It is with great sadness that Hoshino USA, Inc. informs the media of the passing of its long time employee and Communications Director, Paul Specht, on February 9th, 2010. Paul fell victim to Leukemia after a ten-month battle that began in April of 2009. Over the course of a 27-year career with Hoshino, Paul became highly regarded for his expertise and deep knowledge of the industry, which he often shared freely with his colleagues.

After starting with Hoshino as a customer service agent in 1982, Paul’s talent as a writer soon came to the attention of the company’s management. Shortly thereafter, he was enlisted by the Advertising / Marketing department to serve as a copywriter. Aside from copy, Paul was also called on to assist in creating names for many of the company’s products, such as the highly successful “Jam Pack” series for beginner guitarists. His responsibilities later expanded beyond advertising and sales literature copy to include overseeing and writing of legal documents and contracts, rendering him as the company’s principal interpreter of legal affairs, large and small.

Paul’s crowning achievement at Hoshino was the implementation and authoring of Ibanez: The Untold Story, an almost 300 page book, chronicling the history of Ibanez guitars.

Ibanez: The Untold Story, Paul's crowning achievement

Paul labored diligently for three years on this monumental project and saw it through to completion. It is the only complete, authorized book on the history of Ibanez and, since its release in 2005, has served greatly to help enhance the brand’s continued legacy.

Outside of his work at Hoshino USA, Paul was an accomplished musician, playing the saxophone, harmonica, flute, and clarinet with several bands around the Philadelphia area. He was also an avid student of the Civil War, and was actively involved with a number of Civil War-related organizations including the GAR, the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Museum of the Confederacy, and the Friends of Gettysburg National Military Park.

Abraham Lincoln, one of Paul's most admirable heroes.

He was a member of a national group of Civil War enthusiasts, "Forlorn Hope," which discussed Civil War topics in an online forum and met annually for a battlefield tour weekend.

He is survived by one son, Stephan, and sisters Meredith Massi (Joseph) and Judith E. Haskell (Gordon). He is also survived by his longtime companion Kay Brockwell. Paul’s colleagues recall him as a person of great kindness, patience, and openness to everyone he came in contact with. He will be sorely missed by anyone who knew him.

Paul was called on to introduce many of Ibanez and Tama artists at NAMM. Here he introduces Stewart Copeland (Police).

Paul, seen here on sax, was an accomplished musician.

Left to Right: Paul Specht, former Governor Mike Huckabee, Hoshino USA President Bill Reim & former Hoshino USA, Inc President and now, President of Hoshino Gakki Group, Tom Tanaka

Paul seen with a Paul Gilbert PGM401.

Paul, in earlier years as Tom Tanaka’s assistant, with former Tama Endorsee Dom Famularo and Tom Tanaka.

Paul proudly posing with his Ibanez history book.