Other guitar designers guys have gotten more recognition and press than Phillip Petillo, but as far as Bruce Springsteen is concerned, none had a greater instinct for getting the most out of a guitar.  It was Petillo that sold Springsteen the now iconic Fender guitar The Boss considers one of the finest instruments on the planet.  Friday, Petillo, a musician, engineer and endless tinkerer, had just finished working in his New Jersey shop when he died at 64.  The 1953 Fender Esquire that Petillo sold Springsteen in 1969 for $150 is considered to be worth a few million dollars today.  To Bruce, it's priceless.  He frequently credits the Petillo custom neck, frets and the re-engineered pick-ups for the great sound of the instrument.  See a video feature about Phil here.
Asbury Park Press  APP.com

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