Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Barnes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Anaheim, California. I started playing guitar at a young age thanks to the Gipsy Kings and Alan Jackson. I started to take it really seriously once I heard the mighty Mr. Edward Van Halen, who is my guitar hero! I must say that the first song that opened my eyes to guitar was the Top Gun Anthem by Harold Faltermeyer and the mighty Mr. Steve Stevens.
Van Halen was definitely the rocket launch though. I served for the better part of a decade as a Paratrooper in the United States Army where I was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska when I wasn’t on deployments or training elsewhere. I moved to my current state of residence here in Florida in 2011. I started my day job at Dean Guitars in May of 2015, I started as a Quality Control Technician for all imported instruments, and I’m currently a Master Guitar Technician in the USA Custom Shop. I started my home gig at Sergeant Solder Guitarworks about 2 years ago.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It absolutely has not been a smooth road. I count my blessings each day and am well aware that there are always people who are struggling and suffering far more than I am. I had a traumatic childhood for numerous reasons. There was no shortage of love from my parents, but unfortunately, that does not shield a child from an abundance of trauma. Often times we forget that as we were growing up, so were our parents! I’ve rarely if ever, seen bigger hearts than those of my Mother and Father.
I struggled for the better part of the last decade with the scars of war, and that demon revealed itself through alcohol. I recognized that eventually, and removed that liquid from my life over 3 years ago.
Every day is an internal nightmare for a myriad of reasons, but I thank God for every breath, and my 3 children are my heroes, for they save my heart daily! They are truly miraculous.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Master Guitar Technician for the Dean Guitars USA Custom Shop. I basically take a guitar that has just been painted and make it stage-ready. The in-between of the start and finish of my work is so much more intense and involved than one may realize. I suppose I’m known for creating “Stealth Wiring,” which concerns the electronic guts of the guitar if you will. I just believe that every aspect of a custom guitar should go to 11 instead of 10.
I’m most proud of my work being recognized and appreciated by elite guitarists, many of who’ve mastered playing the instrument long before I was born! What sets me apart from others is my passion, pride, dedication, and work ethic. I treat every guitar as though it were my own. My OCD comes in really handy, lol. I don’t try and compete with anyone but myself.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Get me a shop of my own, haha. I suppose giving me your business and spreading the word will help.
I’m always interested in collaborating with talented and passionate people and artists. I’m on the social networks as @airborne5150 and @sergeantsolderguitarworks
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/airborne5150?igshid=YTY2NzY3YTc=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airborne5150?mibextid=LQQJ4d
