The Duncan Africa Society
Welcome to the official site of the DuncanAfrica Society!
If there’s one thing we’re passionate about, it’s the eradication of poverty.
Discovering the art of bending sides, bracing the soundboard, and carving a neck to perfection gives a sense of pride and accomplishment. Young people who once believed their circumstances could never change, suddenly find themselves in a position where dreams become achievable. The hopes of a community become a reality as the culmination of education, hard work, and a global village which stands behind its young people.
Our students will learn about cause and effect relationships as they learn to choose materials. Every element of the instrument will contribute to the tone, playability and long lasting value of the instrument. From string composition to scale length; from brace placement to the direction and complexity of the wood grain.
We have been going into the village of Mpigi, Uganda for nine years. We teach guitar-making and a host of other subjects. Fifty young people will graduate, form their own company and export to developed nations.
They will become agents of change in their village. Foreign aid will no longer be needed because their hard work, diligence and dedication to serving others will transform the community.
We are simply a spark to ignite the process.
J.A. Duncan
Founder & Luthier
What are people saying about the guitars?
“I have been using my Duncan OM for a number of years now, and it is definitely my 'go to' guitar, both for live and studio. It's beautifully made, great to play, and has a great open, balanced sound that others regularly comment on."
(Brian Thiessen, Nov 08)
“It looks great and sounds great. This is a quality guitar and you’ve taught them well Jay! I’ll be seriously considering putting another on order."
(Tom Devries, Feb 09)
“I love the vision of Duncan Africa and have used DA guitars on my last tour. They are great instruments! And when you play one, you are playing more than a guitar. You are playing integrity and compassion"
(Brian Doerkson, Feb 09)
“My Duncan is making quite a splash here in Memphis at the North American Folk Alliance Convention. Other artists are now asking me if they can borrow my guitar for their performances because of the sound. My heart was bursting out of my chest with pride. I saw my guitar passed hand to hand at artist’s showcases and watched guitar builders ooh and aaah as they handled it and listened to me play it. I played in front of a panel of execs and producers, they asked "What is in the water up there in Canada? That guitar sounds beautiful through that microphone"
(Norm Strauss, Mar 09)
“Within a couple of seconds I knew it was a gift. It rings like the Thompson that got away many years ago. Thank you for the guitar and all that you are doing"
(Tony Heibert, Feb 09)