I was born in August 1949. My interest in the guitar started when I was very young. I also showed interest in drawing at an early age. I grew up in San Jose, CA and spent a lot of time at my grandfather's house being mentored in the workshop, learning woodworking skills and becoming confident with all the tools.
In 1962, my family and I moved to Santa Cruz, California, where I attended junior high school. Two things became evident. I showed a talent as a young artist and an excellent woodworker. When I graduated Branciforte Junior High, I was given departmental honors in art. This was the first time that the award was given at my school.
I went to high school at Soquel High. I quickly impressed my teachers in the Wood shop and the Art Department. I was given free reign in both departments to do whatever I wanted to do. I was creating work that far surpassed the other student work. I was often given outside projects to do by my teachers. I designed many posters for dances during the 60's. (see original Santa Cruz Poster Art by Frank DiSalvo). I won many contests including designing the letterhead and envelope for the Santa Cruz governmental center. I also designed a patch for the Santa Cruz Youth Symphony and won contests for painting Christmas windows.
In 1965, I started playing the guitar and you could not pry the guitar out of my hands. It quickly became apart of me! A year later I went to visit my wood shop teacher, Bob. It just so happened that he was building a banjo. I told him that looks like fun! I want to build my own guitar! Bob said, "Go get one so we can measure it and we'll make one!"
My first guitar was a solid black walnut - S.G. 12 string electric with one chrome P-90 pickup at the neck. It was heavy and the neck was rather square. I thought, "I'd better make another one so I could improve." I did and kept on building. My grandfather, Sal, got to see my third guitar before he passed away. He was very proud.
I graduated in 1968 with departmental honors in Art. I went on to get my Bachelor's Degree in Art with a Music minor. In 1972 I opened my first guitar shop in Santa Cruz, called “The Guitar Worksâ€. Today I have had owned 5 stores and built more then 100 custom guitars. Currently I have 2 bands,SWING CITY & EASY ST.I also lead worship in church.
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