To start with a Florida boy born in Fort Lauderdale. The year was 1949. Dad was a woodworker, as his dad was before him. This may sound funny, but I really don’t remember a time that I didn’t use a table saw. My Dad had a cabinet shop that did work primarily for interior decorators and did, for the most part, very high-end work. I had the privilege of working with many craftsmen from Italy, Germany and other countries. Some of these men were literally sold into apprenticeship as children in, "the old country," as they would say. To be honest, I wish I paid a little closer attention than I did to their skillfulness. But I do believe I picked up more than I even realized at the time. I guess at some point I realized that I did like making things, and all the more so if someone said, “That's impossible.”

Mom and Dad got me my first guitar for Christmas from the Spiegel catalogue in 1962. I started taking lessons from a gentleman who had fingers that were all bigger than my big toe. I think the biggest thing I learned from him was the fact that if he could make a chord on the guitar it sure should be possible for me to.

It wasn’t long after that I met a kid in the neighborhood that played drums. One guitar, one set of drums and epiphany, we were making music. (?)

Or at least we thought we were. Before long we had a small group called “The Keestones.”  I’d like to say that we were discovered, got a recording contract, etc., but we didn’t. I’m sure we were all better off that none of that happened anyway. But we did have fun, and made some good friends in the process.

Then there was a short interlude from 1968 to 1972. But that’s another story. But one thing that did happen during that time was that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior in a small church in California. (The most important thing that ever happened to me that is.) From there I went straight to Vietnam without a Bible or fellowship; in other words it was 30-plus years after that day before I really began to understand the importance of that decision. Please feel free to ask about any of this; I try to always be ready to give a reason for my faith.

After my military service I went back to woodworking. I have had my own business for the past 20 years, and have a body of work that I’m relatively proud of. I have continued to play the guitar off and on since "The Kee Stones” days and have been playing more seriously since 2001. My poor wife has asked me more than once, “Don't your fingers ever get tired?” I’ve long given up the idea of being a, “star” or even a working musician. My performing is restricted to playing at nursing homes and the like.

In 2006 I started building guitars.This is a labor of love, and after selling one I started, “Peatt Guitars,” selling what I feel to be a fine instrument for a comparatively low price (due to the lack of notoriety). The best proof of that is to see and play the guitar yourself.

I guess to make a long story short (to late for that), I am offering my services in guitar repair, and in giving lessons. The guitar is fun and probably the most practical musical instrument to play. It’s portable and can easily accompany a voice. My main requirement of a students is that they want to play the guitar.

My basic method of teaching is to get the student playing (making music), as soon as possible, and this can be accomplished very quickly. How quickly, of course, is dependent upon “practice.” I do believe music theory to be of the utmost importance and will be introduced in the midst of learning to play. The guitar is somewhat of a unique instrument; in fact, you can learn to perform with a minimum of musical knowledge. Understanding music theory cannot be underestimated; however, I do think that too much emphasis on theory on the front end can drive one away from the joy of making music.

If you have the desire to perform and are willing to sing, alone or with others, the guitar is the perfect instrument and a great way for Christians to witness.

It’s been said that the guitar is the easiest instrument to play and the hardest to play well. I am aware that I’m not a “Chet Atkins”(and probable not as expensive), but I’m sure that I can take you to the point of understanding the guitar and music theory, and to show how to use the tools that are available to you that weren’t around 20 years ago.

If you have any interest in my guitars, lessons or repair and set-up services please call or e-mail at: 

386-734-6979