Guitars
Trond Braaten grew up in Norway, where his love for music developed at an early age. He is in many ways a product of the 1960’s, being among the many that was taken away by the British groups that changed the music at that time. Taking up guitars, as well as other instruments for his own part, as...
Jeff Schroedl wrote and published a guitar book in his late teens, which led to being asked to join his publisher, Hal Leonard, to be involved with future projects centered around guitar music. Hal Leonard has been dedicated to music publishing since first being established in 1947. Along the way...
Brad Smith is the Senior Sales and Marketing Manager for Hal Leonard. During his career as a writer and industry historian, he worked for MIX Magazine before joining the Hal Leonard team. Among his many tasks is overseeing the publication of books dedicated to the history of musical products such...
Brian Douglas enjoyed a career as a touring musician and songwriter both in rock and in house music, which gives him a unique perspective in understanding several facets of the needs of performers. As president of Cream City Music outside of Milwaukee, and an owner, he is able to provide that...
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...
Ed Caustin was the nephew of guitar pioneer George Beauchamp. Ed recounted several stories about his very creative uncle, who Ed looked up to as an inspiration. In fact, Ed later worked as an engineer in aerospace and with the space program. At times, he used audio and sound waves in his work. ...
Diane Magagna has been a pioneering woman in many ways within the music industry, including international sales of guitars. She has worked with many of the top luthiers and manufacturers over the years and has provided growth for each by expanding the reach of their products into new markets and...
Frank Whetstine was working late in his musical instrument repair shop when he got to thinking about the unique way George Benson holds his guitar pick. Frank tried a few ways and finally took his pliers and twisted the end of the pick. He looked at the twisted pick and said out loud, that is a “...
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...
Johnny Nitzinger began playing guitar and writing music at an early age. By the early 1970s, several of his songs were recorded by the Fort Worth band Bloodrock for their first two albums. This success led to his own record deal with Capitol Records and the release of his first two albums. Alice...