Instrument Donation & Repair

Grow the Blues

"Sometimes you want to give up the guitar, you hate the guitar. But if you stick with it, you're gonna be rewarded."

Jimi Hendrix (1942 - 1970)

American Rock Guitarist, Singer, and Songwriter

Nothing brings joy like the moment a young person

receives their first musical instrument.

The Idaho Blues Society seeks to ensure any child who wants

to learn music has the chance without financial barriers.

The goal of the IBS Instrument and Repair Program is to get instruments into the hands of young people with an interest in learning to play the blues. We accept donated instruments, inspect and arrange for repairs if needed, then distribute to school music programs or individual students in need.

 

In some cases, donated musical equipment may be sold online, with funds used to pay for needed repairs of other donated instruments or to support our Blues in the Schools music education program. Whether you have an instrument to donate or need an instrument donated to you, here's what you need to do:

Donate an Instrument

Request an Instrument

Instruments Accepted:

For Schools:

  • Strings: Guitars (Acoustic & Electric), Bass Guitars, Violins
  • Woodwinds & Brass:  Trumpets, Clarinets, Saxophones, Flutes, Piccolos
  • Percussion: Drum Kits, Cymbals, Cowbells, Bongos
  • Keys:  Electric keyboards, pianos, organs
  • Other: Monitors, Amplifiers, PA Sound Systems

Music Directors and Teachers, is your music program in need of additional musical instruments? The Idaho Blues Society may be able to help!


Equipment has been inspected and is functional, with no major issues. Our inventory varies. Let us know what you need by filling out the request form above.

Instruments Not Accepted:

For Students in Need:

Due to storage limitations and placement challenges, the following instruments cannot be donated to the IBS:


  • Microphones
  • Microphone Stands
  • Music Stands
  • Instruments that Are Beyond Repair


Students, would you like to learn how to play a musical instrument or improve your playing skills? The IBS wants to help you fulfill your dream of becoming a musician!


To be considered for a donated instrument, complete the request form above, clearly indicating the type of instrument or equipment you are interested in. You will also need to:

  • Secure parental permission to receive the equipment
  • Obtain a letter of recommendation from your music teacher
  • Attend one or more of the monthly Idaho Blues Society Blues Jams

Our Partners

The Idaho Blues Society relies upon the following businesses to inspect and repair donated instruments and equipment.

Bolin Guitars is the world-renowned guitar maker for Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Steve Miller Band, Aerosmith, Lou Reed, and other greats. In addition, Bolin provides full-service guitar repair and restoration.

Murray Amplifiers builds custom amplifiers and has created many different variations of Fender, Marshall, Vox, and Dumble circuit designs, from 2 watts to 100 watts. 


IBS Volunteer Brian Fickel provides horn and drum inspections and repair.