Steve Soest

Steve Soest played in several local rock bands while developing a deep interest in the construction and craftsmanship of electric guitars and amplifiers. That expertise proved invaluable around 1972 when he began repairing musical instruments, ultimately opening his own shop in 1974. Over the decades, Steve earned a reputation as one of the leading authorities on guitar models, production methods, promotion, and marketing. His knowledge of vintage instruments led to his involvement in the 1990s when the Evets Corporation began building new Danelectro guitars. Steve was called upon to assist with historical research and design guidance, helping ensure the reissues remained faithful to the original instruments. A respected historian as well as technician, Steve interviewed Danelectro founder Nathan Daniel for Guitar World, creating an article that has since been widely quoted in books and scholarly publications. He is currently collaborating with Nat’s son, Howard Daniel, on a documentary exploring the innovator’s life and legacy. Interviewed again in 2026, Steve shared vivid firsthand stories from his musical journey, including performing with Chuck Berry, his memorable capper with Stevie Ray Vaughan, and a longstanding friendship with Dick Dale — further underscoring a career deeply woven into the fabric of modern guitar history.