Guild Guitar

Robert Bromberg has had a long career in the music products industry, as did his father. In fact, his father designed the mirror piano, which helped keep the industry alive during World War II by addeing mirrors to used pianos to make them more sellable as all-new pianos were not being made during the war. Robert’s long career includes working with his father in retail as well as creating the manufacturing process for the Guild Guitars in the 1950s into the 1970s. In more recent years Robert has been working with Hap Kuffner and Rob Turner at EMG Pick Ups, adding his insight to the company. 

Duane Eddy has been a strong influence on generations of guitarists and played a key role in making instrumental songs viable as hit makers in popular music. Duane recorded several hit records beginning in the late 1950s, which continued into the 1960s including “Rebel Rouser” and “Boss Guitar.” His driving bass line turned many players on to the guitar in the heyday of rock and roll including John Lennon and Jimmy Page. Duane became a much-recorded studio musician and continues to record and perform. 

Larry Goldstein, currently a vice president at Westheimer Music, has a passion for the history of the music industry. Larry was able to provide a terrific perspective to our interview collection by recounting the early days of the Guild Guitar Company as well as the great wholesalers of our past such as C. Bruno, Coast and Targ & Dinner. Larry’s long time friendship with Jack Westheimer has played an important role in the expansion of such lines as the Cort Guitar.

Carlo Greco is known throughout the world as one of the premier guitar luthiers. Yet, when you meet him, he is a very humble man who brushes off compliments with a smile. After a long association as chief designer for Guild Guitars, Carlo joined his dear friend, Alex Carozza, in New York’s top repair shop, Alex Music, on 48th Street. Carlo has created some of the world’s most-loved string instruments and has an equal reputation as a repairman of world-class guitars.  

Willy Vassilopoulos joined the Ovation Guitar Company in New Hartford Connecticut to follow his love of woodworking. He soon took part in the production of the instrument, which was originally introduced by Charles Kaman in the 1960s. The Ovation Guitar was unique for its round back made out of a material close to fiberglass. The company grew over the decades and established a number of other innovative designs and products.