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.
Could A Guitar Change The World?
We have been teaching guitar-building in the village of Mpigi, Uganda since 2007. Since then we have had 14 people take the course. Our goal this year is to add a new student every month until we have 30 highly qualified students. When possible, these students will form their own manufacturing company and export to developed nations.
These young men and women, who once believed their circumstances could never change, have found themselves in a new position where their dreams are becoming reality. Skills training and hard work are paying off, and the hope for a better tomorrow has never been more tangible. Their instruments are now played all over the world, from Canada and the USA, to the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia.
The art of bending sides, bracing the soundboard, and carving a neck to perfection gives our students a sense of pride and accomplishment. They learn about cause and effect relationships as they learn to choose materials. Every element contributes to the tone, playability and long lasting value of the instrument.
These students are already agents of change in their village. Their hard work, diligence and dedication to serving others may someday transform the whole community.
Could a guitar really change the world? You’ll have to try one to find out.
J.A. Duncan
Master Luthier & Founder
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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)



