instrument repairmen-technicians

Andrew Barta was born in Hungary and came to the United States with a dream of working in the music industry. Having been in rock bands in Europe, Andrew formed a band in America and worked as a technician repairing instruments in New York music stores. Along the way, he began designing a project based on his own ideas as a player. Andrew formed Tech 21 and introduced a line of innovative products including the SansAmp, and the Trademark series and the Power Engine series of guitar amps. 

Peter Bartkus grew up in Rockford, Illinois and was proud to establish a music shop there in the early 1950s. True Tone Music became a hub for musicians and was known throughout the area for Peter’s creative and precise instrument repairs. With a passion for the accordion, Peter enjoyed the innovations he witnessed over the years including the Roland accordion complete with MIDI. Peter also made his own True Tone brand of guitars and basses.
 

Frank Bilz applied his passion for music into the expansion of the Markneukirchen Germany music school programs entitled Musicon Valley. As Marketing Director of the school, which is located in the music-rich village where musical instruments have been handcrafted for hundreds of years. Frank has helped create the school’s programs and oversees the programs that focus on providing both hands on training and a well-rounded education of the art of instrument making. 

Gene Brown joined the Ovation Guitar Company within the first year of the company’s establishment in 1966. After serving in the United States Army during Vietnam, Gene was immediately offered a job in the shipping department. The Ovation Guitar Company is located in New Hartford, Connecticut, and was founded by Charles Kaman. Mr. Kaman pioneered several designs and guitar innovations such as the round back fiberglass guitar. Gene was among the first to participate in the production and shipping of the Ovation Guitar.

Alex Carozza has designed his own reed system for the accordion. The idea came to Alex after years of performing on the instruments and repairing them in his shop, Alex Music, on 48th St. in New York. He opened the shop in the early 1970s after working across the street at Sam Ash. If you ever visit the shop, you may be amazed at the level of craftsmanship. Legendary luthier Carlo Greco works at the bench right next to Alex.  

John Carruthers has established himself as a leading expert on guitars and amplifiers as a designer, builder and repairman. Working along side Leo Fender at Music Man, John helped improve the quality of the product line and years later helped establish a series of instruments for Yamaha including their electric bass and acoustic guitar line. John’s reputation grew in part due to a decade long column he wrote for Guitar Player Magazine and his dedication to teaching.

Vernon Drane played several musical instruments growing up in Tennessee including the trumpet and saxophone. He later studied instrument repair and spent several years working with the Amro Music Company in Memphis. Vernon is also a baritone singer who has performed in two church choirs for over 60 years and can be heard on several pop recordings that took part in the early days of rock and roll. Being a friend of Sun Records founder, Sam Phillips, Vernon found himself making extra money writing lead sheets for various bands that came to record, one of which was the Bill Justice band. Vernon recorded several songs with them in 1957 including the multi-million seller, “Raunchy”.
 

Gil Ellman grew up in the big band era, loving the sounds of large orchestras. He was motivated to create as many opportunities for students to make music as possible. He studied band instrument repair before opening Ellman’s Music Center in 1958. Soon after the store opened Gil began creating his own brand of instruments including bongos. In 1963 the store moved to Naperville, Illinois, where space was created for lesson programs. Gil and his wife Joan, who provided music lessons at the store for many years, were both present at the NAMM Show in 2008 when they were awarded the Milestone plaque for 50 years in business.
 

Joan Ellman and her husband, Gil, established Ellman’s Music Center in 1958. Five years later the store moved to Naperville, Illinois, where it is located today. Joan kept the books and inventory as well as managing the store when Gil would call on schools and travel for industry meetings. She has always been proud of the fact that her sons decided to work in the business and began running the business when Joan and Gil retired. Both Joan and Gil were present at the NAMM Show in 2008 when they were awarded the Milestone plaque for 50 years in business. 

Wilhelm Gertz was often seen working on the action of a vintage grand piano whenever you stopped to visit him in his store. After all, he has been doing this same thing most of his life. He was born into a family in Germany who ran the largest piano company in the country. He learned the craft, which he proudly passed along to his son. The W. Gertz Piano Company was located in New Haven, Connecticut, where his son carries on the family traditions.