For Herb David, Music Is Life, Work -- And Travel -- Studio Owner Finds It Wherever He Goes

For Herb David, music is life, work - and travel

Guitar studio owner finds it wherever he goes

MY BUSINESS

Herb David

President,

Herb David Guitar Studio

One might not expect local guitar studio owner Herb David to need the compass that's attached to his watch.

But for David, who owns the Herb David Guitar Studio, music and traveling the world go hand-in-hand.

For years, David has traveled to places like Greece to run a marathon or to Greenland, where he encountered glaciers and polar bears. And wherever he goes, he said, he finds music a universal way to communicate. "My life that music has brought me is beyond what I've ever asked for or expected as I was growing up and trying to find out who I was and what I was supposed to be doing," David said.

After 47 years in business, the studio sells all styles of guitars and other stringed instruments, including some that are made of wood that David whittles with ornate carvings. The studio is located in a three-story house on the corner of East Liberty Street and South Fifth Avenue where lessons are offered. He has an online business as well.

What is the business: "Make, restore, teach, perform and offer instruments (mostly stringed) and accessories."

Business started: 8 a.m. on April 12, 1962.

Age: 77.

Residence: Ann Arbor.

Business philosophy: "Meeting people, offering music instruments and things that can bring good spirit, joy and happiness and sharing with others on a level of caring and communicating and peace."

What do you love about music: "Music fosters peace of mind for the individual and sharing for a community of people and a chance to be creative without fear of judgment."

Favorite travel destination: "All places have wonderful people and offer a chance to understand how we all live on this planet."

Advice for entrepreneurs: "Do it because you have a deep desire to do whatever it is - not because you need to make money."

Contact: 877-665-8001 or www.herbdavidguitarstudio.com.

BY TINA REED, THE ANN ARBOR NEWS

A video about Herb David's world travels is at blog.mlive.com/ annarbornews/small_ business.

Want to see behind the scenes of your favorite local business? Do you know of a local business owner with an interesting story? Send nominations for the Tuesday feature “My Business" to Tina Reed at treed@annarbornews. com or 734-994-6843.

mlive.com

PHOTOS: LEISA THOMPSON, THE ANN ARBOR NEWS

Herb David of Herb David Guitar Studio stands inside a door with a window in the shape of a guitar. David fixed an instrument for a person who etched the glass in the door.

Herb David works on a acoustic guitar neck in his shop. The guitar on the left is one he is making for a friend.