Wylie Gelber
American musician & guitar maker, former bass guitarist of Dawes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wylie Gelber (born May 13, 1988) is an American musician, luthier, and craftsman.[1][2][3][4] A founding member of the band Dawes, Gelber played bass in the band from 2009 to 2023, touring and playing on the band's first eight albums.[5][6][7] As of 2025, Gelber runs Gelber & Sons, a Los Angeles-based studio that makes guitars, furniture, and other items.[8]
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Wylie Gelber | |
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Wylie Gelber at the Newport Folk Festival in 2014 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | May 13, 1988 Los Angeles County, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Folk rock, Indie rock |
| Occupations | Bassist, guitar maker |
| Instrument | Bass |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Labels | HUB Records Rounder Records ATO Records |
Career
Simon Dawes
Gelber dropped out of high school to tour as the bassist in the post-punk band Simon Dawes. The band broke up in 2007 when guitarist Blake Mills left.[9]
Dawes
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Following the break up of Simon Dawes, Gelber and former bandmates Griffin and Taylor Goldsmith formed the folk rock band Dawes, which released its first album, North Hills, in 2009.[8][10] The band tours extensively and has released eight full-length studio albums.[5][11][12]
In February 2023, it was announced on social media that Gelber would be departing the lineup following the band's spring tour dates to focus on other projects, including Gelber & Sons.
After playing with Dawes and Simon Dawes for 18+ years, Gelber played his final full gig with Dawes at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel Los Angeles on May 5th, 2023.[7]
Gelber & Sons
Gelber operates Gelber & Sons, a Los Angeles-based studio that makes guitars, furniture, and other items.[8][13][14]
Personal life
Gelber lost his Altadena house in the 2025 Eaton Fire.[15]