PETALING JAYA: Long given up on by their owners, they arrive with broken necks, snapped strings and missing parts.
Yet somewhere in the Klang Valley, these restored guitars are being strummed again by those discovering that music can heal, comfort and inspire.
This is the mission of former engineer-turned-guitar technician and luthier Terence Chong, who, instead of supporting charity through food, clothing or cash, decided to give back to society through music.
Chong, 51, began his quest two years ago to restore damaged and unwanted guitars.
Since then, he has painstakingly repaired and restored 42 donated acoustic, bass and electric guitars, which were then given to those in need who wanted to learn the instrument.
“The greatest satisfaction comes from seeing them come to life in the hands of people who genuinely appreciate and use them.
“Knowing that the guitars inspire someone to learn, create music, build confidence or simply brighten their lives is more rewarding than I could have imagined,” Chong said in a interview.
He said the idea to give away restored guitars came after a customer brought in a budget guitar for repairs that would have cost more than the instrument itself.
Chong decided to give the customer an old electric guitar from his own collection after learning that he could not afford a better instrument despite his love for music.
“His face lit up as if a lifelong dream had come true. I kept thinking that somewhere, someone wanted to learn the guitar but could not afford one.
“Yet there are many guitars out there being thrown away because they are damaged.”
Chong subsequently put out the word seeking unwanted, damaged and broken guitars.
“I was surprised by how many people came forward. Some guitars were badly damaged, while others were in good condition.
“Every guitar had a story and deserved another chance with a new owner who might not otherwise have the opportunity to own one.”
Chong said he learned to play and repair guitars while working part-time at a guitar shop as he pursued his engineering degree in the United States.
Although he built a successful career in the automotive industry after returning to Malaysia, Chong found himself increasingly drawn to his passion for guitars.
At the age of 40, he decided to step away from the corporate world to spend more time with guitars.
“The corporate world was rewarding and I enjoyed my work, but I wanted to spend more time with guitars.
“I thought I would do it for a few months before returning to engineering but I have never looked back.”
Chong added that most of the guitars he had restored had found new homes in orphanages, homes for the elderly and community organisations.
