Owen Ray

Video

Oral History Information

Owen Ray recalls his father buying him a ukulele when he was a kid and his passion for string instruments began! Owen played a vital role in the Australian guitar market when he started repairing guitars as his day job while gigging with his band, the Countdowns, at night. While repairing Fender instruments he contacted the factory with ideas of improving designs that would reduce the number of needed repairs. A long association with Fender followed including a friendship with Leo Fender, who at the time owned G&L Guitars.  Over the years Owen also helped design guitars for Ibanez and products for Peavey.