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The Green Guitar Project was inspired by a simple question: Can great guitars be built from non-traditional materials? You’re reading this because the answer is definitively “Yes.” GGP founder Sean Paden was asking this question in 2008 while working with Steven Fazio and Southbound Custom. While SBC employees argued over which tonewoods (from the endangered Brazilian Rosewood to the opulent Big Leaf Quilted Maple) would produce the ultimate guitar, Sean had his eyes on the trash pile in the corner. SBC to this day shares its shop space with two other woodworking companies, both of which discard a steady stream of scrap pieces that are too small to be used in their applications. Becoming appalled by the amount of wasted materials, Sean began collecting various discarded hardwood and plywood pieces with the intention of turning these resources into guitars, or at the very least functional pieces of art. Sean ultimately took these materials and built a guitar for his son Jack which he labeled the “Jackcaster.”
What began as an experiment became much more, as Sean realized that the Jackcaster not only held its own among traditionally-built electrics, but had a great sound, feel and aesthetic all its own. Others in the shop took notice. Among these was SBC owner, Steven Fazio, with whom Sean’s forward-thinking, creativity and departure from tradition resonated.
The two spent countless hours over the next several years developing the idea of a “recycled materials guitar,” building prototypes that consistently reinforced the initial positive results of the Jackcaster. In addition to being a great guitar, each prototype built meant that materials (most of which contain harsh pollutants such as formaldehyde) destined for landfills were being turned into heirloom quality musical instruments. This eco-conscious approach to guitar making led the duo’s off-hours collaboration to a formal partnership and the formation of the Green Guitar Project (GGP).
Currently, GGP instruments are being exposed to people all over the world as the first guitars are being placed in the hands of select, prominent players. The Project will soon be moving from producing small batches into larger production runs, so don’t worry if you haven’t been able to get your hands on one yet. You will soon!
What began as an experiment became much more, as Sean realized that the Jackcaster not only held its own among traditionally-built electrics, but had a great sound, feel and aesthetic all its own. Others in the shop took notice. Among these was SBC owner, Steven Fazio, with whom Sean’s forward-thinking, creativity and departure from tradition resonated.
The two spent countless hours over the next several years developing the idea of a “recycled materials guitar,” building prototypes that consistently reinforced the initial positive results of the Jackcaster. In addition to being a great guitar, each prototype built meant that materials (most of which contain harsh pollutants such as formaldehyde) destined for landfills were being turned into heirloom quality musical instruments. This eco-conscious approach to guitar making led the duo’s off-hours collaboration to a formal partnership and the formation of the Green Guitar Project (GGP).
Currently, GGP instruments are being exposed to people all over the world as the first guitars are being placed in the hands of select, prominent players. The Project will soon be moving from producing small batches into larger production runs, so don’t worry if you haven’t been able to get your hands on one yet. You will soon!
