EL-EY PROMO

Art has gone through a few musical transformations over the years.  Originally playing clarinet at age 7 in the school bands, Art went on to play sax in district bands and then after high school played in rock bands at various venues. 

In 1987 he started work at Fender Guitars in Corona and soon graduated to the title of Master Builder in Fender's Custom Guitar Shop.  During his time at Fender he built guitars for Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Sammy Hagar, John Mayer, Babyface, Tina Marie, Ernie Isley, the band Asleep at the Wheel, and Kenny G's band just to name a few.  He was also the lead person for the 35th Stratocaster and 40th Telecaster Anniversary. 

However Art's real love is to play the sax, and Art left Fender in 2006 to pursue a solo career and has since toured with several bands in music festivals all around the US. The saxophone is his musical instrument of choice! 

Art continues to work occasionally as a guitar builder and has worked for a few guitar companies since leaving Fender, most memorable Premier Builders Guild In Arroyo Grande CA and D'Angelico Guitars where he was hired to design their Jazz arch top.  He will occasionally strum a guitar for himself, preferring acoustic but will also play a Strat that he made for himself and signed by Ernie Isley, and a Tele that he built with a tree of life inlay on the neck and the whole body carved by George Amicay. 

For personal reasons, Art recently moved from Pismo Beach where he was playing sax in night clubs, wineries, special events, and other venues in five different bands, and four duets. He has recently been found sitting in with local artists in the Temecula Valley Wine Country or wherever there is live music before going out on tour in January 2020. 

You can reach Art by contacting him via email at artesparza@eleypromo.com