Official Luthiers Forum!

I got a strange request this weekend. One I can’t make up my mind on. I have a close friend and previous client that has signed on as the local chairman for the Kinky Friedman for Governor committee. For those of you that know the Texas music scene and or Texas Monthly magazine, you will be quite aware of Kinky’s views on life and politics.

Anyway my friend came to wanting me to build and donate a “Kinky for Governor” guitar to present to Kinky when he comes campaigning in Midland/Odessa. While I adore Kinky’s irreverence in his music and humor, I could not seriously support him for governor of our fine state. I told my friend that if he could get me assurance that Kinky would guarantee that he would be seen regularly on stage with this guitar I would donate the labor but not the material in exchange for the name exposure, but outside of that, I would be happy to build a full pay commission. Anyway my friend told me that Kinky knows nothing about this guitar. The local committee thought that it would be a good publicity moment if they gave it to him. I told him that I agreed but That I could not just give $2k away.

I seriously doubt anything will come of this but It was kind of funny thinking about it.

Michael -

Do what you feel will work for you. BUT, understand that the landscape is
littered with the bleached bones of luthiers who've heard that lame promise
only to find it not fulfilled. . .

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Cheers,

Frank Ford

FRETS.COM
HomeShopTech
FRETS.NET

Hay Frank, good to have you with us again.

I agree, donate to a cause if you believe in it but don't expect anything in return. If the local "elect Kinky commitee" wants to finance the build, get your money up front too.

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

Here is my personal (and cynical) view of all things politic and all things religious.

People are so dogmatic and unyeilding on both fronts that they divide populations to the point of war. As many people as you hope to win over with your generosity you may offend or put off.

I would just stay away from it. If you are itching to build a guitar and have it do some good, find a promising kid and hopefully he will grow up to be the next Eric Clapton and remember you fondly..    

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

[QUOTE=Hesh1956] With this thought in mind perhaps our next charity guitar should be targeted at one, specific, motivated and talented kid?[/QUOTE]

I think that is an excellent idea: build a charity guitar for a young up-and-comer - preferably one who doesn't have the means to acquire a nice guitar of his own. I would be all in favor of donating my time for something like that. With a group-build, no-one is out a significant amount of time either. Win Win!