Made in Detroit: Guitars crafted from city ruins

Turning Ruins into Resonance: Detroit Guitars Crafted from Reclaimed Wood
Commentary by Grosse Pointe Music Academy Staff

A recent feature by CBS News spotlights a powerful story of craftsmanship, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Detroit.

In a city with more than 70,000 abandoned buildings, one local builder is seeing not decay—but opportunity. Mark Wallace, a Detroit-based guitar maker, has been transforming wood salvaged from long-vacant structures—like the old Cadillac plant—into handcrafted electric guitars.

What makes these instruments truly special isn’t just their sleek design or price point (around $2,000 each), but the history embedded in their materials. The wood Wallace uses comes from old-growth trees, harvested generations ago, offering unique tonal qualities due to their tight grain structure. The result? Guitars with rich resonance and a direct connection to Detroit’s architectural and musical legacy.

Each guitar is one-of-a-kind, shaped by hand and backed by a vision that celebrates both artistry and renewal. Wallace sees his instruments not only as tools for music-making but also as symbols of transformation—turning what was discarded into something beautiful and inspiring.

As a music school in the heart of metro Detroit, we love seeing stories like this that showcase the city’s deep roots in craftsmanship and sound. It’s a reminder that music, like Detroit itself, is built on resilience, innovation, and soul.

Full story credit: CBS News – “Made in Detroit: Guitars crafted from city ruins”

Henry Bahrou
Guitarist, Music Theorist, Music Academy Director
Grosse Pointe Music Academy