Area collector specializes in autographed guitars

By Matt Petras

For the MV Independent

Bill Bendel recently started learning to play guitar, but a look inside his home reveals he’s very familiar with the instrument. 

A McKeesport-area resident, Bendel has a collection of more than 30 guitars signed by greats such as the Beach Boys and Aerosmith, many of which he obtained through concert trips. 

“When we go to concerts, I usually take a guitar, keep it in the back, and if the group or the individual signs after, I just go out and get a guitar and bring it in,” he said. “It’s hit or miss. For the most part, some of them do, some of them don’t, but I got nothing to lose. I’m going to the concert anyway.” 

Now retired, Bendel worked primarily as a nurse. Music has been a big part of his life for a long time, too. 

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