Every year, around 1.8 million acoustic guitars are sold in the USA, but many of these instruments eventually find themselves unused or discarded. In response to this waste issue, Australian designer Ryan Mischkulnig has developed an innovative solution: a DIY kit that transforms old guitars into functional Bluetooth speakers.
Instead of letting these instruments collect dust or, worse, end up in landfill, Mischkulnig’s invention offers a new lease of life for unloved acoustic guitars. His Re-Tuned Bluetooth speaker kit allows users to repurpose their obsolete guitars into vibrant audio devices. To create the speaker, guitar owners simply need to remove the strings, insert the kit into the guitar’s sound hole, and connect it to a power source. In just a few easy steps, old guitars can be revitalised, allowing music lovers to enjoy their favourite tunes in a unique and sustainable way.
Designed to fit almost any full-sized acoustic guitar, these kits aim to extend the lifespan of as many old instruments as possible. Mischkulnig has prioritised environmental considerations in his design process. The kits feature easy disassembly and damage-free installation, ensuring that the guitars remain intact while being converted. Furthermore, all plastic components are sourced locally from recycled materials, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability.
The Re-Tuned Bluetooth speaker kits are the latest offering from Mischkulnig’s brand, FOUND Reusery, which focuses on providing circular economy alternatives for everyday items. The brand’s mission is to promote the reuse of materials rather than contributing to a culture of disposability. By giving new purpose to unused guitars, FOUND Reusery encourages a more sustainable approach to consumer goods.
Mischkulnig’s initiative comes at a time when environmental awareness is growing, and consumers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly solutions. By enabling guitar owners to repurpose their instruments, the Re-Tuned kits not only prevent waste but also foster creativity and innovation in music consumption.
For those interested in transforming their old guitars, the Re-Tuned guitar Bluetooth speaker conversion kits are currently available for pre-order. Music enthusiasts can find more information and secure their kits through the Kickstarter campaign at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/foundling/re-tuned-turn-your-old-guitar-into-a-bluetooth-speaker/.
As the market for sustainable products expands, Ryan Mischkulnig’s creative approach to tackling the guitar waste problem exemplifies how design can play a pivotal role in environmental conservation. By turning old instruments into modern audio devices, he is not only addressing the issue of waste but also breathing new life into cherished items that may otherwise be forgotten.
The initiative highlights the potential for circular economy solutions to reshape how we view and interact with everyday objects. By reimagining the fate of old guitars, Mischkulnig is paving the way for more sustainable practices within the music community and beyond.
