We recently had the chance to connect with Edgar Levy and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Edgar, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
There is a steep learning curve when it comes to a guitar. It takes a lot of effort and a large investment of time, and it’s very easy to get discouraged along the way. When purchasing a first instrument, there are a lot of options. It’s just as important to purchase something that will sound good as well as fitting in the budget. What is often overlooked is a proper setup up. This can make the difference between an instrument that is just affordable and one that is easy to play. Even with expensive instruments, it is rare that something brand new doesn’t need some adjustments to suit the player’s finger strength. Even a new set of strings with the proper gauge can make a world of difference. At These Old Guitars, we know that what may work for one person may not work for everyone.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
These Old Guitars repairs and builds custom stringed instrument. TOG began with the idea that repairing a friend’s old broken guitar is a worthwhile endeavor. Over a lifetime, that one project has grown into a passion for making replicas of the older classical guitar shapes, reimagined into modern forms and technologies. There are two current custom builds on the workbench that demonstrate this passion. One is an acoustic guitar in the shape of a Fender Telecaster that uses a Telecaster neck mated to a sapele and spruce body. The other is a soprano sized ukulele in the shape of an early 20th century Gibson Style O Artist with a mahogany body.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Learning the creative process through art in college was an eye opener for me. Before taking my first art course, most of what I learned was in the math and sciences, which have very formula-based approaches that drive things towards one correct answer. The creative process allows for exploring different paths that may lead to different solutions. Very often, there is more than right answer. Knowing that has shaped the way I see the world and how I approach building musical instruments.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The world is full of followers, willing to let someone else make decisions. There is a lot of security in thinking this way, it minimizes exposure to risk and possible failures. The real difference between leaders and followers is that leaders are willing to take calculated risks. There is always something to be gained by taking risks, even if it nothing more than learning that something does not work. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and to try doing things you have never been done before.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Critical thinking for problem solving is becoming a thing of the past. SmartPhones and Artificial Intelligence are two aspects of modern life that encourage our reliance on machines and other ways of solving problems. There is no greater tool than the human mind.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I have a long list of projects I’d like to do. Some of them are musical instrument builds, and some are electric guitar effects pedals. With most projects, there are decisions that must be made, making the path to a solution a process of elimination. At the end of a project, I sometimes find myself wondering what would have happened if I had pursued some other choices along the way. In exchange for spending time on other projects, I regret that I will run out of time to find out what other solutions are out there.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @theseoldguitars
- Facebook: Thes Old Guitars
