Here’s the question that every guitar player gets asked “Why did you learn to play guitar? For some it’s to be cool. Others to try to be a “rock star”. Then there are the players who just wanted to express themselves as “artists” or “musicians” if you will. Lastly there is the brutally honest group who just say they wanted to learned to get chicks.
I for one got started playing the guitar because of two reasons. 1- My cousin played and ever time we visited he had some friends over jamming (sometimes with another cousin) and it sounded so cool that they were playing together making music right then and there. He was a few years older and actually played out doing (gulp) gigs! Reason #2- The Beatles. What else can you say about reason #2 right? I saw them on TV and just thought they were the absolute coolest thing EVAR!!! Still do as a matter of fact. I thought that being in a band, playing guitar wearing cool clothes and making buckets of money was right up my alley. Can you say naive….?
As the years went by and I learned more about playing the guitar and eventually got into some bands and did some local gigging. As I became more serious I did some touring and recording and learned more about music as a business. I sort of fell out of love with the whole idea of a music career and my interest in the guitar, amps and pedals grew stronger. I wanted to know how they all were built and why. What made them tick? What made them different? I had hundreds of questions and this passion lead me to become more of a guitar and amp tech first and a guitar player pursuing and music career second.
I worked for some really great shops and finally opened my own shop doing repairs, mods and restorations on guitars and amps. I also had my own brand of amps back in the 90’s called the Pennalizers. Those were the days when there was just a handful of “boutique” amp builders and no internet. Parts were much harder to find back then as well as cabinet builders and other resources.
So, looking back I think the reason I got started playing the guitar was my love affair with the guitar itself and all the other pieces that went with it. I remember getting my first guitar and within a week I had the whole thing apart (as well as the amp) and back together again. I guess I’m a tinkerer at heart with the notion that a guitar or amp can always be a little bit better, more comfortable and more personal for each player.
So there it is. What was your reason for learning to play the guitar? Please leave your comments here on the blog!
My shop is located at 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or are in need of some tech work.
- Monday: 10am - 5pm
- Tuesday: 10am - 5pm
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10am - 5pm
- Friday: 10am - 5pm
- Saturday 10am - 2pm. (I am in every other Saturday).
I am also an Eminence, Mercury Magnetics, Mojo Musical Supply dealer.
I do all the tech work myself so you deal directly with me. I am a one man shop and my hours can vary so please contact me to confirm that I will be open.
Email me: billy@300guitars.com
Call or text me: 848-218-0362
Shipping Info for all repair work:
Please ship all repairs to: 1 Executive Dr Unit L Toms River, NJ 08755
I am currently offering all phases of guitar work which includes:
- Set-ups
- Fret dressing
- Re-fretting
- New hand cut custom bone nuts & saddles
- Electronics work
And amplifier work which includes:
- Basic maintenance
- Bias adjustment
- Repairs and restorations
- Modifications
- And more....
Testimonials:
David Nicholas - The 20watt amp is sounding fantastic! Delivered the goods at the gig and I'm finding cool tones all over the place with it. Love the cab w Emenince Tonkerlites too- perfect for my sounds! Makes the 12 string sound like a grand piano!
Peter Lacis - I had an audition for something recently that was all about Led Zeppelin I -- my custom Pennalizer BLEW THE MINDS of the guys I was playing with. They couldn't believe the sounds coming out of that amp. That album was never in my mind when I came up with the idea....so that's yet another testament to the amazing work that you do.
Scott Goldberg - I am very satisfied with the set-up, and the fast turn around. With the "lower" action it feels easier to play. I will definitely spread the word.