Jimmy Kunz of McDonough described making guitars as a way to keep himself busy when he’s not playing with his grandsons.

  “I never thought I’d be doing that 10 or 20 years ago,” said Kunz, 67. “It’s not really turned into a business yet. I haven’t even sold them. They’re lying all over my house because I enjoy building them.”

  Kunz, a retired truck driver, began playing guitar nearly 55 years ago. Since then, he has applied his skills in a variety of musical genres including blues, rock, jazz and country.

  Kunz has built furniture throughout his life, but only made his first guitar two years ago. Although he is relatively new to the craft of guitar-making, Kunz is no stranger to the feeling of accomplishment that comes from creating something.

  He said along the way, his wife suggested that he expand his abilities. Since then, Kunz has made half a dozen acoustic-electric guitars.

  He said although making guitars started on a whim, he has devoted more time to it over the last few months in an effort to make his guitars unique. Among the techniques he uses is to employ tru-oil – the kind that is found in gun stocks – to give each guitar a proper finish.

  “It’s definitely got my own spin,” said Kunz, adding that he has sold some of his guitars to friends in the last couple years. “This particular one I’m making, I started four months ago.”

  Kunz is not the only luthier -another name for guitar-maker -in his family. His son, Brandon, is a teacher in Peachtree City who has fashioned such instruments of his own as well.

  Kunz said he has received a lot of compliments for his guitar-making skills, and that he has several people lined up to purchase one. He said he is thankful that his retirement has enabled him to explore his creative side.

  For more information, call 404-606-6392 or visit jrkguitars.com. To watch a video of Jimmy playing guitar, visit https://youtu.be/U2P8ZlbVQJo