Dave Orban is an accomplished designer and figurative painter who spends "way" too much time collecting and playing guitars of all flavors, and has a particular fondness for acoustic blues and ragtime from the 20s and 30s.

On the acoustic side, Orban's favorite guitars are a 1927 Martin 0-18K, a 1997 Collings C-10, a 1956 Gibson LG-2, and a 1942 Gibson L-50. On the electric side, he plays a '95 Tom Anderson Hollow "T", an '85 Gibson 335, a '56 Les Paul Junior and a variety of Paul Reed Smith guitars, through an Alessandro Redbone Coonhound, a Bruno Underground 30, a Carlson Turbo Pup, or a Diaz Classic Twin. He has, on occasion, also been known to rip out a few choice licks on harmonica, where he favors the Hohner Professional models. Orban also has a special appreciation for the Chicago-style blues -- Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Little Walter Jacobs, et. al. -- which developed after World War II, as well as the more traditional country styles which developed along the Mississippi delta in the 20s and 30s.

Known locally as "The Professor," Orban can be seen playing regional venues in several guises, including the acoustic (but never sedate) Mojo Gypsies and the electric Rippers.