David Petillo and Petillo Guitars

**TRichardsbass** · #1 09-03-2011, 11:56 AM

All of you may remember the late Phil Petillo, luthier to Springsteen, the Met and the Louvre.

His son, David, carries on the tradition, although in my opinion he far exceeds his father in every way.

He just showed me a piece from the Louvre that he is restoring for the Louvre. According to sources its the very first upright bass ever made. I cannot wait to see the final restoration. The thing started as just a pile of pieces.

I am thinking very hard about selling all my basses and having David make me one. His mastery of marketry alone is worth it, and I am thinking he could create a great piecce for me to take for the rest of my career.

Just wanted to remind everyone about this amazing yound man as he is not one to really market himself and he deserves quite a bit of attention.

tom

miziomix · #2 09-04-2011, 05:10 AM

Great guitars. The archtop is sweet

thank you!

mongo2 · #3 09-04-2011, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

All of you may remember the late Phil Petillo, luthier to Springsteen, the Met and the Louvre.

His son, David, carries on the tradition, although in my opinion he far exceeds his father in every way.

He just showed me a piece from the Louvre that he is restoring for the Louvre. According to sources its the very first upright bass ever made. I cannot wait to see the final restoration. The thing started as just a pile of pieces.

Just wanted to remind everyone about this amazing yound man as he is not one to really market himself and he deserves quite a bit of attention.

I agree, I was at Phil's shop quite a few years ago and he was showing us examples of his son's marquetry as a proud poppa is wont to do.

rythman6969 · #4 09-05-2011, 09:41 AM

I remember going to Phil's shop with my stepfather at the time.( 1977 or so ) He was installing pyramid shaped frets in my stepfather's hollowbody. I was looking through the photo album on the desk at all the famous people who Phil did work for. There were lots. I didn't even know he had a son and that he was also a luthier. but looking at some photos I see he is following his dad's footsteps. And as stated, maybe taken it to the next level. Nice.

TheVoiceless · #5 09-07-2011, 08:52 AM

Dave has a photographic memory and an indoor tan from hours of slaving for his craft. I had them install a preamp in my MusicManSR4 when the original blew up. Two of my personal inspirations. Phil was a great person to just soak up all of his knowledge. Held a Stradivarius and a custom Bruce Springsteen guitar at their shop. David's marquetry is amazing.

And those pyramid frets Rhythman mentions is a patented idea by Phil. Pointed frets to give better cleaner and more sustained notes.

Phil would share personal stories like how Eddie Van Halen was banging on his door after midnight for set up, Paul McCartney staying the night, etc....

Great thread TOM!! I'm a big Petillo fan. Thanks!!