Music Manufacturing
Danny McKinney is a fourth generation musician who grew up with a passion for music and a fascination with audio. As a kid, he recalls seeing Standel amplifiers and dreaming of owning one. He had no idea he would later own the company! Danny worked with Standel Founder, Bob Crooks, and in 1997 they...
Don (DJ) Johnson joined the Ovation Guitar Company in 1968, just about the time Glen Campbell was introducing the unique round-back instrument on national television. DJ worked for the founder, Charlie Kaman, as well as his son Bill for many years and even after the company went through many...
Paul Hamer has a fascinating background that includes giving guitar lessons for Bob Gand back in the late 1960s. Being surrounded by fellow guitarists and having design ideas to improve the instrument, Paul made his first guitar under the Hamer name a few years later. Having approached artists to...
Greg Grieme was a banker when he met Bill Gray who asked for some support. Bill explained his idea to create a company that would invest in and support music companies. Together they formed BGE Financial Corp, which over time helped several music industry companies. Along with Michael Skinner, Bill...
Emmanuel Tonnelier is the General Manager for Vandoren Paris, the world famous reed maker based in France. He works closely with Bernard Van Doren, who is the grandson of the founder. Emmanuel has played a vital role in the expansion of markets as well as bringing the company into the Internet age...
Bernard Van Doren is the grandson of the founder of Vandoren Paris, the world famous reed maker. His grandfather, Eugene, formed the company in 1905 based on his technique of making high quality reeds. His father, Robert, expanded the company to include other products and introduced the renowned...
Jack Schwarz is the founder of Desert Sons Musical Instruments based in Phoenix, Arizona. The company specializes in custom guitars from a small group of luthiers, all of whom Jack, himself, helped train. As a luthier, Jack worked for Fender, beginning in 1982. He was one of the first employees at...
Jeff Cary grew up in Rochester, New York playing guitar and started his career in the music industry by working at House of Guitars. He also developed a passion for audio gear and the recording industry. Jeff worked for the pro audio company, ART, as well as in a recording studio (for over 12 years...
Paul Meisenzahl bought his first guitar from his brother for $2.00 and promptly taught himself how to play. His first paying gig came when he was eleven and he played in rock bands throughout high school. After working at MXR and Ithaca Guitar Works in Ithaca, New York, Paul began his career as a...
Michael Spreeman is the creator of Ravenscroft Pianos and founder of Spreeman Piano Innovations, LLC. Experience includes: 35 years as a concert technician, rebuilder, service technician, and instructor. He has also worked as a technical consultant for Renner, Fazioli, Yamaha, Steinway, and...