About

Like Father Like Son

Legendary guitar maker, Phil Petillo, and his son, Dave, have been creating some of the most iconic guitars in the world for over 50 years.

A man of many talents, Phil carved a unique space for himself as both a master luthier and an engineer, and harnessed both to solidify his position in the pantheon of great guitar makers,

A multitalented artist himself, Dave grew up in his father's shop learning the arts of guitar making and marquetry, and continues his father's legacy every time his work is seen on stage in the hands of some of the world's most talented artists.

From humble beginnings

Phil Petillo began working on musical instruments when he was 14 years old. It wasn't long before his skills earned him a position working for Jimmy DiSerio, godson of legendary guitar maker, John D'Angelico.

While learning under one of the best guitar makers in the world, he also pursued his passion for the noble art of marquetry under the esteemed marquetarian, Phillipp Rimmler.

While honing his artistic skills on multiple fronts, he satisfied his engineering side by earning a Doctorate in Industrial Engineering from Colombia and a Doctorate in Engineering Technology from La Salle.

This marriage of artistry and engineering made Phil a phenom in the guitar world, starting with his designs for the first-ever Kramer Guitar prototypes in 1976. He devoted his life to perfecting his craft and creating some of the most legendary guitars in the business - all while being a blessing in the lives of all those around him because of his generous and humble spirit.

Build it and they will come

In 1966, Phil and his wife, Lucille, opened their guitar shop in Ocean Township, NJ. Word of Phil's work began to spread, and it didn't take long for it to hit the ears of Jim Croce, who came to the shop in 1972 to have Phil make him a guitar. Once he saw what Phil could do, he began telling his fellow musicians about this master luthier in NJ.

Soon after, Phil got a knock on his door by a young, unknown artist by the name of Bruce Springsteen. Phil sold him what was to become his famous 1954 Fender Esquire and the rest was history.

Over the years, the two became close friends and collaborators, and Phil produced countless custom-fitted, one-of-a-kind masterpieces for him and a number of other prominent artists.

Renaissance man

Along with being a master luthier, Phil was a brilliant engineer who invented not only his own frets, strings, and pickups, but innovations in other fields, including life-saving medical devices, hydrogen fuel cells, and sound equipment used by Industrial Light & Magic.

His passion and expertise in so many fields afforded him opportunities he never could have expected. The Smithsonian repeatedly sought his skills to refurbish items in its exhibits, including many Stradivarius violins. When the White House decided to renovate the Oval Office floor, they went to Phil. His extensive knowledge of metallurgy and engineering even helped the likes of NASA when they consulted him from time to time.

He was a true renaissance man who was willing to help all those who asked for it.

Masters of their craft

The Petillos have built a reputation as being amongst the best guitar makers in the world. Phil's ingenuity and Dave's prowess as an artist have garnered the respect and patronage of musicians all over the world.

Their vast list of clients includes Bruce Springsteen, Elvis, Billy Joel, Tom Petty, Eddie Vedder, Prince, James Taylor, and so many more.

They have helped revolutionize the industry by making musical instruments of breathtaking beauty and singular sound-producing quality. It's no wonder that master musicians continue to come to them after so many years.

Continuing the legacy

Phil Petillo tragically passed away in 2010, but not before instilling in his son the skills needed to be a master luthier and the traits that made everyone around him revere him.

Since 2010, Dave has continued to produce intricately designed guitars that carry the patented Petillo sound. Artists from all over the world that came to the small shop in NJ because of his father now come because of him.

His designs and expertise have made his list of famous clients grow, but the doors to the Petillo guitar shop remain open to all that seek the services of a master luthier.