Phillip J. Petillo, an old fashioned craftsman, renaissance man who is known as a Mechanical Engineer, Inventor, Electronics Consultant, Draftsman and a Musician started repairing musical instruments at the age of fourteen, then became interested in making, designing and constructing guitars and stringed instruments of superior quality and originality. Phillip is a graduate of Columbia University and has his doctorate in Engineering Technology from LaSalle University. While in New York Phillip had the privilege of working and learning from James Diserio, godson of John D’Angelico in his Manhattan workshop. Since then, he has made, repaired and restored guitars and other instruments for the top professional musicians, recording artists, local and national players, as well as designing products for the international music community.
Dr. Petillo does restoration work for museums and collectors of antiques as well as restoring vintage and antique harps to their original splendor. Petillo Masterpiece Guitars also construct, repair and restore all bowed instruments, from simple adjustments to most complex carving of tops and backs, constructing necks repairing cracks, making bridges and fingerboards, as well as rehairing bows. PMG also offers a complete line of acoustic, electric and bass guitar strings wound to Dr. Petillo’s specifications and comprised of a proprietary combination of alloys for superior tone and durability. Orders are taken from around the globe.
Since 1994, David M. Petillo has on the fine art of making stringed instruments. David specializes in Marquetry, Mother-of-Pearl, Abalone, Ivory and fine inlays of custom designs. David’s work compliments the artistry of the Petillo legacy of instrument making. An accomplished musician in his own right, David is a student majoring in Music Industry at Monmouth University in New Jersey.
Over the past 30 years of construction, repairing and restoring stringed instruments, Petillo Masterpiece Guitars and Accessories has constructed over 792 instruments. Repaired, restored and refretted thousands of stringed instruments from guitars to Uds, Bellalankas to Gambas, to Harps and the list goes on and on. All the woods we use are from 20 to 100 years old. They have to be aged for the sound to be accurate. Our woods are naturally air-dried to insure the proper moisture balance. The wood comes to us in log form and is then quatersawn to our needs. Tight grained woods are the best because of their strength and resiliency. Pieces with matching grain patterns are used for the back and corresponding sides of our instruments to give an equal tonal response. PMG’s stock of lumber ranges from Brazilian Rosewood, Amazon Mahogany, Bird’s Eye Maple, Curly Maple, German Silver Spruce and Nigerian Ebony with supplies of hand-crafted mother-of-pearl inlays and hand cut wooden marquetry made to specification.
We are worldwide with clients in just about every country. Please keep in mind, we are Luther’s, Engineers and Inventors, not parts assemblers! We hand make all of our components to suit you the musician. We pride ourselves in our unique, creative individuality and fine artistry. Appraisals and Gift Certificates are available. For your convenience we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Dr. Petillo is developing several new and innovative products for now and the future. All licensing of Petillo Products is handled through Phil-Lu Inc. Contact Lucille A. Petillo, CEO for further information at (732) 531-6808 or fax her at (732) 531-3045 Phillip is also available to do informational lectures on wood technology, inlays, marquetry, stringed musical instruments and the history of guitars.
Societies:
- American Society for Metal (ASM) 1973
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers (Senior Member) 1977
- Society of Plastics-Engineers, Inc. December 1978
- The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Associate Member) 1978
- American Plywood Association March 11, 1982
- American Chemical Society (ACS) April 1985
- America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals 1989
- Who’s Who of American Inventers 1992
- American Association for the Advancement of Science September 7, 1993
- American Welding Society October 1, 1996
- ASM International-The Materials Information Society August 1999
Degrees:
- The Trustees of Columbia University-In the City of New York Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Presented by President Shamone J. Wigina May 10, 1969
- The Trustees of Columbia University-In the City of New York Masters of Industrial Science Presented by Dean of the Faculties of the College of Engineering George K. Franpkel May 1975
- American Plywood Association- Awards Honorary Coarse Completion in Plywood Technology Presented by Executive Vice President Bronson J. Lewis May 11, 1982
- Bourns University Graduate Degree in Electronic Components Presented by Gary J. Fowey President of the Board of Regents August 30, 1984
- Eastern Virgina Graduate School of Medicine of the Medical College of Hampton Roads Honorary Bachelor in Science Presented by President Dr. Samuel McGall May 1984
- Instruments and Control Systems Magazine Senor/Transducer Coarse Honorary Coarse Completion Presented by Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Jack Hickey October 20, 1986
- United States Navy – Naval Military Personnel Command Coarse Completion of Military Relations Presented by Captain Joseph Winarsky March 27, 1991
- LaSalle University of Philadelphia Doctor of Engineering Technology Presented by Thomas J. Kirk II June 1992
- LaSalle University of Philadelphia Adjunct Professor of Engineering Presented by Thomas J. Kirk II August 1992
- North American Housing Corporation Conferes Registered Builder Status Presented by President R. Carl Benna January 15, 1998
Awards:
- Who’s Who In Technology Today Award for Contributions In Discipline of Advanced Technology Presented by Chairman of Selection Committee Donald Hades 1980
- (ACS) American Chemical Society In recognition of Research, Craftsmanship, and Dedication to Education Presented by Dr. Jim Mack May 1985
- Brielle Galleries Hall of Fame Invitational Award for World Recognition in the Fine Art of Marquetry and Stringed Musical Instruments 1985
- The American Bicentennial Presidential Inaugural and Commemorative Invitational Dinner of George Herbert Walker Bush as President of the United States of America and James Danforth Quayle as Vice President of the United States of America for the contribution to Art and Music in the restoration of stringed instrument for the Smithsonian Museum Presented by The American Bicentennial Presidential Inaugural Committee Co. Chairmen Robert Braxton Holt and Penne Percy Korth January 20, 1989
- IBM Design Excellence Award: for Research Engineering Presented by Mary C. Warih May 11, 1989
- IBM International Relations Award Presented by Chairman of the Board B. Pinta February 2, 1990
- Burlington County Serra Club: for outstanding achievement in the field of Engineering Presented by G.T. Miller November 12, 1990
- Johnson & Johnson Recognition of Excellence in Medical and Surgical Instrumentation Presented by Donald S. Stevens July 1, 1991
- New Jersey Pride Award: for outstanding contribution to the State of New Jersey in Science and Technology Presented by Governor Jim Florio May 7,1992
- Nordic Track Inventor Award in Exercise Physiology: for the use and production of the Abdominal Device June 1992
- Who’s Who of American Inventors Honorary Inductee for work in Science and Technology Presented by Editor and Publisher Roger B. Hayden 1992
- R&D Magazine as one of the 100 most Technologically Significant New Products of the Year- for development and mass production of the Hydraulic Powered Surgical Device Presented by Chairman of R&D Tim Studt 1998
- State of New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology Awards Grant in “A New High Energy Borohydride Air Cell for Powering Tomorrow�s Vehicles and Appliances.” Present by Governor Christine Todd Whitman December 22, 2000
- The New Jersey Columbus Day 2001 Committee Confers-The Christopher Columbus Award of Excellence in Outstanding Life Achievements, Accomplishments, and Pride In Our Italian American Heritage, Culture, and Traditions Presented by Publisher of the Italian Tribute News A.J. Fortunato
- America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals Honors the Leadership and Dedication to the Life Accomplishments in Science and Technology 2002
- New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame pays tribute to indivduals and coporations that have made New Jersey the “Invention State.” Honors The Petillo Precision Fret for outstanding achievement for some of the biggest names in music. June 23, 2004 Presented by Governor James E. McGreevey
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