Wylie Gelber

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]

Wylie Gelber
Wylie Gelber at the Newport Folk Festival in 2014
Background information
Born	(1988-05-13) May 13, 1988 (age 37) Los Angeles County, California, U.S.
Genres	Folk rock, Indie rock
Occupation(s)	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

Dawes at Codfish Hollow Barnstormers, Maquoketa, IA 8/2/19

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]