Meet The Team
Bill Covington — Founder & Owner
Bill's love of music began with artists like Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, and like many musicians of his generation, seeing The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show helped ignite a lifelong passion for guitars.
His first serious instrument was a 1967 Gibson Southern Jumbo, and over the years he developed a deep appreciation for fine acoustic guitars, exceptional craftsmanship, and the unique personality of individual instruments. What started as a personal passion eventually became The Fretted Buffalo.
For more than fifteen years, Bill has built The Fretted Buffalo around carefully selected guitars, lasting customer relationships, and a genuine respect for the builders behind these remarkable instruments. One of his favorite parts of the business is working directly with manufacturers and learning about the materials, techniques, and traditions behind great guitar making.
Outside the shop, Bill serves as an elder in his Baptist church and enjoys spending time with his wife, Renee.
Matt Pszonak — Consultant & Guitar Specialist
Matt has spent more than four decades in the music industry as a musician, producer, recording engineer, studio owner, and lifelong guitar enthusiast.
Throughout his career, he has worked with artists from a wide range of musical backgrounds and developed a deep appreciation for the role instruments play in the creative process. One lesson that has stayed with him throughout the years is that guitars are a lot like people—no two are exactly alike.
At The Fretted Buffalo, Matt helps customers navigate important purchasing decisions, drawing on decades of experience working with musicians and fine instruments. He believes that beyond their craftsmanship and sound, guitars offer something increasingly rare: a chance to step away from the digital world, slow down, and engage with something tangible, creative, and deeply personal.
Pete Gerace — Sales & Inventory Specialist
Pete has spent more than thirty years helping musicians find the right instruments. His musical journey began early, inspired by artists such as Glen Campbell, Marty Robbins, and Roy Clark. By age fourteen, he had purchased his first serious guitar and was already developing the passion that would shape his career.
Known for his approachable style and practical knowledge, Pete enjoys helping players of all experience levels feel comfortable and informed throughout the buying process. Whether assisting a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, his focus is always on helping customers find the guitar that best fits their needs.
Pete also plays an important role behind the scenes, helping maintain and prepare the shop's inventory. Drawing on his experience in guitar quality control and setup work, he helps ensure that every instrument is presented at its very best.
Doug Yeomans — Sales & Media Specialist
Doug Yeomans has spent much of his life making music as both a sideman and bandleader. An accomplished acoustic and electric guitarist, his playing draws from a wide range of styles including blues, bluegrass flatpicking, fingerstyle, rock & roll, and country guitar traditions.
Doug brings that same versatility and enthusiasm to The Fretted Buffalo, where he works directly with customers while also producing many of the demonstration videos and online content that help players experience our guitars from anywhere in the country.
Whether he's helping a customer compare instruments, filming a demo, or talking shop with fellow guitar enthusiasts, Doug combines deep musical experience with an easygoing, approachable style that makes him an invaluable member of the Fretted Buffalo team.