her friend and mentor, head Mouseketeer and songwriter Jimmie Dodd, who first taught Annette and her fellow Mouseketeers to play on his own tenor guitar during production of Walt Disney’s “Mickey Mouse Club” in the 1950’s.

Preserved in remarkable condition, the newly customized guitar was first seen during promotion for the “Annette Funicello Country Album” throughout 1984.

Since Annette’s passing on April 8, 2013, her husband, Glen Holt continues to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Advisors for the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases.  This year the Research Fund expects to distribute $250,000 in research grants and the application process is already under way.

The guitar can be previewed at the following link to the eBay Giving Works Charity Auction and is scheduled to conclude at 12noon (Pacific) on Tuesday, September 30, 2014:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251655116446

This auction, and dozens more items from “The Property of Annette Funicello” will be managed by Dave Mason, owner of SaturdaysToys.com, the exclusive online partner for official auctions in support of the Annette Funicello Research Fund.

For more information about the Annette Funicello Research Fund, please visit their official web site:

www.AnnetteConnection.com

For additional information about this auction, please contact:

Dave Mason
for SaturdaysToys.com
and The Annette Funicello Research Fund

SaturdaysToys.com
PO Box 234
Flintridge, CA  91012-0234

818-403-6288  office

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