About Gary Semkiw

Guitar player, artist, guitar builder, recording, music gear electronics

My career was based on my Electronic Engineering Technologist education. But, I always loved guitar. I played guitar from a very young age. I remember my dad taking me to guitar lessons at an early age, learning music theory, both classical, and jazz styles. This love of the guitar changed exponentially for me over many years.

As guitar became a bigger part of my life my technical education actually really helped me out with my music and guitar hobbies, to this day.

Early days rockin my first decent guitar. A Fender Mustang. First guitar I modified by putting a humbucker pickup in it.

Gary Semkiw playing Fender Mustang guitar again
Gary Semkiw playing Fender Mustang guitar again

I was always after ‘that’ guitar sound. Part of my early electronic career was spent repairing musical equipment. Repairing guitars, guitar amps, synthesizers, PA power amps, speakers, mixers, Pro audio gear and even Hammond organs. My quest for better guitar sounds had me modifying Fender amps and Marshalls for more gain and adding effects loops etc.

The guitar in the pics was one of my many variants of custom made Stratocasters. Wider necks, shorter scale, more frets, humbucking pick-ups, various locking tremolos.

Gary Semkiw in front of Marshall stacks
Gary Semkiw in front of Marshall stacks

Currently I'm retired. But, still playing guitar, working on guitars, building guitars, playing in a band, and relaxing.

"Keep on Rockin in the Free World!!!!"

Gary Semkiw playing his Prestige Elite
Gary Semkiw playing his Prestige Elite
Gary Semkiw relaxing
Gary Semkiw relaxing