BARTH GUITARS

Barth guitars

Paul Martin Barth should rightly be considered, one of the founding fathers of the electric guitar.

A quiet, gentle, unassuming, dedicated legend who should not be forgotten.

Barth’s fingerprints and influence are all over the iconic guitars we still know today.

Electro String, National, Rickenbacker, Fender, Bartell, Barth, Acoustic Corp, Hohner, Magnatone, Mosrite and Natural Music Guild

Paul Barth’s last guitar shop before he died in 1973 was at 10685 Magnolia Avenue Riverside California

“Paul Barth was one of the pioneers... he knew his guitars. Look closely and you can see the Barth touch, especially in the carved bevel around the top. Listen closely to any Bartell guitar and you’ll hear that Barth magic in every note you play” - Ted Peckels

PAUL BARTH

A LEGEND

Co inventor, with George Beauchamp, of the electric pickup, prolific inventor, innovator and master luthier. Barth created his own guitars and had several workshops in his own name.

DON UNDERWOOD

Musician and successor to Paul when he died

Don was an amazing musician and an incredible luthier, he learn so much from Paul Barth and took over the business when Paul died in 1973

FRED STROBEL

BARTH Shop employee

Fred was an employee at the Barth shop

TIMOTHY HAYMAN

BARTH Shop employee

Timothy was an employee at the Barth shop

LANCE MONTGOMERY

BARTH Shop employee

Lance was an employee at the Barth shop

STEVE SIDWELL

BARTH Shop employee

Steve was Don's partner in business, his name was on the business card

PAUL DAAK

BARTH Shop employee

Paul was an employee at the Barth shop

KAY BARTH

Paul's wife Kay

Kay was often working in the shop supporting her husband Paul

DAVE STREETER

BARTH Shop employee

Custom Banjo builder

ASA FISHER

BARTH Shop employee

Guitar instructor, repairs and refinishing

DEVON OXFORD

BARTH Shop Master Luthier

“Don took over the shop in ‘73 or early ‘74 after Paul died. I was delighted when Don asked me to come and work with him." Devon is seen with the Explorer that he made for Joe Walsh.