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ChordBuddy 2014 Press Kit Media Contact: Scott Robertson, APR Robertson Communications for ChordBuddy [email protected] 949-766-6789 Office 949-212-7096 Mobile

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ChordBuddy 2014 Press Kit

Media Contact: Scott Robertson, APR Robertson Communications for ChordBuddy [email protected] 949-766-6789 Office 949-212-7096 Mobile

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Scott Robertson, APR Robertson Communications for ChordBuddy

[email protected] 949-766-6789 Office 949-212-7096 Mobile

ChordBuddy Launches New Duck Commander Edition of Popular ChordBuddy Jr. Kids’ Guitar

Dothan, Ala. (July 17, 2014)—ChordBuddy LLC, (Summer NAMM booth 1109 and in Hal-Leonard booth 614) makers of the popular ChordBuddyTM Guitar Learning System, today announced a new special “Duck Commander” edition of its latest product, ChordBuddy Jr., a new half-sized guitar for the 4-8 age group. The new ChordBuddy Jr. “Duck Commander” edition is printed with a cartoon graphic featuring the Robertson family from A&E’s hit reality show Duck Dynasty. Like the original ChordBuddy Jr., the “Duck Commander” edition comes with a specially-designed version of the award-winning ChordBuddy device attached and allows young players to work on strumming, rhythm and timing skills; build finger strength and dexterity, and work on ear training without worrying about how to make chords. ChordBuddy Jr. “Duck Commander” edition is a miniature dreadnaught guitar from the Perry’s Guitar line that comes with a DVD, songbook and digital tuner. The new product is available now through Hal-Leonard. ($169 MSRP) “Playing the guitar is great for adults and kids,” said Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck Commander Enterprises and star of Duck Dynasty. “With several music-lovers and musicians in our family, we thought the Chordbuddy Jr. was a good tie-in with our values and brand.” About ChordBuddyTM

ChordBuddy’s patented learning system attaches to the neck of the guitar and allows students to play songs instantly by pushing a button. As they progress, the tabs are removed, like training wheels on a bike, and the students are able to play the chords. ChordBuddy comes with a lesson guide, DVD and book with over 100 songs for under $50. www.chordbuddy.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Scott Robertson, APR Robertson Communications for ChordBuddy

[email protected] 949-766-6789 Office 949-212-7096 Mobile

ChordBuddy Earns AblePlay Seal of Approval as Product Approved

for Children of All Abilities Dothan, Ala. (May 13, 2014)—ChordBuddy, LLC, makers of the popular ChordBuddyTM Guitar Learning System, today announced that its products have received the AblePlay seal of approval given by the National Lekotek Center to exceptional products, which are specially evaluated for children of all abilities. The company’s original ChordBuddy can be easily attached to the neck of any standard electric and acoustic guitar for “instant guitarification” by pushing multi-colored buttons instead of having to make complex chords. Also, the new ChordBuddy Jr, is a half-sized guitar with a special ChordBuddy device attached allowing kids 4-8 to play songs on the very first day. Both products are designed to require less finger strength and coordination in order to create a positive first musical experience for the musician. “The amazing gift of playing the guitar should be available to all kids regardless of their abilities,” said Travis Perry, CEO of ChordBuddy. “Receiving this seal is validation of our work to spread the joy of music making to every home and classroom in the world.” “The Chordbuddy provides encouragement to ‘stick with it’ and gives kids the confidence and self-esteem they need to keep improving!” said Stephanie Sears, Bilingual Family Play Specialist at the National Lekotek Center. About ChordBuddyTM

ChordBuddy’s patented learning system attaches to the neck of the guitar and allows students to play songs instantly by pushing a button. As they progress, the tabs are removed, like training wheels on a bike, and the students are able to play the chords. ChordBuddy comes with a lesson guide, DVD and book with over 100 songs for under $50. www.chordbuddy.com

About Lekotek Lekotek is a national network of therapeutic toy lending and play education programs for children with special needs and their families. Lekotek centers offer traditional toy loans, individual family play sessions, and compuplay programs. In addition some sites offer

playgroups, support groups, pet therapy, camps and more. The underlying focus is play and family centered fun for children with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.lekotek.org

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Product Fact Sheet – ChordBuddy

Product Features As featured recently on the hit ABC show, “Shark Tank,” ChordBuddy’s patented learning system attaches to the neck of any guitar and allows potential musicians to play their favorite songs instantly by pushing a button. As they progress, the plastic tabs can be removed, like training wheels on a bike, and the students are able to play real guitar chords. ChordBuddy comes with a lesson guide, DVD and book with more than 100 songs for less than $50. For more information, please visit www.chordbuddy.com Price: $49.95

CHORDBUDDY 2014 COMPANY FACT SHEET

ChordBuddy’s patented learning system attaches to the neck of the guitar and allows potential musicians to play their favorite songs instantly by pushing a button. As they progress, the plastic tabs can be removed, like training wheels on a bike, and the students are able to play real guitar chords. ChordBuddy comes with a lesson guide, DVD and book with more than 100 songs for less than $50. MISSION/PURPOSE: The ChordBuddy guitar learning aid is for potential

musicians of all ages and abilities. By simply attaching the device to the neck of most types of guitars, the ChordBuddy allows the player to use buttons to learn primary chords for the key of G: G, C, D and Em (enabling them to play thousands of songs). As each chord is learned, the tab removal system allows for easy transition to playing without a ChordBuddy.

EMPLOYEES: 20+ HEADQUARTERS: 959 Tate Drive Dothan, AL 36301 COMPANY SIZE: $1 million+ in annual sales WEBSITE: www.chordbuddy.com KEY EXECUTIVES: Travis Perry, Managing Partner HISTORY:

Travis Perry originally had the idea for ChordBuddy at age 18 when he taught guitar lessons and saw many of his students drop out within two months because of the difficulty learning the complexity of the instrument. After many years and 17 prototypes, the ChordBuddy guitar learning system was released in October 2010. The product is made in the U.S.A. at the ChordBuddy plant in Perry’s hometown of Dothan, Ala.

VALUE PROPOSITION:

Instant gratification or “guitarification” for millions of people who want play the guitar and an ongoing pathway to success in learning how to play the instrument.

For more information about ChordBuddy and its activities, please contact:

Scott Robertson, APR Robertson Communications for ChordBuddy 949-766-6789 949-212-7096 mobile [email protected]

CHORDBUDDY

EXECUTIVE BIOGRAPHY TRAVIS PERRY, MANAGING PARTNER

Originally from Kinston, Ala., Travis Perry has been a music teacher for more than 32 years. From experience, he learned that keeping his students excited and interested in playing was key to their success. In 1985, Perry graduated from Troy State University with a BS degree in finance and marketing and went on to have a successful performing career in the music industry before moving to Dothan, Ala. in 1994. In 1998, Perry ventured into the real estate market and opened a real estate and mortgage company. During the economic downturn, he exited that market and returned to teaching guitar full-time at his bluegrass music shop in 2008. Just like 32 years before, Perry noticed that 7 out of 10 of new guitar students, including Bradi, his own daughter, quit taking lessons within 60 days. While teaching, Travis continued working on his idea of a simple “magical” device that students could easily mount on the guitar, press down a button and work on the right hand rhythm patterns until they learned how to play guitar chords on their own. Providing additional inspiration, Perry’s daughter told him, “Daddy if you’ll invent that, I promise I’ll learn how to play.” After researching the market, he made some contacts in the manufacturing industry and 17 prototypes later, Perry had the model that he would test with his students. Many years of product testing helped him create a two-month teaching program to complement the ChordBuddy product. He also found a fit for ChordBuddy in other markets too, including special needs children, arthritic seniors as well as home-based and school music education programs. In October, 2010, Perry introduced ChordBuddy to the market. Two years later, he appeared on the hit ABC show “Shark Tank,” to reach out for more funding to grow his business. With four offers on the table, he accepted technology businessman Robert Herjavec’s proposal of a $125,000 investment for 20 percent of the company along with another $50,000 in escrow to be used for an infomercial. The response that followed was overwhelming. Today, guided by the motto “you make the music, ChordBuddy makes it easy,” Perry continues his mission to bring the joys and benefits of playing music to millions of potential musicians around the world through his ChordBuddy products. The ChordBuddy product line is manufactured in Dothan, Ala. at the ChordBuddy plant.

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For more information about ChordBuddy and its activities, please contact:

Scott Robertson, APR Robertson Communications for ChordBuddy 949-766-6789 949-212-7096 mobile [email protected]