Brett Deardorff of Theo, Brett & John, Pearl Jam Tribute Chicago, etc.
Phase Out
Out of your entire guitar collection (past or present) which 2 stand out to you and why?
I have a black Gretsch Electromatic hollowbody. My wife got it for me for my 30th birthday, it’s beautiful – I don’t play it a ton, but a couple of my favorite things I’ve ever recorded we’re on it. I also have an MIM 72 re-issue Thinline Telecaster, that has and will be, my number one. So much so, that when I took it apart to refinish it a few years ago, I took the “1” QC sticker out of the pickup chamber, and put it on the body. The strap on it is made from late grandfather’s belt. So the guitar’s name is Clarence.
Windfall
What unexpected piece of music gear has inspired you the most?
I traded in some unused things to Billy at Dyanamite Music a couple years ago- and got a banjo. In about a week,I got some basic chords down, and wrote a song on it. One of my favorites to date.
Pine Away
What piece of music gear do you wish you still had, and/or perhaps something you regret not buying when you had the opportunity?
When I was 19 or 20, I scored a 1966 fender bandmaster head and matching cabinet, got it for $400-played it for a few years it was GREAT… And when we needed a PA, I traded it away to Barry at Muncie music center in Muncie Indiana – and every time I see one, my heart hurts.
Wild Card
I know you’ve tried a lot of gear over the years. Do you prefer vintage over modern (vice versa), or a nice mix of both?
I always thought of myself as an analog person…loving vintage things… and I do. However, there’s something to be said about things that have been refined, and work consistently, especially in a live setting. 10 years ago, I would’ve laughed at using powered speakers at a gig… And now that’s what I mostly use. BUT, I still love vintage gear of any kind.
Final Thoughts
Any shout outs, plugs, or random tidbits of advice?
Any area musicians (NW Indiana), if you’re looking to trade or buy gear, go to Billy O at Dynamite Music in Griffith. It’s the best store around. My only advice is- find people that you work well with. I fortunately only play with people now that are great friends. All of them, insanely more talented than myself. People like John Scott, Jeremy Lippelt, Dana Sutter, Tim Ores, Ed Wood, Bo Anderson, Steve Termini, Scott Brakebill...the list goes on. I love playing in any capacity, with any of those guys.
