One Lincoln man is giving out guitars for free with one condition
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nick Tarlowski refurbishes old instruments and then gives them out at no cost to those looking to learn how to play but can’t afford a new or used one.
When asked why he does it, his first answer is ‘just for fun,’ but the real reason runs much deeper: to leave a positive impact on the community.
Tarlowski has been performing music in Lincoln for decades and helped the YMCA launch a School of Rock to teach children to play instruments.
Today, he repairs guitars, basses, and even some drums so he can give them away to new learners for free.
“I like seeing things that I can fix or make better or create some value for someone else,” he said. “Because I knew how hard it was to get my first guitar; they can be pricey.”
Stores like Dietze, Roots Music and Happy Go Round in Lincoln sell used instruments, but Tarlowski says prices can still be high depending on the item’s condition and brand.
He adds, “When you start getting too low on the actual price, they don’t stay in tune. You start to go into a realm where it not only doesn’t stay in tune, but it’s difficult to play, and kids give up on that.”
Tarlowski says music mentors have helped him get on a good path.
His friends in the business are now supporting his work by sending him guitars, straps, amps and even money.
“I can make actual packages, so it’s not just a guitar, ‘hear ya go, good luck on getting an amp,’ it’s a guitar, it’s a cable, it’s a strap, it’s a tuner, it’s a string winder so that you can actually learn,” he said.
Learners like Josiah Wilkenson, who learnt about Tarlowski’s work through a Facebook post.
“This is my first time really touching any instrument,” he said. “I’m more on the athletic side of things and I can’t really play any instruments, but I’m going to try and I think it’s going to be really awesome to learn how to play guitar.
Tarlowski says giving out free instruments is rewarding, but he has one condition.
“The only catch is, if you get it for free, then please give it to someone else if it’s not your thing. Don’t sell it.”
Wilkinson agreed to his terms.
“That’s really cool because you know, then I can try it out, and if I’m not too good at playing, or I can’t figure it out, or whatever, then I can pass it along to one of my buddies who does play an instrument.”
A true ‘pay it forward’ movement. For those looking to donate an old instrument, contact Tarlowski via his Facebook page.
