Restring Appalachia: Bringing the Music Back
Their Mission
To deliver FREE quality instruments directly to people throughout Appalachia who were affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, using a “donor match” program, where their organization pledges to give instruments of the same or comparable quality that were lost.
Why They’re Passionate
ReString Appalachia supports Music Wellness by addressing the deep personal, cultural, and economic losses that Appalachian musicians face after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. For many residents of Western North Carolina and the surrounding areas, music is more than a pastime—it is a livelihood and a vital connection to their heritage. Instruments lost in the hurricane were not only tools of self-expression but also critical sources of income and community identity.
They are working diligently to place high-quality instruments back into the hands of those affected, helping them reclaim their means of livelihood and reconnect with their communities. Supported by over 150 artists and cultural organizations, ReString Appalachia has built an instrument donor network and they continue to gather resources. Bringing music back to these musicians is their goal; helping reinforce both the community’s well-being and economic stability.
ReString Appalachia is committed to harnessing music’s unique power to heal, uplift, and economically sustain Appalachian communities.
The Partnership
Carter Vintage Guitars welcomed Nicholas Williams (Host & Producer – American Songcatcher Podcast, Founder of Restring Appalachia) and John Benjamin Davis (Operations – Restring Appalachia) to our showroom for a tour and discussion on the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Rebuilding is a continual effort. They journey around the country to find instruments of equal or more value to bring back to the affected areas and distribute to those in need. Here at Carter Vintage Guitars, they met with CEO Ben Montague to discuss their mission and ways we could provide assistance.
Then, Scott Frans (Head of Marketing & Data) explained how vintage guitars can be repaired even when they seem beyond fixing. He mentions how our talented luthiers can repair body cracks, fix broken headstocks, reset necks, perform refrets, and more. He recounts how many instruments needed attention after the flood in 2010. Many guitars were left in the Opry House on the stage and were covered in 10 feet of water. Even still, many of those guitars were restored.
At the end of their tour, Nicholas and John were brought to the Carter Vintage Vault and gifted three guitars to contribute to the cause: a 1963 Gibson Melody Maker, a 2023 Les Paul Traditional, and a Hoffner hollow body guitar from the 60’s.
A Big Thank You!
Special thanks to Nicholas, John, Scott, and Ben for taking the time to meet and discuss ongoing efforts to help affected musicians in need. To learn more about Restring Appalachia or contribute to their mission, visit their website below:
Learn More Here
Check out more talent from Appalachia!
Tune in to our YouTube channel at 5pm today for new music from foothills duo Chatham Rabbits!