Duncan Africa Guitars

Guitars from Uganda?

You bet! If there’s one thing Duncan Africa is passionate about, it’s the eradication of poverty. The Duncan Africa Society has a vision to be an instrument of change in impoverished third-world communities. The vision was born from a combination of master luthier Jay Duncan’s desire to bring an affordable version of his instruments to a larger market and his world view that reflects justice and compassion for the poor and suffering. His dream resulted in the creation of the Duncan Africa Society in April 2005.

The D.A. Society has established a trade school in the village of Mpigi, Uganda where they are teaching guitar-making and a host of other subjects. Fifty young people will graduate, form their own company and export to developed nations. They will become agents of change in their village. Foreign aid will no longer be needed because their hard work, diligence and dedication to serving others will transform the community. Duncan Africa is simply a spark to ignite the process. Paw Music is proud to partner with Duncan Africa to bring these fine guitars to the market and support this exciting project.



The trade school will teach not only luthiery, (guitar making), but also English, math, computers, first aid and business skills. Duncan Africa is assiting with the creation of a co-operative business by the graduates of the trade school, building a manufacturing facility, as well as provide on-going mentoring. Proceeds from instrument sales cover Duncan Africa’s ongoing operating costs and will provide substantial humanitarian aid to the community where the trade school has been established.


What about the guitars?

Discovering the art of bending sides, bracing the soundboard, and carving a neck to perfection gives a sense of pride and accomplishment. Young people who once believed their circumstances could never change, suddenly find themselves in a position where dreams become achievable. The hopes of a community become a reality as a culmination of education, hard work, and a global village which stands behind its young people.


Duncan Africa students are learning about cause and effect relationships as they learn to choose materials. Every element of the instrument contributes to the tone, playability and long lasting value of the instrument. From string composition to scale length; from brace placement to the direction and complexity of the wood grain.


The Jubilee models are everything you’d ever want from a dreadnought sized guitar. Lots of top and bottom, character, warmth and volume. A neck you can get your hand around and jumbo frets so you can dig in when you need to.

The Selah models are an exhilarating example of what an Orchestra model can be. An upper bout measuring 12” across is responsible for a complex array of overtones that’s going to tickle your inner ear like nothing else. A wider neck and ebony fittings make this the choice of any finger-style player.

Sitka Spruce, East Indian Rosewood, Ebony and Mahogany. All woods are of the highest quality - chosen for both sound quality and visual appeal. Hardware is of uncompromising quality so the students learn that every part of the process is important and cannot be compromised


 

What are people saying about the guitars?

"I have been using my Duncan OM for a number of years now, and it is definitely my 'go to' guitar, both for live and studio.  It's beautifully made, great to play, and has a great open, balanced sound that others regularly comment on."

Brian Thiessen

“It looks great and sounds great. This is a quality guitar and you’ve taught them well Jay! I’ll be seriously considering putting another on order."

Tom Devries

“I love the vision of Duncan Africa and have used  DA guitars on my last tour. They are great instruments! And when you play one, you are playing more than a guitar. You are playing integrity and compassion"

Brian Doerksen

“My Duncan is making quite a splash here in Memphis at the North American Folk Alliance Convention. Other artists are now asking me if they can borrow my guitar for their performances because of the sound. My heart was bursting out of my chest with pride. I saw my guitar passed hand to hand at artist’s showcases and watched guitar builders ooh and aaah as they handled it and listened to me play it. I played in front of a panel of execs and producers, they asked "What is in the water up there in Canada? That guitar sounds beautiful through that microphone"

Norm Strauss

“Within a couple of seconds I knew it was a gift. It rings like the Thompson that got away many years ago. Thank you for the guitar and all that you are doing"

Tony Heibert

 

For more information on Duncan Africa: www.myspace.com/duncanafrica