Preview: Working on Six Strings

Before musicians take to the stage, they need an instrument to play. That’s where Tish Ciravolo and entrepreneurs like her come in. Ciravolo is founder and president of Daisy Rock Guitars, the “girl guitar” company that is among more than a dozen guitar manufacturers in the San Fernando Valley. While her guitars may be pink and sparkly and made with girls and women in mind, they are not limited to that gender, Ciravolo said. “I have a ton of guys who play my stuff because the guitars are easier to play and a lot of fun,” added Ciravolo, who operates the company from her home in Shadow Hills. Acoustic and electric guitar manufacturing in the U.S. alone was a $500 million business last year, according to market research firm IbisWorld. The Los Angeles area has long been attractive to these companies because of easy access to the music industry. “You are a short drive away from the studios, record companies and rehearsal spaces,” said Keith Horne, who makes guitars in Fillmore under his Marvin Guitars brand. “It is all right here.” Read the full story in the March 6 issue of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.