ION INDIE MAGAZINE August 2015, Volume 15 | Page 125

DC AXES
Interview with Owner Dean Carrothers • By Kiki Plesha
KP: With any great business, there is a “backstory”. There is one regarding how ION Indie Magazine was founded. What is
yours?
DC: After many years of planning and preparation,
DC AXES has recently come to life. With 30+ years
in the woodworking industry, and many years in or
around guitars/ music, the custom shop has
evolved naturally. It is an awesome feeling being
involved with the local North Carolina artist and
now across the US. We are now planning a
relocation and a 2016 re-launch! So excited to see
what develops in the near future.
KP: What has driven your passion for designing and
crafting guitars? Have you played in a band
yourself?
DC: I still own my father’s original guitar. I
remember as a young child taking hold of this fine
instrument. It just felt right. Now, I am one that has
to understand how things work, so yes--I soon had
this guitar in several pieces to see what makes it
sound so awesome. That’s where it all started. I did
play with a few friends locally. That’s about as far as
I got as a “rock star”. 
KP: What trends have you seen in guitar design that you are taking into consideration when crafting DC AXES?
DC: There are so many awesome luthiers and craftsman that have awesome designs. For me, I guess it is a matter of personal
taste and designing what works for today’s artist. I do have some really neat ideas for our re-launch. Understanding how the
tone woods, electronics, finishes and the player’s rig works together, does make it exciting to hear final dial in.
KP: What makes DC AXES different?