Guitars

Jack Pearson grew up listening to the Allman Brothers not knowing that one day he would join the band and tour the world playing the songs he loved.  His talents on the guitar developed as a teenager playing along to his musical heroes like Duane Allman on records and the radio, but he cut his teeth as a musician playing in dives in and around the south.  In addition to creating his own style of playing, Jack gained a reputation within the music products industry for his design ideas and for providing engaging store clinics.    

Hartley Peavey was like most kids his age in Mississippi during the mid 1950s--he wanted to be a rock and roll star! In a very real way he did became a rock star, not as a performer but as a manufacturer of musical instruments–beginning with his pioneering guitar amplifier. Equal to a performer’s impact on music, Hartley created unique sounds that revolutionized ROCK AND ROLL! By providing reasonably-priced gear, he allowed a larger and different customer base to become music makers. His contributions began with the Peavey products but continued with his efforts in music education

Chris Pelonis is a well-known studio designer, engineer, producer, speaker builder, studio and live guitar player and band leader/guitarist for the likes of the Jeff Bridges band.  His energy and passion for his work seems to be a driving force behind his designs and innovations, which often are created to solve a problem or improve a room's sound.  Chris is particularly proud that his Pelonis Speakers have gained a reputation for innovative designs.

Rudy Pensa formed Rudy’s Music on 48th Street in New York City. It is a favorite for musicians and tourists alike. Beginning in the 1970s Rudy came to America from his native Argentina with a suitcase and a dream to be a part of the music industry. The very doorway that he first stepped through was into the building that became Rudy’s Music within the decade. He often recalls that he started with only a few guitars, but they were each of quality. Since that time he has established a world-wide reputation and is a favorite among musicians who travel through New York and stop for a

Eddie Perez's musical journey was initially fueled by the rock 'n' roll energy of Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen, influences he eventually funneled into the world of Americana

 Robert Perine was raised in Los Angeles in a very artsy family.  At the age of six, his father drew his portrait and asked young Bob to do the same.

Bruce Perrin is the Managing Director for Barnes & Mullins, located in Oswestry, England. The company was formed in 1895 and published the famous banjo magazine called “The Jo.” The company soon expanded to produce their own brand of banjos as well as importing instruments. Bruce became director of the company in 1986 and moved the company in 1999 from London to its current location in Oswestry, Shropshire. A decade later Bruce and Brian Cleary achieved a management buy-out of the Barnes family. Over the years Bruce has been an active member of the British Music Industry and a

Lindsay Petsch happily grew up in the guitar store his parents established in Atlanta, Georgia. He has many memories of sweeping up the store and helping unload boxes as a kid. He played piano and sang during his childhood and gravitated towards the electric guitar. The classical guitar-themed store over time expanded its inventory to include electric guitars and amplifiers. Lately, Lindsay has enjoyed learning classical guitar, finger-style playing and songwriting.     

Claire Petsch has enjoyed music for as long as she can remember. She took piano lessons beginning at age 7 but became enthralled with the guitar when she heard her cousin playing. Throughout college, she could be found in the Student Center singing and playing the guitar. She even learned classical guitar and provided lessons at a local music store, Sutherland’s House of Guitars in Atlanta, Georgia. It was there that she met her husband, George, who too loved classical guitar and wanted nothing more than to provide lessons to other guitar lovers. Together they opened a small studi

Jeff Peterson was born on the Island of Maui. He grew up on a ranch on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano where he was introduced to the rich heritage of Hawaiian music and guitar by his father, a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy). At an early age, he began to pick up influences from such Hawai‘i slack key greats as the Gabby Pahinui Band, Leonard Kwan, and Sonny Chillingworth. During his studies of jazz and classical guitar, Jeff explored a wide variety of musical genres. Jeff has worked with a wide range of artists including Eric Clapton, James Galway, and Michael Feinstein and the awa

Robert Petteruti sat in the showroom of Twin City Music in Providence, RI, for his NAMM Oral History interview. The showroom is in the store his father opened in the 1930s and within the same building his grandfather owned since 1921. To say there was a lot of Petteruti history in that room is an understatement, which is why it was the perfect setting for his interview. Although the store closed its doors in 2009, Robert and his son continue to sell vintage musical instruments on-line. Robert’s long career as a jazz bass player started during the big band era and continued well pa

Jeffrey Pevar is an American producer, bandleader, composer, and acclaimed touring and session guitarist whose lifelong dedication to music began at an early age. After seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show, Jeff knew music would define his future. Inspired and determined, he began playing guitar at age ten with encouragement from his older brother. Largely self-taught, he immersed himself in records — even learning intricate Steely Dan solos note for note — and by age fifteen was performing in local bands, with his mother driving him to bar gigs to pursue his growing

Larry Peyser spent most of his career in the music wholesale business. Larry’s sister married Abbott Buegelesien after World War II and over the years Larry did not just work for the company, he learned much of its early history. Abbott’s father, Sam, formed the historic music wholesaler, Buegelesien & Jacobson, along with a music retailer in the late 1920s. B&J, as the company is also known, was the first to publish a four-color catalog in the pages of trade magazines. They carried a large number of popular products including Kent Guitars and Abbott Clarinets.

Kevin Philbin is the Director of Sales & Marketing for KHS America, located in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. His musical journey began as a child growing up with a dad who played drums. When Kevin was 10 years old he received a Gibson Guitar from Jack’s Music in Red Bank, New Jersey. He would later work for Gibson in Nashville for over 16 years, playing a key role in several product launches and marketing campaigns. In 2012, Kevin became the Marketing and Communications Manager for KHS America with a focus on the school market. Among his roles at KHS was the growth and development of

Alice Phillips met her future husband when she joined a band while in high school.  Dave sought to learn about the technical side of the business while Alice developed a background in the business and accounting end of things.  Together they made for a perfect team and had their sights on opening and running a music store together.  Dave Phillips Music & Sound opened in 1977 and they have been happily working together ever since!  The store has grown to three children, I mean, locations and their love and passion seems just as vital as when they met in high school!

Dave Phillips met his wife in a band he created in high school.  They have been making music ever since and as of 1977 when they opened their retailing business, they have assisted countless others to do the same!  Dave Phillips Music & Sound has three locations in and around Western New Jersey and Allentown, Pennsylvania.  The main concept is simple, serve the customer!  Dave's passion for the industry has resulted in his involvement with several organizations as well as serving on the NAMM Board.  

Bill Piburn wrote four method books for the Mel Bay Publishing Company on the art of guitar playing.  His writing was well received by many who praised him for his unique and easy to understand style.  Finger Style Guitar magazine had printed only its first issue and was looking for a writer when Bill joined the staff.   Bill became an important part of the magazine and added several elements and segments such as his interviews with performers like Chet Atkins, John Williams, Larry Carlton and others.  Bill worked his way up to becoming editor of the magazine, where he remained fo

Richie Pidanick was the Vice President of Culture and Values at Guitar Center.  It was Richie’s job to train the company’s employees on the philosophy of what is most important to the corporate culture, namely customer service.  Richie knew the culture and Guitar Center’s values as he lived them for 30 years.  During his employment at Guitar Center, Richie witnessed the development of the small retail operation as it grew into the largest music store chain in the world.  Yet, at the very heart of his passion for the industry was his desire to play drums and make people smile.  He

Chris Pierce is a California-born singer-songwriter, educator, and storyteller whose lifelong love of words and music has shaped a remarkable artistic journey. Raised in Pasadena by an English-teacher mother who nurtured his appreciation for language, Pierce discovered early on that songs could hold stories with honesty, hope, and emotional truth. His first instrument — a harmonica brought home by his grandfather after World War II — ignited his fascination with musical traditions, especially the blues, and set him on a path of personal expression and cultural respect.

Jay Pilzer is the founder of New Hope Guitars and has been very active in the vintage guitar market for several decades.  While earning his doctorate and teaching history, Jay became fascinated with guitars.  As a musician he enjoyed playing them and as a history professor he enjoyed learning about them.  He soon gained a reputation as “the Guild Guy” and began writing about the history of guitars.  Along the way he opened his own retail company, New Hope Guitars, and focused on guitar shows and the Internet for his main business.  Over the years he has also been a friend of Georg

John Pisano was a celebrated jazz guitarist, featured on thousands of recordings. He collaborated with legends such as Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Chico Hamilton, and Diana Krall. John’s lush sound and innovative rhythmic ideas have profoundly influenced countless young guitarists over the past decades. A regular attendee at NAMM Shows for many years, John was often seen at booths providing demonstrations and offering invaluable playing advice. He served as a spokesman for Eastman Guitars, which honored him with a signature model guitar and sponsored numerous clinics across the c

Bill Pitman was a first call studio musician in Los Angles who played on a string of hit records and award winning motion pictures. As a member of the Wrecking Crew he played on the Beach Boy's Pet Sounds album as well as hundreds of top 40 hits beginning in the late 1950s. Bill's ukulele can be heard at the beginning and throughout the Academy Award winning song "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" for the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. His Danelectro guitar was a central part of the soundtrack of the television show “The Wild, Wild West”.

Aspen Pittman grew up in the 1960s as a student of the folk music movement. He studied the art form and performed on every type of string instrument there was to play. During high school he and a buddy got a job delivering organs for a retailer that was just about to open a rock and roll retail shop called Guitar Center. Aspen joined the company within the first six months of its opening and remained in retail until 1973 when he became a sales rep for Acoustic Corp. Over the next several years he outlined goals for his own company, which opened in 1979 called Groove Tubes. He crea

Bucky Pizzarelli was a jazz guitarist who helped bring the sounds of the electric guitar into jazz and into popular music, beginning in the 1940s.  As a stage performer and later a studio musician, Bucky's guitar can be heard on countless recordings both by other artists as well as on his own.  He has played and endorsed several products during his career and has a special place in the history of music products as one of the first well-known performers to play the Danelectro brand of guitars.

John Pollard first walked into Swords Music in Fort Worth, Texas as a customer.  In fact he took music lessons in the store before he was told of a position to work in the store.  The store owner and founder, Logan Swords, opened the retail shop in 1969.  At the time of the taping of John's interview, Swords Music was the oldest retailer in the city, a fact for which Logan and his team are very proud. John felt right at home in the store and soon became one of the most knowledgeable salesmen within the guitar department.

Neal Pomerantz developed a passion for music at a young age. He started on the guitar and had aspirations to become a rockstar. In 1988, Neil took a job at a local music store to make some extra money while playing, but he never thought it would turn into a career. Neal is now the Vice President of George’s Music, which has locations in Pennsylvania and Florida. 

Mike Ponce enjoys managing the Suhr Guitar factory at JS Technologies Inc. in Southern California as the job allows him to apply his expertise in all aspects of guitar building.  Mike was a master builder at Fender before developing an acoustic line of guitars for Rickenbacker.  His inspiration to work as a luthier began as a child, admiring the work of his uncle, John Page!  

Ramon Portal moved from Cuba to the United States in 1962 and heard of an inventory job at Guild Guitar and, as he often has said, his American dream came true.  Ramon worked his way up within the company until he was appointed Vice President.  Ramon was connected with the company during many major milestones such as the development of the large factory and artist endorsements.  He recalled with a great sense of joy his own passion for the Guild Company and its products.  

Porter Howell recalls with a smile that his piano playing mom strongly encouraged young Porter to play the guitar. He participated in choir and a school pop band called PT Express. Future Little Texas band mate, Duane Propes, performed with a similar group at a crosstown rival high school. Through their respective teachers they heard about Belmont University in Nashville and moved there in the early 80s. They eventually met Tim Rushlow, Dwayne O’Brien, Del Gray and Brady Seals, forming Little Texas in 1988.

Andy Powers began working with wood as a kid and soon realized he had a strong interest in building.  With the guidance of his father and the use of his tools, Andy built a guitar and loved it!  He studied the art of guitar building and soon designed his own style of guitar.  With each completed instrument, Andy found he enjoyed the process more and more each time.  He formed a company with his wife, who ran the books while Andy sought the perfect wood for his next project.  Over the years he got to know Bob Taylor and a friendship developed.  One day Bob asked if Andy would join

Allen Prather, was known throughout the industry as Lowell, became a well-respected sales rep for the Kaman Corporation. He stayed with the company for over thirty years and helped move the company into markets such as Arizona. Lowell has developed friendships among his dealers over his long career, something he always felt was the result of being honest and believing in the products he was selling. He introduced the Ovation Guitar into several markets and took pride in being associated with the Kaman family.  

Andy Preston has a great philosophy regarding his music store, “Our staff are all repairmen and women first, not salesmen. We want them to know all about the instrument before they begin selling. This makes for happier customers and a confident staff.” Today, Andy’s Guitar and Drum Shop is one of the top repair and retail stores in the world. The 17th century, eight-floor building is located on the famous Denmark Street in London, often referred to as “Tin Pan Alley England.”