Official Luthiers Forum!

greetings all-

here's a topic I'd love to hear some opinions about: there's a community music school near me that offers music instruction for low-income / disadvantaged kids. Guitar is their second most popular instrument (after piano) and I contacted them to ask about the possibility of building some steel strings for them to use for lessons. Kids typically are given the instruments to use for 3-4 years while in school and then return them at the end / graduation. The program has local music stores provide repair services probably pro-bono or for barter.

At any rate, I was pondering the idea of trying to get a grant or find some funds somewhere to buy some kits from LMI or Stew Mac and build some decent solid wood guitars for their program. I figure the labor on my end would be for cheap (basically pro bono for me too) but as a beginner builder, I'd be learning alot about lutherie, get some good practice, get some practical experience and provide better quality instruments at a price point than plywood instruments from China or something like that... any thoughts on giving this a go? I guess finding some funds to buy the kits is the real challenge to the story!

I would contact LMI an Stew-Mac directly and see if they can offer reduced rates or some other way to help out. I am sure that there would be some sort of paperword to figure out. Good luck.

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http://www.booneguitars.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Boone-guitar-builder/488208541257210

Contact me at tippie@epix.net I am sure I can help you with some supplies

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Ya know, rather than getting the government involved , I think something more along the line of a volunteer effort would be good. In other words, if you are serious, and willing to invest your time, show us progress and all of that, then I for one would volunteer materials, money, services. I am sure others would too. Get this thread (or a new one made sticky). Introduce us to the students and their project. Does this make sense?

Been doing this for about 6 years, and 90% of my work. I started with kids and still do that. My focus however has turned to disabled vets and or their kids. I have given maybe 100 guitars away so far. It gets very expensive, so you may find you have to make a few to sell and make up some of the cost. I do (and part of 100) is buying guitars at yard sells, or "project guitars" on eBay. You might check out doing that and helps with your repair skills as you go on.

I sure hope you can dot this as good to have others out there. I know Colin S. does a lot of this as do others. You might check out grants and help from the community of builders and suppliers. I have thought of it, but just have not done so. Anything you can do is greatly appreciated by the schools, vet org. etc. There is a great organization Gutiar4vets.org ( I think site) They do things and the sell guitars as it then can buy more with the funds. Head guy is a builder and repair shop. Might Check them out, but again they do this for mostly vets.

I know some folks out there will help you. You won't get rich or get a big client base now, but who knows who and where the next Chet may come up. I wish you success in this, but don't be surprised if gets out of hand expensive. I once did a balance or audit on what I do, and was many thousands in the hole. Hope next Chet shows up soon. That said it is something you won't regret. If I can help, let me know.

I think it is a neat idea.
I have wondered about doing the same thing myself....
It would definately help alleviate the problem of
"What do I do with all these guitars?"

Especially if you buy and fix up Beater guitars......

Thanks

John

Wow.... thanks for the offers of help and assistance everybody. I'm a little overwhelmed and touched by it actually. You guys are great...

I should probably qualify my remarks by saying I'm just embarking into lutherie after having had interest in guitars for many years -but as more of a player than a builder. Since I was laid off from my architecture job back in October, with nary a job lead in sight since, I've had some real time to think about what else I might do to keep up with my design interests but also satisfy my interest in making things and being more hands on. Lutherie fits the bill for me in many ways although I'd very much like to put my skills to use in some sort of community service capacity. I have been fortunate to be able to do this on some architecture projects in the past and found it incredibly satisfying. I think in this case though I need to get a kit or two under my belt before I feel I can more confidently build for others but I definitely appreciate the suggestions and offers here. I'll certainly contact you guys once I can really get up and running with my idea!

Thanks again for all the offers of help!
Dave