Build a Vet a Guitar 2011

By George Vondriska

Photos by author

Posted June 6, 2011

What do you get when you combine volunteers, acoustic guitar kits, and a great mission? A very unique woodworking event called Build a Vet a Guitar, hosted at The Wild Earth School, Hudson, WI. The goal is to complete 20 (yes, 20) acoustic guitar kits in two days. Completed guitars are donated to Guitars For Vets. Can it be done? Yes, we managed it last year, but we need your help.
 
On July 15 and 16, 9-5 each day, volunteers will gather at Wild Earth to be part of our second Build event. Regardless of your skill level, there will be a spot for you to lend a hand. There are fret boards to glue on, bridges to locate, necks to sand, and embellishments to add. Not to mention setting up the guitars on Saturday afternoon. And there’s fun to be had, too. If you play an instrument bring it along. When we’re betwixt and between guitar building tasks, impromptu jam sessions get going. It’s a blast; a crazy cross between a woodworking event, picnic, and Woodstock.

Once G4V receives the guitars the real magic starts. G4V’s mission is to provide an acoustic guitar and six lessons for vets with post traumatic stress disorder. Upon completion of the lessons the vet is given the guitar. So, the instruments we craft in July will be used to help out vets with PTSD. G4V’s tagline really says it all. “The healing power of music in the hands of heroes.” And you can be part of this. With 27 chapters in multiple states, the need for G4V keeps on growing. Unfortunately, demand outstrips supply.

If you’ve got experience building guitars and want to be more involved, let me know. A small group will meet Wednesday, July 13 to do some preliminary work on the kits and formulate a plan for Friday/Saturday. Additionally, we need skilled help in setting up 20 guitars Saturday afternoon.
 
Want to help out, but can’t get to Hudson, WI in July? Visit the Guitars For Vets website to learn how you can donate labor, cash, or guitars, and find out if there’s a chapter in your area.

If you’d like more information about the Build contact George Vondriska at GeorgeV@wwgoa.com

Photos from the 2010 Build



Many hands make light work. In this case, applying veneer on to the head of the guitar.

A little scraping, a little sanding, and the necks are ready.

Locating the bridge is one of the most hair splitting parts of building a guitar. Shop-made jigs made it easier.

Each of the twenty guitars we built was signed by the builders.

Saturday afternoon we broke in the completed guitars with a rousing version of This Land is Your Land.