Music Manufacturing
James Hall saw his sister’s flute and wondered if he could make one out of glass. He bought a glass tube from his university’s science supply and used his brother’s blow torch to make finger holes in the tube. His first flute wasn't completely in tune, but James knew he was on to something new and...
Andy Allen established the custom shop within the Maton Guitar Company in Melbourne, Australia. The company was created by Bill May back in 1946 along with the help of his brother Reg. Since that time, the company has built a respected reputation around the world for acoustic and electric guitars. ...
John Monteleone grew up on Long Island, New York - the perfect spot for absorbing the rich history of the arch-top guitar. He studied the instrument and became a well-respected and sought-after luthier. John has created several innovations in the design and processes of building an acoustic guitar...
Chuck Perl and his childhood friend, Steven Bender, formed Ambico Incorporated in 1967 to supply music stores with a line of products and accessories. Their first big success came with guitar straps, in fact it was Ambico that supplied several guitar makers and wholesalers in the United State with...
Wally Boot spent 52 years working in the Steinway & Sons piano factory on Long Island New York! As it turns out, Wally was born on Steinway Street, just down the road from the factory. All three of his brothers worked for Steinway and after Industrial Arts School, Wally joined them in 1962. He...
Bill Youse is proud of the fact that his grandfather, George, worked in the Steinway & Sons piano factory on Long Island as did his father before Bill joined the company in 1973. Bill's first job was actually the summer before when he would cut the grass. He was able to work alongside his...
Michael Mohr recalls Vladimir Horowitz coming to the house when he was a child, and he was just like a member of the family. The great maestro was a friend of Michael's father, who was trusted with Mr. Horowitz's prized Steinway piano. Michael grew up to work for Steinway & Sons, not only in...
Prenta Ljucovic immigrated to the United States from Yugoslavia in 1973. A friend from back home suggested that she seek a job with Steinway & Sons, especially given her pervious training with woodwork. Speaking no English, Prenta began working in the factory on Long Island assembling keyboard...
Bud DiFluri enjoyed a long and successful career in the music industry in both retail and manufacturing. He managed the Yamaha band and orchestra department in New York City with a focus on sales and marketing, which he also focused on while working as the Senior Sales and Marketing Manager for New...
Cindalee Hall first attended a NAMM Show in the late 1960s and recalls being the only women she saw that day on the trade show floor. Since that time not only has her own career in the industry grown and developed, but the role of women has changed as well. As President of the Rickenbacker Guitar...