President Carter’s Unique Guitar Crafted from Homegrown Wood by Arizona Luthier

Following the recent passing of former President Jimmy Carter, luthier Jason Kostal from Queen Creek, Arizona, reflects on a unique commission: creating a guitar from wood initially planted and harvested by Carter himself.

Kostal, known for crafting boutique guitars, typically has a seven-year wait time for custom orders. However, one project stood out among others when he was asked to build an instrument specifically for Carter. “‘Would you build this instrument for President (Jimmy) Carter?’ I-yes. Like, you know, there’s really no other answer,” Kostal recounted.

The wood used for this special instrument came from Paulownia trees on Carter’s farm in Plains, Georgia. Kostal explained that Carter aimed to demonstrate the wood’s versatility, with the intent to generate funds for his community.

Initially, Kostal expressed concern when he opened the wood pieces. He described the sound as reminiscent of cardboard, fearing the project might falter. However, the final product exceeded his expectations. “Thankfully, I think the instrument turned out incredible,” he said.

The meticulous crafting process involved roughly 300 steps over four months. Kostal incorporated elements honoring Carter’s legacy, particularly his naval service. Blue and gold features, reflective of naval colors, were integrated into the design, including the rosette. On the back, Kostal crafted a decorative inlay in Morse code that humorously read: “Beat Navy.”

A veteran himself, Kostal found joy in this playful tribute. “It just feels so good, my only opportunity probably to ever punk a former US president,” he remarked with a grin.

The guitar was presented to Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn in April 2020. Kostal shared the story behind the inlay, resulting in a light-hearted exchange. “He thought it was hilarious,” Kostal said, recalling how Carter inquired about the latest Army-Navy game results.

This encounter with the Carters ranks among Kostal’s most cherished memories, outshining even his experiences with numerous celebrities through his business. “It was very emotional just to feel like – here’s this person that the world knows on a global scale and he’s taking time out of his day to sit and talk guitars and woodworking and Army/Navy stuff,” he reflected.

Kostal hopes that the story of the guitar inspires others to appreciate Carter’s contributions beyond his presidency. “I just think when he left us yesterday, there’s a noticeable hole in the world, you know, and there’s not a lot of people stepping up to fill that hole,” he concluded.