Elk Nation Members

Steve Knippenberg

Guy on the left? That’s some heavy shit. Guy on the right?

“Businessmen, they drink my wine… plowmen dig my earth.”

Don’t let that guitar fool you—Steve has some serious horsepower upstairs as well. He was a professor of law at the University of Oklahoma and, in 2005, was appointed to the prestigious Floyd and Martha Norris Chair in Law. He’s taught Commercial Law, Bankruptcy and Contracts, and even took the show on the road as a Visiting Professor at Penn and the University of Illinois.

So if you ever go broke, break a contract, or just need the smartest guy in the room… I got a guy

That’s the résumé.

The guy I know? A great friend, a serious guitar guy, and somebody I’ve been fortunate enough to call a friend for more than 20 years.

Steve, welcome to the Elk Nation, brother. And Um…

There must be some kind of way outta here.

Randy Melser

The world knows him as Randy Melser. To me? He’s Satchel—the best guitarist in my band.

This guy brings it in every category. Player, guitar guy, businessman and one of my best boys. After years of being a bona fide rock star with his band Skrape, Randy took all that talent and guitar knowledge over to the business side of things. Today, he’s running the show as General Manager of the Gibson Garage Miami. Yeah, I’d say Gibson knows talent when they see it.

How’s that Satchel?

Why? In a world of ugly faces.
Should I be allowed to be so hot.
So many people without talent.
Yet I was born with all the magical gifts, I got.

No doubt an embarrassment of riches, Satchel, but calm it down, brother—this is a Rated G establishment.

If you ever meet this legend, just ask, “What’s up?” No doubt, he’ll respond with…

DEATH TO ALL BUT METAL!

Tom Sexton

Tom was a country singer with those velvet-toned vocals that made everything sound easy—then he’d plug in and hit you with those crunchy guitar riffs just to remind you there was a little grit underneath all that smooth.

Tom and I did business together for years, but somewhere along the way, we quit being two guys doing deals and just became friends. That’s the part nobody tells you about this business. The guitars come and go, but every once in a while, somebody comes into your life who stays with you long after the deal is done. Tom was one of those guys for me.

We lost Tom this year, and as the Good Book says, “Tears are prayers too. They travel to God when we can’t speak.” Today, I understand those words a little better. Rest easy, my friend. The Elk Nation won’t forget you.

Donny Covington

I was introduced to this living legend by his best friend, Tom—the same Tom you just read about right next to him. Donny comes from Texas, where everything is bigger, and apparently that includes personality and talent. Witty, funny, one hell of a guy, and did I mention talented?

Collector, guitarist, skier, and a longtime sales executive in the marine industry—Donny has done a little bit of everything and done it well. But titles and accomplishments only tell you so much about a man. To me, he’s simply a close friend, and that means more than anything you could put on a résumé. Damn proud to have this Texas legend in the Elk Nation.

Dave Belzer

What can you say about Dave Belzer? Well, for starters, he’s was one half of the dynamic duo better known in the guitar world as The Burst Brothers.

Dave and his partner in crime, Drew Berlin, have had their hands on more killer vintage guitars than most of us will see in three lifetimes. Bursts, Blackie, Lenny—you name it, these boys have probably had it sitting on the kitchen table at some point.

And when it comes to an original ’58, ’59 or ’60 Burst, Dave doesn’t need Google. He’s one of the guys Google calls.

But here’s what I like about Dave. After all the years, all the legendary guitars and all the stories, he’s still a guitar guy. He still gets it. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just chasing that next guitar that makes us grin like an idiot.

Dave, damn proud to have one of the Burst Brothers hanging around the Elk Nation. Just keep Drew away from my vault. I’ve already got enough security problems.

Drew Berlin

You can’t have one without the other.

Dean and Jerry.
Bandit and the Snowman.
Butch and Sundance.
Peanut butter and jelly.

Drew is the other half of that dynamic duo, and between these two guys, they’ve probably forgotten more about vintage guitars than most of us will ever know. Bursts, ’50s Gibsons, legendary guitars with legendary stories—Drew has been right there in the middle of it for decades.

And just like Dave, underneath all that knowledge is a guy who simply loves guitars. That’s the common denominator with everybody I respect in this business. Take away the values, the rarity and all the bullshit, and we’re still a bunch of kids staring at guitars.

I’ve known Drew for years, and I can tell you the man behind all that knowledge is every bit as good as his reputation. Drew, you’ve been part of this crazy guitar journey of mine for a long time, brother. Having you here in the Elk Nation just makes it official. Much love and respect.

Tobin Dale

Tobin — I’ve known this cat for years, long before he was out there playing stages all over the world. Ray Wylie Hubbard, Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts, Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights—the boy’s been around. And through all of it, Tobin hasn’t changed a damn bit. Same guy I’ve always known, and I’m proud to call him a friend.

Now somebody answer me one question… are we absolutely positive Keith Richards doesn’t have an illegitimate son running around Nashville?

Welcome to the Elk Nation, brother.

Chuck Ward

A big Elk Nation welcome to Chuck Ward, guitarist for Aaron Lewis—you know, the “It’s Been Awhile” guy. Chuck’s a hell of a player and a serious guitar guy, and when a Merle Haggard “Tuff Dog” Telecaster popped up at the Elk, he didn’t waste any time.

Good guitars have a way of finding the right people. This one damn sure did. Welcome to the herd, Chuck.

Joe B.Quattlebaum

What can I say about this legend that hasn’t already been said? When JFK had that issue with that Castro fellow down in Cuba, Joe B. was on speed dial. When the Beatles couldn’t quite find all the words for Let It Be, well, Joe B. stepped in once again. At least that’s how I heard it.

All kidding aside, Joe B. is a Texas legend, one hell of a guitar player, and a true connoisseur of vintage guitars. The man knows the good stuff, and more importantly, he knows what clean really means. Around here, when something is exceptionally clean, we’ve coined a phrase for it: “Joe B. clean.” If Joe says it’s clean, you can pretty much put the magnifying glass back in the drawer.

I’ve been fortunate enough to know a lot of great players and even better people over the years, and Joe checks both boxes. I’m blessed to have him in the herd—and even more blessed to call him a friend. Joe B., pop the top on that Shiner Bock and pass me one. Love this guy.

Ken Johnson

Ken Johnson served this country proudly in the United States Navy. After that, apparently life just wasn’t dangerous enough.

He went on to become a legend in motorcycle road racing, because he doesn’t lean into corners—the corners lean away from him. Rumor has it even Giacomo Agostini once looked over and said, “Ken… calm down.”

He’s also a PRS enthusiast of the highest order. He doesn’t just collect guitars. Guitars hope to be collected by him.

I swear, walk into this man’s kitchen and you’ll probably find a Plexi sitting next to the coffee maker—just in case he feels the need. What need? Nobody knows. Ken knows.

He served his country.
He raced motorcycles.
He appreciates great guitars.
And somewhere, right now, a Marshall is warming up simply because Ken walked into the room.

Even the beer guy stole the whole campaign idea from this legend. Stay thirsty indeed, my friends.

They say legends are made, not born. Ken finds that amusing.

Moses Mo

My introduction to Moses Mo and Mother’s Finest came when they opened for Ted Nugent and Aerosmith at the Omni in Atlanta. To say these upstarts blew the headliners off the stage that night would be an understatement—I remember thinking, “Who the hell are these guys?”

Later in life I got to meet Mo, and over the years we became friends. And that Music Man he’s holding? Yep, that came from the Elk—albeit completely original when it left here. Mo had other ideas, of course, and made it uniquely his. To the few who’ve never heard Mother’s Finest, check ’em out—you too can do the Monkey, “Mickey’s Monkey,” that is. Cool guy, even better human being. What more could I say?

Frank Beatrice

His Clark Kent name is Frank. To his legion of friends and fans, he’s Frankie B—and brother, this guy puts the “O” in originality.

Frankie’s played with damn near everybody, and word on the street is he even recorded with Debbie Harry—you remember her, right? “Call Me,” indeed. But that’s Frankie; the guy knows everybody, and I mean everybody. He was tight with Lou Pallo, Les Paul himself, and was no stranger to the Iridium. Throw in a lifetime around some mighty fine guitars and, well, look up “legend” in the dictionary and there he is. Me? I’m just proud to call him a personal friend of the family. Much love and respect to the one and only Frankie B.

John Dannert

This guy needs no introduction. To the masses, he’s John Dannert. To the few, he’s Smilin’ John. I had a friend tell me years ago, “You may be blessed with five in your lifetime.” He was talking about those inner-circle people—the ones who don’t need an explanation because they already understand. You don’t go looking for those people. Somehow, they find you.

Some people bring happiness wherever they go; John brings it everywhere he goes. He’s been there through the chapters, the good, the bad, and all the insanity in between. Those chosen few become part of your story because somewhere along the way, they became part of you. That’s Smilin’ John. My friend, my brother, and proudly part of the Elk Nation.

Kyle Dannert

My street name for Kyle is Calvin. You know, like a character leaning against a Lincoln Continental in an episode of Starsky & Hutch. I call him that, and he probably doesn’t appreciate it. But we’re brothers, so he lets me slide. That bass in this scene? Yeah, it used to belong to Flea.

And in my opinion, Kyle is every bit as talented—and I don’t throw words like that around lightly. And, as a surprise to absolutely no one, this is an Elk Nation first: John and Kyle, two brothers on the Elk site. Now, I’m not their biological brother, but they’ve never made me feel like anything less. I’m just their brother from another mother. Life decides who your brothers are, and somewhere along the way, these two became mine. As for welcoming Calvin to the Elk Nation? Hell, he’s been here all along.

Eric McKenna

Eric McKenna is one of those guys who seems to have lived about five lives in one. Founder of Boogie Street, host of the Eric McKenna Project podcast, DJ on Pickle Radio, and a real estate agent to the stars.

He once told me, “You may be blessed with five people in your lifetime—the ones who will travel that long road with you.” I never forgot it. Somewhere along that road, I realized Eric wasn’t just telling me about the five—he was one of them.

I could say so much more about this guy. Eric is the real deal, and he puts the E in entrepreneurship. Someone once said, “Today’s accomplishments were yesterday’s impossibilities.” Eric has mentored me simply by the example he sets, and that’s what makes him one of my five. Thanks for the friendship, the lessons, and most of all, the inspiration.

Donald Dunlavey

Donald isn’t an easy man to befriend. He’s seen some things, knows some things, and bullshit has never made it far with him. Don will test you, watch you, and figure your game out quick. And if you think you’re finally in his inner circle, don’t get too comfortable—he’ll let you know. He may just tolerate you. Long before that, Don was a staple of the Macon music scene and knew the Allman Brothers before “Whipping Post” was even whippin.’

Don’s story always reminds me a little of Invincible. You know the movie—the regular guy gets one shot and ends up playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. That’s Don, only with a guitar. When his shot came, he grabbed it, and suddenly this Macon boy was playing arenas with Zac Brown. Opportunity may open the door, but you still have to be good enough to walk through it. Don was.

And did I mention Don builds world-class guitars? An embarrassment of riches, right? If you’re in the market for your own Excalibur, Don can flat-out build it. Just don’t expect it on your timetable—you might get a talking-to. The man’s a master luthier, an original in every sense of the word. But what I value most? He considers me part of his inner circle. Well, I think?

Andrew “The Rap God” Watson

Wait, what? Lee, this is a drummer. He’s not one of us.

Well, I’m making a special exemption for this guy. Andrew’s my boy, and now he’s taken his exceptional talents across the pond to Scotland. Yeah, I’ll let a drummer into the Elk Nation. This drummer.

Why do I call him The Rap God? Because somewhere amongst all that percussive skill, the man can flat-out spit bars. And I’m not talking “drummer thinks he can rap” bars. I mean pro-level.

If you ever run into him, ask him to give you a little Tenacious D. Then stand back and let the man work his magic. Tell him Lee sent you.

Jordan Ziff

Jordan Ziff calls me up one day and says, “Dude, I dig Elvis.” Well, that gold sparkle Strat he’s holding in the picture? Yeah, that pretty much tells you where that conversation went.

The man’s been at it since he was 14, went on to tour with Marty Friedman, no doubt, this guy’s a beast. Now he’s coming out of the cellar with some little-known band called RATT.

But here’s what I appreciate about Jordan—there’s not an ounce of pretension about him. For all that talent and everything he’s accomplished, he’s as down to earth as they come.That’s the kind of guy I’ve always got time for.

Elvis once said, “Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.” Seems to me Jordan’s running a ZR-1 Corvette engine. Check him out for yourself. Elk Land has nothing but love for this guy.

Ed Lott

Remember those wrestlers back in the ’70s? The ones they’d introduce as weighing 275 pounds and hailing from “Parts Unknown”? Well, that’s Ed Lott. Ed lives somewhere out there in Parts Unknown, and I’m pretty sure that’s exactly the way he likes it.

And before you think this picture was taken in some high-end guitar shop—nope. That’s Ed’s personal Bat Cave. His own private stash of six-string insanity. Rumor has it tucked away in there is one of Eddie Van Halen’s VH guitars, handcrafted by Charvel for the legend himself. Can I confirm it? Nope. But when a man lives in Parts Unknown, they tend to be secretive.

Izzy Miller

Some people dress Western. Izzy Miller lives it. A genuine Western star and media personality, he’s authentic, entertaining and impossible to overlook.

Naturally, he needed a guitar with character. His 1966 Longhorn looks like something found between Piggly Wiggly and Route 66—vintage, distinctive and cooler than the other side of the pillow. Where did Izzy find it? Well, you know.

Bruce Kulick

Bruce Kulick needs no introduction. From KISS to Grand Funk Railroad and everything in between, Bruce has spent a lifetime proving he’s one hell of a guitar player—and doing it without ever needing to tell you so.

The only thing that might outclass Bruce’s ability with a guitar is his kindness and humility. In a business where egos can fill the room before the player does, Bruce is simply a good human being. I’m honored to call him a friend and even more honored to have him in the Elk Nation.

Dave Fowler

Dave Fowler came out of the mountains of Swannanoa, North Carolina, with four strings and a dream, and brother, he made ’em count. Dolly Parton, Ronnie Milsap, Billy Ray Cyrus, Cinderella, Dr. John, The Boxmasters—the list goes on. Touring, studio work, producing, songwriting, television…Dave’s been there, done it, and probably has a better story about it than you do.

Great musician? Absolutely. Better man? Unquestionably. As someone once wrote, “Integrity is telling yourself the truth, and honesty is telling the truth to other people.” That’s what Dave Fowler is all about. I’m proud to call him my friend and honored to have him in the Elk Nation.

Zevi Solomon

I’ve known Zevi a long time. He’s an Atlanta guy, a good friend who’s been to my house and jammed with me, and one hell of a guitarist. His band is Corsa—apparently Italian for “run,” “race,” or “journey.” I had to look it up. What the hell do I know? I just know the guy can play.

Do yourself a favor and check out Corsa’s video “Lights” on YouTube. The song is killer, but the video itself is something else—the cinematography is absolutely incredible. Great music, impressive work, and a longtime friend I’m damn proud to have as part of the Elk Nation.

Don “Dirty” Nichols

“Dirty” Don has been a close friend for decades. To the rest of the world he’s Don—to me, he’ll always be Dirty, a nickname I gave him years ago with nothing but affection. As bandleader of Barbwire & Lace Outlaw Country Band, you can usually find him with his trusty Les Paul, a top hat, and enough Southern pride to fill the room.

Dirty and Barbwire & Lace have been bringing outlaw country to the masses for years—the way it ought to be done. Good music, good people, and the real deal. Check ’em out. Barbwire & Lace.

Brian “The Mug” Milstead

I’ve known Brian “The Mug” Milstead for years, and I’ll tell you this—there are plenty of people who can sing the blues, and plenty who can sing soul. Brian feels it. In my opinion, he’s about as close as you can get to the real definition of blue-eyed soul. There’s grit in that voice, but there’s heart behind it. Nothing manufactured. Nothing forced.

Brian doesn’t just sing a song—he gets inside the damn thing, moves the furniture around, and makes it his own. I’ve heard a lot of singers in my life, and I know the real thing when I hear it. The Mug is the real deal.

Kerry Champion

Kerry is a Georgia boy like myself, and maybe that’s why we hit it off from the start. He’s got that Southern way about him—a sweet soul, a good heart, and the kind of guy who doesn’t have to work very hard at being your friend. It just comes naturally.

There’s something to be said for people you simply enjoy having around, and Kerry is one of them. We share some Georgia roots, a few laughs, and I’m sure more than a few stories that are probably better left right where they are. Proud to call him my friend—and one of the Herd.

Billy Sheehan

Billy Sheehan is one of those guys who changed the way people looked at his instrument. He didn’t just play bass—he took the damn thing places most of us didn’t know it could go. From Talas to David Lee Roth to Mr. Big, Billy has spent a lifetime proving that four strings are plenty when you know what the hell you’re doing.

But what has always impressed me is the man behind all that talent. Billy is gracious, funny, down to earth, and generous with his time—the kind of guy who has every reason in the world to have an ego and somehow missed that meeting. A monster player and an even better human being.

Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa once bought a vintage Fender clock from me. Unfortunately, UPS decided to have its way with it somewhere between my place and his, and let’s just say it didn’t arrive looking quite as vintage as it did when it left. Over the years I’ve returned the favor and bought a slew of cool stuff from Joe, so I guess we’ve managed to keep the guitar economy moving between us.

And then there’s his place. Calling it a guitar collection doesn’t really do it justice—it’s more like walking through a vintage guitar museum where everything happens to belong to one guy. Guitars, amps, history everywhere you look. For a gear nut like me, it’s the kind of place where you could lose an afternoon pretty damn easily.

Jim Pittman

Jim’s my brother from another mother, straight out of Detroit. Funny enough, we met over a conversation about a Gibson XPL, and somewhere along the way a guitar conversation turned into a real friendship.

We think the same way on damn near everything—sports, politics, music, and life in general. Loyal, straight up, and always good for a laugh. Like I said, a brother from another mother, and I’m damn proud to have him in the Elk Nation.

Alton Eddins

Al and I go way back, and when I say we’re tight, I mean it. Back in the ’80s, his band Maxx Warrior was an East Coast metal powerhouse, with CJ Snare and Perry Richardson later going on to form FireHouse. Al also played with David Allan Coe and Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

But forget the résumé for a minute. Al’s my boy, and that means more to me than any name you can put on a marquee. Proud to call him my brother and even prouder to have Al in the Elk Nation.

Drew Winn

Drew Winn is one of those guys I’ve had the pleasure of watching build something from the ground up. When I first met Drew, he was a man of modest means with a serious love for guitars and the knowledge to back it up. Years later, he’s the owner of Guitar House of Tulsa and has become one of the most respected vintage guitar dealers in the world. He’s even appeared on Antiques Roadshow as a guitar expert.

But there’s more to Drew than buying and selling old guitars. He’s a hell of a musician and songwriter too, and has made records of his own—including his self-titled album produced by Tom Bukovac. I’ve watched the whole journey, and seeing where he started compared to where he is today makes me damn proud to call him a friend and a member of the Elk Nation.

Jeff Offutt

Jeff Offutt is one of those guys who seems to have his hands in everything—and does it all well. Owner/operator of Ravens Room Studio in Thompson’s Station and part of the empire at The LowEnd Bass Shop with Brian Barrett, Jeff is seriously talented, well respected, and cool as the other side of the pillow.

More importantly, Jeff’s just a damn good guy. And if you ever meet him, do yourself a favor—ask him to tell you the story about ripping a car door clean off. I’m not telling it here. That one needs to come straight from Jeff. Proud to have him in the Herd, but even prouder to call him a friend.

Dion Edge

Dion is a luthier to the stars, and after all these years, he knows everybody—or at least all the players who matter. He’s a certified Van Halen freak, a fine guitarist in his own right, and a man of faith.

But what I admire most about Dion is his unyielding faith—not to mention the incredible talent. That faith says everything about the man behind the music. Dion isn’t just part of the Elk Nation—he’s a personal friend, and I’m proud to call him one.

Dave Peterson

Dave Peterson is a friend, a curator of all things cool, and a guy who’s been buying the best for years. He knows quality when he sees it, and he’s never been afraid to make the grab when the right piece comes along.

Maybe that’s why we’re kindred spirits—and probably why he shops with the Elk. Good taste recognizes good taste. You can find Dave at California Dreamin’.

Eric Ernest

I’ve been friends with Eric Ernest of Abalone Vintage for decades. To the rest of the world he’s Eric. To me, he’s Double E—his gangsta name, you know. This guy is world-renowned, and when it comes to vintage guitars, there aren’t many sets of eyes I trust more.

Need a Burst authenticated in the parking lot of a Buc-ee’s in Budapest? Hell, he comes to you. Knowledge, experience, and a friendship that goes back decades—that’s why Double E belongs in the Elk Nation.

Brett Coleman

Guy on the right… “Why, you are a strapping young buck. Don’t crush me.”

Guy on the left…. “You can call me Gulliver.”

Now, with all seriousness, Brett knows everybody—and believe it, everybody knows Brett. He’s also got one hell of a collection, some of the finest examples of metaldom you’ll ever lay eyes on. Don’t believe me? Check him out at @gilaguitars. Guitar porn to the max.

Brett’s also my road buddy and a damn good friend. I know Vai knows him, and you should know him too. Exactly the kind of guy who belongs in the Elk Nation.

Wallace Reed

Wallace Reed has been a staple of the Atlanta music scene for years, known for his knowledge, his integrity, and the love he shows to everyone he meets. He’s also an accomplished guitarist in his own right and, more importantly to me, a dear friend.

Wallace is a legend—a first-ticket Hall of Famer in my book. Every time I visit with him, I’m also visiting Chet Atkins, Roy Orbison, The Beatles, and a few other legends through him. The stories, the history, the guitars—Wallace has lived it. He is a living example of a life well spent, someone we should all aspire to be. Proud to call him my friend and have him in the Elk Nation.

Jason Hakim

I met Jason Hakim years ago when he was managing Guitar Center, and somewhere along the way, business turned into friendship. He’s knowledgeable, straight up, and one of those guys whose word still means something.

More than anything, Jason is just a good soul. In this business, you meet plenty of people—but every now and then you meet one you’re glad stuck around. Jason is one of those guys, and I’m proud to have him in the Elk Nation.