Anthony Guido Ciardetti - Vintage Guitar Guru

By Tommy Roeck What makes Guido a household name in the natural state's musical world? This man is a seasoned performer and extraordinary musical entrepreneur. Hailing from Chicago, born and bred, he began at 8 years old selling marbles from his front porch store to the neighborhood kids, and did so well he added Fritos, Twinkies, and sodas to his inventory. Selling out most days, he started saving his money. One day while he was doing an odd job cleaning out a basement for a friend and he found an old beat up classical guitar. He strung it up with different strengths of fishing line, with his Father noticing, he bought his Son a pack of real catgut strings. Upon restringing the guitar, Anthony then became infected with the music bug, and fell in love with playing. (There Aint No Cure) After the infatuation grew he took the money he had been saving for years and purchased a real electric guitar and amp. He began experimenting with various bands in the Illinois area. Becoming very proficient, he did his first paying gig at the age of 13 in junior high school, and was hooked on the feeling - Guido was influenced by Ted Nugent, Led Zeppelin, The Yard birds, Bad Company and many blues and pop rock bands of the 60s & 1970s era. After performing many gigs, he became a noteworthy guitarist in suburban Chicago area. He Began playing many pickup gigs, anytime and anywhere and was having the time of his life. One Night while working on his car the transmission slipped out and crushed his left hand which left him unable to play guitar and completely heartbroken. After rehabilitation he picked up the bass and never looked back. He then realized it was a blessing in disguise, as he soon had more gigs than ever! He then landed a job

working for the railroad at a ridiculous wage for a 19 year old punk until he was laid off In his early 20's. Sick of Shytown, he then relocated to the Dallas Fort Worth area. The budding bass virtuoso played with many blues and rock artists. Most notably but not limited to; Blues legend, Buddy Miles. Working as hired gun Guido played as many gigs as he could, for anyone that needed him And was building credibility as a great bass machine. Buddy Miles was a brawler, a perfectionist, and a real party animal. The two became friends and they imbibed much liquor, among other recreational activities, and performed hundreds of shows together. This led to late nights and a lifestyle that caused Anthony problems with addiction for several years. At 27 he joined N. A. and got clean. He became a sponsor and has been clean for 27 years, and is still actively involved in the program helping others. In the daytime between gigs in the early 90s he would search out vintage instruments and equipment in rural DFW pawn shops to buy and resell in Arlington, Dallas, and Fort worth for extra income and a little profit to make ends meet. During this time he met Brian Atlas, formed a great band, and actively booked gigs all over DFW area in rock, biker, and blues bars- having different set lists for each venue they played. Ciardetti Opened a music shop in Dallas in the 90's and actively bought and sold on Ebay in the early days of the Internet. He performed many gigs leaving his magnetic personality and business cards all over the metro area. He literally had magnets attached to his business cards and left them attached to all the metal bar fixtures, in all the bars he played. He would take any paying gig at a moments notice and became the go to guy for many club owners in the area needing quality

entertainment at the last minute. The Brian Atlas Band recorded and released a compact disc called The World According to Atlas which Ciardetti funded. All the time saving his money like a pack rat until the crime rate in Dallas drove him to relocate to Hot springs. The Atlas band were so booked up that Brian lost his voice and they recruited Nancy to sing for them. Guido brought the whole band to Hot Springs and started dominating the local scene until Brian and Nancy fell in love and went off to Florida, to practice musical ministry. Anthony found a house for sale on the corner and bought it, which became Guido's Hot Springs Music at 812 Higdon Ferry Rd. One look and he knew he was home for good with quaint, friendly surroundings, nice people, and great bass fishing. Still working Ebay for all it was worth and setting up shop more than 8 years ago. Lately the shop has become the most popular music store in spa town as Guido buys and sells used and vintage gear so he can pass the savings on to his loyal customers. Being a used equipment shop has it's advantages, as he helps fellow musicians in the area with their needs and is the first guy to donate a guitar to be auctioned off for a good cause and help out a needy player. This has made him popular with the local cool kids as he gives from his heart. Guido is an exceedingly accurate player, and has worked many pickup gigs in the hot water city until last year, when he was asked to join the Ohio Club Players house band, and is currently loving life on stage every weekend at the historical Ohio Club. Recently divorced a few years ago he has enjoyed much freedom and praise as one of the blues smart players associated with the Spa City Blues Society and performs at many higher end functions and benefits with the Hot Springs chamber of commerce, and police

department. Most days you will find him at his desk or at the front counter wheeling and dealing, buying, selling, and trading guitars, and gear, and occasionally taking the day off to go fishing. And most nights he is out playing funk and rhythm & blues, riding his Harley, and living his life to the fullest! As only Guido can!....T.R.
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