by Kelvin Otis
On January 28, WyoTech presented two educational workshops at the NHRA Museum in Pomona, Calif. Part of the latest exhibit — Axes & Axles: The Art of Building Cars and Guitars, Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Fender Telecaster — the seminars featured prominent car builders, musicians and designers from Fender who discussed the synergy between cars, guitars and music.
An exciting display of famous vehicles, memorabilia and guitars served as the background for the fun and informal panel discussion that included interesting stories as well as an intimate look into the participants’ projects and careers.
Morning and afternoon sessions were moderated by Tony Thacker, executive director of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, with the following industry icons as panelists:
- Scott Buehl, Fender Custom Shop
- Chip Foose, Foose Design
- Jimmy Shine, SO-CAL Speed Shop
- David Steele, Gary Allan Band
- Roy Brizio, Brizio Street Rods
- Brad Fanshaw, Bonspeed
- Billy Ganahl, Brizio Street Rods
- Paul Waller, Fender Custom Shop, Master Guitar Builder
During one of the seminars, Fanshaw explained how he designed and built a billet aluminum bass guitar that embodies all the elements of a hot rod. Built for Fanshaw’s friend and current business partner 
Michael Anthony (Van Halen/Chickenfoot), Fanshaw presented the story of how this guitar was conceived, created and built. In the morning session, Foose talked at length about how he modifies and designs vehicles, recalling episodes of (TLC’s/Discovery Channel’s) Overhaulin’ where he rebuilt several vehicles with a team of builders in only seven days.
Students from Upland High School, Antelope Valley High School, local Pomona schools and Cypress College attended the workshops along with a group of museum patrons. The morning session was close to capacity with about 185 in attendance. Overall, the audience enjoyed the inside scoop on car building and guitars as well as the WyoTech swag that was handed out by WyoTech representatives who entertained with a description of the school’s curriculum and activities.
~Post courtesy of WyoTech. Click for more information on the WyoTech Collision Repair program.