We challenge you to raid your houses, garages, attics and neighbourhoods!
Exhibitors at the HGGS 2020 are invited, if they choose to take part, to build a guitar using ONLY reclaimed woods. These are defined as woods that have had a previous use, such as a piece of furniture, a door or a shelf etc., not a piece of wood that has just been lying around unused for a long time. You may find that in trying to make ALL wooden parts of the guitar from reclaimed sources that you have to step out of your comfort zone in terms of woods used.
Enjoy the challenge!
How much of my instrument must be from reclaimed wood in order to qualify?
As close to 100% of all wood parts as you can get. Remember, it is a challenge, so if it would be totally easy it would be half the fun!
Can I use other materials?
Yes, we encourage you to think creatively! Be it that you use old jewelry pieces for your inlays or recycled items on your guitars, it all contributes to an interesting result!
I will build a Reclaimed Wood Challenge (RWC) instrument, what do I do?
- Fill out the challenge sign up form so we know that you want to participate — this is not a firm commitment, it just helps us to know what to expect.
- If you have any questions please ask BEFORE you start building!
- Complete the RWC instrument registration form — a photo of the instrument is not required, but we can use it to advertise the RWC.
- Your form will be reviewed and if approved you’ll receive a registration number.
- Remember, the story is a very important tool as well, so if your material has history add it to the form as well!
- Photos are also a key element — especially those of your wood in its original incarnation! So remember to take a few before you start and as you go along!
Why Reclaimed Wood Challenge?
With increasing pressure on forests and the need to consume less, produce less waste and reduce transportation, as well as the increasing (necessary) constraints through regulations like CITES we want:
- To look to alternative sources for raw materials, which are sustainable and environmentally conscientious.
- To explore how to re-claim or re-use materials coming from original objects, which may have come to the end of their use, but where the material they are made from still has much life left in it.
- To show to the public that using reclaimed woods is not a compromise, indeed reclaimed wood is often superior to that available from suppliers, being more stable and sometimes of a higher quality than that which is available today.
What happens at The HGGS 2020?
- All exhibitors who have registered a RWC instrument will be marked with a special sign in the catalogue.
- You will receive a table sign for your instrument with the info you provided.
- Your instrument will be part of a special presentation (with lecture) on Sunday morning before the Show (more information later).
Can I still bring a Local Wood Challenge (LWC) instrument?
Yes, absolutely, the LWC continues and will be presented together with the RWC. Please fill out the challenge sign up form and also make sure you register your LWC instrument here. More information about the Local Wood Challenge can be found on the EGB website here and here.
What is a challenge?
In 2016 we decided to introduce the concept of a Challenge. Each year a theme would be proposed as a Challenge, around which those exhibitors who wish to do so can join in and engage in a friendly tournament of ideas and craft. The goal is to enrich the Show experience, but — depending on the theme — to also educate the visitors.
It is NOT meant to be a competition, but rather an invitation to the luthiers to try something outside their normal confines and expectations, giving them the freedom to explore new and different aspects of their work.
The instruments created as part of the Challenge will be presented during the Show with special identification: participating exhibitors will be marked in the catalogue; and while displayed at the exhibitor tables Challenge instruments are identified and described with small signs.
This is how the Local Wood Challenge came to life, and it has been successfully presented both in 2016 and 2018, as well as in collaboration during other shows. It now has turned into a long-term EGB project.
Should you have any questions about the Challenge please contact Agnes Szauter.