In a harmonious blend of history and craftsmanship, a batch of electric guitars, “Kirkride-Casters” is being meticulously crafted by a local luthier, showcasing a unique blend of heritage and innovation.
Fergus Falls local, Justin Ness of Ness Lutherie has beenembarking on a remarkable project that repurposes lumber from the demolished gazebos that once adorned the Kirkbride grounds.
A few years ago, the iconic gazebos that had stood on the Kirkbride grounds for decades were dismantled.
Fortunately, fate had other plans for some of the historic materials that were headed for the landfill.
A passionate individual intercepted several of the gazebos’ post and beams, rescuing them from oblivion.
After years of storage, this historic lumber found its way into the hands of Justin Ness, who quickly recognized its hidden potential.
Ness, is transforming and yet preserving history through his creations.
Upon careful examination, it was revealed that the lumber was a stunning example of old growth redwood, estimated to be well over a century old.
The wood, aged to perfection, bore the marks of time, with nail holes, patina, and a rich history that resonated deeply with the luthier.
Inspired by the possibilities, Ness embarked on an ambitious journey to transform this reclaimed redwood into a collection of electric guitars.
Each guitar body would showcase the scars of its past, allowing the wood’s unique character to shine through.
Ness’ vision extended further as he paired each redwood body with necks crafted from salvaged lumber obtained from an aged Otter Tail power pole.
Image from Justin Ness’ Facebook Page
This second type of wood, old growth Douglas Fir, was also approximately a century old, further emphasizing the project’s commitment to history and sustainability.
Currently, Ness has four of these extraordinary electric guitars “Kirkbride-Casters” in progress, each meticulously crafted by his expert hands.
The harmonious pairing of materials imbues these instruments with a unique tonal quality and aesthetic that cannot be replicated.
Moreover, Ness has enough reclaimed lumber to bring to life an additional three to four guitars in the future, promising more music and history to be preserved.
As the project nears completion, music enthusiasts and collectors alike will no doubt be anticipating the unveiling of these exceptional instruments.
Justin Ness’ innovative spirit and commitment to preserving history through craftsmanship will undoubtedly result in a collection of electric guitars that stand as a testament to the power of creativity and the timeless beauty of repurposed materials.