Music has been part of my life as long as I can remember. I started out listening to my parent’s and sibling’s music, from Bacharach to The Beatles. Something clicked when I watched my brother perform the Standells’ “Dirty Water” on his La Valencia electric guitar at an elementary school talent night: The first "guitar" I picked up was a badminton racket. Years later, a family friend - John - showed me few riffs on his Les Paul Goldtop and then I was hooked. My own musicianship was followed by a dream of becoming a performing guitarist like the people I listened to on the many recordings I cherished. Self taught and motivated I learned, found friends with the same musical interests, and played in many bands from junior high through college and beyond. From bedroom to dorm room, from backyard to barnyard... From the beginning I was attracted to the technical side of the instrument, and experimented with any guitar I could get my hands on. The results of my work in the beginning were mixed, but it was obvious that I had found a kinship with the guitar, and - later in the business of guitars - I found a home. In 1985 I was introduced to Tom Anderson who for the next ten years shared with me his philosophy of making a great guitar. Guiding me with his expert knowledge we explored, deconstructed and developed innovative guitar building and repairing techniques. I relocated away from Southern California in 1995, yet kept an open dialogue with Tom and Anderson Guitarworks and continue to be an active part of the shop and my family therein. For the past fifteen years I have continued to perfect my own building and repairing techniques in my shop and on the road. Through ambition, experience, and my network of friends in the guitar world - players, artists and craftsmen - my learning continues to this day. My experience also led me to develop workshops to share the knowledge I have acquired and will continue to expand their scope as the needs of the musical community grows. I have been gifted with a specialized knowledge that I apply to all the work I do, from simple set-ups to extensive restorations. Born with a mechanical inclination I have been able to channel my talents into the world of the coolest musical instrument in the World: the guitar. Peace, Benny |
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