MEET THE TEAM
BILL IMPERIAL
PROPRIETOR
Q & A
Why did you start the company?
Started in 1976. A fundamental love of music and musical instruments
What do you like best about what you do?
– Definitively determining the authenticity and provenance of vintage gear.
– Keeping out standards high and seeing the results in customer satisfaction.
– Being surrounded by music and musical instruments.
Are you a musician? Do you play an instrument or instruments?
I have done countless gigs and have been fortunate (and just barely good enough) to have played with truly world class musicians. But in reality I am not more than a hobbyist on guitar and bass.
These days I prefer playing guitar but professionally I play bass.
How does music inspire you?
It gives me insight into emotion, beauty, communication and virtuosity.
Who is your favorite musician or quote about music? Who inspires you?
The creams of the crops: Bach, Hayden, Mozart, Beethoven, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Charlie Christian, Sir Duke, Mingus, Miles, Wayne Shorter, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Elvis, Mississippi John Hurt, Elmore James, James Brown, Lennon, McCartney, George Harrison, The Temps, The Tops, Dylan, Jimi, Duane Allman, Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, James Cotton, Johnny Winter, Rusty Young, Steveland Morris, Joni, Jaco, Pat Metheny, Bob Marley, Ziggy, George Clinton, Dr. Know, Daryl Jenifer, Ras T Asheber and all the ones I left out.
“To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without p<assion is inexcusable.” – Ludwig Van
“Only the pure of heart can make a good soup” – Ludwig Van
JOE DiBISCEGLIE
SALES & REPAIRS
Q & A
How long have you been with the company?
About 10 years, I did work at Imperial for a few years in the 90’s.
What do you like best about what you do?
I enjoy what we do at Imperial – being able to help customers or just talk about music or guitars. I enjoy helping people find the right instrument or their dream instrument. When I can repair a guitar and make it really make it play right for a customer, that puts a smile on their face that is very satisfying
Are you a musician? Do you play an instrument or instruments?
Yes, I play guitar and bass, write songs and play in Lucky House. I gig about 100+ times a year. It’s what I do!
How does music inspire you?
A great song can change your mood and/or comfort you.
Who is your favorite musician or quote about music? Who inspires you?
Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Steve Earle, John Hiatt, Lori McKenna, Lucinda Williams, They Jay Hawks, Mike Campbell is my favorite guitarist –play perfectly to the song.
CIARRA FRAGALE
SALES / CUSTOMER SERVICE / CONTINUITY
Q & A
How long have you been with the company?
I’ve been at Imperial since August 2017 and I love every minute of it!
What do you like best about what you do?
I have a real appreciation and passion for music and helping others so working at Imperial allows me to express both of these passions.
Are you a musician? Do you play an instrument or instruments?
I am! I’ve been playing guitar (and other instruments) for over a decade. Music relaxes me; fuels me; inspires me; make me feel whole. Ciarra is a musician and actor from NY’s Hudson Valley. In the last few years, my solo indie pop act has gained local and regional recognition. I recorded my latest album, “Call It What You Will”, which available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and at ciarrafragale.com
How does music inspire you?
There are too many ways to list. I’m inspired 24/7 by music – I never stop being inspired by it.
Who is your favorite musician or quote about music? Who inspires you?
I have many favorites but I think Joni Mitchell said it best when she said “I see music as fluid architecture.”
A Tad more…Anytime I get to help someone find their first guitar or pick up their first instrument – is the reason we do what we do at Imperial.
JASON CASTERLIN
SALES
Q & A
How long have you been with the company?
I’m not at the store very often anymore since I had to leave my full time position in 2014 but when I’m needed it’s an extra joy I get to add to my life getting back in the groove explaining and talking about music for the entire time I’m there.
What do you like best about what you do?
I’m passionate about music, musical instruments etc. I’m a total geek about making sure someone gets set up with an instrument that fits them and their personality whether it’s low or high end. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see someone excited about his or her purchase. I believe you really need to connect with an instrument and it’s not just about the quality of the build. If the shoe fits then wear it. So besides the staff and boss I have the pleasure of working with I enjoy connecting with the customer to find their perfect fit to an instrument.
Are you a musician? Do you play an instrument or instruments?
Yes, I play rhythm guitar and sing. I’ve been playing since I was 12 years old and it all stems from my father being a musician and entertainer when I was younger.
How does music inspire you?
I feel music has a lot to do with who I’ve become as a man. Playing music has helped me through any good and especially rough times I’ve faced in life. It’s part of me. I’ve had lulls when I wasn’t performing and I wasn’t the same person during those times. It brings me extreme joy to perform for people and make them sing and dance along with whatever tune makes them jive.
Who is your favorite musician or quote about music? Who inspires you?
I’ve grown up listening to so many different artists, bands and styles of music that it’s really hard to say one particular inspiration. I feel that it shows in my writing as well. If I had to pick an artist I relate to for their lyrics, groove and the bands extreme talent it would have to be Zac Brown Band. That band makes me want to continue writing and grow as a musician anytime I listen to or cover their music with my band.
NEIL NIERENBURG
COPY WRITING & INTERNET CONTINUITY
Q & A
How long have you been with the company?
Third time working @ IGS, Call it 10 years (2009). After pursuing a life as a performing guitarist, I was made aware of a medical condition that would ultimately curtail my ability to play at a high level. Choosing to stay involved with Imperial Guitar has kept me engaged with instruments and other players. I have helped to fulfill many people’s desires to own beautiful guitars and musical instruments.
What do you like best about what you do?
Having been a performing guitarist through out my life, I enjoy learning and researching every kind of guitar and musical gear imaginable. I enjoy writing and being able to combine my musical skills with my writing skills is quite rewarding.
Are you a musician? Do you play an instrument or instruments?
I began my musical career as a bassist and changed to guitar at 16 just prior to attending Berklee College of Music as an instrumental performance major.
How does music inspire you?
Music fills in the gaps of everyday life. Without it we would be far less than what we are with it. The deepest and most profound thoughts and emotions are expressed in a way that far exceeds the written word.
Who is your favorite musician or quote about music? Who inspires you?
Growing up I listens to my parent’s records, artists like Sinatra and Perry Como, the sound track from Daktari. My first true inspiration came from the Beatles then the rolling Stones. Then to flood gates opened and Creedence Clearwater Revival, Frigid Pink, Iron Butterfly. Then on to Yes, Hendrix, Allman Bros. Then I found jazz with Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Joe Pass, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, my Berklee roommate Kenwood Dennard, David Sanborn, Jaco. My later in life most significant are Pat Metheny and Joni Mitchell, the Dead and Van Halen still bring a smile
SHANE SCARAZZINI
SALES
ZEB
SALES
JOHANNA
BOOKKEEPING
Q & A
How long have you been with the company?
A couple of years now.
What do you like best about what you do? Include your values.
I love being able to solve problems and offer solutions in an efficient way. I know how important a company’s finances are to its success. I love being able to use my expertise in bookkeeping to keep things in order understanding the huge responsibility the owner entrusts to me.
Are you a musician? Do you play an instrument or instruments? Why?
I am not a musician. I am a big fan however!
How does music inspire you?
Music is healing; it brings out the best in you and can transform your mood right away. It’s also the language for love!
HEATHER
Q & A
How long have you been with the company?
I started in late summer of 2020 after playing in Lucky House with Joe for almost a decade.
What do you like best about what you do?
As the newbie here, I love learning! I love learning about our customers and their likes and dislikes as well as their musical endeavors, and I LOVE learning about all the amazing instruments we have come through our doors. Bill and Joe are experts and every day I am absorbing something new and exciting.
Are you a musician? Do you play an instrument or instruments?
I am. I grew up watching my dad perform in numerous Barbershop competitions, and soon realized I wanted to sing as well. I took several years of piano lessons before focusing solely on vocal performance with a classical and musical theatre focus. I soon transitioned into the world of Rock and Roll performing with several bands and Lucky House since 2012. With over 20 years of formal vocal training, I finally decided to dive into guitar and have been slowly learning the ways of stringed instruments. For the last couple years, I’ve been playing my Little Martin out with Lucky House and love my small-scale guitar!!
How does music inspire you?
Music has been my every day for many many, years and it is life. Music is there for every moment and every mood and I am inspired every day to be a better musician and writer.
Who is your favorite musician or quote about music? Who inspires you?
Hands down, Sara Bareilles. Her background in acapella music drives her use of complex harmonies and her lyrics ring out like poetry. Same goes for Brandi Carlile, another inspirational favorite. Both of these women embrace their natural vocals fully and sing beautifully complex melodies with supported strong instruments. I admire them for their vocals and even more for their song-writing abilities.