Stepping into David Keeley’s instrument shop is almost akin to stepping back in time. There are no drills, no sanders or other gear that could be found in a conventional shop. But then, Keeley’s shop is not exactly conventional. Though the sign outside says Keeley’s Guitars, the Kettle Falls resident specializes in the building and repair of numerous instruments. Guitars, violins, harps, mandolins---if it’s got strings, Keeley can work with it.
“I’m up to my elbows in violin repairs right now,” said Keeley, who is also the Grant Writer and Project Manager for the City of Kettle Falls. “I’ve got six of them that I’m fixing, including one that I’m building.”
What makes Keeley’s work so unique is that it is his work---he does everything by hand. No machines, no designs on a computer. Even the majority of the wood he uses to make his instruments is local.
Music has always been apart of Keeley’s life. When he was 12 he started playing the guitar. As a teen¬ager he was always trying to modify and improve his electric guitar, an experiment that he was destined to turn into a talent.
“When I moved to Curlew about 16 years ago, I worked with this guy in Republic who built harps,” recalled Keeley. “I worked with him for three or four years and made around 300 harps. From there, I just branched out to guitars.”
Keeley’s hard work and expertise has paid off. He now does instrument repairs for the House of Music and averages a call every other day to either create or fix an instrument.
“The most challenging aspect of this is trying to build the perfect instrument,” Keeley said. “But that’s also the most rewarding part. You get to carve it, shape it, make it resonate and vibrate with music.”
The cost of one of Keeley’s handcrafted musical creations can start at $1,500 and go up from there, depending on what the customer wants. Repair costs vary on the type of mending that is needed.
“For people who are just starting to learn an instrument, I’d advise you buy a used one first,” stated Keeley. “Take someone with you who is experienced in that particular instrument. Then if you stick with it and decide that this is what you want to do, you can purchase something more luxurious.”
Keeley has been privileged to work on some rare instruments, including violins from the 1850’s and 1860’s and Martin Guitars from the 1920’s.
“Sometimes I get this instrument that comes in pieces in a box, something that was left in an attic and wasn’t found until grandma passed away,” Keeley said. “It’s nice to put it back together and hear it sing again.”
For more information, go online at www.davekeeley.com or call 738-6491.